Watches - another OCD problem
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Wearing this guy today. This was a hard watch to get. It's a Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) Tribute To Deep Sea Alarm.
This one was the European version of which 959 were made, and 350 of the American version. The difference being that the American version has writing all over the dial which, to me, takes away from the watch.
Hoodinkee has more:
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/a-favorite-from-sihh-hands-on-with-the-jaeger-lecoultre-tribHere's a video of the alarm going off, which is pretty cool to have a mechanical watch with an alarm.
The one thing I changed was the strap. I was able to source a NOS tropical strap from the early 70's. Not that there was anything wrong with the original, but I prefer this one.
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That Debaufre is a 6497? They did some serious modifications to switch it to a central second hand.
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i have the steinhart. they're brilliant..
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@QuantumMechanic that Deep Sea is gorgeous.
I took a look at a boutique only limited edition Memovox last year with a blue dial. It's not got the diving touches of yours, and I prefer the Deep Sea design.
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A video on how Equus Leather make a watch strap.
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That Debaufre is a 6497? They did some serious modifications to switch it to a central second hand.
As you suggest @Chris using a modified Unitas for use with a central second, is extremely complicated and is only produced in very small quantities. Maybe that's why they're no longer in business.
The Steinharts are pretty sweet, but I prefer the clean dial sans any script.
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@QuantumMechanic that Deep Sea is gorgeous.
I took a look at a boutique only limited edition Memovox last year with a blue dial. It's not got the diving touches of yours, and I prefer the Deep Sea design.
@Graeme that's a beauty in its own right! That blue dial must be hypnotizing in person. Have you see the Polaris models? They're a few years old now, but they're very, very nice as well
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@QuantumMechanic I've seen pictures of the Polaris models, but not one in the flesh. They are a cool looking watch.
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Great looking watch. Who makes it?
Thanks, it was manufactured by a now defunct company called Debaufre.
It's my understanding that this one was a LE model, and only 200 were made. It's a great watch and a reasonable size for a Nav B-UHR pilot which are normally 48 mm or more. This one measures in at 44 mm and uses a Swiss 17 jewel Unitas 6497 hand wound movement. It was tremendous value for money for being made in Switzerland. Heck, it would be a great value if it was many anywhere else, too.
If you're into it I'd suggest looking up https://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/flieger-watch/nav-b-uhr-44-automatik-b-muster.html. Somehow both companies were affiliated, but that's all I know.
I love the blue hands!
…and the back of the watch is fun, too.Thanks @QuantumMechanic !
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soooooooooo…i finally was able to check both watches of interest out in person the other day
while first being blown away from the tudor, the watch i actually want to buy as a birthday present to myself, i soon had to realize, after putting on and wearing the rolex for a couple of minutes, that i wasn't that sure anymore about the "simplicity" of the tudor. all black everything and really nothing that gave me that "boom, this is it" feeling…which the rolex gave me. so now i'm looking into copping a rolex sub as part of my 30th birthday present
looking for a 1987 model in perfect shape...just in case you guys are keeping an eye out for me talking about chrono24...has anyone in europe bought a watch from the states and had it shipped to your door? if yes, did you have any problems with customs or so? need/want to avoid that if amorphe possible
@Finn666 - a few things to note, Rafa, given I don't think anyone has mentioned that the Sub has changed significantly since 1987 (especially since Rolex last updated it):
- the case of the current Sub is a fair bit 'fatter' than the previous models, especially the lugs (the bits of the case at 12 and 6 that hold the bracelet in place with springbars).
- the current model has a ceramic bezel insert, all the earlier models don't.
- the bracelet of the new model is very well built and has an especially lovely adjustable clasp, whereas the older ones are much more functional (some would say rattly and a bit of a letdown, considering it's a Rolex).
- the end links (the last links of the bracelet, that slot into the lugs I mentioned earlier) would be hollow on an '87 watch, whereas they're solid on later models (including the current one). This can also affect the feel of the watch on the wrist, imo.
What this all boils down to is I would strongly advise you try a period model on (i.e. not just a new one) before making a decision, as I don't think the current model is particularly indicative of what you should expect.
HTH
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thanks a ton for getting back at me and picking this back up @GingerMagician …you got me looking for new(er) watches now
talking about it, jut went to the local store again and tried on a submariner date and a gmt master II...fucking loving both!
here are some pics for your viewing pleasure
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Have you taken a look at the new Sea Dweller @Finn666? It might be an alternative to the Submariner, if you're looking for another option.
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@QuantumMechanic that Deep Sea is gorgeous.
I took a look at a boutique only limited edition Memovox last year with a blue dial. It's not got the diving touches of yours, and I prefer the Deep Sea design.
Really like that Memovox. I have my eye on a Jaeger Master Calendar. No dealers near me though.
http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us/en/watches/master/master-calendar/1558420.html
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i really like that gmt master 2 but then i'm probably bias to that..
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If anyone wants some watch porn, the Hodinkee shop has a 1950s mil-spec Fifty Fathoms with a bronze case in stock.
Unfortunately they're asking $65,000 for it. Sorry @Giles.
There's also a very cool Rolex King Midas. I've got a soft spot for radical 1970s cases.
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I d choose the gmt!
i really like that gmt master 2 but then i'm probably bias to that..
Nothing to choose between them really.
Both fantastic watches.
Just down to personal taste.
I'm more of a GMT fan.thanks a lot guys, that's the one i'm searching chrono24 for back and forth ^^
so if you find one in great condition for a decent price, feel free to pm please. thanks!@louisbosco : post a pic or two mate will ya?
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I've had a GMT master ll since 1991 that I've now given to Jules, who loves it and wears it well. Gorgeous watch that came into its own whilst I was flying in the RAF.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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When Rolex released the updated GMT Master II in 2005 it should have been called the Master III.
All the cosmetic changes make it a different watch, in my opinion, a pretty ugly one in comparison to its previous designs.
The typeface on the bezel reminds me of my blind great grandmothers landline phone…
