New member introduction

[Toshi]

Hi

I thought it was about time I posted an introduction here, although some of you may know me already from other watch forums or elsewhere. I'm more of a watch enthusiast than a motor enthusiast I have to admit, but I was told that although this is Pistonheads that shouldn't be too much of a problem (and I hope I was given good advice ).


Anyway, I'm in my mid 40's, married (for 13 years this September), and work in sales. I've been interested in watches ever since I was 12 years old, and over the past 3 years or so the interest has seemed like an obsession at times - so much so that I find it almost impossible to wear the same watch for more than a day at a time. Fortunately I have an understanding wife


Ok, that's the boring intro done with. I suppose some photos of a few of my watches would be a good idea? So here are a few of my favourites at the moment....

[Toshi]

Thanks for the warm welcome, guys. It's good to be here

Looking forward to joining in with some debates and generally talking watches.




One thing though, I don't want my posts to be seen as promoting my straps, so please email me through my website if you have any questions about them & I'll reply to you that way - thanks

[Toshi]

dutchgray said:

And another watch, you should recognise this one...

Sure do. I'm glad you're enjoying it

[Toshi]

lowdrag said:

Seems to me that not only have you a superb taste in watches (Anonimo is an itch I haven't scratched yet since Pesty started posting photos of his) but you ain't exactly lacking in the photography department. A lovely collection and superbly presented sir.

Edit: there's a Marine Master for sale second hand at the moment too. Oh why do you all do this to me - sigh. That Spring Drive mechanism is to die for.

Thanks for the kind words

Note to self: Only been here a day and already being blamed for temptation LOL

PS - The Marinemaster 300 doesn't have a spring drive movement - it's a standard auto (actually it's an un-decorated Grand Seiko movement )

[Toshi]

baptistsan said:

I love the Marinemaster. More pics of that one please.

Now how much is one of those going to set me back

You asked for some more pics.... how can I refuse









They're not available in the UK directly, so you'd need to import one from the far East. Current list is 250,000 Yen (around £1650), but if you shop around you should get one around £1200. I know some will think that's a lot for a Seiko (mainly because Seiko promote themselves as a cheaper watch brand in Europe), but they are wonderful watches and well worth the money IMO

[Toshi]

Spice_Weasel said:

Hi Rich, and welcome!

Thanks Alastair

[Toshi]

dustybottoms said:

Hi Toshi and welcome!

I have admired your watch straps for some time now having seen them on Pistonheads and TZ-UK, lovely items all of them.

I would be interested to know how you got in to your craft, were you a saddlemaker or did you learn your trade some other way?

Regards,

Dustybottoms

No, never a saddlemaker, but always a WIS with big wrists

I like leather straps on certain watches, but because I have 8" wrists most pre-made straps were too small (and quality wasn't always as good as I liked). I'd bought straps from a few strap makers in the US, but at £100 - £170 per strap it was getting quite expensive.

Two years ago I decided I needed a holiday after a particularly stressful period at work, but my wife had no days left to take, so I was trying to decide what to do on my own with the week off work I'd booked. I didn't want to stay at home (she'd have me doing all the DIY I'd been putting off if I did) so was thinking about a weeks diving in Dahab. I can't remember why I thought of it, but I did an internet search for a leatherwork course and got talking to a master saddlemaker "up north" who agreed to teach me the basics. I signed up for the week and loved it. Came away with three straps I'd made myself (and thouhght they were very good - but looking back now they weren't LOL)

When I got home a couple of mates liked the straps and asked me to make some for them, and it went from there really. They told their friends etc. Last spring I decided that I was spending too much time answering emails and PMs about my straps and I should put up a website so that people wouldn't need to ask me so many questions (not that I mind answering questions, but it's so much easier if people can see the leathers / buckles / thread colouyrs I have without asking me to send pictures), and spent 4 months building the site from scratch (which was tough for someone with no knowledge of html or java).

So although it's still a hobby I work around my day job I'm busier now than I was before, but it's nice to hear that people like my straps

[Toshi]

Dr G said:

Hi Rich, lovely collection you've got there!

I'm looking to buy my first 'proper' automatic and the Sinn 857/tan strap in your gallery is a very pretty thing.

Do you know where in the UK one can be obtained from without bending over? Your strap certainly transforms it from the standard black.

As far as I know there are only 2 official Sinn ADs in the UK. Chronomaster and (recently) Jura Watches. Sinn's prices have gone up a little over the last 12 months (due I expect to the changes in GBP v Euro), but I would imagine you'll be able to negotiate a little off the list price with either of these.

Good luck, it's a lovely watch

[Toshi]

GTIR said:

Hi.

I have only just started getting into watches (rc helicopters are too expensive) over the last month and I have heard of you! Your reputation proceeds you.

Surprised your a 40's bloke based in England mind



Eta: where does the name Toshi originate from?

Edited by GTIR on Thursday 27th August 20:45

That's funny - a lot of people expect me to be Japanese with a name like Toshi, but it's a nickname that I've had since the age of 3 or 4 (well, actually it was "Tosh", but when I met my wife 15 years ago it became "Toshi" - she is Japanese)

Oh, and regarding your comment that you've only just started getting into watches...... it's not too late to back away, you know

[Toshi]

Don1 said:

Toshi, do you do expanders with any of your straps? Ta!

Not quite sure I understand you. Expanders?

The straps are hand made, so I can make them as long as required

[Toshi]

Don1 - No, I'm afraid I don't stock deployants. My straps tend to be too thick for most, although I have made straps for the Sinn U-Series deployant before, so some do fit

GTIR - I'm afraid I don't know of anyone in your area, no. Might be worth contacting some local saddlers to see if they can help?