Team-BHP - Which watch do you own?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samurai (Post 2679421)

What about these Longines? http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/shifti...ml#post2661645

Hi Samurai,

This watch that you referred in the link is mine and authenticated by a jeweler, I don't buy fakes.The genuine looking(identical) fakes were made only after 2005-blame the technology development in fake industry, prior to that the fakes were easily identifiable.

The Longines in my post is circa 1970s and those days fakes were unknown to world, unless you buy a latest Rolex, Breitling, Ulysse, Patek, Cartier, TAG and / or OMEGA which has more chances in the fake market you will be safe with the vintage models as the number of vintage model demand may not justify the fake manufacturers for their production.

There lots of ways to identify the fakes when you choose your watch, but the best bet is to buy the watch from Authorized and Reputed dealer. If you still in doubt about the old watch model you can always look at the dial finsh(prints), serial numbers and model numbers against the manufacturers specification etc. It is most likely that the old model watches will not have the original bracelet or strap due to it's age (same in case of my Longines) but nothing that going to steal the originality of the watch mechanism.

In my hobby to collect the watches, I also found the gold watches were the high target in the past to loose it's original parts due to the value of the metal. In lots of cases the original gold case / bracelet will leave path for replica cases and bracelet or at least the aftermarket ones.

ah about the dial of vintage watches, it is much clear there are specialist houses in mumbai who re-work on the dials to give fresh look. Not everyone likes the patina created by the age, and often these rework spoils details given in the original dial. Ex. gradation of colors, fonts and second and minute markers that were originally in the watch dial.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samurai (Post 2679421)

Wow, are you a watch professional or serious connoisseur?

What about these Longines? http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/shifti...ml#post2661645

Tulu actually. But we do have 3 Konkani moderators who are not from Manipal.:D

It's nice to meet you.

I have no professional involvement in the watch industry, I just like watches and spend a good amount of time wearing them and learning about them.

That Longines is clearly the real deal. How do I know? Like Trammway already mentioned in his post, you usually find fakes of popular, modern models and brands. That Longines is vintage, and while it's a beautiful watch, it offers no appeal to the average fake-watch buyer, so there is no incentive to fake it.

Plus, fakes weren't around back in the day, and while you do see replicas of highly desirable vintage pieces (Newman Daytona, double red Sea-Dweller, vintage Memovox, etc.), the patina on this watch is a clear indication of its actual age.

The strap is the only item that looks to be replaced, but that is very normal for vintage pieces. Bracelets age, but straps don't. They just wear out if the watch has been used. So it's very normal to see vintage watches with replacement aftermarket straps.

Here is an example of a vintage (pre-1982) watch where the parts (including bracelet) are all original, but the dial was refinished and the case, back, lugs, bracelet were polished. Patina all gone, sadly.

Here is another vintage (pre-1980, maybe even pre-1970) watch with all original parts and with the dial NOT refinished or the case/lugs/back polished. The only replacement is the strap which is good-quality aftermarket.

I was given an old watch in 1981 when I joined high school. I guess it was already 20+ years old when I inherited it from an uncle. It looked like the second watch in your post, may be not the same company. But it was always running fast, it used to gain 6.5 minutes every hour. Must have been a repair gone bad, may be replaced with a wrong gear.

I discarded it in 1985 when I was gifted my first brand new Casio digital watch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samurai (Post 2679623)

Mechanical watches did nothing for me growing up. Digital watches, especially Casios were the rage. Although now, I almost exclusively wear mechanicals.

I remember wearing an HMT hand-wound watch in 5th or 6th grade that used to be my father's. I didn't take very good care of it, and when it broke, I think I just tossed it. How I wish I had held on to it.

I wonder if your watch was a WestEnd. How about that Casio, do you still have it?

Spotted the word HMT! I've been wearing a 1966-67 HMT Pilot given to me by my grandfather about 12 years ago. The leather strap was replaced in 1972 by a spring-loaded Bentex stainless steel bracelet, which is still going strong. I've replaced the original glass which broke in an accident, with a similar one from another HMT. Wish I could post some pictures, but a sad cellphone camera is all I have. Will try anyway.

Cheers,
Rahul Kilpadi

PS &OT: Incidentally, another Konkani speaker :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by msvg (Post 2683947)

yes trammway...
Its about the citizen signature collection watch......

The actual price of the watch is $1095 and after 25% discount, it was $821 plus tax 7% i.e. $57.4, hence the TCO is $878.5

I found this is the same price line offered online and ebay, so considering a direct buy from authorized dealer after seeing the watch in your hand is real good deal.