I spent some time in LA this week for work and, on RJRJRJ’s advice, took the opportunity to do some watch shopping at Feldmar Jeweller’s. That is one cool shop and has a good selection of a large number of major brands with discounts in the 30% region (no I don’t work for them or get anything from them). I had a lot of fun in that store, there's nothing like this in St Louis; the following are my thoughts/ramblings:
Bremont – I really really like these watches. Modified ETA/Valjoux movements, COSC certified and very stylish in what are predominantly diving and pilot cases. My all time favourite is the ALT1-Z and I am sure to add one to my collection within the next 12 months or so. Retail is pretty high at $5,450 so ideally I’m waiting for a second hand market to open up. From what I hear though most people who purchase the Bremont’s really like them so that may be harder than I originally anticipated.
Bell – Thought I’d like them better than I did. Quality and dial were okay but wasn’t a big fan of the bracelets. Mid-range prices.
Montblanc - So so but that could be the snob in me reflecting on the fact it’s a montblanc. Name aside it actually wore pretty well. I don’t know a lot about them but it was worth trying it on.
UN – Tried on the Maxi-marine chronometer and liked it. Altair’s review pretty much sums it up. Good quality and price point but nothing truly outstanding about it for me. I did however like the look of them which, as Altair states, is sporty yet stylishly elegant.
IWC – tried on the Aquatimer and the Portuguese models. I still really like the Portuguese chrono and I am seriously looking at either this or a JLC master control world geographic or chrono sometime in the next 12months also (my next serious watch). Will be interested to hear what people think of IWC vs JLC?
The Glashutte original watches were very elegant and wore well. Price was a little higher than what I was looking for (mostly north of $7k) but classy and elegant.
Chronoswiss – I’ve been looking at Chronoswiss for a while. I like the look of them, they are really well made quality pieces and the price is really pretty good for the quality. I don’t have a favourite yet but do like the regulateur. The only problem is there are watches I’d probably buy first.
In the end I bought my wife an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terre, back dial with the diamonds and I purchased a second hand Hamilton Khaki chrono. I liked the quality of the Hamilton and decided it would make a good beater, particularly at that price point.
I’ve reorganised my legitimate watch list now, which happens weekly really
Now I like:1. JLC Master Control World Geographic or Chrono or IWC Portuguese Chrono
2. Bremont ALT1-Z.
3. Chronoswiss (regulateur) or Dornbluth and Sohn for that elegant piece.
4. Another Breitling – Chronomat perhaps.
In reality I’ll probably only collect one of these in the next 12 months, perhaps two if a second hand piece comes available. With my new Steinhart on its way and the Khaki still being worn in I’m pretty happy.
