Deep from the watch box! Any advice?
To start with: this is not about a vintage watch!
Some time back, I looked into dirty dozen (-style) watches because I like the more rugged design and the small second dial layout. However, original and vintage pieces are quite pricey, so I thought about trying one out first (especially as I haven’t had a watch with the typical case size of 36/37 mm) and went for the Baltany version):
The watch arrived and I never really wore it until now when I „found“ it back in my box over the long weekend.
While I cannot say anything about the movement (ST17), I like the look, the finish and how it wears, Nevertheless, I am now somehow tempted to look for a more „sustainable“ option at a still reasonable price point (max. 1000€ or slightly above when it comes to VAT and customs). These are the models I found so far:
Vario 1945: case 37mm, L2L 45mm, Miyota 82s5, 400€
Vaer A12: case 36/40mm, L2L 43/48mm, SW-260, 1000€
Praesidus DD-45: case 38mm, L2L 45mm, Landeron L24, 970€
Even if slightly above in price: Timor Heritage Field WWW: case 36,5mm, L2L 45,5mm, SW-260, 1150€
Any insights from the community? Did I miss any model in the list above?
Looking forward to hear back!
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
https://vertex-watches.com/collections/the-m100-series/products/the-m100
Out of this price bracket, but Vertex might be the next step up. £2,083 with VAT.
40mm so more of a modern ‘inspired’ by the vintage look. They did genuinely produce one of the original dirty dozen. The revival of the brand is led by the great grandson of the original founder. 2015 that was, so quite a gap between that and 1972 when the quartz crisis killed then off. That said, plenty of bigger names are revivals or rebrands.
Looking at these myself.
Wouldn't want an original, because it's an old fragile antique.
Of those listed the Timor has the history and therefore for me the most credibility, but at under 38mm it's just too small for me (not a macho thing, just practicality, I'm 53 and eyes are rapidly deteriorating)
Would actually like an ATP dial as that's more like my Grandfather would have been wearing on D-Day and I've got black dials in my collection.
I'll keep an eye on this thread and hope someone more knowledgeable chime's in.
Cheers 🍻
https://vertex-watches.com/collections/the-m100-series/products/the-m100
Out of this price bracket, but Vertex might be the next step up. £2,083 with VAT.
40mm so more of a modern ‘inspired’ by the vintage look. They did genuinely produce one of the original dirty dozen. The revival of the brand is led by the great grandson of the original founder. 2015 that was, so quite a gap between that and 1972 when the quartz crisis killed then off. That said, plenty of bigger names are revivals or rebrands.
Yes, thanks, Vertex would be great. I should maybe save and go for it much later in the year.
Looking at these myself.
Wouldn't want an original, because it's an old fragile antique.
Of those listed the Timor has the history and therefore for me the most credibility, but at under 38mm it's just too small for me (not a macho thing, just practicality, I'm 53 and eyes are rapidly deteriorating)
Would actually like an ATP dial as that's more like my Grandfather would have been wearing on D-Day and I've got black dials in my collection.
I'll keep an eye on this thread and hope someone more knowledgeable chime's in.
Cheers 🍻
Thanks for your reply! Yes, the Timor is probably the one with the best reference.
No cathedral hands but you might look into Kuoe and their Old Smith models
https://www.kuoe-en.com/
No cathedral hands but you might look into Kuoe and their Old Smith models
https://www.kuoe-en.com/
Thanks, good idea! To be honest, I am not too happy with the cathedral hands on the Baltany, so the Kuoe might be a good option also.
I have the Timor and love it. It's one of only two companies making D12 watches from the original dozen and that matters to me. I decided I was likely to only get one D12 watch, so went for that one. Recommended.
I have the Timor and love it. It's one of only two companies making D12 watches from the original dozen and that matters to me. I decided I was likely to only get one D12 watch, so went for that one. Recommended.
Thanks for the feedback!
Gotta say that I do love my 40mm version
Gotta say that I do love my 40mm version
Looks definitely great, thanks for sharing!