Watch thread, how much do you need to spend?

[Jims5543]

I have a Rolex that I did not buy. It was given to me by a past boss upon my 10th year with his company. I am a very hard worker and he appreciated it and gave me a $1000 Rolex. I have had this watch for 10 years now. Every three years I take it to an authorized Rolex repair shop and have it tuned up. Basically cleaned lubricated and any wear and tear parts replaced. (Crystal, stem, etc..)

How often should I do this? Can I wait 5 years? Or should I not bother unless its giving me a problem.


On a related note, my Grandfather had givem me a Tag watch back in 1984 when I graduated high school. about 5 years later a repair shop butchered it and deemed it unfixable. It breaks my heart to this day especially since he passed away. I still have its rusted remains. The shop did not seal it and I was too young and dumb to realize how valuable it was and too broke to get it repaired after it took on water. Breaks my heart today to look at it.

[Joeaksa]

Jim,

3 years is a bit too often, but would try to do it at least every 10 years or so. If you have a problem with it, or it changes how its keeping time, get it in there now.

Regarding your TAG, I would find a retired watchmaker or someone who was not with a large repair place and give it to them. A lot of the time these guys retire and enjoy working on something in their spare time. I have one like that here in Phoenix and he is excellent. He just putters with them and a month or so later I have my watch back in "NEW" condition. You should still be able to get parts for it and would try to get it working again. If you want me to contact my guy here in Phoenix for you will be glad to do so.

Joe A

[widebody911]

Originally posted by ZAMIRZ
The funny part is, when I see someone pull up in a 911 to a nice restaurant at a hot spot in town, I almost always take a look at their wrist figuring they have good taste driving a 911, they probably appreciate some of the other finer things in life like nice watches.

You've basically summarized everything in one paragraph: it's all about being see in the right place in the right car with the right bling, either with a trophy wife or on the hunt for one.

Translation: mooooooooo

[Jims5543]

Originally posted by Joeaksa
Jim,

3 years is a bit too often, but would try to do it at least every 10 years or so. If you have a problem with it, or it changes how its keeping time, get it in there now.

Regarding your TAG, I would find a retired watchmaker or someone who was not with a large repair place and give it to them. A lot of the time these guys retire and enjoy working on something in their spare time. I have one like that here in Phoenix and he is excellent. He just putters with them and a month or so later I have my watch back in "NEW" condition. You should still be able to get parts for it and would try to get it working again. If you want me to contact my guy here in Phoenix for you will be glad to do so.

Joe A

Thanks for the info on the Rolex. As far as the Tag goes, yes shoot me his info, between you and me the watch is invaluable and I am willing spend an untold amount to make it right again.

[Yellowbird RS]

Originally posted by widebody911
You've basically summarized everything in one paragraph: it's all about being see in the right place in the right car with the right bling, either with a trophy wife or on the hunt for one.

Translation: mooooooooo

I have some Rolex models and I'll never think on it like a fancy clock actually the only good looking rolex is the Cellini Classic and Danos, I admit they are a good time machine but just that, if you are looking for a great watch you need to look other brands and don't look in the jewelry brands

my favorite brands are Piaget (altiplano model) and Girard Peeregaux

[austin552]

Anyone have A Porsche watch? I have heard of them but not the quality.

[austin552]

Originally posted by austin552
Anyone have A Porsche watch? I have heard of them but not the quality.

[klaucke]

Originally posted by widebody911
You've basically summarized everything in one paragraph: it's all about being see in the right place in the right car with the right bling, either with a trophy wife or on the hunt for one.

Translation: mooooooooo

Ironically, when I read Amir's posts, I thought about how some people own Porsche's for reasons other than image, and immediately your car came to mind. Then I thought to myself, I wonder what type of watch Thom wears? I bet it didn't cost more than $30. For the record, I don't think you're a "dud."

Who cares what watch other people wear, or what car they drive? Wearing a Rolex for the bling factor, or to "fit in" with other accompaniments is like driving a 996 Tip Cab, because hey, its a Porsche and it looks cool. Wearing a Rolex for the engineering and heritage is another thing, just like a Porsche.

[nostatic]

Originally posted by Nader
Figure to spend at least $2000 for a quality Swiss mechanical watch. That's the price of quality, with or without brand recognition.

I'm sure Rolexes are fine pieces, but I equate them with real estate agents and car dealers. Shmoozers. But that's my personal bias (no offense intended), and part of the reason I went with the lesser known Ventura brand. I wanted a smaller, automatic titanium chronograph:

more info please. I like smaller watches, although I haven't worn one for quite some time. My ex bought me a Rolex Explorer about 5 years ago and I feel odd wearing it most of the time. But I like the size. Most chronographs are too huge for my taste.

And Titanium...mmmm, Ti

[ZAMIRZ]

Originally posted by widebody911
it's all about being see in the right place in the right car with the right bling, either with a trophy wife or on the hunt for one.

Yes, for a lot of people it is. Why go to a nice restaurant when you can buy everything you need from the supermarket to fill you up and have tons of money left over? Why drive a Porsche when a Civic or other econobox will get the same job done for a lot less? Why wear a nice watch when you can wear a throw away SpongeBob watch for $3.00 from Carls Jr? Why wear a nice suit and tie to an important event when you can buy one from kmart for $50? Why live in a house when a studio apartment will do? Why spend money on a bed when a futon is just fine?

It doesn't necessarily have anything to do with trying to impress some materialistic slut for money, but if it helps you get laid that night, what's so wrong with that?

I certainly don't wear a watch to impress others, but am aware of how I'm percieved when I have one on. If I wanted to impress, I'd sell all the "boring" ones I have now and get an obnoxious one with rocks all over it.

Just for *****s and giggles Thom, here's my favorite watch:





It's the lightest mechanical watch ever built, the case is made of Aluminum Silicone Carbide. MSRP somewhere around $380,000, but I bet most people would think it cost a couple hundred bucks from Costco.

[Yellowbird RS]

Originally posted by austin552
Anyone have A Porsche watch? I have heard of them but not the quality.

ICW a great quality time machine

[Isabo]

Originally posted by Yellowbird RS
ICW a great quality time machine

The first manufacturer was Orfina: ok without being great.
Then, IWC probably the second best watch maker in the world.
Now it's Eterna.
I think Eterna is now owned by PorscheDesign which was Butzi's company but I think it is now part of the Porsche group. Can anyone confirm?

[Joeaksa]

Originally posted by klaucke
Ironically, when I read Amir's posts, I thought about how some people own Porsche's for reasons other than image, and immediately your car came to mind. Then I thought to myself, I wonder what type of watch Thom wears? I bet it didn't cost more than $30. For the record, I don't think you're a "dud."

Who cares what watch other people wear, or what car they drive? Wearing a Rolex for the bling factor, or to "fit in" with other accompaniments is like driving a 996 Tip Cab, because hey, its a Porsche and it looks cool. Wearing a Rolex for the engineering and heritage is another thing, just like a Porsche.

JK, I purchased my first Rolex because I had always liked it and the simple fact that I felt that I deserved it, period. I could care less what someone else feels or thinks about me and its not about showing off.

When my Father died I got his President and I rarely wear it, being that most people look at it and some realize what its worth.

If Thom, or anyone else for that matter, wants to wear a Timex, then thats up to them. There was a time in my life where I was very happy with a Timex. Now after working my rear off for a long time I feel that I deserve it. Thank God I can afford one or two trinkets and as long as that is possible will get what makes me happy. Again, am not showing off to or for anyone, its what makes me happy, kinda like the ladies and their shoes or handbags.

JoeA

[turbo6bar]

Thank you for representing the American consumer, ZAMIRZ.

[Rick Lee]

Much like I've wanted a Porsche 911 since a very young age, I've also always wanted a quality Swiss watch. I started out liking Rolex, but eventually fell in love with Breitling. This is what I have now and just like my SIG Sauers and Porsches, I WILL own more of them.

[Shuie]

I am the prince of overkill so I cant help but appreciate a watch thats submersible to 10,000ft I always really wanted to get into Brietling watches. Great watch company, they just never grew on me.

Amir, is that watch is just a manual wind, or is there a Tourbillon cage in there? $380k will buy you several Breguet Tourbillon's and a Patek Philipe perpetual calendar to wear on the weekends. Whats so special about that little unit?

[ZAMIRZ]

Sherman, it's Tourbillon.

There's nothing really "special" per se, It was designed with and for F1 driver Felipe Massa. I just think it's a marvelous display of engineering and watch-building. I suppose you could say it's sort of like the 959 or Carrera GT of watches.

[cashflyer]

I am not a person who wears jewelry or watches. I have been a mechanic almost my whole adult life, so that has much to do with it. But mostly, I'm just not into that.

When I go to meetings with customers and such, I wear a Breitling Chronomat that my wife gave me when we got married. And I wear it because I don't want a "craptacular pile of plastic garbage" on my wrist when I have to meet with people who expect to sit down with a professional business person.

For some reason, people are wary about giving a high-dollar contract to a guy wearing a Sponge-Bob watch and a clip-on tie.

[porsche356a]

What do folks think of this one?

I'm very seriously thinking about picking one up (with the leather band).



It's not about need with watches, it is about want.

[jfw834]

Originally posted by porsche356a
What do folks think of this one?

I'm very seriously thinking about picking one up (with the leather band).



It's not about need with watches, it is about want.

very classy indeed.....is that cartier? i would also pick the leather band. oh p.s. my girlfriend approves it (that is a good indication)