I’ve discovered I like watches

[Kuan]

So I bought my kid a watch for graduation, my wife a watch for New Year, and then I got myself a Citizen solar powered watch which is damn cool.

They’re not expensive watches but I might be persuaded to buy my wife a Rolex some day. Just because I think every collection needs a Rolex(?)

Anyway that day is not going to be for awhile. Also I’ve decided to switch from Dad clothes to being more fashionable. Went shopping and apparently everything is "skinny fit" these days. Nobody makes pants with pleats anymore! Damn!

[davidmash]

I have a Jager LeCoultier from my father. His mom bought it for him when I was 6 or 7 ish.



It has not been serviced for quite some time so I need to get that done. I sent a message to Jager and I am looking at about $1k to have it fully serviced. Need to find out what it is worth first to see if its worth it.

For me it is sentimental. Its my dads watch and when he is gone it will be a link to his memory for me.

[tbomachines]

I was always partial to skagen watches, great minimal design (like movado but cheaper and cleaner designs imo). I wore a brushed metal one for a while. Nowadays I wear a Garmin Venu GPS smart watch. It is bulkier but tracks activity and a number of health stats, which I find important.

[davidmash]

I have a smart watch as well. I like it but I think they have 'ruined' watches.

[engatwork]

David look closely around the case and see if it is stamped 14k (or 18k). If it is then that means the case is solid 14k gold which adds that much more to the value. It could also say 14k gold filled which is not solid gold.

A couple of my favorites that I have are Vulcain Cricket watches with a loud, mechanical alarm.

Go ahead and get her that Rolex Kuan. She will be able to enjoy it for years to come. I picked mine up in 1997 and wear it when I get dressed up.

I have a 14k gold case Jules Jurgensen watch from the 60s that does not work. I'm thinking about selling it if gold hits $2500/oz.

[Kuan]

Originally Posted by engatwork

David look closely around the case and see if it is stamped 14k (or 18k). If it is then that means the case is solid 14k gold which adds that much more to the value. It could also say 14k gold filled which is not solid gold.

A couple of my favorites that I have are Vulcain Cricket watches with a loud, mechanical alarm.

Go ahead and get her that Rolex Kuan. She will be able to enjoy it for years to come. I picked mine up in 1997 and wear it when I get dressed up.

I have a 14k gold case Jules Jurgensen watch from the 60s that does not work. I'm thinking about selling it if gold hits $2500/oz.

I think I will do that Jim.

[davidmash]

Originally Posted by engatwork

David look closely around the case and see if it is stamped 14k (or 18k). If it is then that means the case is solid 14k gold which adds that much more to the value. It could also say 14k gold filled which is not solid gold.

A couple of my favorites that I have are Vulcain Cricket watches with a loud, mechanical alarm.

Go ahead and get her that Rolex Kuan. She will be able to enjoy it for years to come. I picked mine up in 1997 and wear it when I get dressed up.

I have a 14k gold case Jules Jurgensen watch from the 60s that does not work. I'm thinking about selling it if gold hits $2500/oz.

it is 14k and I believe I recall it being slid, not filled.. That I verified the last time it was serviced about 25 yrs ago.

[pj67coll]

I like them too. But have nothing as fancy as you guys. A small collection of Soviet era Poljots, Vostoks and Raketas. Some of which even work. And several Vostoks that are about four years old. Bought directly from the factory in Chistopol City, in Tatarstan.

- Peter.

[engatwork]

Bought directly from the factory

wow

[davidmash]

Originally Posted by pj67coll

I like them too. But have nothing as fancy as you guys. A small collection of Soviet era Poljots, Vostoks and Raketas. Some of which even work. And several Vostoks that are about four years old. Bought directly from the factory in Chistopol City, in Tatarstan.

- Peter.

I have a russian (I think) pocket watch from by grandfather. He was blinded in WWI and he had this pocket watch that still works. It has no crystal on it. SO you can feel the hands and there are nubs on 12/3/6/9. I need to get it cleaned and serviced as well.

[martureo]

I'm partial to Bulova automatics from the 60s. Got a few older Seikos as well.

[engatwork]

I have a Bulova Spaceview from the 60's that was a jewelry store displace model.

[pj67coll]

Originally Posted by davidmash

I have a russian (I think) pocket watch from by grandfather. He was blinded in WWI and he had this pocket watch that still works. It has no crystal on it. SO you can feel the hands and there are nubs on 12/3/6/9. I need to get it cleaned and serviced as well.

I know the Russians made wrist watches for the blind. Was not aware of Pockets. Prior to The Soviet era Russian watch industry was a very small bespoke home handicraft show. Mostly assembling components from other countries or simply importing them direct.

The Soviets tried setting up an industry by importing defunct American watch factories equipment that had folded during the depression but it remained small and was completely re-purposed during the war for military production. The Chistopol factory where Vostok are made was origiinally in Moscow but was relocated to Tatarstan when the Germans invaded and remained their ever since. After the war the Soviet watch industry kicked into high gear and they actually made some interesting products such as the Amphibia.

Vostok almost ceased to exist when the Soviet Union collapsed but the employees managed to band together and save it and incredibly turned it around and made a success of it to the extent that they have something of a cult following. Which is quite remarkable. I wonder though if they will survive the sanctions imposed as a result of Putins debacle.

- Peter.

[pj67coll]

They’re not expensive watches but I might be persuaded to buy my wife a Rolex some day. Just because I think every collection needs a Rolex(?)

Meant to comment on this. My father in law has two, or possibly three.

- Peter.

[tbomachines]

Id rather spend that kind of money on cars, I am a cheap ass when it comes to clothes, jewelry, etc.