Long-Term Keepers: Three Watches I Can’t Bear to Sell

If GaryG wants to buy a watch of any significance it requires that he sells one or more other pieces. The bad news is that all of the watches he doesn’t really love were sold off a long time ago! As a result, the discipline of asking “What watch in his current collection do I love less than this potential new purchase?” has become tougher and tougher. Here he shares three watches that he feels are long term-keepers and why.

Why I Bought It: Hajime Asaoka Tsunami

This is the story of a daily-wear watch, the Tsunami by Japanese independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka. It’s not a “beater” as it’s too beautifully made for that description, and some folks justifiably take offense at characterizing a five-figure expenditure in those terms. But it is a watch that GaryG suspects that he will be wearing a lot and in a variety of settings.

A pre-owned Omega Speedmaster on the wrist (photo courtesy Bob’s Watches)

How To Spot a Fake Omega Wristwatch

Omega, founded in 1848, is one of the world’s oldest, most highly respected, and popular watch manufacturers, so it should come as no surprise that the brand is frequently the target of counterfeiters. If you are considering purchasing an Omega, here is some quick advice to help spot a possible counterfeit.

Girard-Perregaux Laureato: An Underappreciated Royal Oak Alternative?

It will surprise nobody that over the last 5 years certain steel sports watches have taken off in terms of popularity and become practically impossible to buy at an authorized retailer. However, fear not as there is still a unicorn out there that has not captured broader attention (yet): the Girard-Perregaux Laureato.

Quick Bite: Vintage Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Aqua Lung ‘No Radiation’

At the recent FHH Roadshow in Paris, Ian Skellern saw a rare vintage Blancpain Fifty Fathoms No Radiation on a wrist and was curious about why the watch had a ‘No Radiation’ symbol featuring so prominently on the dial.

Visiting the MB&F M.A.D.House: Take a Virtual Tour with this Photo Fest

The M.A.D.House, as MB&F calls its headquarters, is just like the brand’s watches – unlike anything you have ever experienced. Niclas Berglund has a tour and takes us along.

New Release: MB&F HM8 Mark 2 – The Supercar for the Wrist turns Blue

Supercars are not designed and developed for your daily commute or to do the shopping run, although they can do those automotive tasks, they are made to get your pulse racing, adrenal pumping, and putting a smile on your face. And that’s just what MB&F HM8 Mark 2 does as well.

Why I Bought It: Patek Philippe Reference 5740/1G-001 Nautilus Perpetual Calendar

After years of thinking that a Nautilus wasn’t for him, in 2018 the Patek Philippe Reference 5740 was introduced and GaryG immediately asked for one. That started a four-year wait during which his gentle nudges were met by polite head shakes. And then . . .

WatchCharts April 2024 Watch Market Update: Will the Discontinued Rolex Milgauss go Up?

This month’s Dispatch explores the changes in the market we’ve seen against the backdrop of new releases and discontinuations at Watches and Wonders 2023. We also bring you our usual coverage of high level trends for our Overall Market Index and the Big Three brands: Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet.

False Scarcity and Steel Sports Watches: A Collector’s View

The “unobtanium” phenomenon isn’t limited to watches from the past, there are a variety of references for which supply seems to lag demand. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the current market for select steel sports watches. Here GaryG highlights some interesting dynamics caused by that imbalance, led by a loud chorus of complaints from prospective buyers.