The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

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jtc
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The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by jtc »

The Preface
As my 1000th post I thought I'd record my journey to this point - if only for my own sanity! Apologies for all the words - hope it's interesting. This is sort of in addition to my (now outdated) SOTC which I'll update at some point.

The Story
In April 2011 I got married and, as a wedding gift from my lovely wife, received my first "posh" watch - a Tag Heuer 1887 Carrera. The intricacies of an automatic mechanical on my wrist, complete with sapphire display caseback, turned what was once an outside interest to a bit of an obsession. I'd previously only really had quartz watches - both of the digital and seiko kinetic variety.

The dial of the 1887 is beautiful, almost charcoal, with applied markers that catch the light and really subtle subdials and outer track. It's such a well conceived addition to the otherwise (in my opinion anyway) OTT Carrera line. I appreciate it for it's simplicity and almost dressy nature, even as a sports chrono.

The 1887 is the first of my "trinity".
Image

Of course, like any budget-sensible chap, I'd been shopping with my wife-to-be and selected (from her own choices) the one for me .. so I'd already developed an interest which soon got locked away for the big day. That didn't stop me window shopping other marques and watch types, plus reading up on all things technical about the mechanical marvel.

I'd considered all sorts before selecting "the one" (the watch, not the wife ... in this context anyway!) and had admired Longines, Tag, Omega and others on the high street. Window shopping turned to online researching and endless poring over articles from the likes of the excellent wornandwound, watchitallabout etc.

It was while reading online I discovered CWL. I'd decided I really fancied a pilot style watch, and saw the C8 and became hooked. As it turns out, I never actually bought one.

I lurked then eventually joined this forum in 2012, hoping to snag a used example of a C8 blackhawk/cream mk1. While some came along, I never felt the urge to purchase. Instead, I discovered a bunch of friendly enthusiasts on a forum that spends just as much (if not more!) time talking about other brands than those of CWL.

I soon came to learn more about my tastes and picked up a cheap Seiko as a "beater" - primarily due to the realisation I didn't want to wear a single watch for all occasions. I kept this on a nato and wore it regularly until recently selling it on, for a modest sum, to a fellow forumite. It just didn't fit the bill any more and I wasn't wearing it - cheap enough to not worry about, but too nice for DIY and similar tasks.

With a pilot style in the back of my mind, I also bought a Hamilton "pilot" (which had a very similar display window to the C8 - one of the features that I initially admired, although not as artistically pulled off on the Hamilton) and used it as my journey into custom straps - requesting a specifically sized dark brown leather Toshi. The Hamilton was worn on that strap so much that, even though I've since sold the watch on, I've kept hold of the strap due to wear and tear.

The Hamilton served a very good purpose for my collection; I grew to love a hand wound movement. While you can (and I do) hand-wind automatics, there's something tangibly different keeping a watch going by having to sit and look at it as you wind it ... gently at first, getting a bit bold to save some time, then just waiting to feel the tension to stop winding further. I tend to only give my automatics a few winds to get them going rather than rely on winding as the norm, so this relationship differs automatics and manuals to me.

While beginning to participate here, I bought a used C10 FLE. That was my first CWL watch. Although poorly received here (and ending up being sold on the CWL website in the clearance events that followed) I quite liked it. The build quality was a great representation of what CWL could offer but it didn't sit quite right on my wrist. I learned an important lesson about lug length & width relative to case size as I didn't really get on with a 20mm leather strap either (even swapping out the twin scroll example provided with the watch). It was a shame as that FLE had a lot of potential, but it wasn't for me. It was sold on relatively quickly.

I discovered that while I liked the idea of a "large" watch, in reality the 44mm with no bezel to speak of was actually too large for me - even as a 6ft4 man mountain. I soon fell out of love with the Hamilton, looking down at what felt like too large a face, and sold that on.

I had been admiring the work of Magrette during my regular internet researching and, after realising gaining a chrono PVD would be unlikely, put a deposit down and ended up with one of the first "All Black" Moana Pacific divers. At 44mm it should have been too big, but the bezel and rubber strap made it feel just right. I bonded with it, but due to personal circumstances I ended up selling it. I knew within weeks it was the wrong thing to do and bought another one as soon as I could.

To cut a long part of this story short, after a spell in hospital, some recuperation and period of feeling sorry for myself/thinking "you only live once", I bought a white-faced C65 (on bracelet) in the sale. I'd admired pictures on this forum and others, particularly the way the applied markers caught the light. It really was a wonderful watch which I enjoyed wearing. It became my go-to for smart-casual trips out to dinner with friends and attracted some very positive comments. Over time, although I really enjoyed wearing it, it suffered the same fate as my Hamilton; the slightly larger face with no bezel started to feel too large until, one day, at a glance, it looked too big for my wrist. What was seen could not be unseen, so I decided to move it on. It's for this reason I'm really looking forward to a mk2 or "C66" to see how CWL have moved the model on with the newly appointed designer.

While I'd initially moved the Magrette on, it had really turned me on to the idea of dive watches. Although I don't dive, nor do I really swim, I love the ruggedness and "sporty" appearance that many divers exhibit. I'd grown fond of the new-on-the-scene Tudor Pelagos and marveled at the modern Sub qualities along with the use of titanium, the sprung clasp, superb depth to the dial and bright lume.

I finally acquired a Pelagos, almost exactly a year to the day of being discharged from hospital, from this very forum, at an agreed price the seller referred to as "prophetic" (a word that has stuck with me to this day). It was a birthday gift from my wife although I did all the arranging/paying! I love everything about it and still admire it to this day, even after going all wide eyed at the blue in-house model ... only to be thoroughly disappointed with the small verse of words on the dial when seeing in person. It's my most versatile watch that I know will always tell me the time in the dark!

The ETA-powered pelagos is the second of my "trinity".
Image

At this point, I had two "nice" automatics that I wore as smart and casual and still had my Seiko 5 as a "beater". I'd read all the information about Swatch's foray into disposable mechanical watches and, while passing time in an airport, bought a Sistem 51 on impulse as a bit of fun - it was cheap and cheerful and interesting enough. The reality of it is it's a watch that gets worn for all those tasks where you only want a bit of plastic on your wrist telling the time. After a while of using it as a proper plastic beater, I moved the Seiko 5 on to a new home as it didn't deserve to be left in the box - saved from the mundane/risky tasks but not worn for any social time.

Then came the new CWL C60, to much fanfare and rave reviews. The price had gone up but so had the quality. There was a little talk of misaligned hour markers/bezels but it was generally received incredibly positively. Here was a step change in the perceived value of a CWL watch. Come Christmas, while up at the inlaws, the sale went live and I ordered a white face-blue bezel model that had been discontinued. I then waited for it to arrive after the mass influx of orders over that sale period.

It was here I experienced the growing pains of CWL. Wera went out of her way to help me out, for which I applaud the customer service, but the wrong watch arrived with me in the New Year. It actually helped me decide as at one point I had both a blue/white and black/black C60 to compare - both of which were brand new as far as I could tell, even though the blue/white was sold as "Nearly New". I admired both but the blue/white, which I had lusted over in pictures, just didn't sing to me on the wrist. The black/black was lovely but I already had the Pelagos as a black/black diver (albeit a different style). I returned both to CWL after many, many forumites had PM'd me. I thought it only fair I used the guarantee and free returns period to return to CWL, so the next buyer(s) could make use of that same warranty. I keep a keen eye on the new C60s but it just transpired the ones I tried weren't for me.

Then came my delayed-by-a-year trip to Texas. I was devastated when my hospital spell meant my wife and I missed out on the road trip we'd planned for the best part of a year. I'd grown up totally in love with space and the idea of exploration - a visit to NASA at Houston has been on my wishlist for as long as I can remember. We've done Florida and all NASA has to offer there, so Houston was my next bucket-list visit. My wife has strong connections to Houston from her childhood and church related exchanges (and the Texans, but I think she just wants to trade me in for JJ Watt) so we finally went and drove around for a couple of weeks and had an incredible time. So much so, I decided I wanted to fulfill the other dream - buy a Speedmaster.

I'd already acquired the "Moonwatch" book by this point, and studied it while also reading everything I could online. The model that most sung to me was one that hadn't been well received by the WIS community - the red/white/blue Apollo XV 40th anniversary. I love the more kitsch side to the USA (yes I've been to Las Vegas 3 times!) and this, to me anyway, was the perfect marriage of American kitsch red/white/blue, a sprinkle of patriotism, the space programme and Swiss watch excellence. It is also a hand-wound mechanism (that romantic/tangible connection) that partly resembles that used by astronauts, plus has the hesalite with the honestly whimsical Omega logo etching.

I agreed a deal with a seller, paid a deposit, then set about saving the rest of the funds to complete the purchase earlier this year. Upon arrival it was an instant bond. Lower on the wrist, finally something colourful and more causal, plus a truly lovely thing to wear. I put it on a bond NATO as I already have 2 regularly worn watches on a bracelet, and it hasn't come off it since.

The red, white and blue Speedy is the third of my "trinity".
Image

I now reach a point where I have three watches that cover most bases, with a fourth el cheapo that tells me the time but could also be sacrificed in an instant. I rotate the three watches as required for work, socialising, casual, dress etc and find I don't "need" anything else. Have I peaked too soon?! I am incredibly fortunate to have been able to acquire this trilogy in the space of 5 or so years. I am also fully aware of how my tastes have changed, along with my understanding of what it is I want versus what's available. I think I've also developed a real relationship with three watches. I have three incredibly complicated ways to tell the time that have real meaning and sentimental value. It's been fun so far but I'm not naive enough to think I'll stop at the trinity ... just I'm not sure what I would want in the near future.

I've not referred back to the Magrette which I re-purchased, nor have I included it in my regular rotation. The truth being this is probably my other learning point - once something is sold, no matter how much you may come to regret it, there was a reason you sold it. I've worn the MPP only a few times since re-purchasing one and, especially since getting the Pelagos, it has been relegated to a rare enjoyment. When I do wear it, I do enjoy it ... but I don't think I need it anymore. It'll probably be for sale soon.

The Watches
In: 1887, Seiko 5, Hamilton, CWL C10 FLE, Magrette MPP, Magrette MPP, C65, Pelagos, Swatch, CWL C60 Pro 600, Speedy
Out: CWL C10 FLE, Hamilton, Magrette MPP, C65, Seiko 5, CWL C60 Pro 600, Magrette MPP (tbc!)

My Holy Trinity: 1887, Pelagos, Speedy

The Future
As mentioned above, I'm incredibly lucky to be able to indulge this interest I've developed over the last 6 years and more. What began as a love of an old Seiko Kinetic has lead me to this point with a small but wonderful collection, plus a desire to participate in a community of like-minded folk.

I switch between two chronos and a diver, on bracelets and NATO, which are both automatic and hand-wound. I also have this weird plastic thing which is honestly quite good fun - especially when the more snobby people I see around look down on it!

I visit here very frequently, though currently don't have a CWL in the collection. I've liked the new C60 but not enough to keep one. I've admired the new C60 chronograph but some of the finer details have put me off considering owning one. I'm keen to see what the "new" C65 has to offer. I've also been very impressed with what CWL delivered with the moonphase and 5 day SH21 movement.

In the future I think I'd like a "long power reserve" watch, either CWL or another brand (Oris' recent model would be great if not for the size as an e.g.!) plus a world timer or GMT for my travels - in fact, I've already mentally made room for the Nomos Zurich Weltzeit "true blue" it was just the lack of funds which prevented me most recently.

I'd maybe like a birth year watch. That said, as a child of the early 80's, it's slim pickings around shellsuits, early portable telephones and mullets. I keep an eye out for well looked after timepieces, that'll hold residual value, but I'm only really window shopping until I find an excuse (and the funds!) to buy.

I hanker after a Damasko - all that ruggedness with so much German style! I still like the idea of a pilot style watch too, but more a nod-to rather than exact replica. The Bremont Solo would tick the white faced watch option too, but I'm just not that desperate to buy "just because". I think that's my final learning point - there's no rush and perceptions will change. Those that don't I'll buy :)

The Forum
This place has grown considerably since I joined. What was once quite quiet (I think I joined post-argumentative-period) has really picked up! I use the "View Active Topics" option whenever I visit and frequently see people introducing themselves to warm welcomes and queries about their collection and/or which CWL they're looking at. I see adverts for a small English brand on/in big magazines and when flying. It's an exciting time, even given the growing pains. In fact this is quite timely given the much-anticipated new website being almost there!

I would like to thank everyone for their participation in this forum. It really is a friendly and great place to post/digest. It's busy enough to cover more than just CWL models, but not the hectic or vitriolic nightmare other watch forums are; for that I congratulate the mod team and generally everyone's well-natured behaviour as we share this passion of ours :clap:

Now, I think I just said I wasn't looking to buy any more watches and had enough at some "holy trinity" or something? Who am I? Where am I? Where are those meds ....
Jon

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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by magicman »

Hi Jon

Congratulations on becoming a Senior Forumgod.
What a interesting story, thanks for sharing.

Regards Steve
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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by gaf1958 »

That was an excellent post, I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks for contributing, and keep it going please. You have great trio of watches there, I remember you trying to decide on the Speedy (which I think is a fabulous version, by the way).

P.S. You could add some photos of your trinity here to appease all of us photo-hungry folk here ;)
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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by kiter65 »

A nice read congrats on reaching 1000 :clap:
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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by Arbor22 »

Congratulations on 1000 posts. A good read, looking forward to the photos. :thumbup:
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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by downer »

What a great post - an interesting journey and an enjoyable read. Also, congratulations on reaching the 1000 post milestone!

I am still taking care of the Nomos for you! :D
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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by nbg »

That Jon was a great post - worthy of reaching a landmark 1,000. :thumbup:

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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by jtc »

gaf1958 wrote:P.S. You could add some photos of your trinity here to appease all of us photo-hungry folk here ;)
Noted :thumbup:

Thanks for all the responses thus far!
Jon

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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by christam »

A really enjoyable read. Thanks for posting and congratulations on reaching such a milestone :clap:
I am not a collector of watches. I used to be able to say that and know I was telling the truth.
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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by Kip »

Exceptional milestone post. Congratulations!

A wonderful story about your journey. You do realize that you are only in the early stages. :silent:
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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by jtc »

Kip wrote:You do realize that you are only in the early stages. :silent:
Yes, many years of meds to come :lol:
Jon

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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

A brilliant milestone post! Congratulations on the collection and your contribution to the forum.

It is a pity that the post coincided to some extent with the events of yesterday. People are probably still wading through all that. Nevertheless, I hope your journey will be widely read and appreciated. Well done.
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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by Viognier »

Fantastic post and congratulations on the 1000 post milestone!
Small collection of timepieces that I enjoy
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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by MiniMpi »

Well done on 1000 posts and for an excellent synopsis of your watch journey.
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Re: The voyage to 1000 posts and the holy trinity

Post by scooter »

An excellent post and congratulations on reaching this milestone.

You're a credit to the Forum.

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