Comments:
McLaren opened up the perfect opportunity for James Hunt and the team in 1976 when a deal was finalised to partner Jochen Mass for the 1976 season.
In 1977 James again drove well for McLaren but the team’s new M26 was, by common consensus, not as driver-friendly as the M23 which had carried James to his ’76 success.
Favorite Sports Teams is our theme this week on Wrist Scan. Let's share the teams we root for . . .
. . . win or lose.
The first team that won young No's affection was the Los Angeles Dodgers, the only club that shut out the Yankees . . .
. . . in the World Series. I've been to at least two hundred games at Dodger Stadium over the years, including two playoff games, and saw a MLB record tied (Manny Mota for pinch hits) and a near perfect game (Bob Welch vs Atlanta, May 29 1980).
They had their heartbreak seasons, like 1978 . . .
. . . and heroic ten years later.
Then they fell into a decades-long slump. The '90s and '00s were years of despair, interrupted by moments of joy but always ending in disappointment. The road to recovery began ten years ago, and today they're again at the top of their game. As of this moment they're in a playoff series with San Diego, which yours truly is following with rapt attention.
The team closest to my heart, though . . .
. . . is the Raiders.
One of the best days of my life is the day they announced they were moving to LA. And one of the worst was when they left. But even though they've been in decline for almost four decades, the Raiders are the one team I follow and support thru thick and thin.
They were one of three great AFC teams during my formative years, with competitive seasons ending in soul-crushing playoff losses to the Steelers until '76.
Superbowl champs in '77, '81, and '84. I'll remember watching this play . . .
. . . to my dying day. Three rings in seven years.
Then, nothing. A heartbreak season in '02 that took them to the Superbowl for the first time in eighteen years, only to get thrashed by a team led by their former coach. And barely a winning season since.
Still my guys, though.
The watch on my wrist at the moment is an Omega ref 2657.
Let's see the watches on your wrists this weekend and hear about your favorite teams. I'll be away for a day, back tomorrow afternoon to join back in the conversation.
Art
Interesting detail Art!! Didn´t know that. I enjoyed so much many westerns with Scott in my youth! Best, Abel
Hello dear Art and friends!! That vintage Omega SM looks so cool…
… with that bund strap! Lovely black dial with arrow head indexes make for the charming character of this watch.
Interesting Theme which will bring the Sport Passion of our friends to be shared during the weekend. You made a great introduction of the Theme as usual Art.
Let me say it is not easy for me to answer your challenge because I’m not fond of any football (soccer is the most popular sport in my country) or basketball, baseball or other Team played sports.
Anyway I choose three watches and took a few shots to participate…
In spite of not being a football aficionado I enjoy viewing our National football team every four years participating in the World Cups. In a few weeks I will be wearing our team shirt and my ref 16710 Coke GMT which will keep me informed of the different times of the games our team participates while in Qatar.
Now, my elder grandson (he is eleven) is a big big fan of soccer football. He is so passionate about it and knows everything not only about the local teams but also about the Europeans.
He makes me play in our backyard when he visits! I had never played football before but I promise I do my best now.
He spent two years living in Barcelona with his parents and little brother and became a big fan of Barca in times Messi was there. When I visited him he invited me to the Barca stadium to view a game, made me buy the official cap and even sing with him the Barca anthem in Catalan laguage! Yes, Barca is "More than a Club" as the cap inscription says: It´s a true Passion!
I show my cap with my recent entry in my collection which is a generous gift from a good friend and watch collector who gifted it me past week: An Omega De Ville Chronoscope Rattrapante.
During my last visit to NY a few years ago for an unforgettable GTG with several friends from our Community I casually passed by the Yankees shop at 5th Ave, near my hotel.
I couldn’t resist buying there my NY cap just because I like it so much and because I felt it somehow it represents a bit the sports spirit of this city I love so much. I know almost nothing about baseball but I wish to assist to a game in a future visit to enjoy the spectacle.
Here I show my cap with my JLC US Navy Seals watch.
And a few more shots:
Have a nice weekend dear Art and all friends here!!
Cheers! Abel
Interesting stories and very nice selection of watches …
Hello dear Abel,
The Omega De Ville Chronoscope Rattrapante is an unusual Omega and you were lucky to get this one from a friend.
I always admired the JLC US Navy Seals watch, it’s definitely a cool watch.
Superb photos !
Best regards
Captain
The Omega De Ville Chronoscope Rattrapante is an unusual Omega and you were lucky to get this one from a friend.
I always admired the JLC US Navy Seals watch, it’s definitely a cool watch.
Superb photos !
Best regards
Captain
Thanks a lot dear Captain!! I’m happy to know you liked my stories and …
… watches.
Yes, I’m very fortunate to have a great friend and was greatly surprised with his generosity of gifting me this watch from his own collection.
It’s a very little known or seen watch. Not easy reading the sub dials but interesting rattrapante complication I like so much.
The US Seals is a very nice diving watch. I own the two variants and though I love the bigger brother with alarm feature so much I find this smaller one more comfortable on my thin wrist.
Cheers! Abel
I'll be watching the LA Dodgers tonight play their rivals . . .
. . . from San Diego in a play-off game they must win or face elimination, wearing . . .
. . . a vintage Omega. Your DeVille rattrapante is a highlight of the 2009 collection . . .
. . . that was available in several dial configurations. They had a brushed finish, uncommon for a DeVille; I was able to try on a few variations including one with a brown(!) dial that was visually compelling. The only photo in my files is the darker grey version posted above, but it was the brown dial captured my attention.
I hope your grandson doesn't tire you out too much when he visits next!
😊
Interesting plan for your Saturday dear Art!! And a very cool combo to wear on the wrist for additional pleasure.
Interesting to know facts you give me about the Chronoscope De Ville. I have seen here the black and the grey dial version. Guess the brown one must be super nice. All that came here were equipped with a black alligator straps with deployant like mine. That bracelet looks very nice and not common design for a modern Omega.
This particular watch was specially ordered by my friend to the local Boutique about three years ago and he was told that it was the last one available in their Headquarters. As a matter of fact I wished to order one too but couldn´t find one for me.
Ha ha ha!! Yes, after every visit he pays me I need a chair and a bottle of cold water!!
Enjoy the game so much my dear friend! Best, Abel
This particular watch was specially ordered by my friend to the local Boutique about three years ago and he was told that it was the last one available in their Headquarters. As a matter of fact I wished to order one too but couldn´t find one for me.
Ha ha ha!! Yes, after every visit he pays me I need a chair and a bottle of cold water!!
Enjoy the game so much my dear friend! Best, Abel
Team McLaren …
Hello dear Art and friends !
I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend.
James and McLaren made a formidable partnership and stamped his authority on the team by outqualifying Mass for his first Grand Prix, the Brazilian race at Interlagos. But James and McLaren were never very far from controversy; after winning the Spanish GP at Jarama, he was disqualified when his M23 was deemed to have infringed the dimensional regulations – new rear wheels had made the car 1.8cm too wide. McLaren appealed and the victory was reinstated, but it seemed to be a nerve-wracking case of swings and roundabouts as the season unfolded, with James being disqualified from the British GP at Brands Hatch after what proved to be an illegal restart following a first-lap collision.
The circumstances were controversial but this time he stayed disqualified ! James’s season thereafter settled down to a slog with his arch-rival Niki Lauda, a close and genuine friend whom James respected unreservedly. Although James’s own title hopes received a boost after Niki suffered serious burns when he crashed his Ferrari during the German GP at the Nurburgring,
Hunt knew enough about his rival’s determination not to rely on any short-term points advantage. Only a few weeks later Lauda would be back behind the wheel and picking up the threads of his title defence.Confirmation of James’s Brands Hatch disqualification meant that he had to overcome a deficit of 17 points over the last three races of the season if he was going to have a hope of securing the crown. James rose to the challenge in brilliant style, adding wins in Canada and the USA to his personal tally, and then storming home to a championship-clinching third in the inaugural Japanese GP at Fuji, the race in which Niki pulled out after two tentative laps, declaring the torrential conditions impossible.
In 1977 James again drove well for McLaren but the team’s new M26 was, by common consensus, not as driver-friendly as the M23 which had carried James to his ’76 success.
Today, I’m enjoying my tribute to McLaren and James…
Best regards
Captain
Interesting reading dear Captain!! It was exciting to remember…
… these important times in the F1 history.
A great watch choice to pay tribute to Mc Laren and Hunt!!
Hagwe! Abel
A great watch choice to pay tribute to Mc Laren and Hunt!!
Hagwe! Abel
When it comes to motor racing, my favorite team . . .
. . . is Penske due to Roger's partnership with . . .
. . . Mark Donohue, still my idol nearly half a century after his death.
Art
Thank you so much for sharing your sport passion Hans!
Loved the inscription on your golf ball!! Lol!
And a great choice to play that classic vintage Omega.
Not being familiar with playing golf (just an observer) I wonder if playing with a watch could be harmful for the movement considering the G forces I presume are involved and the impact of poles with ball.
(Wonder if same happens with tennis)
Apologize if this is a silly question but will appreciate your thoughts.
Hagwe! Abel
And a great choice to play that classic vintage Omega.
Not being familiar with playing golf (just an observer) I wonder if playing with a watch could be harmful for the movement considering the G forces I presume are involved and the impact of poles with ball.
(Wonder if same happens with tennis)
Apologize if this is a silly question but will appreciate your thoughts.
Hagwe! Abel
I normally tend not to wear a watch at all
When playing. This day was a little different
BR
Hans
BR
Hans
Haha ! …
Hello Hans,
I love the golf ball and your vintage Omega.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend.
Best regards
Captain
I love the golf ball and your vintage Omega.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend.
Best regards
Captain
Of the ones you show
Lee Westwood
Of the playing
Tiger Woods - despite..
Of all
Jack William Nicklaus
Of the playing
Tiger Woods - despite..
Of all
Jack William Nicklaus
Dear Art, there are 3 sports teams which I support...
Liverpool FC - Soccer
First off dear Liverpool. I dont have a red dial watch to match Pool's home color and the closest I can find is the Hublot which is apt for their disastrous start of the season. A big reset is much needed!!
Blue Panerai Sub for the Cowboys
Citizen Silver leaf green for the Celtics.
Dallas Cowboys - Football
Boston Celtics - Basketball
There was more time to follow and watch the teams during my school days but much less when I started working and even lesser after having a family.
Now I do check in the progress of the teams during the season every now and then and chat with friends with similar interest when we meet.
For this week's WS, let me try to match my watch with the team colors.
First off dear Liverpool. I dont have a red dial watch to match Pool's home color and the closest I can find is the Hublot which is apt for their disastrous start of the season. A big reset is much needed!!
Blue Panerai Sub for the Cowboys
Citizen Silver leaf green for the Celtics.
