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Thread: Time for another SOTC

  1. #1
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    Time for another SOTC

    Once again I have gone full circle and returned to a few old favourites so thought that I might post a SOTC



    Three SARB's



    These are the second 033's and 035's Ive owned and possibly the fourth 017 (not sure, Ive lost count!). The problem Ive had with previous 017's is the lack of AR on the crystal. This one is fitted with an after market DD AR one from Harold and at long last I'm happy with it!

    Vintage - Omega and Timex



    This is the second time Ive owned this manual wind Seamaster having bought it back after selling it last year. It has a 285 movement and was fully restored early last year. The Timex 100 is a birth year watch. Something of a cheap and cheerful piece I bought it as I really liked the dial. Due to their relatively low value these are becoming rarer as not many will spend money keeping them going.

    A couple of Eddies finest



    I bought the PRS29a new and sold it on, it was then owned by a few TZ members before I bought it back. Its a lovely thing and keeps great time. As regards the Seafire, this is the third one Ive owned.

    The fact that with the exception of the Timex Ive owned all of these previously illustrates (to me at least) a common tendency to always be looking for the next best thing without success. Sometimes what you have is just fine.

    Ian

  2. #2
    Very nice, have a look at Cordovan straps for the SARB. Mine is on one of them and looks lovely you can find them from a German seller on ebay for a lot less than Nomos.

  3. #3
    Craftsman Redcoat's Avatar
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    That Seamaster is beautiful and the sizes of these watches are just right on the wrist I think. Agreed on the PRS-29A as it really is a lovely all-rounder. Nice collection.

  4. #4
    Master Papa Hotel's Avatar
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    I love the Timex and the dial on the Omega. I have to ask though, which mug sold you another Seafire??

  5. #5
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    My DIY car maintenance (and DIY in general) days are over now so the Seafire will be safe I think

  6. #6
    Master Papa Hotel's Avatar
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    Good to hear!

  7. #7
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    I would rank them at

    1. Omega Seamaster - A thing of beauty. Despite its dress watch credentials its an excellent all rounder. Shame they dont make them like this anymore
    2. Smiths PRS29a - Lovely size and classic design make the limited strap options resulting from the fixed bars entirely forgivable
    3. Seiko Sarb 017 - Hard to fault once a proper crystal is fitted. Amazing quality for the price
    4. Seiko Sarb 035 - I absolutely love the dial and case profile
    5. Smiths Seafire - Wears slightly small for its case size thankfully as I prefer not to go above 38mm these days. All black makes a nice change
    6. Timex 100 - I love the dial which kind of reminds me of a pie pan. Let down by the poor quality small and fragile movement.
    7. Seiko Sarb 033 - Least favourite but still a great watch. Sometimes I like a black dial dress type design and as with the 035 I love the case.

  8. #8
    Master helidoc's Avatar
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    That is a great collection Ian, but the standout for me has to be that lovely Seamaster. The 017 is a marvellous thing too. I think I once sold you my 29a, but nice to see you have one back. I still regret selling it.

    Dave


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  9. #9
    Grand Master dkpw's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by helidoc View Post
    That is a great collection Ian, but the standout for me has to be that lovely Seamaster. The 017 is a marvellous thing too. I think I once sold you my 29a, but nice to see you have one back. I still regret selling it.

    Dave


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    I concur and my personal favourite is the 29A. I had a SARB033 years ago and liked that too but if the 29A is anything like my 29B in terms of solidity, it's a clear winner. Ever thought of trying a GS?
    David
    Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations

  10. #10
    Craftsman
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    Always like seeing your watch choices Ian. Nice bunch there. I'm thinking of going back to a couple I previously owned as well.

  11. #11
    Craftsman
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    Love the whole look of that Timex, a great little design.

  12. #12
    Master Tazmo61's Avatar
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    Very nice collection . Love the dials on the vintage Timex and Omega , lovely .

  13. #13
    Grand Master Carlton-Browne's Avatar
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    Nicely done. Which one goes the best with a pair of crocs?
    In the Sotadic Zone, apparently.

  14. #14
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Carlton-Browne View Post
    Nicely done. Which one goes the best with a pair of crocs?
    Shh!.....the new Mrs V hasnt seen these yet!

  15. #15
    Grand Master Dave+63's Avatar
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    Nice collection Ian; I’m surprised you’ve had three sea fires but not tried the black shadow. I found it wears better than the Seafire due to a flatter caseback.

    The vintage Omega is the pick of the bunch though.

  16. #16
    Master bond's Avatar
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    Which out of them all could you not live with? If it was just one you had to keep ?


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  17. #17
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bond View Post
    Which out of them all could you not live with? If it was just one you had to keep ?


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    Tough call

    Probably the PRS29a

  18. #18
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dave+63 View Post
    Nice collection Ian; I’m surprised you’ve had three sea fires but not tried the black shadow. I found it wears better than the Seafire due to a flatter caseback.
    I am rather put off by the day complication - however, having overcome my phobia about date windows I would never say never!

  19. #19
    Master bond's Avatar
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    Time for another SOTC

    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post
    Tough call

    Probably the PRS29a
    I asked that question purposely as I wanted to illicit this response as I had a feeling you may respond with that choice . Its helped me favour the 29a over a big dive watch . I’m leaning towards more balanced non complication watches and I have had the 29a in my sights for a long time . How come you chose this above all others ?


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  20. #20
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bond View Post
    I asked that question purposely as I wanted to illicit this response as I had a feeling you may respond with that choice . Its helped me favour the 29a over a big dive watch . I’m leaning towards more balanced non complication watches and I have had the 29a in my sights for a long time . How come you chose this above all others ?


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    If only more sub 38mm watches were available!

    I love it because of its classic good looks and rugged simplicity. With a quick strap change it will suit pretty much any occasion. There have been times when I have sat in a board meeting or similar surrounded by people wearing high end pieces and had favourable comments about it.

    Its just 'right' and I cant think of a single thing I would change.








  21. #21
    Master
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    Please forgive my ignorance. How do you swap to the leather straps with the fixed bars?


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  22. #22
    Master bond's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by lughugger View Post
    Please forgive my ignorance. How do you swap to the leather straps with the fixed bars?


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    The are the snap on variety . The watch is provided with two French leather sets in black and brown .

    My precista 53 I sourced a one piece leather nato of the slim variety that slid through the fixed bars from watchbandcentre.com


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  23. #23
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by lughugger View Post
    Please forgive my ignorance. How do you swap to the leather straps with the fixed bars?


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    The croc straps above are Rios clip-on

  24. #24
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    Nice collection Ian. I also think the PRS-29a is the pick of the bunch. Not tempted to go back to the trusty CWC G10 or the earlier Fatboy version that you once owned. The Fatboys certainly wear bigger than the later flatter versions. CWC do sell a few straps designed to fit over fixed bar watches, I spotted the comment earlier. I bought one off them last week.

  25. #25
    Master
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    Seamaster looking great Ian!

  26. #26
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    And yet another ZEX!




  27. #27
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    That green one looks right out of place.

    I would get shut if I was you

  28. #28
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wallasey Runner View Post
    That green one looks right out of place.

    I would get shut if I was you
    Ha ha!

    Nice try Ken


  29. #29
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dave+63 View Post
    Nice collection Ian; I’m surprised you’ve had three sea fires but not tried the black shadow. I found it wears better than the Seafire due to a flatter caseback.
    I am seriously considering the Black Shadow for my next purchase

  30. #30
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    A revised order of preference - those lower down the list run the greatest danger of being flipped

    1. Omega Seamaster
    2. PRS29a
    3. SARB 017
    4. ZEX
    5. SARB 035
    6. Seafire
    7. Timex 100
    8. SARB 033

  31. #31
    Journeyman
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    Great collection you have. I really like the Seiko far left, a SARB 017 I think? very nice Velorum


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  32. #32
    Craftsman Steelgecko's Avatar
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    Lovely Seamaster. I have an SM30 with the 286 movement. It's a cracking watch and sized perfectly for dress wear.

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  33. #33
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    This 1957 Longines Conquest arrived this morning courtesy of Rocket Man (Thanks Jon!)





    I had the modern heritage version a few years back but didnt take to it - this has a completely different feel.


    Meanwhile.....

    As always seems to happen when I post a SOTC, the very act of doing so seems to act as a catalyst for change. This time it has taken me back along the 36mm or smaller, no date, symmetrical case path. A strong 'vintage' vibe too - either in actuality or homage.


  34. #34
    That Longines looks in good company with the Omega. I love the 017 but then again I would do because it's one I love to wear in my ramshackle collection.
    I think your collection is very nicely balanced I would be happy with except I would add a diver.

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  35. #35
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    Very nice Ian, I hope the sacrifices are worth it.

  36. #36
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wallasey Runner View Post
    Very nice Ian, I hope the sacrifices are worth it.
    So far, so good


  37. #37
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    As usual posting a SOTC thread has prompted me in my usual restless fashion to change course, flip and almost start again.

    At the moment I am down to these two:



    Both bought new by me, the 29a in 2015 and the ZEX this year.

    The former could quite easily fit into the 'one watch' category whilst the latter will have to do as regards having a 1016 as I cant see me being able to afford one of these any time soon. The ZEX is a lovely thing though, its just the right size and wears equally as well in formal and informal situations.

    Where to next? The only thing that I fancy at the moment is a 14270 and if I happened to see one at a good price then I could well be tempted. In fact the reason I sold so many pieces was to raise funds for one, however I didnt go through with the deal.

    I'm not overly bothered though as I seem quite content at the moment just rotating these two.

    I have a selection of leather, Perlon etc straps for both which is always nice for a change but I invariably end up wearing them on the bracelet and NATO they came with.
    Last edited by Velorum; 28th April 2018 at 15:38.

  38. #38
    Apprentice
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    Glad I stumbled on this thread, love the Zeno. What made this a keeper for your whilst consolidating?

  39. #39
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jklee369 View Post
    Glad I stumbled on this thread, love the Zeno. What made this a keeper for your whilst consolidating?
    My love of the 1016 I guess

    I wear the ZEX most of the time

    Occasionally I toy with the idea of buying the different movement variants but this would of course be totally illogocal
    Last edited by Velorum; 28th April 2018 at 21:10.

  40. #40
    Grand Master Dave+63's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post

    Occasionally I toy with the idea of buying the different movement variants but this would of course be totally illogocal
    So you’ll probably do it then!

    It’s nice to see a small collection of inexpensive watches; I suppose it shows a level of maturity and understanding of this madness.

    I really wish I could bring myself to do the same.

  41. #41
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    I think collecting multiple 1016 homage's might be a step too far even for me!

    Meanwhile, I have caved into to the nagging voice inside my head and bought a 1999 vintage 14270

    It should arrive on Friday morning

    Not quite the 'grail' but just a step away from it........

  42. #42
    Grand Master Dave+63's Avatar
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    Good call, it’s a cracking watch and probably all you’ll ever need!

    Let me know when you’re flipping it?

  43. #43
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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  44. #44
    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post
    I think collecting multiple 1016 homage's might be a step too far even for me!

    Meanwhile, I have caved into to the nagging voice inside my head and bought a 1999 vintage 14270

    It should arrive on Friday morning

    Not quite the 'grail' but just a step away from it........
    I still think the 14270 is one of the best looking/proportioned watches Rolex have made.
    It's just a matter of time...

  45. #45
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    Update.......




  46. #46
    Craftsman
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    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post
    Update.......

    Stunning. This is from the year my son was born, I might need to follow suit and consolidate my collection to make room for one of these. Well done, a lovely piece, hope you enjoy.

  47. #47
    Master bond's Avatar
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    Really nice collection Velorum. Not to brash or showy . Nicely balanced and a bit of a theme. The pictures look great in black and white.


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  48. #48
    Master bond's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dave+63 View Post
    So you’ll probably do it then!

    It’s nice to see a small collection of inexpensive watches; I suppose it shows a level of maturity and understanding of this madness.

    I really wish I could bring myself to do the same.
    I too . Just a few simple classics


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  49. #49
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    Even further under the radar......



    Last edited by Velorum; 7th May 2018 at 07:33.

  50. #50
    Grand Master Dave+63's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post
    Even further under the radar......



    Get it back on the bracelet immediately you heathen!

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