KMII's 2016 Horological Year Recap
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KMII's 2016 Horological Year Recap

By KMII · Dec 31, 2016 · 33 replies
KMII
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
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KMII reflects on his horological journey through 2016, detailing significant milestones and acquisitions that shaped his collecting experience. From his appointment as a Montblanc moderator to new watch additions and community engagements, this recap offers a personal yet insightful look into a collector's evolving passion. Readers gain perspective on the diverse aspects of watch collecting and community involvement.

In a couple of hours, 2016 will be well and truly over for most of us (some have already put it behind them) and while it has been anything but a kind year in terms of celebrities' lifespans, it has been a great year horologically for many Purists; and I am lucky enough to count myself in, too. smile

If I want to start the post with the most significant horological event, the year has to be presented in reverse chronological order - from December to January. And that event was - how could anything overshadow that - my appointment to become a moderator for Montblanc here at PuristSPro biggrin





A great honour, it also coincided with the last new addition to my stable, a Minerva Pythagore. Now if I was to start exploring the history of Montblanc watchmaking, starting with a watch from December 1996 from one of their watchmaking 'arms' was likely a good choice. And at a graceful 34mm it has taught me that one can well enjoy horological bliss this side of 38mm. While in many ways a 'golden ratio' watch, it will also serve as a yardstick demonstrating just how far Montblanc has progressed since - really looking forward to 2017 to immerse myself into that task!

At around the same time, I have cracked through the 10.000 post milestone, earning me the title of Baron Darko wink I had to give up my pet hydra of the previous honorific but it was but a small price to pay wink

2016 has also been a year of GTGs. The Vienna one was the largest I have attended, but I have met many wonderful Purists for the first time this year, in Vienna, Zagreb, Trieste, Paris & Györ. Looking forward to another such vibrant GTG season and to meeting many more of you live - all the experiences so far have been so overwhelmingly positive that I can hardly wait for more!





In terms of watches, there have been some firsts but we are still talking very early, explorative days to collecting - I have been at this for only about 2,5 years, so better things will yet appear smile There has been my first grand feu enamel watch - the Seiko Presage SRQ019J1...



And a first diver - this something more out of curiosity than actual need, since the shower, swimming pool / sea (and I keep close to shore) and gentle rain are about as tasking as my actual 'diving' tends to get. smile
It did serve me well in the Czech forrests, though, in winter...







At around that time I also acquired a macro lens for my trusty iPhone, which enabled me to explore watches more closely and to - for lack of a better term - 'deepen' my appreciation of watches and finishing.





And my vintage interest expanded further, with a King Seiko 5245-6000 - a grandfather to my SBGH035, with a Special movement from the early 1970s. In addition to its Hi Beat and Special(ly regulated) characteristics, it has also been one of the last Seiko watches to wear the Chronometer Officially Certified signage, before the Swiss stopped finding Japanese precision funny wink





Prior to that, the great acquisition of the year has been my annual tradition (so far, at least) - a Chopard of 2016. Following on to the LUC Chrono One from 2014 and the Mille Miglia Race Edition 2014 in 2015, this time it's been the LUC Sport. I know I may be biased but in my eyes it makes for one of the most elegant and stylish tool watches. Especially after I found the perfectly matching strap, complementing the dial just so. It was a four way battle between this, two Tudors and a Grand Seiko, the result, well you have seen it here often enough smile





Some other fun additions of the year have been from Bulova, Seiko and Raketa.













All very low cost but not correspondingly low fun - in terms of bang for the buck they were all great, even if they did not get lots of wrist time. The latest one had me dig up my Poljot - the first mechanical watch I had. Now I need to get my act together and get it fixed in 2017 (here the New Year's resolutions start). wink





It has been a fun year (if it wasn't I probably would not have posted so often wink) and I am very excited about 2017. My crystal ball tells me that 2017 will bring my first Montblanc watch, with the actual logo sported on the dial (as opposed to Minerva). It may bring the odd additional Seiko or Chopard. Or something completely new and unexpected. Whatever it is, it promises to be a great year with you here and I am looking forward to every single moment here, at GTGs and in all other watch related situations.

Wishing you all a wonderful, healthy, horologically pleasing 2017!






About the Horological Meandering Ref. SBGH035

The Grand Seiko SBGH035 is a limited edition model that features a distinctive dial and a high-beat movement. This reference is part of Grand Seiko's mechanical collection, known for its precision and robust construction. It represents a specific aesthetic within the brand's offerings, appealing to collectors who appreciate subtle design variations and technical performance. The watch maintains the core principles of Grand Seiko's design language while offering a unique visual identity through its dial. It is a notable example of the brand's approach to limited production runs.

The SBGH035 is housed in a stainless steel case, characteristic of many Grand Seiko models, and features a sapphire crystal. It is powered by a high-beat mechanical movement, which operates at a higher frequency than standard movements, contributing to its accuracy. The case dimensions are consistent with other watches in its series, providing a balanced presence on the wrist. The movement offers a substantial power reserve, ensuring reliable operation over an extended period. The construction emphasizes durability and precision engineering.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Grand Seiko with a unique dial and the technical advantages of a high-beat caliber. Its limited edition status adds to its desirability among enthusiasts. The SBGH035 fits into the broader Grand Seiko lineup as a special variant that showcases both the brand's manufacturing capabilities and its attention to detail in design. It is a piece that highlights the brand's commitment to mechanical watchmaking.

Specifications

Caliber
9S85
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
White
Water Resist.
100m
Crystal
Sapphire

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The Discussion
AM
amanico
Dec 31, 2016

GTGs, becoming a moderator, some nice catches... What more can you ask? Let's wish 2017 will allow us to live crazy moments as well! All the best, Nicolas

KM
KMII
Dec 31, 2016

Also for your patience with my many questions related to my new role Have an enjoyable time in Paris and a great, healthy, prosperous and watch filled 2017! Would be lovely to meet up, too

KM
KMII
Dec 31, 2016

Thank you so much Nico, for having played such an active part in it! Always a pleasure All the best to you and your family!

TH
TheMadDruid
Dec 31, 2016

It's great to have you as the newest Moderator here. You are already "kicking ass". Can't wait to see what happens when you get comfortable in your new role. I am trying to figure out how to express my joy that another admirer of tube meat has reached the PuristS pinnacle but I don't want to refer to you as a sausage-eater or sausage-lover. Oh well. Cheers! Here's to a better 2017 if possible! Mike

KM
KMII
Dec 31, 2016

As a card carrying carnivore, how could it be otherwise! Been a great pleasure interacting with you here in 2016 and 2017 will be even better! Just wait till the MPGs get a hold of you, then life will change as dramatically as can be! For the better Thanks!

NI
nilomis
Dec 31, 2016

Who cares? A wonderful 2017 to you and all yours. Cheers, Nilo

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