The Grail - Another Watch Thread - What's your grail?

[azasadny]

My '40's era Bulova in Rose Gold...

[intakexhaust]

For a watch and if I had to cave in, it would be the Zenith Christophe Columb Equation of Time. No explanation needed. ZENITH - Official Website

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Agree....don't understand that either. Kind of like wearing a clock. Here's a couple shots I just took of Grandpa's Elgin...

That's just way cool! Because of that inscription this watch will always have a value to you that is far beyond any market value.

I do like the 40's styling...I have an old "lord elgin" in that "tank" square style with the small second hand. I just don't go to enough "dressy" things to wear it much. Art, that Bulova is gorgeous! Art deco was still "in" back then. Certainly more pleasing to my aesthetic sense than some of the huge "alarm clocks" worn today.

[azasadny]

Thanks, Paul! The watch was NOS and the jewelry store sold it to Beth for $100, back in 1986. Beth hoped that I would like it and I love the watch, I just don't wear it often because it's not shockproof or waterproof. Beth gave it to me, so it's priceless to me...

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by azasadny

Thanks, Paul! The watch was NOS and the jewelry store sold it to Beth for $100, back in 1986. Beth hoped that I would like it and I love the watch, I just don't wear it often because it's not shockproof or waterproof. Beth gave it to me, so it's priceless to me...

Beth got a bargain...definitely, the oldies aren't as rugged as the new stuff...but they are great for occasional wear. Yep, some "stuff" becomes priceless...

[Chocaholic]

Thanks Paul....very true. This one will definitely stay in the family.

Art...yes, I've been told to avoid wearing the old timers when doing yard work, etc., but for a day in the office or sitting on a plane...yes, wear and enjoy. That's what they were made for. That's a very sharp Bulova. It's actually good to wear it...keeps the lubricants from gumming up, etc. I'll bet Beth would notice also!

[azasadny]

Mike,
Thanks! When I wear a suit, I wear the Bulova and Beth always notices!

[yellowperil]

Anyone have an Ernst Benz? I've wanted one for awhile, don't know too much about them but like the look.

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by yellowperil

Anyone have an Ernst Benz? I've wanted one for awhile, don't know too much about them but like the look.

They are a nice watch but look for a used one and save lots on money

[scottmandue]

FWIW this is where I bought my Hammy... no affiliation... and I take no responsibility for money flying out of your wallet if you click on this link.

vintage watch, vintage watches, watches, railroad watches, railroad watch, military watches, used watch, pre-owned watch - Finer Times

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by Drdogface

That is pretty cool....I like it a lot but bet it's way expensive. Never seen one like it or even close... How much do they sell for ? Just curious

Look for U Boat watches in the used market as depreciation is very high on them.

How about this for a lot and I mean a lot less money.. they come in lots of different styles



Mike

[89911]

Do you really think that looks like a U Boat watch? I don't own one, just looked at them in person next to Tissot, Breitling, Tags, and Omega and came away impressed with the quality. That watch looks like it has a paper dial. As far as depreciation, I don't think anyone believes that they bought something rare and Its going to appreciate ever. I think 95% of the ones I see for sale on sites like Ebay are fakes anyway.

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by 89911

Do you really think that looks like a U Boat watch? I don't own one, just looked at them in person next to Tissot, Breitling, Tags, and Omega and came away impressed with the quality. That watch looks like it has a paper dial. As far as depreciation, I don't think anyone believes that they bought something rare and Its going to appreciate ever. I think 95% of the ones I see for sale on sites like Ebay are fakes anyway.

Well it pulls design from the brand but do I think it is on equal footing.....No.... but the Gentleman who ask about pricing did not sound like he wanted to drop 3K plus for the U boat. I thought he might like to know that with a little looking around he might find something with U Boat flair for a lot less money that might scratch an itch. As far as U Boat watches go it is certain that you are not buying anything rare or will ever appreciate....all I was suggesting is if someone wants one, mint ones can be had for 1/2 the cost of new in the used market and yes you have to buy with care as fakes are a real concern. There are also much better places to purchase preowned watches than Ebay.. Nothing wrong with buying them retail just like to point out to people there are other options if they want to save some money. YMMV

[89911]

Ok, It sound like we are on the same page. I'm all for buying used, except I have little faith in what avenues you can go. Just so many possibilities for fakes even from supposedly safe sellers like Amazon. Which ones have others used or have been known to be reputable?

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by 89911

Ok, It sound like we are on the same page. I'm all for buying used, except I have little faith in what avenues you can go. Just so many possibilities for fakes even from supposedly safe sellers like Amazon. Which ones have others used or have been known to be reputable?

Buy from individuals themselves. Join the community and get to know who they are. Most have references much like buying used parts here on Pelican. WatchNet even has a board called DealNet where sellers are veted and references checked. As always do your homework. I have bought and sold lots of pieces with good results so far. These are sister sites so most of the watch nuts are on both sites.

TimeZone: Sales Corner

WatchNet: Trading Post

regards,

Mike

[Paul K]

My 'Holy Grail' is the Tag Heuer Carrera Clibre 16 S=Day/Date. It's not a high end watch (~$4k) but plenty nice for me.



Picked one up used from a Rennlister. Love it!

Cheers,

Paul.

[Chocaholic]

Just came across this. For those who like interesting/unique watches but don't want to spend new car money. Interesting forum (Poor Mans Watch Forum - PMWF):

PMWF.com | The trusted and independent Site for inexpensive and legitimate Wristwatches since 2001

[tfmcmahon]

[QUOTE=5String43;6549370]For me, it's the Omega Speedmaster, aka "the moon watch," an example of which has been my everyday watch for more than 20 years. "
I bought my Speedmaster in Hong Kong on R&R in 67 for $55 in the Navy exchange.Still keeps perfect time.Goes to my son.Still have the box and papers.I like J-L also and splurged for a chrono.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Just came across this. For those who like interesting/unique watches but don't want to spend new car money. Interesting forum (Poor Mans Watch Forum - PMWF):

PMWF.com | The trusted and independent Site for inexpensive and legitimate Wristwatches since 2001

Bought a few things off their 'for sale' form... good stuff and a fun bunch a guys/gals.

Used to post there a lot.

[89911]

These talks of watches got me to look at an old Tag that has been sitting in a drawer. I quit using it, and watches altogether, when the date advancement failed. After pulling it out a few months ago, I opened it up an removed the main stem. I had replaced the battery many times and didn't even know if it was water tight. I couldn't find a stem on the internet and most of the high end stores were telling me that it would cost more to fix then it was worth so it sat in a baggy. Our mall has a repair store called "Fast Fix" and I think it is a national chain. I brought it there as a last resort to see if they could fix it. So after finding out that the entire movement has a part of the stem broken in it, I figure its a goner. So the entire price to replace the battery, replace the entire movement with the same original make, replace the crystal, polish the scratched case, replace any needed seal, and pressure test.....$140!!! All warranted for a year. All in less then 5 days. So now I have almost an entirely new Tag Professional1000 for this amount. I ditched the old band and picked up Nato band in the process.