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What happened to "Bring A Loupe" on the dink

Tako Yaki
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Darlinboy Darlinboy
That is correct, the Hodinkee US$565 loupe kit has in fact been sold out for months, so the writers have no loupe to bring.

https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/loupe-system?_pos=9&_sid=c4e9d7427&_ss=r&variant=32692690354251

No worries, I am sure the feature will start back up when the supply has been replenished. 👍


————

An incredible amount of money for a no-name loupe!
If it would be a high quality brand like Zeiss, made in Germany, it would be stated!

Chinese made “high quality “ loupes cost less than $5 in Asia, retail!


https://www.ottofrei.com/jewelry-tools-equipment/bench-tools/magnifiers
 
Evitzee
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Tako Yaki Tako Yaki
————

An incredible amount of money for a no-name loupe!
If it would be a high quality brand like Zeiss, made in Germany, it would be stated!

Chinese made “high quality “ loupes cost less than $5 in Asia, retail!


https://www.ottofrei.com/jewelry-tools-equipment/bench-tools/magnifiers
High quality names like Zeiss and Leica have some of their basic optical products made in places other than Germany for costs sake. In fact, I just did a little research and almost all Carl Zeiss optics are now made in JAPAN.
Edited:
 
Tako Yaki
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Evitzee Evitzee
High quality names like Zeiss and Leica have some of their basic optical products made in places other than Germany for costs sake. In fact, I just did a little research and almost all Carl Zeiss optics are now made in JAPAN.

it is about the price for the Zeiss model made in Germany.
I use Zeiss “made in Germany” loupe, head loupe and a Stemi Microscope for my work (non watch related), since 30 something yrs.
It is I’m my opinion, the best optic You can buy for money!

That said, for to look sometimes through a loupe, as part of a hobby, a much cheaper option isn’t that much different, a Hobby User will not much notice!
The difference U feel when use the optics for 5-10hrs a day, daily!
The clear field of view is wider and more 3-dimensional in a quality optic, means it is not just clear and brighter in the center but also into the corners.
But the biggest difference is your eyes are not getting tired soon!
Cheap optics to look sometimes through it isn’t a problem, but like cheap sunglasses if You use it long term it results in a headache!
 
Foo2rama
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I’m guessing they just realized the potential liability of that series.
 
w154
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Foo2rama Foo2rama
I’m guessing they just realized the potential liability of that series.
If you look at the last ones there were often problems highlighted in the comments section. Just in the final two there was an AP outed in the comments as being redialled, and the week before a Rolex that was outed as either a redial or a service dial. Perhaps the problem is that the readership became too knowledgeable, and no single author could ever hope to compete against a world of specialists in single brands and even single references.
 
dsacks30
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I really liked the column as a concept, but the execution was flawed. I’m pretty sure Isaac was not full-time at Hodinkee, and the column was not his primary source of income. You can see that he wrote blog posts for Craft & Tailored, then plugged some of their watches in his column without disclosing that he had a relationship with them. Clearly a conflict of interest. It would be great if it was revived by a full-time staff writer but for reasons that others have pointed out I doubt that will happen.
 
sleepyastronaut
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Tako Yaki Tako Yaki
I use Zeiss “made in Germany” loupe, head loupe and a Stemi Microscope for my work (non watch related), since 30 something yrs.
It is I’m my opinion, the best optic You can buy for money!

That said, for to look sometimes through a loupe, as part of a hobby, a much cheaper option isn’t that much different, a Hobby User will not much notice!

Any recommendations for less expensive loupes, for hobbyists?
 
Braindrain
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sleepyastronaut sleepyastronaut
Any recommendations for less expensive loupes, for hobbyists?

Asco loupes, on the recommendation of a watchmaker. Supposedly one of the best. I recently got the H2 - aplanatic dual lens. Consistent focus throughout the engire field of view. Ordered direct from Asco although Otto Frei also sells them (and currently on sale there).
 
Tako Yaki
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sleepyastronaut sleepyastronaut
Any recommendations for less expensive loupes, for hobbyists?

Hi,

I’d look at Otto Frei, or another trusted professional tool shop for watchmaker/jeweller.
The Loupes are for professional use and prices are ok!
For hobby use I wouldn’t mind a loupe for 5$ to buy from them, even many professionals use them!
I mean how many hours a day U look through this?

Another thing is, a loupe isn’t easy to see well for many people, but is practically to carry around in a pouch, as it’s small.
But if U want to see more comfortable with both eyes and like to spend a bit more, I’d get additionally an optivisor for home use!
Many professionals use it daily, not only watchmakers, but Jewellers, engravers or people in quality control.

It’s not the tool what makes the good job the the knowledge and experience of the person!

Try it out with a cheap one if You like it, if You fancy later a better one You can bring in Ur experience with the one You already used for a while and upgrade!
But probably not even necessary, as the basic loupe is not bad at all, especially for that price!

Just my opinion!
Edited:
 
Traveler
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The column went downhill quickly after Eric Wind left. Isaac Whinegold was caught out with Frankens, redials and idiotic statements too often. I miss the column, but I don’t miss his contribution. I hope they find someone better to resurrect it.
 
STANDY
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sleepyastronaut sleepyastronaut
Any recommendations for less expensive loupes, for hobbyists?

Look at a entomologist sites for the best loupes at lower prices for the same loupe than anywhere else.
A, Scientists don’t earn much money
B, Scientists don’t spend money

Have seen $5 entomology loupes sold as Jewellery Loupes for $40

And there is usually 50-60 to choose from
 
Dgercp
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So glad it’s gone. Often wrong information plus raised the prices to insanity levels. I prefer to find my
own gems and still have a chance to pay a fair price.
 
Lonestar
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MTROIS MTROIS
Not that it matters much, but I would agree with the skeptic in you as well: why would they tacitly "endorse" auction houses and other online sellers which would benefit from the "Hodinkee halo", while at the same time undermining their own vintage watches shop.

I am also quite certain that these of us who are good hunters of vintage watches are probably happy that this is no longer taking place as it would jeopardize a good deal, should their target appear in that column.

The flipside of this was, when you were selling, being featured was jackpot time 😁

(never happened to any of my sales, mind you 😡)
 
kov
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Dgercp Dgercp
So glad it’s gone. Often wrong information plus raised the prices to insanity levels. I prefer to find my own gems and still have a chance to pay a fair price.

I tend to agree on this. Nevertheless, I happened to discover some cool watches I wasn't aware of, in the Bring the Loupe series.
 
bgrisso
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I never bought or sold via the series, but I just enjoyed the entertainment
 
Rman
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HODINKEE has brought on Toby Bateman as CEO, formerly of Mr Porter.

Ben Clymer says he will will use the new round of investment to enhance editorial content, but his pick of CEO says “SALES” not “Bring a Loupe.”

It would be nice if readers do indeed get more good writing about our hobby like Clymer says he will deliver.
 
ExpiredWatchdog
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sleepyastronaut sleepyastronaut
Any recommendations for less expensive loupes, for hobbyists?

I'm particularly satisfied with a Bergeon 2611-TN in 4x/2.5". Esslinger has it for $17.49. Get the head wire as well.
 
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