Horological Meandering

I'm back. A quick update ...

 

Intro

After many weeks or months, I’m back to Ppro, sort of. My real business is growing more than any forecast and on my (little) free time I will try to post something interesting here.

I miss Ppro very much mainly because “there is no place like here”, as AndrewD likes to say and this is a very true statement.

During my absence, Ppro evolved. We now have a new crop of moderators that brings dynamic to the pages and new (to me) forums: Seiko and Photography.

I continue to own some Seikos (I never sell/trade a Seiko) and when I got time, I plan to post my set. I didn’t check the Photography forum yet. For sure there are lots of information to learn there.

Ppro continues to be a reference and I miss it very much during my absence. Sometimes Ppro is a tad pompous (Thomas go to kill me, for sure), sometimes a tad naïve but by and large is the best watch site over the Internet, bar none.

The trigger that made me to spare few moments to post here was the discussions. As an example, the topic that Ping opened to discuss “Brands Ambassadors” is fantastic and shows the diversity that I love in this forum.

By been outside any watch forum was surprising good to perfect my own tastes.

Without any influence from gorgeous pictures and emotional reviews I could use the few moments that I had for watches, to visit Boutiques.

Nothing replaces the feeling that is to try the real thing on the wrist and consider the ups and downs of any desirable piece. There are so many and I need to have a strong will and focus to limit my tastes.

Current status

Using this method, I ended with only three brands (Seiko don’t count – everyone must have at least one or two or more) that have models that really fit my taste and style:

• Jaeger LeCoultre: JLC has some unique designs, gorgeous movements and historical attributes.
• Omega: Based on Omega true innovation (I’m hooked on the Co-Axial balance), quality and history.
• IWC: Because I love the IWC style, unique quality and for being uncommon here where I live.

I ended up with a small but cohesive group of watches that I can call a real collection and I enjoy every second with any of then on my wrist.

SIHH/Basel/Novelties

During my “sabbatical”, I didn’t pay too much attention to the new releases that happened at SIHH and Basel. My overall impression was that 2014 was not release rich but some new models, IMHO, deserves a visit to the Boutiques, as soon they arrive there:

• Cartier Diver
• Omega Seamaster 300 Master
• Longines Heritage 1935
• IWC Aquatimer Automatic (This one already arrived and … just wait)

Two novelties and two re editions was not a bad score.

The complete unexpected change on the watch industry was the move of Jean-Frédéric Dufour from Zenith to the Rolex CEO position. My “crystal ball” has no information about what go to happen with Rolex and less about Zenith.

My current collection

Back to my renewed and small collection, those are the ones that are getting more wrist time:

IWC Portuguese HW 5454-07










I love this incarnation of the IWC Portuguese. It's a big watch (44mm) but is also thin. Who can resist this movement?

Omega Planet Ocean 42mm 8500










This is my humble homage to George Daniels (yes, I read his biography) Co-Axial escapement. Amazing accuracy, nice finishing.

Jaeger Lecoultre Master Compressor Chronograph 146.8.25










I was hunting this chronograph for years and finally I got it. Nice size, lovely design (Magali Metrailler ?), amazing movement.

IWC Flieger Vintage Collection 3254










I was hooked on this Flieger since it was released. I got it, thanks to a dear friend. Same movement as the Portuguese on a "macho" dress.

Jaeger Lecoultre Master Compressor Dualmatic 146.8.02





I'm a sucker for any multiple time zones watch and this one is The GMT (IMHO). Love the ability to hide the "gmt" hand, when not in use.

IWC Flieger Chronograph Laureus 3717-12





Had it, sold it, acquired back. For sure IWC knows how to do a flieger.

Omega Speedmaster Solar Impulse





A retry. Had one, sold it, got this one in better shape. A perfect travel watch.

Seiko Marinemaster 300m





I love this Seiko. Perfect, IMHO

IWC “Le Petit Prince” Chronograph





This one was a gift from my wife. She saw it on the IWC boutique and said: "This watch is for you". Thank you, my dear.


There are few others that I also consider to be unmovable from my bank safe but they get less space on my rotation.

I, finally, got two vintage Omega Constellation watches in good/great shape and one Omega Seamaster Chronostop that is more of a resurrection project.

Here is the first Connie, just back from the good hands of my watchmaker. It’s not perfect but it reflects the natural aging of a 50+ years watch.










Wrapping up

I plan to be here as much I can. It’s fun and helps me to relax from my day-to-day “battles”. Don’t expect too much pictures, because I don’t have time as I did on the past.

Thank you all, is good to be back,

Nilo