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belk7 · 12 January 2010, 07:11 AM

I am a recent member of the forum and would like to take a few lines here to let all of you know just how extraordinary TRF and its community of members are. The depth of knowledge of forum members and their enthusiasm for sharing that knowledge is something that no one should take for granted.

I will share a few things about me and my interest in better timepieces for those who may be interested. My first quality watch was purchased around 20 years ago and was a fairly modest Omega Constellation quartz dress watch. I wore this watch exclusively for many years, and its current condition is a testament to its status as my every day timepiece. The real turning point in my love of watches occurred in 1999, with a gift from my father. He passed along to me a Constellation that he purchased himself in 1961, and an Elgin pocket watch from 1917 that belonged to my grandfather. Both watches were used literally for decades, and show all of the battle scars from having been used throughout the course of everyday living. The Constellation has a 17 million movement number, indicating its manufacture around 1959 and has a SS case, convex dial, and beads of rice bracelet. My only disappointment with the watch is that at some point in its life, the dial was rather poorly refinished. The pocket watch was in horrible shape, and I really didn’t hold out much hope for it. However, I was able to find a local watchmaker who personified everything good and honorable about his profession. I’m sorry to say that he passed away several years ago, but his refurbishment of this watch (and especially the dial) is a tremendous legacy of his skill and professionalism. While neither of these watches is particularly valuable in the traditional sense, they represent irreplaceable value to me personally. Having something that both my father and grandfather used daily as young men is something I will continue to cherish. That, I think, is the real value of well-made timepieces-the fact that these mechanisms are with us marking time throughout all of the events, both large and small. A corny sentiment, but one that I think some of you will understand.

Since that time, I have purchased a JLC Master Reserve, a TAG 6000 series quartz (as well as an Aquaracer for my wife), a Speedy Pro, and a two-tone Sub 16613. I think the blue dial and bezel on the Sub is absolutely gorgeous, and I find that I never get tired of “checking the time” when it’s on my wrist. I am a true fan of Rolex, and am fascinated by the history of the brand and all of the small details of each successive model. I am a neophyte when compared with most of you, but I am learning more every day.

I am currently intrigued by Panerai (I’ve noticed this is a somewhat polarizing brand among several members, but cut me some slack – I’m new here). I am also completely taken by the GMTIIc. A PAM may be in the not-too-distant future, with the GMT a bit further on the horizon.

If you’ve read this far, then thank you for giving me a some of your time. I will never be one of your most prolific posters, but I will continue to read, learn, and weigh in from time to time when I feel I have a reasonably sensible opinion on a topic. As soon as I figure out how to take a decent photo with my cheap compact camera, I’ll post pics of the two legacy pieces for any old pocket watch and Omega enthusiasts.

Lol-x · 12 January 2010, 05:00 PM

Good Luck maybe you will get a GMTIIC sooner than you think

Ashley · 12 January 2010, 05:03 PM

Welcome to TRF!!!

sleddog · 12 January 2010, 06:07 PM

Welcome to TRF belk!!!!

I'm glad your enjoying the wealth of knowledge here.....

Rob.

idk01 · 12 January 2010, 07:08 PM

Welcome to TRF belk7

Great intro I feel like we could grab a coffee with the guys already

and three messages and a pledge member

You will love it here, glad you found us

Enjoy,

Dave.

TSW · 12 January 2010, 08:55 PM

Welcome to TRF.

Mosco · 12 January 2010, 11:32 PM

I had a pleasure of speaking with Belk7 in the last couple days - and what a guy! Depth of knowledge, kind, intelligent, and with a shared passion (or sickness

) for Swiss quality timepieces. I, for one, look forward to his participation in TRF, I think he will become a valuable long-standing member. Good to have you here!

swissautopro · 12 January 2010, 11:38 PM

Welcome!

BarkMaster · 12 January 2010, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mosco

I had a pleasure of speaking with Belk7 in the last couple days - and what a guy! Depth of knowledge, kind, intelligent, and with a shared passion (or sickness

) for Swiss quality timepieces. I, for one, look forward to his participation in TRF, I think he will become a valuable long-standing member. Good to have you here!

It's contageous. He's got it and if he's talking to you, it will just get worse!

phantom357 · 13 January 2010, 12:34 AM

Welcome to TRF family

Safetrends · 13 January 2010, 12:47 AM

Now that is a great way of introduction to TRF

Welcome!

snow_rocks · 13 January 2010, 12:49 AM

, and hope you enjoy the stay (lunacy)!

Warnsboy · 13 January 2010, 12:55 AM

Welcome!!!

ParisDakarBmw · 13 January 2010, 12:56 AM

Welcome! Enjoy it here!

spuds · 13 January 2010, 05:32 AM

Hello & welcome!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by belk7

....I will continue to read, learn, and weigh in from time to time when I feel I have a reasonably sensible opinion on a topic..

.... why wait 'til then???? no-one else does?!

Sweramic · 13 January 2010, 05:36 AM

Welcome to TRF!

JJ Irani · 13 January 2010, 06:01 AM

Welcome to TRF..........hope you enjoy your stay here. The guys here are simply wonderful human beings and are very helpful.

Cheers - JJ

JBat · 13 January 2010, 08:45 AM

Welcome!

chenx15 · 13 January 2010, 08:52 AM

Welcome to the madhouse!

sakuraba · 13 January 2010, 08:53 AM

Welcome to TRF!

goduke1 · 25 January 2010, 07:27 AM

Welcome to TRF! Looking forward to reading some of your posts.

B Square · 13 January 2010, 08:54 AM

Welcome

belk7 · 13 January 2010, 09:38 AM

Thanks to everyone for the kind welcome. I've been stuck in airports all day. For you frequent flyers, the air travel day started with a fire in the control tower at the airport in Nashville, Tennessee, which then proceeded to screw the sytem in the southeast up for most of the morning. Glad I'm not stuck being a road warrier too often. Anyway, just logged on and was very happy to see so many of you posting a reply. I have been speaking with Mosco, and I would like to add my two cents that he is a great guy and just a further testament to the fact that you don't need to go beyond this forum in search of items to add to your collection. Wish I'd found you guys much sooner but I'm here for good now...

I really will work on the whole photo thing when I get back home late this week. It will be a rather obvious lesson on how not to refinish an old Constellation dial.

figbo · 13 January 2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B Square

Welcome

Ditto!

belk7 · 25 January 2010, 07:08 AM

I started this thread a couple of weeks ago as a personal introduction. I indicated that I would try to get some photos up for anyone interested. In the time since my OP, I completed a transaction with Greg (Mosco) which added the first PAM (104) to my modest collection. Greg was fantasic to deal with (I've also posted my recommendation of Greg on the Buyers/Sellers page). So here are a few photos of the family:

The original step up from junk watches, circa 1990
Close up 2.jpg

1959 Constellation from my father. Note that at some point the dial was refinished. The minute markers should be on outside edge. I'm not too bummed out since this is an heirloom piece
Face 2.jpg

1917 Elgin Pocketwatch carried by my Grandfather. Tried to capture the patent date engraving in the second photo
Elgin Pocket.jpg Elegin Engraving.jpg

Tag 6000 anniversary gift from my wife in 2000
Front.jpg

Master Reserve de Marche
Dial.jpg

Finally stepping up to play with the big boys. This one gets the lion's share of wrist time.
Sub Wrist.jpg

A Speedy last year
Speedy Wrist.jpg

And finally, my newest. Again thanks to Greg for helping me out with this one.
PAM Wrist.jpg

Thanks for taking a look. Again, I'm really happy to be part of this great forum.

rfknauss · 25 January 2010, 08:00 AM

Welcome to TRF!

Mosco · 25 January 2010, 09:00 AM

Chris,

That looks good on you, my friend! Enjoy! It was certainly a pleasure working with you

DarkHorse · 25 January 2010, 12:15 PM

Nice to have you here :)

Boopie · 25 January 2010, 02:16 PM

Welcome to TRF, and for sharing your story. I particularly like the Elgin watch.

keschete · 25 January 2010, 02:18 PM

Very nice watches! Welcome!

12 January 2010, 07:11 AM	#1
belk7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Chris Location: USA Posts: 1,439	New Member - Happy to be Here I am a recent member of the forum and would like to take a few lines here to let all of you know just how extraordinary TRF and its community of members are. The depth of knowledge of forum members and their enthusiasm for sharing that knowledge is something that no one should take for granted. I will share a few things about me and my interest in better timepieces for those who may be interested. My first quality watch was purchased around 20 years ago and was a fairly modest Omega Constellation quartz dress watch. I wore this watch exclusively for many years, and its current condition is a testament to its status as my every day timepiece. The real turning point in my love of watches occurred in 1999, with a gift from my father. He passed along to me a Constellation that he purchased himself in 1961, and an Elgin pocket watch from 1917 that belonged to my grandfather. Both watches were used literally for decades, and show all of the battle scars from having been used throughout the course of everyday living. The Constellation has a 17 million movement number, indicating its manufacture around 1959 and has a SS case, convex dial, and beads of rice bracelet. My only disappointment with the watch is that at some point in its life, the dial was rather poorly refinished. The pocket watch was in horrible shape, and I really didn’t hold out much hope for it. However, I was able to find a local watchmaker who personified everything good and honorable about his profession. I’m sorry to say that he passed away several years ago, but his refurbishment of this watch (and especially the dial) is a tremendous legacy of his skill and professionalism. While neither of these watches is particularly valuable in the traditional sense, they represent irreplaceable value to me personally. Having something that both my father and grandfather used daily as young men is something I will continue to cherish. That, I think, is the real value of well-made timepieces-the fact that these mechanisms are with us marking time throughout all of the events, both large and small. A corny sentiment, but one that I think some of you will understand. Since that time, I have purchased a JLC Master Reserve, a TAG 6000 series quartz (as well as an Aquaracer for my wife), a Speedy Pro, and a two-tone Sub 16613. I think the blue dial and bezel on the Sub is absolutely gorgeous, and I find that I never get tired of “checking the time” when it’s on my wrist. I am a true fan of Rolex, and am fascinated by the history of the brand and all of the small details of each successive model. I am a neophyte when compared with most of you, but I am learning more every day. I am currently intrigued by Panerai (I’ve noticed this is a somewhat polarizing brand among several members, but cut me some slack – I’m new here). I am also completely taken by the GMTIIc. A PAM may be in the not-too-distant future, with the GMT a bit further on the horizon. If you’ve read this far, then thank you for giving me a some of your time. I will never be one of your most prolific posters, but I will continue to read, learn, and weigh in from time to time when I feel I have a reasonably sensible opinion on a topic. As soon as I figure out how to take a decent photo with my cheap compact camera, I’ll post pics of the two legacy pieces for any old pocket watch and Omega enthusiasts.

12 January 2010, 05:00 PM	#2
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,633	Good Luck maybe you will get a GMTIIC sooner than you think __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

12 January 2010, 06:07 PM	#4
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2025 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,932	Welcome to TRF belk!!!! I'm glad your enjoying the wealth of knowledge here..... Rob. __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

12 January 2010, 07:08 PM	#5
idk01 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Dave Location: Australia Watch: DJ16233TT Posts: 18,485	Welcome to TRF belk7 Great intro I feel like we could grab a coffee with the guys already and three messages and a pledge member You will love it here, glad you found us Enjoy, Dave. __________________ *Apprentice to Terry Newton; Superstar and Fake Sleuth*

12 January 2010, 08:55 PM	#6
TSW "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: TSW Location: Le Brassus Watch: Rolex & AP's Posts: 27,449	Welcome to TRF. __________________ AP Owners Club IG @swiss.watch.connection

12 January 2010, 05:03 PM	#3
Ashley "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: Ashley Location: Calgary Posts: 6,967	Welcome to TRF!!!

12 January 2010, 11:32 PM	#7
Mosco "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Greg Location: Cincinnati Watch: I like to... Posts: 18,567	I had a pleasure of speaking with Belk7 in the last couple days - and what a guy! Depth of knowledge, kind, intelligent, and with a shared passion (or sickness ) for Swiss quality timepieces. I, for one, look forward to his participation in TRF, I think he will become a valuable long-standing member. Good to have you here! __________________ Instagram - @CaliberSwiss *“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson*

12 January 2010, 11:38 PM	#8
swissautopro "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Mike Location: South Carolina Watch: 3.3M 1655 Mk I Posts: 2,384	Welcome! __________________ "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a bandit, and scarcity like an armed man." Proverbs 24 "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt." Unknown "Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food." Proverbs 12

13 January 2010, 12:34 AM	#10
phantom357 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Jack Daniels Land Watch: me drink Guinness! Posts: 373	Welcome to TRF family

13 January 2010, 12:47 AM	#11
Safetrends Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: David Walz Location: San Diego CA USA Watch: my hand. :) Posts: 9,156	Now that is a great way of introduction to TRF Welcome!

13 January 2010, 12:49 AM	#12
snow_rocks Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Rick Location: At what TIME?!!! Watch: the SKY tonite! Posts: 3,225	, and hope you enjoy the stay (lunacy)!

13 January 2010, 12:55 AM	#13
Warnsboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Midwest-USA Watch: 5513 Posts: 1,942	Welcome!!!

13 January 2010, 12:56 AM	#14
ParisDakarBmw Banned Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Paul Location: New Haven, CT Watch: 116610 Sub-C Posts: 6,552	Welcome! Enjoy it here!

13 January 2010, 05:36 AM	#16
Sweramic "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Europe Watch: Movies Posts: 4,531	Welcome to TRF!

13 January 2010, 06:01 AM	#17
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Welcome to TRF..........hope you enjoy your stay here. The guys here are simply wonderful human beings and are very helpful. Cheers - JJ __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

13 January 2010, 08:45 AM	#18
JBat "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: John Location: Washington Watch: 16710, 16610, DJ Posts: 7,329	Welcome!

13 January 2010, 08:52 AM	#19
chenx15 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: somewhere Posts: 2,891	Welcome to the madhouse! __________________ 16 GS Titles 16 AMS titles (1 short of Agassi) 23 Consecutive GS semifinals 17/18 of the last GS finals, 237 consecutive weeks #1 5 consecutive wimbledon + 1 = 6 cups 5 consecutive US open 4 Australian open 1 Sweet french open a crown for every achievement The Greatest Of All Time loves Rolex

13 January 2010, 08:53 AM	#20
sakuraba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Jib Location: SJ, California Watch: sun dial Posts: 8,189	Welcome to TRF!

25 January 2010, 07:27 AM	#21
goduke1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Chris Location: North Carolina Watch: 72' Rolex Air King Posts: 421	Welcome to TRF! Looking forward to reading some of your posts. __________________ Rolex Air-King 5500 Omega Seamaster Pro 300

13 January 2010, 08:54 AM	#22
B Square "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Boyd Location: NC Posts: 1,815	Welcome __________________ 16610M 16710Z Pepsi 16570V White

13 January 2010, 09:38 AM	#23
belk7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Chris Location: USA Posts: 1,439	Thanks to everyone for the kind welcome. I've been stuck in airports all day. For you frequent flyers, the air travel day started with a fire in the control tower at the airport in Nashville, Tennessee, which then proceeded to screw the sytem in the southeast up for most of the morning. Glad I'm not stuck being a road warrier too often. Anyway, just logged on and was very happy to see so many of you posting a reply. I have been speaking with Mosco, and I would like to add my two cents that he is a great guy and just a further testament to the fact that you don't need to go beyond this forum in search of items to add to your collection. Wish I'd found you guys much sooner but I'm here for good now... I really will work on the whole photo thing when I get back home late this week. It will be a rather obvious lesson on how not to refinish an old Constellation dial.

25 January 2010, 07:08 AM	#25
belk7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Chris Location: USA Posts: 1,439	I started this thread a couple of weeks ago as a personal introduction. I indicated that I would try to get some photos up for anyone interested. In the time since my OP, I completed a transaction with Greg (Mosco) which added the first PAM (104) to my modest collection. Greg was fantasic to deal with (I've also posted my recommendation of Greg on the Buyers/Sellers page). So here are a few photos of the family: The original step up from junk watches, circa 1990 Close up 2.jpg 1959 Constellation from my father. Note that at some point the dial was refinished. The minute markers should be on outside edge. I'm not too bummed out since this is an heirloom piece Face 2.jpg 1917 Elgin Pocketwatch carried by my Grandfather. Tried to capture the patent date engraving in the second photo Elgin Pocket.jpg Elegin Engraving.jpg Tag 6000 anniversary gift from my wife in 2000 Front.jpg Master Reserve de Marche Dial.jpg Finally stepping up to play with the big boys. This one gets the lion's share of wrist time. Sub Wrist.jpg A Speedy last year Speedy Wrist.jpg And finally, my newest. Again thanks to Greg for helping me out with this one. PAM Wrist.jpg Thanks for taking a look. Again, I'm really happy to be part of this great forum.

25 January 2010, 08:00 AM	#26
rfknauss 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Richard Location: Macungie, PA Watch: 5513 Sub, LV Sub Posts: 14,498	Welcome to TRF! __________________ *"Few things in life give man as great a pleasure as wearing a Rolex!"* TRF's "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron

25 January 2010, 09:00 AM	#27
Mosco "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Greg Location: Cincinnati Watch: I like to... Posts: 18,567	Chris, That looks good on you, my friend! Enjoy! It was certainly a pleasure working with you __________________ Instagram - @CaliberSwiss *“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson*

25 January 2010, 12:15 PM	#28
DarkHorse "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Dave Location: Sydney Watch: 118239 Posts: 413	Nice to have you here :) __________________ The world is safe again... but for how long? Current: TAG Heuer 2000 Classic, Kobold Phantom Tactical Chronograph, Rolex Submariner 16610, Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph A13320 (Crowe Edition), Rolex Day-Date 118239

25 January 2010, 02:16 PM	#29
Boopie "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Beverly Hills, CA Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 3,978	Welcome to TRF, and for sharing your story. I particularly like the Elgin watch.

25 January 2010, 02:18 PM	#30
keschete "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Kaya Location: Louisiana Watch: 116500 Posts: 3,575	Very nice watches! Welcome! __________________ GMT II BLNR, Submariner, Submariner Serti, Datejust, Daytona C, TT Yacht Master, Hulk Submariner, Pepsi GMT II

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