Cars and Wristwatches

[need2speed]

I didn't know where to post this discussion, so please forgive me if you object...

My grandmother always said to buy the very best you can afford, because over the long run it will cost you less. I've stuck with her philosophy and, like many of you out there, have collected many fine things including, of course, Mercedes automobiles.

My other passion is Swiss wristwatches and I am wondering if others share the same hobby? I like to practice a form of pop psychology and guess a person's characteristics by the watches (and cars) they own.

Anyone out there want to continue this thread?

Dean Albrecht
Rolex Oyster chronometer
Ebel Sportwave quartz
Omega DeVille vintage manual wind
Omega Speedmaster automatic chronograph
Girard-Perregaux "Ferrari" automatic

[This message has been edited by Dean Albrecht (edited 06-12-2000).]

I have the same philosophy, Dean. "Buy the best you can afford, and it will save you in the long run."

Of course, it means to go against the current 'disposable' thinking. I've heard a lot about Mercedes going down in quality to keep competitve with the market. I sure hope they don't start thinking their cars are meant to only last 5-10 years.

This is an interesting topic. A man who travels in style certainly goes well with a great timepiece. Have u pick up the "wrist watch annual 2000" It lists almost all makes in existance.

The Omega that catches my heart,


Best regards,
ET

[Chiragp]

I guess my generation will never really appreciate some of the more finer ways of doing things. I do agree though about the quality factor of the cars MB builds. And I can assure you that if MB doesn't get the quality up, they will loose their name. I have an ML430, and basically It looks like a cheap interior compared to an E320. I feel as if I bought an SUV with a Mercedes Engine, Mitsurbishi build quality, and a Oldsmobile interior.

As for the watches, I know my dad has a very decent collection, along with stamps, coins and bills, and ties.

He was selling one of his oldest watches, but decided not to (he got alot of them from my grandfather who loved to collect watches to.0 I have a picture of it (like it actually taken off another web page about his model watch) and he once told me the watch is easily worth more then our 190E if found in mint condition. Of course he used his for only parites, and I would give it an A-. It an old Patek back from the 1940's and I got to admit its a pretty cool looking watch.

For me though, my timex does the job. I guess once I am out of college, I might change to something more fancy!!



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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

[need2speed]

A couple of thoughts:
First, I agree that Mercedes has some quality issues to address with their current models. I was very disappointed with the fit and finish of my 97 E320 and traded straight across for a 94 E500. I haven't regretted it! The quality, style, and ambiance of the W124 is simply more appealing. I fear MB's current use of more radical design styling is intended to appeal to an entirely different customer; those that care more how they look in the car than about the car. I mean, GM has made billions catering to the same crowd.

On watches, I must admit to a fondness for Omega. Perhaps it is the enduring quality of the Speedmaster Moon Watch...35 years and still the only wristwatch certified by NASA for use during EVA manouvers. Maybe its the classic lines of vintage Constellations and Seamasters, everybody's dad had one.

On cost versus value, the discussion is moot unless you treat the things, and the people, that you value well. Often items of high value require more attention than the ordinary. That is certainly true of family vs aquaintences, Mercedes vs Honda, and Omega vs Timex. I guess owning the best you can afford may also teach a lesson on being the best that you can be. JMHO.



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Dean Albrecht
94 E500
99 ML320

Brian (40)
* 1986 2.3-16V
* 1990 Chevy Astro Van
* Rolex Datejust, 18kt/SS, Sapphire Blue Dial

Brian's Wife (39)
* 1998 Chevy Astro Van
* Baume et Mercier w/ diamond bezel

Sister (43)
* ???? Audi A4
* Lady's Rolex Datejust, 18kt/SS, Champagne Dial
* Lady's Rolex Presidential

Brother (38)
* ???? "Beater" Honda Civic
* Rolex 18kt/SS Submariner, Blue Dial

WOW ! Pollsters would have a heck of a time trying to categorize my family

Brian

[mark300d]

I must say that I agree with the general statements about the trends in quality. But to defend MBZ their cars have been slightly overbuilt in the past years. The contacts on my 123 are machined and soldered, ( and I think silver plated). While this is excelent for durability, it requires a more complex assembly technique. The plugs themself are also of a 2 piece design, yet aother additional part to buy and assemble.
Don't get me wrong, I love my 123 even though it is somewhat sluggish. Not to mention I appreaciate the fact that it is as dependable as a piece of military hardware. And if it is taken care of properly will survive me.
That said and done:
The trend I notice everyday is: get as much money as possible and do not worry about the customer or the reliability or what effect this has.
As much as I hate to say it, I think this is the sign of the times.

My cars are as follows:
1978 300D a.k.a. "das brick" (orange color )
1961 190-b ( long term project )
1984 Nissan 300zx turbo (shorter term project, this car will be a screamer)
I am looking forward to getting a 201 or 124 in the future, even though they will be slower then the Z.

As for my watches....
I like "old school junk" as my friend calls them.
So far I have 3 watches, but will have to look up some of the details later...

1) Leonidas, simple, elegant, and used to be my grandfathers.
2) don't remember the make, but it was made in the 70's in Switzerland. It has a chrono and a 30 minute stop watch dial. My daily choice.
3) A German artilery gunners watch from WWII. It is Swiss and also has a chrono and a 30 min. stopwatch.

I also have a Waltham traveler clock. It was made in the late 1800 or early 1900. It is in a wooden case that folds open. This one stays at home.

[Michael]

I am a big form-follows-function kind of guy. My car's a '92 500E, bone stock except for AMG 17" wheels (and a fairly serious stereo...). My watch is a Seiko 200 meter Diver's Automatic...the one every Green Beret who ever made it thru the Q-course wears. It's not flashy, but I'd bet it'd stop a bullet...

My dress watch is a beautiful but temperamental Movado...not the more common Museum piece, but a rather a contemporary-looking deal. It'll do until I save up for an Omega

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

[akry]

Interesting!!! My Storm and Swatch does the job very well...for now.....

And my G-Shock-look-alike-2-for-10 bucks do the job just as good, and don't mind get dirty...or out of battery..LOL...

Omega catches my heart the most for now...Seiko Kenetic is nice, too....

Andy Kuo

Rolex Datejust 18k/ SS Silver face (diamond bezel - soon)

I used to have a fossil until it umm made my skin break out and now I can't wear anything less than a Rolex (that's my story and I'm stickin to it)

Always enjoy life!!



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Chris Singh
1983 300D
1990 300E Black Pearl Monotone w/ chrome AMG monoblock II 17", custom multimedia system

1993 500SEL brilliant silver w/ AMG monoblock II 19"

http://benz.mp3car.com
http://stormworks.max3d.com

[abalto]

Mercedes Car: 1998 C43 MB

Watches:
- Omega Speedmaster Automatic (White face) Brown on strap
- Breitling Chronomat Vitesse (White face) on blue strap.
- Timex Indiglo (The older I get, the more I wear this one!)

Many other previously owned watches, to many to list!

Mercedes car: E55
Watches: Casio Sport
IWC GST Alarm

[elau]

Car: 95 R129
SUV: 98 ML320
Watches: Rolex Air King with white face
Rolex Air King Datejust with
champaign face
Movado (not the musemum piece)

Always love Rolex watches, will buy the Yacht Master next.

[GParker]

Age: 43, going on 13
Car: '99 E430
Watch: Scratched, worn, 15 year old Seiko with the head of the leetle doolywacker that adjusts the time fallen off. Keeps perfect time.
Request: Send $5800 for two-tone Rolex to replace above. I hear these automatics keep worse time than $19 Casio's but they look good.
Truth: If you really do send the money, it will go for Carlssons, Michelins, and Eibachs. There's a clock on the dash, so the hell with the watch.
Alternative: Send $20K for gold Rolex (is that what they cost?) and I'll just trade up to an E55. Priorities, priorities!

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GParker
'99 E430

Car: 1999 C43AMG

Pens: Full gamut of Pelican Pens/Pencils. (The sit and gather dust, while my FREE pen from BMW that says X5 gets daily use.

Watch:
1. Breitling Aerospace with titanium band (needed guts replaced - was a fight with breitling)
2. Breitling Aerospace with Breitling rubber band (same problem as watch 1 - less of a fight.)
((i would not buy another breitling))
I haven't used either watch in some time. My cellphone has a clock.
3. Had a Rolex (all stainless)that was my fathers. It kept crap time and was was off by more than 5 minutes every 24hrs. I tried having it retimed many times without success. Sold it to a friend.

have to admit, at this point in my life, i would rather spend my money on R compound tires.

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Noah
1999 C43
4Noah

[This message has been edited by Noah (edited 04-19-2000).]