I find myself increasingly plunged into the minutiae of these watches, from bridges to fonts. When I started, it was hard to look through all the old Speedmasters listed on eBay; it was overwhelming, trying to figure out what I was looking at, or looking for. And this was true although I’d owned a 145.022-74 for decades. It was easier to focus on modern limited editions. Moonwatch Only arrived and I studied. I’ve also benefited from all of you here. Thank you! Now, my favorite eBay listings are the old Speedmasters. It’s a pleasure to be able to pick apart bad watches and recognize good ones. It’s become an enjoyable pastime. I also very much enjoy seeing watches being examined here. I am frequently amazed by breadth and depth of OF knowledge. So, now my problem is buying watches out of curiosity, because there’s something odd or unique and I want to examine it firsthand. My first Speedmaster with a new band and a new indispensable tool! Below, this arrives tmrw: I was curious. (‘Meow,’ for those ready to remind me of the danger of curiosity.)
You will definitely learn more by holding them than just looking at pictures. You can learn a lot from pictures and books of course, but nothing beats hold one in hand... which is how it becomes such a curse.
Very true. I enjoy that moment every morning when I select which vintage watch, or even a newer one. I remember why I bought it and just enjoy it. Blessing and curses.
If it's a curse I'm after...then I've been bit by the military bug First it was the (possibly) RAF CK2292: Then a week or two after that, a WWW Record: And very recently, and this is my noob tax, a polished and fixed bar-less WWW Buren: I now have my eyes on the JLC... Imagine if this was, like you, a Speedy obsession
Hunting is fun but but before long the kill becomes the real buzz. ( and then your eating beans three nights a week )
