Any Watch Collectors here?

[Darth_DMack]

I have my father's Omega watch, which I think he bought in the 50s. As a small child, I was fascinated by how it was able to wind itself by harnessing the energy of your arm's motion. I thought that was simply genius.

In recent years, I was surprised to learn that all the parts in the watch are still available, and they even offered the option to restore the face like it was brand new (I didn't do that).

The watch had stopped being waterproof decades ago, and there were a number of internal parts that were corroded. I spent about $600 on a watch that the jeweler said was worth about $100.

I enjoyed wearing it for several years, until I noticed water condensation inside the face again. I didn't send it out for repair again, and I decided to just have it as a keepsake.
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Have you had that watch appraised? I totally understand the sentimental / keep sake mindset... that's how I feel about my Dad's old Bulova. What a great memory piece you have there... I'd NEVER part with that one.

 

[drssg]

Have you had that watch appraised? I totally understand the sentimental / keep sake mindset... that's how I feel about my Dad's old Bulova. What a great memory piece you have there... I'd NEVER part with that one.

I haven't had it officially appraised, but it's kind of irrelevant. The jeweler gave some rather conflicting information. He verbally suggested that it could be worth about $600-$700, but when he sent it off for repair, he only insured it for $100. I suspect that it's not worth very much.

 

[dodge man]

Maybe you can help me understand an add I see on Facebook Marketplace over and over. They show a picture of what appears to be a Rolex but the middle part of the word Rolex seems to be scrubbed out. If you click on the ad it just takes you to some generic watch or jewelers sight. Are these factory seconds?

 

[drssg]

Maybe you can help me understand an add I see on Facebook Marketplace over and over. They show a picture of what appears to be a Rolex but the middle part of the word Rolex seems to be scrubbed out. If you click on the ad it just takes you to some generic watch or jewelers sight. Are these factory seconds?

I have never seen that ad. It sounds like clickbait to me. I have never heard of Rolex factory seconds. If the site actually sells Rolexes at all, they are likely $12K and up.

 

[dodge man]

Here is an example, I agree I think it’s click bait but I’m not sure.

 

[fishheadbob]

I never understood high end watches. I do have 2 real Omegas that are problematic and never kept good time, they're in a drawer somewhere. I have a $15 Patek Phillipe knockoff* that keeps perfect time; if it was real it goes for just under 80k. Never has anyone noticed what was on my wrist when I'm wearing a watch, and I probably haven't worn one in 5 or 10 years.
* classic. I bought the Patek from a guy on the street in Times Square. He was wearing a long coat with maybe 15 counterfeit timepieces inside his coat. Wanted $50 for a Rolex, $45 for the Patek. He sold it for $15 probably making $10 on the deal.

 

[Darth_DMack]

Here is an example, I agree I think it’s click bait but I’m not sure.
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That is definitely a replica, not a genuine Rolex. Be careful with those sites...

 

[drssg]

That is definitely a replica, not a genuine Rolex. Be careful with those sites...

Interesting. How can you tell that it's fake from the picture?

My dad also had a fake Rolex that he bought for $20 from some guy on the street in Japan. I wouldn't have been able to identify it as a fake on sight, but it was very light, and it ran on a battery, so the movement of the second hand was not correct. It probably kept better time than a real Rolex.

 

[John0829]

My uncle was a watchmaker, he always had some great watches. Usually wrist watches, in fact he kept all the family wearing nice watches. I have always been more into pocket watches, he had a Patek Phillipe pocket watch I was suppose to get that had belonged to this father, who also a watch maker, sadly it was stolen by a family member along with several of his collector firearms.

 

[Darth_DMack]

Interesting. How can you tell that it's fake from the picture?

My dad also had a fake Rolex that he bought for $20 from some guy on the street in Japan. I wouldn't have been able to identify it as a fake on sight, but it was very light, and it ran on a battery, so the movement of the second hand was not correct. It probably kept better time than a real Rolex.

Honestly, I don’t know if it’s a replica or not. But I found that if it’s too good to be true, it is. There are some VERY good replicas out there. I’ve seen some go for $1,000 or more… just be careful with the stuff that is out there. My feeds are FULL of watch ads now…

 

[Darth_DMack]

I dug out my old SUUNTO for today. It was issued to me going into Afghanistan… great tool watch. Used the altimeter and barometer a lot in the Stan.

 

[gsganzer]

I need to have a bunch of old watches appraised. I have 2-4 old Rolex's from my mom, they're tiny little things. I think she has 2-4 other antique watches too.

I have my dad's Omega automatic too, and a few other watches he had.

This one has always been my favorite. It's a pocket watch, given to me by my grandfather in Scotland. He was a boat pilot and traded someone for it years ago. Ironically, it's made by Waltham, in Waltham MA, not far from where I grew up. It has a silver case with very intricate engraving and the face is equally impressive. It's not the original chain or winding key though.

Where do you go to find info on these things? I would never sell them, but I'd love to know more about them and store/preserve them properly.

 

[BoneSoldier]

Those old Rolexes and antique pieces must hold a ton of sentimental value. Your grandfather's pocket watch sounds like a real treasure, especially with its intricate details and history. As for finding info on them, there are some great online forums and communities dedicated to watch collecting where you can connect with experts and enthusiasts who might help shed some light on your pieces. By the way, have you ever come across discussions about replica richard mille while researching?

 

[Dailiesto]

I’m the same way—whether it’s a high-end piece or something more affordable, if I like the design, I’ll wear it. I’ve been into larger case watches as well, they just feel better on the wrist for me too. The whole trend of 40mm cases can look small when you’ve got bigger wrists, so I get where you're coming from.
If you’re into standout watches like I am, you might want to check out a patek philippe nautilus replica. It’s got that classic style, but with the kind of presence you might like.

 

[5030]

Don't know if I collect or invest, maybe a bit of both. I own a pair of Rolex's, a Presidential day-date and a Submariner that I purchased years ago as an investment but I wear (everyday) a Seiko 5 sports automatic that keeps fantastic time. It looses so little time I rarely have to set it, maybe every 2 weeks and during that time it is usually just a minute. I was a bit worried about it running down at night so I purchased a winder that plugs into a USB port but I've never used it. The Seiko 5 sports is claimed to have a 40 hour reserve.

I also have an old Seiko I bought at the PX when I was in the navy years ago but I don't wear it either and a Seiko 4 dial chronograph that is also in the drawer. Don't like it, it's just too complex and bulky but I have a sweet spot for Seiko's.

I really prefer self winding mechanical watches over any 'solid state watches' and the Seiko caliber movements keep exceptionally accurate time.

I may at some point get a Bulova Accutron if I can find one in good condition. I find them intriguingly interesting.... or maybe a Seiko GMT, who knows.

Even a non working watch is right 2 times a day...lol

 

[5030]

I'm a dedicated watcher of Wrist Watch Revival on You Tube. That guy is amazing and his Schnauzer helps him a lot too.

 

[Hydroonic]

I’ve been collecting watches for a few years now, and it’s been such a fun journey. I started with a few vintage pieces that caught my eye at flea markets, and it grew from there. Recently, I picked up a couple of rolex watches clone that look amazing and have sparked some interesting conversations. People are always surprised by how good they look for the price.

One of my favorites is this clone that’s a dead ringer for a classic model. I wore it to a family gathering, and my uncle, who's a big watch enthusiast, couldn’t believe it wasn’t the real deal! It’s nice to enjoy the style without breaking the bank.

 

[Yander]

I am a self proclaimed "Watch Guy". I have a few nice (read Mid Priced) time pieces, but have been wearing LARGE case watches lately. I have a large bone frame (6'3 / 250) and a nice large wrist... so the smaller 40mm watches like what's popular with Rolex, makes me look like I'm wearing a bracelet.

I've been searching luxury watches lately, so my Social Media is FULL of watch adds.

So, if you have a cool watch, let's see it! What types do you like to collect? Why do you like them?

I've got everything from Timex, to Invicta, to Sottomarino to Breitling. So, no judgement here... let's see what you like to wear!

Cheers!

Adam Sandler was on Johnny Carson, I think it was, and said his dad thought he was a failure because he didn't wear a watch. I always thought that was hilarious.

 

[Yander]

. I have a large bone frame (6'3 / 250)

So just a little fella!

 

[ConawayFarms]

I feel you on the case size—smaller watches can definitely look out of place on a bigger wrist. I’m really into divers and pilot watches myself; they just have that cool, rugged vibe. I’ve got a Seiko diver that I love wearing—it’s got some weight to it and looks great with almost anything. Plus, I like the story behind Seiko; they’ve been around forever. What’s your favorite watch in your collection?