Watches - another OCD problem
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My wedding ring is made of Black diamond. Sometimes other materials rub off on it, but It's completely unscratchable and is even slightly harder than a diamond gemstone. Maybe "Elysium black" will get into watches.
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There are extremely hard ceramic cases, e.g., Grand Seiko's SBGJ233 and SBGC221 (in combo with titanium).
There's been a few watches with transparent sapphire cases, e.g., https://www.watchtime.com/featured/time-in-the-clear-5-watches-with-sapphire-cases/ .
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Speaking of unique watch case materials, has anyone ever handled a tantalum watch? I know that Panerai made a limited model years ago (PAM00192). My wedding ring is made of tantalum and it seems quite heavy, not sure how comfortable a tantalum watch would be for daily wear.
Several years ago, when Julie and I were killing time before a dinner reservation in Las Vegas, we stopped in a watch store in the shopping center underneath The Venetian. It was a slow day, so the sales guy was happy to spend a little while nerding out on the watches with me. He showed me a Vacheron Constantine with a tantalum case. I don't remember it being particularly heavy, though that was a while ago.
The clips the doctor used for my vasectomy are tantalum, but I have to admit, I haven't noticed the weight at all…
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I once took a look at an F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu, which had a Tantalum case.
I don't recall it being particularly heavy, nor does the review at Monochrome reference its weight, so it's probably more akin to a gold watch on a strap than a lead weight.
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That’s a lovely, lovely watch.
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Picked up a new White Dial Stainless Steel SkyDweller yesterday from Wempe in London.
It looks like I have managed to cultivate a buyer profile with them and they have been pretty good at supplying me with some Rolex pieces.
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Was this the same trip that you went with the in-laws and their buffet vouchers?
Maybe; it was a long time ago. That was actually my father-in-law's brother with the coupons. In a related story that's too long to tell here, my mother-in-law and my wife now own their house.
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Went to the Omega Boutique to try on some shiny things. I originally was on a mission in to try on the X33 which I have wanted to own since Gen 1. The potential upkeep on them is very high though but I’m still thinking about it.
Also looked at a Speedy on the new tapering bracelet which feels amazing
And lastly tried on a Seamaster Nekton
I have a promo code for our boutique so I MIGHT end up picking up one of the three. Originally I had my heart set on the X33 but I also have an Aerospace which is somewhat similar. Also the potential high price battery changes etc are on my mind. The Speedy is lovely and I’ve owned one before. Is the sapphire sandwich worth the price increase? Mine was hesalite and IMO felt pretty durable as a daily. Lastly the Nekton is at least to me a good looking watch but it looks better on a strap v the bracelet. I have a LOT of good divers though.
Any input?
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I've normally not sold my watches, but I've been known to move safe-queens in the past.
I bought this Rolex Hulk at an AD in 2012, if I recall. I do love the dial and its ever-changing range of brilliant green hues. But I find it a tad blingy, and given the profit margin, I am contemplating moving it to a buyer who has expressed interest. I just need to say yes.
I find myself gravitating towards the same 3 watches. That says something.
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@Anesthetist- you sounds like you're trying to talk yourself out of the one you really want. Get the X33. You owned a Speedy and didn't keep it, which means you're unlikely to keep this one. And as you say, you own a lot of divers already and you don't sound in love with the Nekton, which means you're unlikely to keep it. On the other hand, you could buy the Speedy and then, in a couple of years, when you've tired of it, I could relieve you from the burden of owning it…
@QuantumMechanic- go ahead and sell the Hulk. Take the huge profit and never look back. It's a great looking watch, but the market for Rolexes is insane right now. No telling how long it will last.
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@Anesthetist I think the sapphire sandwich is more refined and less tool watchy. Display case back of the new master chronometer, coaxial movement, applied versus printed Omega logo, I think it has the contrasting polished and brushed bracelet instead of the more utilitarian, less blingy all brushed. It’s the one I would pick. But Speedy purists would disagree.
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@Anesthetist how does the battery upkeep of the X33 compare to servicing a Speedy? And how often will it need replacing?
I've got a feeling that Omega sometimes replace the entire quartz movement in the X33 during servicing, which might be what bumps the price up. That said, their website says it costs $750 (AUD) to service a quartz chronograph, versus $1130 for a mechanical, so you might come out ahead.
I'm not up on the arcana of the sapphire and Hesalite Speedy. I believe that the former is more durable, and has a display back, but the latter is more original. That said, you're unlikely to be exploring space, so having a flight qualified watch isn't too important.
The Nekton looks good, but I would probably hold out for the none-so-black Seamaster instead. The Bond watch is nice, particularly on the titanium strap, but the 007 branding is a turn off, and it is a lot more expensive.
@QuantumMechanic I agree with @Chris that if you don't wear the Hulk, you might as well take advantage of the Rolex bubble and offload it.
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@Anesthetist
Optical the first two are nice. But the first omega has huge number of LCD digits on display. That is question of taste. If you like this functionallity, take this. I myself like mechanical watches most. Years ago I saw the GS 9f quartz movements and have never got it out of my head since then.
Go for the X33;)
@QuantumMechanic
That is a nice hulk. Green is the colour of Rolex. Sell it now and later you will be sad about this decision? I would keep this unique masterpiece
keep in mind you got it for a moderate price -
Thanks guys, I’m leaning toward the X33 at this point. It is such a unique watch with a mega high geek factor and def has conversation starter potential.
@eisenhertz I’ve owned a 9f GS and it was a wonderful watch. My taste changed but the watch was just impeccably made. Another good one to look at is the Citizen Chronomaster. Mine lost 1.2 seconds over the course of a year.
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Also, every time I wear this beast I love it a little more
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@Anesthetist Propofol?
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@Anesthetist I have owned a MK1 X33 for over 15 years now and have done my own battery change out on them, super simple and very cheap. Go for it, fab watch!
Very small screws in the case back, keep a good track of the screws when removing them, I put them into a plastic bowl so they don't go missing.
The case back is double skinned ( that is why the alarm on the X33 is so damn loud, designed to resonate between the two case backs.)
Once the screws are removed the outer casebook can be taken off and then the inner casebook simply pops off with a small amount of leverage from the flat bladed screwdriver. Swop out the battery, clean off any dust or debris on the movement and gasket with a cotton bud, install the inner caseback, install the outer casebook and then screws back in. Tighten carefully in a methodical pattern checking all are made up and none have been forgotten.
Don't attempt taking the back off the watch with any kind of distraction in the house. Good lighting and a decent small flat bladed screwdriver are your friend.
My X-33 was pre owned and I have used it everyday for work offshore so it is no show pony. I simply can't justify the Omega service costs. I get around 3-4 years out of each battery. Changing the batteries out myself has saved me quite a bit over the years.
