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.
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
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.
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.
I love the Timex and the dial on the Omega. I have to ask though, which mug sold you another Seafire??
My DIY car maintenance (and DIY in general) days are over now so the Seafire will be safe I think
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.
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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Always like seeing your watch choices Ian. Nice bunch there. I'm thinking of going back to a couple I previously owned as well.
Love the whole look of that Timex, a great little design.
Very nice collection . Love the dials on the vintage Timex and Omega , lovely .
Nicely done. Which one goes the best with a pair of crocs?
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.
Which out of them all could you not live with? If it was just one you had to keep ?
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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.
Please forgive my ignorance. How do you swap to the leather straps with the fixed bars?
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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.
Seamaster looking great Ian!
That green one looks right out of place.
I would get shut if I was you
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
Great collection you have. I really like the Seiko far left, a SARB 017 I think? very nice Velorum
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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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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.
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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Very nice Ian, I hope the sacrifices are worth it.
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.
Glad I stumbled on this thread, love the Zeno. What made this a keeper for your whilst consolidating?
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........
Good call, it’s a cracking watch and probably all you’ll ever need!
Let me know when you’re flipping it?
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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