Talking Watches with Volnation

[txbo]

I started researching availability the past couple of days and it's insane. I'll go talk to a couple of dealers but from what I've read so far most will only offer you the privilege of purchasing a Rolex after you spend money in the store on other stuff. Other option is grey market where I can buy the $10K watch for $15K, which is also nuts. I guess I can understand the dealers not wanting to sell to someone that's just going to flip the watch for several thousand in profit...

Good thing I'm not in a rush.

Take a look at this titanium diver watch.

Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver - E10379D31L1E1 | Breitling

 

[Ritzwatch]

Funny I happened across this thread today. I've never been a watch guy but suddenly find myself looking at them.

I am about to retire after 20 years in the Navy, both active and reserve time. While I was on my first boat (submarine USS Chicago), a common thing for the retiring Chiefs and Officers was to purchase a Rolex Submariner. I've kept this in the back of my mind ever since and have now gone down this rabbit hole of wanting a Submariner watch for myself as a retirement keepsake.

Later in 2025 I'll likely start looking seriously at these.

In the meantime, it's also funny that the company I work for is part of Smiths Group, which always claimed the watch to climb Mt. Everest. The vintage Smiths Everest watches are pretty hard to find but not terribly expensive, so I might be looking for one of these as well. To be honest I really like the look of them. The Smiths watch naming rights was sold to Timefactors who releases some good looking tribute models but I think I would want to find a vintage version.

View attachment 710787

I like a Smiths, even the Timefactors tributes. I should have pulled the trigger on a PRS-36 a few years ago as a daily wearer, but I didn't. Add that to the list of things I would do differently, like buy Apple stock or even four Omega Tin Tins when they were selling at $2k.

I have a bit of a "working man's collection," but lately find a Tudor BB54 on the wrist most days. (Wifey allowed the purchase post-cancer treatments last summer.). True to the original Sub size, without all the extra markings on the bezel, I really like it. A newer offering, it doesn't have the Rolex sub following, but it looks great, feels great, tells time great, and I don't seem over-top ostentatious. Take a look at those if you haven't already. I love a Rolex sub look, but I'd have a hard time giving up my Tudor.

Are you interested in any used Subs? I *might* have a line on some of those from some jeweler friends. You'd have to be interested in pre-owned, 'cuz that is probably what they have.

The BB54:

 

[Willy P]

Yep, you only get to buy what you really want if you waste a bunch of money on crap you don't want. I was looking to buy another Rolex last year but I refuse to play that game. There are many other brands of luxury watches that can serve the same purpose. Take a look at Breitling or Cartier.

This is part of my nonsense I guess. I’ve had it in my brain about the Submariner for 15+ years. I’m in no hurry, so I don’t mind to wait, but I’m not buying stuff I don’t need in order to get the watch I want.

 

[Willy P]

I like a Smiths, even the Timefactors tributes. I should have pulled the trigger on a PRS-36 a few years ago as a daily wearer, but I didn't. Add that to the list of things I would do differently, like buy Apple stock or even four Omega Tin Tins when they were selling at $2k.

I have a bit of a "working man's collection," but lately find a Tudor BB54 on the wrist most days. (Wifey allowed the purchase post-cancer treatments last summer.). True to the original Sub size, without all the extra markings on the bezel, I really like it. A newer offering, it doesn't have the Rolex sub following, but it looks great, feels great, tells time great, and I don't seem over-top ostentatious. Take a look at those if you haven't already. I love a Rolex sub look, but I'd have a hard time giving up my Tudor.

Are you interested in any used Subs? I *might* have a line on some of those from some jeweler friends. You'd have to be interested in pre-owned, 'cuz that is probably what they have.

The BB54:
View attachment 712501

I think I’d be open to pre-owned after a year or two without any luck from an AD. I’m thinking of this as an heirloom type possession to commemorate time in the Submarine force and also as a diver. Besides that, wearing for special occasions.

As far as the Smiths, I may try my luck on eBay as I’ve seen several vintage for around a thousand. The Timefactors site is releasing small batches of tributes but I don’t know what that wait list would look like.

 

[@1RBFjr]

I think I’d be open to pre-owned after a year or two without any luck from an AD. I’m thinking of this as an heirloom type possession to commemorate time in the Submarine force and also as a diver. Besides that, wearing for special occasions.

As far as the Smiths, I may try my luck on eBay as I’ve seen several vintage for around a thousand. The Timefactors site is releasing small batches of tributes but I don’t know what that wait list would look like.

I took this picture on Saturday. Is this what you’re looking for?

 

[Willy P]

I took this picture on Saturday. Is this what you’re looking for?

View attachment 712573

That's it! I prefer the model with the green bezel, but I don't think I'd be picky if I had the opportunity to buy one.

 

[@1RBFjr]

That's it! I prefer the model with the green bezel, but I don't think I'd be picky if I had the opportunity to buy one.

If you are seriously looking, would you like me to make a call for you to see if it is for sale? I wouldn’t be making a cold call; we’ve known them for decades and have been customers.

 

[Willy P]

If you are seriously looking, would you like me to make a call for you to see if it is for sale? I wouldn’t be making a cold call; we’ve known them for decades and have been customers.

I very much appreciate the offer. I'm setting aside money for the watch out of my next couple of commission checks so it will be 30 days or so. I don't want to take advantage of your clout and relationship if I can't show up the same day with cash.

 

[@1RBFjr]

I very much appreciate the offer. I'm setting aside money for the watch out of my next couple of commission checks so it will be 30 days or so. I don't want to take advantage of your clout and relationship if I can't show up the same day with cash.

Sounds good. Tag me in a post if/when you are ready. Obviously there’s no guarantee that that one is for sale.

PS: My wife would get a chuckle reading me mentioned with the word clout

 

[txbo]

This is part of my nonsense I guess. I’ve had it in my brain about the Submariner for 15+ years. I’m in no hurry, so I don’t mind to wait, but I’m not buying stuff I don’t need in order to get the watch I want.

If that's what you really want, then that's what you should have. Best of luck in your search. Keep us updated on your progress.

 

[txbo]

If you are seriously looking, would you like me to make a call for you to see if it is for sale? I wouldn’t be making a cold call; we’ve known them for decades and have been customers.

You're a good man Charlie Brown.

 

[Ritzwatch]

If that's what you really want, then that's what you should have. Best of luck in your search. Keep us updated on your progress.

Listen to txbo; he is right.

There are lots of fun pieces out there, all of which tell time, but if you have your heart set on a particular piece, you will not be satisfied with anything less. You will find yourself with the one you could afford at the time AND the one you really wanted anyway, so get what you really want.