Very interesting read. Cool to see that DC was the one who suggested the NATO for the Spectre 300. Also nice to see that DC has one of the original Dark Side of the Moon Speedy's; i've always loved that watch and probably would've grabbed it had the Spectre LE not come around
Well you wouldn't would you as an omega ambassador! Interesting he likes a blue dial, and a light watch but we never got the blue PO in sf we were told about??
Well you wouldn't would you as an omega ambassador! Interesting he likes a blue dial, and a light watch but we never got the blue PO in sf we were told about??
I was convinced the Blue PO was going to be the Skyfall watch back in the day!!
Wonder if we will see him wear his Darkside - its a big watch
Well you wouldn't would you as an omega ambassador! Interesting he likes a blue dial, and a light watch but we never got the blue PO in SF we were told about??
Yeah they fecked it up back in the day we all guessed wrong at Blue Ti when it was in fact Black/Grey Ti (modified from steel because it was too heavy for fight scenes in PTS). But after all Blue TI would not have gone with his suit
Omega then marketed it as the steel version until busted by Christie's 50th Auction bless them!
Of course later it was Blue face AT in 38mm so smaller and lighter than its PO brother sticking to DC's theme.
Of course once you have worn TI nothing else will do as we know
Still my PO's are in now for their cosmetic surgery should be back in a few weeks!
Cheers :007)
My name is Bond, Basildon Bond - I have letters after my name!
No. It's on the wrong bracelet, the le bracelet doesn't have polished centre links, the Crown on the genuine watch is polished, that doesn't look polished. Where are the missing numbers on the bezel? Other that that it looks good, a little too good!!!
No. It's on the wrong bracelet, the le bracelet doesn't have polished centre links, the Crown on the genuine watch is polished, that doesn't look polished. Where are the missing numbers on the bezel? Other that that it looks good, a little too good!!!
I think the missing numbers are just obscured by reflection
No. It's on the wrong bracelet, the le bracelet doesn't have polished centre links, the Crown on the genuine watch is polished, that doesn't look polished. Where are the missing numbers on the bezel? Other that that it looks good, a little too good!!!
I think the missing numbers are just obscured by reflection
So, Basel showed some new watches - what are everybody's favorites?
Here are my top 3:
1. Grand Seiko Grand Seiko SBGR305
why? Grand Seikos usually are on the very conservative side when it comes to dials and cases. This one has a Lange & Söhne quality case but in hard Titanium and the dial is a bit more contemporary. The movement is top notch and the price of US$ 7100 is a bargain when you compare it - let's say with a Railmaster ($ 5000).
2. NOMOS Club Neomatic
Many of you know, that I am a big fan of the Neomatic movement!!
Nomos has always been on a very puristic minimalistic path but now they updated the Club with the Neomatic movement for EUR 400 less than what they charge for the more elegant watches (such as the Minimatik).
So same movement, modern case with WR 200 m and a bit bold dial for significantly less is a clear winner!
3. Sorry to bore you again with Seiko, but The Seiko Prospex Diver SLA017
A faithful replica of the first Seiko Diver watch 6217 from 1965 with a better movement
It's just gorgeous and puts the SM300 to shame. Limited Edition for US$ 4000. It it would have been 2500, it would be my top 1!
President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
I think Seiko have a brand image problem. No matter how good the movement or the case is, I don't think $7000 for a Seiko is a bargain! Having said that, the Grand Seiko above is a FINE looking watch!
My favourites from Basel this year though have to be the Omega '57 Trilogy! Beautiful looking watches and in a great, vintage size, moving away from today's larger watches.
I remember my first time in Japan where I have seen many high end shops with Seikos at Rolex prices.
I thought that it was insane!
That would be just like the entire Swatch Group (including Omega and Breguet) would stick SWATCH on their dials.
However over the years, I have learnt to appreciate the level of passion and details that go into the Grand Seikos - for example, I adore this dial that "has a glittering diamond-dust effect reminiscent of a winter morning in the Suwa region, a unique composite finish that ensures high-visibility and glistens as it catches the light"
Must say I was a bit disappointed with Basel when it comes to the big Bond brands
Omega - further ugly PO models, the vintage Seamaster (and rest of trilogy) was ok but they had already kind of done that with the Seamaster, therefore typical Omega pushing things up a notch.
Rolex - I kind of think they killed the traditional Seadweller with that chunky case and cyclops. The DSSD was there for this kind of thing. I guess Sea-Dweller sales were declining since the average joe buys a Sub, hence the need to put it on steroids. SS Sky Dwellers was a bit of a surprise and I guess will boost sales for this model which was previously a bit of a ££ niche thing. I see a guy who owns a white gold / white dial version is gutted that a SS lookalike has been unveiled and feels it has killed the magic for him. Not keen on the Daytona on rubber / oyster flex - doesn't seem right.
Love the new Patek Aquanaut "blue dial" but crazy money since white gold. Not sure 42mm is a good idea though.
All in all - there is nothing I want so its good news )
PS - already the discontinuation of the current gen Sea-Dweller (pre Basel) has caused it to sell out at ADs across the UK and I heard is now on eBay for silly money. This was one of the watches that was usually in stock as everybody wanted a Sub instead! Guess its a collectors dream now since the model had a small life! Personally for the anniversary I would have kept it the same as previous but added the red text and the amazing DSSD glide lock system!
Must say I was a bit disappointed with Basel when it comes to the big Bond brands
Omega - further ugly PO models, the vintage Seamaster (and rest of trilogy) was ok but they had already kind of done that with the Seamaster, therefore typical Omega pushing things up a notch.
Rolex - I kind of think they killed the traditional Seadweller with that chunky case and cyclops. The DSSD was there for this kind of thing. I guess Sea-Dweller sales were declining since the average joe buys a Sub, hence the need to put it on steroids. SS Sky Dwellers was a bit of a surprise and I guess will boost sales for this model which was previously a bit of a ££ niche thing. I see a guy who owns a white gold / white dial version is gutted that a SS lookalike has been unveiled and feels it has killed the magic for him. Not keen on the Daytona on rubber / oyster flex - doesn't seem right.
Love the new Patek Aquanaut "blue dial" but crazy money since white gold. Not sure 42mm is a good idea though.
All in all - there is nothing I want so its good news )
PS - already the discontinuation of the current gen Sea-Dweller (pre Basel) has caused it to sell out at ADs across the UK and I heard is now on eBay for silly money. This was one of the watches that was usually in stock as everybody wanted a Sub instead! Guess its a collectors dream now since the model had a small life! Personally for the anniversary I would have kept it the same as previous but added the red text and the amazing DSSD glide lock system!
Mr. Vesper does not really wear watches. He would like one to wear from time to time (maybe three times a year.) He went to school for military history and works in publishing and publishes a good deal of memoirs from WWII. Anyway he is really into WWI and we collect trench art. I found an American WWI military issued watch with a trench protector on the face. I am not sure if this is a terrible idea for a birthday gift. It is not dressy, but the few times he is dressed up it is at military history conventions.
*edit: in WWI watches were not issued but you could buy them for your own use. So this a US WWI privately bought trench watch. From my reading many supplies had to be bought by the person fighting.
I think Seiko have a brand image problem. No matter how good the movement or the case is, I don't think $7000 for a Seiko is a bargain! Having said that, the Grand Seiko above is a FINE looking watch!
My favourites from Basel this year though have to be the Omega '57 Trilogy! Beautiful looking watches and in a great, vintage size, moving away from today's larger watches.
Disappointed in Rolex this year.
That Grand Seiko is a real looker. I'd pay $7k for that before $5k for the awful new Railmaster (the non LE version) any day.
Agree that the '57 trilogy is nice. Also agree that Rolex had a weak showing.
Can I ask watch questions here? I do not want to hijack the thead X-(
Hello VM,
I'll not comment on the "costume" aspect, but please keep in mind that those old watches have old escapement that are not repairable and there are no spare parts.
So buying one of those is a big gamble - aside of the "fashion" aspects. -{
President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
That Grand Seiko is a real looker. I'd pay $7k for that before $5k for the awful new Railmaster (the non LE version) any day.
{[] {[] {[]
Besides that, my impression is, that there is far more handcraft involved with the making of the GS if you compare that to mass-produced watches like Omega and Rolex.
Which would make it even more of a bargain!
I hope to visit the GS workshops on my next visits to the country.
President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Can I ask watch questions here? I do not want to hijack the thead X-(
Hello VM,
I'll not comment on the "costume" aspect, but please keep in mind that those old watches have old escapement that are not repairable and there are no spare parts.
So buying one of those is a big gamble - aside of the "fashion" aspects. -{
In theory could parts be custom made? And please comment on the costume aspect.
VM if Mr VM is into military history I think he will love the watch as a collector piece - very nice if it is in working condition or equally as great if not, if he has an interest in that era. After all someone wore it in WWI that is rather cool none the less.
Cheers :007)
My name is Bond, Basildon Bond - I have letters after my name!
VM if Mr VM is into military history I think he will love the watch as a collector piece - very nice if it is in working condition or equally as great if not, if he has an interest in that era. After all someone wore it in WWI that is rather cool none the less.
Composed of over 150 parts, The Macallan x URWERK Flask has purposeful complexity and intricacy at its heart; combining the beauty of design with genuine utility. Reflecting The Macallan's inherent mastery, intricacy and individuality combined with URWERK’s unconventional design approach and revolutionary engineering, this is a statement of what can be achieved when whisky mastery meets obsessively engineered horology.
A machined aluminium, titanium and stainless steel work of art featuring two titanium tanks, each with a 108ml capacity that allow you to carry two of your favourite Macallan whiskies at once. Winglets create a stand for the flask and cask indicators enable you to track the cask type and age of the whiskies inside.
What I really like is the double-titanium tank. In one tank, you have your expensive favorite drink, if you serve someone else, you flip the button and empty the tank with the cheap stuff ) )
Composed of over 150 parts, The Macallan x URWERK Flask has purposeful complexity and intricacy at its heart; combining the beauty of design with genuine utility. Reflecting The Macallan's inherent mastery, intricacy and individuality combined with URWERK’s unconventional design approach and revolutionary engineering, this is a statement of what can be achieved when whisky mastery meets obsessively engineered horology.
A machined aluminium, titanium and stainless steel work of art featuring two titanium tanks, each with a 108ml capacity that allow you to carry two of your favourite Macallan whiskies at once. Winglets create a stand for the flask and cask indicators enable you to track the cask type and age of the whiskies inside.
What I really like is the double-titanium tank. In one tank, you have your expensive favorite drink, if you serve someone else, you flip the button and empty the tank with the cheap stuff ) )
Comments
Very interesting read. Cool to see that DC was the one who suggested the NATO for the Spectre 300. Also nice to see that DC has one of the original Dark Side of the Moon Speedy's; i've always loved that watch and probably would've grabbed it had the Spectre LE not come around
Guess he doesnt want to rock the boat!
I was convinced the Blue PO was going to be the Skyfall watch back in the day!!
Wonder if we will see him wear his Darkside - its a big watch
Omega then marketed it as the steel version until busted by Christie's 50th Auction bless them!
Of course later it was Blue face AT in 38mm so smaller and lighter than its PO brother sticking to DC's theme.
Of course once you have worn TI nothing else will do as we know
Still my PO's are in now for their cosmetic surgery should be back in a few weeks!
Cheers :007)
Does this look real to you watch experts?
I think the missing numbers are just obscured by reflection
Here are my top 3:
1. Grand Seiko Grand Seiko SBGR305
why? Grand Seikos usually are on the very conservative side when it comes to dials and cases. This one has a Lange & Söhne quality case but in hard Titanium and the dial is a bit more contemporary. The movement is top notch and the price of US$ 7100 is a bargain when you compare it - let's say with a Railmaster ($ 5000).
2. NOMOS Club Neomatic
Many of you know, that I am a big fan of the Neomatic movement!!
Nomos has always been on a very puristic minimalistic path but now they updated the Club with the Neomatic movement for EUR 400 less than what they charge for the more elegant watches (such as the Minimatik).
So same movement, modern case with WR 200 m and a bit bold dial for significantly less is a clear winner!
3. Sorry to bore you again with Seiko, but The Seiko Prospex Diver SLA017
A faithful replica of the first Seiko Diver watch 6217 from 1965 with a better movement
It's just gorgeous and puts the SM300 to shame. Limited Edition for US$ 4000. It it would have been 2500, it would be my top 1!
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
My favourites from Basel this year though have to be the Omega '57 Trilogy! Beautiful looking watches and in a great, vintage size, moving away from today's larger watches.
Disappointed in Rolex this year.
No doubt about that!
I remember my first time in Japan where I have seen many high end shops with Seikos at Rolex prices.
I thought that it was insane!
That would be just like the entire Swatch Group (including Omega and Breguet) would stick SWATCH on their dials.
However over the years, I have learnt to appreciate the level of passion and details that go into the Grand Seikos - for example, I adore this dial that "has a glittering diamond-dust effect reminiscent of a winter morning in the Suwa region, a unique composite finish that ensures high-visibility and glistens as it catches the light"
full review of this particular watch:
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-grand-seiko-spring-drive-8-day-power-reserve-a-rare-example-of-japanese-haute-horology-from-the-famed-micro-artist-studio
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Must say I was a bit disappointed with Basel when it comes to the big Bond brands
Omega - further ugly PO models, the vintage Seamaster (and rest of trilogy) was ok but they had already kind of done that with the Seamaster, therefore typical Omega pushing things up a notch.
Rolex - I kind of think they killed the traditional Seadweller with that chunky case and cyclops. The DSSD was there for this kind of thing. I guess Sea-Dweller sales were declining since the average joe buys a Sub, hence the need to put it on steroids. SS Sky Dwellers was a bit of a surprise and I guess will boost sales for this model which was previously a bit of a ££ niche thing. I see a guy who owns a white gold / white dial version is gutted that a SS lookalike has been unveiled and feels it has killed the magic for him. Not keen on the Daytona on rubber / oyster flex - doesn't seem right.
Love the new Patek Aquanaut "blue dial" but crazy money since white gold. Not sure 42mm is a good idea though.
All in all - there is nothing I want so its good news
PS - already the discontinuation of the current gen Sea-Dweller (pre Basel) has caused it to sell out at ADs across the UK and I heard is now on eBay for silly money. This was one of the watches that was usually in stock as everybody wanted a Sub instead! Guess its a collectors dream now since the model had a small life! Personally for the anniversary I would have kept it the same as previous but added the red text and the amazing DSSD glide lock system!
Not a fan of big blue?
*edit: in WWI watches were not issued but you could buy them for your own use. So this a US WWI privately bought trench watch. From my reading many supplies had to be bought by the person fighting.
That Grand Seiko is a real looker. I'd pay $7k for that before $5k for the awful new Railmaster (the non LE version) any day.
Agree that the '57 trilogy is nice. Also agree that Rolex had a weak showing.
Hello VM,
I'll not comment on the "costume" aspect, but please keep in mind that those old watches have old escapement that are not repairable and there are no spare parts.
So buying one of those is a big gamble - aside of the "fashion" aspects. -{
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
{[] {[] {[]
Besides that, my impression is, that there is far more handcraft involved with the making of the GS if you compare that to mass-produced watches like Omega and Rolex.
Which would make it even more of a bargain!
I hope to visit the GS workshops on my next visits to the country.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
https://www.doughboywatchco.com/
Not that I know. Keep in mind that "serviced" of those old watches often means that old and worn out parts are made moving again - not more or less.
As for the "costume part", I meant - if your husband enjoys dressing up in uniforms of that age, such a watch may be a good idea.
Anything else is highly individual - I would not enjoy wearing one of those with a shirt or a suit - but that's just my opinion.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Cheers :007)
Urwerk Flask:
Composed of over 150 parts, The Macallan x URWERK Flask has purposeful complexity and intricacy at its heart; combining the beauty of design with genuine utility. Reflecting The Macallan's inherent mastery, intricacy and individuality combined with URWERK’s unconventional design approach and revolutionary engineering, this is a statement of what can be achieved when whisky mastery meets obsessively engineered horology.
A machined aluminium, titanium and stainless steel work of art featuring two titanium tanks, each with a 108ml capacity that allow you to carry two of your favourite Macallan whiskies at once. Winglets create a stand for the flask and cask indicators enable you to track the cask type and age of the whiskies inside.
What I really like is the double-titanium tank. In one tank, you have your expensive favorite drink, if you serve someone else, you flip the button and empty the tank with the cheap stuff
It's worth to watch the video (the engineer's grin when he explains the tank-switch is priceless!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-xWs8ARZO0
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
I like that, I like it a lot {[]
...until you see the price tag.