Paner-eye Candy

[Ruud Van Driver]

We had a public holiday here recently and my friends at OP Singapore invited us up to a little soirée they were having in the boutique. They had something they wanted to show me . They had a prototype of L’Astronomo and wow. Just, wow! Absolutely magnificent piece but waaaaaaay out of my league. It was nice to dream for a couple of minutes though.

Orders were being taken with a lead time of, um, two years. Yes, you read that right, two years. It can be spec’d in one of three materials; titanium, platinum and one other which I can’t remember for the life of me. I want to say white gold but I really can’t remember.

Price starts at S$270,000 (GB£151,000, US£200,000) which is, quite frankly, frightening.

Whilst it’s a big-ass piece at 50mm, it’s surprisingly light. But then again, it was titanium. It’s absolutely mesmerising to behold though I couldn’t take my eyes off it, which is probably why I can’t remember the third choice of materials.

Meanwhile, back on planet Earth, they also had a 692 in stock and a 654.

I found the 692 a bit, well, meh. It’s looks like a proper PAM, it’s light, comfortable but I was a bit underwhelmed, if I’m honest. I’d have one as part of a collection if I had money to burn but if I was in the market for a Submersible then it would be a (1)389 all day, every day.

Now, the 654. I’m really beginning to start jonesing for a white dial PAM. In short though, I can’t and I won’t be able to for a good few years. Not now I’m repatriating back to the UK in less than two months.

I loved the look and fee of this piece. 44mm 1950 Luminor, which seems to fit me just right. The white dial is real class and the two blue hands give a nice splash of colour. My only concern would be that the gold hands could be difficult to see against the white dial in bright sunlight. And then there’s the ecru. If I was here for another six months, it’d be on my wrist by now

[Cru Jones]

Thanks for the photos and info. Wow, that boutique is always so well-stocked.

Was the 692 just for show, or does this mean it’s finally for sale?

As for the 654, it could serve as a good “welcome home” present, no?? ;-)

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Thanks for the photos and info. Wow, that boutique is always so well-stocked.

Was the 692 just for show, or does this mean it’s finally for sale?

As for the 654, it could serve as a good “welcome home” present, no?? ;-)

Yeah, if you’re in the market for something, particularly a desirable piece, chances are they’ll have it. As Nick (Waikeekee) says, you can buy cheaper elsewhere but I’m a stickler for service and I’m loyal to my man there.

692 was for sale.

I’d love to have the 654 and I was even offered a very reasonable discount but with a 25% pay cut and triple tax to look forward to, there’s just no way I can justify it. I also have a car and bike on order for when I go home in seven weeks so there’s just no way. Well, not if Ruud and his Jacob’s wish to remain united as one anyway

[Cru Jones]

692 for sale, that’s big news! Thanks for that.

Best of luck with the move and, honestly, keeping the 654 as a future goal is the better route...get your ducks in a row and maybe things will work out. If not, no big deal, your current set is very nice.

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

692 for sale, that’s big news! Thanks for that.

Best of luck with the move and, honestly, keeping the 654 as a future goal is the better route...get your ducks in a row and maybe things will work out. If not, no big deal, your current set is very nice.

Thanks, mate. Good advice, too.

It’s going to be a real wrench leaving here. It’s been a blast but my time is up.

With the 654, I think it’ll have to be pre-loved as it’s a limited piece (I think) and they’ll be long gone by the time I’m back in the market. No drama though, I’m really happy with what I have. Since mid-April, I’m temporarily down to just the two pieces (359 and Sub LN). I took the rest home back in March because I didn’t want to be repatriating with eight watches. It’ll be like having six new pieces when I get home though

[1William]

Nice pictures.

[fullcourt]

nice....tfs

[indexmatch]

I really love the 654, just don't have a spot for it in the current collection, keeping an eye on it and seen a few offered a good prices, just can't justify it (mostly to my wife ), great shots and thanks for sharing!

[nick c]

Paul,the white dial fits you best

[rootbeer7]

654 654 654 654 654

[itsjknight]

Thanks for posting these great shots. I’m considering the BMG Tech now!

[oldsalt]

Thanks for the post (and pics) Paul... good luck with the move back home...

cheers

[dnpina]

Thanks for sharing some great pics. My nearest AD.seems to have the same pieces constantly and nothing changes.

[Frank McKay]

Wow StunneeR! congrats!

[brandrea]

Awesome stuff as usual Paul.

Best of luck on the move and you're absolutely right ... you'll have 6 new watches to enjoy when you get home

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