Watches - another OCD problem
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No I would not be that brave with mine.
A chap on the TRF forum has an original 3800 model from the 1970's and all the blue paint has come off the dial showing the gold dial material beneath, he is debating what to do with his watch at the moment, what level of refurb to go for.
Having seen the Patek factory and their repairs centre, some of the work they can do is amazing. They have brown paper packets with hand written labels from the 1850's onwards with replacement parts for some of their very early watches. They can also hand manufacture cogs and bushings to retrofit to older models and dial renovation is also something they can do with remarkable results.
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There was a guy who bought a Tiffany signed Nautilus every day for eight years, until it got stolen. The full story is at Hodinkee, but here's a shot of the watch with its patina. I think that it looks good, though I don't think that @ddtrash is that brave!
This was a beautiful read, thanks for sharing!
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@ddtrash if that 3800 was mine, I'd look at going for a mechanical refurbishment, fix things like loose links in the bracelet, and try to stabilise what's left of the paint on the dial. Essentially it would be the horological equivalent of a rat rod.
It would be possible to get it looking as new, and I've no doubt that Patek could do a full restoration, but it would lose its charm in the process.
@T4920 glad to share it. Shame he lost his watch, but I'm glad it was well worn before then. Too many pieces are investments that are locked away in safes.
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@Graeme The owner of the old 3700 with the blue/gold tarnished dial has decided on what he is going to do with the piece. Full service on the movement. Case, dial and hands remain untouched. Bracelet to be repaired and polished.
Not sure why he is choosing to polish the bracelet when the case and dial are remining original? Repair the bracelet yes this makes sense, but if I were leaving the case unpolished I would probably keep the bracelet unpolished also.
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The new London Seiko / Grand Seiko store opened on Bond St today.
A very low key event compared to how other brands would celebrate a new boutique opening. Looking forward to checking the new store out when I am next down there.
https://www.watchpro.com/grand-seiko-takes-up-residence-on-new-bond-street/
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That is a lovely thing, I am truly envious! That being said, I’m relieved I wont be getting one as I would spend all my time admiring that dial.
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One of my favorites they’ve done. Great score!
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Agree, a beautiful dial. @JDelage very pleased you managed to snag one. I must check out that London boutique store version next chance I get. I suspect with only 50 available they will be gone soon.
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Christmas Tangente and Jeffersons OceanSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Nice looking Nomos Tangente.
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Same with me. Got me Tangente roughly 6 years ago and stopped wearing it as soon as I got my Omega Seamaster. Though it is classy in looks, I was not so satisfied with its accuracy.
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I’ve had mine for ~12 years and never had an issue. I’m not super OCD about timing though as long as it isnt an obvious issue.
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I’ve had mine for ~12 years and never had an issue. I’m not super OCD about timing though as long as it isnt an obvious issue.
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Drift of about 5 to 10 minutes a week is something that I could not digest with my Tangente.
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Agreed, but given that mechanical watches are already somewhat of an affectation since they're obsolete, I also understand placing a premium on accuracy. It's pretty cool when they can dial it in on a mechanical watch. I even appreciate Spring Drive and super accurate quartz–it doesn't have to be practical to matter.
I do miss wearing a mechanical watch, but not enough to ditch my smart watch.
