Check out Fortis as well, their chronos could be had for under $1000. I think Panarais use ETA movements, not sure.

If you want a good chrono for under $2k, check out the Omega Speedmaster Pros, they use Lemania movements. You should be able to find slightly used morden ones for under $1500. Vintage ones are even cooler :)

alf

Just to mention my latest watch "want". Heuer Bundeswehr chrono. Only $800 on eBay!

Got one of those hanging on the wall. Great watch for the money, especially with Flyback chrono. It is one of the better Valjoux movements i have experienced.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1100135686.jpg

What sets one movement apart from another? Rookie question =)

Mostly quality. Quality in design, precision, durablility and finishing.

Most watch nuts prefer watches with movements that are made by the brand. For examole, Rolex. Patek, Zenith and JLC make all their own movements. Omega, IWC and Breitling buy base movements from movement makers like ETA and build a case around it.

alf

I guess I phrased that poorly. When I read the posts on this thread about how some people are happy/disappointed with certain movements, I wonder what these feelings are gauged on. What tangible difference is there. Without opening the case, how does one movement demonstrate its superiority? Thanks

Ah, OK.

I did not like the IWC Flieger Valjoux 7750 because when i set the time there is about 1-2 minutes of play in the minute hand, which makes it tough to set accurately (precision issue). It also had a noisy auto wind rotor (design issue). The chrono hands also tend to not set back to zero after some time (durablility issue).

alf

Cool, thanks. =)

The Sinn Fleiger. Greta chrono for the money. The Omegas are the best buy IMO for a higher quality watch.

http://standingwave.org/albums/watches/aad.sized.jpg

OH! pant, pant. Let's see, one of those or a 300mm f2.8 lens. Too many decisions.

John,

Feel lucky to have such a inexpensive decision! Sadly for me I grew up with a Father who liked Leica cameras. It took and I almost have to get a second morgage for a new lens or body.

Was just in Canada and found a brand new in the box 100 anniversary gold M-4 body and lens... for a very good price. Could have gotten several chrono's for what this puppy cost but it was at least $5k under what its worth.

The good news is that the old rangefinder equipment is only increasing in value. Its my savings account that I get to play with from time to time, then put it back in the safe. Playing with money just is not the same... :)

JoeA

My problem is that I tend to beat my cameras up. I purposely don't pay up for "mint" because after a couple years with me, it will no longer be. So my Canon SLR stuff is all definitely "user" condition. Most of my Hassy stuff is too, although I did recently remove all the duct tape - guess I'm belately developing some class. My Canon P rangefinder is quite nice, but then again I don't really use it much - it just sits in the cupboard looking smug. I'd love a Leica M6 someday, but knowing me I'll find a beater.

John,

I have a "beater" M4 that I have owned for years but still find it hard to be anything other than protective of a camera that is assembled like a fine watch. Would love to have a M6 as well and someday hope to find one...

Joe

Joe, I just picked up an M6 a few months ago. My first Leica. What an incredible piece of equipment! Nice find on the M4.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1100228994.jpg

Curt,

You are not helping things at all! I have wanted one of the "ttl metering" Leica's like yours for years now and just have not happened upon a good deal yet. Also kinda looking for a 21mm lens but each of them will cost the same as the cheapest new Rolex so its not going to happen fast...

Really like the carrying case you have. Did it come with the camera?

My latest:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1100268583.jpg

Back showing the 100 year anniversary: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1100268615.jpg

Joe

Joe, that leather case is custom made by some guy in Italy. I can get the contact info for you. They're VERY nice and reasonably priced. In addition to the 35 Summicron, I bought a 21mm Voigtlander. Yeah, I know, not Leica but reasonably priced and outstanding optics.

I don't think I had heard of that Gold M4 before - very cool. Maybe too rare to use?

It is amazing how some here share the same interests. I have a GMT and a Daytona (among others), and a couple of Leicas as well. Best watches and cameras. There are a few pre-1940 Leicas in the family as well.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1100332280.jpg

George,

Nice looking case and looks like a R4 or R5 there? I have a R4 as well but my favourite is the "M" series. Grew up with the M cameras and they are an old friend.

Curt,

Please email me the info as it looks very nice! Like the look and fit as well as bet it just "feels right."

You are correct on the gold versions. They are somewhat rare and not to be used on a regular basis. Leica made gold versions of almost all their models, usually on some sort of anniversary and they are coveted by collectors. I got very lucky with this one.

I also have a M4-2 in silver that is a 100 anniversary in the orginal box, never used, so its part of a collection. Its a sickness, I know... :)

Joe
joeaksaATattglobal.net

Back to Waynes original question: Watches are mens jewelry, plain and simple. Some feel compelled to show their investment on there wrist not unlike pro athletes wearing 3 carat diamonds on their ears. I wear one when I absolutely need one, usually DE's. Other then that, I use the time on my cell phone if needed. Everything else is bling, whether they will admit or not. I have yet to miss an important date because of an inferior time piece. My watch, an inexpensive TAG that was a gift about 15 years ago.

Whats that old addage about people in glass houses?

Using your logic, your Porsche and BMW are pieces of jewelry as well. Everything else is bling, whether you will admit or not. A Hyundai would suffice for your car and an old Ford truck would be a adequate tow vehicle. Your obviously trying to show off your investment. ;) :D ;) Fine art would be considered ridiculous because you can tear a picture out of a magazine and thumb-tack it to the wall if you need decoration....anything more is just bling. Why eat a delicous top quality dinner when a gas station hot-dog will provide you with sustenance.....anything more is a waste..... Why drink Chimay or Modelo when Bud light does the job? I bet you have a nice home? Psssh, what a waste. A cheap nylon tent will keep you dry. Or if you want to go crazy rent a one bedroom apartment.

My watch is a Fossil. Its attractive and tells time quite well....cost me $50. However, I do lust for a vintage Heuer. Not so that I can show off to others, because lets face it only a tiny tiny percentage of people would ever be able to differentiate between my Fossil and a vintage 60's Heuer Carrera. I want one because they are a throwback to mechanical engineering in a time that I would have loved to have been around to see.

I think most of these people who have been gushing about thier vintage timepieces are doing so not out of pretentiousness, but out of enthusiasim and a true respect and love for the mechanical artistry involved in a Heuer, Rolex, Omega, etc etc Trust me, more people think you are pretentious for driving a Porsche than do so because you wear a nice watch......but we dont drive Porsche's because they are status symbols. :D