I’ve gotten pretty into Grand Seiko lately. I was in Japan recently and stopped by one of their boutiques, and the dials completely sold me. The craftsmanship in person is on another level. There’s actually a really nice boutique here in Miami too.

Right now I have the Shunbun limited edition (1 of 1,500), and I honestly think it’s one of the most beautiful dials out there. The texture, the light play, and the smooth sweep of the Spring Drive are really, really awesome.

Curious how many other Grand Seiko fans are on here. What are you guys wearing?

Also interested in hearing thoughts on how you guys feel GS stacks up against Rolex, Omega, and the other big “name” brands that tend to get labeled as superior. From a finishing and value standpoint, I think Grand Seiko might offer some of the best bang for your buck in the industry right now.

Would love to hear everyone’s take!

I live in Florida and have fully embraced a very Florida type of interior design, the Tommy Bahama look.

One of my older and most beloved dust traps is this bookshelf in my office. At various times it’s held old law schoolbooks, kids artwork, and a whole lot of Omegas over the years. But now there’s a shelf for my revolvers and certain associated books and my Breguet shelf. Hopefully soon enough I’ll have another watch box to grace it.

any others go beyond the watch box in your closet approach?

I was just offered from my retailer this VC overseas blue dial … it’s an absolute stunner, but I wasn’t quite ready to drop $30,000 on a watch today.. I would say I could still get it tomorrow but obviously it won’t be there long … is this a no-brainer to walk away from as far as pricing, inability? Or is it a money loser if I decide to sell it down the road?

I really enjoy the watch shopping experience and prefer trying a piece on before pulling the trigger. The problem is that "trying before buying" is nearly impossible in the grey market. For example, I recently tried the Vacheron Constantin 222; I absolutely love the aesthetic, but I hated how it actually fit my wrist.

Does anyone have suggestions for reputable grey market dealers that have physical showrooms? Also, could we start a "hall of fame" list for dealers with solid reputations?

Fed, I know you’re on that list, and I’d value your take on this. I’m sure I’m not the only one struggling with the "buy-and-hope" nature of online secondary market deals. (Also, I’d love a "blacklist" of dealers to avoid, though I know calling people out can be tricky!)

This morning I walked to the kitchen looking to get my coffee naked - or at least without a watch and my wife teased me a bit: walking around naked. So it got me wondering just if I’m alone with my watch induced farmer’s tan.

It’s funny, for years whenever I looked at a fifty fathoms that 4:30 date just irked me. I’ve considered the Big Date model, but never pulled the trigger. Then the Swatch version came out and I gave the blue a shot and have loved it - the date doesn’t bother me at all.

Today my wife asked the date and I looked down only to see this!😂

Hi Federico

Do you think 8k for a Ressence Type 8 full set is reasonable. I don't typically purchase for investment but am curious if you think it would hold its value fairly well? Thank you.

Hi Federico

Curious about your thoughts regarding a 903. Roger Dubuis Aqua Mare Sports Activity, Reference GA35 219 CP3.53. I've seen various years and like them but I'm wondering what do you think is a reasonable price for one and are they historically worth it. Thank you.

Hello,

I am debating whether or not pick up a pre-owned 2022 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side Of The Moon 311.92.44.30.01.001 (Dark Side of the Moon). Last serviced in June 2025. Full set

What do you all think? good deal? meh? walk away?

Thanks!

I almost pulled the trigger on a Chronomètre Bleu a couple of years ago but just couldn't justify the $30k price tag. Now I'm not seeing any under $170k!

What explains the crazy jump? Am seriously regretting that decision right now.

I'm curious if any of my counterpart Collective members have experienced wanting to like and own a "coveted" or esteemed brand but never warming up to it.

I have tried on more Cartier than I can recall and even gifted my daughter one (she is pleased). Try as I might, I realize they are not for me. Any Santos, Ballon Bleu, Pasha, Roadster... damn. Historic brand, stellar engineering, craftsmanship, classic designs, handsome, two-tone, rectangular, vintage looks ... doesn't matter. I know Fed worked for them and has great things to say and I suspect many enjoy their Cartier pieces.

Just for kicks, has anyone experienced similar "Meh, me no like," feelings about a premium brand? I suspect the Crown engenders similar feelings too, although that I kinda get with the hype, "scarcity," AD games, etc.

I’m on the hunt for one of my grails: a 16520 Daytona Zenith white dial, ideally from the late ’90’s. It’s a GOAT watch for me and represents an incredible time in my life so I’m locked in on this being a watch I want.

This watch isn't impossible to find....there are listings in a few places so I have options and am in no hurry to find the right deal. However....

I found the below listing from Maximiliano at MVV watches. I know he comes highly recommended on the Rolex Forums site and posts watches for sale often. Many recommend his MVV site for vintage watches, too. So, I believe he has solid credentials.

His watch is a new old stock ’99 16520, white dial, A-serial (right in the wheelhouse) and looks incredible. Feels like it would be tough to top this one. Trouble is, it’s $38,000….way above typical secondary prices of high $20’s/low $30k but that’s clearly the new old stock value talking.

What do you think about this?

FWIW, once I find this grail watch, I’m going to wear it, not baby it, and pass it it to one of my kids someday. Given that, should I just be hunting a solid version of the 16520 in the high $20s range? Is this new old stock premium outrageous? Or is it worth it b/c they’re so hard to come by in this condition?

WWYD?

Appreciate any insights!

https://www.mvvwatches.com/watches-2/p/1999-rolex-zenith-daytona-ref-16520-white-dial-new-old-stock-box-and-papers

In the interest of sharing watch content, John Buckley (from legendary Rolex Buckley Dial fame, obviously) has been doing daily live streams from his Tuscany Rose social media platforms on TikTok, YouTube & Facebook and I've really enjoyed them. There's not much to it, he goes live for exactly 1 hour every morning 7am-8am EST and just reacts/answers questions and comments from people. A lot of it can be nonsense but I find fantastic nuggets of wisdom and advice on every stream. Most of it is him complaining about the industry but I find that interesting, too.

He's a delightfully charming & sometimes ornery guy but a 100% straight-shooter about the industry, 47th St, vintage vs. modern, etc. Leans heavy to Rolex but comments on other stuff, too.

He's also a fan of Fed (I know because I asked him!) so thought I would share his stream if anyone is interested in hearing from one of the legends. Maybe Fed has some stories too.

Link to the Tuscany Rose youtube page if you're interested:

https://www.youtube.com/@tuscanyrosemedia/featured

Hey FTW community! Very excited to be here. I'm pretty new to the "lifestyle" but am really getting addicted to learning as much as I can about watches and horology in general. I inherited an 80's sub from my father and it set me on the path. I'm partial to watches that are tough daily drivers (I always forget to check my wrist before getting in the shower) and have added a couple of beautiful but fairly inexpensive watches to my my drawer (Oris, Rado) and am really happy with them. I drool over the daily listings in the dealer market and feel like I need to expand my horizons a bit from dive/tool watches. Any recommendations on something a bit dressier/less divey that will be a good next addition? Ideally my budget would be $5k-$6k. I've been browsing German traditional houses and love the aesthetic but am totally open to suggestions. Thanks so much!

Local AD told me today they were informed by Rolex that no more orders accepted for the Pepsi GMT-Master II Reference 126710BLRO.

Might be old news to many of you as I have read this multiple times, but today was the first comment from an AD.

Still on the Rolex website though.

Compliments of the FTW Marketplace:

The Jules came in near mint condition and doesn't look like an 11 year old watch. The strap was either swapped out, or the watch was barely ever worn. Pictures cannot adequately capture the depth of the sunburst on the white-gold dial--it's stunning to look at.

The Overseas was my grail, 'nuff said. I'm done for a while, guys. I'll be strictly window shopping while cheering on the watches that you score here and elsewhere. I've said it before and will say it again: the watches I have picked up here, I hadn't previously envisioned as being 'attainable' in the sense of getting back outstanding value for the dollar. It has been truly eye-opening to have access to the inventory listed here at their price levels.

Thank you, Fed, for doing this. I'm all in.

Stephen

What level of service should I expect from a reputable dealer in terms of servicing a watch prior to putting it up for sale? Many watches have a few nicks, scratches, wear on straps etc. That's part of the deal. However, I'm wondering if it's fair to expect a full service and regulation prior to sale?

Most interested in Patek, VC, Breguet - in the >10k$ range.

Thoughts?

Many thanks!

A major advantage of this group is involvement of professional dealer in helping members.

I wonder if there could ever be a paid service for a professional dealer such as Fed to review members' watches to help facilitate trade so as to avoid the risk of doing so on our own and also to avoid the detrimental 30-50% haircut we have to endure to trade our watch safely to a dealer. It would probably involve sending the watches in the proposed trade to the dealer for evaluation of the pieces. The dealer could recommend a cash difference for the trade after verifying their providence. If it turns out the trade is no good for one of the members after hearing the recommended trade value, then at least both would end up with an appraisal.

Maybe stupid or far fetched or too much work but I thought it could be an interesting and unique option for the community.

I have a watch listed on C24 and have been in communication with a buyer. He’s really wanting to do the transaction off the c24 platform to avoid hundreds in sales tax and it would also reduce the fee I incur as the seller. Any risks or guidance anyone could provide would be helpful.

Hey guys,

Reverso Tribute Moon is one of my favourites but I never saw it in person or talked to anyone who had any experience with it.

Anyone here willing to share? :)

Best,

D