A Pleasant Surprise

Christmas came early and unexpectedly this year. Sitting at home on a Saturday morning and nursing a nasty summer flu (courtesy of my better half), I received a pleasant surprise. There was a quick knock on the door and we initially thought it was a prank. Having a closer look we realised that the postman left a package for us.

Inside, a Rolex 2009 calendar and a small pastel lime box. Wonder what is inside?


Wow!!! A Rolex Pen. These must be rarer than some of their watches.


Close up of the majestic crown.


Whilst a gift, the quality and elegance is typical of this no compromise brand. I love the elegant lines with the chic pattern on the pen.


Some magic worked on the pen by the AMAZINGLY TALENTED CROCO


Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Prosperous 2009

Photo courtesy of CROCO

My Grail - A Paul Newman ROLEX Daytona 6241

Finding my 'grail watch' has been far more of a personal journey of self discovery and experience rather than just going through a number of brand catalogues and finding ‘the one’. The other twist of expensive irony is that the definition of ‘grail watch’ changes as one matures as a collector. I’ve been lucky enough to have owned a number of brands over the last 4 years including; TAG Heuer, Franck Muller, JLC, Panerai, IWC and Audemars Piguet. With the exception of Rolex and Patek Philippe most of the other brands lost their appeal within months. The journey has been further complicated by my self-imposed rule of having to sell watch to buy another. I find that once my collection gets to 8-10 watches it becomes unmanageable, I DO like to actually wear and enjoy my watches.

So why a Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ dial Daytona? That is a difficult one to answer. I guess it was a combination of chance, luck and circumstance that got me here. Chance in the sense that I always admired the dial from afar. After I got the 6263 and the book ‘Rolex Daytona a legend is born’, my subliminal reverence for this watch really began. My trip to London allowed me to see one of these marvels first hand. The combination of the domed plexi-glass, the depth and contrast of the dial is truly majestic.


Original photo of my watch, artistic design and photgraphic manipulation courtesy of CROCO from the Rolex Forum.

The luck factor came in as I only wanted the original and best. Hence only a reference 6239 or 6241 would do. These are the only Paul Newman Daytona’s that actually came with these dials (and photos in Rolex catalogues) on all other references these dials were an added option. It also had to be original, absolutely no question about provenance or dispute about the dial.

Circumstance allowed me to finally convince someone to part with theirs.

I've had the Paul Newman Daytona for a couple of weeks now and I still can't contain my joy and excitement. Each person has their own definition of a 'grail watch', to me it must posses the following characteristics:
- has instant attraction to the point that you have to get one
- gives you an undescribable and enchanting feeling
- was very hard to find
- was bought from a colleague that found it very difficult to part with
- needed careful study
- makes you smile everyday

and most importantly makes you lose interest in the majority of other watches.

Here are some initial pictures. You will notice that the tritium has darkened but I like to keep it in this original condition. The pics just don't do this watch any justice.







On the wrist.



Have a look at the 722-1 caliber, isn’t it just divine.



Making this fairy tale possible was a lot of research, patience, persistence and sacrifice. But isn’t that what a grail quest is meant to be all about. I just look at this watch and go WOW!



Thanks for having a look. Catch you again soon!

Time to get some perspective Nov 22, 2008 - 07:00 AM

Amidst the economic doom and gloom, my wife and I decided to seek solace in a pampered pure luxury holiday. We initially planned to go to Hawaii, however, the rapid decline of the $A (aka pacific peso) would have made this a very expensive proposition.

Plan B actually ended up the better alternative. It involved a 550km car drive from Sydney to a beach town called Coffs Harbour.

A stopover at my favourite Winery Lake’s Folly (Australia’s iconic boutique winery which is renowned for its cabernet and chardonnay) was another bonus.




We decided to spend our vacation time at Aanuka Beach Resort which is relatively secluded with its own private beach area.




It is a haven for couples and an oasis of privacy which is perfect.



During our sojourn, the biggest concern was what to eat and drink on the fabulous menu or whether to swim in one of the many rock pools and\or private beach. Naturally we had to stay in one of the Paradise Spa Bure’s.

During our holiday, there were also some wildlife surprises that you will only find in Australia. Like water dragons and bush turkeys.

Cheeky fellow



No, one should not eat them LOL. Definitely not the Thanksgiving or Christmas Turkey.




Whilst only a short break of one week, taking time to enjoy family and friends with your favourite watch is true WISdom.

Thanks for having a look!! Catch you soon.

Four of a Kind

That is what they keep telling me LOL! It took a bit faster to get a 16520 than what I anticipated. If there is one positive consequence from the current financial crisis, the watch market has stayed resilient whilst some great pieces are coming out from the woodwork.

The Pacific Peso (aka $A dollar) was stifling this watch collector’s search for the next Daytona to complete the set. Sometimes, however, one does not need to look afar to find a bargain. There was my dream Zenith very close in another state. So a quick phone call and some faith in our courier service resulted in a speedy birthday delivery time. I love getting watches on my Birthday.



Yes the black dial is more collectible, but it has always been the contrast of the white dial that drew my fancy. A closer look will easily reveal why this model drove the popularity of the ‘Daytona’ to the point of becoming the most coveted sports chronograph. A crown that the Rolex Daytona wears to this day.




I just love the contrast of the white dial with the black sub dial registers and the red Daytona wording. Together with the slimmer hour and minute hands, this tritium dial gives the watch a more majestic appearance than its current successor.

The lightness of the bracelet appears flimsy but it is surprisingly comfortable on the wrist. Finally, the domed watch glass also pushes my buttons.

What is inside this watch is just as groundbreaking. Rolex cleverly used the revered Zenith El Primero 400 chronograph calibre, subjecting it to over 200 modifications to reach their rigorous standards. These changes effectively made the Rolex 4030 movement more reliable with vibrations down to 28,000 and accurate with the use of a Breguet hairspring and the Microstella regulation system.

Now that my collection is complete I look forward to how the Daytona will evolve from here.

Here is my collection.





Thanks for having a look at my newest addition. Catch you again soon!

Big Ben Calling

I’ve just come back from a work related marathon tour of the UK and Prague. Naturally I managed to squeeze in a few moments to explore what horological treasures London has to offer.
After a week of hectic meetings discussing the current financial mess, I finally had a whole Saturday to myself to relax and explore the sites. Some good walking shoes were a wise investment.
First stop, a walk down New Bond Street. This is a true luxury bazaar in every sense.

I stumbled into Wempe to be surprised by a very thorough collection of A Lange & Sohne including the split second chrono.



Further down I see Watches of Switzerland.



However I was really searching for the London Patek Philippe Boutique. As luck would have it, it was closed for renovation. Maybe that was a wise thing, as the alternative would have been a personal liquidity crisis (hmm maybe I could have issued some CWO’s (Collaterised Watch Obligations) now there is a thought).





It took a few excursions up and down New and Old Bond Streets until I finally noticed ASPREY showcasing a Rolex 'Paul Newman Daytona' in Gold. I dream of this watch and thought this picture would make a nice tribute to a great man, actor and philanthropist.



‘Paul Newman earned 10 Academy Award nominations but his only Oscar win was for best actor in the 1986 film The Color Of Money with Tom Cruise, portraying the same pool shark, Fast Eddie Felson, he had played when he was nominated in 1961 for The Hustler. A passionate racing car driver since the early 1970s, Newman became co-owner of Newman-Haas racing in 1982 and also founded Newman's Own, a successful food company he built from the ground up in which all the proceeds go to charity. More than $US220 million has been given away to humanitarian projects worldwide from sales of salad dressing, pasta sauce, lemonade, popcorn, salsa and wine. In 1988 he started Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a residential summer camp for seriously ill children’.

Now off to Burlington Arcade which is a real treasure trove for the vintage watch collector.



I passed by David Duggan who had a rich assortment of Rolex including another Paul Newman Daytona and a wonderful 3970R.



Now, The Vintage Watch Company’s selection would surely drive most vintage Rolex collectors wild. The selection was truly astounding as were the prices. I suspect there is also a real ‘Oyster Pearl ‘ amongst the assortment for everyone.



The best was left at the end of the Arcade. I will leave the photos to do the talking.



WOW, is all I can say at this point.



Here is a Photo for all you Vintage Omega fans.



In summary, one has to say that London is as ever changing as the weather forecasts LOL. A real mecca for the watch connoisseur who demands only the best. The Rolex crown seems to resonate in this place with the highest concentration of vintage watches I have ever witnessed. Guess the notion ‘ they don’t make them like they used to’ bears favour here.

Daytona Madness Pt3 - The Good Shepherd

The mystical Daytona aura has further secured its grip on my heart and soul. After a long drought (about 10 months) I finally got my second and definitely last brand new SS 116520 Daytona. I was at work when I got the surprise email from my AD. Your heart starts pounding faster, priorities change and the hasty walk up to the AD’s shop takes a mere instant. Wish I had the camera to take a shot of my big grin when I placed it on my wrist. All my work colleagues believe I’m watch crazy and this behaviour must confirm it LOL. That said, the passion for watches is very infectious.

I’m still trying to figure out why I sold it the first time, guess it was a guilt response after I bought the Patek 5100J. One gets to appreciate things more the second time round. The 116520 now forms an essential part of my rapidly growing Daytona collection.



I consider each watch in the trio to have very different personalities.





The 6263 is the patriarch of the collection, possibly one of the most striking dial combinations, with each angle revealing another reflective mystery to the eye. The wonders of the Valjoux 727 movement are clearly from another era.

The 116509 by contrast, I believe is the most progressive in the collection. This wondrous dial must clearly be branded as a modern ‘exotic’. I feel that the WG version is more sporty and great to wear on sunny weekends. Another differentiator is its heft.

Of particular interest is difference in the cases when you place the SS and WG side by side.



I think the SS Daytona looks more sedate and conservative when compared to the 116509 WG. The 116520 is a very practical daily wearer. A perfect work companion that complements suave business attire without any pretence. Only another fellow collector would ever appreciate its true significance in horological lore. When noticed on my wrist by the layperson, its seductive lines will often command a discreet second peek.

Wristshot



Naturally only a Daytona zealot will empathise with my assertion that while all three are from the same family they are quite different watches.

A Zenith Daytona is surely the next logical target, however before I can entertain that thought, I need to wage war on the mounting credit card bills. Surely a project for 2009.

Daytona Madness Pt2 - a good companion

Well I have finally worked out that when it comes to Rolex I'm definitely a Speedracer versus a Sea-Dweller or Submariner. My Daytona tale started earlier last year when I had a Z 116520 SS blackface and then sold it (boy have I regretted it since).

Two months ago I started with a 'Grail' 6263 Panda and awaiting another black SS 116520.



HOWEVER LOL, I have always loved the black dial 116509 WG, the dial and contrast is just amazing. A new version of the term 'Exotic dial' comes to mind. No wonder Rolex use this one in all their promotion. A new one at an AD at MSRP is just pure madness. So after some very tough bargaining I managed to get a great deal from the first AD in Sydney but as we were looking at the watch the seconds hand fell off. Bad Karma or what?!

Disappointed, I tried one other AD and they had my conquest in stock so I was lucky to secure it to my wrist.



With a huge celebration in order, my wife and I went to one of Sydney's finest restaurants with arguably the best views of the harbour. It is called 'Level 41'. We had the full six course 'Degustation' with wines and a Laphroaig whisky for me at the end.

Wristshot with the desert tasting plate.



First impressions are very positive. Love the 'Click' sound when one pushes the chrono button. The power reserve of 72hrs and quick wind-up is very practical. Especially when you want to change watches on weekends.


I have to say only Rolex could get away with a full white gold sportswatch with such class. The dial of the 116509 gives a more 'Tres Chic' look and a less formal vibe when compared to the SS models.


Still getting used to the weight of the watch on the wrist. I needed a bit of bling in my collection.

Hope enjoy the post and thanks for looking.

Case of déjà vu – Rolex - third time lucky.

We say that things often come in cycles. That is certainly true when it comes to my collection of Rolex. Rolex is a brand that can be easily overlooked and that was the case in my early collecting habits as I was seduced by lesser known brands.

Whether love or hate it, Rolex certainly deserves to wear the crown in watch making. Value for money, technical robustness, in-house and independence are all prerequisites that appeal to me.

My first introduction to Rolex was a grand experience, as I managed to secure a SS Black Face Z series Daytona. Loved the price point (compared to my Pateks), the accuracy and the 72 hr power reserve which made it the perfect working week watch. Unfortunately it was sacrificed to provide partial funds for my Patek 5100J purchase.

Second introduction came in January this year when I was mesmerised by a tritium dialled Submariner 5513 from 1984. Whilst the dial and hands were perfect, the case was worn and the bracelet was not original. Again it was sacrificed for another Patek.

This behaviour must be suggestive of insanity LOL!

The saying that a watch collection represents a person’s personality certainly rings true. All my WIS colleagues know that I love Patek due to their ability to capture the essence of the watch making art. I suspect that I flock back to Rolex due the aura of their stainless steel sport watches. Isn’t there is a latent explorer, submariner, sea dweller or Daytona racer in all of us. As with Patek, a Rolex movement represents the same level of technical brilliance but in a more robust way.

So with great excitement I fell for the Rolex hex for the third time.

Very quickly the collection was established with a F 16600 Sea-Dweller which faithfully serves my as my daily companion in a hectic working week. I have to say that in terms of accuracy and efficiency the 3135 movement rates very highly.



The dial is pragmatic, extremely legible and one can easily underestimate its intricacies such as the highly accomplished black enamel that under close scrutiny oozes quality.




I’m a firm believer that every serious collection needs a ‘Grail Watch’ to effectively act as a foundation stone. With respect to Rolex, my interpretation of this phenomenon is 6263 silver dialled Daytona.

I caught a glimpse of this magnificent beauty about a year ago, however it was not to be mine. About a month ago, as fate would have it, I stumbled into my regular Rolex and Patek AD. Whilst having a general chat about all things watches he mentioned that a former customer sold an old 6263 silver dialled Daytona. Wow I thought to myself !!!!!

As soon as it came back from the Rolex Service Centre, one look and it was mine.



Love the dial, the plexiglass, the winding noise




The 727 movement is a noisy bugger which is another nice surprise.



A wristshot.



Still kicking myself that I am a lucky owner of a 6263. So far my wife and I have had two bottles of Champagne and a very nice bottle of one of Australia's best Chardonnay.

A wine befitting the 6263.




Sea Dweller shot with the Grail in background.



Thanks for having a look!! Catch you again soon!!