Collecting: Watches, Cars, and Audio in 2013

Bernard Cheong's "Devon Tread, Philip Stein, Rolex...thoughts in 2013, Part 1 of 5" offers a deeply personal reflection on the philosophy of collecting and spending, extending beyond watches to include cars, audio equipment, and life experiences. This initial installment sets the stage for a broader discussion on what gives material possessions meaning, contrasting the stability of watches with the transient nature of other luxury goods. Cheong invites readers into his world, sharing insights on how he finds joy and purpose in his acquisitions.

You know, if I were to be serious and think carefully about money.

I would be depressed.

Everyone dies.

I have a family I love. So, I guess my thoughts may be shallow or deep. Whatever, I try to enjoy myself by collecting and having fun with material things which I can sort of pass on WITHOUT them becoming a burden to my kids.

And...that I bought stuff with my money that meant something.

Some helped poorer business, which were doing good work.

Some helped BIG business which didn't need my support.

At the end of my day, I enjoyed life.

This post, sincerely is not to show off stuff.

It is just a glimpse into how people spend money.

I travel a lot and I read...but I don't think you wanna see holiday pics.

So...first:

How I work, and boy's toys.

There are 75 pics here. Sized 999 pixels across.

It will take time.

Whatever, It is great fun.

It is a collection of 37 years.

My office where I practice medicine to a degree as close to my ideals.

Like a hobby.

My front door.

The new 991 is all I expected it to be.

This BASE model is not the S911

I can appreciate the 911 as it is.

The S is too good for me.

As cars go, prices will BEGIN at $500,000 USD for this thing.

So buying a watch makes more sense.

A house in Singapore like this? $5 million USD is about the LOWEST.

I think my neighbours sold off a house, without a pool, smaller, for $8 million.

All men like cars.

I think they will like them MORE than watches.

But it is TRAFFIC, and it also lives on the principles that old models are less good.

Watches are stable.

This is one of the "toys" I got.

It is a great car to use in the rough and tough.

I think AUDIO is another toy.

It adds FUN to working.

We will go nuts if we were to work just for LIVING seriously.

High End Audio is the WORSE for spending money.

But it ENRICHES our minds.

It makes me THINK about why people pursue perfection.

Ordinary people who are not athletes or super rich.

That's why I spend money every year to upgrade my audio.

I think in audio and in cameras...the chase for the BEST is very real.

Look at this Canadian made piece of CD transport.

French.

It is the Oracle 2500 mk3.

or mk4

But...I feel it is better than my previous set.

I placed the set into my exterior office, where business partners sit.

The Fujitsu Eclipse Series 7 mk2 is a very GOOD pair of speakers.

As fast and as or MORE transparent than my apogee full range, but because it does NOT depend on the back blast from the furniture around it.

The Eclipse is ALMOST a perfect point source of sound.

Then look at the remote from the Danish GATO 150 amp!

I am fascinated by how design is so different...when we are right at the TOP end!

The philosophy of what is simply GREAT is so different!

These are BLOODY expensive things.

BUT...OK...they will last.

Watches will last longer.

But understanding why people even make or buy high end audio is needful tool to appreciate why a good watch is an investment for money maybe) and for education that you can't get at school.

I think that watches have a strange history.

We should think for ourselves.

Electric or quartz watches have also GOOD points.

In fact, today..the USA is relevant when we speak of watches because of the Devon.

The Devon is BIG.

But at the price, it is helluva good watch to wear and to own, if you wish to own the equivalent of a supercar, but not wish to spend the money that way.

The MBF is unusual.

BUT...if you have a few spare dollars, and if you are not rich...or wish to spend money wisely.

And have something special...MBF is my pick.

Or if you ARE super rich.

Hunting down either Opus V or Opus 3 in platinum is my choice for the ULTRA super watch.

The McLarens of watches.

Then there are nice and GOOD eta watches with no branded status.

I bought the Philip Stein at the risk of being called silly.

But...you know..the finish and work on the dials and hands are just GREAT.

Machine made.

But GREAT.

You can see...

To me, although common, the Rolex President in platinum is one of the greatest watches to own.

It is beautiful.

It is NOT too obvious.

It is very old school.

And..although expensive...I guess it is an honest watch, you get what you pay for 283 or more gm of platinum, and GREAT case work.

The brushed parts and the polished parts are a PERFECT example of watch art.

The plain Rolex datejust.

Steel.

Inexpensive.

Good, almost GREAT value.

Now..give me a day, and I will post part 2 to 5.

And both negative and positive comments are welcome.

That is the beauty of a forum.

I will prepare pics of my Ulysse Nardin collection now.