Archie’s Collection Explained.
There has been some debate about the choices that Archie has made with his watch collection. I thought it would be best if I explained them.
Archie is 38 years old and works in the legal industry – essentially an ambulance chaser and legal nuisance. Archie occasionally also works in IT. IT allows Archie to troll the internet and develop his understanding of horology.
Vacheron & Constantin Ref 6405 – 1960
This watch belonged to Archie’s grand father who was a doctor/surgeon. The watch was bought at the height of his success and showed just how well off he was. The watch features the K1001 movement with sub seconds at 6 (ref 1002 is the same movement with centre seconds). The watch was considered the height of fashion – a dress watch in 18K yellow gold. If you were rich, a professional and a gentleman in the 1960s you bought a Vacheron & Constantin. Archie’s grandfather later was struck off the medical register after a surgical blunder. The watch was sold to a family friend to help pay the large legal bills. Archie managed to buy the watch back a few years ago – paying substantially below the true market value. The watch was then restored to its former glory. Archie’s grandfather left the country in the early 70s with his receptionist (much to the family’s disgrace) leaving only behind a huge overdraft and a damaged Mk II Jaguar 2.4!
Audemars Piguet Ultra Thin Dress Watch
This watch belonged to Archie’s father who bought it in the mid 1970s. The watch was the height of fashion featuring the then world’s thinnest mechanical movement – the 1.65mm ref 2003 (same as Vacheron movement 1003). Lassale later produced a 1.1mm movement that Vacheron adapted but the Lassale movement was never as reliable as the 2003 movement. Archie’s father was a Merchant Banker with the esteemed Chase Manhattan group. The dial was water damaged in the early 80s as a result of a wild night at the Gentleman’s club – details of which Archie and his mother never heard. The watch was bought by Archie when his father got into a foreign currency disaster and needed to flee the country rather urgently. A gold watch can often be turned into an air ticket or passage on a ship when necessary!
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Two Tone
This watch was bought by Archie in 1996 when he made his first million $. The watch was bought along with a Patek Philippe Calatrava 3944 (the Patek 3944 was later sold when the finances turned bad – or as Patek would say – for “personal reasons”). The watch has been a great watch; unfortunately Archie bought the quartz version! OUCH! It was surprisingly similar in price to the Auto version at the time. Interestingly it was much more expensive than the all steel version. How Archie got this all wrong! Archie still loves this watch and he would never sell it.
Patek Philippe Calatrava 5107
Archie received a small inheritance a few years ago and the hunt for a classy watch commenced. Archie had a school reunion coming up also – so a good statement watch was needed. Archie almost got a Gold Rolex Day-Date or a Gold Rolex Submariner however Archie decided to go with his heart and not his ego. A white gold Patek Philippe Calatrava was available and Archie decided he needed it more than repaying credit card debt or putting money into his superannuation fund. The Patek is Archie’s holy grail piece – being a grande Calatrava in the classical white gold. Although financial times have not been so good – Archie has resisted all offers and has decided to make this watch a keeper!
Cartier Panther Large Size
This was a gift from Archie’s current wife – Archie has been married 3 times. Archie love the Cartier and also loves the whole Cartier chic thing. Archie has bought his wife 2 x 18K gold Cartier in return. The Panther was released in 1979 a year after the Santos. Archie had an octagonal Santos in the 90s but has since traded it. The Panther was always an Archie favourite. A keeper as a gift from Archie’s wife.
Jaeger-LeCoutlre Reverso Grande Date
This is a present for Archie’s upcoming 40th birthday. As Archie and his wife only ever buy second hand – it was important to buy the best piece when and if it became available. This is a watch that Archie has wanted for years – Reverso in steel, on a leather strap with deployment buckle, oversize case, manual wind movement and with some complications. This watch features an 8 day power reserve! 2 disc date system and classic subseconds. A display back reveals the charm of this classic piece. Is it a sports watch or a dress watch? Who cares – it is just the sexiest watch around for under $12,000- (retail new price) and a perfect gift for Archie’s 40th.
Rolex Explorer II White Dial
Archie has a long history of loving Rolex. Archie could not have a watch collection without at least 1 Rolex. The polar Explorer II is an Archie favourite. Archie’s first Rolex was a Rolex Explorer I 1016! Oh how Archie wishes he still had it! It was traded for a Gold President 18038 in the late 90s. The Explorer II is Archie to a tee! The Rolex Explorer II is also a great buy on the used market – surely this can not last for long.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Man on the Moon
What is the best value iconic sports watch with chronograph feature available? The Omega is just so cool. Whether fitted with its original 1171 bracelet or on a leather strap. It is just so iconic and cool. The best value sports watch available today by a long shot.
