WatchPro Salon 2023
Had great fun yesterday at WatchPro Salon in London. Another opportunity to meet up with some old/new friends, see some watches at a posh venue (the Londoner Hotel). Here’s some of my personal highlights:
This gilt dial Rolex 5508 circa 1958 presented by Watches of Knightsbridge auction house. Even though the Submariner design has hardlly changed over the years, the size of this was more akin to a Tudor BB54. The tropical patina starting to develop around 4 and 8 o’clock was stunning to see. Under a loupe, you could see lume plots had started show almost ‘burnt’ edges. Definitely my favourite thing at the show. It also gave me the opportunity to meet Christopher of the Bexsonn blog - definitely worth checking out.
Here’s two watches by Duckworth Prestex to celebrate their upcoming centenary. They’re re-issues from their archives. Modestly priced (quartz) but it was that ‘7’ numeral that really caught my eye.
I’m sure a few of you are familiar with the Swiss Railroad clock design as used by Mondaine, but I saw a rather cool steel travel alarm clock with nifty flipping mechanism. Much to my annoyance, I didn’t take a photo of it (too busy flipping it back and forth - it’s SO satisfying!). It’d make a great desk clock - here’s a photo from Amazon….
I’d seen this Meraud Antiqua before, with its re-puposed (and re-finished) vintage Landeron movement. It’s so well done (if a little big for me personally). They also previewed their upcoming Bonaire dive watch update. Alas I was asked not to post on social media. So I won’t. Sign up to their website if you are interested.
Other than brands displaying their wares and novelties, eBay were there promoting their Authenticated service. Got to take part in a raffle for a few watches and other goodies (I didn’t win). Which is not to say I walked away empty handed from the day - a variety of brands/companies will offer tote/goodie bags with a variety of items such as watch rolls, microfibre cloths, catalogues, pens, watch trays etc
Another of the ones I’ll file under ‘educational’ is learning of the existence of watch shops/dealers that I never knew existed. Like Bloombar (based in Marylebone - one of the most underrated places to visit in London imo). Got to try on this 2021 JLC Reverso Tribute. Even though they didn’t have what I wanted to see, I was invited just to drop by for drinks and just ‘chat watches’. It was a good first impression, for me.
There’s plenty more I’ve not mentioned but are no less noteworthy or interesting. The main attraction is always just to be around fellow enthusiasts and to see the community coming together to celebrate their passion. Hope to see you all at the next one
Really into watches and photography. Come say Hi on here or IG: chunghauphoto
A great post, youve captured some lovely watches, certainly some grails there for a lot of us collectors, I'm sat here drooling over that sub, in fact all the watches you've photographed. Thankyou for sharing your day.
Love the Duckworth Prestex ones! Great numerals!
A great post, youve captured some lovely watches, certainly some grails there for a lot of us collectors, I'm sat here drooling over that sub, in fact all the watches you've photographed. Thankyou for sharing your day.
You’re welcome. It was certainly a privilege to able to see them for sure
Great writing Chung. Seems to have been a great day. Excellent photos as always. That Sub looks fantastic. Patina at it’s best. That loupe of yours have really been around.
The Meraud looks great!
Great writing Chung. Seems to have been a great day. Excellent photos as always. That Sub looks fantastic. Patina at it’s best. That loupe of yours have really been around.
Thanks Per. It’s so difficult to get decent pictures in places like this. Poor lighting and you only get a few seconds to get a photo plus I try to be engaged with people or be ‘in the moment’ of the itself. The loupe is essential especially with my poor eyesight!
The Meraud looks great!
It was. Great attention to details and the re-finished movement was beautiful
Thanks Per. It’s so difficult to get decent pictures in places like this. Poor lighting and you only get a few seconds to get a photo plus I try to be engaged with people or be ‘in the moment’ of the itself. The loupe is essential especially with my poor eyesight!
Like being on a vacation in charge of the photo documentation. You experience the trip back home exiting.
Like being on a vacation in charge of the photo documentation. You experience the trip back home exiting.
I find the funny part, is that - we’re the ones taking the photos - we’re not in any of them. It’s almost like we didn’t go or exist 😂
See you there!
Don’t forget there’s plenty of meetups in the meantime….!
I always seem to miss these shows when they are on my doorstep! 😭
Do we have a directory anywhere of shows in different countries (UK for me)?
I always seem to miss these shows when they are on my doorstep! 😭
Do we have a directory anywhere of shows in different countries (UK for me)?
The Meetups section? Its was on there for a few months. Unfortunately I don’t think you can filter by country. Your best bet is to probably ‘follow’ or tick ‘interested’ in attendance.
@hamishfrob regularly has meetups/boutique/workshop visits as part of his Watch Collectors’ Club. A few of us are meeting up at Xmas. And fair warning for next year’s British Watchmaker’s Day!
The Meetups section? Its was on there for a few months. Unfortunately I don’t think you can filter by country. Your best bet is to probably ‘follow’ or tick ‘interested’ in attendance.
@hamishfrob regularly has meetups/boutique/workshop visits as part of his Watch Collectors’ Club. A few of us are meeting up at Xmas. And fair warning for next year’s British Watchmaker’s Day!
I didn't even know there was a meetups section, so thanks for that! 👍
I didn't even know there was a meetups section, so thanks for that! 👍
You’re welcome. Hopefully we’ll see you at the next one!
Hey mate, it was a great day out. I particularly liked having you as my personal tour guide of Burlington Arcade and New Bond St.😁
Hey mate, it was a great day out. I particularly liked having you as my personal tour guide of Burlington Arcade and New Bond St.😁
Yeah - great fun! See what we can come up with in a few weeks!!
Yeah - great fun! See what we can come up with in a few weeks!!
Looking forward to it 😁