A must have for the classic P-phile (and watch interested)

[Isabo]

In that case look for a fake with a green bezel. Some of them are actually quite good.

[TomTurtle]

When I saw JoeA's comment about the nice cleaning and servicing Rolex does, it reminded me of many years ago when I was in the Navy. Our ship was in Hong Kong for a five day visit so I took my Submariner to their facility and dropped it off for cleaning/servicing. Four days later I went back to pick it up and when I saw it, for just a moment, I thought I'd "pulled a fast one" on them because they had mistakenly given me a new one! Thats how good their service/cleaning is; I didn't even recognize my own watch!

Some years ago I traded that watch in on a S/G Day/Date and since then have picked up a new white Daytona which I really love. I also have an old Rolex black face "Chronometer" which I got from my dad's estate. I will have to do more research on it; I've neve seen one before, it is in a 18K case with four red inner rings on the black face. I'd post a pic but I don't have a macro lens to do it justice.

[epbrown]

I went out today and tried a few on for size - the Submariner is definitely the watch for me. I didn't like the crystal of the Date models, so I'm cruising for a no-date version and apparently they're more scarce. I asked about swapping the crystal for a plain one rather than the cyclops and was told this would void the warranty as Rolex couln't guarantee it would be water-proof ; that had the ring of BS to me...

Emanuel

[}{arlequin]

Keep in mind that the store that sells you the Rolex, isn't Rolex. It's just a jeweller/dealer.

They probably meant that if you had that particular store do it on the premises, then Rolex-the-company wouldn't recognize that, which makes sense to me. That is a fairly important part of the whole oyster case. All they are really allowed to do is take out links from the bracelet...

[epbrown]

I spoke to the guy that bought my Domino's watch and he pointed out that the Sea Dweller has a thicker crystal than the Submariner, so the crystal wouldn't fit properly; the thicker crystal is why the SD doesn't have the cyclops-eye over the date window. Back to looking for a no-date Sub.

Emanuel

[rc356s]

Where is the best place to buy a Rolex. I've always admirerd the Submariner and figured I would eventully get one. I assume that prices are set or can you get them discounted? Can you buy them online at or is that way too risky. What about in the bay area, any good places to buy a Rolex. I've also like the look of the Omga Speedmaster Professional, where's a good place to buy one. Most jewlery store that are Omega reps don't carry the black faced moon watch, they have to be specially orders. You actually have to pay in advance and there are no returns. I would hate to order one and then not like it once I got it. What can one expect to pay for a Submariner.
Thank.
rc

[}{arlequin]

I hear that buying them in the Carribean gives you a pretty hefty discount, but I've never done it so I can't confirm. Obviously duty-free would be cheaper but they may not carry what you want. If I remember, everywhere I looked the stainless sub was in the $3.5K range.

[dan79brooklyn]

This is a great thread, mechanical watches are cool.


Here are my two watches.




I can appreciate the quality of a automatic movement and a sporty styled 1970s watch for about $100.

[Joeaksa]

Was just down in St. Thomas VI and the prices were fairly good there. The best place I have found is almost impossible to get into... unless you enlist!

Saudi Arabia has some excellent prices on Rolex's and for a good reason. They are given as gifts to the princes, who then either do not wear them at all or wear them for a few days, get tired of it and send them to a re-seller. One funny thing is that many of the arabic people feel that gold makes a man impotent. Well sports fans, it does not do that to me and they give an even better deal if the watch has any gold in it...

Abdul Samad, the watch dealer in Riyadh got far too much of my money while I was there. Ended up buying 6 mint condition, new in the box watches from him. Everyone had the guarantee and such and was around 60% the normal price.

Joe A

[}{arlequin]

Those are nice. More and more I'm looking into older watches... like cars.

[cegerer]

Joe and others: those leather Leica cases are available here -

http://www.leicatime.com/

Click on "My Cases Line" on the left side. -- Curt

[Joeaksa]

Curt,

Excellent! Thanks much and looking at it right now.

Joe

[asphaltgambler]

Wayne, it's like that TV commercial for carpet. The guy asks the sales clerk what the main difference is between the $20/yd carpet and the $80/yd?? The clerk replies The $60 !!

[LeeH]

Anybody in the market for a pilot's watch? My wife has decided she want's something smaller than her Titanium Citizen Skyhawk. We've got the books and the original box (I think). The downside is that it's pretty worn. The titanium band is more delicate than you would expect and the crystal has lots of tiny surface scratches. It retails for $499. $100 will buy it. If nobody here wants it it'll be on Ebay in a few days.

[TomTurtle]

rc356s:

The only store I have seen used Rolexes for sale (that I know are reputable) is at Jackson Square Fine Jewels in Redwood City on 2808 El Camino Real, (650-365-2800). Ben Bridges will have used Rolexes for sale during an annual event, but not everyday.

There are deals to be had on the internet but you have to be very careful. You will see a lot on eBay; use only those sellers who have thousands of sales with 98 percent or above positive feedback.

Other recommended sites:
www.iq-enterprises.com
www.collectorstime.com

A site listing other watch sites is:
www.top50watch.com/index.php

The iq-enterprises site also sells an outstanding book on how to spot fake Rolexes - highly recommended!

[Joeaksa]

Lee,

Will email you on the watch. Out on a trip right now.

Joe A

[LeeH]

It's been a while since I've bought a new watch. For some reason this one really caught my eye. It's a non-US market Citizen. There's one guy selling them on Ebay and I finally won one today. I love the retro look - but it's an Eco-Drive (light powered) movement. Let the mailbox watch begin!!!



Here's the rest of my collection:

[Joeaksa]

Lee,

You need more watches! You need at least one per day to cover a month's useage!

Nice find! Are you guys in town today?

Joe A

[Joeaksa]

Originally posted by alf
Ah, the El Premiero, nice. I think it is the best darn chronograph movement in the world. I need to make room on my winder for one

alf

Alf,

Where did you get your winder and was it expensive? Keep wanting to get one and they are all $200-$300.

JoeA

[}{arlequin]

I cringe each time this thread pops up.... other than the 911 it sucks up the most $$ per item....