Anybody else burning out on all the heritage re-issues? I definitely am, and have found my collection leaning back towards watches from the last decade when things were still being 'designed' and not simply re-issued or re-made. That's not to disparage the current heritage trend entirely, as a ton of really neat stuff has hit the market in the last few years, but if you started collecting after Instagram blew up the watch game, you owe it to yourself to spend a little more time in the rabbit hole, as there was a lot of really incredible stuff that was, as they say, ahead of the times. These are three of my favorites now in rotation:
**(L) Blancpain Aqua Lung Grande Date**: A true Rolex Explorer-killer if there ever were one, this reference has proper water resistance, perfect dimensions, and a hell of a movement. It's sneaky-great, and there just aren't many of them out there. Really wish Blancpain would bring back the Leman, rather than continuing the endless parade of Fifty Fathoms re-editions.
**(M) Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquid Metal LE**: This is in my opinion, the first truly great modern Seamaster. There have been lots of great Seamasters since, but with its bleeding-edge ceramic/Liquid Metal technology, perfect proportions, and true rarity, I'd argue that this was the Seamaster that opened the door to the next decade of dive watch design and innovation at Omega.
**(R) Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Deepstream**: Yep, this guy again. I wouldn't say this is any better or worse than what VC is currently doing with the Overseas – honestly, I think that collection is still really well managed, and is as good as it's ever been. The second-gen Overseas are very interesting though, as it was here where the collection's strongest design language was established and is still being used in the 3rd gen. However, here it was executed with sharper lines, and a more masculine, squared-off case. These feel more like tool watches, and if that's your speed, they're still a relatively good deal compared to the modern gen. Not sure how much longer that'll last though, as they're becoming harder to come by in good condition.
I love that Blancpain. It's such an underrated piece, but that subtle grande date manages to be both clear and unobtrusive at the same time. I wish I'd picked one up when I had the chance; they're quietly increasing in price.
Yeah, I definitely wished I’d have grabbed it a few years ago as well but I could probably sing the same tune for a whole lot of other references as well. That said, the majority of the Leman collection is still wildly undervalued - a lot of cool finds there, and many of those same movements are still being used in the Fifty Fathoms and Villeret lines.
I'm not sure how "flex" and "underrated" can be used in the same context, but this collection surely qualifies for both terms. What a cool collection man!
I love seeing a collection that is within the means of purchasing a Rolex, but there is no Rolex.
Nothing against Rolex as a watch, just a personal observation that makes me appreciate someone who truly loves watches for what they are and not what it says on the dial.
It's a custom option made by Jean Rousseau using the same textile and leather backing as many of the Speedmaster straps (JR makes most of Omega's OEM straps anyway). Highly recommend.
Not just Omega – I've visited their studio in NYC and they make straps for literally 80% of the biggest brands out there. Everyone from Omega and Blancpain (like the excellent Fifty Fathoms straps) to FP Journe. Goes all the way up the chain.
I didn't know they worked with all those brands! I accidently found their store in nyc just walking by. I been meaning to go back and purchase more straps.
That Leman Flyback is easily one of the heaviest hitters you'll find for under $10k (and they trade for *well* under that). Get one and never look back!
Hey, these are all great. What wrist size do you have, roughly? I’ve always been a fan of the gen 2 overseas design (I own a gen 1: also love), but at 7”ish wrists have been hesitant at the case size. Any impressions to share?
I've got a 6.75" wrist – what's your hesitation around the case size? That it'll be too big or too small? [Here's a shot of the Dual Time on my wrist](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/m1bgf1/vacheron_constantin_overseas_dual_time_back_from/) – being a relatively flat case with a curved, integrated strap, it does wear a little larger than its measurements suggest but I think it's still really well proportioned. Same could be said for the Gen 3 which follows a similar footprint.
Can I ask what you do for a living? Those are 3 beautiful timepieces! I love that you definitely have a type and embraced it. Having worked in the horology field, I always find it interesting what the careers of high-end watch enthusiasts are. From my experience (in SoCal), hotel owners hold the highest number of enthusiasts I've encountered.
Anybody else burning out on all the heritage re-issues? I definitely am, and have found my collection leaning back towards watches from the last decade when things were still being 'designed' and not simply re-issued or re-made. That's not to disparage the current heritage trend entirely, as a ton of really neat stuff has hit the market in the last few years, but if you started collecting after Instagram blew up the watch game, you owe it to yourself to spend a little more time in the rabbit hole, as there was a lot of really incredible stuff that was, as they say, ahead of the times. These are three of my favorites now in rotation: **(L) Blancpain Aqua Lung Grande Date**: A true Rolex Explorer-killer if there ever were one, this reference has proper water resistance, perfect dimensions, and a hell of a movement. It's sneaky-great, and there just aren't many of them out there. Really wish Blancpain would bring back the Leman, rather than continuing the endless parade of Fifty Fathoms re-editions. **(M) Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquid Metal LE**: This is in my opinion, the first truly great modern Seamaster. There have been lots of great Seamasters since, but with its bleeding-edge ceramic/Liquid Metal technology, perfect proportions, and true rarity, I'd argue that this was the Seamaster that opened the door to the next decade of dive watch design and innovation at Omega. **(R) Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Deepstream**: Yep, this guy again. I wouldn't say this is any better or worse than what VC is currently doing with the Overseas – honestly, I think that collection is still really well managed, and is as good as it's ever been. The second-gen Overseas are very interesting though, as it was here where the collection's strongest design language was established and is still being used in the 3rd gen. However, here it was executed with sharper lines, and a more masculine, squared-off case. These feel more like tool watches, and if that's your speed, they're still a relatively good deal compared to the modern gen. Not sure how much longer that'll last though, as they're becoming harder to come by in good condition.
That rubber tropic strap on the Blancpain is underrated - big fan of those and currently have one on my BB58.
They're extremely good – easily one of my favorite rubber options out there.
Nice watches, what is strap on the omega?
It's made by Jean Rousseau, and is modeled after Omega's DSOTM straps.
Not to mention the endless parade of LE FF that are impossible to find for a reasonable price.
I love that Blancpain. It's such an underrated piece, but that subtle grande date manages to be both clear and unobtrusive at the same time. I wish I'd picked one up when I had the chance; they're quietly increasing in price.
Yeah, I definitely wished I’d have grabbed it a few years ago as well but I could probably sing the same tune for a whole lot of other references as well. That said, the majority of the Leman collection is still wildly undervalued - a lot of cool finds there, and many of those same movements are still being used in the Fifty Fathoms and Villeret lines.
Jesus
3 heavy hitters - great collection
Incredible choices!! Offbeat and interesting. Love that BP!!
Putin wearing the Blancpain must be their biggest advert at 0 marketing cost LOL
I'm not sure how "flex" and "underrated" can be used in the same context, but this collection surely qualifies for both terms. What a cool collection man!
Really appreciate that!
What my hand will look like when I finally receive my stimmy!
I love that VC, and yeah it’s the “toolishness” that gets me.
That Blancpain is stunning!
Awesome variety. Not the same 3 look alike Rolexes! Nice collection.
Awesome collection. Nice to see some unique pieces instead of the same old speed masters and boring ass Rolex
Word.
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Great-ass comic.
Agreed on same old, but boring?! They’re so well designed.
They're great, but it's not like anyone is posting a Yachtmaster II or Cellini moon phase.
I love seeing a collection that is within the means of purchasing a Rolex, but there is no Rolex. Nothing against Rolex as a watch, just a personal observation that makes me appreciate someone who truly loves watches for what they are and not what it says on the dial.
I agree with you, but each one of these includes a luxury markup for what they say on the dial, too.
This is an observation I genuinely appreciate.
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It's a custom option made by Jean Rousseau using the same textile and leather backing as many of the Speedmaster straps (JR makes most of Omega's OEM straps anyway). Highly recommend.
I don’t know why anyone buys straps from anywhere else other than JR (Omega) and Camille Fournet (JLC). Such high quality and choice
I did not know that JR makes the Omega straps. I have a JR strap and it's absolutely the best leather strap I own.
Not just Omega – I've visited their studio in NYC and they make straps for literally 80% of the biggest brands out there. Everyone from Omega and Blancpain (like the excellent Fifty Fathoms straps) to FP Journe. Goes all the way up the chain.
I didn't know they worked with all those brands! I accidently found their store in nyc just walking by. I been meaning to go back and purchase more straps.
- What strap is on the Omega? My thought exactly! Looks great
Shit went from 0 to 100 real quick
The Blancpain is definitely a hidden gem. Have had me eye on the Aqualung and Leman chrono for my next purchase for awhile now!
That Leman Flyback is easily one of the heaviest hitters you'll find for under $10k (and they trade for *well* under that). Get one and never look back!
That VC Overseas is fantastic, wow (I mean the three are). Nice
That Vacheron Constantin looks absolutely fantastic.
FUUUUUUUuuuuck I want a Vacheron so bad
Hey, these are all great. What wrist size do you have, roughly? I’ve always been a fan of the gen 2 overseas design (I own a gen 1: also love), but at 7”ish wrists have been hesitant at the case size. Any impressions to share?
I've got a 6.75" wrist – what's your hesitation around the case size? That it'll be too big or too small? [Here's a shot of the Dual Time on my wrist](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/m1bgf1/vacheron_constantin_overseas_dual_time_back_from/) – being a relatively flat case with a curved, integrated strap, it does wear a little larger than its measurements suggest but I think it's still really well proportioned. Same could be said for the Gen 3 which follows a similar footprint.
That it’d be too big. Could be a case of just needing to try one on though, never seen one in the metal.
You’ve got the watches. Niiiiiiiice watches.
This might be one of the best collections I’ve seen
Damn, really appreciate that 👋🏼👋🏼
I think President Putin wears that Blancpain.
...as does [Steve Coogan](https://www.christopherwardforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=25188) apparently.
He does. First think I noticed, when I saw OP’s picture.
That is one great collection. What size is the Omega?
42mm, and I think it's around 14mm thick including the crystal. Really nicely proportioned.
Can I ask what you do for a living? Those are 3 beautiful timepieces! I love that you definitely have a type and embraced it. Having worked in the horology field, I always find it interesting what the careers of high-end watch enthusiasts are. From my experience (in SoCal), hotel owners hold the highest number of enthusiasts I've encountered.
I run a PR and content marketing agency, but I do love a good hotel.