Down the rabbit hole! AKA, selling the SBGK015 for the Kudoke 2
If you run with the wrong crowd, your friends can be a very bad influence.
Recently, I had reached a zen state with regard to my collection. I’d decided that I was content with the watches I had, and no reason in the world to seek out fleeting, ephemeral pleasure in the pursuit of yet more. And, then, @VictorAdameArt took me and @STAYINGWARM to a little jewelry store called Passion Fine Jewelry in Solana Beach. From the outside, it looks like any beach town tourist-trappy jewelry shop...
But, you walk in, and you are transported to a whole different dimension. It’s like this…
This is where @VictorAdameArt got his Habring 2. Inside this case here...
… can be found some of the world’s most amazing watches from independent brands, and incredible vintage finds: Habring 2. Roman Gauthier. Speake-Marin. WWII pilots’ watches!
Also, a Patek Philippe pocket watch from 1912, which @STAYINGWARM said was the most incredible thing he’d seen at the shop. “My brother is really into pocket watches. He would love this.” So, did he buy it for his brother? No, no he did not. Why? Because @STAYINGWARM is a terrible human being. In spite of knowing precisely what would make his brother happy, and simply acting on that knowledge, he chose to do nothing. What is it they say about sins of omission? Remember what I said about “the wrong crowd”?
The experience in the shop is like no watch shopping trip I've ever had. You lounge there. We literally sat for an hour and a half talking watches with Brandon - https://www.instagram.com/thegrailwatch/?hl=en on Instagram - who brought out watch after watch for us to inspect and admire and talk over. There were bottles of whiskey and other fine beverages on hand, which I'm sure we could have busted into, although we did not partake, because @STAYINGWARM is doing "Dry January." WTF is that? It was like sitting around and having a fun bull session with friends, handling $100k watches.
The shop also has Kudoke! The Kudoke 2… it was love at first sight!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOhoKoKtGUQ
I am a sucker for finishing. And the dial is out of this world! Pictures don’t do it justice. In the picture below, the dial looks plain white, but it’s got this texture like frost on a window… It’s every bit the equal of the best GS dial out there… if not better!
I’m on record as stating, and I maintain still, that I couldn’t care less about movements. But, look at the finishing on this movement! It is extraordinarily beautiful!
So, is it time? Is it time to sell the SBGK015 to raise the funds to buy the Kudoke 2???
Or, do I wait till March 2024? Hopefully, by March 2024, I will have saved up enough to do our home remodel, and then I can go back to spending irresponsible sums on this ridiculous hobby, instead of selling off my watches.
Or, am I just deluding myself? Am I like one of those clowns who sees an indie film for the very first time, and suddenly starts dressing in turtlenecks and French berets? I mean, am I being like one of those college kids who stumbles across "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” and suddenly swears off all “Big Hollywood” films, when in reality we all know that Avengers Endgame is 8,000x more intelligent and meaningful than anything Wes Anderson could ever hope to produce?
Well, which is it? Would you sell off the SBGK015 for a Kudoke 2? Anyone else go down the independent rabbit hole? Did you swear off all big watch brands forevermore? Is this just a phase?
And what is the meaning of life?
The Artist formerly known as @HotWatchChick69 and formerly-formerly @Omeganut
More from Mr.Dee.Bater
I take zero responsibility for this.
Oh, you are in trouble.
Also, no song this good has ever been in a Marvel movie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4tS67TDo6Y
HotKudokeChick69
I could spin an argument around how increases velocity of transactions creates significant economic loss because you're creating too many opportunities for intermediaries to take a cut.
But a certain former Omeganut has preached on variety being the spice of life and the SBGK is another (very nice) Grand Seiko in a fairly large collection of Grand Seikos....
I think you're screwed. 😂
I take zero responsibility for this.
You are 100% to blame. 100%.
Oh, you are in trouble.
Also, no song this good has ever been in a Marvel movie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4tS67TDo6Y
HotKudokeChick69
Here you go, friend.
Though... this was a good movie.
Here you go, friend.
Though... this was a good movie.
I like Wes Anderson's movies. I love the soundtracks. From Rushmore:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsYpSHHqsEs
I could spin an argument around how increases velocity of transactions creates significant economic loss because you're creating too many opportunities for intermediaries to take a cut.
But a certain former Omeganut has preached on variety being the spice of life and the SBGK is another (very nice) Grand Seiko in a fairly large collection of Grand Seikos....
I think you're screwed. 😂
You know, this was precisely what @STAYINGWARM was saying over coffee after our visit to the shop! He was talking about baseball cards.
But, I guess that brings up the question of how one derives utility. I mean, if you get utility from HAVING a collection, then you keep your watches. If you derive utility from the constant churn, then you simply accept that the losses are just part of the fun.
Hmmm... maybe I wait, huh?
You know, this was precisely what @STAYINGWARM was saying over coffee after our visit to the shop! He was talking about baseball cards.
But, I guess that brings up the question of how one derives utility. I mean, if you get utility from HAVING a collection, then you keep your watches. If you derive utility from the constant churn, then you simply accept that the losses are just part of the fun.
Hmmm... maybe I wait, huh?
The second part of my story was how in recent years I’ve changed the way I collect to be closer to that if my friend, and while my economic results went down, my enjoyment of my hobby went way up (which is much more important, it is after all a hobby). Now I’m all for changing it up for the sake of change. Can’t wait to see your new piece @HotWatchChick69 !!
The second part of my story was how in recent years I’ve changed the way I collect to be closer to that if my friend, and while my economic results went down, my enjoyment of my hobby went way up (which is much more important, it is after all a hobby). Now I’m all for changing it up for the sake of change. Can’t wait to see your new piece @HotWatchChick69 !!
The funny thing is that I was sure that you were going to be the one to buy a watch there. I mean, prior to this, I never gave independent watchmakers a single thought.
I mean, given that you should want economies of scale in manufactured goods, the whole, "Yeah, cool, it's an actual watchmaker hand carving a watch out of Play-doh" thing just didn't seem appealing.
But, you, with your whole Dornbluth & Sohn thing, I figured you would absolutely pull out credit card on the spot for one of those watches!
By the way, it is a phallic symbol that I'm seeing on the Kudoke movement, right? Is it only me? I was too afraid to ask before.
By the way, it is a phallic symbol that I'm seeing on the Kudoke movement, right? Is it only me? I was too afraid to ask before.
OMG!
You have now ruined the watch for me!!!
Oh, you are in trouble.
Also, no song this good has ever been in a Marvel movie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4tS67TDo6Y
HotKudokeChick69
VU and Lou Reed are amazing. Candy Says and Stephanie Says, Sweet Jane...so many great songs.
VU and Lou Reed are amazing. Candy Says and Stephanie Says, Sweet Jane...so many great songs.
Pale Blue Eyes is sublime.
Pale Blue Eyes is sublime.
Agreed - REM also did a fantastic version...
https://youtu.be/1raboO1gK_A
Agreed - REM also did a fantastic version...
https://youtu.be/1raboO1gK_A
I love hijacking a thread. I saw REM play this and Sunday Morning when they opened for the Police in 1982 or 83.
Pale Blue Eyes is sublime.
My Spotify Lou Reed and VU playlist...
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0t95ItOeMyGuJvmXMtREUj?si=2d79ea57dccd40ce
@ChronoGuy @Aurelian
STOP HIJACKING MY THREAD!!!
It's just because I am envious of your SBGK015 😉
It's just because I am envious of your SBGK015 😉
Ha! I’m selling it for the Kudoke 2. I’ll sell it to you if you want to expand your collection from 1,001 to 1,002 watches!
You know, this was precisely what @STAYINGWARM was saying over coffee after our visit to the shop! He was talking about baseball cards.
But, I guess that brings up the question of how one derives utility. I mean, if you get utility from HAVING a collection, then you keep your watches. If you derive utility from the constant churn, then you simply accept that the losses are just part of the fun.
Hmmm... maybe I wait, huh?
Like I tell my friends who swear that they enjoy day trading their life savings away.
"Far be it for me to tell you what you should be taking joy in. Just remember that going to Vegas and blowing $50k on the poker table is going to get you a comped room, drinks and a couple of really nice meals."
For a Kudoke… I would make the trade. I agree with @Edge168n and @STAYINGWARM that you’re screwed and let us see all the pretty pictures when you’re done.
I was just browsing the Kudoke site the other day. I hope it all works out.
I like the octopus. Get the octopus!!
Tough call on the Ryusendo. I really regret not going to see those caves in person when I was so nearby last year. It needed a car and we didn't have access to one, so gave up on the idea.
You had mentioned it's actually just a bit ... too peacock. (you weirdo, there is no such thing!!!) But that model has no date and I don't like the mini second hand. So despite it's wonderful peacockery, the watch misses the mark for me. I'm an always date, lots of motion, and max peacock sort of chap.
If the Rysendo is not getting worn enough, then even GS crazy me would say to go for the trade! 😮 (internet gasps)
I love a kudoke 2 w either blue or white dial. U can order custom hand engraving too! I think the design is unique and u get a lot of the hand made quality that you want.
if only it doesnt cost as much as it is for me to comfortable spend at this stage of my life.
i like the habring movement too.
if i go independent, either satory billard/laine w custom dial or kudoke 2 or even 1.
Hmm, just re reading this.
No, don’t get rid of Ryusrndo. Kudoke is too beige.
Hmm, just re reading this.
No, don’t get rid of Ryusrndo. Kudoke is too beige.
Ha! Yeah, I've gotten to a place where I am at peace with my love of bling!