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Do you wear a watch?

2015 Rolex GMT Master II Ceramic with scrambled serial number on a Rolex leather/croc strap SPF.
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I picked up my grand daughter from swim practice last night, and her coach was pointing at his wrist asking me if I was in a hurry as he wanted to go over a technique with her. I'm like WTF is he babbling about? I couldn't put together him pointing at his wrist to indicate time because it has been so long since I've worn a watch or even thought about them. And I liked watches way back in the way back time.
 
I had a PAM 72 in my hand, but bought a Yacht-Master instead. Same price for either.

Mistake!

In any event, the Yacht-Master has been stellar over the years and after having it calibrated it gains & looses daily where it is seldom off by more than a few seconds over months worth of time. Electric accuracy in a mechanical.

This and the comfort. Without a doubt it is the most comfortable watch I own. I replaced the clasp with a Daytona clasp some years back for a total upgrade of the bracelet. Had to get it back door from a friend in Europe, Rolex USA will not sell parts.

I've worn it 24/7 since 2003 and for the last 4 years I have been fixing appliances with it on my wrist. Stuffing my hands into machines daily and no matter the abuse, it still looks new.

I bought a new bracelet for my 16800 Sub date I've had since 82 back in 2003. Rarely worn it since then. I had it serviced, new bracelet, put it away. Wore it for the last few days and it isn't as comfortable as the Yacht-Master. New bracelet hair pinching, the rattle from the sub bracelet (classic issue) and it sits higher on the wrist. Put the Yacht-Master back on last night and all's well again.

Don't think the PAM 72 could have held up as well as the Yacht-Master the way I abuse watches, but I often dream about how it might have been.

Some day I will find a 72 and when I do, I'm pulling the trigger!
 
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Panerai uses both in house and ebauches. In the case of the 72, it uses a Zenith El Primero.

http://gearpatrol.com/2013/11/26/icon-zenith-el-primero/

Lots of companies use a basic movement ebausch and make it their own, like Rolex Daytona and the 7750 movement. Rolex has since made an in house movement for the Daytona, but the 7750 is desirable and no one is put off by it. Same for the El Primero.

My guy is working the deal now, so soon I may get lucky. :)
 
BigRich said:
IIRC, Panarai doesn't make their own movements...not sure who does though, but I want to say there ETAs. But even without that, they are great looking watches. No love for Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial? I think last year (?) they had a nice looking titanium, brown strap, laser etched dial, 45th anniversary Apollo watch...

https://www.omegawatches.com/watche...ch/anniversary-limited-series/31162423006001/
Click to expand...

The Omega Speedmaster is my "someday" watch. For me, ya just don't get any cooler than being the "moon watch." I'll have one someday.
 
Didn't know that about Panerai...but I did know about the El Primero...I used to have a Zenith Class that used the El Primero. It was a nice piece, but I found myself always going back to my Sub - which is also why I was looking at that special edition Speedmaster. ;)
 
Just got a quote on my 3 watches I sent for repair.

Gents Omega #196.1522, 58102845
- Basic Service $100.00
- Bracelet Repair (Labor) $80.00
- 22 tubes and 11 pins @$1.50 each $49.50

Total $229.50

Not bad. WOuld have been pretty cheap if not for the bracelet. The CHristopher Ward just needs a new battery and shockingly my Russian manual wind is still well lubricated since 4 years ago.
 
I got a quote to fix my Victorinox that died in Hawaii while snorkeling. Apparently the clown that replaced my battery last time ripped the caseback gasket. Saltwater intrusion...it's done. They want $500 to replace the ETA movement for a watch that I still could buy brand new on Amazon right now for right around $500.
 
Sue the person who serviced it last.

For my cheaper Christopher Ward watch I made the mistake of having the battery changed by a cheapo local Jewelry repair guy. Came back with the Chrono hands all in the wrong places, and a busted gasket.
 
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