[The Rampage]

I've decided that this latest EPOS and Orient Kingmaster purchase would be my last, or possibly second-to-last "affordable" watch purchase I would make. I've enough to wear a different watch every day for two weeks, and that's more than anyone needs.

What I don't yet have is a higher-end watch from a big name, and I also don't have a genuine "dress" watch...or at least, as dressy as you can get without wearing a strap (because I HATE straps).

Also, I did want at least one big-name Swiss diver, for those times when wearing a visibly expensive sportswatch might be necessary. Call me vain!

I've looked around and decided that the two following watches offer me just about everything I like/want/need in a DRESS WATCH and SPORTS WATCH, and after this I think my watch-buying days may will go into hibernation.

I want:



1) ORIS Artelier Complication ($800-$1200, depending on dealer).







2) Omega SMP ($1500 in Japan)






I should be getting a tax refund from the jap government next year, in the neighborhood of $6k. That'll cover a nice gun, the two above watches and possibly a couple college girls. Granted, those items can't all be purchased in the same country, for obvious reasons.

So...who thinks I'm wasting my money? I'm thinking those are pretty decent investments, actually--watches I'll have FOREVER.



TR

[USMCsilver]

Want my opinion? (Probably not.)

Sell all the crap. Own two or three nice very nice watches and wear them as you see fit.

It's not about quantity...

Oh, and FWIW, of course my vote goes towards the TRIED AND TRUE Omega.

[Crusher47]

Another vote for Omega

[The Rampage]

I'll get the Omega, guys...but you don't think that Oris is awesome?? Something about that moonphase really gets me. And I really do need a nice dress watch, although my Seiko SCVS003 suits me fine for now.

Oris IS a reputable name, right? I like the fact that they produce ONLY automatics, as opposed to some of the other big names (including Omega).



TR

[USMCsilver]

Originally Posted by The Rampage

Something about that moonphase really gets me.

If you really love the moonphase, then get a Fossil. They've been doing it for over a decade...

Or, if for some odd reason you need a moonphase, then buy a $5.00 calender.

[The Rampage]

Originally Posted by USMCsilver

If you really love the moonphase, then get a Fossil. They've been doing it for over a decade...

Or, if for some odd reason you need a moonphase, then buy a $5.00 calender.

Actually, I like the LOOK of the moonphase, and not so much the function. To me, it looks quite sophisticated. And if your intent was to suggest that moonphase watches are cheap and classless, you might want to tell the folks at Patek Philippe.








And yes, those watches costs more than twice what the Z you drive did. Yes, that means upwards of $60,000. I know how much price matters to you. But Fossil does the same thing, so I guess you'd better shoot off an email to Patek and let them know that in your estimation their watches simply aren't cutting it, and they outta scrap all plans for all moonphase watches ASAP!






TR

[Crusher47]

Are you saying Fossil watches are cheap and classless? I think they are pretty cool *shrug*

[USMCsilver]

Originally Posted by The Rampage

Actually, I like the LOOK of the moonphase, and not so much the function. To me, it looks quite sophisticated. And if your intent was to suggest that moonphase watches are cheap and classless, you might want to tell the folks at Patek Philippe.

Dude, I know what a Patek is, and how much they cost... And honestly, they do NOTHING for me. Put one on your wrist and honestly ask yourself if your vanity is worth $75k. I'm also familiar with many more "brands" that cost exponentially more than your standard Patek. So...don't know where you were going with that.

I'm just saying -- hell, if that's what get's your jollies off -- many cheap watches with gadgets swirling around, then go for it. Who gives a damn about price? Even a broken watch is right twice a day.

Again, I just hate to see people piss away money on a sub-par product just so they can say -- oooh, I have 35 billion watches... Who gives a damned if they came from Cracker Jack boxes. And, who should give a damn anyway.

Sit back, and think about it.

If you like a little moon, wonderful. If you like a busy bezel, great! Get what you like. Hell, I yearn after a Panerai; I have not been able to buy one in two years. However, if my Fannie, Freddie, and AIG work out like I hope, then I'll have my watch soon enough.

After that, I'm OFFICALLY done. (Minus a trade up from my stainless GMT-IIc to a TT.)

[The Rampage]

Originally Posted by USMCsilver

Dude, I know what a Patek is, and how much they cost... And honestly, they do NOTHING for me. Put one on your wrist and honestly ask yourself if your vanity is worth $75k. I'm also familiar with many more "brands" that cost exponentially more than your standard Patek. So...don't know where you were going with that.

I'm just saying -- hell, if that's what get's your jollies off -- many cheap watches with gadgets swirling around, then go for it. Who gives a damn about price? Even a broken watch is right twice a day.

Again, I just hate to see people piss away money on a sub-par product just so they can say -- oooh, I have 35 billion watches... Who gives a damned if they came from Cracker Jack boxes. And, who should give a damn anyway.

Sit back, and think about it.

If you like a little moon, wonderful. If you like a busy bezel, great! Get what you like. Hell, I yearn after a Panerai; I have not been able to buy one in two years. However, if my Fannie, Freddie, and AIG work out like I hope, then I'll have my watch soon enough.

After that, I'm OFFICALLY done. (Minus a trade up from my stainless GMT-IIc to a TT.)

Where I "was going" with that is that it just seems as if you have zero respect for any watch that isn't a stinking Rolex, and every comment I've read by you in this watch forum suggests that unless a watch costs several thousands of dollars, you consider it worthless; however, a watch costing $65,000 is also deemed worthless by you because it has features you've appraised as unnecessary. Moonphases are unnecessary, right? I don't disagree with you, by the way.

But if that's the case then why the hell did you buy that Rolex with a dive bezel? Tell me, how often do you GO DIVING? How often do you time your scuba tanks with your bezel? I'd be willing to wager a bet that the number is between ZERO and ZERO. I mean, spending $5,000 on a DIVE WATCH and then NOT DIVING? Going by your logic, that's like spending $5,000 on a custom target rifle and then using it to shoot at rocks, ten feet away.

Get my point?

And believe me, I seriously doubt I'M the one with a vanity problem. I mean, I'm not the one suggesting that $2,000 Oris watches, or even $400 Orient watches are, in your own words, "Sub Par." If so, I'd really like you to explain to me exactly what it is that a $10,000 Rolex does so much better than a $20 Casio...aside from just look prettier. Honestly, you wanna talk about vanity? Answer that question. What the hell does your Rolex do better than my Orient that justifies the $4,700 price difference?

I mean, seriously...I'm not sure what sorta income bracket you live in, but any person who considers a first-rate quality timepiece (like an Orient or Seiko) "sub par" had better be living well above six-figure income territory. Don't take this the wrong way, but I know you're not.

I like collecting watches. I like collecting watches that work. I like collecting lots of watches that I find interesting, and that serve me well. And the fact of the matter is, my $250 Orient keeps time just as well as your $5,000 Rolex (unless three seconds/day actually mean anything to you). My "sub par" jap watches have worked absolutely, 100% flawlessly...and I like that.

So if you're gonna criticize me (or anyone else in the watch forums) that, unfortunately, can't go out and spend $10,000 per watch and has to settle on "sub par" watches like Seiko, Citizen, Orient, etc., I suggest you stop and try applying your logic to YOUR gun collection.

You own a GLOCK? That's SUB PAR. Sig? SUB PAR. Smithy? SUB PAR! Hell, ******* it if they work flawlessly...they're "sub par" because brands like Les Baer exist and until you own one of those you don't truly have a REAL GUN. A $500 Glock? Plastic gimmicks? Unnecessary Sig de-cockers? PSSHH!! What an ugly, gimmicky crock of pure horse****! SUB PAR! Now, an ED BROWN is where it's really at!

I'll close on YOUR advice:


Again, I just hate to see people piss away money on a sub-par product just so they can say -- oooh, I have 35 billion [GUNS]... Who gives a damned if they came from Cracker Jack boxes. And, who should give a damn anyway.

Want my opinion? (Probably not.)

Sell all the crap. Own two or three nice very nice [GUNS] and [CARRY] them as you see fit.

I'll give you a cyber BJ if you can sell those words, your own, here in General Glocking. Now THAT would be fun to watch!

And I don't want you to take this as bashing your Rolex or Panerai fetish, nor is this jealous ranting on the part of a "have not." All I'm saying is that we should recognize "watch collecting" for what it truly is, and that's just buying masculine jewelry...because in the end there's not a god damned thing that a Rolex or Omega or Panerai or Patek does so astoundingly good as to justify the price tags, and the only true worth in such luxury items is the degree to which we hope it impresses other people and the degree to which it makes you feel better about yourself.

At this point in my life I simply don't think I should be wearing a Rolex, as I personally don't feel I've done anything to deserve it. Do I have the money for one? Yeah...to be perfectly honest I've got the money for three of them, cash, in my desk drawer right now. Could I blow it, comfortably? Yeah. Would I blow it on man-jewelry? Nope...and that's why I've always had money. I'm NOT trying to brag, and being a public school teacher I don't suppose I can fool many into thinking I've much wealth, and for all purposes I don't. I live by my means...with a few ventures on the side.

I don't buy things simply because I want them. If I deserved it I'd have no problem, but until that day I'll keep myself perfectly content with my very interesting collection of jap watches. And to 100% truthful, I'd take 10 Orients over 1 Rolex, any day of the year.

Variety interests me. Just like with girls.

If you got the cash to comfortably buy watches that cost more than cars, then more power to you. I hope your stock deals work out, because I like to hear about average guys getting nice things. I'm just getting a bit tired of hearing about your purchase advice that exceeds the budgets of all but the richest folks in daily life. I mean, I wouldn't call your Z a "penny-pinching, cheapskating, piss poor man's surrogate excuse for not being able to afford a Porsche or Z06" (which it IS, by the way), because it's a veritable sports car, does the job, does it in decent style, and it looks good, too.

And now, I'll go to sleep. Good night to all.




TR

[seanmac45]

Relax; it's a watch discussion.

Now back on topic, I gave the Omega Seamaster to my son for his high school graduation. He acknowledges that people notice it and have even commented on his good taste.

That would be the choice I would support.

[The Rampage]

I'm cracking my last beer and I thought I'd throw this in.

I went down to my local retailer and checked out that Oris Complication Moonphase...and I don't much care for it in person. Truth be told, the one "dressy" watch I've seen that I really, really like the looks of is the Tissot Le Locle with the jet black face and Arabic numerals.

I may just have to buy that. The only problem is it's been completely out of stock for a year, everywhere I've checked.

Unless...USMC can think of a better idea? Dressy, "that style" bracelet, preferably butterly clasp? Don't get me wrong...I'll ***** about your Rolex snobbiness, but I do respect your opinion.

Ah, F it...I'm drunk. I'm going to sleep.

Goodnight, folks.



TR

[USMCsilver]

I glanced over your post, and wanted to post this first. I like many brands that are far less expensive than Rolex. I own two Tags and a Tissot T-Touch. I also have a Seiko Monstor, an aviator Seiko that's two-tone that I've owned since high school. Then there's a cool little Seiko I have on a NATO band; I don't recall the model, but I'll try to snap a picture. And lastly there's another Seiko, but it hasn't seen my wrist in over four plus years.

Sorry, but when I saw the Oris, I was still thinking Orient. I admitted that Omega was a sweet watch that I wouldn't mind owning. Sinn's rock, too. I would own one in a second, but just don't see myself "needing" another watch. However, I do yearn for a Panerai because they are very unique looking watches. If they cost $99 at Walmart, I'd still own one because they are freakin' sweet.

Now, I'm gonna go back, and read your thread. By the looks of it, I sensed a little too much emotion in it. So, I'll probably refrain from actually replying to it.

If you're happy, then that's all that matters. Remember, it always comes down to your level of satisfaction. It's the internet and you shouldn't care about pleasing anyone here...or anyone else for that matter (minus God and your family).

[USMCsilver]

Okay, I couldn't resist...

Originally Posted by The Rampage

But if that's the case then why the hell did you buy that Rolex with a dive bezel?

First off, it isn't a dive bezel. The watch is a GMT-Master II, ref. 116710. So, your bashing of me not diving dosen't make too much sense. And, FWIW, I have done some divin' in my time, and I actually plan to get registered properly. I'm not too far from the coast, and I've got a boat that's capapble to dive off of, so, myself and some friends actually think it would be a fun thing for some of us to do.

And, I do actually use it. The GMT hand is set to military time when I'm in my own time zone. I try to travel out of the country once or twice a year, and that oftentimes puts me in different time zones. So, having a watch that I can track up to 3 zones at once is quite nice. And, yes, a Casio can do this too, even digitally; I know that...

Originally Posted by The Rampage

...or even $400 Orient watches are, in your own words, "Sub Par." If so, I'd really like you to explain to me exactly what it is that a $10,000 Rolex does so much better than a $20 Casio...aside from just look prettier. Honestly, you wanna talk about vanity? Answer that question. What the hell does your Rolex do better than my Orient that justifies the $4,700 price difference?

Okay, due to your recent post about whatever brand that last watch you bought was, well, that's where I made the educated guess that some of those Chinese/Swiss wanna-be watches may be in the "sub-par" category. I may be wrong; it wouldn't be the first time. And, as far as price difference goes...well, when's the last time you saw an Orient or Oris gain value?

Originally Posted by The Rampage

...better be living well above six-figure income territory. Don't take this the wrong way, but I know you're not.

I'm not gonna discuss incomes here. Having said that, I'm only 30, so you are correct, I'm not quite there.

Originally Posted by The Rampage

My "sub par" jap watches have worked absolutely, 100% flawlessly...and I like that.

For some odd reason, from your other post, I don't find that actually true.

Originally Posted by The Rampage

So if you're gonna criticize me ... I suggest you stop and try applying your logic to YOUR gun collection.

You own a GLOCK? That's SUB PAR. Sig? SUB PAR. Smithy? SUB PAR! Hell, ******* it if they work flawlessly...they're "sub par" because brands like Les Baer exist and until you own one of those you don't truly have a REAL GUN.

I own many different firearms, and I don't consider any sub-par; if I did, I probably wouldn't own them. I've actually owned a Wilson Combat and a HK Mark 23. I got rid of both of them. I actually found that they aren't any better than anything 1/4 of their price. Can I apply the same philosophy to watches? Maybe. A Rolex/Patek/whatever over-priced hand assembled piece of art does just about the same thing as a $20 Casio. You are correct.

Originally Posted by The Rampage

All I'm saying is that we should recognize "watch collecting" for what it truly is...

You are indeed right. See my other post I made. As long as you are happy, that is ultimately all that matters.

Originally Posted by The Rampage

At this point in my life I simply don't think I should be wearing a Rolex, as I personally don't feel I've done anything to deserve it.

I do feel like I deserve it, and that's why I bought it. I took nearly 9.5 years to graduate college. I was in and out for quite some time, with the Corps coming sometime in the middle; then I took a couple classes here and there, and then really decided to buckle down. I worked full time and was a full time student year round for nearly 2.5 years. I bought my watch as a present for myself. I also sold three motorcycles after an incident that made me unable to ride due to a busted bicep tendon. So, I figured I'd blow the money on something I've wanted for a long time.

Originally Posted by The Rampage

I wouldn't call your Z a "penny-pinching, cheapskating, piss poor man's surrogate excuse for not being able to afford a Porsche or Z06" (which it IS, by the way), because it's a veritable sports car, does the job, does it in decent style, and it looks good, too.

TR

FWIW, I don't own the Z anymore. Got a new Chevy quad-cab now. We have a baby due Christmas Eve, and a boat to pull, so the Z just wouldn't cut it. I would like a Porsche or Z06 one day. Could I afford one now? Hell no. The Z was my first sports car, and I enjoyed it. I actually drove a Z06 the day I bought my truck. Amazing machine. My wife asked me if I missed my car on the way home. I said hell no -- not after driving that Corvette. A 'Vette will do much, MUCH more than that Z. Any watch will tell time...

I've enjoyed your posts. Your insight is nice. I hope that we can continue to have thought inspiring conversations.

[eisman]

I like Oris. I have two. But...

I don't think they make a "dress" watch.

To me, a "dress" watch is simple, elegant, and either gold or platnium. Thinner is better.

[The Rampage]

Originally Posted by USMCsilver

Okay, I couldn't resist...



I do feel like I deserve it, and that's why I bought it. I took nearly 9.5 years to graduate college. I was in and out for quite some time, with the Corps coming sometime in the middle; then I took a couple classes here and there, and then really decided to buckle down. I worked full time and was a full time student year round for nearly 2.5 years. I bought my watch as a present for myself. I also sold three motorcycles after an incident that made me unable to ride due to a busted bicep tendon. So, I figured I'd blow the money on something I've wanted for a long time.

I've enjoyed your posts. Your insight is nice. I hope that we can continue to have thought inspiring conversations.

First off, sorry for the long-winded post last night. I just got home (it's Sunday night here) and I figured I'd chime in before bed, so here it is.

I didn't say you didn't deserve your watch. On the contrary, I think any guy who has the balls to put his ass on the line for our country (and that excludes me, obviously, thus far in life) deserves at least a f-ing Rolex for his commitment, and balancing FT work and FT study certaily ain't easy, and were I you I'd probably have done the same thing and rewarded myself upon graduation...if just for managing to graduate under those conditions.

I spent four years partying it up and graduating by the skin of my ass; I spent another year partying it up as a PT freelance journalist; and I've now spent nearly six years masquerading as an "educator" and humpity-hopping from girl to girl in the land of the Rising Sun.

I'm 28, I've yet to accomplish much in my life and I live accordingly. I don't take expensive trips; I don't wear expensive jewelry; I don't dabble in expensive ass; I don't shop in expensive malls. Hell, I don't even own a car anymore.

But some guys accomplish feats which deserve a reward, and if they have the means to reward themselves then again, more power to them. And you. And I second the thought--your insight in truly invaluable here.

BTW...it was my Swiss ETA that crapped out on me. Not a single Orient, Seiko or any jap watch I own has had even the most minor of hiccups yet.

Ok...time to sleep. Have a great Monday morning, folks.



TR

[Liquid]

i would go for the omega in a heart beat. i have a seamaster gmt. some might say it is a little big for a dress watch. i have worn mine almost everyday for 5 years now. i have on a suit 4 days of the week and never had a problem.

[VirginiaLEO83]

USMC: One could easily assume from your posts in this forum that you have a general dislike for any watch that isn't 1. Swiss and 2. $1,000+. Everyone has their opinion on what constitutes a "waste" of money.

Personally, I think spending $1500-$5000 on a watch is foolish. I can justify spending a few hundred here and there because I enjoy collecting different styles and types, and I consider it a hobby. How you have come to the conclusion that it's "pissing money away" to spend $150 on a watch while you spend thousands on one is beyond me. I think your failing to understand that The Rampage as well as others on here are collecting watches, not trying to make a statement. This is why he's getting irritated when you keep insisting that he should "sell everything and buy a Tag".

I was in a high end jewelry store the other day and I was handling a beautiful Submariner that they had on display. Seemed to be a nice watch, but the $5500 price tag is comical. I wondered what kind of person "pisses away" money on such an item, and then one came to mind......

[MarksGlock22]

Originally Posted by VirginiaLEO83

USMC: I wondered what kind of person "pisses away" money on such an item, and then one came to mind......

Damn, Sterling, you can't even spend your own money on your own stuff anymore? I have seen photos of your watches, they are nice. I am stuck buying G-Shocks, Timexs and Wenger Swiss Army. I'd buy a $5,500 watch or more, if I could afford it, cause it's MY money. So, carry on USMCsilver, its your damn money.

[VirginiaLEO83]

Originally Posted by MarksGlock22

Damn, Sterling, you can't even spend your own money on your own stuff anymore? I have seen photos of your watches, they are nice. I am stuck buying G-Shocks, Timexs and Wenger Swiss Army. I'd buy a $5,500 watch or more, if I could afford it, cause it's MY money. So, carry on USMCsilver, its your damn money.

And it's The Rampage's damn money.

That's the whole point here Marks......

[USMCsilver]

Originally Posted by VirginiaLEO83

USMC: One could easily assume from your posts in this forum that you have a general dislike for any watch that isn't 1. Swiss and 2. $1,000+. Everyone has their opinion on what constitutes a "waste" of money.

Not at all true. Did you miss where I posted above about owning and liking my other watches (okay, I'll admit, the last one I posted about above I don't really "like", but it's still there...).

Then, wait for it, wait for it...

How about scroll down to where the Casio "dive watch" thread is. I was all about that thing. And, don't say that I went over there and showed interest just for some defense. That thread was started before Rampage ever started any of his.

Originally Posted by MarksGlock22

Damn, Sterling, you can't even spend your own money on your own stuff anymore?

Doesn't really sound like it. I think I may just sell them all and buy a rooster. They work okay at telling time.

Originally Posted by VirginiaLEO83

And it's The Rampage's damn money.

And he CAN spend it however he likes. The whole point of his threads is because he asked for opinions. I gave one. One that many may not agree to, but it's MY opinion; everyone's got one. Just because it isn't popular, well, that doens't mean it is wrong...

[The Rampage]

Well, we all got our own priorities. May as well just leave it at that. Me...I like to pay my rent, bills, take the girl out to dinner and then if I've got a few hundred to blow at the end of the month (or every other month) then I go watch shopping for something interesting. Put a few hundred more in an IRA and I'm a happy camper.

On that note, though...if I just stopped drinking beer--as it's horribly expensive in Japan--I could probably buy myself a half-an-Omega every month. Damn expensive, this moronic lifestyle I live.







TR