MAJ75 922 Posted October 18, 2016 Hello Friends & Comrades, I am closing in on completing my first year in the hobby & as such thought I would post a long (& perhaps boring) thread to recap on what I have done in the past 12 months. I am fascinated reading about & seeing pictures of other peoples collections so I thought this thread could document mine & I can edit it as things change moving forwards. As you can see below things for me are mainly focused on Rolex, though other brands do have a representation. Initially I began by a wild spending spree picking up several contemporary "Classics" that I always fancied gens of, but as the months have progressed I have been drawn towards vintage pieces in both the rep & gen world. I now spend far too much time following watch auctions & scouring the bay to look for bargains. I have loved watching many youtube vids about collecting watches & I have learnt masses from reading specialist sites dedicated to different brands. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the RWG community & getting to know people with the same insatiable addiction, it would indeed be wrong of me to not acknowledge & thank all of the contributors who have helped me to grow & the moderators for giving us a platform to share our love for the hobby (& also for their treless working policing it). So without further ado, firstly my year in numbers & onto pictures + a short description of each of my pieces. Thanks for looking. My First Year In Numbers Watches Bought - 18 Watches Sold (or given away) - 6 Reps Wanted - 2 DOA or Lost In Transit - 0 Getting Burnt in M2M Deals - 0 Forum Skirmishes - 0 Money Spent - ***** (never know who is looking) Lots of straps purchased, 100's of photos taken, 4 TDs Used, 8 M2M purchases. Genuine Rolex Oyster Precisions 6694 (left) & 6494 (middle) I was delighted to find a 1978 Oyster Precision earlier this year in a lovely combination of silver sunburst dial with gilt baton markers on an oyster bracelet. It is in great condition with box & I actually wear it more often than any of the others. It keeps great time & I wind it daily. Ironically I actually originally wanted a silver face with gold markers & a few weeks after the 6694 I found a 6494 on leather band on the bay at an excellent price which was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up so now I have two that fight for wrist time, I do like the variety that one has a steel band whilst the other is on a croc strap. As these are both the smaller 34mm case I will add a later Datejust to the collection on a jubilee bracelet as the case size of 36mm will give some variety. Heuer 7725S Pre-Carrera (right) My most recent acquisition that I believe dates back to 1968, I fell in love when I saw this & I had to have it. The condition is absolutely cracking & it looks great on the rally band. It runs a wonderful Valjoux 7730 movement & seems to perform quite beautifully. BP Classic SD (left) The third of my Rolex diver holy trinity & another that I would like to go gen on (eventually). Those in the know (or who do some research) will acknowledge that this is one of the best “Out of the box” reps available of the SD. In terms of design less flashy than the modern ceramic SD4000 but it has that timeless class that wears beautifully. It has a great presence on the wrist slightly heavier/bulkier than the 16610 sub. It does have the date complication but I like the flat non cyclops crystal differentiating it from the sub. Weekly rotation for this too. TC Rolex 16610LV (middle) Outstanding in every way, so much has already been said. I love the aesthetic look of the green bezel & the way it catches the light in different situations. It photographs beautifully too. I wear it on a weekly basis & enjoy it every time it comes out of the box. If you are into rep Rolex then it has to be a cornerstone/fundamental part of any serious collection, Thomas deserves all of the plaudits that come in his direction. Rolex 114060 ND (right) Yes I’ll admit it is a cliché, I’ve come to understand this more so after the last year however I love this watch. It was my first purchase & to this day I’m blown away by the weight, finish & overall quality (this piece is what well & truly hooked me into this hobby). Mine is a Noob V2/V6 (2836) the best/latest available at the time of purchase. I enjoy wearing it as part of the daily rotation & in time I would like to go gen on this style probably going with an earlier non-ceramic like the 14060m. Milgauss BP (left) Extensive research helped me to establish that the closest to gen version was the clear crystal black or white face. It is a shame as the green edged crystal versions are a key feature of modern Milgauss design but sadly are not replicated well by the factories & can only be realised by modification. It is regretful this one has become a bit of a forgotten gem in my collection spending too much time in the box. The build quality is super & it looks great on the wrist. 6238 Pre Daytona (middle) Wonderful vintage design, powered by a great hand wind movement. I love the dial of this chronograph and it seems to be popular when I post pictures, certainly more so than many of the other reps that I own. I don’t wear it enough as other purchases have pushed it down the list. Picked it up M2M from a member with a serious collection (whom I would later buy from again to take ownership of the Space Dweller described next). Space Dweller (right) I was extremely fortunate to pick up this rare piece in another M2M deal, I had lusted after it for months after first seeing pictures, then subsequently reading about how the gen came about & how long its life span lasted. Again one of the more appreciated of my collection by fellow members & I love wearing it on a weekly basis, looks great in more casual circumstances. Omega Speedmaster 2998 (left) So the purists would say the sub-dial spacing is all wrong (which it is but it has to be this way to accommodate the movement used) but I wanted to get a speedy & felt that this vintage ST19 fitted my needs well. It keeps good time & is well made, I never go near the chrono pushers on any of my watches as I just don’t need the functions that they bring. Determined to get a Speedy Pro gen as it is a must have for me. Breitling Navitimer (middle) Let’s start by saying that although I appreciate it has a particularly busy dial it remains one of my favourite watch designs of all time. Many struggle to see past the sunken date wheel, but generally I never let these details bother me I appreciate these for what they are. There is something delicate about the 7750 movement in this one and for many reasons it sits in the box looking pretty most of the time so remains in as new condition as a consequence. Probably get the gen as funds allow possibly an early 806 version. Panerai 338 (right) Lovely clean design & my first venture into PAM territory. 42mm case & hand wind works perfectly for me. It’s a super quality watch that I’m sure I will enjoy wearing & will certainly cover my brand requirements for the time being. I’m not a huge fan of the larger cases or the designs with the crown guard. I do like the vintage looking pieces so perhaps one of those might find their way into the collection over time. Not in group shot: Tag Carrera CV2010, Seiko SARB 033. What’s next? Without doubt the following will be purchased: Reps: Tudor Black Bay Red V4/5, IWC 3714 (white dial/gold numerals). Gens Planned: Late 60’s Breitling Top Time, Omega Speedmaster Pro, Rolex 1601 Datejust (late 70’s era) - Not sure now I have the Franken. January 2017 Update: Since I posted this thread in October 2016 the following new arrivals have taken their place with the others. WatchGuyUSA built 1680 One of those pieces that nearly got away, I dithered when it was on M2M next door then very luckily bought it off the guy who brought it across the pond. I absolutely love it & wear it weekly. The dial is to die for & I marvel at the faded bezel.......... Franken (StoneP?) Linen Dial DJ My first purchase M2M that shipped across the pond. Mostly gen parts (including the stunning dial) it also came with the bonus of another gen case & crystal for a future build. I've worn this a lot since arrival. Tudor 7928 Sub A wonderful vintage build from our very own Edwinowl, another absolute cracker with a beautiful matt/gilt dial, swiss engine & beautiful bezel............Lots of compliments on this piece.... Tudor Black Bay Red Superb rep that I had near the top of the list for a while, was glad to pick up a nice example on the M2M board here. As others had suggested it has brought a little colour to the collection..... Breitling Top Time (Late 60's) Bought at auction, a wonderful example that runs beautifully. I love the classic design. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chavezzito 121 Posted October 18, 2016 Wonderful collection! Congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FuzzyCoyote 2 Posted October 18, 2016 Always love reading through these posts to see how people have bought, tweaked and changed their collections. Definitely agree with the Red Black Bay... Congratulations on (almost) a year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nickfive 4 Posted October 18, 2016 Nice collection mate, come really beautys there. Thanks for sharing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShovelnTC 31 Posted October 18, 2016 Really nice collection mate, it's rare that I like all of the many collections that we all love to share with our fellow enthusiasts but I like all of yours. Keep enjoying those beauties! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kmazn19 0 Posted October 18, 2016 Proper salute to you, Sir! I enjoyed reading the details. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bcfb 0 Posted October 18, 2016 great photo's - finally gave me the shove I needed for the speedie - order put in today! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chiruku 25 Posted October 18, 2016 Fantastic photos and great collection mate! There's always next year for your first forum skirmish Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
k3rm87 180 Posted October 18, 2016 Your taste is very similar to mine sir! Lovely collection. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Piccolo 673 Posted October 18, 2016 Great collection and really nice pics Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thelittleprince 2 Posted October 18, 2016 If you got the heuer from ebay recently then you are the one who beat me at the bidding :P Absoulty amazing taste my friend! Enjoy them Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM284 1,518 Posted October 18, 2016 Beautiful collection mate - thanks for sharing :thumbsup: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GC 4,484 Posted October 18, 2016 Not many collections that I'm envious of... But this is one. Stunning Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAJ75 922 Posted October 18, 2016 Wonderful collection! Congrats! Thanks a million Bud, appreciated! Always love reading through these posts to see how people have bought, tweaked and changed their collections. Definitely agree with the Red Black Bay... Congratulations on (almost) a year. I should have included those I have sold too! Just a matter of time before I order the BB Red..... Nice collection mate, come really beautys there. Thanks for sharing. Thanks Pal, it was my pleasure..... Really nice collection mate, it's rare that I like all of the many collections that we all love to share with our fellow enthusiasts but I like all of yours. Keep enjoying those beauties! I know exactly what you mean mate, I feel the same.....I've come to learn that you have the finest taste too.... Proper salute to you, Sir! I enjoyed reading the details. Thanks Chief, glad you enjoyed the details.... great photo's - finally gave me the shove I needed for the speedie - order put in today! Best of luck with the Speedy, sure you will love it... Fantastic photos and great collection mate! There's always next year for your first forum skirmish You played a very important part in shaping my taste as well as the content of my collection. Will always be appreciated Sir. Your taste is very similar to mine sir! Lovely collection. Thanks for the kind words...... Great collection and really nice pics Thanks my friend, nice to have it all in one place..... If you got the heuer from ebay recently then you are the one who beat me at the bidding :P Absoulty amazing taste my friend! Enjoy them Thanks, if it was me I hope no hard feelings. I have lost out on my fair share!! Beautiful collection mate - thanks for sharing :thumbsup: Really appreciated, thanks for looking...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAJ75 922 Posted October 18, 2016 Not many collections that I'm envious of... But this is one. Stunning I always look out for your posts as I know our interests are closely aligned.....not only watches but fashion, cars & the like........ Appreciate the kind words....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,748 Posted October 18, 2016 Very nice read. Great taste in watches. Really like that assortment and your rationale. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MetalMickey 179 Posted October 18, 2016 Great collection, and stunning pics! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAJ75 922 Posted October 18, 2016 Very nice read. Great taste in watches. Really like that assortment and your rationale. I love your collection too, many pieces that I would love to own. Thanks for taking the time to look through my thread. Great collection, and stunning pics! Cheers mate, the forum got me into photography as well as watches........ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,748 Posted October 18, 2016 Very nice read. Great taste in watches. Really like that assortment and your rationale. I love your collection too, many pieces that I would love to own. Thanks for taking the time to look through my thread. Great collection, and stunning pics! Cheers mate, the forum got me into photography as well as watches........ It's funny, I have a speedmaster in the air and a gen crystal on order. Trying to decide if I will make it look a bit older. And like you looking at speedy gens. My next rep will be that 6238 and the next thing I want to build is a JMB Space Dweller (have the case already). Must be something strange in the air. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dalboy 2 Posted October 18, 2016 Very nicely done .. The Collection, the post and not least the pics ... Love that Heuer .. Dal Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nunu78 1,741 Posted October 18, 2016 love the collection and pics. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Del 4,459 Posted October 18, 2016 Great thread, fantastic photos and magnificent collection! Thanks for sharing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAJ75 922 Posted October 18, 2016 Very nice read. Great taste in watches. Really like that assortment and your rationale. I love your collection too, many pieces that I would love to own. Thanks for taking the time to look through my thread. Great collection, and stunning pics! Cheers mate, the forum got me into photography as well as watches........ It's funny, I have a speedmaster in the air and a gen crystal on order. Trying to decide if I will make it look a bit older. And like you looking at speedy gens. My next rep will be that 6238 and the next thing I want to build is a JMB Space Dweller (have the case already). Must be something strange in the air. Sounds like a quality plan, look forward to seeing them...... Very nicely done .. The Collection, the post and not least the pics ... Love that Heuer .. Dal Cheers Dal, really appreciated. love the collection and pics. Thank you for the kind words. Great thread, fantastic photos and magnificent collection! Thanks for sharing. Thanks Del, I'm overwhelmed by the positivity..... I love being part of this forum...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr.tourette 111 Posted October 18, 2016 (edited) fine collection and great write up and photos...inspired me to try and get mine done although not quite in the same league as this...top bombing squire! Edited October 18, 2016 by mr.tourette Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MDK 0 Posted October 18, 2016 Pre-Daytona is a stunner Share this post Link to post Share on other sites