MID-WEEK WEAR...4.30.2012

On with the 16520 A-series Zenith Daytona. Perfect beautiful condition!!

The Perfect Watch Case

I'm sure many of us when we first step foot in watch collecting, one of our thoughts are where do we store our watches or what's the perfect watch case. I have long about pondered this decision and throughout time several boxes of mine have come and gone. Watch cases come in all shapes and sizes and with different functions. Depending on what types of watches you have in your collection dictates the size of the box. I have found that it was really difficult to source a box in the US that not only aesthetically looks beautiful but also have large enough pockets to fit these larger pieces such as Panerai's, which is one consideration for many. 

A while back, I noticed a box from Bernhard over at VRF who had, what I felt, was the perfect watch case. It had 10 large pockets, able to fit up to 52mm watches, and very clean and classy design. I have asked around where I would be able to source that case and it seemed nobody knew. Fortunately, after months of sourcing, I was able to source it from a store in Europe. It is the perfect case and able to fit all of your larger size timepieces. I do have one additional box so if anyone is interested in it, please contact me. Price is $150.00 + shipping. Here are some pictures of it.

If you are looking for a much more rugged case, check out Time Tote. They produce some wicked boxes. Here are some unique features: 

     - Lockable with molded-in hasps

     - Rubberized Grips

     - Press and Pull Grips

Now for those who wants a "tough as steel" case here is why this would be it: 

     - Watertight & Airtight

     - Temperature Resistant

     - Impact & Dent Resistant

     - Dust Resistant

     - Shatter & Shock Resistant

What else do you need more? Any place safer would be placing it in a tank!!

For those who want the cheapest and safest place to store their watches this will be it....your bank's safety deposit box! You only pay an annual fee and virtually nothing can break into it, or at least it will take quite a while. Any box in your house you will still expose it to danger from break-ins no matter how strong your security system is. Although placing all your timepieces at the bank may be a hassle when you want to retrieve them to wear, but as I always say....safety first!

Now for those who want more luxury protection, take a look at the Louis Vuitton 8 watch case mini-trunk. It holds up to 8 watches but one of it's drawbacks are that the pockets are not very deep so for bigger pieces, the watch may rub against the lining of the case. And the price does not come cheap. Last time I checked, the price is currently around $6,500 USD. During my last visit to HK, the LV store had one that was about 77,500 HKD!! But people interested can only purchase them through stores, no online sales for this product. You can follow the link below for more information.

Louis Vuitton 8 Watch Case

For Extreme Weather - Omega Alaska Project

In 2008, Omega released a limited edition piece named the Alaska Project. It was part of a prototype project led by Pierre Chopard from 1971 to 1973 to improve the design of the Speedmaster allowing it to sustain extreme temperatures in space. They designed an outer case shell to for the watch protecting it from the extreme temperature fluctuations. Whether this actually will do so on the 2008 model is a mystery as I have never been subjected to or ever will survive such intense weather. In the original design, the watch's dial was coated with Zinc Oxide, providing the highest resistance to solar radiation but unfortunately, NASA didn't believe the Speedmaster needed any improvements and the project was dropped. 

Then in 2008 Omega, being the main sponsor of the Beijing Olympics, decided to unveil the Alaska Project at Basel. It was the most unique Limited Edition piece they released that year and stood out apart from all the Olympic variations they had created...this was something different. It was the first and only all white dial with white subdial Speedmaster they have ever released, giving it an almost albino look. They decided to release 1970 pieces of the Alaska Project and each came with it's special boxing with two white Alaska Project embroidered straps and a bracelet. Each piece also included a red outer casing that goes over the watch itself to replicate the original design. On the back of the case, it states it is temperature resistant from -148 C to +260 C!! With the gauge on it simply makes it look kind of outrageous. Nevertheless it's a very special piece. This piece is currently for sale. Interested parties may contact me.

 

Here's the infamous wrist shot with the capsule on. It makes it look like the Egiziano of the Omega world!! 

HK Rolex Heaven...Trip Report 2012!

HK is a fascinating city!! One that everyone must visit someday. Great people, amazing food, incredible watches! It's skyline is one of a kind in the world. My recent trip to HK proved a great one and want to share some pics from my trip.

I decided to take my 5513 MF ghost along. About to get ready for my 16 hour flight.

Hong Kong is very well known for their Chinese cuisine and seafood is without a doubt one of their most preferred!!

And for the watches....how can you ever forget this topic! They are everywhere, every model, every type, simply amazing! Just take a look for yourselves.

WEEKEND WEAR....4.12.2012

A super mint condition Rolex 16520 early L-series w/ Mk1 Floating "Cosmo" dial and Mk2 "225" bezel....absolutely stunning!