14 watches. 27 years. Collection complete

[cop414]

Steve,
Thank you so much for keeping on here after what was a rocky start. Your collection and life experiences are simply amazing and we're lucky to have you as a TRF member!

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by toomuchtalk

Our company has done two crossings of greenland with dogs...

Lovely picture.

[seand04]

Thanks for the best post I have read on this forum. Untypical to say the very least.

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by seand04

Thanks for the best post I have read on this forum. Untypical to say the very least.

Thank you.

[toomuchtalk]

And the name; toomuchtalk...

Is the pedigree name of the dog I owned. And who owned me. My best friend, apart from my wife.

[nickb732]

I think someone just became a TRF legend in a matter of days.

[steveclocks]

Steve, thanks for telling your story man!
You showed the real TRF spirit. Loved your thread from beginning to end.
Like the funny start (at least funny for me) and the interesting stories and the watches ofcourse. You know exactly which watches you like and why you like them (thanks for sharing your views here with us, at the end that's what this forum is all about...our love for good wristwatches !)

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by steveclocks

Steve, thanks for telling your story man!
You showed the real TRF spirit. Loved your thread from beginning to end.
Like the funny start (at least funny for me) and the interesting stories and the watches ofcourse. You know exactly which watches you like and why you like them (thanks for sharing your views here with us, at the end that's what this forum is all about...our love for good wristwatches !)

[steveclocks]

Oh and by the way... Love both collection and the two photos of it on the map! brilliant idea man. Males a wonderful shot

[Boothroyd]

Hey, you only got to 170 posts on this thread, Steve! 830 to go!

Seriously, thanks again for all the great pictures and posts. Keep them coming throughout TRF!

[GeoGio Greece]

Steve, it has been a nice trip. Now has it come to an end with the posting of the collection ? No, it should NOT.

Please post some more photos of the fields, the tents, the equipment, the nature. Its the trip that counts, not the destination

Great thread, one that presented the watches via their use and not just the watches on a wrist. Congrats

And the subject of your next thread shall be like the ones we face regularly

"Is it safe to wear my Rolex in Antarctica ?"

[cop414]

Originally Posted by nickb732

I think someone just became a TRF legend in a matter of days.

[steveclocks]

"Is it safe to wear my Rolex in Antarctica ?"
I think Steve just proved it is !

[Kingair]

Hey Steve

Thanks for sharing

I really enjoyed reading this thread

Wanna read all about your next expedition !

HAGOne

[A.Sharp]

Great collection!

[jlc123]

I can't get over how good this thread is. On top of the amazing read I now really want to pick up a polar explorer. Thanks again Steve.

[winston]

Great posts Steve thanks for taking time in sharing with TRF members....

[Chainring]

Best. Thread. Ever. This is the kind of stuff I hope to read as peruse these forums. Thanks for the journey. I just bought a polar Explorer II 216570 recently. You've now convinced me I have to have black as well. Thanks for being an ambassador for the brand and for reminding us these things aren't just expensive jewelry. I look forward to your adventure this summer.

[Old Expat Beast]

As I said back on page 5 of this thread, getting to the South Pole is far more impressive than collecting 14 watches. But you have done both. I wouldn't be surprised if Rolex hits you up for a story for one of the upcoming magazines, since you are also a published writer. Also, I think quite a few here owe you an apology.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

As I said back on page 5 of this thread, getting to the South Pole is far more impressive than collecting 14 watches. But you have done both. I wouldn't be surprised if Rolex hits you up for a story for one of the upcoming magazines, since you are also a published writer. Also, I think quite a few here owe you an apology.

[Kobayashi]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I wouldn't be surprised if Rolex hits you up for a story for one of the upcoming magazines, since you are also a published writer.

Hmmm...Benjamin Clymer comes to mind and the series they're doing on various watches. This could be The Rolex Expedition Series.

[RXPete]

Originally Posted by toomuchtalk

Thank you to everyone who has viewed and commented on this thread. At the start I got a bit prickly, but can understand why people thought it was a bit strange.

I have really enjoyed posting and being involved in this forum.

The private messages I have had have been truly humbling and are very special.

I will start a new thread soon in the build up to an expedition this summer to Iceland...

But for now many thanks!

Great thread! Can't wait for the Iceland Thread. I wish I could pre-subscribe.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Kobayashi

Hmmm...Benjamin Clymer comes to mind and the series they're doing on various watches. This could be The Rolex Expedition Series.

That would be spot on

[franzy]

This thread is on the third page of most viewed TRF threads of all time!! WOW…love it.

[Brit78]

Excellent thread Steve! Thank you for sharing with us. Cheers to many more adventures

[FremStar]

Simply speechless and your story is one with purpose! You own some of my favorite timepieces in your collection! This was a gratifying thread!

Originally Posted by toomuchtalk

Ok. The last watch.

I love the old style watches, I think in some way they are more 'Rolex'. The adverts, the history, the tool style non bling function of them. They were understated and did not pander to the trend to be too big.
And the one watch I would keep above all else is the first I bought; the Submariner.
Less is more.
Yet...
The Explorer 2 new version came out.
The quandary; white or black dial? It's important in my opinion to see these as two seperate watches; as the dials are so different. The black has a depth to it. Makes the watch seem more robust. Even though it's not..
The white is great, but the black has the nod to the original in terms of the 'phantom hands' and the original I will never get...
And in the low half light of dawn the black dial is more functional. It is also exceptionally cool..
and all the current adverts have the white dial. So again less is more.
I love expeditions, do it or a living; so it has to be an Explorer. The explorer 1 would be first, but it does not have a date; and on an expedition you need to know what day it is- or you might miss the ferry...
The Pateks are the finest made watches in the world, but you can't take a shower with one. Except the Aquanaut, but for me a a Patek needs to be on a leather strap and be made of an exotic metal.
So it has to be a Rolex.
The new explorer 2 black dial.
This watch as yet has no expedition history, but it will go to Iceland this year, on a trek never done before...and to greenland next year on a new route across the icecap....

Originally Posted by toomuchtalk

Here is the group shot. Couldn't not do it now!

Left to right...and expeditions/history. Notes.

1.submariner. Date. First watch bought. It's been to Iceland, Norway, greenland, South America. Had several services.
2.Deep Sea. No expedition history.
3. Sea Dweller. Antarctic.
4. Explorer 1. My dad's old watch. Been to Norway and Iceland.
5. Explorer 2. Norway.
6. Explorer 2. Black dial. Norway and Antarctica.
7. GMT 2. Antarctica. Engraved on back with South Pole enscription.
8. Explorer 1. (New) no expedition history other than UK expeditions.
9. Patek 5227. Last watch bought. Used as everyday watch. Already scratched in several place
10. Explorer 2. (New) White dial, default watch for work at present. No overseas history
11. Explorer 2. (New) Black dial, admired a lot. Going to Iceland this summer and greenland next summer.
12. Patek 5172g. With brown leather strap; looks better than the black. Only UK travel.
13. Patek 5070. Special occasions. My dad's watch.
14. IWC spitfire. A present from my dad when I got to the pole.


So that's that. It has taken me 27 years, and I would not buy another watch. Over the years I have had a Daytona and Panerias, yet in the end I have focused on the 'expedition' watches.
All the Rolexes are from the same AD who is now a friend!
Patek is not a brand I ever wanted as they are so expensive, but my dad left me the 5070. Owning one you realise how special they are.
They are from the same AD- different one to the Rolex.. And he to is a friend; and in June am off to Patek for a two day your of the factory!!

Each watch is scratched and chipped, done more than others; they all get scratched on the top right at 2 o'clock when used in anger..
But they are the history of my life and travels.

That's what watches are for; not just for recording the time; but our own travel through that time.

Steve.

So much history here! I am looking forward to more!

[photo]

Quite profound.. . and a wonderful tribute.. .The epic of "toomuchtalk".. .Thank you!! Godspeed!

[adamlea]

Steve:

This is one of the best threads I've seen on TRF since I've been here. Great pics, great collection - well done. I like my black 42mm Exp II too, for all the reasons you mentioned.

Your pics remind me that I live in a bubble, which only incentivizes me to live more and see more - a reminder I needed.

[Ector495]

I just wanted to say a few things.

1) Thanks for all of the pictures, they were great.

2) I hope you have a thread for each of your expeditions when you get back.

3) I hope we never see another thread about "Can I wear my Rolex…"

I believe you have pretty much crushed any doubt that these watches are tough and rugged. Thanks again. Many safe returns. I now have an Explorer II itch thanks to you.

[Armyguy03]

Damn, thanks Steve. Just proved that the Rolex watch is meant to be WORN. BTW, love my Polar Explorer as well.