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DaveK
··Yoda of YodelersIt was back in 2019 when posts from @Duracuir1 brought me to realize that watch straps don’t just come from stores, people actually make them. That sent me down a rabbit hole of discovery into a very enjoyable hobby of leathersmithing. Some of my earliest efforts were in designing and making pocket watch lanyards, and I am grateful for them being much ballyhooed on the forum by @Canuck , @Mad Dog and others. I started selling the lanyards online and tucking my pennies away. This was my first real “side-hustle”, that allowed me to save – away from my paycheque – for that “next” watch. One day I realized I had over $2k in my account, and I thought “huh, maybe a grail watch is within reach!”.
I kept working the side hustle and growing my treasure chest, and fast forward to last night when I picked up an absolute dream, a stainless steel JLC Medium Reverso. It was a local in-person purchase, which was sweet, as I avoided those nasty taxes and paypal fees and shipping and insurance and the dreads you can get awaiting delivery. The seller was nice and made for a fun experience. The watch was purchased new last spring at the local boutique, and came with box, papers, receipt, 4 straps, the remainder of an 8 yr warranty. I was especially happy to get this now amongst rumors that the medium size will be discontinued this year, and that JLC will be anointing the Reverso line with an apx 30%+ price increase in February (a recent Fratello podcast). It has a few scuffs, but nothing that can't be addressed in the next service. And, now I don't have to worry about that first scuff. Brilliant.
My wife insisted that we go out for drinks after to celebrate. What a gem she is!
Though I’ve tried the Reverso on in the boutique a few times, but the sparkle in the dial is even more stunning out in the wild amongst various lighting conditions. Incredible. It is even more legible at a glance, which is surprising for a smaller watch. And on this strap, wow, I really think the Reverso is the “comfortable, confident and classic Italian leather, horsehair-stuffed, fancy club chair of the watch world, served with a side of bourbon”. JLC marketing team, you’re welcome to use that. I think I’ll make a black shell strap for it, that’d look amazing.
I remember buying my ’61 Seamaster a few years ago, my first and only other expensive watch. In some ways I felt equal parts elated and ridiculous for spending more money than a good Timex would cost. But this time around, I felt more like I deserved it. A celebration of success, a love for a hobby and it’s community, and acquiring a new sidekick for life’s adventures. Do you remember when you first crossed that threshold? It’s a bit of an awakening, the world get’s bigger.
https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/ca...noface-small-seconds-stainless-steel-q2438522
A big thank you to those that offered guidance & support, especially @Duracuir1 (AKA the devil on my shoulder 😀) @Archer and @johnireland
I kept working the side hustle and growing my treasure chest, and fast forward to last night when I picked up an absolute dream, a stainless steel JLC Medium Reverso. It was a local in-person purchase, which was sweet, as I avoided those nasty taxes and paypal fees and shipping and insurance and the dreads you can get awaiting delivery. The seller was nice and made for a fun experience. The watch was purchased new last spring at the local boutique, and came with box, papers, receipt, 4 straps, the remainder of an 8 yr warranty. I was especially happy to get this now amongst rumors that the medium size will be discontinued this year, and that JLC will be anointing the Reverso line with an apx 30%+ price increase in February (a recent Fratello podcast). It has a few scuffs, but nothing that can't be addressed in the next service. And, now I don't have to worry about that first scuff. Brilliant.
My wife insisted that we go out for drinks after to celebrate. What a gem she is!
Though I’ve tried the Reverso on in the boutique a few times, but the sparkle in the dial is even more stunning out in the wild amongst various lighting conditions. Incredible. It is even more legible at a glance, which is surprising for a smaller watch. And on this strap, wow, I really think the Reverso is the “comfortable, confident and classic Italian leather, horsehair-stuffed, fancy club chair of the watch world, served with a side of bourbon”. JLC marketing team, you’re welcome to use that. I think I’ll make a black shell strap for it, that’d look amazing.
I remember buying my ’61 Seamaster a few years ago, my first and only other expensive watch. In some ways I felt equal parts elated and ridiculous for spending more money than a good Timex would cost. But this time around, I felt more like I deserved it. A celebration of success, a love for a hobby and it’s community, and acquiring a new sidekick for life’s adventures. Do you remember when you first crossed that threshold? It’s a bit of an awakening, the world get’s bigger.
https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/ca...noface-small-seconds-stainless-steel-q2438522
A big thank you to those that offered guidance & support, especially @Duracuir1 (AKA the devil on my shoulder 😀) @Archer and @johnireland
