Keeper. Regret. Future. What are yours?
Discussion
Keeperr: Rolex GMTII.
Used to hate Rolex - overpriced, boring, cheap bracelet, hype etc etc. Then they redesigned the bracelet and clasp, polished the 'turd' and gave it a bit of 'heft'. Held one and the cynism washed away - it felt quality. Got one wincing at the price but knew Rolex play price increasing better than anyone. Wearing jeans? Fine. Suit? Fine. Beach? Fine. DJ? Fine. Its the watch for every occassion. Also as the world went blingy it maintains discretion. Love it
Regret: Maurice Lacroix Pontos Rectangulare.
Bought for $3000, sold for $1500 3 years later. Flimsy selectors, grating winder, all 'brand' and no substance. Why buy it? Well I wanted a square dial that wasn't a Monaco, thought it looked nice and at the hour glass in Singapore surrounded by proper watches I was easily mistaken. Wife thought it was nice and liked it better than the Planet Ocean (with the orange dial) I should have bought.
Future: Dornbluth (model tbc).
Sometime in next 3 years one will be mine. Made to spec, old school made in a small house - perfect. Will be kept
forever and inherited by Son when that happens. Something to cherish and would never engrave anything but as I won't care about values its getting an inscription on the movement. The perfect 'just because I want one' watch
Used to hate Rolex - overpriced, boring, cheap bracelet, hype etc etc. Then they redesigned the bracelet and clasp, polished the 'turd' and gave it a bit of 'heft'. Held one and the cynism washed away - it felt quality. Got one wincing at the price but knew Rolex play price increasing better than anyone. Wearing jeans? Fine. Suit? Fine. Beach? Fine. DJ? Fine. Its the watch for every occassion. Also as the world went blingy it maintains discretion. Love it
Regret: Maurice Lacroix Pontos Rectangulare.
Bought for $3000, sold for $1500 3 years later. Flimsy selectors, grating winder, all 'brand' and no substance. Why buy it? Well I wanted a square dial that wasn't a Monaco, thought it looked nice and at the hour glass in Singapore surrounded by proper watches I was easily mistaken. Wife thought it was nice and liked it better than the Planet Ocean (with the orange dial) I should have bought.
Future: Dornbluth (model tbc).
Sometime in next 3 years one will be mine. Made to spec, old school made in a small house - perfect. Will be kept
forever and inherited by Son when that happens. Something to cherish and would never engrave anything but as I won't care about values its getting an inscription on the movement. The perfect 'just because I want one' watch
My Rolex sub is a keeper (and promised to my son)
Regret (fortunately not expensive) is my Botta Uno 24. I just can't read the dial without squinting!
Your future purchase is interesting.
I have just emailed Dornbluth for a brochure and price list. They get exceptionally good write-up's on this forum (and others) but have you ever seen one in the metal?
Regret (fortunately not expensive) is my Botta Uno 24. I just can't read the dial without squinting!
Your future purchase is interesting.
I have just emailed Dornbluth for a brochure and price list. They get exceptionally good write-up's on this forum (and others) but have you ever seen one in the metal?
Edited by Fatrat on Tuesday 12th November 09:20
Keeper - Rolex Explorer II 39mm
Like you I wasn't sold on Rolex. I tried this one on a whim one lunch time and ended up walking out with it there and then. The biggest impulse buy of my life.
Regret - Fila Sport & Omega Chronostop
The first one was handed to me by my older cousin. A bit of a womaniser he couldn't think of a decent resaon for having it when his main woman asked him where he got it from so said he had borrowed it from me. It was then "returned" to me. Loved it. Fast forward a good 5 years or so and my then girlfriend's little brother took a fancy to it so I let him have the watch. You'd think when me and his sister broke up he'd have the decency to return it lol.
Omega Chronostop. Lovely watch but the lack of date means it rarely gets worn. I've said it many times but I really need to shift it on.
Future - Rolex Date Just, Day Date or Yachtmaster (white)
At some point in the near future I'd like to own a DJ or YM. If my numbers come up then it'll be a gold DD. Since buying the Exp II I've become a bit of a Rolex fanboy it has to be said. They just seem to suit me and although I can afford them and have no intention of selling them its nice at the moment to know if s
t hits the fan I can get most if not all of my money back fairly quickly.
Like you I wasn't sold on Rolex. I tried this one on a whim one lunch time and ended up walking out with it there and then. The biggest impulse buy of my life.
Regret - Fila Sport & Omega Chronostop
The first one was handed to me by my older cousin. A bit of a womaniser he couldn't think of a decent resaon for having it when his main woman asked him where he got it from so said he had borrowed it from me. It was then "returned" to me. Loved it. Fast forward a good 5 years or so and my then girlfriend's little brother took a fancy to it so I let him have the watch. You'd think when me and his sister broke up he'd have the decency to return it lol.
Omega Chronostop. Lovely watch but the lack of date means it rarely gets worn. I've said it many times but I really need to shift it on.
Future - Rolex Date Just, Day Date or Yachtmaster (white)
At some point in the near future I'd like to own a DJ or YM. If my numbers come up then it'll be a gold DD. Since buying the Exp II I've become a bit of a Rolex fanboy it has to be said. They just seem to suit me and although I can afford them and have no intention of selling them its nice at the moment to know if s
t hits the fan I can get most if not all of my money back fairly quickly. Nice thread! Keeper; Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Chronograph. Classy, rugged and very good at what it does; 300m WR, flyback, pushers used at full depth rating. And that sapphire bezel 
Regret; Zenith Stratos Striking 10th. Too big, not really in any category, lost a bundle. What a movement though!
Future; Patek Nautilis chrono. Bought an AP ROO to see if I like Genta watches and I love it. It'll be upgraded to a Nautilis as soon as funds permit, I regard it as the pinnacle of Genta's design philosophy.
Regret; Zenith Stratos Striking 10th. Too big, not really in any category, lost a bundle. What a movement though!
Future; Patek Nautilis chrono. Bought an AP ROO to see if I like Genta watches and I love it. It'll be upgraded to a Nautilis as soon as funds permit, I regard it as the pinnacle of Genta's design philosophy.
Keeper : Breitling Cosmonaute 809 - The watch that spurred my interest in 'expensive' (for want of a better word) watches.
Regret : A few I probably won't keep for ever, but only watch I regret buying is a Vostok Scuba watch - Whilst some seem to love these, the quality is, to me, horrible, even at the sub £50 I paid.
Future : I'm waiting to see what the Timefactors Dreadnought GMT will cost, but I've nothing on my 'must own' list.
There are a few watches I like and would probably buy at the 'right' price, but nothing I'm desperate to own.
If I won the lottery, though, I'd have a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, although I don't want one enough to spend that much money on my current means.
M.
Regret : A few I probably won't keep for ever, but only watch I regret buying is a Vostok Scuba watch - Whilst some seem to love these, the quality is, to me, horrible, even at the sub £50 I paid.
Future : I'm waiting to see what the Timefactors Dreadnought GMT will cost, but I've nothing on my 'must own' list.
There are a few watches I like and would probably buy at the 'right' price, but nothing I'm desperate to own.
If I won the lottery, though, I'd have a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, although I don't want one enough to spend that much money on my current means.
M.
Edited by marcosgt on Tuesday 12th November 10:03
Keeper: Sinn 356 with a copper dial on brown leather - I can't see myself ever getting bored of the colour and light reflections !
Regret: Tag Aquaracer. Impulse purchase online after quite a lot of wine. Took a hit on the resale once I realised what I bought
Future: Rolex Daytone with a white dial. Have to wait a while as new house and baby on the way!
Regret: Tag Aquaracer. Impulse purchase online after quite a lot of wine. Took a hit on the resale once I realised what I bought
Future: Rolex Daytone with a white dial. Have to wait a while as new house and baby on the way!
Great thread Pommygranite!
I'm very fortunate to be exposed to some very nice pieces on a regular basis. I was a collector before I was a dealer, and collect with the same enthusiasm as most of you.
Here's mine.
Keeper- Easy. An IWC Doppelchronograph ref IW371301 in steel on a dark brown croc strap. To me the detail, proportions, feel of this watch are perfect.
Regret- Again, another easy choice. A Panerai Radiomir PAM 190 with 'Reserve de Marche' on the reverse. A beautiful watch and perfect on a champagne calf OP strap. I casually sold it to a friend, and didn't realise what I had until it was gone.
Future- The Lange & Sohne Datagraph in rose gold, owned by 'Lowndes' and 'Chis5150' of these parts, is now firmly an object of desire.
A very pretty face...
But the back, my word!
A very late addition, for something very left field is the HYT H1 Azo Project.
I'm very fortunate to be exposed to some very nice pieces on a regular basis. I was a collector before I was a dealer, and collect with the same enthusiasm as most of you.
Here's mine.
Keeper- Easy. An IWC Doppelchronograph ref IW371301 in steel on a dark brown croc strap. To me the detail, proportions, feel of this watch are perfect.
Regret- Again, another easy choice. A Panerai Radiomir PAM 190 with 'Reserve de Marche' on the reverse. A beautiful watch and perfect on a champagne calf OP strap. I casually sold it to a friend, and didn't realise what I had until it was gone.
Future- The Lange & Sohne Datagraph in rose gold, owned by 'Lowndes' and 'Chis5150' of these parts, is now firmly an object of desire.
A very pretty face...
But the back, my word!
A very late addition, for something very left field is the HYT H1 Azo Project.
Keeper: Breitling B-1, tough as old nails and does absolutely everything brilliantly well. Being quartz it won't please everyone but as an watch and an instrument it's tough to beat.
Regret/s: Some of the cheapie but nonetheless interesting Accurists, Citizen's and Seiko's I've picked up over the years - I've just too many now and will be selling quite a few in the New Year.
Future: A mechanical complication - either a Rattrapante or a Date complication, and in a formal dress format rather than a sports type.
Regret/s: Some of the cheapie but nonetheless interesting Accurists, Citizen's and Seiko's I've picked up over the years - I've just too many now and will be selling quite a few in the New Year.
Future: A mechanical complication - either a Rattrapante or a Date complication, and in a formal dress format rather than a sports type.
Definate keepers - 1972 Red Sub, 1999 Sea Dweller, Dornbluth 99.1, Autavia Diver 100 and Olive Green PVD Autavia.
Regrets - Most of the watches I've sold, I've regretted doing so, but purchases I've regretted in the main are generally from the micro-brands - Ocean 7, Benarus etc.
The future - GO PanoReserve, Lange & Sohne Up/Down, or if I win the lottery a JCL Duometre Chronograph are all on the dream list.
Regrets - Most of the watches I've sold, I've regretted doing so, but purchases I've regretted in the main are generally from the micro-brands - Ocean 7, Benarus etc.
The future - GO PanoReserve, Lange & Sohne Up/Down, or if I win the lottery a JCL Duometre Chronograph are all on the dream list.
Great thread!
Keeper:
16610 Sub (2010 Rehaut): (though having been very upset by selling off watches in the past, I think that all of my collection will be keepers from now on!) Would definitely never sell my JLC Master Date, either.
Regret:
Oyster Quartz 17013. At the time I thought it was too small, too noisy, and because of the gold: too lairy. I now miss it and want it back! I also miss my 16200 DJ- s/s with a simple pain white dial. Went with everything and was my first 'proper' watch.
Future:
JLC Reverso Grande Date in steel.
Keeper:
16610 Sub (2010 Rehaut): (though having been very upset by selling off watches in the past, I think that all of my collection will be keepers from now on!) Would definitely never sell my JLC Master Date, either.
Regret:
Oyster Quartz 17013. At the time I thought it was too small, too noisy, and because of the gold: too lairy. I now miss it and want it back! I also miss my 16200 DJ- s/s with a simple pain white dial. Went with everything and was my first 'proper' watch.
Future:
JLC Reverso Grande Date in steel.
hilly10 said:
My Sub is a keeper and promised to my grandson.
I regret selling my Planet Ocean
Dom can i keep your A. LANGE I will not wear it I just want to stare at it forever. What workmanship. One day,One day
It's a stunning watch Paul, but it's not mine. Two fine chaps on here have them, and one day I hope to join them...... Maybe.I regret selling my Planet Ocean
Dom can i keep your A. LANGE I will not wear it I just want to stare at it forever. What workmanship. One day,One day
Keeper(s) would be both my Gs; the GW3000 has been "personalised" so much to the extent I don't care if it gets knocked about any more and my 5610 is the perfect gym/sports watch. I doubt my Sinn will be going anywhere either.
Regrets would be, with the exception of my Gs, everything else I've bought new. Not so much because of the watches themselves, more because of the financial hit when passing them on.
Future, I'm almost sure about, will be a Tudor and something with a home-grown movement in it.
Regrets would be, with the exception of my Gs, everything else I've bought new. Not so much because of the watches themselves, more because of the financial hit when passing them on.
Future, I'm almost sure about, will be a Tudor and something with a home-grown movement in it.
Dominic H said:
Future- The Lange & Sohne Datagraph in rose gold, owned by 'Lowndes' and 'Chis5150' of these parts, is now firmly an object of desire.
A very pretty face...
But the back, my word!
A very late addition, for something very left field is the HYT H1 Azo Project.
My word, I'd be tempted to wear the Lange & Sohne with the back facing outwards! Who cares what the time is when you can look at that artwork all day!A very pretty face...
But the back, my word!
A very late addition, for something very left field is the HYT H1 Azo Project.
I also have a fancy for the HYT as well
As for me, I think my Keeper would be my Sinn 556, I love it, it's rarely off my wrist when I'm at home, much to the detriment of the rest of the collection.
Regret, I don't really regret any of my purchases the closest I get is probably my TAG Heuer F1, I'd always wanted a TAG (since before I really got into watches in fact) and I was chuffed when I bought it, but I don't wear it too often, and there's just something about it that I'm not as keen on as I was, more of a disappointment than a regret.
Future, it has to be a Dornbluth, I'm not sure which model yet, I've been obsessively pouring over the brochure since I ordered it last year, but so far, adequate funds are not forthcoming
Keeper: My Rolex Seadweller - The ideal tool watch and can be worn with anything.
Regret: IWC Spitfire Chrono (42mm) - I regret buying this. Had to be sent back twice in the first two years with faults and I really wanted a black and red pilot (out of stock where I bought) and got over excited with cash burning a hole in my pocket. Soon to be sold and I am pretty sure that I won't miss it, which I am sure most of you won't agree with. We just never bonded.
Future: Really liking the Tudor Heritage range at the moment and really fancy a Black Bay after handling one in Dubai airport yesterday. Either that or a Zenith Striking 10th or a Zenith Chrono to replace the Spitfire, with the 36,000bph movement.
Regret: IWC Spitfire Chrono (42mm) - I regret buying this. Had to be sent back twice in the first two years with faults and I really wanted a black and red pilot (out of stock where I bought) and got over excited with cash burning a hole in my pocket. Soon to be sold and I am pretty sure that I won't miss it, which I am sure most of you won't agree with. We just never bonded.
Future: Really liking the Tudor Heritage range at the moment and really fancy a Black Bay after handling one in Dubai airport yesterday. Either that or a Zenith Striking 10th or a Zenith Chrono to replace the Spitfire, with the 36,000bph movement.
Keepers: my Rolex GMT Master which I shall give to my son when he's old enough (currently 4). Unlike Dom, above, I just love my IWC Spitfire Chrono. It's currently on a black croc strap and looks suitably dressy but is often on a brown leather Big Pilot style strap. Finally, my Omega SMP. I sometimes think it's all the watch I'd ever need: smart on the bracelet and tool-ish on the blue rubber. I've worn it diving, skiing and countless other things. It's the default holiday watch for me.
Regrets: Oris Miles Tonneau Day Date. I just never wear it though my wife does occasionally. Glycine Lagunare 3000 Ltd Edition. I wanted a large watch, discounted a Bell & Ross BR01 and bought the Glycine as it was a limited edition of 300 thinking it may be collectible (and hence more valuable) in the future. At 46mm it's just too big and lives in the safe.
Future: I'd love a birth year Omega (Seamaster or Geneve), a Tudor Pelagos, a 42mm Rolex Explorer II, a JLC AMVOX. If my 6 numbers come up then APROO (tried one at Watchfinder at the TZ-UK event), a PP Nautilus, quite a few from Lange und Sohne, like others have said, the JLC Duometre is just sublime. Finally, the Harrods Richard Mille brand manager let me try his Richard Mille at last week's Salon QP. That would be my Euro-millions win daily sports watch.
Just thought, is it only one per category? Have I gone overboard? I could never get down to just one watch...
Regrets: Oris Miles Tonneau Day Date. I just never wear it though my wife does occasionally. Glycine Lagunare 3000 Ltd Edition. I wanted a large watch, discounted a Bell & Ross BR01 and bought the Glycine as it was a limited edition of 300 thinking it may be collectible (and hence more valuable) in the future. At 46mm it's just too big and lives in the safe.
Future: I'd love a birth year Omega (Seamaster or Geneve), a Tudor Pelagos, a 42mm Rolex Explorer II, a JLC AMVOX. If my 6 numbers come up then APROO (tried one at Watchfinder at the TZ-UK event), a PP Nautilus, quite a few from Lange und Sohne, like others have said, the JLC Duometre is just sublime. Finally, the Harrods Richard Mille brand manager let me try his Richard Mille at last week's Salon QP. That would be my Euro-millions win daily sports watch.
Just thought, is it only one per category? Have I gone overboard? I could never get down to just one watch...
Keeper; IWC Doppelchronograph on a bracelet. recently had it serviced and refurbed andnot got around to wearing it again as it's so bloody lovely now that it's dent free.
regret
part 1; sold - p/x my pepsi when i bought the SS daytona. only thought i needed one black faced SS sports Rolex at the time; i was wrong. miss it so much and keep nearly buying again but get distracted by something else.
part 2; bought - probably a limited edition Corum Black Hull. 1 of 15, and bought after Panerai in Florence arsed me about over an all black watch. nice enough but really didn't need it and going forward don't really want it.
future - couple of premium watchmakers that i've yet to embrace, VC, PP and JLC. probably go for a sports rather than classic as that is more my style. Dornbluth catalogue still sat in my draw quietly calling my name!
regret
part 1; sold - p/x my pepsi when i bought the SS daytona. only thought i needed one black faced SS sports Rolex at the time; i was wrong. miss it so much and keep nearly buying again but get distracted by something else.
part 2; bought - probably a limited edition Corum Black Hull. 1 of 15, and bought after Panerai in Florence arsed me about over an all black watch. nice enough but really didn't need it and going forward don't really want it.
future - couple of premium watchmakers that i've yet to embrace, VC, PP and JLC. probably go for a sports rather than classic as that is more my style. Dornbluth catalogue still sat in my draw quietly calling my name!
westberks said:
which is the beauty of watches; one mans meat and all that! all power to the Casio 
It's probably also a, positive, reflection of the Casio's accessibility. They're cheap enough that you could buy one anytime. Having the disposable funds for a Rolex, Breitling or the like isn't an everyday occurrence for many of us.
M.
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