POTM - August - Raymond_S | Horological Meandering

POTM - August - Raymond_S

Dear friends
Summer in full bloom on Northern hemisphere
we are moving again to North America to meet our POTM.
Again nothing but pure joy to read about our esteemed member.
Till next month
Yours
D

1. Please introduce yourself!

I’m Raymond from Washington State, USA, have been in the US for many years.
I worked as an Engineering Director in the high tech semiconductor industry, has been in the same industry for 20+ years.
My real “boss” is my wife and I have a son. A happy wife’s a happy life, so true.
We all love watches, yes 3 of us, probably poisoned by me, combined ~50 watches, still far from die hard collectors but I think it’s plenty already,
need to stop (Sound familiar? Heard that somewhere?). Here are my son’s watches, he’s 12 yrs young.

His 1^st 2 Swiss-made watches, Swatch, bought during summer 2016 Europe trip in Munich and a generous gift from a friend in Vienna.

Let you in for a secret….I was born in the 70’s and raised in Singapore, but moved to US later.
My birthday is the same day as a very famous, prominent German watch legend, it’s on Feb 18^th, guess who, clue is in the wrist shot with my son above.

2. How did you discovered WatchProSite and what it means for you to be one of PuristS?

Like to read about watches, reviews and new releases (my boss always complaint why I’m wasting my time on things that will make me keep spending $$)
Found PuristS, Timezone etc when surfing watches. Q for you, D: Is the one with ThomasM’s arm (I think) and big AP with a bunch of background Lamborghinis still valid and the same company???
I prefer the platform of PuristS over the text-like platform in TZ, less busy looking and advertisement too. Sorry TZ, it’s just me.
PuristS – means you are someone who has a genuine, sincere feeling and views towards something, able to contribute, take part in a community without boundaries, no hidden agenda.

3. What watch are you wearing today and how you choose watch “of the day”?

I’m wearing my Rolex GMT Master II and typically I wear the latest purchase more frequently due to honeymoon period and also to test the watch while it’s still under warranty, smart right?
I happened to be on vacation in Hawaii for Christmas and New Year so this GMT is a great travel watch.

Other than that, I rotate my watches weekly or bi-weekly.

4. What is your favorite watch/brand/complication?

Hard to say, really tough question. My childhood dream, while window gazing those ADs, I always admire the Breguet or Blancpain Perpetual Calendar (PC) watches.
My dream watch was the Perpetual Calendar from these 2 brands….reason because I think it is amazing for a mechanical watch to be able to do all the calendar, leap year, moonphase stuff, fascinating.
I cannot forget those Brequets with a chained-pin on the leather strap to adjust the calendar and those Blancpain Villerets. In 2012, during my Europe trip, I bought the watch of my dream, but can only afford this Complete Calendar. I love how classic and clean this watch looks. How to not like this face below:

Sorry… that was then but now, I feel a grail watch has to be somewhat proportional to price (but we don’t discuss price here, rules, I know). It is something you dream and a challenge to attain, or my grail target moved. However, with continuous improvements, good training skills and technological advances, a PC can be so much more reachable, so my dream PC complication is now up a notch to become a PCC or to decide which brand of PC to get. This is the “Poison” from reading PuristSPro too much, haha.
On the other hand, I’m also concern about a watch being too complicated, the servicing and maintenance. Maybe I will get a super nice PC and a super nice Chrono, just to be Purer – we are Purist, right?
It is nice to have Tourbillons or Minute Repeaters but I don’t really need that level of accuracy or sound to tell me time (if I’m in complete darkness, I’ll freak out and probably not a good idea to let dark lord hear my chimes?) but of course, I know it is about mechanical marvel, challenge and art. Who knows, maybe I will change again?

5. When and how you discovered horology?

I can still remember when I was 5~6 years old, which was like twenty years ago (seriously?), one day my big brother came home from work. He took out a watch from a brown paper bag, like those from McDonalds (it’s not McDonalds) and handed a watch to me….I have no idea why he bought me a watch but that moment still etched in my memory. I think that was the start of this hobby.
Since then, in my teens, I am somehow hooked to looking at watch ads and window shop watches.
My first summer job in the 90s (told you I’m young, right), I spent all my earning on a Pierre Balmain dress watch, my very first Swiss Made watch.
Then in December same year, I bought the 2^nd one, a Phillip Charriol Celtic watch, both quartz. Later I bought another Carven quartz which I gave to my nephew.
Today, I still have the 1^st 2 Swiss-made watches.

My first mechanical watches are Maurice Lacroix Jumping Hour and MontBlanc Power reserve, bought in 1999/2000, also still here.

In 2000, my “boss”, then girlfriend, bought me a Hublot Fusion Dragon LE and that sealed the deal for us

Our watch bugs really flares up in 2010 onwards, when I start buying 3~4 watches every year. I think it is called mid-life crisis, in another word :P. PuristSPro is a culprit as well

6. What element of the watch is for you make it or break it factor?

It used to be just the looks, how nice it looks on my wrist. Now it’s Quality and the heritage of the brand. Limited edition will be an added bonus.
It cannot be a clock, too big (for my wrist).

7. If you could design your own watch what would it be and what it would look like?

If I have my own design, it has to be wearable, in terms of size and weight. I think nowadays 38~40mm is good, and not too thick 10mm +/-2 mm.

Too big or too high is a no-go for me. Eg. My Corum Admiral’s Cup Challenge 44mm Split Sec Chrono will be too big and heavy, like a handcuff, and it’s cast a print on my wrist L

It will be a PC, has to be round, depending on the metal, Pt, RG, WG, SS, and a matching dial color eg. White metal + Black dial looks great, RG + egg shell dial looks great, to me.

8. What is the watch that will last leave your collection and why?

Can I say a few? Please? The Pateks, Langes, Rolexes and Omegas…sorry, not going to happen to have the last watch. Need a few for various occasions.

Ok, how about last 4? 1 from each of the 4 brands above, please? If ok, for today, it’s my Nautilus, 1815HG, Daytona, GMT Batman, Snoopy, Spectre, CK2998, oh come on…can’t do it.

9. What do you love and hate about watch industry today?

Love – competition is going to make brands produce better quality products, more bang for buck, not necessarily affordable.

Hate - Getting very expensive, inflation is crazy. Pricing across continents make shopping complicated. Too many grey market dealers. I wish all watches are fixed price so everybody pays the same. Price retention of most watches, I hate to say this word, suck.

Love and Hate (neutral) - Also, many complications can now be easily achieved by different brands, no longer exclusive but more options.

10. What was the evolution of your collection and how do you see it in next decade?

Consolidation to only few brands, buy only quality, maybe limited ones that can last the test of time.

My last 3 exit watches, as I told my boss, have to be carefully chosen. I am now thinking of a PCC, or PC and a nice Chrono (Patek or ALS), a Patek with micro-rotor, and something

Platinum as I don’t have any Pt watches. My boss can probably approve one of the 3 in 2017 but I feel we are still young, I want to wait and keep looking.

I will have a special watch arriving soon, supposed to be here in Dec but delayed. Stay tuned.

11. What other hobbies do you have?

Hobbies are watches, cars, music, food and travel. Typically we try to take vacation at least twice a year. Last 2 years, after a new job, we are fortunate to go 3~4 times a year, local within US and overseas. 2015 highlights was Dubai trip.

2016 has been great, with 6 vacation trips (Amangiri, Italy, Germany, Prague, Austria, California (2x), Hawaii etc), not sure if I will ever beat this year.

Most weekend activities are shopping with my wife and try new restaurants. We eat a lot! As you can see from my food posts, those are just 3 of us and we never “to-go” or take away….we are hungry people J

I also like cars, BMW, Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and all exotics….who doesn’t right? So far I’ve owned 330Ci, X5 4.4i, 535i, 650Ci, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Aston Martin Rapide. I’m fortunate to buy them brand new but usually keep them for 3 years and then change. As you can see, like watches, I’m into variety and changes. Currently owning a BMW i8 and a Cayenne S, love them. I don’t allow any food in my cars, always garage and hand wash, wax etc.

I like Bang & Olufsen speakers, like their design, modern, sleek concept. They do sound good.

We do workout 3~4 times a week just to stay healthy, so we can continue to enjoy our hobbies.
Bonus info: My “boss” like handbags and shoes. She has a few Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci,
designer handbags and she has ~100 pairs of shoes…and I have 40+ pairs. I think our previous life must
be a centipede or millipede, which also explains the watch hobby

12. Your life motto and life philosophy is… Enjoy life NOW, while you can. You live NOW. Let bygones be bygones, I like to walk the middle path, don’t like to stay extreme. I’m very happy with my life, what I have now. I keep telling my boss, I’m ready to “go” anytime, no regrets.
You don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Don’t wait till you’re on a walker, wheelchair or oxygen tank to enjoy life.
I believe in Buddhism and Karma. I think our life is pre-defined. There are long and short term consequences for the things you do that alter your life now but the overall path is still intact if you do not do anything silly.
For those of us who can enjoy this hobby of watches, cars, food, I say: good for you, you are blessed.

💰1882 Marketplace Listings for Rolex›

Agreed

By: Arie - Mr Orange : July 31st, 2017-01:45

Live life now

Life is short, relatively, we are just like a bubble as compared to the universe. Thank you, Arie. [nt]

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-08:15

Wise words [nt]

By: Arie - Mr Orange : July 31st, 2017-08:23

I going to be in Seattle real soon again.

By: patrickmaniac : July 31st, 2017-01:48

Cheers PAt

Cheers, and I'm just 180+ miles south, by the Oregon boarder....

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-08:16

Nice natural trails and many good stuff, say hello if you drop by. Rgds Raymond

My brother lives in Portland, and I may well be visiting him next year . . .

By: Dr No : July 31st, 2017-13:11

. . . if the rumored Stones tour goes off. Hope to meet up irl then, Ray! Best, Art PS - audiophilia is another shared passion; more of a vinyl 'n tubes kinda guy, though.

That will be awesome, Art, if you tailgate the Stones here :)

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-13:17

Vinyl is hot and reviving, my friend, you are forefront and futuristic. Looking forward to meeting you! Rgds Raymond

Thanks Raymond for the intro

By: crown comfort : July 31st, 2017-02:06

always good to learn more about members of the community, but nothing can beat meeting face-to-face, so hopefully one day...

Thank you CC, and likewise, I hope to meet you too one day...

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-08:18

have been to Germany few times, and I like Germany a lot Rgds Raymond

Good to read you, Raymond!

By: blomman Mr Blue : July 31st, 2017-02:37

A good mix yoiu have in your collection! Best Blomman

Dear Mr Blue, sometimes I feel my collection is dis-oriented, not focus on a theme...

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-08:20

maybe it's age thing, I'm going to focus on certain brands only going forward. Your collection, I heard, is unheard of ...my sincere admiration. Rgds Raymond

Dear Raymond, thank you for sharing.

By: zabreg1 Mr White : July 31st, 2017-03:05

Always interesting to read about fellow PuristS in depth.

You're very welcome, Mr White...

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-08:22

I'm very open and frank, like to be happy and just live life to my fullest, as possible. I hope to visit the Croatia gang some day and admire your awesome 5370P and other superb watches Rgds Raymond

My dear Raymond, you are always welcome. If you ever do decide to visit, please don't hesitate to contact either me or Damjan.

By: zabreg1 Mr White : July 31st, 2017-08:36

It would be a pleasure to host and have an impromptu GTG.

Thanks for sharing your life philosophy Raymond. It is always interesting to see the person behind the name

By: watch-guy.com : July 31st, 2017-03:21

May you continue to enjoy life and collecting watches Julian

With a place like this community, I feel blessed already...

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-08:24

I deeply appreciate your well wishes and same to you, enjoy life and your hobbies, be able to be with your love ones. Rgds Raymond

You are a fascinating fellow, Raymond.

By: TheMadDruid : July 31st, 2017-04:22

So happy to meet you and your wife last month in NYC.

The pleasure is ours, Sir...to meet you in person.

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-08:27

I regret for not joining the after-party, but that dangles a nice carrot for me to do in future. I like to promote Less is More, simple is best, don't make life too complicated....maybe that's why I'm destined to be in the Digital industry, just 1s or 0s....

Thank you for letting us know more about you, Raymond.

By: Luis6 : July 31st, 2017-04:45

And thank you for the always kind and fun comments. Cheers, Luis

I'm glad you enjoy the fun, Luis...as you probably understand...

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-08:29

smile a little, make us younger. Sometimes I may offend people by being too direct, but I don't mean to. Rgds Raymond

Another great profile D!

By: Joepny : July 31st, 2017-05:27

Raymond, it was a pleasure to meet you and your boss at the Exhibition! Enjoyed talking to you even though it was brief. Hope we'll meet again in the future. -joe

Hi Joe, great pleasure as well on our side to meet you...

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-08:31

"I'm sure we'll see each other again"....Wait, doesn't this statement sound right? Don't let my "boss" see it or she'll be mistaken for something Rgds Raymond

😁

By: Joepny : July 31st, 2017-09:17

😁

It was great meeting you in NYC! Look forward to hopefully spending some more time together in the future.

By: willski : July 31st, 2017-05:52

"I think our previous life must be centipede or millipede..." Haha this is so true...

Ah ha, finally someone like me who believes in past life....

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-08:34

Yes, the meeting in NYC was great and it seems like everyone knows each other for a long time... Very grateful to know more friends in different parts of the world. Definitely we'll catch up again, willski. Rgds Raymond

Definitely and sounds good!

By: willski : July 31st, 2017-10:56

Wise words, Raymond. Thanks for being among us. [nt]

By: amanico : July 31st, 2017-07:28

Hi Nico, Thank you for being the here relentlessly....

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-08:37

You have my admiration for your dedication to the forum, and hope to see you in Paris some day. My boss loves Paris, it's the one place we briefly visited, but leaves a fond memory. We'll be back! Rgds Raymond

I will gladly welcome you and your " boss ". ;) [nt]

By: amanico : July 31st, 2017-09:42

Paris is quite possibly the most, and at the very least one of, dangerous cities to visit with one's boss!

By: willski : July 31st, 2017-10:55

Be careful!

Depends on what you are talking about. :))) [nt]

By: amanico : July 31st, 2017-11:09

I am aware of the dangerous brands on Champs-Elysees...but actually, she's kind of quiet lately.

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-11:15

She was in Singapore while I'm in Munich in early July and I tempted her with the Hermes, Chanel bags by texting her photos, she actually said "No". Therefore, I think I'm safe

Good! Your boss is a miracle. ;) [nt]

By: amanico : July 31st, 2017-11:41

A miracle...or playing the long game...!

By: willski : July 31st, 2017-12:30

She's a keeper, for sure!

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-12:33

She said it clear the next one has to be Birkin or Kelly and you know how those work by the brand....I tried walking in all the H stores in every place I visited but never in luck. Now, I was told all I need is to through your local store and wait, as the...

Long game indeed.

By: willski : August 1st, 2017-08:41

As you say, we have had decent success building up a relationship with a local H boutique. I think this is the best way to do it otherwise you end up paying crazy premiums...

Good for you....or your wife, I should say :)

By: Clueless_Collector : August 1st, 2017-11:49

I hope to know more about these 2 special products, will PM you.

Thank you D and the PuristS team for selecting me as one of the POTMs, it's great to be here, like a big family or big friendship circle! [nt]

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-08:14

No message body

Dear Raymond

By: Ares501 - Mr Green : July 31st, 2017-12:47

As with all POTMs nothing but my pleasure and honor and to answer your question yes it was Dr. Mao with his Audemars Piguet Grand Prix All Carbon ref. 26290 and background galore of Bulls Cheers mate Yours D ...

Ahhhhh, one mystery down, I can "go" with my eyes closer to close now 😇

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-13:44

Thank you Mate! Rgds Raymond

Hi Raymond, thanks for the intro. Enjoy your food posts! [nt]

By: Kit333 : July 31st, 2017-08:19

Hi sake, glad you enjoyed them, but the animal gods must hate me like crazy :)

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-08:45

Funny how I believe in Buddhism but eat like carnivore....well, that'e me, living today!

Hello Raymond! So nice to read your interview and get to know more about you...

By: Subexplorer : July 31st, 2017-08:51

... your personal life and life philosophy and your approach to watch collecting! I enjoyed reading so much. I love this section crated by Damjan which allow us to know a bit more about our PuristS colleagues!! Thank you so much and my best wishes of good...

Hello Abel, do you know the 12 of us POTMs, get a surprise P15 special edition 12 pcs only watch by our beloved D Mr Green?

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-09:08

You didn't hear about it? I wished....dreaming, haha. Thank you for your wishes and same to you, enjoy great health, with love ones and nice hobbies. Rgds Raymond

Ahh Raymond!! I didn´t know about that generous offering from our dear D!! Will be waiting for mine!! Lol!!...

By: Subexplorer : July 31st, 2017-14:38

... Thanks to you my friend! All the best, Abel.

Hehe, I hope the PuristS management team is reading this 😬 [nt]

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-18:45

Lol!! [nt]

By: Subexplorer : August 1st, 2017-05:02

Really cool Raymond to learn more about you. I didn't know that one of your other passion was food. Just kidding 😁

By: Alkiro1 : July 31st, 2017-09:07

I was really happy to meet you this year. Hope we'll have a new opportunity to discuss about watches (and food) in the future. May be in the US why not 🙏🤞 Best wishes Alkiro

I thought we knew each other deep enough already, Alkiro1, no? :)

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-09:13

Me too, happy to meet you during my visit to Geneva and appreciate you taking our precious time off from family to meet with a stranger. Glad it turned out well...and please, do visit some day to Pacific NW, still a green region with lots of nature. Rgds ...

Not enough obviously. I didn't know your son had a bigger watch collection than you LOL 😁

By: Alkiro1 : July 31st, 2017-10:27

It was a true pleasure to meet you and I hope to go to the US one day to meet you again, your secret restaurants and the nice place where you live with your family. Best wishes Alkiro

Lol 😂 He's got his secret stash and hopefully he grows up to deserve what his dad is taking care for him ...

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-10:30

I'll be waiting and looking out for you, my friend. Don't make my neck grow few inches longer by stretching out of the window looking too long 😁 Rgds Raymond

LOL 😁 Well, even if it's a little bit far from where you live, a good occasion would be to go to Fresno in California where one of my uncle lives with his wife and then come to see you and says hello. Who knows 😉

By: Alkiro1 : July 31st, 2017-10:39

Best wishes Alkiro

Always a pleasure to learn more about a fellow Purist...

By: AlexSunrise : July 31st, 2017-10:17

And, when a likable personality like Raymond´s comes along, even more so! Always enjoy your posts, my friend! Your joie de vivre definitely shines in each and everyone of them. Here´s to many more, Best regards, Alex

Hola Mr Sunshine 😎, I'm glad to share and happy to be here!

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-10:33

Let's make this world and place we live better by our little efforts. Glad to know you enjoyed my posts, my friend, made my day 🙏🏻 Thank you very much! Rgds Raymond

Great to find out more about another of our members

By: andrewluff : July 31st, 2017-13:05

and interesting to find out more beyond watches, thanks for sharing Raymond! Also to Damjan for taking the time for these great posts each month! Cheers Andrew

Thank you Andrew...

By: Ares501 - Mr Green : July 31st, 2017-13:09

One more in pipeline and two hands to twist... Will be continued...

Is that Croatian style...

By: andrewluff : August 1st, 2017-12:59

and involves plenty of Grappa? Can't wait to read next months. cheers Andrew

Thank you for reading my story and the forum having me here, Andrew....and I can't imagine Damjan's Avator flashing Red with new messages...

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-13:21

I try very hard to keep a balanced life style and so far so good. This community is a great place for our watch hobby, bar none! Rgds Raymond

Another fantastic POTM

By: KMII : July 31st, 2017-13:25

And luckily I have been fortunate enough to have met Raymond and his family live, too!

The fortune and luck was on my side, my friend...Vienna is a wonderful and nice city to visit.

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-14:20

My trip last June was jammed packed with activities and left only 3 days in Vienna. However I got the best of it, including our meeting of course, so no regrets. We'll meet again. Rgds Raymond

Pleasure to learn more about you Raymond_S. Thank you Damjan for the wonderful choice for a POTM. [nt]

By: Bill : July 31st, 2017-19:38

I'm blushing now, Bill 😊 I'm very honored to be selected and glad to be here. I thought we're going to meet at the Patek event, maybe next time 👊🏻 [nt]

By: Clueless_Collector : July 31st, 2017-20:11

I am sure our paths will cross in the near future. [nt]

By: Bill : August 1st, 2017-08:24

Very enjoyable read

By: Mark in Paris : August 1st, 2017-01:28

Great to learn about your Raymond, great sense of humour! And thanks D. for the work with the POTM threads Best, Mark

Thanks Mark. I like to have fun because not much time in a day, relatively, left...

By: Clueless_Collector : August 1st, 2017-07:20

7-8 hrs sleep, 8+ hours work, 7-8 hours doing something else with family, raising a teenager and trying to make your other half happy, sometimes not successful. Only 1/3 of our life left for self 🤣🤣 Rgds Raymond

The Good and Bad of RaymondS

By: MTF : August 1st, 2017-03:33

First, congratulations on PotM. The Bad part was my angst when I saw beautiful watches so close to powerful loudspeakers...No-o-o..... But then, he is an electronics engineer so maybe it's OK? The Good part is this suggestion for an affordable but highest...

Oops my bad, but it was just few seconds near the speakers for a photo shoot...

By: Clueless_Collector : August 1st, 2017-08:03

So I think they are fine, in fact still functioning as expected. Thanks for the recommendation and Chopard LUCs are a great contender, no doubt about it. Rgds Raymond

well done Raymond_S

By: Hororgasm : August 1st, 2017-03:53

didnt know you are from the sunny isle of the Merlion. best, Horo

Yes, I am one of those many who had served but physically abandoned the country ...

By: Clueless_Collector : August 1st, 2017-08:05

But I am proud to still hold on the the red passport 😁 Rgds Raymond

Wonderful read Raymond!

By: Tim Jackson : August 2nd, 2017-07:40

Thanks for sharing! Your contribution to this site is tremendous and of great value. Cheers, Tim

Hello Tim, I'm embarrassed for not contributing enough technical or reviews...

By: Clueless_Collector : August 2nd, 2017-09:07

Mostly about watch ownership, food, travels and some humble opinions. Thank you for your nice comments. Rgds Raymond

Often....

By: Baron - Mr Red : August 2nd, 2017-09:46

.......it is so hard to read a personality into virtual comments. Seeing behind the scenes with your POTM was great. If ever you visit the UK...please let me know. Joe

Now you know, this is who I am, nothing to hide 😀

By: Clueless_Collector : August 2nd, 2017-10:13

and why I admire your awesome collection of Platinum PPs very much. My wife and I visited London briefly on a 15-day 9 country tour back in 2012, and we like it. Thank you for the note, Joe, will definitely contact you in advance should we visit again. Rg...

Horological Meandering