ORIS X 4 = still doesn't come close to the price of an Oyster perpetual

It's been a looong while since my last post. 2016 has been a good year for watch acquisition or bad for my wallet. I think I must have averaged a watch for every month so far... Eeep! 😬 I have also lost count, in denial. In my defence these were what could be termed as affordable acquisitions. 

Hopefully... I only have one more watch that I'd like to get then it will be back to normal. At least normal in terms of long term saving up for another Rolex. But we all know how that can change 🙄.

Anyhoo, the subject at hand for the moment are...

It started with me lusting over the limited edition John Coltrane. Limited to 1,000 pieces to be exact. I have no idea what number mine is but I'm just pleased I managed to get one. Considering that it was originally released back in 2014 & I found one below retail price. It appeared like a display piece but at least in mint condition. What's not to like, that beautiful domed sapphire crystal, blue minute track, elegant hands & the leather strap with deployant (which I've replaced in the pic above with a pricey suede number from Hodinkee). All in a very dress friendly 38mm size.

These next two pieces were, well... I just couldn't decide which one! Both are discontinued Divers 65 models. It's the smaller 40mm size as opposed to the more conventional looking (although no less handsome looking, uh oh!) current model in a larger 42mm. The Deauville blue & grey dial is on the bracelet whereas the gloss black dial on tropical rubber strap. Both adding to its rather vintagey aesthetic. Further enhanced by the domed sapphire crystal again. Note that I'm in love with the 6 o'clock date location. Symmetry perfection. 

Last but not least, my latest precious (they are all precious, mind you), this elegant looking Thelonious Monk is another limited edition piece of only 1,000. Original strap, again, swapped to maintain its pristine condition. The 40mm size looks a tad big in the image above but it wears quite nicely in the flesh. It lacks a second hand but that's not so important in a dress watch plus the gorgeous dial makes up for it, with the smoky blue sunburst effect & subtle applied minute markers. The 21mm lug width is odd, but at least it means my Orient Bambino will now have more shared strap options in the future!

Fingers crossed, my infatuation with Oris will be quelled with these quartet. Although the current model Divers 65 & 41mm Big Crown pilot caught my eye, they're not something I'm lusting after at the moment. That is currently being taken by another discontinued model from Sinn 356 Flieger. The basic model with the period correct acrylic crystal. In the mean time, having some fun with NATO straps!

Turtle 🐢

In keeping with doing things in pairs... Acquired the Seiko SRP775 to compliment the SKX009. This is what the Pepseikola should have been, hacking and manual winding enabled. I also like the gold & gilt look. There's only one drawback with the turtle, it's heavy with the "omega like" bracelet. I need to try it on a NATO strap. Now when is that bond strap going to arrive! For the time being, enjoy that massive lume! 

2016 and what's better than a Speedmaster?

Belated happy New year to all.

2016 started off with a bang! 1st watch to be acquired was none other than the undisputed 1st watch on the moon...

I give you, the Omega Speedmaster Professional with the manual winding Lemania movement. I will be the first person to admit that I am not a big fan of chronograph style dials. Mostly because of the busy look of the dial making it hard to see the main hands. This is not the case with the Speedmaster. The contrast between the dial and main hands is so distinct that the main hands seems to pop out.

This time piece looks good for both formal and casual wear. I especially like the look of the "Speedy" on the included NATO strap. The standard bracelet wears very comfortably too even though I'm not a particular fan of the shiny insert between the outer and center links. Sadly my profession doesn't require me to wear a space suit as I'd love to use the velcro strap too.

One of the main reason why I love the Speedy so much is the fact it looks so vintage. It looks practically the same as the original. From the distinct design features to the bubble like sapphire crystal. It helps also that there are so many subtle details for you to discover as you peruse and fondle over it. Oooerrr.

Beautiful to look at both the front and rear business ends. For 42mm it doesn't wear as big like the Tudor Black Bay.

So what's better than a Speedmaster? Besides a Rolex that is...

Two of them of course! 

Now how did that happen? Youze tell me! The short of it was, someone wanted to consolidate, I said if and when you want to let go of your Speedy let me know. Now was the response, so yours truly zoomed off to the ATM to seal the deal before he changed his mind!

Two is better than one. Especially if they're the same but different. I won't bore you with more details other than it's the "Tintin"... Nuff said.