2022)

A tricky thing to describe is “value” and how do you actually measure it. In very basic terms for me, it means when applied to a watch, that the basic requirements I wanted are in fact met and the price was right. To illustrate the point I can do no better than highlight this Citizen Eco-drive model I bought some years ago in 2008.

This military inspired Citizen Eco-Drive 180 ( BM8180-54E ) – with centre seconds highlighted in red with pointer and a nice sized day and date window @3. It is as good today as the day I bought it and I’ve never had to adjust the time, as it’s accuracy is about as good as it gets from a mainstream quartz watch. I also can’t fault it in any way whatsoever, as it does exactly what it’s supposed to do and does it very well indeed. It also cost under £100 at the time and a sure sign of the longevity of this model is the fact that it’s still available today and hardly changed.

Citizen Military - available at Argos £69.99 (04/01/2014) — Citizen Military Eco – available at Argos (UK)

The model from Argos (above), is basically the same watch and the price again is good at under £70 and in my opinion it is a real “value” watch, no question about it. It also is remarkably good at night as the luminous hands and dial are excellent. The neat day and day window @ 3 is easily read and it manages 100m water resistance – so what’s not to like?

Here it is again, this time it is the same model code as well and at time of writing, available at Watchshop in bracelet form and still under £100.

The Citizen BM8180-54E still around — The Citizen Eco BM8180-54E still around

And it’s amazing in how many guises this model can still be found – this one (possibly the most current of them all) for example is the BM8470-11E, with a nice dial facelift perhaps and the case has changed a little, but it seems very familiar to me. A rather more modern take on my original version and still under £100 (from Timeshop4you).

Citizen BM8470-11E — Citizen Eco-Drive BM8470-11E

So there you have it – what I call a “value” watch. The design is really as good as it gets, the size is what I would call universal (not too big, not too small), very clear to read, day or night and with clear day and date information. A good second hand, excellent crown size and is water resistant to 100m, so swimming no problem. And the price of course has virtually stayed unchanged in years, AND of course it’s Eco-Drive day, so pretty much a “get it and forget it” watch watch. Also as evidenced by my own experience, this model would appear to be what we call a “good un” – never a problem, simply wear it and forget it!

Note – I updated this Post in December 2022, so there you have it.

This latest incarnation is rather good, almost a civilian version if you will (the older one was a so called military inspired creation) – no crown guards, cleaned up dial , but the essential model is still the same – I think Citizen know this is a winner all the way.

Now that’s what I call value!

Variety 2

Another trawl through some of the great watches that are available today and maybe we don’t see too often. Once again this selection are what I’d call in the affordable price range and some good value items. Almost all of them are common in one respect and that is, you can be pretty certain that your friends won’t have one – but will after they see your new wrist wear! My image here is a collage as before with brief details below and in no particular order.

Only 6 are shown here as one of them, the Junghans, has a sideways shot, showing it’s unusual crown/pusher set up and it’s 9.6mm case depth.

Junghans Megasolar Spektrum, stainless & ceramic, solar quartz, 100m WR, – 43.5mm diameter (£600)
Fortis B42 Flieger Black, Auto, Day/Date Titan Limited model at 42mm diameter (£600 – £1500)
Bruno Sohnle Glashutte Rebito, 42mm diameter (£380)
Schaumburg GT “Raceclub”, Auto – 46mm diameter (£900)
Askania Templehof in steel, Auto – 42mm diameter (£850 – £1300)
Schaumburg Regulator, hand winding, 50m WR, 42mm diameter (£850 – £1300)

I’ve listed the case diameters this time, as there are too many models out there that are unfortunately ruined by being way oversize and just too big for comfort. So I’m doing a gentle bit of championing the smaller guys. But let’s not be silly here – most of the models shown here are all decent size, as all are over 40mm (remember many Patek Philippe models are around 36mm and don’t look silly on ANYBODY’s wrist!!).

Davis Watch Company

Whilst trawling around the web I found this Company, the Davis Watch Company, who have a rather neat range of mid priced Quartz models plus a few more up market mechanical watches too. Always on the lookout for a sensible priced quartz Dress watch I came across this rather nicely styled model from their “AllRound Series”, the 0582, which I think has a rather elegant classic look about it.

I like the look of this model as it harks back to just a hint of Art Deco and Classic, without being actually Retro. The overall appearance is interesting and that little bit different with the leather strap and integral tan stitch fitting into smooth hidden lugs case design – very stylish in my opinion and as a Dress watch, pretty much what I was looking for. Additionally the dial is elegantly configured with fine Guilloche background and three multifunction sub-dials. The indexes are white applied with stainless accents which aides clarity, the hour and minute hands similarly outlined.

It features Day, Date and 12/24hr time and is powered by the MIYOTA quartz movement Caliber 6P29 (SR621SW battery) and has a accuracy of around +/- 20 seconds per month. The case is brushed Stainless steel, has a Water Resistance of 100m and dimensions are 50 x 33 x 10mm, so a relatively neat watch and it comes with their International 2 year guarantee.

We tend to forget these days that Dress watches are exactly that and surprisingly rare to find, or those of decent appearance anyway. They are simply not meant to be Military, or Divers or big and flashy, but instead are sleek, smooth and elegant, meant to slip under the shirt cuff. I think this one is just that and at a very agreeable price of under €130 (Euro).

Davis also make quite a decent range of non dress models too and this one – the Davis Aviamatic 1020 features Chronograph, Day and Date, in brushed Stainless Steel, which is also available in white. A 22mm leather strap compliments this neat 42mm x 11mm case with a 50m Water Resistance and screw down crown. The solid performing MIYOTA quartz Caliber OS21 with a +/- 20sec/month movement is used here and has an approximate battery life of 3 years (SILVER OXIDE SR927W),

This model has a larger version, the 0450 at 48mm diameter and other dial colors are available, which makes it quite versatile.

The high color yellow and black Aviamatic model I alluded to and posted an image of, in my last article, though for me a little on the large side at 48mm, will certainly appeal to many as it really has that “military” look.

Davis watch also offer a few mechanical watches , though there is a price premium to pay, they are still very reasonable and feature Miyota mechanical movements. I have a couple of other brands using these movements and I rarely, if ever, have a problem with them and they invariably represent excellent value.

Ladies are not left out and they have a few different models in their range and should you wish to see these, this is the link to them. From ring watches to designer and even ceramic, they are that bit different from the mainstream, in my opinion.

Refreshing to see a not so well known watch brand (to me at any rate) with such a diverse range of pretty good looking models and at not unreasonable pricing across that range. I like the fact they major on good solid mainstream and standard quartz movements such as Miyota in that it gives confidence that the engines will work pretty well and be reasonably reliable.

In fact I’m rather taken with more than one model myself and might just be tempted to acquire one, or at the very least persuade my Wife that one of them could make an “AllRound” Christmas present.

That’s a hint my Dear!

Divers-ity

As one of my previous posts recently showed, there are many choices when it comes to “Divers” models, especially when considering major brands. There are also other models from Casio, Invicta and Momentum to name just a few. There are also others that advertise as Divers, but for me I only consider “dive rated” models at 200m or better. Plus basic features such as good dial legibility under water, large hands and numerals, good luminous qualities, a screw down crown and a uni-directional bezel.

I highlight here some that caught my attention, starting with the classic Seiko “Monster” Divers SKX781K, Automatic in Orange and black versions – one that I particularly like.

This is an absolute classic Divers watch and very popular with good reason. Solid chunky watch in Stainless Steel watch with high visibility dial and contrasting hands and markers, rated at 200m Water Resistance and with a large uni-directional bezel that is a delight to use. The bezel markings are sharp and clear with the conventional 15, 30 and 45 minute graduations in large high contrast figuring with a luminous dot marker at Zero. The orange dial also features a Day and Date in a nicely outlined window @3 again with good contrast luminous figures and large enough not to require any magnifier bubble. The luminous system used is Seiko Lumibrite, which for me has one of the best luminous properties of any (I don’t include Tritium light source technology). The large screw down crown is very well protected by the projecting case profile on one side and the cleverly extended solid case lug on the other. The mechanical automatic movement is the dependable 7S26 which has reasonable accuracy at around +/- 25 secs/day – not quite in the quartz bracket, but good for a mechanical model. The crystal is the Seiko in-house “Hardlex” which is a good combination of scratch and shatter resistance.

Seiko "Monster" in black — Seiko “Monster” in black

These models are available from around $120 to $160 depending on discounts etc. and represent superb value when you consider these are from a major Manufacturer with good guarantees and service back up.

I have not included Citizen this time as featured some in the previous post on Divers, so this time I’m looking at other brands that offer a similar capability, such as Momentum from the St Moritz Watch Company of Canada. They have quite a neat range of 200m Water Resistance “Divers”, though I find it difficult to know what’s current and what’s discontinued. Of several Diver models I have opted for and particularly like the Shadow 11 model (IM-DV86B0), which is a good sized black IP coated stainless steel version at 41mm x 12mm case size. It has a quartz movement with Day/Date window @3, luminous hands and markers with a second hand with arrow tip. The uni-directional bezel is well defined, though as others in the Brand, they use slightly unconventional 20, 30, 40 and 50 minute markers (another model uses, 5, 15, 25, 35, 45 and 55, which I find confusing). There is also an offset semi-protected screw down crown.

This model version has black IP 316L steel case and bracelet, though my next featured watch has the more usual stainless finish. The Momentum Storm 11 model, which I find more compact looking in case a dial set up, perhaps as I’m more used to the Seiko and Citizen models, but certainly worth considering.

The dial on both models appear quite Seiko looking with the round markers and so on which I find very pleasing. The prices of both watches seem to be in the same bracket as the more popular models and certainly shows there are no shortage of models in this Divers category.
Another brand at the low end of this price bracket is the Invicta Watch Group, a US Company trading on the original Swiss Invicta Watch Company name since 1991 and they feature a few Diver category models in their range.

Invicta ProDiver 8926 Automatic — Invicta Pro Diver 8926 Automatic

A more Rolex Submariner looking watch you’re unlikely to see, which can be got for around $80 or £65+ in the UK (may be subject to VAT and customs here in the UK). Good looking 200m Water Resistance model with uni-directional 120 click bezel with good markings and that luminous Dot at Zero. It uses a Miyota 21j automatic mechanical movement and has a mineral crystal. The movement from memory does not have the best power reserve, so unless you are pretty active it could be an issue. The later model 9937 the features a 23j movement, where the power reserve is improved, a sapphire crystal and better magnifier date window. Though the date is actually OK for me on this model. A screw down protected crown @3 and watch dimensions are 40 x 12mm, so is a really neat sized Divers watch which will suit the smaller wrist. Rolex style dial with luminous hands and markers, plus center sweep seconds hand, sets off a rather handsome watch.
As long as you don’t expect Rolex quality, this watch should manage quite well, but time will tell in the long run.

So a few more Divers to consider and I hope to have a more in depth look at the Seiko “Monster” and the Citizen BN models in the near future, which should be fun as I’m hoping to replace some of my older Divers and move them on.

That’s diversity for you.

Variety!

It never ceases to amaze me the sheer variety of watches and watch designs that are out there. From the incredibly good to the mind numbingly bad and yet somebody somewhere, will love the look of whatever it is and then buy it. Whether its the color, the sheer extravagance or whatever, there truly seems to be a watch model for everyone.

This is just a quick selection and for reference and I’ve listed the models below as one of them could just be the little gem you’ve been waiting for! – you never know!

In no particular order – All prices are UK.

Stuhrling Original 204A.33 Sports Fleet Street, Day/Date, Yellow, Quartz – approx £140

Shhors Rubber LCD LED092 Ladies, Day/Date – £10.49 (I call this the “Lego” watch! – the bracelet can be altered to change color sequence)

Shark Day/Date,24hr, Mens Yellow SH091 – £30 approx.

Seiko 5 Sports Navy Blue Day/Date Automatic self winder SRP351 – £113.00

Harley Davidson (aka Bulova) Gents model 78C103 – £248

Invicta multifunction IP Day/Date Model 43658-004 – £113

Cavena Noni Big Da/Date, Alarm Dual Time, Quartz, CVN019 – £23

Giulio Romano GR-3000-13-001 Piemonte, Luminous, IP plated, Dual Time, Day/Date – £140

Lancaster OLAO461SLYGNR Yellow, Gold IP Day/Date – £170

All the above are Day and Date models and just a fraction of the sheer variety of models, that without the power of the internet, you would simply never get a chance to see, let alone buy. Such is the fascination of this watch business, that in the time it took to post this, there are literally hundreds and hundreds of new designs, new models already being offered and amazingly new ideas of presenting the time on your wrist! I have not included the weird form of interpretation of time, with lights and codes etc. as these are just not my thing at all! These I find far too complicated as what I prefer is to be able to read and understand the time at a glance. Not that some of this first collection can also be tricky, but there is for me a limit.

And would I buy any of the above? Well for me personally no, but I know somebody will. Yet I do find some of the ideas and presentation quite fascinating. I love, for example, the Ladies Shhors “lego” building brick bracelet watch, just for the sheer fun of it and the fact that from a fashion point of view, to be able to mix around the segments of the bracelet blocks to give a different look, is fun.

And I had forgotten that particular Seiko 5 model, the Sports Cal 4R36, 24 jewel automatic, with it’s wonderful Day/Date window @3, broad luminous hands with a great center seconds arrow hand, a Hardlex crystal and 100m Water Resistance. As one of my pals used to say – “it’s an absolute belter!” and he’d be right as it is indeed a very stylish watch. Too easy to forget that Seiko make an enormous number of mechanical automatic models, most of which we never see here in the UK, which is a great shame as they represent excellent value for money.

The Cavena Noni Big Date/day ana-digi is also quite a striking watch and one I’d personally never heard of before. A low cost model it may be, but design-wise it looks pretty good to me. And the others more or less picked at random from the almost limitless selection available, again simply show the fantastic variety and so much so that I’ll probably have another trawl around and see what turns up.

Variety! It never ceases to astound me.

Casio & silicon deployment

My last post featured a Casio model and I mentioned that fitting a replacement strap such as a NATO one would be tricky owing to the space between the spring bars and the case being too neat. However, this is the silicon deployment fold-over strap that I thought might do, IF I was able to fit one – I did and this is it.

5 Minutes with a craft knife and in my opinion a much better fit than standard.

The actual strap size or more accurately the spring bar gap in the lugs is 18mm, but an 18mm silicon strap does not do the watch justice. I would note that the original Casio strap was not 18mm either, but closer to 20mm and suits the overall look just fine.

SO, I took a 20mm strap and carefully (with a craft knife) reduced it at the pin ends either side to allow for the lugs and to enable fitting to the 18mm gap. The wider strap sets of the watch really well – and here is the result.

Alternative silicon deployment strap, 20mm on 18mm lugs.

The upside is a much neater wrist fit as the flexibility and flat profile of this strap holds the watch closer to the wrist and it doesn’t move. I often find that rubber or resin straps with buckles (as opposed to deployment) can annoyingly move the watch around the wrist. Sometimes you have to strap on too tightly to stop this, but if for example it’s a “diver’s” style ribbed profile strap it then digs in to your wrist and is uncomfortable. This alternative softer silicon strap with it’s simple deployment eliminates any problem.

In fact this was so successful, I may have a look in my watch boxes and see if there are others that could benefit from this treatment – also as these straps are only £7 to £9 approximately, it’s not a daft idea!

Ones I would like. . . 1

Trouble with watch collecting is that all too often I see new, or perhaps older models I may be unfamiliar with, that for some reason or other suddenly become objects of desire – that is – I want one! And there are quite a few, so over the next occasional posts I’ll feature some of them. Who knows they may interest some other folks as well – maybe even decide a Christmas present or two at the same time. . . 😉

The first one is from a Manufacturer I really like – the Swiss company – Xemex – a young company founded in 1996 by designer Ruedi Kulling, that continually designs in my opinion simply stunning watches –

This particular one is a wonderful timepiece with two rather clever features. First is the typical Xemex extraordinary articulated lug arrangement that allows it to fit even the smallest wrist and second, an amazingly large clear face virtually the diameter of the watch. Dimensions wise it’s really deceptive at only 40mm wide but dominated by the dial, so it looks really impressive on the wrist, without the bulk.

The watch is also very well made and the design is such that chunky, angular, but rounded and solid, are all terms that can equally describe this lovely model and in fact their entire range. This one is from the Piccadilly series and is known as the “Hours” model. It is slightly quirky (which I like) in that it looks just like any standard chronograph with side pushers, but these actually control the oddly large secondary “hour” sub dial. The single pointer in fact records hours (I suppose this could be called an “hours” chrono) – so no spinning seconds whizzing round or minutes – countdown or elapsed time style. But actually simply recording hours and maybe half hours is very useful for those parking meters or meetings that are forever running over time, or perhaps checking when your plane is going to land. One quick glance and you know the score.

Very clear white edged skeletal hands for hours and minute regular time against the black dial background and the wonderful Xemex red sweep seconds centre hand, white dot markers and a date window @3, plus that thin front bezel allows great dial visibility. A solid screw down logo’d crown and a sapphire crystal completes the description looks wise. Internally this is a high quality Swiss Xemex modified ETA Valjous 7750 movement, which is visible through an exhibition back.

Now if my own XE5000 model is anything to go by, this will be one very accurate, smooth and dependable watch.

Butterfly clasp Xemex rubber strap compliments the whole ensemble and this is definitely one watch I intend at some point – to get myself or perhaps an Xmas present could be coaxed? from family. . .

There are a good few other models from true chronographs to Big Date and GMT etc. so quite a range to tempt. They all have one thing in common – perfect fit, a sort of “elegance with power” look and very high quality throughout.

I don’t think I need any more convincing – this will be the next one. . . . I’m sure or I would be if I had the money! It’s a little bit more expensive than most of my picks. so I may have to wait. . . .

That “singular” watch

My “Single Handed” watch model choice (well this week anyway!) would have to be the MeisterSinger Perigraph, which I think embodies the best of the Modern and the Classic. A most elegant steel cased Single Handed Date Watch.

Whilst the rest of the affordable Single and One Hand 24hr offerings appear to offer a more modernist approach, the MeisterSinger has that classical look, that as a watch collector I just love. What I call a “proper watch” and one that I can wear both for everyday and for evening wear – in essence a rather refined, under-stated and elegant watch.
Two sizes are available, 43mm and my personal preference this 38mm model, with it’s slightly old world Ivory coloured dial face and with the neatl date ring complication (the Date Perigraph) is about as refined as you can get. It is also a really Traditional time piece sporting a good mechanical Automatic movement – the Swiss Sellita SW200 (similar and as good in my opinion as the ETA calibre). With a 48hr power reserve, a full 50m Water resistance, scratch resistant Sapphire Crystal and the very precise 144 markers denoting 5 minute intervals on the outer chapter, it’s a cracking watch.

The date ring is very clear, the days nicely figured and the single hand is blued steel – showing excellent contrast and no worries reading this watch. When the date changes it makes a nice satisfying click as it moves to the next day. The large and properly knurled crown, exhibition crystal back and decent leather strap completes what for me, so far, is my very favourite Single Handed watch.

However with reference to the previous post and the Botta series of more modernist watches, there are quite a few others on the scene – such as these shown below.

new — Defakto Uno, Detail & Danish Design – 24hr Single Hands

The models in the above montage are –

The Defakto Eins Automatic Swiss movement ETA 2824-2. At 42mm diameter Stainless PVD coated case, 9.8mm depth and 50m Water Resistance, Luminous hand and indexes with leather strap. With 15 minute indexing, but a little clunky for my personal taste. Note – this is Single Hand AND a 24hr watch.

The Defakto Detail model is a much finer affair with indexes at 5 minute intervals (short lines), 15minutes (medium lines) and Hour markers (the longest), which are very fine, so a high degree of accuracy is achieved in comparison to the Previous model. The case body carrying a Ronda Quartz 715 inside means the sizing is neater at only 6.6mm depth. A Sapphire crystal with an inner Anti-reflection coating completes the specification and I understand this is the latest model to come out of Pforzheim, in Germany. Note – this is Single Hand AND a 24hr watch.

Danish Design (DD) IQ19Q820 Black Titanium Mono – again Quartz powered but with a dial design very like the others with the addition of a date window @6. Also as neater and better dimensionally to the Defaktos at 37mm diameter and only 6mm depth – quite a nice performer. Again Note – this is a Single Hand 24hr watch.

Of these three examples I think I prefer the Danish Design quality look and feel and if in the market for one of the “modern” style 24hr models, I would be looking very seriously at the Botta Uno 24 or the Danish Design.

And of course there are a few more that are much more expensive, such as Pita, Stark, Schauer, Angular Momentum and my out of reach and very expensive – Jaquet Droz Grand Heure. But for now or until I win the lottery and at not too monstrous a price is the MeisterSinger Perigraph, which I think combines both the modern and the classic to perfection.

But really if honest and bearing in mind my budget, it has to be the MeisterSinger every time!

Cool watches

I’ve been having a trawl round looking at various watches and noting the incredible range of styles and ideas that proliferate the market today. It’s interesting to note the number of Fashion and Designer Companies that are into producing and/or marketing their unique “take”on watches and indeed how we read time. They are also being taken much more seriously I think as the apparent quality seems to be improving, though as I’ve found “quality” is to me a much maligned word today! But for those who wish a more modern style to the simple old watch on the wrist, these models are certainly “something different” and shows perhaps the personality of the wearer in a bold light.

Anyway I hope to spotlight a few of the cool, odd, big or small and often downright interesting watches I’ve recently spotted and will feature them here and who knows I might even manage to buy the odd one (but not too odd I hope).

First off is the DIESEL DZ7250 in colored stainless steel with leather strap and one BIG watch it is too (far too big for me). . . .

Definitely not for the faint of heart. Four separate watches in one apparently (including a chronograph, digital and two analog clocks) allows you to navigate multiple time zones without losing a second or so the adverts say and it IS big at 66mm x 57mm and 13mm depth. A 27mm leather strap is also fitted and it has a Water resistance of 3ATM – so no diving I’m afraid, which is a pity – but there we are.
This an example of a Fashion house timepiece and pretty impressive it looks too, though for my smallish wrist, alas not a contender for me. Diesel watches are certainly noticeable and without doubt Diesel design timepieces will get you noticed. They also feature a huge array of functions, very modern materials and interesting colour schemes.

Italian design and pretty decent workmanship means Diesel have quite a following – not least owing to the range – and as shown here – yet another but quite different model –

Now this model for me is much more practical, being a nice 45mm x 38mm and with the very clear digital readout, and whilst it reminds me strongly of the very much more expensive Seiko Active Matrix EPD, this doesn’t feature ink technology, it is however still remarkably legible. The Diesel design house touch is very noticeable here and it certainly looks good on the wrist.
It also for me is better looking and better value than the Ventura V Tec Kappa, the Junghams Mega 1000, or the Citizen Aibato M and a huge improvement on the older Casio W96’s you used to see everywhere (though of course these were a budget watch). However this one at around £89.00 I would have to say is pretty good value if you’re in the market for a digital readout watch.

My last spotlight watch is another digital concept, but not Diesel and in fact a much older and better known watch producer LIP – they had and still have some wonderfully innovative design concepts in time reading, as you can see with the following model – the wonderful iconic mechanical “jump hour” Mach 2000. From a design concept of the 1970’s, a case & bracelet design by Roger Tallon, the jump hour display of Prince Francois de Baschmakoff, put together into an new concept by designer Prisca Briquet.

Snap_2012.09.08 14.56.38_006 — LIP iconic design Mach 2000

Here three separate discs for hours, minutes, and seconds rotate exposed on the dial and line up in the vertical viewing loop located at the foot of the dial. Powered by a Swiss Quartz movement, surprisingly this watch is NOT big at all but has a very neat 35mm square case, although the wide stainless bracelet arrangement camouflages this very well. To keep the sleek look the crown is neatly recessed into the case/bracelet at the 12 o clock position.

Known as the Mythic Metal Jump watch (in brown) it can be found for around $289.00 today with a bit of searching around.

So three designer watches and I can easily see me wearing two of them! – that’s not bad for a small wrist guy. Don’t know about you, but I found this post quite intriguing (and I wrote it!) – and it looks as if I’ll be trawling around some more and might even devote a special page to “Designer Cool Watches” or similar, but it could easily start to cost me money!!! LOL

Jaeger LeCoultre vintage

A great era for watches of distinction for me is the 1945 to 1955 period when some of the most wonderful dress watches appeared. Moving away from the rectangular ’30’s and ’40’s styles towards the round case watches that are probably still the most common today. Here is a beauty – a solid 18ct Rose Gold Jaeger leCoultre from around 1949-1952 era in perfect condition.

Jaeger18ct02 — Jaeger LeCoultre 18ct Rose Gold vintage dress watch

This watch has an oyster colored dial with applied gold markers, with an inner ring showing Arabic numbers at 3, 9 and 12, with gold dagger hands, sub second dial and an acrylic glass. The case is hallmarked on the lugs as 18ct gold and the watch is 34mm diameter (35mm with crown), so a most sensible size in amongst the oversize stuff that seems to be around these days and very wearable.

The back is unmarked and pristine and the watch is fitted to an alligator leather strap and is in about as perfect condition as any pre-owned vintage watch I’ve seen and a worthy addition to my vintage collection. I have two vintage collections actually – the first comprises items I may pick up at local auctions or fairs, hopefully at low prices and mostly are simple vintage pieces and where the maker does not influence me greatly, but for whatever reason they take my fancy, though obviously I look for reasonably good examples. The second collection however is for more collectable pieces and of higher quality basically, and here Jaeger LeCoultre certainly fits this category.

Additional images –

P1040509web — Clean back – no inscriptions

P1040510web — Classic Jaeger LeCoultre dress vintage

The problem with my second vintage collection is of course – the cost! Invariably it means that I have to sell some of the lesser ones to afford to stock my more upmarket display, but that’s life I suppose and part of the fun of collecting. You get what you can afford at the time and at other times you build up the modest collection as a bank – to be used later when the “must have” item comes along – and it keeps the watches moving on and gives others the chance to enjoy them for a while.
I’ll post as and when – I have the time!