Ask An Insider - Round 2

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by KellyM3

Wait ... Which model(s) are better than a submariner???? Planet Ocean???

Bingo

[520Matt]

HI Chris I'd like to put a rubber strap on this one. I prefer more of a diver sport look than the leather look in rubber (which is what i've found so far). Any ideas? This is the 41mm diver, with 20MM bracelet purchased in 2003. Thanks Matt

[Mikegp]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Bingo

Have to agree.

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by 520Matt

HI Chris I'd like to put a rubber strap on this one. I prefer more of a diver sport look than the leather look in rubber (which is what i've found so far). Any ideas? This is the 41mm diver, with 20MM bracelet purchased in 2003. Thanks Matt

If you don't like the Omega one that is available for it (blue with white contrast stitching with the foldover clasp), then an Isofrane strap is often considered the gold standard when it comes to rubber straps for divers

[hpowders]

Hey Chris-
What do you think of the Speedmaster Pro on this strap? The manufacturer is from your neck of the woods.

[witch watch]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Thankyou for your kind words

Ahh, the Glasgow boutique, one of our sister stores, they have a good team there. So, here are my thoughts:

Dark Side of the Moon - For me, the most impressive watch of Basel this year. It's mean, moody, and a seriously nice piece of kit. We've seen a lot of interest in it, and with supply limited to c. 3000 pieces per year, it's going to be in demand and exclusive. If you can, get your hands on one of these, you can guarantee that people will be fighting over this one

Speedmaster 57 - A nice size and a nice nod to the Speedmaster's heritage. I think the design marks it out from the range a little more than the current Broad Arrow, and at 42mm, it should be the most wearable of the cal. 9300 based watches. The white dial/blue hands variant is very handsome

Speedmaster Racing - I like the concept of the watch, and I like the dial options, price point is also good. For me, it's a little too small on the wrist, but I think it's a good successor to the Schumacher Speedmasters. They do a really nice silver/black panda dial which is worth looking at

Which one is tempting you the most?

Chris

Hey Chris thanks for the reply.

I have to say that it does look like they have a good team in Glasgow, certainly a very friendly & welcoming one.

Which tempts the most? Easy Darkside without a doubt as bar the strap(possible change come production?) everything about it is quality. Downside? £7600 is pushing my budget up a notch & not sure if I'm making myself think I could live with the size.....either that or i'm making a fuss out of nothing.
As for the 57 I stupidly never noticed it until I was leaving the store but iirc the steel is a little cheaper than the DS, has the movement pedigree & I know the size will be great.
Racing? I came damn as close to buying this near the end of last year but I decided to hold off to see what Basel would show. I love this on as it's a good size & out & out 'wrist presence' is not something I covet. The price is excellent & would allow me to possibly pick up another watch later in year/early next year(Pelagos or Fastrider both look appealing) but the lesser movement makes me wonder if i'd end up moving it on, decisions decisions

[Lew Archer]

Hi Chris...I checked out the Speedmaster '57 at an AD in Los Angeles yesterday. Silver dial, stainless bracelet. Magnificent. I have my father's Speedmaster Professional (purchased new in the early '70s) and may just have to buy the '57, though I'm leaning towards the black dial, SS bracelet combination. The silver is tempting, though.

The retail price tag is a shocker: $9,200! I'm sure the AD will offer a fair deal when I'm ready, but it will still be a hefty sum.

Anyway, I think this watch is a real winner and, despite the price, will be a strong seller...

One question: from the Omega website, it seems the titanium case is only available with the white dial. Is that correct? I'd be interested in the titanium, but prefer the black dial (though it's a close call). I wonder if the initial release will offer just the white dial/titanium combination and that a black dial/titanium combination might be offered in the future? Your thoughts are welcome, as always...

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by hpowders

Hey Chris-
What do you think of the Speedmaster Pro on this strap? The manufacturer is from your neck of the woods.

Looks pretty good to me! The Speedmaster is one of those watches you can put on a wide range of straps and will still look great - versatility is this watch's speciality!

[hpowders]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Looks pretty good to me! The Speedmaster is one of those watches you can put on a wide range of straps and will still look great - versatility is this watch's speciality!

Thanks for your input, Chris!

[Keith1]

Chris, I have read all your posts, both this one, and the last. Thanks for all your time!! Question--Did Rolex make the smurf dial on the t/t Sub a little darker since it's first release? I bought a random serial number one, and it seems like a darker blue than the earlier ones? It does have a diamond dial if that makes any difference. Thanks again.

[crew]

Hi Chris.
Thank you for continuing this thread!

I'm considering a new Omega, model # 212.30.41.20.03.001.
I currently own the chrono pictured below.
My question is will the rubber strap from this watch fit the ceramic watch?
Thanks for your help.

[The GMT Master]

Oh boy, I've really neglected this - sorry folks!

Anyway, I have some big news - I'm selling Rolex again! I've hopped across the fence (or, more accurately, to the shop opposite) and am now working for Fraser Hart in Brent Cross. Great store, great lineup of brands, and a whole lot of Rolex to sell! I'll try and work my way through outstanding questions tonight, and please feel free to throw some more at me - I need to blow out the cobwebs!

Chris

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by Lew Archer

Hi Chris...I checked out the Speedmaster '57 at an AD in Los Angeles yesterday. Silver dial, stainless bracelet. Magnificent. I have my father's Speedmaster Professional (purchased new in the early '70s) and may just have to buy the '57, though I'm leaning towards the black dial, SS bracelet combination. The silver is tempting, though.

The retail price tag is a shocker: $9,200! I'm sure the AD will offer a fair deal when I'm ready, but it will still be a hefty sum.

Anyway, I think this watch is a real winner and, despite the price, will be a strong seller...

One question: from the Omega website, it seems the titanium case is only available with the white dial. Is that correct? I'd be interested in the titanium, but prefer the black dial (though it's a close call). I wonder if the initial release will offer just the white dial/titanium combination and that a black dial/titanium combination might be offered in the future? Your thoughts are welcome, as always...

To my knowledge, the Titanium is in white only - knowing Omega, they like to keep a separate colourway to mark it out as a different material. My money will be on the black dial remaining in steel only

Chris

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by Keith1

Chris, I have read all your posts, both this one, and the last. Thanks for all your time!! Question--Did Rolex make the smurf dial on the t/t Sub a little darker since it's first release? I bought a random serial number one, and it seems like a darker blue than the earlier ones? It does have a diamond dial if that makes any difference. Thanks again.

There are always slight colour variations depending on the batch of dials - this year, however, they reverted back to the metallic blue dial similar to the one found on the 16613. On yours, I think it will be a case of the former rather than the latter

Chris

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by crew

Hi Chris.
Thank you for continuing this thread!

I'm considering a new Omega, model # 212.30.41.20.03.001.
I currently own the chrono pictured below.
My question is will the rubber strap from this watch fit the ceramic watch?
Thanks for your help.

I think the case is a little chunkier on the Chrono compared to the new ceramic, so it might not line up perfectly. Omega usually won't say if a strap is compatible or not if it wasn't originally designed for that particular model. However, it's worth a go at least!

[Oyster Al]

Hi Chris! Since you're back with Rolex I am wondering what's your take on the new blnr? Is it selling well, whats your rolex rep say, do u like the blue,etc.,etc. Any and all thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Oh boy, I've really neglected this - sorry folks!

Anyway, I have some big news - I'm selling Rolex again! I've hopped across the fence (or, more accurately, to the shop opposite) and am now working for Fraser Hart in Brent Cross. Great store, great lineup of brands, and a whole lot of Rolex to sell! I'll try and work my way through outstanding questions tonight, and please feel free to throw some more at me - I need to blow out the cobwebs!

Chris

That's great news Chris, I was in there a couple of weeks ago and Jack was kind enough to show me the platinum Daytona, we had a great time drooling over it.

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by Oyster Al

Hi Chris! Since you're back with Rolex I am wondering what's your take on the new blnr? Is it selling well, whats your rolex rep say, do u like the blue,etc.,etc. Any and all thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

Hi Alex,

I think it's a nice addition to the range, and the technical achievement is most impressive. Personally, I still prefer the LN, but that's just me. It's been selling well from what I've heard from my co-workers, it's simply something that is pretty difficult to get hold of right now. It's caught people's attentions, and that's great to see

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by AK797

That's great news Chris, I was in there a couple of weeks ago and Jack was kind enough to show me the platinum Daytona, we had a great time drooling over it.

I'm actually the new Jack! It's really quite something, and I believe it's going to a new home very soon

[SUBversive]

Hey Chris. Congrats. Don't wear your speedmaster at the new employer.


Once you settle in, please spill some more insider secrets.

[Keith1]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

There are always slight colour variations depending on the batch of dials - this year, however, they reverted back to the metallic blue dial similar to the one found on the 16613. On yours, I think it will be a case of the former rather than the latter

Chris

Welcome back Chris!! The dial on my 116613 random serial number is the older flat blue dial. I thought it looks darker blue than the earlier ones I have seen. Must of gotten mine from a darker batch of dials. Would they also made a darker batch of bezels? The two together seem to match perfectly. Thanks Chris..

[terrywoods]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Oh boy, I've really neglected this - sorry folks!

Anyway, I have some big news - I'm selling Rolex again! I've hopped across the fence (or, more accurately, to the shop opposite) and am now working for Fraser Hart in Brent Cross. Great store, great lineup of brands, and a whole lot of Rolex to sell! I'll try and work my way through outstanding questions tonight, and please feel free to throw some more at me - I need to blow out the cobwebs!

Chris

Does your store order in Tudor if requested?

What Rolex is selling the best currently ?

[Lew Archer]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

To my knowledge, the Titanium is in white only - knowing Omega, they like to keep a separate colourway to mark it out as a different material. My money will be on the black dial remaining in steel only

Chris

Chris,

Thanks for your response and insight. I was planning on buying that Speedmaster '57 (black dial, SS), but decided to pass. I was in the Omega boutique in Los Angeles. As I prepared to leave, I was chatting with the manager and mentioned a watch Omega had offered some years before, a reproduction of President Kennedy's Omega tank watch. I'd only seen it in a magazine article.

She smiled and brought out that very watch, the only one they had (very limited production). I had nothing like it and loved its look and history, so took a breath and slapped down the plastic.

I plan on giving it to my daughter one day (she is now 7), but wonder how it will hold it's value. I tend to be skeptical of "commemoratives" as actually having any special value, but this watch is a close copy of JFK's watch and very few were made. Any thoughts?

Best of luck to you in your current endeavors...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[AK797]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

I'm actually the new Jack! It's really quite something, and I believe it's going to a new home very soon

Has Jack left?

[adamlea]

Originally Posted by Lew Archer

Chris,

Thanks for your response and insight. I was planning on buying that Speedmaster '57 (black dial, SS), but decided to pass. I was in the Omega boutique in Los Angeles. As I prepared to leave, I was chatting with the manager and mentioned a watch Omega had offered some years before, a reproduction of President Kennedy's Omega tank watch. I'd only seen it in a magazine article.

She smiled and brought out that very watch, the only one they had (very limited production). I had nothing like it and loved its look and history, so took a breath and slapped down the plastic.

I plan on giving it to my daughter one day (she is now 7), but wonder how it will hold it's value. I tend to be skeptical of "commemoratives" as actually having any special value, but this watch is a close copy of JFK's watch and very few were made. Any thoughts?

Best of luck to you in your current endeavors...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Great looking watch - well done.

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by SUBversive

Hey Chris. Congrats. Don't wear your speedmaster at the new employer.


Once you settle in, please spill some more insider secrets.

It's back in the watch box for the time being, the Datejust has been dusted off and is back on my wrist

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by terrywoods

Does your store order in Tudor if requested?

What Rolex is selling the best currently ?

Yes, we can get hold of Tudors

As for bestsellers, the black Sub Date, Black/Blue GMT and SS Daytona are always at the top of the list

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by Lew Archer

Chris,

Thanks for your response and insight. I was planning on buying that Speedmaster '57 (black dial, SS), but decided to pass. I was in the Omega boutique in Los Angeles. As I prepared to leave, I was chatting with the manager and mentioned a watch Omega had offered some years before, a reproduction of President Kennedy's Omega tank watch. I'd only seen it in a magazine article.

She smiled and brought out that very watch, the only one they had (very limited production). I had nothing like it and loved its look and history, so took a breath and slapped down the plastic.

I plan on giving it to my daughter one day (she is now 7), but wonder how it will hold it's value. I tend to be skeptical of "commemoratives" as actually having any special value, but this watch is a close copy of JFK's watch and very few were made. Any thoughts?

Best of luck to you in your current endeavors...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Now that is something special! I've never seen one of those in the flesh, and, funnily enough, I had been asked about it shortly before I moved jobs. To my knowledge, Omega are sold out of it at a corporate level, so you're very lucky to have found one - congratulations!

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by AK797

Has Jack left?

Yep, he's off to be a rock star!

[Lew Archer]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Now that is something special! I've never seen one of those in the flesh, and, funnily enough, I had been asked about it shortly before I moved jobs. To my knowledge, Omega are sold out of it at a corporate level, so you're very lucky to have found one - congratulations!

Thanks, Chris. Lucky indeed...and an example of what can happen when you're talking to someone knowledgeable at an AD who takes the time to enthusiastically talk watches with a potential customer. Our ranging conversation about the Omega brand led to me mentioning that watch...and then the discovery that they had one in the vault. Until that moment, I was not on the hunt for that JFK watch, merely curious about it. I was not aware that production had been so truly limited. Once she brought it out, though, I was hooked. It is a special watch indeed. Funny, what you can find when you're not looking.