The anticipation is worth the wait ...

May 08, 2021,11:44 AM
 

Hello Boris and friends,


It’s always the ones that slip through your fingers that you remember, but when get a second chance it’s a sweet moment.

This has happened a few times and these are a couple of watches to share with you. 

The Rolex Anniversary Submariner.

The first time I spotted one on someone’s wrist I knew that I had to own one. For various reasons every time I got close to owning one either it had just been sold or was due into an AD but didn’t materialise. It was hot property even back in the day. 

Time passed and one morning I happened to phone an AD, the lady who answered the phone said that they had just received a couple of Rolex watches but she didn’t know what models they were. After a little gentle persuasion she said she would go and take a look and call me back...
Needless to say I called her fifteen minutes later and guess what... Success !
Just one small problem her colleague had already offered it to someone else. The race was on, I had an epic drive to the AD and purchased the watch. As I was leaving the AD, the other gentleman arrived to view the watch. I hope that he eventually got one. 

I still have it to this day...




The Ed White.

Another story of “almost” and as is often the case with vintage watches of this kind, it can be a difficult and frustrating process. Originality was top of my list as I value patina in a vintage watch, it’s part of its history. 

One day the stars aligned and I was able to purchase this one. It was issued to the military as confirmed by Omega and I love it !



Have a great weekend friends 
Best regards 
The Captain 

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Wristscan is now live!

 
 By: Boris : May 7th, 2021-07:20
I actually have two stories to share regarding watches it took me forever to acquire, in spite of my fondness for them. The first one is this Minerva Pythagore Grande (38mm): I first came across it back in September 1998, just about the time I really caug...  

Outstanding introduction on this topic!

 
 By: VinnieD : May 7th, 2021-07:40
Those are our passionate stories of collecting and agonising about choices and saving for the right time. I will contribute something for sure

I recall first coming across Dornblüth a few years after getting bit by the watch bug . . .

 
 By: Dr No : May 7th, 2021-09:23
. . . twenty years ago. Wanted an 04.0 . . . [watch and photo credit: W72, Watchprosite 2020] . . . in the worst possible way but passed as I'd committed to another watch when they were in limited production back in '06. Still kicking myself for missing o...  

That’s a fascinating journey Art ..

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 7th, 2021-19:37
I really dig the dial colour that you went for.... It has to be done ... m.

Great story of a beautiful catch dear Art! Sometimes a watch we hunt takes a lomg time to arrive but it is well worth the waiting.

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 7th, 2021-21:15
I'm sure you are enjoying your Dornbluth so much my friend. Hagwe! Abel

Amazing piece and great story Art...

 
 By: KMII : May 8th, 2021-10:44
Btw. what’s the size on this one?

Dornblüth 99.1M has a 40 mm case . . .

 
 By: Dr No : May 9th, 2021-07:06
. . . in contrast to the standard 99.1 which has a 42 mm case, K. The 04.0 model ca '06 that belongs to W72 pictured in my post was their first compact which measured 38 mm in diameter. Best, Art

Thanks a lot, Art!

 
 By: KMII : May 9th, 2021-11:17
And the color scheme you chose is 👌🏻

A welcome return as our host Boris ...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 7th, 2021-15:10
This is a fascinating subject and your introduction will strike accord with many of us. The twists and turns of collecting are all part of the journey that makes each purchase so interesting. Your story of the Omega Speedmaster illustrates this perfectly.... 

I got my first "great" watch in 2004. Ah yes, I was a young lad then...

 
 By: BigFatPauli : May 7th, 2021-18:53
----Cue the wavy screen effect with the liquid sound of a flashback sequence coming into focus---- New York has always been a special place for me. For whatever reason, I just love the city: We just click. My wife had never been and was given an opportuni...  

Great story of your journey...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 7th, 2021-19:55
And a beautiful Breguet, finished with an excellent photo.

Breguet

 
 By: roundel : May 7th, 2021-20:10
I too have visited the NYC Breguet boutique with my wife and we were also treated like royals. Great story.

That’s good to hear...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 7th, 2021-20:29
I’ve always had a good reception at Breguet Boutiques.

They are truly a class act. I know I paid more getting it there...

 
 By: BigFatPauli : May 7th, 2021-22:47
But as they say, quality (or in this case the memory) remains long after price is forgotten.

Thank you, Nicolas!!

 
 By: BigFatPauli : May 7th, 2021-22:47
And Happy Friday!

That's a beautiful love story Pauli! This watch was literaly waiting for you at that place and at that time! Fantastic!

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 7th, 2021-21:19
It surely is a keeper for life! Such a beautiful and classy timepiece and with that story behind. Keep loving and enjoying it so much! Thank you for sharing! Hagwe Abel

Thank you, Abel!

 
 By: BigFatPauli : May 7th, 2021-22:47

My big pleasure Pauli!

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 8th, 2021-04:15

What a fantastic story!

 
 By: KMII : May 8th, 2021-10:47
And while I am not jaded enough to think the time for stories like these is over, I do feel they are getting rarer and rarer 🤷🏻‍♂️

I completely agree 😩

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2021-22:57

Perhaps... I've had some good and some horrible buying experiences as of late.

 
 By: BigFatPauli : May 9th, 2021-11:09
And what's interesting is that the horrible one was from a very high end watch store in NYC. They were awful. A local AD here, on the other hand, opened the store privately just for me. That was really extraordinary. So it's a mixed bag.

That it is!

 
 By: KMII : May 9th, 2021-11:19
Had a surprisingly good and a mediocre one yesterday in two boutiques, where it was usually just the other way around. Often depends on the people in at the time 😊

Thank you my friend!

 
 By: BigFatPauli : May 9th, 2021-11:09

Thank you!

 
 By: BigFatPauli : May 9th, 2021-11:09

Hello dear Boris! Nice to have you again hosting our classic event WS!

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 7th, 2021-22:06
You bring an interesting Theme which will bring some interesting stories from our participants. Sometimes the stars are a bit slow in align perfectly to allow a timepiece we have been coveting for long to finally arrive to our wrists. I also feel that man...  

That’s a great hunting story ...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 7th, 2021-22:39
about a beautiful Patek World Time. Looks superb on your wrist. Well played Abel !

Thank you dear Captain!! It is one of my most loved watches...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 8th, 2021-04:18
... and a big satisfaction when I could make it mine after many years it had been haunting me! Thank you so much for your kind compliments! Cheers! Abel

It looks tremendous...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2021-10:55
Especially with your choice of straps.

Thank you again dear Captain. Though the watch came with its original black croco straps and a brand new OM set identical with its original...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 8th, 2021-13:44
... deployant I prefer to wear it with these less formal straps with ardillon. I like better the more sporty look of leather straps with some color touch. Glad you like these combos my friend! Cheers. Abel

Clearly it was meat to be!

 
 By: BigFatPauli : May 7th, 2021-22:50

This is a great story, Abel...

 
 By: KMII : May 8th, 2021-10:50
And certainly a fantastic watch - it looks like it was destined for you 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

Thank you so much Hans! Yes, it happened same to me...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 9th, 2021-12:30
... snd that’s why it took so long to catch mine. Sooner or later stars align though and I hope you will find yours. Hagwe! Abel

Great story!

 
 By: Cookies : May 11th, 2021-16:51
It was destined to be yours.

What an introduction, Boris 👏🏻

 
 By: KMII : May 8th, 2021-06:55
I have a couple of such cases, too 😁 To mirror you, I will start with the Minerva Pythagore. First seen live the first time I met another forum member live - I believe it was 2015 in Vienna, and it was Adam, the owner of this and several other Minervas. W...  

Hmmm, this Minerva!

 
 By: amanico : May 8th, 2021-07:26

Three great watches which took their time to arrive but so rewarding to finally get into your wrist dear friend KM! Now... I feel it's time to think...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 8th, 2021-13:53
... About the Speedy! Lol! Guess it would be a great addition to your superb collection. Last but not least: I'm in love with your Memovox! Hagwe! Abel

Funny you should say that, Abel...

 
 By: KMII : May 9th, 2021-02:24
We just spent some time in the Omega boutique yesterday... My wife actually wanted a Speedy and we had a look at the new 3861 powered one (and some others). While it felt better on the wrist than some of its predecessors, it still didn’t fully gel. They s... 

Oh! What a coincidence dear KM!! Well yes, the 321 Ed White...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 9th, 2021-12:24
... with its smaller case could be a great option though the price is much higher that the normal Moonwatch. The recently discontinued FOIS model based on the 2998 reference is also a great option whivh I feel still can be found in boutiques or watch shop... 

Thanks a lot for the suggestions, Abel!

 
 By: KMII : May 9th, 2021-12:32
As the town is probably going to remain gridlocked due to the Victory Day parade for the rest of today it might be a couple of days before the next Boutique visit.

Always my big pleasure my friend!!

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 9th, 2021-12:43
Hope you can find a FOIS at least to give it a look! It is an alternative worth considering indeed. Cheers! Abel ...  

Great Minerva

 
 By: jml_watches : May 8th, 2021-18:04

Thanks a lot, JML...

 
 By: KMII : May 9th, 2021-02:25
It also showed me that with decent proportions a 34mm watch remains perfectly wearable, and put me on the path of getting several in that size range 😊👍🏻

Beautiful Minerva ....

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2021-23:01
And I completely agree with your sentiment for the Doxa, it’s a great adventure watch especially for diving. Good memories KM

Especially for the diving I don’t do 😂

 
 By: KMII : May 9th, 2021-02:26
But fully agree 😊

I am in love with watches since I was 7 years old.

 
 By: amanico : May 8th, 2021-07:43
At the age of 14, I came across the TV Series " Magnum " and noticed that Thomas Magnum was wearing a Rolex GMT MASTER 1675. I promised to myself that I would get one, one day. It took me 18 years to do so. Since then, I caught the watch virus and didn't ...  

Wow dear Nicolas! Yours is a long time love story with Rolex GMT! It's interesting to note how a TV show or Film can influence a young lad...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 8th, 2021-14:01
... In his tastes about watches and other matters as well. In my case I was also as young as you when Sea Hunt instilled me the love for scuba diving and for the Submariner. To own a Submariner was my dream day and night and I mentioned that desire with s... 

Rolex GMT MASTER ...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2021-23:04
Such a versatile watch from PAN AM to Magnum, now that’s cool 😎

Also.

 
 By: amanico : May 9th, 2021-10:21

Some great hunts there 👌🏻👍🏻

 
 By: KMII : May 9th, 2021-02:20
And the resulting trophies are amazing, Nico!

Thank you, K.

 
 By: amanico : May 9th, 2021-07:35

I loved the Magnum series and later I tried to get

 
 By: brauner : May 10th, 2021-04:03
a GMT Master. Took me a long time to get the money. Later I got a second. They are all gone.

Same for me!

 
 By: amanico : May 10th, 2021-07:18

🥴

 
 By: brauner : May 10th, 2021-15:56

Great story Nico

 
 By: Cookies : May 11th, 2021-16:53
Always love your posts and wonderful pictures.

The anticipation is worth the wait ...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2021-11:44
Hello Boris and friends, It’s always the ones that slip through your fingers that you remember, but when get a second chance it’s a sweet moment. This has happened a few times and these are a couple of watches to share with you. The Rolex Anniversary Subm...  

Hello dear Captain! You say:" It’s always the ones that slip through your fingers that you remember, but when get a second chance it’s a sweet moment."

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 8th, 2021-14:11
And I absolutely agree with you! I had experienced the feeling and your great story around your 50th Anniversary Submariner is a great example of that breathtaking feeling. I can imagine you driving your car to reach the watch shop as fast as possible! Lo... 

Thank you Abel ...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2021-15:12
The journey to the Rolex AD still makes me smile and cringe in equal measures. Getting the watch or loosing it was probably separated by approximately 15 minutes 😅

Very nice, Captain Scarlet!

 
 By: KMII : May 9th, 2021-02:19
I can imagine the pedal to the metal, a dab of oppo type of drive to secure the watch 😁 And the satisfaction of success 👍🏻

I have to admit...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 9th, 2021-08:45
When I parked the car there was a smell of scorched brakes and hot rubber 🤔

LOL 😬

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 9th, 2021-12:36

Ha ha ha!

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 9th, 2021-12:30

Not an exotic watch,

 
 By: halkcb : May 8th, 2021-16:21
but relatively accessible,depending on the iteration---that piqued my interest and led to its acquisition after about thirty odd years. I 've never been a great fan of Rolex,but noticed the 1016 explorer on multiple advertisements in the seventies that at...  

Thanks ,my friend

 
 By: halkcb : May 8th, 2021-23:21

That’s a heart warming story Henry ...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2021-23:09
The Explorer is the perfect choice. Keep enjoying it in good health.

Definitely,thanks

 
 By: halkcb : May 8th, 2021-23:22

That's an amazing story Henry! It's easy to understand that this Explorer is a very special watch for you. Incidentaly, a similar watch started me in...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 9th, 2021-02:03
... Watch collecting in 2008 when I bought mine as a self present on my 60th birthday. It's a great beautiful watch which I value so much. I wish you'll finaly find your 1016 in a near future! Hagwe! Abel

Thank you Henry! Yes I also own a very nice 1016 ...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 9th, 2021-12:28
... with gloss dial and gilt inscriptions from 1965/67 if memory doesn’t fail me. A very beautiful and classic watch which i wear occasionally with much care. For every day wearing the modern rendition which you and me own is a much better option I feel. ... 

Now that is a very cool story indeed...

 
 By: KMII : May 9th, 2021-02:17
And a very nice seller 😁 I wish you find the 1016 eventually 🤞🏻

A couple that took time

 
 By: jml_watches : May 8th, 2021-18:01
Hi A couple from me - the first is my Reverso which probably took 4 years to get. Saw an advert & thought it looked great, but then it took time to see one in person, then a while to decide to pull the trigger ( not normally a quick process) The other is ...  

Two amazing watches!

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : May 8th, 2021-18:14

Thanks 😊

 
 By: jml_watches : May 8th, 2021-21:48

Your Memomatic looks superb...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 8th, 2021-23:11
You definitely made a great choice.

Definitely 👍

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 9th, 2021-10:00

Looking is unfortunately often expensive...

 
 By: KMII : May 9th, 2021-02:15
But wasn’t it a slogan by RR that you will enjoy the quality king after the price has been forgotten? 😉 Both the Reverso and the Memovox are superb 👌🏻

Two winderful watches JML!! They were ...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 9th, 2021-12:33
Worth the waiting and the efforts and time invested in the search and study of them. Thank you for sharing the stories of them!! Hagwe! Abel

A long time coming

 
 By: GuyT : May 9th, 2021-12:15
A watch that I always liked the design / look off is the Richard Mille RM005 and while I like a lot of the other watches they are beyond my budget and to large for my wrist anyway. I always thought that an RM would remain a wish unfulfilled as the dimensi...  

Hello Guy!! Welcome to WPS and to our weekly event WS!

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 9th, 2021-12:36
Wow! A superb timepiece with a great story your RM! And what a beautiful way of celebrating your 50th Birthday with such a wonderful self present! Thank you so much for sharing your watch and story here! Best cordial regards Abel

Thanks Abel

 
 By: GuyT : May 9th, 2021-13:47

Superb RM ...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 9th, 2021-15:30
Good to have you joining us Guy, especially with your story of getting the RM 005. You made a great choice.

Welcome here, Guy.

 
 By: amanico : May 9th, 2021-21:07

Breguet La Tradition

 
 By: terbaboom : May 9th, 2021-14:14
hope it's not too late to share my short story... i've always like the Breguet La Tradition, since i started this hobby more than 10 years ago. besides its classic dial design, i also like the watch showing some of its innards on the dial side. buying the...  

Hello Terbaboom!! Never too late to share a good story! ...

 
 By: Subexplorer : May 9th, 2021-15:06
... and in this case your story touches me very specially because I absolutely love this watch and it happened exactly the same to me: I have it in my “next purchase” list for several years but other arrivals made me pospone getting it to this day. It sti... 

Congratulations on getting this Breguet ...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 9th, 2021-15:32
Sometimes other watches get in the way when we are collecting, but that makes it even sweeter when it does finally happen.

Your lucky day 🥂

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : May 9th, 2021-15:57

Different story

 
 By: brauner : May 9th, 2021-16:12
Saw the Nivada Chronomaster reedition on 27th of April. Asked for comments here. Ordered on the 28th. Waiting for delivery. ...  

There's something to be said . . .

 
 By: Dr No : May 9th, 2021-17:29
. . . for snap decisions.

A new theme for WS?

 
 By: brauner : May 10th, 2021-04:04

That was fast!

 
 By: amanico : May 9th, 2021-21:08