I grew up in a certain industry, Spent 35 yrs in it, and now at age 48 I don't miss it and kinda wish I never got involved in it. I appreciate fine things, I have no problems with those that do. I did see a lot of folks go into debt for flash and glitter, and I saw folks that had money and you wouldn't it. Heck , got a buddy, wears a Patek , with a nylon strap running tractors and stuff...only reason he wears the darn thing is to make sure his daughter gets her meds on time. Sunday Church watch is another Patek with alligator strap...it's to point at to tell the preacher to shut up...lines will be too long at the eating joint.
I like this guys attitude.
Patek has the most beautiful movement and design engineering . Yes there are others ...Patek is awesome. I think the Omega movement ( some in particualr) put Rolex to shame. I remember when the President was $1595, the bracelet was another $1595...and the weight on the old ones were heavier and better constructed than those today.
Reality is, Swiss still use some old methods, and certain mov't are strickly in-house ( Patek). Other mov'ts are made and sold to a selected companies.
Then we have the companies that used to be, bought out and the only resemblenance they bear is the name...That old watch is a better one than the new. Waltham, Gruen...
New dealie, The "jobber", you walk in and he will show you thousands of ideas, tell him what you want, put your name on it and walla....The fact that 100 other folks have the same deal is your problem...you now have to market it. For a fee he make you a exclusive carbon fiber dial or bracelet...Joe blow has the same watch in gray for 50 bucks less.
BTDT, had to, won them, whatever. I miss a Rolex stainless that was stolen, and a Omega stolen. Mechanical. I have had a quartz, won't own one...I currently don't wear mine often, and I use self winders ( auto) or manual wind. I have a reason why. I have seen a lot of movements, from chain driven, keywound, LED, LCD, digital, analog, tuning fork, solar , auto quartz, atomic...you name it. From pot metal to platinum. from a $1.50 to $3 millon and change.
Does anybody really know what time it is... - Chicago