Recliner's Rolex Journey

[kenji1903]

got curious and casually browsed eBay for KS... yours seems to be in a lot better condition compared to the ones sold there, and some didn't have photos of the movement

did you replace any parts?

[jason_recliner]

Mine is 100% original. I have my own watch business, Collectible Watches Australia - shameless plug! - so I can service it myself. As I said, it's a simple movement, you just have to be meticulous with the lubrication due to the high beat rate.  Here's the movement (not mine):



So pretty!

 

I was just lucky no parts needed replacing.  Seiko almost definitely won't have spares for these.  If I ever need a part I will most likely have to buy another watch and sacrifice for parts. Fortunately they are quite common, I'll just buy one which is rough cosmetically and therefore cheap.

[Friedrice]

Mine is 100% original. I have my own watch business, Collectible Watches Australia - shameless plug! - so I can service it myself. As I said, it's a simple movement, you just have to be meticulous with the lubrication due to the high beat rate.  Here's the movement (not mine):



So pretty!

 

I was just lucky no parts needed replacing.  Seiko almost definitely won't have spares for these.  If I ever need a part I will most likely have to buy another watch and sacrifice for parts. Fortunately they are quite common, I'll just buy one which is rough cosmetically and therefore cheap.

Wow! That is a real beauty! It's really rare to find a 30+ year old watch in that condition..

It's almost NOS condition..

[Nobby]

I actually dreamt I fed him the other night. It wasn't until my wife noticed that nothing had been touched that we realised he hadn't actually been fed!

 

many more night ahead, good luck bro

Wind your neck in, Jason.
Nobby

and Nobby had a horrible experience with his GS, thus the negativity towards Seiko, forgot which thread...

Is he the guy who worked out GS isn't a good ship yard watch?  I wouldn't normally care too much but it is pretty poor form crapping in my thread about a watch that obviously means a lot to me. It would be different if it was a thread asking whether I should buy a GS.

Regardless, the guy doesn't know much about watches.

Jason - Calm yourself down sunshine. It's your ball and you don't want to play anymore, that's fine, no worries.
For the record: You were summarizing your ownership experiences with both Rolex and Seiko...and so was I.
Chill 
Nobby

So start your own damn thread. As I said, it's extremely poor form to crap in somebody's thread celebrating a watch they love.

I'm no fan of Hublot, for example. If somebody is asking whether to get a Hublot or Rolex, I'll recommend the Rolex and explain why. If somebody is posting about the Hublot they just bought and love, I'm not going to jump in and tell them why they should have bought a Rolex. Because I'm not a dickhead. Do you see the difference?

Here's a thought. Just don't post in any of my threads. You have literally nothing to add that I couldn't hear from the local dopey Rolex salesperson.

Chilled enough for you, brah?

 

Erm... Now all THAT is out of the way... (apologies to the more gentlemanly members!)

For Sir Sidestreaker and Sir Kenji, without boring the entire forum to death with the excruciating minutiae of high end vintage Seiko and the Swiss Chronometre competitions... Back in the day Seiko had two Japanese factories, Suwa and Daini.  They were effectively competing with each other, as well as competing with the Swiss to build the most accurate watches on the world and also for the right to print Chronometre on the dial. One part of the story is that Seiko won, the Swiss declared that only a Swiss watch could be classified a Chronometre, Seiko devised their own internal and more stringent accuracy specs, and that is why very few Seikos are labeled Chronometre. But that's another story!

Meanwhile, Suwa and Daini were trying to outdo each other. Daini devised Grand Seiko so Suwa came up with King Seiko. Both, naturally, were superb.  At some point, however, Seiko put an end to this internal rivalry and ran with Grand Seiko only.

Everybody knows of Grand Seiko now but KS has been forgotten by most and flown under the radar. It's really only been in the last few years that more collectors have become aware of the GS/KS relationship.

I picked mine up on the Bay years ago for cheap. I think it was cheap because not many people wanted a KS, and this one is not highly polished. Which is why I love it.  Most of the examples you see these days have been polished to a near mirror finish to emulate modern GS at the expense of all those sharp angles and edges. That would be the first thing to watch out for if one was to hunt one down.

The movement is a peach.  A relatively simple manual winder running at 36,000 bph. Easy to service but getting parts is tricky.  Simply decorated but beautifully finished.

Oh, one more thing. This baby's got back:



That gold medallion makes me warm and gooey (make sure it's in good condition if you're buying. Gold is soft and they tend to wear down noticeably).

If you made it this far thanks for reading!

[dpkong]

So you have another mouth to feed and decided Rolex is too much money for what it's worth. You like it but decide you need the money more than the watch. You politely sprinkle the thread with mundane adorations of the brand, yet whack it for it's lack of innovation. Then you praise Seiko for doing something we don't really need actually. Time is everywhere. Hungry babies will scream so that's all the indication you need for feeding time.

We don't need a watch. And if we have to deliberate between buying a Rolex or putting the money elsewhere for better returns, then maybe just skip the thought of owning one.

Cheers!

[dpkong]

I always believe in buying a brand before it become famous.

I bought my first Rolex in the early 2000's when submariners were sold for RM12k retail. At that time they were expensive but still affordable.

Bought 3 Rolexes over the years and sold two for a nice profit (both were sports models). Kept the unwanted DJ

Flipped a Patek Philippe 5035YG before the prices became stupid. During the early part of 2000, PP's can be had for up to 40% discount in a shop in the old starhill among other places. Prices then were more reasonable as a 5035 retailed for RM40+k (before discounts). I bought it and resold it a few years later for a decent profit. The servicing cost scared me silly so I had to flip it before it is in need of servicing.

Also bought and flipped a Pam but I took a slight hit. So, I am guessing, watch prices, which have been increasing steadily over the last decade have now plateau.

I am buying up Omega's for a good part of the last 8 years but I am not seeing much ROI as I am used to. So, now, I am just basically buying what I like and no longer going after the next hot brand.

My two cents.

Affordable is relative to income.

[jason_recliner]

Hungry babies will scream so that's all the indication you need for feeding time.

If a baby screams in the forest but nobody hears it, is it actually hungry?

 

[gnoy26]

to each their own, i only have rolex in my collection currently and i think ill stay true for quite some time to come

[cll]

Absolutely true.

I have gotten in the Rolex fray lately.
I like the brand cause of its history, reputation and quality.

I got the Explorer 39mm as my first Rolex and one day I was lying with my son, I showed him the watch and told him that one day it will be his.  His eyes opened up in delight and you can see the wonder and pride when I told him that.
I am not saying that other watches can't be passed down but I know that if I take care of my watches (not necessarily baby sit them), my kids can inherit something their old man wore daily.  And the watches would then still be functioning well.

[vinorus]

I see the points and appreciate the Grand Seiko and King Seiko...

I really hope Rolex could stop increasing their price when they see many voice like you here ...

But when the resources(money) is limited, people tend to buy a Sub C rather than a similar priced Grand Seiko SBGM001, don't they?
You may say these people are fooled by propaganda made by Rolex (I heard Rolex spent 70% revenue into advertising),
and I will totally agreed with you.

Question is, if only out of 30% is what a Rolex worth, why am I still admired and tempted to buy one?

Maybe I am a fool, but that is in my brain telling me if I have a budget say RM27,000 I will go for a Sub C; if I have a budget say RM40k+ I would go for a Daytona. Tell me I shouldn't do so or I'd make very wrong decision if the money has to be spent for any watch.

But why...

Have you read a book call <The Origin of Brand>? I am not sure if it is true but the book says:
The origin of Brand is planted in people's brain when a new category is created.
The brand name will be an inception to the brand category in the brain.
So the category/brand as following,

the first precise search engine brand / Google
the first car brand / Mercedes Benz
the first plastic container brand / Tupperware
the first brick toy brand / Lego
the first toothpaste brand / Colgate
the first jean brand / Levis

Maybe they are not the first manufacturer or inventor of the category but they are mostly the first brand introduced successfully to the mass market.

I was surprised when I read more about Rolex, after I link the above quote into it. I might be wrong but this is what I have observed:

category / brand

the first wrist watch brand / Rolex (my 2 c :VC is not the first wrist watch brand coz VC was a pocket watch brand)
the first water proof case brand / Oyster
the first 360 degree movement automatic movement brand / Perpetual
the first date function brand / Datejust
the first day function brand / Daydate

I found that Rolex is very firmed on the design. there is only one single design of Oyster case, they all have similar straight line and curve line. I heard a journalist once asked Gerald Genta what is the model of watch he wishes he could have designed one, he answered: An Oyster, any Oyster.

I don't know, when people say the most beautiful diver watch used to be the Submariner; the most beautiful chronograph watch used to be the Daytona... That also in people's mind.

I dun know but I think, we can't change people's mind, can we?


Just my 2 cents.

[nikfs1881]

I see the points and appreciate the Grand Seiko and King Seiko...

I really hope Rolex could stop increasing their price when they see many voice like you here ...

But when the resources(money) is limited, people tend to buy a Sub C rather than a similar priced Grand Seiko SBGM001, don't they?
You may say these people are fooled by propaganda made by Rolex (I heard Rolex spent 70% revenue into advertising),
and I will totally agreed with you.

Question is, if only out of 30% is what a Rolex worth, why am I still admired and tempted to buy one?

Maybe I am a fool, but that is in my brain telling me if I have a budget say RM27,000 I will go for a Sub C; if I have a budget say RM40k+ I would go for a Daytona. Tell me I shouldn't do so or I'd make very wrong decision if the money has to be spent for any watch.

But why...

Have you read a book call <The Origin of Brand>? I am not sure if it is true but the book says:
The origin of Brand is planted in people's brain when a new category is created.
The brand name will be a inception to the brand category in the brain.
So the category/brand as following,

the first precise search engine brand / Google
the first car brand / Mercedes Benz
the first plastic container brand / Tupperware
the first brick toy brand / Lego
the first toothpaste brand / Colgate
the first jean brand / Levis

Maybe they are not the first manufacturer or inventor of the category but they are mostly the first brand introduced successfully to the mass market.

I was surprised when I read more about Rolex, after I link the above quote into it. I might be wrong but this is what I have observed:

category / brand

the first wrist watch brand / Rolex (my 2 c :VC is not the first wrist watch brand coz VC was a pocket watch brand)
the first water proof case brand / Oyster
the first 360 degree movement automatic movement brand / Perpetual
the first date function brand / Datejust
the first day function brand / Daydate

I found that Rolex is very firmed on the design. there is only one single design of Oyster case, they all have similar straight line and curve line. I heard a journalist once asked Gerald Genta what is the model of watch he wishes he could have designed one, he answered: An Oyster, any Oyster.

I don't know, when people say the most beautiful diver watch used to be the Submariner; the most beautiful chronograph watch used to be the Daytona... That also in people's mind.

I dun know but I think, we can't change people's mind, can we?


Just my 2 cents.

If i am in your position, i would definitely buy the rolex..... Despite what everybody says and tries to justify for the brand they love, all luxury watches doesn't reflect its true cost anyway.....at least with rolex i know for sure it will retain its value if not increase overtime.....unfortunately not so sure if that's the case with GS or any other brand.....

It always boils down to what you're looking for....but if you are looking for a watch that ticked most boxes and retain its value over time, go for rolex......

Obviously jason has a different sort of criterion in his checklist, hence his different preference and direction on watch collecting journey.....

I dont have anything against GS, but if given a choice between Gs and Zenith, i would still go for Zenith if they are similarly prices.....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nikfs1881]

But i am quite intrigued with what you wrote about the origin of brand...., would love to buy the book and read it.....

As for your claim on 'first' of everything, beware....soon enough there'll be an army of WIS marching with pointy swords, heading your way.....


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[vinorus]

But i am quite intrigued with what you wrote about the origin of brand...., would love to buy the book and read it.....

As for your claim on 'first' of everything, beware....soon enough there'll be an army of WIS marching with pointy swords, heading your way.....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lol, more 'first' here and you bet I am dying here 

the first wristwatch in the world to receive the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision, granted by the Official Watch Rating Centre in Bienne (1910)

the first rotating bezel watch / Rolex Centregraph (1938) (watchuseek: Patent was earlier by other, so I guess Rolex bought the patent or what)

To celebrate the crossing of the channel, Rolex published a full-page ad on the front page of the Daily Mail proclaiming the success of the waterproof watch. This event marked the birth of the Testimonee concept. (1927)

the first advertising endorsement / Mercedes Gleitze signed with Rolex

the first divers’ watch waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet) / Submariner (1953)

the first watch confirmed by CERN that could indeed resist magnetic field of up to 1,000 gauss / Milgauss (1950) (was introduced 1956)

Rolex became the first watchmaking brand to pioneer the use of 904L for the cases of all its steel watches. (1985)

the first watch company using platinum in watch / Rolex (Rolexforum)

 








 

[Maverick27]

I see the points and appreciate the Grand Seiko and King Seiko...

I really hope Rolex could stop increasing their price when they see many voice like you here ...

But when the resources(money) is limited, people tend to buy a Sub C rather than a similar priced Grand Seiko SBGM001, don't they?
You may say these people are fooled by propaganda made by Rolex (I heard Rolex spent 70% revenue into advertising),
and I will totally agreed with you.

Question is, if only out of 30% is what a Rolex worth, why am I still admired and tempted to buy one?

Maybe I am a fool, but that is in my brain telling me if I have a budget say RM27,000 I will go for a Sub C; if I have a budget say RM40k+ I would go for a Daytona. Tell me I shouldn't do so or I'd make very wrong decision if the money has to be spent for any watch.

But why...

Have you read a book call <The Origin of Brand>? I am not sure if it is true but the book says:
The origin of Brand is planted in people's brain when a new category is created.
The brand name will be a inception to the brand category in the brain.
So the category/brand as following,

the first precise search engine brand / Google
the first car brand / Mercedes Benz
the first plastic container brand / Tupperware
the first brick toy brand / Lego
the first toothpaste brand / Colgate
the first jean brand / Levis

Maybe they are not the first manufacturer or inventor of the category but they are mostly the first brand introduced successfully to the mass market.

I was surprised when I read more about Rolex, after I link the above quote into it. I might be wrong but this is what I have observed:

category / brand

the first wrist watch brand / Rolex (my 2 c :VC is not the first wrist watch brand coz VC was a pocket watch brand)
the first water proof case brand / Oyster
the first 360 degree movement automatic movement brand / Perpetual
the first date function brand / Datejust
the first day function brand / Daydate

I found that Rolex is very firmed on the design. there is only one single design of Oyster case, they all have similar straight line and curve line. I heard a journalist once asked Gerald Genta what is the model of watch he wishes he could have designed one, he answered: An Oyster, any Oyster.

I don't know, when people say the most beautiful diver watch used to be the Submariner; the most beautiful chronograph watch used to be the Daytona... That also in people's mind.

I dun know but I think, we can't change people's mind, can we?


Just my 2 cents.

If i am in your position, i would definitely buy the rolex..... Despite what everybody says and tries to justify for the brand they love, all luxury watches doesn't reflect its true cost anyway.....at least with rolex i know for sure it will retain its value if not increase overtime.....unfortunately not so sure if that's the case with GS or any other brand.....

It always boils down to what you're looking for....but if you are looking for a watch that ticked most boxes and retain its value over time, go for rolex......

Obviously jason has a different sort of criterion in his checklist, hence his different preference and direction on watch collecting journey.....

I dont have anything against GS, but if given a choice between Gs and Zenith, i would still go for Zenith if they are similarly prices.....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk