The very reliable Pesseux 7001 mechanical movement used occasionally by the likes of Blancpain and others, was so well regarded that it wasn’t long before the ETA 7001 appeared (bought by ETA). Started off life in 1971 with 17 jewels, 21,600 vph, non hacking, with a 42 hour reserve and very thin, was a great favourite with all sorts of Brands and Edox liked them for some of their Les Bemonts models.
Edox 2008 Les Bemonts manual wind Dress watch.
This is the unusual rectangular Les Bemonts model circa 2008 from Edox.
A well sized model at 34 mm wide and nearly 45 mm lug to lug and only 7.9 mm depth, shows just how thin this ETA7001 hand wind movement allows neat case design. The crystal is flat Sapphire, the dial features a sub seconds dial and gold and white background with gold hands, Edox “hourglass” logo and Swiss Made at the foot.
The case is stainless steel, gold plated with an exhibition back with part cutout to view the 7001 movement. The watch is Water Resistant to 5Bar. The 22 mm lug measured strap is high quality leather fitted to an Edox deployment (with extensions) mechanism, which is one of the most comfortable I’ve worn as it lies very flat on the wrist.
Great on the wrist Edox with excellent Edox deployment strap.
This particular watch was purchased in 2008 in Holland quotes as €899 (Euros) and it the recent Auction I managed to get it for considerably less.
Exhibition stainless back showing the ETA 7001 movement.
Now considering this watch has obviously not been worn, comes with box, attached watch protection stickers, instruction booklet, plus being in absolute pristine condition, no marks scuffs or anything other than showroom condition, I reckon this is indeed a bargain – so I’m well pleased.
Do I need what is after all a relatively modern watch like this? – well yes I do actually as I’ve found a new niche in collecting and that’s great “dress” watches that I can wear – and this is certainly one of them.
A great price for what is a pretty decent hi-grade ETA movement, Sapphire crystal, elegant design case and dial, plus a great fit on the wrist, for just over £100 – I think that’s a good deal.
Probably one the good reasons for visiting Auctions and especially IF you can manage at a fair price for you. It can offset the quite extortionate “fees” that Auction Houses are applying these days – one of my gripes I know, but I’m going to keep going on about it.
Let’s face it many Auction houses would be in severe decline if it were not for the Internet – as it draws in a huge number of potential buyers – maybe they need to recognize this and give Internet bidders a discount for taking the trouble to visit their auction and bid, rather than try to screw more cash out of us all.
You never know it could be a winning idea, for the Auction house as well as the web punter.
Vintage watches are still my passion and perhaps more so today than ever, simply because many are from an age where “style” and “elegance” were as important as the watch function itself. And I have to admit I like that.
Neat but good sized Ladies 1920’s 18K Vulcain manual wind in original condition
This example is a 1920’s Ladies 18ct Gold Vulcain which has survived in very good condition and is being worn today, keeping good time and looking as elegant as when it was made. I guess it was produced just after WW1 when Vulcain moved to their new factory, so possibly around 1923 or so, once the new premises was fully up and running.
This model is a bit of a rarity with this case shape, though checking through the Vulcain “Book” I found this very similar model from around 1930. Note the early Vulcain logo in a simple font without underlining etc.
1930’s Vulcain with diamond decoration – from the Vulcain “book”.
Another reference I found is from the Watch Book – “Wristwatches – A Handbook and Price Guide” 6th Edition of Gisbert L. Brunner & Christian Pfeiffer-Belli, printed by Schiffer, which although listed as anonymous, could indeed be a Vulcain such is the similarity.
Similar cased & dial look of the 1920’s
My Vulcain 18K Gold cased is also complimented by the expandable bracelet (marked DV, which denotes a Vulcain parts or accessory) which suits it perfectly with no degradation to the spring action or the fastening clip and safety chain. (note the Trademark DV with the V on top shown is prior to the rectangular form, which appeared in 1934).
Original Vulcain accessories (DV) 18k Gold expandable bracelet
The case back is numbered and hinged with a snap closure and the movement is in very good condition considering this watch is not water resistant.
Vulcain of course is a very old established Watch Company formed back in 1858 and still producing high quality watches today. Famous amongst other things for producing the 1st practical mechanical Alarm watch, the Cricket” – which could be heard over 30 metres away and operated without disturbing the time keeping of the watch, both features thought impossible. After many years of research it finally was introduced commercially in 1947.
So all in all very pleased with this purchase as once again it is relatively rare, both in shape and style and is in excellent running condition. What’s more it appears that the original bracelet is attached and the watch has obviously been kept for special occasions as it has worn exceptionally well over the best part of the last 100 years.
The last image shows a Gents Vulcain from around the same vintage, again with the original Vulcain logo on the dial and very similar font applications on the dial. Note too the hands and dial colour are virtually identical, which were obviously the parts of choice at this period.
I’ll keep a look out for this particular Gents model and if it comes up at any time – I’ll be very interested in adding it to my collection. You never know!
Gents 18ct Gold 1925 model (Illustration – from the Vulcain “Book”)
Every so often I feel I want to brighten up my watch wardrobe, especially if I’m out for dinner and maybe even dressed for the occasion. Something that maybe we don’t do often enough these days and certainly something I don’t do enough, being retired. Years of going to the day job, dressed up, tends to make one “dress down” when in retirement and maybe even to forget the odd shave – very remiss.
What to wear? Well this will do nicely ‘cos it’ll go with anything . . . .
But with age comes a certain freedom, where that silly old soul can wear an outrageous bow tie with a blazer or have an overly elaborate walking cane (never had one before, but what the heck!). Maybe you can make some amazing, amusing or cutting comment that could well be in the category of – “You can’t say that!” – that’s awful . . . . ! And get away with it.
And so it is with the choice of watch on your wrist, which neatly brings me to this model – the Swatch “Rounds & Squares” SUON122.
Swatch “Rounds & Squares” model – for geeks.
An ultra modernist Quartz in silicon, plastic, with an abstract style with a blue case and multi-colour strap and an every colour dial. The ultra lightweight case will manage a 3bar Water Resistance, so should withstand the odd glass of bubbly thrown at it, or even if the wearer might accidentally (or was he pushed?) fall in the pool. Now OK the watch survivability might be around 50%, which oddly enough is probably about the same (or better) as the old wearer . . .
It has a centre seconds hand and a neat little screw (coin) hatch at the back to access the battery and the strap as seen here is just fab’ and amazingly flexible.
Did I just use the F word? Goodness, is that sad or what . . . . I mean I was old when they started using that!
Coin battery entry hatch – easy fit even for me!
Anyway as watches go it’s a pretty decent size at 41 mm diameter and commendably just under 10 mm thick, AND it’s plastic, but without the over size silly “ooh is that a watch then?” look, a style that frankly has lost it’s charm for me – but this is different AND it looks good!
Yes this Swiss offering actually looks great – it’s bright, it’s colourful and OK, perhaps a little OTT (did I mention the second hand is “pastel blue?) but despite all that unbelievably I can think of lots of old guy eccentric clothing to go with it. I’ll look some out later . . . .
So being in a sort of dark mood the other day, I went and bought it, sad I know, but that’s what happens when faced with a hypnotic strap such as this.
How could you do it, I hear you ask?
Swatch that goes with – everything!
Well it was like this. I spotted it when having lunch with a friend – a friend who is an Ex geek. I know the ex idea seems bizarre but there he was, wearing believe it or not one of those ghastly Hawaii style Miami Vice era multi-colour, but long sleeved, shirts (the rest of his attire was no less incongruous – long shorts and hiking boots – and this is March in Scotland!).
Anyway it happened as my companion asked him the time and as a result I sort of did a double take, as my ex geek pal pulled up his shirt cuff and looked at this continuation of his – “shirt”?
But NO – he was actually looking at his nice new Swatch watch, which was virtually indistinguishable from his riotously bright outfit, in almost every way! And as I say – I was hooked . . . . . It was a lousy day, wet, dark and utterly miserable and there he was – a riot of colour, watch and all!
Well when I got home I looked it up, loved the colour, price OK and ordered one on the spot – and would you believe it – I was already starting to feel much brighter myself.
It came directly from Swatch in tick tock land, so took a couple of days.
Now perhaps it’s a cheap (relatively) and definitely cheerful watch of course, but it’s also absolutely a bit of fun to wear and it will do me nicely, oh yes, it’ll do me just fine.
Yes here was I thinking that Blancpain produced only round case watches. I checked around however and with some difficulty it has to be said I did find an image example in my old No 30 Edition Gilbert, Engle & Schugart “Complete Price Guide to Watches” on page 677 right at the foot of the page, an image of almost the very same model. It too has hooded lugs, though shown complete rather than the part hooded ones of my version.
Gilbert, Engle 2010 Watch Catalogue – illustration of vintage Blancpain model
However the dial is exactly the same, stick hands dot markers and the tiny sub-dial seconds, plus the 4 cardinal numerals. The glass is unscratched and domed and the solid 14k Gold case is in great condition. A degree of re-finish is evident and why not as this watch is from around the 1940-45 era. The strap is not a Blancpain but a modern Italian leather Rosario 18 mm that looks just fine. As always with any watch I collect – it has to be worn on the wrist regularly and Rosario straps are always comfortable.
Blancpain vintage rectangular c 1945
The movement which is in superb condition is signed Blancpain 17 jewel unadjusted with the Rayville SA import mark clearly shown (KXO). I’m not sure if Blancpain even made their own movements in this period and the movement looks very similar to an A. Schild. It does look as if it could be related to the AS 970 for example, though I’m no expert on these and there were so many AS movement variations, I can’t definitely put a number to it, but they were of very decent quality for the period.
1940s Blancpain signed 17 jewel – perhaps Anton Schild.
The case has been cleaned up at some point in the past, but the Case Maker marks show up clearly to be Katz & Ogush Inc of New York, who were registered in 17th January 1921, and denotes the 14k Gold motif. K&O had two different motifs – the other was simply plain text with their initials, so this is a nice bonus for me as I have a thing about Watch Case Maker marks.
Katz & Ogush Case Maker for Blancpain c 1945
When I first saw the images on Auction I thought perhaps this was a Ladies model, but the watch overall size at 26 mm x 35 mm lug to lug, is definitely for a Gent.
It was also produced at the time when the “formed” watch style was coming in to fashion, as they moved away from the traditional round pocket watch style of earlier times. Of all the shapes around at the time and into the fifties, the square and rectangular became the most popular and are still with us today.
So to say I was pleased in an understatement – I am delighted with my vintage find this month.
It’s not often you find a rectangular Blancpain and movement wise it is in great condition, the case is clearly marked with a known Case Maker and it’s in good condition – it also keeps excellent time which is another bonus.
The question of absolute original condition and refinished condition always comes up when collecting vintage watches. It is a fact that to find watches in “perfect” condition of this age is becoming almost impossible now. More often than not the watch is in various stages of poor condition, corroded movements, spotted dials, mechanical damage, scratches and dents and certainly not looking at all as it was when made. The question you have to ask is – Do I want it looking like that? And in my case – Do I want to wear it?
Personally as a “wearing” watch collector, I prefer the watch to look more or less as it was. And I don’t mean completely refinished in such a way as to look false, but rather cleaned up sympathetically, basically to show the attributes of the original watch.
I also don’t mean to replace everything on it, but where possible to refurbish the existing elements to best advantage.
Rectangular 14k Gold Blancpain c1945
The only time I would tend to accept the absolute original, would be for very much older pieces, such as a few pre -1900 models. I have some and these 1800’s models are about as original as you can get and “as found” and are the only watches I own that I don’t wear.
They are (unfortunately) for display purposes only. I suppose I got these when I first started collecting and had this exciting “purist” idea, but I soon found that firstly it was a VERY expensive and perhaps over-optimistic collecting idea. Secondly I realized that wearing watches was my real passion so had to revise my strategy and not look too far back – and of course it’s cheaper!
But for me, more fun . . . . .
Note – One of the problems with vintage watches is the degree of uncertainty when checking them out. You have to be a bit of a detective and maybe a skeptic too, which is a pity. It would be so nice to accept things at face value, but that would be unrealistic. There are some things on this model that could make you wonder, one of which is evidence of machine holes/marks on the rear of the dial. Are they related to the fitted movement and dial? Well yes they are in this case and are actually the reverse of the dot marker positions on the dial. If you look closely at the markers they are not just “applied” markers, but are in fact punched “through” the dial itself. And that’s about as permanent as you can get.
So maybe after all this is me being too Sherlock Holmesy, but this sort of thing does makes you question – But as I say happily every aspect of this case and dial was perfectly consistent with the watch. Though had they not been you have to remember it was the middle/end period of the 2nd World war, watch cases and parts may not have been easy to get and to assemble a complete watch might well involve a certain degree of “mix and match”.
I might have to go along with the fact it may – and I say may – have had a very light and sympathetic dial refurbishment and that is absolutely fine by me – in fact I love it.
So after close examination I think I’ve got myself a really nice and genuine example of a rather rare watch – AND I can wear it – so I’m happy.
One of the nice things I like about Longines, is their trick of producing high quality watches at affordable prices. And that’s what we’ve got here with this vintage Auction find for under a £100. I say value for money as I spotted a pre-owned one, co-incidentally just the other day from a Retailer, for £450 and this one is in far better condition.
Very neat Longines Conquest quartz Date watch – c 1992?
This is the Longines 1992-4 Conquest Date model in stainless steel, with the Longines L1.161.4, 6 jewel ETA quartz movement. Slipped into a sleek well finished stainless case that’s only at around 5.32 mm thick is what I call neat. In fact the entire watch is neat at just around 34 mm (excl. crown)in diameter. This version has the original Longines French made leather strap, with the proprietary deployment clasp with twin button release. Note this is a bespoke strap as it has to fit the lug case design with the centre cut out. I also noted when searching this model on Google it’s actually rare indeed to find a strapped version, as almost every one I’ve seen comes fitted to a Longines bracelet.
Neat Longines Conquest with 5.32mm thick stainless case & original deployment fitting.
Anyway this watch is in pretty much perfect condition with no marks or scratches at all (I hasten to add that the images shown are as I bought it, uncleaned), the Sapphire crystal is perfect and there are no intrusion marks on the back, which is also pristine. The fact there are no intervention marks is a real bonus, as so often ex Auction pieces have had a few over zealous buyers poking around them with their penknives! (Yes! it happens – I’ve seen it! and that really annoys me!).
The deployment strap is not actually damaged but is very oily/dirty with accumulated crud from obviously been worn 24/7 by the previous owner, so do I try and clean it or not?
Original Longines deployment fit – with quick release adjuster.
The Longines branded deployment clasp itself is actually very good and I note it doesn’t have your typical friction fit clamp adjustment. It is more subtle than that. To alter the fit length you have to push in one of the pushers (it’s marked with a little arrow) which allows the small push-button assembly to lift out. Once out, re-position the deployment over the strap hole you want, then pop it back in – job done.
Now whilst I am a great believer in deployment clasps for certain styles of watch and even with this one being rather good, on this very slim model it tends to defeat the purpose. I find that deployments can hold the strap away from the wrist by virtue of the fitting itself and in this case, as it’s such a neat, super thin and almost delicate watch So, I decided to fit a standard Longines leather strap and buckle instead.
And I was lucky enough to have a superb original leather one salvaged from another Longines with the correct end fit profile sitting in my spares drawer which will be ideal. Note – shown fitted with photograph at Post end.
Uncleaned as yet, but showing no scratches or marks – perfect!
So an excellent Auction buy, quartz it may be but it is a very high quality one and great value.
Longines watches are still and always have been undervalued in my opinion, which fortunately makes them a good choice when looking for a pre-owned watch. And I mean this for both quartz and mechanical models. Part of the reason is that they are not sold at inflated prices and even new they represent good value as the quality is really, really good and the closer you get to one, the better they look.
Looks good on the wrist at just 34 mm diameter.
This particular model is from the early 1990s and as good today as when it was made and I have to say there is a certain “comfortable quality” about it. What I mean is just everything about the watch feels right. The smoothness of the silky satin finished stainless steel case case, the rounded edges, the elegantly designed dial, subtle luminous markers and hands, it really is a sweet little watch for men or women.
So this purchase was both a surprise and a delight. A surprise as it was so cheap to actually get and a delight, in that once seen, in your hand, then worn on the wrist, the realisation that this watch is a keeper, no question.
Longines stainless buckle alternative to deployment.
Note– it is important when checking the serial number of this model, it is NOT the the obvious one on the case back, which yes, it does have between 5 and 8 numerals. Though conversely the movement calibre IS on the back.
To date the watch, you need the number On the movement module itself, so you need to snap off the back and check it on the movement module.
My second Auction purchase is this 1947 vintage Lord Elgin model. A 3 position adjusted 21 jewel Cal. 670 manual wind movement which is fully signed and working beautifully, keeping excellent time. Not bad for a watch that’s 70 years old.
Lord Elgin 1947/50 21 jewel articulated Gents watch
This model has articulated lugs, a feature I’ve always admired (in fact I have a few modern watches with this) and these are particularly nice. The dial here is Cognac coloured with black Roman numerals and a subsidiary Seconds dial, with gold hands. The Swiss Made script I expected at the foot of the dial is hidden and actually covered over by a coloured slick of paint, so I assume this dial has been refinished at some point in it’s life – the paint used maybe to protect the Swiss text. Whatever, it was very well done and as the dial is really good I’m certainly not about to fiddle around with it. It is what it is . . . .
Neat articulated lugs, snap fit back in A1 condition.
The case is in great condition, 14K Gold Filled and no marks or rubbing at all. The back is similar and is a very definite snap fit. The high domed glass is perfect and overall the watch looks great. The strap is an after market leather one which is absolutely fine and obviously new. I like the upper and lower case decoration, it’s nicely figured and well done and lifts the watch somewhat from the more usual square faced models I’ve seen.
The watch dimensions are 22 mm wide and with the hinged lug design it means the lug to lug is nearly 46 mm, so when on the wrist this watch looks perfect for today. On the wrist it looks bigger than you would think.
On the wrist looks bigger than it is owing to the extended hinged lug arrangement.
I’ve always liked Lord Elgin and in fact Elgin watches in general as they were very well priced in their day, affordable and great value for money. And in saying this, it is gratifying to see that you can pick up a model today such as this for under £40 at auction, which when you consider the style and the fact that this watch works well, is accurate, doesn’t need a battery, looks good and has already lasted 70 years or so – it really can’t be bad!
One of the reasons perhaps why I buy vintage watches. The other is that I like the look of them. They often have a style and elegance that seems to be missing from the majority of models offered these days AND of course I wear them. They are not solely confined to a display cabinet or box, because I wear them all in rotation and they all must function. I mean that’s what they were made for in the first place and never intended as inanimate objects, but real-time recorders of time.
I have in my collection a few models that I suppose are true vintage in that they are pre’ 1900 and I always make a point of wearing them often, despite the fact that shock suppression wasn’t the best if there at all.
Let’s face it, it didn’t stop people wearing them then, so why should it now? I usually find in these really old models a certain mechanical quality that’s often so good, that a well looked after watch that’s been around maybe 100/150+ years or so hardly diminishes at all – and I like that!
Flared lugs, 14k Gold filled and manual wind. This Longines cuts quite a dash today with it’s black dial and gold numerals. It has a subsidiary Seconds dial and elegant hour and minute hands and fully signed case, dial and movement. Note this model has what are termed “fancy” lugs.
The movement is a Longines 17-jewel Cal. 10L, a decent workhorse of it’s day and has been around since 1949/50 and is in pretty good condition.
Longines 10L manual movement
No bad case marks or crystal scratches to be seen and it keeps very good time with a decent Power Reserve.
Neat brushed gold finish with fancy lugs – classic.
The nicely brushed gold finish to the back shows the quality and the fancy lugs lifts it a little bit above the usual. In short an elegant and subtly understated watch, which when worn today looks great, especially if you happen to be at a formal dress function. An absolute must, sophisticated and smart.
Longines black dial, gold filled case – elegant and neat
The strap in this case is an after market affair, is good enough and compliments the watch generally and is a good fit.
Not much more to say other than this was an Auction find and for what it is would appear to be a bit of a bargain find and certainly worth the paltry bid I offered to secure it – OR IT SHOULD BE . . .
Understated elegance even for today’s tastes.
Note the case, dial and movement are each signed Longines. The watch overall is a nice size at 25mm x 28mm, but looks slightly larger on the wrist as it sits so well. Note the fancy lugs are fixed and the strap fixing is standard, so very easy to change.
The Positives –
This model’s case is what is called Gold Filled – as opposed to the more often seen Gold Plated.
Longines 10K Gold Filled L&K USA made case
Gold Filled is much superior to Gold plating, essentially as it is to a Standard. Which says for example that a 14K GF must contain 5% of Gold by weight, unlike plating which may only have somewhere around 0.05%. 14K = 14/20 Gold Filled ratio. Also as it is actually the application of one, two or even three layers of Gold, it is viewed as a true alternative to solid Gold.
The layer or layers are then pressure moulded to the base metal of the watch, such as brass. This particular process means that Gold Filled cases can last a lifetime and don’t easily rub off like Gold Plating often does.
So always worth it to check what Gold system has been applied on any vintage watch and with 10K or 14K Gold Filled (GF), you won’t go far wrong.
As to the which actual Longines Model this is, I have to confess I’m unsure, as there were so many over than period. It looks similar to a “Buchanan” but has Roman numerals and Dot markers and a black face. The Buchanan model had the dot markers but regular numbers and a white face and the lugs were not fancy as this one. The watch date is pretty close as the serial number can be reasonable accurate as a guide.
But is there another reason why the model is not that easy to find?
The Negatives –
On closer examination (initially by a Watch Forum colleague after checking my close up photographs) this dial does not appear to be totally original. It is what’s loosely called a “re-dial”, where perhaps because the original dial was in such poor condition as a result of damp or damage etc. it was at some point in it’s life – repainted.
The heavy black paint (unusual for a start with Longines) covers over the offending imperfection/s, the markers and numerals may be cleaned up or replaced, the hands re-painted or replaced and any printing re-applied.
The problem with any re-dial however is how well it is managed. And in this particular case – it’s really not that good.
As my colleague informed me – check out the chronometer cross (the main crossed lines of the dial) – these are NOT straight. The horizontal line does not go through the centre of the IX (9) or the III (3) at the other side. One is slightly low, the other slightly high. These would be absolutely straight on the original dial (this is careless work).
Also looking closely, the subsidiary Seconds dial perimeter is misaligned even within it’s dial depression – it’s low on the right, so this again was carelessly printed. Also the hands have had some repainting too and though common on old watches, is not very good here.
So all in all and I agree this is a re-dial and not the best, which is a shame as the rest of the watch, case and movement are perfectly right and in decent condition. So a tale of caution when you are bidding on an Auction but not present at the Auction – REMOTE BUYER – BEWARE! It is ALWAYS a risk buying from poor photographs.
Note – The Auction House condition report noted the painted hands and suggestion of a re-dial at some stage of it’s life. So as always with remote purchases, there is an element of risk in not having a detailed and close up examination. As always – buyer beware!
And am I happy with my purchase? Well I have to say yes – it wasn’t expensive and I like it and OK it’s not perfect, but it works perfectly . . . . and it looks good on the wrist and the movement is exactly as it should be.
The title says it all really. One of the troubles with the digital age is that the images of these new watches on screen and on-line are in fact enhanced artistic license images and NOT often the reality.
Ladies Calvin Klein Future Alarm Watch
And this phenomenon isn’t just a Gents prerogative either – it also affects those modern women and ladies who have embraced the larger masculine style of watch today. You buy the super watch you saw on-line and when you get it, you can’t make out the time. It has no contrast or the light is shining at it in the wrong direction and so on.
So it’s nice to spot a watch for the Ladies – and the men as it happens, the only difference basically is the color set up from Calvin Klein, that appears to me to maybe overcome the clarity issue. I say maybe as I too have only seen them on-line, but at least the retailer I spotted shows a video. So maybe a more accurate representation and possibly worth a look.
The Calvin Klein Future Alarm model as it’s called for ladies has a nice color way and isn’t very large by todays standards, but actually a nice size for anyone with sensible wrists. It measures 38 mm diameter and is only 9 mm depth, so neat on the wrist, ladies or gent. The Ladies version has a white rubber strap and rather stylish colored LCD with blue numerals, which appear to have really decent contrast. The watch has two pushers on the right side a Date feature and an Alarm. It also has a nice smooth case set up with a decent 30m Water Resistance.
It comes with the Calvin Klein 2 yr Warranty and costs around £160, which is reasonably affordable today. The colour combination I think works for ladies and IF the contrast and legibility is as I would hope, then this is a pretty good buy.
Gents Calvin Klein Future Alarm Watch
The Gents model is only different in the colour and is slightly thicker at 10 mm, so it is said, but the same otherwise.
The Gents version also has the usual macho dark dial job, though in this case I might prefer the Ladies one – as I have a feeling the color set up just might be better clarity wise, though would I dare wear it?
Come to think of it – I probably would! Unisex is Unisex – right?
Oops! My son has just cried out, “You can’t be serious Dad, you can’t!” “You got to be kidding me – Yikes!”
You see that’s the trouble with this new generation – they have no sense of humour! 😉
One thing I like about Design Houses is when they turn their hand to watches. Mostly dress watches it has to be said, but these are often great looking pieces, produced not by watch trade people, but by designers of different products and what is their take on a watch to express their particular Company or philosophy.
Christofle Swiss 21 jewel Automatic
This is a neat and rather stylish model from Christofle of Paris and a particularly handsome piece it is too – well to my mind it is, as I bought it just the other day at auction. And at a VERY reasonable two digit price. Now considering this model cost in 1999 approximately £1300 and it’s in perfect condition (box, papers etc) – I’m well pleased.
It is a decent specified model too with a 21 jewel Swiss ETA 2892-2 automatic movement, Sapphire Crystal and (possible) 18ct gold bezel on a rather elegant stainless steel case, plus articulated “fancy” lugs connecting to the Swiss original green colored Lizard leather strap with signed Christofle stainless buckle.
Readability for me is a basic buying principle and I do like the jet black polished color of the hour and minute hands, which gives excellent contrast against the textured inner dial.
The outer track is on a broad gold colored band with black Roman numerals. The Date aperture is @3 with contrasting black date numbers against white. The sweep second hand is in gold.
Dial lettering features the Christofle logo and Paris and below shows Automatic with Swiss Made at the foot of the dial.
Note the fluted stainless steel case shaping – plus articulated lugs.
The stainless steel case is highly polished with a triple molding feature which pairs up with the strap lug ends. The crown is @3 and part recessed. The Date is a quick set type and of standard ETA 2892-2 configuration. The watch also manages a decent Water resistance of 30 m (100 ft) with it’s neat 4 screw stainless steel back
It sits very well on the wrist and at just 37 mm diameter and quite thin at 8.5 mm, it looks neat and the dial color combination with the green Lizard strap lends itself very well to the dress occasion.
As watches go it is a good mid range model, though for me I would balk at paying the new price, which reflects the design house premium. But for the price I paid and as this watch is in perfect, as new, condition, it is a really good buy. One of the reasons why Designer watches in general can be excellent pre-owned purchases, is that the new designer inflated price disappears in the second hand market. And unlike previous times, today many of the designer outlets produce some very, very good watches indeed and well worth a look at Auction price.
Decided to upgrade and renew my old Garmin GPS Golf watch as I felt like a change. Not that there was anything wrong with my old Garmin, but just because I fancied a change and perhaps take advantage of any improvements in technology gained over the last few years. I didn’t get another Garmin as the replacement models seemed a little expensive for my needs. I mean I don’t need a swing improvement meter (to check my back swing against my downswing) and all that stuff as I’m playing golf, not standing about wasting time checking my wrist all the time. A bit like the Professional Golfers these days who spend far, far too much time discussing with their caddies the wind characteristics, or which club to hit (what ever happened to “feel”?), deciding what spin to impart, blah, blah and blah! Then as a result playing a rather mediocre shot as a result more often than not.
The Bushnell Neo Ion GPS Golf Watch.
Basically all I like is the distance I have left to the hole, the distance to the odd hazard between me and the green, so I can lay-up or fly over that bunker or stream and so on. It’s also a fact that amateur golfers are more often short on approach shots to the green, usually as they tend to over-estimate the distance they hit each club.
The GPS watch solves that as you can measure each shot’s distance and find out just how far you actually do hit each club. Not surprisingly many golfers who used to boast 270 yards off the tee with the driver, end up with a serious reality check, as the GPS measures their drive at around the 200 yard mark!
Oh yes!
I used to play of a very low handicap myself and my drive here in the UK was around the 260 yards mark, which was pretty good considering the equipment at that time (1960 – 1986), was actually about UK Pro standard. Today being a very senior golfer with today’s new equipment I can sometimes manage a drive over 220 yards, but mostly around the 200 yards and my new GPS Bushnell Neo Ion watch confirms it as such.
The Bushnell on the wrist, chunky but very comfortable.
The watch is not the smallest around though it’s quite an acceptable size at just a shade under 45 mm diameter with a clear good contrast rectangular digital display. Quite chunky though at 15.5 mm thick it does however sit very well on the wrist owing to the very flexible silicon strap and buckle set up, which incidentally is VERY comfortable. I got the Charcoal color version with the Orange under/charcoal strap. The watch is also very light at a fraction under 50 gms, so you hardly know it’s there. It is VERY easy to use even though it has 5 push buttons to play with. Lower left is the Menu button which gives you scroll options such as Pedometer, Odometer, Stopwatch,Timer, Alarm,Battery and Settings. The right hand 3 buttons are upper right – move up, lower – move down and the center button is the Select function button.
Flat back with recessed charge terminals allows easy connector fit for charging.
To start a golf round push the upper left and select Play Golf on the display – it will then seek a signal (about 3 minutes or so depending on location) and it finds the courses near you. Select the one you are on – it will then load the course data and you are good to go.
The Bushnell also has a tricky feature that I find rather useful called Tee time. You select the day and the time (within 7 days) of your next game. 7 Minutes prior to your Tee Off time, it switches itself to Golf Mode, seeks the signal, sets your course and basically as you step on to the tee, it displays the correct course and the 1st hole yardage is there ready for you. If it’s a shotgun start competition, the GPS function will track your position on the course, indicate the hole you are on with the data you need. It works very well and is a really nice feature and far more useful than some swing analysis function that I simply don’t need.
Very flexible silicon strap with contrasting orange underside. This is the Charcoal color version.
The hazard indication of each hole I suppose could be better served with the symbol idea of the Tom Tom watches, as the Bushnell simply describes the hazards as abbreviations, which whilst you’ll soon get to know them, took me a few guesses to get right the first few times I tried it. The yardages to and over the hazards is however as accurate as any and very useful, especially as now with your GPS watch you will now how far you hit the ball any of your clubs! (assuming you DO hit the ball of course!). Oh yes I forgot to mention you can, with a simple push of a button, measure your shot distance.
Main menu gives scroll options – the right upper and lower buttons control the scroll.
The watch manages around 3 rounds of golf and if not playing golf/using the GPS function it will act as a watch for around a year which is rather better than most others.. It is easily charged with it’s supplied charge cable (USB ended) and connects to the watch with a clip on back plate, which fits over the back and connects to the terminals on the watch back.
This fitting is not as fiddly as either the Garmin or the Tom Tom and simple to use. It only takes a few hours and the watch is charged ready to go.
I have to say I’m pretty pleased with it so far, certainly in use and practicality. Also the price is more affordable in comparison to most of the opposition I’ve seen. It’s also nicely unobtrusive and understated on the wrist and though hardly noticeable it does the job very well.
So is it a good buy?
Yes – for me it has been – I like it, it works well, I can easily see it and it’s simple and easy to use.
And has my golf improved? Well that’s more tricky to answer, though I’m now certain my drives are 200 yards not 260 yards and the fact I know how far I hit my new irons is a bit of a revelation – so I’m optimistic that the golf will improve – in fact I’m sure it will and surely that’s got to be good!
Watch space 
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