MODEL ONE: one's first "real" watch from a real dealer who is still in business, which is still in one's possession

Feb 21, 2019,07:40 AM
 

In a personal watch history, we all seem to have specimens that have come from Dad, or Grandpa, or perhaps an uncle (or Mom, Grandma or Aunt). We have the occasional Timex, Swatch or other "pocket change" watch which probably isn't running now, but still lingers in the drawer or cigar box of watches we can't discard. Maybe we have a watch found, or "borrowed" from a friend or sibling. And perhaps we have a couple purchased with funds from a first job.


Then there's what I like to call The Model One. A "real watch" with jewels, and bracelet, and glass crystal (perhaps with box, leather case or even papers). 

Somehow miraculously we still have this watch and its associated stuff. 

In my case, it's a Bell & Ross Space 3 Chronograph, titanium case, on titanium bracelet and/or B&R rubber strap and butterfly deployant clasp.It came through the efforts of Yolanda at Leo Hamel Jewelers.

And it's on my wrist this morning.

September 2003




December 2009




April 2011

Note - since this is an action-oriented watch, almost all my photos seem to have been taken outdoors





April 2014




October 2015




June 2016




February 2019



FEATURES

This is a ETA/Valjoux caliber 7750 with day and date at 3, elapsed hours at 6, running seconds at 9 and elapsed minutes at 12. I've never opened it or had it serviced. Its most notable technical feature is the cushion case with recessed crown and recessed rubber chrono pushers.

May 2011 Crown screwed in




Crown knurled ring pulled out




Crown unscrewed




Crown extended



The most notable styling feature is the brand logo ampersand & in the caseback and clasp.



Thanks for reading this little flashback in time.  




 DO YOU HAVE A MODEL ONE?

Cazalea


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Comments: view entire thread

 

Sadly, I let it go, it was a GMT MASTER 16700 from 1997... And I regret it!

 
 By: amanico : February 21st, 2019-08:20
So my oldest Model one is this one, bought in May 2004. ...  

Sorry about the Rolex, but at least this Breguet is still in your hands 15 years

 
 By: cazalea : February 21st, 2019-08:24
and for watch collectors, that's almost an eternity Mike

My model one, my first real watch

 
 By: brauner : February 21st, 2019-08:48
GP, still with me. ...  

Excellent! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 21st, 2019-10:33

My other Model One

 
 By: cazalea : February 21st, 2019-11:39
Which regular readers have seen many times September 2003 Today I have it, box, papers, accessories, etc. However, the dealer I bought it from is gone. Cazalea ...  

IWC Ingenieur Ref. 3521

 
 By: quattro98 : February 21st, 2019-12:50
This is from around 1999-2000 or so. I chose it after lots of research on TimeZone and Purists: JLC 889/2 based movement, 120 m WR, derived from the Gerald Genta designed original, magnetic shielding, and sized at 34 x 9 mm! I bought it from Marshall Pier...  

Very nice watch - I have wanted this one several times but never found it

 
 By: cazalea : February 21st, 2019-14:11
Congratulations on your long ownership Cazalea

Thank you.

 
 By: quattro98 : February 22nd, 2019-07:04
This is a great piece from an era in which slim, elegant pieces were the norm. I rarely wear it since my Grand Seiko quartz 9F watches fill the same role for me.

I still have this from more than 40 years ago---my first real buy

 
 By: halkcb : February 22nd, 2019-15:10
However,not giving it much wrist time I believe the dealer is still operating within the same area after all these years best henry ...  

Thanks for adding this one

 
 By: cazalea : February 23rd, 2019-07:47
Is it still running, or has it become a static piece? I have several (many) of those :-( Mike