Saying Hi!

[zenithlover]

Hi Everybody! Only just discovered this forum. Been around others for many years though with a bit of a break lately.

I owned Panerais going back 20+ years to the early 00s (various Luminor and Radiomir 44mm and 45mm, always handwound, though an exception to my general rule on size was my last one, a 47mm PAM514 in the early 2010s, which I was initially impressed with as I liked the heft, but eventually felt it was a bit too 'corporate' - I really ended up wearing it as a dress watch with suits - am retired now so suit no longer required). Also into Zenith.

Sadly the whole collection had to be sold in the mid 2010s due to divorce, leaving me with a Seiko Tuna and a couple of microbrand pieces. (These days the microbrand scene seems to be focused on tiny watches, not good if you have an over-8in wrist).

Over 10 years on, now starting to rebuild a collection, most recently a Zenith Type 20 Pilot. I started looking at Panerais again but most of the current crop leave me cold. Going back to my roots, I originally coveted a pre-V piece but even in the 00s they were unfeasibly pricey, so I initially 'settled' for B and C series watches (of course these themselves are quite collectible now - wish I still had them!).

I arrived here by accident yesterday after a bit of searching for a good MM 6152/6154 homage, something plexi and no crown guard, probably with solid back, cool and practical that could be worn without worrying too much about fragility. It took me very little time to realise that this is actually THE place for expertise in this area. But my head has been turned by a couple of pre-V recreations. So I'm a bit all over the place. I actually thought I knew a little bit about these watches, but humbled by the knowledge and expertise evident here.

Not quite sure what I'll do next, I have my eye on something in the sales forum here so have a decision to make, but also tempted to hang out for a bit (having only just landed) and gather more info before plunging in. Astonished at the postal costs from the US to UK these days, I think USPS have trebled their prices since I last brought anything over, to the point where other couriers are cheaper (if a little trickier to get stuff through UK customs without a big VAT bill). Still pondering. Anyway, it's watch and learn for me here.

[dj57]

Welcome to HF.

[Nottingham]

Welcome aboard ! Beware of the watchmaker virus

[Hypnogagia]

Welcome! It can be a little calm here at times but it’s a good bunch. I hear you regarding the new offerings of Panerai. Very nice quality but in my opinion they don’t quite have the soul of the old stuff.

I like to wear smaller watches in the summer, big in the winter, if nothing else it gives me an excuse to build more. I prefer 44+, but on a holiday somewhere hot like the Mediterranean a little 38mm Oyster case build with a steel bracelet is a treat.

As for USPS costs, the US is a bit of a clusterfuck right now, nobody knows what is going to happen…with well, anything.

Nottingham is right, the watchmaker virus is highly contagious. I don’t even buy new watches these days unless I’m planning on using them in a project. That said, the offerings in the for sale forum here constantly tempt me.

[Mellons]

Welcome and great introduction. Im sure if you pm kpoy he may have something that you would like!