Watches - another OCD problem

[Graeme]

I saw the Celebration dial in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago.

I've got mixed feelings about them. I love the use of colour on the dial, and the fact that it's slightly crazy for any watch manufacturer, but especially for one as conservative as Rolex. The problem is that the polished hands pick up reflections, and the bubbles break up the face, and that makes it hard to read. I think that if they'd used black, like on the Omega Speedmaster with the white dial, it'd have been clearer.

The other thing I saw was a Rolex 1908, which is a pretty watch. I wish they made it in steel rather than white gold, to make it more durable, but I do like it.

[kkibbey23]

After a month or two of thinking I went with a speedy sapphire sandwich. Probably will look at a diver next or possibly IWC big pilot. Going to enjoy this Omega every day

[Graeme]

@kkibbey23 the Speedy looks lovely. Enjoy!

[the246guy]

@kkibbey23 Beautiful watch. Did you consider the white Speedy as well before you pulled the trigger on this one?

[gazza61]

This post is deleted!

[kkibbey23]

@the246guy
Thanks! No I didn’t really consider it. I think it’s probably pretty sweet too, but no where I was had it that I could actually see it in person. Also I really wanted the OG black because I really like how it looks on nato etc.

I think they will sell a ton of the white dial to people who want a white daytona but don’t what 2x markup.

[bluemantra]

[Graeme]

It's Watches and Wonders this week, which is the biggest show in the horological calendar. Naturally, there are new pieces, and here are a few of them.

Rolex haven't done much with their sports line this year, except to slap a black and grey bezel on the GMT.

Tudor have launched a Black Bay 58 GMT, which is a smaller and slimmer package than their existing GMT. It's also Master Chronometer certified, which I think is Rolex's way of saying, "Our cheap product meets Omega's fancy standard."

Patek has launched a very pretty perpetual calendar with a salmon dial.

Zenith has revived the Defy Diver with a very orange bezel.

Grand Seiko has a new Birch Bark with an equally new 5 Hz hand wound movement.

And, lastly, the LUC XPS Qualitie Fleurier is very, very pretty.

[the246guy]

Wanted to have my Seamaster AT on a NATO and I found this beautiful strap that suits my wrist. This is a sized a bit smaller than the standard NATO strap length and it a perfect fit for me. Pardon for the crappy images!

[mclaincausey]

Thanks @Graeme !

For whatever reason I think the jubilee bracelet works better with the fluted bezel.

Love the Chopard

[Graeme]

@mclaincausey thanks. The Chopard is probably my favourite piece so far. There hasn't been anything else that's really jumped out at me this year.

I'd agree with you on the Jubilee bracelet and fluted bezels, but the knurling on the GMT's bezel means it fits reasonably well. But if I was getting a Rolex, I'd probably copy @bluemantra and get an Air-King.

[bluemantra]

@Graeme said in Watches - another OCD problem:

@mclaincausey thanks. The Chopard is probably my favourite piece so far. There hasn't been anything else that's really jumped out at me this year.

I'd agree with you on the Jubilee bracelet and fluted bezels, but the knurling on the GMT's bezel means it fits reasonably well. But if I was getting a Rolex, I'd probably copy @bluemantra and get an Air-King.

I was really set on getting an Explorer and when I went in and saw the Air King in person I was just more drawn to it. Especially with the new updates it is such a nice looking watch with a pop of green.

[the246guy]

What do you guys think about the newly announced Rolex and Tudor updates for 2024?

[goosehd]

@the246guy meh...

Edit: the only one that catches my eye is the 1908 model, but I like the Chopard posted above more.

[mclaincausey]

Completely agree the knurls on the bezel help with the jubilee. It is really jarring imo with the smooth bezel on the date just and such

[Graeme]

@bluemantra I liked the previous generation Air-King, but it had a soft iron inner case to protect the movement against magnetism, so it was a bit chunkier and less well balanced than other Rolexes. The new one has lost this, so it's more svelte.

I don't know how it's affected its protection against magnetism, but Rolex sell Master Chronometer rated watches, so I'm hoping that they're doing something.

If I got a Rolex, I'd probably be making a similar decision to you.

@the246guy, I like your new watch strap! The Aqua Terra is nice too.

I've been pretty underwhelmed by the new releases this year in general, and from Rolex and Tudor in particular. I think that the Black Bay 58 GMT is the most interesting piece they've done.

[the246guy]

@Graeme Yes, the Tudor BB 58 GMT looks stunning, especially with the reduced size and dimensions. Will take a closer look at it once they hit the retailers.

[kkibbey23]

Nato looks really good and matches the IH cords

[bluemantra]

Hanhart 417ES

[ddtrash]

@bluemantra really good to see a Hanhart watch on this thread. I have admired them for a good few years now. A company with an interesting history. The painting of the re-set button red on the tachy tele model has become a bit of an icon / trademark for the brand.

From the current collection I think my favourite is the white dial 417ES moby dick. Probably because I have more black dials in my watch collection so I am looking for lighter dial colour pieces currently.