Tag: vintage

Owner Review: Rolex Explorer 1016

The Rolex Explorer 1016 is one of the most iconic watches from the brand, and a classic from their lineup. From the early 34mm models of the fifties to the larger modern ones, the essential aesthetics and functions have remained essentially identical: 369 black dial, Mercedes hand. The watch in my possession is a ref.…
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02/01/2021
Owner Review: Rolex Zenith Daytona 16520

Anyone who is ‘into watches’ knows the Daytona, it’s perhaps the eponymous chronograph of the modern day. Rugged, distinctive and now sadly nearly impossible to get hold of in its current guise without felating an authorized dealer with unpleasant regularity, paying an enormous premium on the secondary market or being a professional sportsman. My proclivity…
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02/01/2021
Owner Review: Vintage Tudor Ranger 7996

Despite being an ETA-based, Rolex parts bin special, I absolutely adore vintage Tudors watches. From a business perspective, I can’t exactly argue with Tudor for their steps to separate themselves from their bigger and more famous brother Rolex. However, I feel that most of their newer offerings sometimes lack the warmth and charm of their…
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02/01/2021
Owner Review: Rolex Double Red Sea Dweller

I’ve always been a Sea-Dweller fan. My first Rolex Sea-Dweller was the 16600, and the major draw to me was the fact that it did not have a date magnifier (aka cyclops), and the fact that at 40mm, it is very similar to the Rolex Submariner, but a little thicker. The Rolex Double Red Sea…
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02/01/2021
Owner Review: Omega Speedmaster Mark 4.5

There I was 3 years ago, happy with my Moonwatch but really wanting another Speedmaster. Preferably something a bit more vintage and if at all possible without the hefty price tag that usually goes along with that. Know the feeling? Then, If beefy 70s tonneau cases don’t scare you, the Omega Speedmaster Mark 4.5 reference…
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02/01/2021
Owner Review: Enicar Super Dive – The Ship That Never Sailed

In this review I’ll be talking about my Enicar Super Dive. This particular example was found by a friend in Poland and I had the privilege of buying it from him (Thanks P). The Enicar Super Dive has a military association and was used by the Polish Navy (Marynarka Wojenna Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej). After reviewing Christopher…
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20/10/2020
Owner Review: Baylor Chronograph – I Want a New Drug. 💊

After nearly seven months of being cooped up due to a global pandemic, I’ve come down with a strange new symptom of my watch-addiction madness. I have now acquired an inexplicable predilection for obscure vintage store-brand watches such as Baylor. It can lead to any and all of the following complications: 1) All-night sessions researching…
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18/10/2020
Owner Review: Lanco Rocketeer – the Riddle of the Rocketeer

I love a good mystery. In my modest collection, this Lanco Rocketeer from the late 50s is exactly that. The gold-plated case measures 35mm but the 44mm lug to lug and 19mm lug width make it wear larger than its case size would suggest. The case is both attractive with a fine coin edge bezel…
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17/10/2020
Owner Review: Smiths Astral CM4501 Skin Diver – A History of a Company

This Smiths Astral Diver dates from 1966. It has a frosted, gilt finished, 60467E 17-jewel movement with a double-roller lever escapement, a steel escape and a monometallic balance with a beryllium balance-spring. The stainless steel case is marked 20 Atmos, but the non-screw down crown makes the claim of 200m water resistance questionable. Samuel Smith…
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12/10/2020
Owner Review: Longines 8229 Chronograph – The evasive Longines beauty

It can be boldly stated that this is a spectacular piece. It is for sure one of the watches getting the most wrist time and attention in my collection. Which says a lot since my primary collecting interest is focused on military chronos! The case of the Longines 8229-1 is a peculiar one. There are…
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23/09/2020