Last post of 2023...
So, shortly after Christmas Day, I'll be kicking back in the waves and mostly ignoring all things internet barring a daily WRUW post.
So here is my last post of the year.
Rather than rabbit on about all the cool very expensive watches I added to the collection (yawn!)...I thought I'd just do half that...no - not the very expensive half...
So here are the coolest watches that most on this list could own that I picked up this past year - modern, vintage and custom (each watch is less or much less than $1,500 all-in).
I'm going to limit them to one per month despite some months having more than one killer watch.
My definition of cool might not be yours, but here goes...
January
Nivada Grenchen x Revolution Watch Depthmaster
"No Barrakuda"
February
1950s Astrolux Chronograph in 18k gold Valjoux 92
March
Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer GMT
April
Wen Bedw (piece unique) from WC's own Gareth @GasWorks via Brian's auctions @Mr.Dee.Bater
May
47Zero Bronze Aqua from @Cormac
June
Knot Raden Sumi Monochrome
(take that "Mr. Wonderful" - just look at that dial!)
July
Bulova Jet Star Limited Edition
Bulova Jet Star 1972
Going to cheat here and list two - picked up the awesome new Jet Star and a 1972 vintage one in the same month - total for both was less than $1k
August
Feynman One Galaxy Aventurine
September
IchiBunz MelOne GMT (piece unqiue) by our own Jerome @Ichibunz for another auction by Brian @Mr.Dee.Bater
October
Aquadive Poseidon
November
Farer Mansfield Arabic
December
Helm Komodo
(this one will be with me in the ocean)
I really like chronographs especially vintage ones.
Great collection! I especially like the Feynman.
Love the Helm. Didn't realize they color matched the Orange Date too! Sharp looking as always.
Get some sun and water on that bad boy, it can take it! 👌🏻
Totally forgot about Knot watches...Excellent share.
No Golden Eagle on this list? OH My
Nice variation! Love that Mido. How do you like the Aquadive? I’ve been intrigued by those for a while now.
Nice variation! Love that Mido. How do you like the Aquadive? I’ve been intrigued by those for a while now.
The Aquadive is great...another great brand from the Synchron Group (they also own Aquastar) which is now owned by Rick Marei who was the brains behind the relaunch of Doxa.
So whether it's a Synchron, Aquadive, Aquastar or Doxa...you're pretty much getting the same level of quality and roughly the same pricing.
I was able to get a sweet deal on this one...they were sold out long ago, but I found one in the UK for 37% off retail...it included full box and papers and was in brand new condition...that's another reason it made the list. It was one of those "Holy Crap! I now have one" moments.
I love these designs and picked all of these up in the past year or so...
And for those of you who love the budget homages, yes I even picked up this one...just to see how close it comes to the originals (answer: not very close at all, but quality consistent with its low price)...
No Golden Eagle on this list? OH My
Didn't meet the criteria...but, you knew that 😉
This year of collecting looks like a great full collection for a lot of folks. It’s no wonder why people would swap full collections with you. Nicely done.
That Nivada with the funky indices and numbers is coolest for me, Great find!
does the Feynman have any connection to the estate of the hilarious and genius American physicist, or it’s a different Feynman?
Have fun, but be careful in the waves my friend. I’ve been pummelled by a few waves in the last few days, and it feels like I’ve been in a prize fight 🤕😂
This year of collecting looks like a great full collection for a lot of folks. It’s no wonder why people would swap full collections with you. Nicely done.
Thanks for the kind words!
IMO your collection is 100% yawn proof! I feel fortunate to have met you and your lovely wife this year and I've been amazed by your collection and knowledge. Hoping our paths cross again and may the New Year continue to bless you and yours!
That Nivada with the funky indices and numbers is coolest for me, Great find!
does the Feynman have any connection to the estate of the hilarious and genius American physicist, or it’s a different Feynman?
Have fun, but be careful in the waves my friend. I’ve been pummelled by a few waves in the last few days, and it feels like I’ve been in a prize fight 🤕😂
Thanks Alan - I am less ambitious than you. For me it's not the North Shore waves, but the little waves in Lagoon 1 by the Four Seasons.
Fenyman is a Singapore microbrand and unlikely to have the physicist connection directly...here is their story:
"Feynman Timekeepers was founded in 2018 by Yong Keong Lim (YK) in Singapore, the word Feynman is derived from the name of YK’s elder son Feynman Lin. Feynman Timekeepers works with a collective of collectors and artisans, who share a common passion for watches. We believe in the art of Mechanical Timekeeping, and work towards sharing our reverence with the world, starting with the communities closest to us."
So maybe he named his son after the famous physicist...all I know is I really dug the watch when CB @AllTheWatches turned me on to the brand...enablers all of you 😉
IMO your collection is 100% yawn proof! I feel fortunate to have met you and your lovely wife this year and I've been amazed by your collection and knowledge. Hoping our paths cross again and may the New Year continue to bless you and yours!
Thanks for the kind words Jack. It was a pleasure meeting your wife and yourself as well. Our wives seem to have hit it off pretty well.
Yes - we need to get together for dinner in the New Year.
I will definitely send you a text. Really...not an "LA" "Let's do lunch" thing 😂
Thanks for the kind words Jack. It was a pleasure meeting your wife and yourself as well. Our wives seem to have hit it off pretty well.
Yes - we need to get together for dinner in the New Year.
I will definitely send you a text. Really...not an "LA" "Let's do lunch" thing 😂
Sounds wonderful! Safe travels in the interim.
That Jet Star is sharp. Bulova really did a good job on that.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love it all!
A roster of all-stars. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Enjoy your time off.
Happy Holidays Mel!! 🍻… Enjoy your time off 🥳
What a splendid collection. I like them all but today the Astrolux took my fancy.
Lovely stuff. That Autodromo Safari is a belter!
Mel has got it all!!!
Thanks Alan - I am less ambitious than you. For me it's not the North Shore waves, but the little waves in Lagoon 1 by the Four Seasons.
Fenyman is a Singapore microbrand and unlikely to have the physicist connection directly...here is their story:
"Feynman Timekeepers was founded in 2018 by Yong Keong Lim (YK) in Singapore, the word Feynman is derived from the name of YK’s elder son Feynman Lin. Feynman Timekeepers works with a collective of collectors and artisans, who share a common passion for watches. We believe in the art of Mechanical Timekeeping, and work towards sharing our reverence with the world, starting with the communities closest to us."
So maybe he named his son after the famous physicist...all I know is I really dug the watch when CB @AllTheWatches turned me on to the brand...enablers all of you 😉
Outstanding collection each day. Remarkable in terms of breath and scope. Always great to see. Always much appreciated your sharing. Thank you.
To all of you a big Bro hug...
May you enjoy family and friends at this special time of the year...
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and may you find much happiness in the New Year!!
Nice year 👍
WOW. Very very nice, lovely and special watches. I don’t know, if I could buy me a watch every month (and wearing them afterwards) but it is very pleasant and entertaining to see yours.
WOW. Very very nice, lovely and special watches. I don’t know, if I could buy me a watch every month (and wearing them afterwards) but it is very pleasant and entertaining to see yours.
Many thanks for the kind words! Hope you are enjoying your holiday season.
Not a watch above that isn't a beauty. But if this was a beauty contest, that Mido Ocean Star would have my vote
Very Cool collection! I like the Mido GMT, looks really stemning 👏