I sold my Grand Seiko SBGE257 to buy a 6-sided Pokemon die... AKA, why you should never have kids
Shameless plug: Bid now to win charity auction for the Desk Diver Automatic! Auction goes till Friday, February 10, 12pm PT. All proceeds go to givedirectly.org and winning bid gets matched!
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The SBGE257 is an AWESOME watch. Beautiful, lush green, with a golden GMT hand, great lume, and spring drive!
Just look at this watch! 40.5mm diameter, subtle sunburst dial, ceramic bezel, and it’s a strap monster. But, I sold it in order to pay for a 6-sided Pokemon die that cost 1.5x the watch. Here it is! Here is the die!
“What, @HotWatchChick69, how is that possible? How can there be a plastic die that costs more than the SBGE257?” You might think that perhaps this is some rare die, like a real collector’s item or something. Nope, not that. Maybe it’s made of lab-grown diamond? Not that either. No, this die costs more than the SBGE257, because I had the terrible misfortune of having had children - don’t make the same mistake, they’re the worst. See, one afternoon, I was lying in bed, watching YouTube videos of UFC (Israel Adesanya v. Paulo Costa!), with one of my beloved doggies napping on my chest - this doggy, the grey one…
…when all of sudden, she starts retching. You know how dogs will heave away just as they’re about to barf? She was doing that while sitting on my chest, her open mouth hovering mere inches from my face! So, I scooped her up, put her onto the bedroom floor, and she proceeds to projectile vomit up a day’s worth of kibble. Disgusting, but par for the course. When you got dogs, you just learn to live with a bunch of vomit and feces - you clean it up, and get on with your life. But, over the course of the next couple of hours, she kept vomiting over and over. She would drink some water, and up it came immediately. And she looked to be in a lot of pain. She would lie down, the other doggy would jump on her head and start chewing on her ear, and… nothing. Normally, the two of them are like frat boys, constantly biting one another’s butts and tackling each other while walking along the sidewalk. Now, nothing doing.
Then she started groaning and shivering! I put her in the car and took her to the vet’s. They did 18 diagnostic tests, x-rays, etc., etc., and nothing was conclusive. The vet figured that she’d ingested something toxic, and the best way to treat it was to give her lots of intravenous fluids and monitor her. By that time, though, it was already 8pm, and the vet’s office closed at 9pm, so they referred me to a pet emergency hospital, where they could keep her in overnight observation. I took her there, whereupon the new vet said that she might be suffering from anaphylaxis, and suggested giving her a steroid injection. He was pretty confident that would take care of matters, and he would call me with any updates. Unfortunately, my phone rang at midnight, and the vet said, “The steroid injection didn’t result in any improvement. I was able to administer some pain medication, and as a result she let me feel around her abdomen, and there is definitely a foreign object in her small intestine. Is it possible that she could have swallowed something? Maybe one of your kids’ toys?”
My kids’ toys…
“Yes, doctor. Absolutely it’s possible. Because my kids are f*cking a**holes and they leave their sh*t everywhere all over the house. I’m thinking of sending my kids away to distant relatives in China, who need help in the rice paddies."
So, the vet then said, "This object is obstructing her digestive tract, and we need to go in for emergency surgery to remove it right now.”
See this scar on my baby’s belly?
No? Okay, here's a close-up...
That’s where they cut her open to take out… yup, you guessed it… the 6-sided Pokemon die! This is the 6-sided Pokemon die that drained my watch fund. I don’t actually have a watch fund, but we’re saving up to do a home renovation - which is another nightmare - so I can’t buy watches willy-nilly anymore. Not only can I not buy watches willy-nilly, I had to sell my SBGE257 to save my pup’s life! See how noble I am? Giving up my watch, for my beloved pet! Nah, actually, I sold the SBGE257 to a buddy who needed a watch that nobody would recognize. He’s in the world of private equity, but has to pretend to be a "man of the people” because he works with “salt of the earth” types…
...so he can’t be seen walking around with a Rolex on his wrist. Now, if somebody does somehow notice the watch on his wrist, he can simply say, “Oh, yeah, it’s a Seiko,” and the other person will think that he’s got a nice-looking $20 watch on his wrist. Not quite as noble as a life-saving gesture, but still noble, yeah?
Now, I don’t have any watches with 20mm lug width, and I got all these cool straps sitting around!
You know what has 20mm lug width? This…
But, again, I can’t buy any watches. So… should I trade in some GS’es for the Speedmaster ’57?
Or would you wait till March 2024, when hopefully the home renovation fund is full, and you can spend on watches again? As we all know, me being a diehard Swiss watch fanboy, trading in a couple of lowly Japanese quartz watches for this Swiss masterpiece should be no big deal, right?
So, there you have it. Don’t have kids, unless you have rice paddies that need cultivating - that’s all they’re good for. Otherwise, they suck.
The Artist formerly known as @HotWatchChick69 and formerly-formerly @Omeganut
More from Mr.Dee.Bater
I feel for ya. I have two teens, a gutted bathroom in the midst of a reno that could wait no longer, and a rescued dog that requires prescription kibble but still eats windowsills. Another hospitalization for puppy and I’ll be selling something major as well. Glad your dog is recovering well, and hope your kids are duly chastened.
I feel for ya. I have two teens, a gutted bathroom in the midst of a reno that could wait no longer, and a rescued dog that requires prescription kibble but still eats windowsills. Another hospitalization for puppy and I’ll be selling something major as well. Glad your dog is recovering well, and hope your kids are duly chastened.
You know what I've resorted to? These...
They're utterly disgusting... but better than having all your furniture and baseboards all chewed up!
Yesterday my oldest asked "Daddy, when are we getting a dog?"
And I just laughed. Papa wants a Lange.
I know how that can be. We have a tiny little rescue dog that was found wandering the streets as a puppy. In the first two years we've had this dog, it has cost us more than a grey market Submariner due to needing a knee replacement surgery and having heart problems requiring trips to veterinary cardiac specialists and ongoing treatments and medications.
Yesterday my oldest asked "Daddy, when are we getting a dog?"
And I just laughed. Papa wants a Lange.
Ha! Is that the next watch?
You know, the dogs are absolute pains in the a**, they cost a fortune, and just the other night I woke up every 2 hours throughout the night to take this one outside...
... 'cause she ate something bad and I was scooping up even worse that came out of her in the yard!
When they were puppies, I set the alarm on my phone for midnight, 3am, and 6am every night, to take them out for bathroom breaks, because puppies apparently have tiny bladders!
And yet... somehow all that pain and suffering has made me love them even more! Maybe it's Stockholm Syndrome???
I want a Lange too, but I genuinely think I would take these two over even a Zeitwerk!
I know how that can be. We have a tiny little rescue dog that was found wandering the streets as a puppy. In the first two years we've had this dog, it has cost us more than a grey market Submariner due to needing a knee replacement surgery and having heart problems requiring trips to veterinary cardiac specialists and ongoing treatments and medications.
That is absolutely heart-breaking. I'm happy that you are able to provide a loving home. Pics!!!
You know what's crazy? This whole episode turned me into a vegetarian. I mean, the first night she was at the emergency pet hospital, I couldn't sleep, and sat by the phone all night, waiting to hear how the surgery went. And I think I just sort of came to the conclusion that if I could care this much about this little animal and her life, maybe I should try to extend that same "circle of empathy" to all animals. Weird.
I mean, I LOVE steak! And bacon! And lamb shank!!! But, I just can't anymore. Every time I think about eating meat, this is what comes to mind, and I just can't do it!
You know what I've resorted to? These...
They're utterly disgusting... but better than having all your furniture and baseboards all chewed up!
He’s getting better: Only does it when he’s nervous. Unfortunately, the contractors doing the reno have him freaked again. Sadly, he can’t have the bully sticks, so we just do the best we can (bitterants on the windowsills sometimes). And of course he gets muzzled in the car: His taste for seatbelts is VERY expensive.
Yesterday my oldest asked "Daddy, when are we getting a dog?"
And I just laughed. Papa wants a Lange.
Hang in, Man. RESIST. We held out until the kid was 13, and finally gave in because he’s a great kid and fish only go so far and reptiles were a nonstarter. Now I got a high maintenance dog, two kids who won’t be here much longer, a high-need parent, and seventeen significant health problems. Not the dog’s fault, but it’s just too much. RESIST.
My kids are grown now but been down your road. Feel for ya.
Had a Dachshund pup for six months when on a Friday night she ingested a whole pack of migraine medicine tabs (found next day as got in wife’s purse left on closet floor) that dissolve in mouth and have caffeine. I came home from hockey game to find her running like streak of lightning and heart pumping faster than a drum roll by late great Neil Peart.
Rushed to emergency vet with kids begging and crying “don’t let Laverne die!” Well $3k later and my bonus I had just received from work earmarked for bills and a vacation exhausted she lived.
She was a sweet pup but dang that hurt the bank account and I was actually not sure if doggy heaven wasn’t a better outcome.
Perhaps AKA why you should never have a dog? I had to trade in my Mazda RX7 two-seat sports car for a station wagon (remember those?), so we all have to make sacrifices for the kids. Now that we’re empty-nesters and don’t have tuition to pay, I can start collecting watches. So you are ahead of the game with kids and watches at the same time.
That is absolutely heart-breaking. I'm happy that you are able to provide a loving home. Pics!!!
You know what's crazy? This whole episode turned me into a vegetarian. I mean, the first night she was at the emergency pet hospital, I couldn't sleep, and sat by the phone all night, waiting to hear how the surgery went. And I think I just sort of came to the conclusion that if I could care this much about this little animal and her life, maybe I should try to extend that same "circle of empathy" to all animals. Weird.
I mean, I LOVE steak! And bacon! And lamb shank!!! But, I just can't anymore. Every time I think about eating meat, this is what comes to mind, and I just can't do it!
This is the day we got her…
I finally relented and got my daughter a dog when she was twelve.
At 15 she now tells me, "I am not a dog person."
Mine has chewed through bookcases, books, door jams, and carpet.
My kids are grown now but been down your road. Feel for ya.
Had a Dachshund pup for six months when on a Friday night she ingested a whole pack of migraine medicine tabs (found next day as got in wife’s purse left on closet floor) that dissolve in mouth and have caffeine. I came home from hockey game to find her running like streak of lightning and heart pumping faster than a drum roll by late great Neil Peart.
Rushed to emergency vet with kids begging and crying “don’t let Laverne die!” Well $3k later and my bonus I had just received from work earmarked for bills and a vacation exhausted she lived.
She was a sweet pup but dang that hurt the bank account and I was actually not sure if doggy heaven wasn’t a better outcome.
It's crazy what we'll do for "family," right? And, to some degree, when it comes to pets, it's all random! Like, we randomly adopt a dog, and then suddenly they go from being animals to being almost like our children!
I hope that now, as adults, your children can appreciate how much you sacrificed to take care of them and the dog, yeah?
Perhaps AKA why you should never have a dog? I had to trade in my Mazda RX7 two-seat sports car for a station wagon (remember those?), so we all have to make sacrifices for the kids. Now that we’re empty-nesters and don’t have tuition to pay, I can start collecting watches. So you are ahead of the game with kids and watches at the same time.
Ha! Honestly, I would rather have my dogs over the kids!
Poor pupper.
Poor HotWatchChick.
Cherish your pups. I just lost this girl back in June.
Congestive heart failure and a perennial hernia got the best of her. It is hard to see such a wonderful creature suffer so much at the end.
He’s getting better: Only does it when he’s nervous. Unfortunately, the contractors doing the reno have him freaked again. Sadly, he can’t have the bully sticks, so we just do the best we can (bitterants on the windowsills sometimes). And of course he gets muzzled in the car: His taste for seatbelts is VERY expensive.
Try chilli powder on where the dog is chewing .
One of my dogs developed a taste for the feet on my dining table. One application of chilli powder stopped him.
It is one of these moments of life that simply suck. You can't blame anyone, it's just bad luck.
See the good side of the story; your family member made it and you have room in your collection for a new watch 😂!
GS just released SLGA021, which looks great and it's very likely to release more R9A05-based models, so you'll have plenty of fun looking for a new item 🤤
Try chilli powder on where the dog is chewing .
One of my dogs developed a taste for the feet on my dining table. One application of chilli powder stopped him.
Lemon juice has been the ticket for us.
Oh wow, sorry that happened. Unfortunately I can relate. The one second from the right has gone in multiple times for eating “foreign objects”. I think we’ve given Grand Seiko, a Nomos, and an Orient to the vet in order to remove the stuff our dogs have eaten and fix the issues it’s caused.
What are those straps? Been looking for some nice straps that have bracelet style claps vs the typical buckle.
Oh wow, sorry that happened. Unfortunately I can relate. The one second from the right has gone in multiple times for eating “foreign objects”. I think we’ve given Grand Seiko, a Nomos, and an Orient to the vet in order to remove the stuff our dogs have eaten and fix the issues it’s caused.
What are those straps? Been looking for some nice straps that have bracelet style claps vs the typical buckle.
I have never in my life seen dogs that look more like stuffed animals than yours! Genuinely, if you had told me that this was a photo of your Beanie Babies collection, I would have believed you!
I got a bunch of custom straps made from Delugs, to be compatible with the Omega-style deployant. They're super, super, super comfortable, because the excess strap tucks under the wrist, providing extra cushion, and it's really clean, because there are no keepers! If you're interested in trying it out, let me know, and I can provide you with all the customization info. Alternately, if you have dive watches, Artem Sailcloth straps do "loopless" straps too, right out of the box. The only downside to doing the whole Omega-style deployant thing is that it's pretty expensive - a lot more expensive than just getting regular straps, or going with the $15 butterfly deployants!
Hahaha, thanks! Beanie babies would eat fewer things and not have to go to the vet, so can attest that they are in fact dogs ;)
Been looking at these Delugs straps, they look great and the one you have for your GS looks awesome. Would love any info you have. I also don’t mind spending for a clasp, it’s going on my double red sea dweller:
Hahaha, thanks! Beanie babies would eat fewer things and not have to go to the vet, so can attest that they are in fact dogs ;)
Been looking at these Delugs straps, they look great and the one you have for your GS looks awesome. Would love any info you have. I also don’t mind spending for a clasp, it’s going on my double red sea dweller:
Okay! Here's what I do...
Go to the Delugs site, and under watch straps, choose "order your custom strap"
From there, you can choose material and color, and under custom type, choose "bespoke"
They allow you to literally customize EVERYTHING
Below is how I configure mine so that the order ends up as for an Omega-style deployant
Some key things to keep in mind:
Here's how best to determine what lengths you want - scroll down to the "OMEGA-STYLE DEPLOYANT WATCH STRAPS SIZE GUIDE": https://www.genteel-handmade.com/pages/watch-straps-size-guide
I always get my deployants from Strapsco. They're relatively cheap, but well made. Their brushed clasps are better than their polished, and if you buy 3, they charge you for only 2 when you check out: https://strapsco.com/product/deployment-clasp-for-omega/
Alternately, Artem makes super nice Omega Style deployants, for a higher price: https://artemstraps.com/collections/accessories
It's critical to get the lengths right, and the longer length is always the side with the holes
You should measure the length from the lug to hole that you use most, and set that length as the "Distance between Lug to Middle Strap Hole (mm)"
Hope that is helpful!!!
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Custom Watch Strap × 1
Pueblo / BespokeI understand that this is a custom order and it will take 8–12 weeks before the strap is sent out. Click here if you need help with the customisation options.: Yes
Styles: Chunky Signature
Pueblo Colour: Cognac
Lining Leather: Tan Zermatt (Default)
Keeper Style: No Keeper
Keeper Leather: Same as Top Leather (Default)
Keeper Width: 5mm (Default)
Curved Lugs: No
Quick Release Spring Bar: No
Buckle Finish: No Buckle Needed
Strap End Style: Standard (Default)
Lug Width (Lug-Buckle): 22-18
Length (Long End-Short End): Others
Custom Length: 95/90
Leather Thickness (Around Spring Bars): Regular (~1.0mm) (Default)
Number of Strap Holes: 6
Distance Between Strap Holes: 5mm
Distance between Lug to Middle Strap Hole (mm): 63.5
Shape of Strap Holes: Circle (Default)
Thread Colour: Tone-on-Tone (Default)
Accent Side-Stitch: None
Edge Finishing: Painted - Tone-on-Tone (Default)
Other Requests: Omega-style deployant straps. Please make the strap with holes the 90mm length and the deployant-side strap the 95mm length.
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Okay! Here's what I do...
Go to the Delugs site, and under watch straps, choose "order your custom strap"
From there, you can choose material and color, and under custom type, choose "bespoke"
They allow you to literally customize EVERYTHING
Below is how I configure mine so that the order ends up as for an Omega-style deployant
Some key things to keep in mind:
Here's how best to determine what lengths you want - scroll down to the "OMEGA-STYLE DEPLOYANT WATCH STRAPS SIZE GUIDE": https://www.genteel-handmade.com/pages/watch-straps-size-guide
I always get my deployants from Strapsco. They're relatively cheap, but well made. Their brushed clasps are better than their polished, and if you buy 3, they charge you for only 2 when you check out: https://strapsco.com/product/deployment-clasp-for-omega/
Alternately, Artem makes super nice Omega Style deployants, for a higher price: https://artemstraps.com/collections/accessories
It's critical to get the lengths right, and the longer length is always the side with the holes
You should measure the length from the lug to hole that you use most, and set that length as the "Distance between Lug to Middle Strap Hole (mm)"
Hope that is helpful!!!
****
Custom Watch Strap × 1
Pueblo / BespokeI understand that this is a custom order and it will take 8–12 weeks before the strap is sent out. Click here if you need help with the customisation options.: Yes
Styles: Chunky Signature
Pueblo Colour: Cognac
Lining Leather: Tan Zermatt (Default)
Keeper Style: No Keeper
Keeper Leather: Same as Top Leather (Default)
Keeper Width: 5mm (Default)
Curved Lugs: No
Quick Release Spring Bar: No
Buckle Finish: No Buckle Needed
Strap End Style: Standard (Default)
Lug Width (Lug-Buckle): 22-18
Length (Long End-Short End): Others
Custom Length: 95/90
Leather Thickness (Around Spring Bars): Regular (~1.0mm) (Default)
Number of Strap Holes: 6
Distance Between Strap Holes: 5mm
Distance between Lug to Middle Strap Hole (mm): 63.5
Shape of Strap Holes: Circle (Default)
Thread Colour: Tone-on-Tone (Default)
Accent Side-Stitch: None
Edge Finishing: Painted - Tone-on-Tone (Default)
Other Requests: Omega-style deployant straps. Please make the strap with holes the 90mm length and the deployant-side strap the 95mm length.
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Thanks for all the info! Definitely gonna order one and put an Artem deployant on it. Really appreciate the help.
Not the same but... i was doing total disassembly of my rolex smurf to make it work (after my son dropped it to floor) and when i had the watch in thousand of little pieces my Persian cat jumped over the table and threw everything 😮... The watch couldn't be assembled anymore and yes... the cat is still alive
Not the same but... i was doing total disassembly of my rolex smurf to make it work (after my son dropped it to floor) and when i had the watch in thousand of little pieces my Persian cat jumped over the table and threw everything 😮... The watch couldn't be assembled anymore and yes... the cat is still alive
What did you end up doing? Were you able to take the watch in and have the movement replaced???
What did you end up doing? Were you able to take the watch in and have the movement replaced???
Still thinking what to do... I need about 9 pieces (probably more) that I couldnt find... The watch was a present, I don't earn the amount of money to afford one of them
Still thinking what to do... I need about 9 pieces (probably more) that I couldnt find... The watch was a present, I don't earn the amount of money to afford one of them
I mean, worst case is getting a service done, yeah? Don't they replace all parts during a service just as part of it?
I mean, worst case is getting a service done, yeah? Don't they replace all parts during a service just as part of it?
Yeah you're right.. but probably won't count as a service, they will need to rebuild half of the watch 😂.. $$$
It's a vicious cycle