The watch thread.

mitchy_

mitchy_

Llama calmer
nuclear_powered said:
A watchophile at work (who's big on Fliegers) said that U-Boats are good for balancing out your forearms/biceps if you're right handed, and not much else.

It's all very 'matter of opinion' though, this area. He said they were good quality, but that "You don't want a U-Boat ... you don't want anything you can possibly find in the window of a shopping mall jewellery store"

Sounds a bit elitist but at the same time ... if I was spending $5K on something like jewellery I'd be trying to find something quite unique. It probably wouldn't be as renowned, but if it was unique, good quality and backed by others on places like WatchUSeek, I'd be going for that.

But don't listen to me. I'd never spend more that $500 on a watch anyway.
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if i was spending $5000 on a watch; call me crazy but i'd first choose something i like, over something unique.
 
scblack

scblack

Leucocholic
nuclear_powered said:
A watchophile at work (who's big on Fliegers) said that U-Boats are good for balancing out your forearms/biceps if you're right handed, and not much else.

It's all very 'matter of opinion' though, this area. He said they were good quality, but that "You don't want a U-Boat ... you don't want anything you can possibly find in the window of a shopping mall jewellery store"
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Well, seeing there is only one store in Australia that sell them, clearly he would be happy to wear one of these.
 
Beej1

Beej1

Senior Member
mitchy_ said:
if i was spending $5000 on a watch; call me crazy but i'd first choose something i like, over something unique.
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Totally. I didn't think they were mutually exclusive.

scblack said:
Well, seeing there is only one store in Australia that sell them, clearly he would be happy to wear one of these.
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HA! That's funny if true. Totally going to grill him on that tomorrow.

He once loaned me a big coffee table watch book where I learned of the existence of watches that have bits of moon rock in them, or some rust from the Titanic.

I can't imagine having the money to spend on something like that .... but wearing a piece of moon on your wrist would be pretty cool.
 
scblack

scblack

Leucocholic
nuclear_powered said:
Totally. I didn't think they were mutually exclusive.


HA! That's funny if true. Totally going to grill him on that tomorrow.

He once loaned me a big coffee table watch book where I learned of the existence of watches that have bits of moon rock in them, or some rust from the Titanic.

I can't imagine having the money to spend on something like that .... but wearing a piece of moon on your wrist would be pretty cool.
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That sounds like rings I read about once. They cost $20,000+. They were jewelled bands, but the jewels were INSIDE the metal ring, in contact with your skin. So the wearer or anyone else could not know there was multiple carats of jewels in there. Is there any point to that?

There's only the one jewelry store in George St that sell the U-Boat watches. Check their website.
 
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Beej1

Beej1

Senior Member
scblack said:
Is there any point to that?
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Exclusivity? Or perhaps just the knowledge that YOU know it's there, while everyone else says "Gee what an ordinary ring". I dunno ... I'll never experience it so I can only guess. I often peruse this guy's thread about the workshop he custom builds steel frames in. If you look through, you'll see that the holes he cuts in between frame part joins (which prob have a name but I don't know it), are tiny love-hearts rather than drilled circles. You'll either only see these holes while your headset or bottom bracket is out, or in some places never unless you cut your frame open. Detail? Gimmick? Dunno ... but cool, regardless.

I recently met a jeweller through my wife's mothers group. After looking at some of his work I found myself more admiring the attention to detail than the worth of the raw materials.

As for U-Boat I'll take your word for it. The guy answered me really quickly so I'm guessing he just lumps it into his 'known brands' which are all 'mall shop' to him. He does have some nice watches ... including a lot of vintage military stuff. I think he's on a quest to own some special Rolex military version of The Submariner. Apparently they go for $40-50K. I'd rather go to Whistler for a Summer.
 
M

mars mtb

Likes Dirt
scblack said:
Can I pick the brains trust here a little. Has anyone come across U-Boat watches, from Italy? I have googled them and seem expensive, but looks very nice.

Any one know anything about them please?

http://www.uboatwatch.com/en/u-boat/manifattura.php?m=1&sm=1
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Howdy,

Yep the UBoat watches are good watches but if you are chasing the Italian Military Watch look then perhaps check out the Panarai range. All brands get bagged but hey if you like something do it.

With the Panarai range the lower valued ones around the $4k to $5k have been discontinued, as these and some of the lesser expensive ones were made or contained non in house mechanisms and so were not collectable, but now as there won't be many more they are starting to be considered collectable.

I am sure it is mentioned earlier in this one all thread but a lot of the watch retailers do sell less than RRP. So if they apply the same level of relief to the pricing on a new $7k Panarai it will get close to your $5k number. People always want Panarai.

Myself I like the Planet Oceans in the Omega range and also some of the IWC, so what I'm saying is there is a lot of good stuff out there so don't rush it. Most retailers will be happy for you to go in and check their range out a few times, they get it that their stuff is not cheap and is a big decision.

Also with good second hand dealers you'll get a good unit but just watch you don't pay what the thing cost new.
And last but not least a great watch is to be worn like a great bike is to be ridden.

Hope that helps a bit.
 
scblack

scblack

Leucocholic
mars mtb said:
Howdy,

Yep the UBoat watches are good watches but if you are chasing the Italian Military Watch look then perhaps check out the Panarai range. All brands get bagged but hey if you like something do it.

With the Panarai range the lower valued ones around the $4k to $5k have been discontinued, as these and some of the lesser expensive ones were made or contained non in house mechanisms and so were not collectable, but now as there won't be many more they are starting to be considered collectable.

I am sure it is mentioned earlier in this one all thread but a lot of the watch retailers do sell less than RRP. So if they apply the same level of relief to the pricing on a new $7k Panarai it will get close to your $5k number. People always want Panarai.

Myself I like the Planet Oceans in the Omega range and also some of the IWC, so what I'm saying is there is a lot of good stuff out there so don't rush it. Most retailers will be happy for you to go in and check their range out a few times, they get it that their stuff is not cheap and is a big decision.

Also with good second hand dealers you'll get a good unit but just watch you don't pay what the thing cost new.
And last but not least a great watch is to be worn like a great bike is to be ridden.

Hope that helps a bit.
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Thanks for the advice, looked at Panerai but they look a much plainer, standard looking type of watch. I love the industrial look of the U-Boat ones. And the steam-punk ideal of larger size, exposed big buttons and big numbers. Not your typical slim, dainty type of watch.
 
Big JD

Big JD

Wheel size expert
I brought an original refurbished Seiko 1980s dive watch off ebay for $65- there are heaps around. Wack on a great band and dive away.
 
tomee

tomee

Likes Bikes
nice, didnt know there were watch lovers on this forum!

im frequent on WUS, TZ RF and other watch related forums.
 
JTmofo

JTmofo

XC Enthusiast
Right Kiddies,

My Omega Planet Ocean is due a service. Being a recent Australian Import and not knowing who's who, doe anyone know any good, honest, respected and reasonably priced horologist or repairer that can be trusted to look after my watch in Sydney?
I refuse to leave it into an Omega service center due to them being robbing bastards...........
 
M

mars mtb

Likes Dirt
JTmofo said:
Right Kiddies,

My Omega Planet Ocean is due a service. Being a recent Australian Import and not knowing who's who, doe anyone know any good, honest, respected and reasonably priced horologist or repairer that can be trusted to look after my watch in Sydney?
I refuse to leave it into an Omega service center due to them being robbing bastards...........
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Howdy,

In Melbourne there are a few such as Watches of Switzerland, Monards and a couple of watch repair only specialists, one in CBD just off Elizabeth St and a master watchmaker bloke who specialises in Omega in Bulleen.

Other than the big retail places such as Omega in Sydney the one I have heard of but am not aware of cost or quality is http://www.watchrepair.com.au

Your option may be to check the pricing of the "authorised" repairers and ask Omega to match it.

I too have the Planet Ocean 2014 model in the 42mm black face with the orange numbers. Bloody great watches hey.

Hope that helps.
 
Winno

Winno

Likes Dirt
Thanks bud.
Believe it or not, it was my third choice.
Both Seamaster GMTs had just been discontinued so I got the Speedy.

I love it but would possibly swap it for a simple Planet Ocean (no orange bits).
 
Beej1

Beej1

Senior Member
Winno said:
My two;
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Love those Tissot Heritage Visodate. I only wish they offered a Tissot Heritage Invisodate .... how nice and clean would they look without that big ole date display? Still nice though.

Apparently the work that goes into the heritage style branding on the dial of these models is quite impressive.
 
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