Evolution of a watch collection…

[MJ EXPLORER]

Hey Gus, I'm a long time reader of TRF and recent contributor. I can't believe I've never seen this thread. What an absolutely delightful - and long running - thread. The journey and evolution of a collection is incredibly interesting. Well done and a fantastic collection. As a long time Explorer/Explorer II fan/wearer I appreciate that they are stars in such a fantastic collection.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

Hey Gus, I'm a long time reader of TRF and recent contributor. I can't believe I've never seen this thread. What an absolutely delightful - and long running - thread. The journey and evolution of a collection is incredibly interesting. Well done and a fantastic collection. As a long time Explorer/Explorer II fan/wearer I appreciate that they are stars in such a fantastic collection.

Appreciate your comments. Thank you.

Both the explorer and explorer II are still in the collection and have a firm place there. Both are incredible watches.

Happy to add this today as well as a speedy 321 after a 2.5 year wait.

The evolution has been a fun journey and taken some unexpected twists but my collection focus is clearer than it has ever been.

[subtona]

Lighting makes a difference

[subtona]

in my continuing evolution as a watch collector...
I am coming to terms with the reality that I just don't like chronographs.

Both of these are classics and visually appealing but I expect they are not long for the collection.

[sski]

Hi Gus,

The 16570 Polar Explorer 2 is a 'keeper' for you if I am not mistaken correct? You had the BLRO as well and parted ways- can you elaborate why the Exp2 > BLRO?

I have an Exp2, and considering trading it for a GMT2; i'm not 100% convinced it's the right move however. Would appreciate your insight.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by sski

Hi Gus,

The 16570 Polar Explorer 2 is a 'keeper' for you if I am not mistaken correct? You had the BLRO as well and parted ways- can you elaborate why the Exp2 > BLRO?

I have an Exp2, and considering trading it for a GMT2; i'm not 100% convinced it's the right move however. Would appreciate your insight.

Sure.
After wanting the Pepsi for 2 years, I finally got the modern Pepsi on jubilee.

Had it for a few weeks. Wore it twice.

My personal reasons are as follows
•For me it was too big and bright.
•The 24 hour hand was not readily discernible on the black dial vs the polar explorer.
•the idea of a 3rd or 4th Timezone was the equivalent of the deep sea vs the submariner, there would never ever be a time where this functionality would serve me.
•finally would be my ocd about the two color bezel and my obsession with its alignment. I just found it distracting.

The polar exp II Is my favorite travel watch.
The white dial allows me to tell the time at home with a glance knowing instantly if it is am or pm.

Ps I also found that looking at a single 24 hour hand of the exp II to be much more elegant vs that of Patek’s travel time 12 hour hand and am/pm window. The 5164 is also gone.

Pps the cheaper and less obvious exp II are also qualities that make for a preferred companion for me while traveling.

Hope that is helpful

[sski]

thanks Gus!

I've decided to hold onto the 16570; greatly appreciate your valuable insight as a collector. One thing that held me back from pursuing the gmt was the night time lume on the Polar; compared to a black dialed watch, it's much more visible!

Awesome thread btw, fabulous collection!

[Reikolexguy]

Originally Posted by subtona

Sure.
After wanting the Pepsi for 2 years, I finally got the modern Pepsi on jubilee.

Had it for a few weeks. Wore it twice.

My personal reasons are as follows
•For me it was too big and bright.
•The 24 hour hand was not readily discernible on the black dial vs the polar explorer.
•the idea of a 3rd or 4th Timezone was the equivalent of the deep sea vs the submariner, there would never ever be a time where this functionality would serve me.
•finally would be my ocd about the two color bezel and my obsession with its alignment. I just found it distracting.

The polar exp II Is my favorite travel watch.
The white dial allows me to tell the time at home with a glance knowing instantly if it is am or pm.

Ps I also found that looking at a single 24 hour hand of the exp II to be much more elegant vs that of Patek’s travel time 12 hour hand and am/pm window. The 5164 is also gone.

Pps the cheaper and less obvious exp II are also qualities that make for a preferred companion for me while traveling.

Hope that is helpful

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on why you picked the explorer 2 over the GMT-master 2, Gus.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sski]

i enjoyed this thread so much- that i had to subscribe!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Reikolexguy

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on why you picked the explorer 2 over the GMT-master 2, Gus.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by sski

i enjoyed this thread so much- that i had to subscribe!

Thank you

[subtona]

…

[davidflo]

Well used I would say

[subtona]

Originally Posted by davidflo

Well used I would say

I thought so as well but on closer look it may mostly be a reflection of the surface it is resting on. :)


Evolving…

[myk7000]

Awesome seeing this journey. How do you split your time between the Rolexes and the Pateks? Curious if ultimately you had to sell half the collection if you'd get rid of the Pateks or the Rolexes.

[StackLexus17]

Originally Posted by subtona

I thought so as well but on closer look it may mostly be a reflection of the surface it is resting on. :)


Evolving…

Brining this thread back to life.

We need an updated SOTC.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by myk7000

Awesome seeing this journey. How do you split your time between the Rolexes and the Pateks? Curious if ultimately you had to sell half the collection if you'd get rid of the Pateks or the Rolexes.

Thank you

I expect they will each coexist into the foreseeable future.

The submariner and the explorer II have been in the collection the longest. The Patek choices have taken some twists and turns.

Originally Posted by StackLexus17

Brining this thread back to life.

We need an updated SOTC.

Overdue for an update made some significant changes.

[AF_Rob]

Looking forward to seeing the update, Gus!

[subtona]

SOTC Update

Nautilus’ have moved on for a couple of reasons
Most prominent is Sadly I no longer feel comfortable wearing such a hyped watch in this big city.

However very happy with the collection as it stands.
My goal has been for the watches to maintain diversity in looks and function.
I also have a deep appreciation for a time only no bells and whistles time piece.

Exceptions to the time only are very specific.
•Exp II, The travel watch imho must have a date.

•Patek 5940 perpetual calendar by Patek calls to me as one of Pateks finest offerings. Automatic movement, super thin, elegant package. I also have a strong appreciation for the cushion case. And for whatever the reasons this watch happily lives outside the hype. Respect to Patek who made this perpetual movement 240Q (1985) in the defiance in the midst of the quartz crisis. Used in the 3940, the predecessor to my pictured 5940



As so many of us have experienced the hunt is rarely over when we think it is.
if I had take a guess at the future of the collection there is only one timepiece makes me salivate and that I have desired for a number of years. The time piece is extremely limited (16 pieces) and rarely for sale and prices reside in a very uncomfortable place :).

The Patek 3670 (which I do not own) Picture added here so those unfamiliar don’t have to look it up.


A 5167A would be nice to add back to the collection but that may be like going back with an old girlfriend… you usually remember why you parted by the time the first night is over :)


Thanks for reading


Ps the seiko was my father’s Watch for ~50 years.
I later gave him an Explorer he enjoyed for about 10 years. He passed nearly two years ago and I had the privelge to pass on the explorer to my nephew/his grandson.

[1259]

Great post. I see you’ve changed several times. Was it ever a hassle to sell a watch?

[subtona]

Originally Posted by 1259

Great post. I see you’ve changed several times. Was it ever a hassle to sell a watch?

Too many variables for me in selling,
trading is preferred, much less hassle

[1259]

Originally Posted by subtona

Too many variables for me in selling,
trading is preferred, much less hassle

I think the hassle of selling has made me take it slower. Do you have a site that you recommend for trades? Or do you just use the grays on this site?

[subtona]

Originally Posted by 1259

I think the hassle of selling has made me take it slower. Do you have a site that you recommend for trades? Or do you just use the grays on this site?

typically the trusted guys here.

[Kingcobb]

Awesome thread, glad you updated it. Some awesome watches you have had. I've got 4 rolexes, 3 subs and a daytona. Love em. Like other watches I would love to add but too much Dinero. Who knows I have been flirting with saving up and getting a vintage 5513 but who knows at this point. Thanks for sharing your journey!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Kingcobb

Awesome thread, glad you updated it. Some awesome watches you have had. I've got 4 rolexes, 3 subs and a daytona. Love em. Like other watches I would love to add but too much Dinero. Who knows I have been flirting with saving up and getting a vintage 5513 but who knows at this point. Thanks for sharing your journey!

Nice collection
Ty


Ps adding the grand seiko that has been in the collection but seldom sees my wrist due to my lady’s appreciation for it :)
The grand seiko is the only watch in the collection that was purchased new from an AD by me.

[dxoperator]

Lovely story and great collection to compliment it all... Thanks for sharing, what an interesting journey you've had so far.