New arrival!

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jmarchitect
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New arrival!

Post by jmarchitect »

Evening all,

I was hoping to post two new arrivals in one go but the serious delay in getting a watch from over the pond has put the real kibosh on that.

Not all of you will know that I have had a real explorer 1 itch since trying one on during my search for a fortieth birthday piece. The 36mm size and price put me off, even though the piece I tried on was available at a really good price by Rolex standards. If I had gone ahead, I may have been able to flip it now at a profit and get stuck into some serious purchases. But then, it wouldn't have been a good birthday purchase and I might not have gotten my fortis, which is a stunner.

Anyway. Various forays through sales corner on TZ-UK bought about a discovery of the MKII Vantage, an explorer copy/homage/wannabee/improved version and it set the itch alight. It went quickly and I thought 'Oh well, it was never meant to be.' Then another one popped up and I didn't pm the seller quick enough and I thought 'FFS, that should have been mine!'

Long story short- another one popped up recently and I thought I had missed it as I didn't make my customary visit over my granola one morning as I had a breakfast meeting to rush off to. I vented my frustration and moved on- kind of. I got a pm from Andy (andyjay) shortly after, who said it was still available and that was it- I grabbed it!

It arrived in double quick time and here are some pictures taken today.

It comes in a useful travel box, complete with space for three watches, strap changing tool, spare spring bars, papers etc.
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I love the size of this one- definitely smaller than all of my other pieces, but it feels great on the wrist. I also really like the white on black date window, even though it is positioned at somewhere after 4:22! I am also a fan of the mercedes hands and mildly military styled dial.
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Obligatory wrist shot. At 39mm, it still wears reasonably large, even on my 8.5inch wrists.
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Specs below- taken from the sales post on TZ-UK, for those who are like me and interested in the detail.

Movement: ETA 2824-2 (Elabore grade), Incabloc shock protection, hack setting, automatic with manual winding capability.
Crystal: Double domed sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 20 ATMs (200 meters)
Case Finish: Satin/Polish (stainless steel)
Strap: Solid link featuring screw-pin system, solid end-links, fine adjustment, signed safety clasp with heavy guage deployant arm.
Each watch individually numbered
Travel case and strap changing tool kit

Dimensions:
Case Width: 39 mm (excl. crown)
Case Thickness: 12.30 mm
Case length: 47.90 mm end to end
Lug width: 20.0 mm
Weight: 139 grams with bracelet

Thats it for now. When my C20 arrives, expect a full post on that. Until then- have a great weekend! 8)
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downer
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Re: New arrival!

Post by downer »

Congratulations. Very nice watch and exactly the type I am attracted to. I like the deep-set of the dial.
Richard
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Re: New arrival!

Post by Dancematt »

Nice buy JM,

Almost a perfect size if you ask me with decent do it all look and specs. I'd hope for a side by side with your C20 when it arrives? Both watches have that same nondescript feel and do it all nature.
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Re: New arrival!

Post by Kip »

Congratulations! That looks terrific...glad you finally got one. :D
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Re: New arrival!

Post by scooter »

Well done jm

That looks tremendous.

I was completely unaware of this brand, and like you have a hankering for an Explorer.

Excellent purchase, you must be very pleased.

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jack
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Re: New arrival!

Post by jack »

Great watch. Very smart! :)
I like he explorer 1 look too.
Cheers,
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jmarchitect
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Re: New arrival!

Post by jmarchitect »

Dancematt wrote:Nice buy JM,

Almost a perfect size if you ask me with decent do it all look and specs. I'd hope for a side by side with your C20 when it arrives? Both watches have that same nondescript feel and do it all nature.
I started to think that anything sub 40mm is going to be too small but having wore this one for a wee while, I think 39mm is the new 40mm!

A side by side will follow as soon as I get the C20 from the depot tomorrow!
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jmarchitect
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Re: New arrival!

Post by jmarchitect »

Kip wrote:Congratulations! That looks terrific...glad you finally got one. :D
Thanks Kip- coming from a true WIS that is praise indeed!
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Re: New arrival!

Post by jmarchitect »

downer wrote:Congratulations. Very nice watch and exactly the type I am attracted to. I like the deep-set of the dial.
It is strange how the simple pieces hold a high degree of attraction.
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jmarchitect
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Re: New arrival!

Post by jmarchitect »

scooter wrote:Well done jm

That looks tremendous.

I was completely unaware of this brand, and like you have a hankering for an Explorer.

Excellent purchase, you must be very pleased.

scooter
Thanks scooter. I hadn't heard of this brand before doing a googley search for explorer 1 watches.

Be careful of that hankering- it will grab hold of you!
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Re: New arrival!

Post by Dancematt »

jmarchitect wrote:
Dancematt wrote:Nice buy JM,

Almost a perfect size if you ask me with decent do it all look and specs. I'd hope for a side by side with your C20 when it arrives? Both watches have that same nondescript feel and do it all nature.
I started to think that anything sub 40mm is going to be too small but having wore this one for a wee while, I think 39mm is the new 40mm!

A side by side will follow as soon as I get the C20 from the depot tomorrow!
Cheers JM! :)

two watches that will never feel out of place on your wrist :)

i long for a return to these smaller sizes and i can see it happening aswell, big watches just look so wrong once you've worn smaller stuff (but a varied collection is cool to have i guess).
I miss all the great things that may never be.
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Re: New arrival!

Post by ianblyth »

Nice simple uncluttered look. Looks great.
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Re: New arrival!

Post by st-rider »

That is a nice looking watch.
It feels wrong to call that a homage or copy.

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Re: New arrival!

Post by Loddonite »

Looking good JM.
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Re: New arrival!

Post by Leo David »

That's a very nice watch. Exactly the sort of thing I like and the ideal size for me and my puny 7 1/4 wrist. The fairly discreet logo is also good to see. Congrats on a very nice piece. I'm jealous!
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