Reply With QuoteThanks for sharing - that GP is gorgeous, what a lovely dial. No wonder it was a massive hit.
I think GP is underrated. They make some really nice watches.
I haven't posted here in a while, but I've been on a quest to reduce the collection to one watch and, now that I'm there (or as close as needs be - more explanation later) I suspect I won't be posting very much in the future either. As a farewell I thought I'd share some of the notable hits and misses of my watch collecting journey over the last 7 years. I'm only focussing on watches that would be of interest here - there were numerous dodgy Russians, a couple of Orients, a Laco and and Archimede (as well as the Sinn that never was) plus one or two others, but let's focus on the highlights....
HIT - Breitling Navitimer
This was the watch that started it all, and was the last one to go (handed over to its delighted new owner just this morning). I know not everyone likes Breitlings, but the Navitimer is a classic to me and I've loved it all the time I've owned it. However, as I've decided to return to my first love (clocks) and have recently bought myself a Marine Chronometer, this had to go. Plus, it's had hardly any wrist time since "the one" pitched up (more below).
MISS - Rolex SeaDweller 16600
This was my second 'big' watch purchase. I was nervous about buying a second hand Rolex, convinced that I'd end up with a knock off (I know now from experience that I'd have done far better getting one from Sales Corner - you live and learn). I ended up buying from a dealer in London and paying much more than I should have for the privilege. Never mind, it was a cracking watch and I loved it dearly. Why is it a miss then? Sadly, despite paying in excess of £1,000 to have it serviced by Rolex themselves, it subsequently became the only watch I've ever had that went wrong. It just stopped one day and refused to go. Also, it was very recalcitrant about letting you set the time - sometimes it would simply refuse to allow you to pull the crown out into the setting position (and yes, I did unscrew it first). Rolex did repair it, then it stopped again but seemed to self-correct the second time. We never got to the bottom of the time setting issue, even though it did it for around 5 minutes in the shop after collecting it from repair. In the end I couldn't trust it any more, plus it attracted more attention than I was entirely comfortable with, so I decided to sell it. I didn't feel happy about selling it in Sales Corner knowing that it might misbehave for its next owner, so I sold it back to the dealer I bought it from, taking a thumping loss in the process.
EVEN - Zenith El Primero
I bought this around the same time that I sold the Rolex. I had been after one for a while but wanted the 38mm and not the 42mm so I had to be patient as the 38mm doesn't come up that often. This one came from Watchfinder - I was pretty unimpressed with them but bought the watch anyway because it was the one I had been looking for. I enjoyed it for a few years, but the design wore off on me surprisingly quickly and I sold it on the forum in the end.
MISS - Nomos Tangente
Don't get me wrong, this is a properly gorgeous watch. The design is something else and it's actually still in the family as I gave it to my eldest son. In reality it didn't get worn that much. It's a fairly austere looking thing, and was made even more so by the black cordovan strap. I did have another strap made for it by Camille Fournet, which (to me) warmed it up a bit, but the lack of a quick set date made it a faff to get set up compared to some of the others, and it spent more time in the box than perhaps it should. I think I'm also a bit sad that the 3/4 plate means that you can't see as much of the movement as you'd like to given that it's hand wound (so no rotor getting in the way) and has a display back. My Strela (not mentioned in this list) really held the crown there.
HIT - Tudor Heritage Ranger
This was a bit of an impulse buy, and is also still in the family; I gave it to my younger son, who loves it to bits. A good, no-nonsense watch with reasonable water resistance (I did swim with it), great lume and superb timekeeping from the ETA movement. I know Tudor are gaining in popularity and, based on this, they deserve it. A great holiday watch as it lacked bling so didn't attract attention, could go in the pool/sea so you didn't have to leave it in your shoe and hope it didn't get whipped, yet solid and classy. Only its lack of a date prevented it from becoming "the one".
MASSIVE HIT - Girard Perregaux
Two pictures of this - it still makes me happy to see it. Just stunning, the way the light catches the hands and numerals, the blued hands for the chronograph, even the little red 60/30/12 on the subdials and the 60 on the main dial. I bought it off the forum after a few glasses having just cancelled the order for a Sinn UX that never seemed to be going to arrive. What a lucky escape that was! I feel very lucky to have owned this one but it couldn't be "the one" as I couldn't have subjected it to everyday wear, with the knocks and dings that would have come with it. In the end I advertised it in Sales Corner, only to be met with a feeding frenzy. The guy who bought it was similarly delighted, and I hope it's delighting him to this day.
The One
I've been very lucky to enjoy these (and many other) watches over the years, but I'm done now. One everyday watch, and I've kept a few that I don't wear but wouldn't be able to replace, such as my original Sekonda Strela, and my WW1 Trench watch. So, what's "The One"? Is it something exotic - perhaps a birth year watch? Maybe another Rolex but without the temperamental issues? Nothing so exciting. One of the other downsides of owning reasonably expensive watches is that they are reasonably expensive to service. As well as the Rolex, both the Navitimer and GP needed services - and neither of them came in cheap. So I've got something as waterproof as a Sub, with a date and a little bit of bling (got to love the blue dial), but a bog standard ETA movement that shouldn't cost the earth to service. If it does, it'll be cheaper to bin it and get another one. However, I've had it since mid last year, and it's hardly been off my wrist since - it's not perfect (screwing in the crown is tricky) but it's all the watch I need or desire. A Longines Hydroconquest - who'd have thunk it eh?
I ought to finish up by saying I've really enjoyed my time here - I expect I'll lurk periodically but won't have anything to say. I've met some cracking people who've given advice, or I've bought from and sold to. I've had some great reads and learned loads. Thanks everyone and good night!
Thanks for sharing - that GP is gorgeous, what a lovely dial. No wonder it was a massive hit.
I think GP is underrated. They make some really nice watches.
Really enjoyable post to read, and quite a surprise at the end. The El Primero would be my pick, but then I haven't owned any of them so it's interesting to hear why they were moved on.
Great post, well written.
Aside from the diameter perhaps, I think I’d appreciate the Tudor Ranger for all the good reasons you’ve outlined. Tudor really nails a sweet spot of value, design & practicality.
I also think NOMOS are a brand I very much admire & respect, but would in reality seldom see much wrist time if I bought one. Maybe someday if a real bargain arrives in Sales Corner.
What an excellent post, thank you for it and good luck with your clocks and marine chronometers.
Great post and thanks for sharing.
For me “the one” would have been the Navitimer that I actually contemplated purchasing when it was listed on SC but the decision was made for me, before I could decide what to do.
Also enjoyed reading this, thanks!
Oh my, that GP though...
You lost it when you sold me the Archimede back in 2015. I still love wearing it . . .
F.T.F.A.
Let's see those clocks then.
Wasn't that supposed to be just the precursor to a Dornblüth??Originally Posted by magirus
You lost it when you sold me the Archimede back in 2015. I still love wearing it . . .
Glad you're still enjoying it though
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The Longines Hydroconquest is a fine Watch I have one also and I am convinced it will serve you well.I haven't posted here in a while, but I've been on a quest to reduce the collection to one watch and, now that I'm there (or as close as needs be - more explanation later) I suspect I won't be posting very much in the future either. As a farewell I thought I'd share some of the notable hits and misses of my watch collecting journey over the last 7 years. I'm only focussing on watches that would be of interest here - there were numerous dodgy Russians, a couple of Orients, a Laco and and Archimede (as well as the Sinn that never was) plus one or two others, but let's focus on the highlights....
HIT - Breitling Navitimer
This was the watch that started it all, and was the last one to go (handed over to its delighted new owner just this morning). I know not everyone likes Breitlings, but the Navitimer is a classic to me and I've loved it all the time I've owned it. However, as I've decided to return to my first love (clocks) and have recently bought myself a Marine Chronometer, this had to go. Plus, it's had hardly any wrist time since "the one" pitched up (more below).
MISS - Rolex SeaDweller 16600
This was my second 'big' watch purchase. I was nervous about buying a second hand Rolex, convinced that I'd end up with a knock off (I know now from experience that I'd have done far better getting one from Sales Corner - you live and learn). I ended up buying from a dealer in London and paying much more than I should have for the privilege. Never mind, it was a cracking watch and I loved it dearly. Why is it a miss then? Sadly, despite paying in excess of £1,000 to have it serviced by Rolex themselves, it subsequently became the only watch I've ever had that went wrong. It just stopped one day and refused to go. Also, it was very recalcitrant about letting you set the time - sometimes it would simply refuse to allow you to pull the crown out into the setting position (and yes, I did unscrew it first). Rolex did repair it, then it stopped again but seemed to self-correct the second time. We never got to the bottom of the time setting issue, even though it did it for around 5 minutes in the shop after collecting it from repair. In the end I couldn't trust it any more, plus it attracted more attention than I was entirely comfortable with, so I decided to sell it. I didn't feel happy about selling it in Sales Corner knowing that it might misbehave for its next owner, so I sold it back to the dealer I bought it from, taking a thumping loss in the process.
EVEN - Zenith El Primero
I bought this around the same time that I sold the Rolex. I had been after one for a while but wanted the 38mm and not the 42mm so I had to be patient as the 38mm doesn't come up that often. This one came from Watchfinder - I was pretty unimpressed with them but bought the watch anyway because it was the one I had been looking for. I enjoyed it for a few years, but the design wore off on me surprisingly quickly and I sold it on the forum in the end.
MISS - Nomos Tangente
Don't get me wrong, this is a properly gorgeous watch. The design is something else and it's actually still in the family as I gave it to my eldest son. In reality it didn't get worn that much. It's a fairly austere looking thing, and was made even more so by the black cordovan strap. I did have another strap made for it by Camille Fournet, which (to me) warmed it up a bit, but the lack of a quick set date made it a faff to get set up compared to some of the others, and it spent more time in the box than perhaps it should. I think I'm also a bit sad that the 3/4 plate means that you can't see as much of the movement as you'd like to given that it's hand wound (so no rotor getting in the way) and has a display back. My Strela (not mentioned in this list) really held the crown there.
HIT - Tudor Heritage Ranger
This was a bit of an impulse buy, and is also still in the family; I gave it to my younger son, who loves it to bits. A good, no-nonsense watch with reasonable water resistance (I did swim with it), great lume and superb timekeeping from the ETA movement. I know Tudor are gaining in popularity and, based on this, they deserve it. A great holiday watch as it lacked bling so didn't attract attention, could go in the pool/sea so you didn't have to leave it in your shoe and hope it didn't get whipped, yet solid and classy. Only its lack of a date prevented it from becoming "the one".
MASSIVE HIT - Girard Perregaux
Two pictures of this - it still makes me happy to see it. Just stunning, the way the light catches the hands and numerals, the blued hands for the chronograph, even the little red 60/30/12 on the subdials and the 60 on the main dial. I bought it off the forum after a few glasses having just cancelled the order for a Sinn UX that never seemed to be going to arrive. What a lucky escape that was! I feel very lucky to have owned this one but it couldn't be "the one" as I couldn't have subjected it to everyday wear, with the knocks and dings that would have come with it. In the end I advertised it in Sales Corner, only to be met with a feeding frenzy. The guy who bought it was similarly delighted, and I hope it's delighting him to this day.
The One
I've been very lucky to enjoy these (and many other) watches over the years, but I'm done now. One everyday watch, and I've kept a few that I don't wear but wouldn't be able to replace, such as my original Sekonda Strela, and my WW1 Trench watch. So, what's "The One"? Is it something exotic - perhaps a birth year watch? Maybe another Rolex but without the temperamental issues? Nothing so exciting. One of the other downsides of owning reasonably expensive watches is that they are reasonably expensive to service. As well as the Rolex, both the Navitimer and GP needed services - and neither of them came in cheap. So I've got something as waterproof as a Sub, with a date and a little bit of bling (got to love the blue dial), but a bog standard ETA movement that shouldn't cost the earth to service. If it does, it'll be cheaper to bin it and get another one. However, I've had it since mid last year, and it's hardly been off my wrist since - it's not perfect (screwing in the crown is tricky) but it's all the watch I need or desire. A Longines Hydroconquest - who'd have thunk it eh?
I ought to finish up by saying I've really enjoyed my time here - I expect I'll lurk periodically but won't have anything to say. I've met some cracking people who've given advice, or I've bought from and sold to. I've had some great reads and learned loads. Thanks everyone and good night!
Great Post - the sort of thing that drew me here in the first place.
A fascinating journey and some great watches, and a genuine surprise at the end. Certainly making me think again about Longines and why I haven't got one anymore, and about the hobby as a whole.
All the best, and as others have said, perhaps we could see some of these 'clock' things of which you speak before you close the door..?
Very interesting post, I thoroughly enjoyed reading
Great read. Thanks
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Great read - thanks for sharing. You've had some nice watches pass through your hands.
I love to read of an "exit strategy"; an "end game", if you will........
Forums like this serve to normalise absurd and irrational behaviour; so its refreshing to read of someone making it out the other side...... and still finding the time and enthusiasm to post about it, rather than just moving on to the next forum for model railways/vintage spectacles/classic cars/70's porn/conspiracy theories/property investment (delete as appropriate)
That said it looks like you've just replaced one obsession with the next; as is oft the case;so I don't think you are cured yet!
What great replies - thank you. For those who are interested in the clocks, they are not so numerous (Mrs Patnmand has limits about how much striking she can tolerate - a midday meeting had to be interrupted while they did their thing) but here they are:
1. Carriage Clock by Folkard
I bought this nearly 20 years ago. It is, like most carriage clocks, erratic in its timekeeping. It is not a repeater but I love its simplicity. It is narrower than most carriage clocks but has its original travelling case, which is a plus.It strikes on the hour and half hour.
2. Long Case Clock
This is inherited. My parents bought it in the 1980s and it has been part of our lives ever since. Mrs Patnmand was worried about its arrival (would the striking keep her up at night), but the chap who set it up for us put a leather glove finger over the striker when it arrived so it was well muted. Over time it wore through the glove to its full volume, but we never noticed. Now we only hear it at night if we're awake ("I slept badly last night, I heard 3 and 4 o'clock), but we forget about guests, who are sometimes woken up by it.
3. Mantel Clock
This is another inherited clock, which strikes on the hour and half hour. I'm waiting to have it serviced, as I don't know when it was last done. The interesting thing about this clock is that the mercury filled pendulum is supposed to help make it less sensitive to temperature changes. A temperature change affects the mercury, which changes the centre of gravity of the pendulum, to even everything out. It's the most temperature sensitive clock I own!
4. The Marine Chronometer
This is the latest arrival. I won't bore you with the story of Marine Chronometers here; you can Google it and it's a fine read. Worth selling the Navitimer for? Yes, I think so.
Umm - it's worse than that... Thankfully this is a secondary obsession, and largely seasonal. Still addictive though:
Nice thread and some lovely watches there. I hope you do stick around.
Nice clocks too.
I've been researching them, as we have inherited one - a wall clock with a pendulum. I was interested to read about your grandfather clock and its chimes.
My clock, like yours, has a left and right winding hole. From some brief reading today, I've learnt that the right one winds the clock, whilst the left one powers the chiming mechanism?
I assume therefor, and it is a big assumption, that if you didn't wind the left hand hole, then the clock wouldn't chime. Is this correct?
Last edited by 2012; 3rd February 2019 at 01:25. Reason: punctuation
I agree totally - great post, love the El Primero and surprised to see the Longines is the one that stays.. Good to read that your sons are pleased with their watches and they stay in the family..
You could always get a few Seiko's - affordable, tough and reliable..
It can be annoying if you do a quote containing a lot of photos already shown in the OP just to add one line..
You're right, if you didn't wind the striking side then it wouldn't strike. However, I've been advised against this; apparently it's not great for the mechanism. If you're worried that the striking will be intrusive you'd ne surprised how quickly you stop noticing it.
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Very enjoyable write-up of that journey. Thanks, thoroughly enjoyed that. I keep coming back to those GPs - really lovely looking watches.
Thanks. Terrific post with well reasoned explanation. An eclectic mix to some degree which is no bad thing.
I think the GP steals the show for me....which model is it?
Best wishes.
Gerard
Thanks for a superb and refreshing post.
You have great taste in timepieces and for me it would be the GP, though to be fair I have never had one.
I must admit to trying to guess "The One" by just allowing the bezel to come into view, but I didn't guess correctly. LOL
Like you, I to am trying to visit less and than just peruse
Indeed it was, and it did it's job of showing me that I like the size and style enough to buy a Dornblüth. However it's such a nice watch in it's own right that it scratched the itch well enough that I kept it and didn't need to sell most of my other watches to fund a Dornblüth. That's now my own "exit strategy", but it'll still be wrench to sell them all as it's taken me all my time here to amass them. Lovely clocks and car by the way!
Super thread from a guy who clearly has good taste! This forum will not be in any way better for your departure so please do not disappear completely!
Thanks for posting, a great read and some great watches! You've tried a few that I've been curious about owning, like the Nomos and the Zenith so it's helpful to read about how you got on with them.
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Fantastic post, really enjoyed reading it.
I do not post much these days due to limited time but really enjoy posts like this.
Well done OP.
Great write-up, thanks. I exited the forum (quietly) in 2014, after nearly 15 years (Eddie had another forum before this one). I narrowed it down to 2 watches, that I still have. Over the last few weeks I am slowly crawling my way back, to see what's up and wonder where it may lead to. Enjoy your hiatus. I've often looked at the Longines VHP as a possible "one watch".....
A very interesting journey and an interesting, if modest, destination. The GP is beautiful, I can see why so many like it, and the Tudor Ranger I chose simply because it DOESN'T have a date, so tastes can vary.
I have come very close to buying a HydroConquest on several occasions - very nice watches and do we really need anything more than this?
The clocks are very interesting - the marine chronometer is simply gorgeous. I am envious.
My aunt had a very similar mantel clock with the mercury compensated pendulum and the spiral chime. It was also I recall a rotten timekeeper!
Last edited by UKMike; 3rd February 2019 at 11:32.
Enjoyed that, thanks for sharing your watch memories, and continuing clock journey! We never really leave you know! ;)
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What a great read thanks for taking the time to post.
Like a lot of the other replies the GP was my favourite. I've been looking at their vintage dress watches recently.
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I don't know of a specific model name, it had a reference number of 49585 though if that helps? Fairly rare as they only made 250 of them.
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What a fantastic read and a great journey you have been on. For me you started with one of the picks of the collection that Navitimer is lovely!
For me I’d have to of kept two. The Navi and the Sea Dweller, such a shame you had the problems with it!
The forum will lose out of you leave please stay in contact on here.
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A very interesting read through you're watch journey. I have to say that GP is utterly gorgeous, a sublime watch. Don't think I could have it as the "one" as I would never get anything done, I would constantly be looking at it. Oh, and the Marine Chronometer is beautiful as well.
J
Interesting journey, nice to read.
By the way, having nothing to say is no excuse for not posting...
OP, you have shown great restraint over 7 years (average of one per year), although if the 'not of interest here' watches were also included I wonder how many the total becomes! All relatively different styles - was that a deliberate strategy or just where your 'heart' led you?
That was an interesting question. I've gone back through the archives to see what I can find and I've come up with a list of 20 so not as restrained as you might think. Here's the full list
Breitling Navitimer - sold
Luch Single handed watch (Russian) - sold
A Sekonda dress watch that I found. I had it repaired by a guy in the Ukraine and I think my sister has it now. (Russian)
Rolex Sea Dweller - sold back to dealer
Raketa World Time (Russian) - sold
Strela 42mm (Russian) - sold
Laco Flieger - sold
Orient Bambino - my son has this now. It's pretty knackered now but not worth having serviced.
Two Vostok Amphibias. Sold one and I still have the other. Everyone should have an Amphibia. I only wear it when I'm doing something wet/dirty/dangerous for watches.
Vintage Sekonda Strela - still got this but it's not a watch for wearing.
Archimede Deck Watch - sold on the forum (see above)
Nomos Tangente - now with my son
Orient Star Classic - sold
Zenith El Primero - sold on the forum
Girard-Perregaux - sold on the forum
Bulova Accutron Spaceview - still got this but again it's not a watch for wearing
WW1 Trench watch - still got this. Wear it about once a year.
Tudor Heritage Ranger - with my son.
Longines Hydroconquest….
Last edited by patnmand; 4th February 2019 at 15:26. Reason: Can't actually remember which were sold on the forum and which weren't so just updated to 'Sold'
Great post OP and thank You but I always feel a little sad when someone like Yourself thins the heard and moves on from the hobby .You made some good purchases there.
Ah yes, I suspected there might be a catch like that. Good thing I (and the trouble and strife)enjoy the chimes
Pity about the Sea dweller letting you down...
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