I have had the privilege of meeting and knowing Curtis personally for years and it made me grin listening to him share all of these stories again. Backstory, humbleness, knowledge and enthusiasm for what he loves, can't really get better than that. Fantastic interview Watchbox and a huge congratulations to Curt for taking the time to share one of his many passions with us! 🥃
He's a great dude and an American patriot. I can't thank him enough for his decades of service to the USA -- and the HOURS of driving he endured to visit for this interview. Best, Tim
As a nice side story, I had been following ID Guy from his early days on YT and it wasn't long before we started corresponding because of our shared Industrial Design background. I finally got to meet up with him in Brighton, England on August 14, 2020, on the last day of my last trip with AA before I retired the very next day. We spent almost eight hours together talking life and watches [over drinks and lunch in a local pub] with never one seconds lull in the conversation. 😊
Just some background... this process started over three years ago when Tim announced that WB was looking for average watch enthusiasts/collectors and not just folks with high end collections to interview. I emailed Tim and he was very positive about doing a conversation and we were in the process of securing an aviation museum to film the episode when Covid hit, that was March of 2020. Thanks to Tim, Brandon W., Armand J., Nick L., Garrett H. and his staff [the editing was brilliant] and the whole Watchbox crew [Tyler F. and Viki G.] for finally making this happen. Even better was that we did not have to fly all the way to Philadelphia for the interview. The six-hour round trip to LA was a piece of cake. Finally, meeting Tim [plus Armand J. and Mike M.] in person was a real treat. Tim and I have a connection that goes well beyond watches [Pugs are our spirit animal 😉]. To say that I'm overwhelmed by the positive feedback and comments is an understatement. The good news is that WB wants to do a follow-up sometime soon. That's a good thing as I have another hour of stories I did not tell. 🤔 Semper Fi, Curtis A.
Hi Curtis - we are so grateful that you took the time to work with Tim and team in LA and share your story with the WatchBox community. We hope to see you again soon! --Team WatchBox
It is fair to say this channel has had it's fair share of Trust fund babies on with their collections. It was refreshing to see a consummate gentleman who worked up to a meaningful watchbox for himself. Including the watchbox taped on the icebox dancing like sugarplums in his head. More 'enthusiasts' encounters like this human. Real folk, please.
Curtis is a treasure, pure passion, deep knowledge, and a deep respect for Tim. This was such a pleasure to listen to, this is the definition of why we love watches!!
This is my favorite collection video to date. Great guy....good stories, not a trust funder......and just a good conversation. Great stuff Tim and company!
I easily could have gone on much longer as every day I remember another great story or antidote that I forgot to mention. That being said, it sounds like a follow-up interview is in the works.
Outstanding! What a down to earth and engaging collector! Enjoyed this conversation very much. My favorite so far. Curtis, how about a CZcams channel? Keep them coming Tim!
Refreshing to see an episode with a working class guy and not a finance/consultant ghoul. Great collection...the guy even caused Tim 2 brief existential crises when he stumped him regarding the hacking mechanism of one of the watches and the cargo load of the 777
A very interesting individual, with a great eye, great taste, a great story, and a fantastic collection. This is the watch content I've been needing. Hodinkee going the way they are has made room in the world for other channels to provide better content.
Great video. That Curt guy is an amazing fellow with wonderful stories and a true appreciation for the hobby. Great guy, great show. Let's see some more.
Great watch talk and insight. Curtis sure has a lot experience, great taste and does his homework to backup every smart and personal watch purchase. The wide range and enthusiasm for the watches on his collection is definitely thumbs up worthy.
I had no intention to watch this video in its entirety for close to an hour. But I got caught up in it - it is very fascinating and very well done. Thank you. PS you need to add a Breitling to your collection.
A great compliment... Thank you! BTW, the Breitling 806 limited edition Navitimer reissue is a watch that is still on my list. Also, the 765 AVI 1953 re-edition is a watch I would love to own.
I was in Hong Kong a few months ago. People were yelling at me out of cars, and I was even asked for group photos from uniformed security services. Then I found a street with two AUTHORIZED Patek dealers literally 50 feet apart on opposite sides of the same road. Yes, it is watch heaven. Best, Tim
@@the1916companywatchreviews Tim, if you get the chance, you should cross the harbour to Tsim Sha Tsui and walk down Canton road like where Curt mentioned and check out 1881 Heritage - it's a late 19th century building that was the old marine police headquarters but now the entire building consists of watch boutiques; including Lange and Roger Dubuis. Vacheron also has a boutique there, but then just 4 minutes walk to Harbour City there's another Vacheron boutique there!
Great interview, love this guy. I have one non-buyers remorse watch and he's got it, the Tonda 1950 in WG. 39mm white dial. You could pick those up all day for $4.5k to 5, now they're 10 and up.
Rolex GMT-master 1675 in space: 1967, October 17 = X-15 flight 190 William Pete Knight above 85 kilometers (USAF Astronaut wings) 1970, April 11 = Apollo 13 John Jack Swigert (turned in his spaceflown 1675 for a Gold GMT-master in October 1970) 1971, January 31 = Apollo 14 Edgar Mitchell and Stuart Roosa 1972, December 7 = Apollo 17 Ronald Evans (1675 taken to the lunar surface onboard Lunar lander "Challenger" MOreover, Datejust, Daytona, Submariner and Sea-Dweller versions have been space-flown onboard space shuttle missions ! #MoonwatchUniverse
@@phmwu7368 Thanks for pointing this out. While I don't specifically collect space watches, my Speedy, GMT master, Glycine Airman and Bulova Lunar Pilot all have flown on missions.
Amazing story he has to tell. What a great guy. And it's really interesting to hear his first hand experience of how it was like to buy a Rolex back then at an AD. Amazing they had a 6263, subs and a Pepsi lying around!
Like to see this stories about watches that don`t cost a fortune but still make Mr Curtis talk about them with a passion. I hope for more videos like this one.
Hello Tim! I first met Curt in Vegas at a watch meet up. A gentleman and a great storyteller. Congratulations on a fabulous show, both of you. Now Curt, sell me that GMT already! #bigwristenergy
Great interview! My first exposure to expensive watches was also from reading National Geographic magazines back in the '70s. They were the UK editions, so they also had Tudor ads, and I always wondered (as a kid) how Rolex let them get away with such blatant copies! I guess advertising works.
Interesting that you mention Tudor as it wasn't until my first trip to Hong Kong in 1983 that I discovered Tudor and their relationship with Rolex [correct, they were not sold nor marketed in the USA back then]. One part of the interview that wasn't aired was my wife's Tudor Monarch quartz dress watch that I got her in 1997 on a trip to Hong Kong.
Great Video Tom. Curtis is spot on Hong Kong as its a watch kingdom with mature informed buyers. Cant wait tom see the pandemic new watchbies are gone soon and the real enthusiasts are back on the market :)
Curt, You are an amazing man with true love for your amazing watch collection. No hype here. Great! Great! Curt you should start your own you tube channel
@@watchbydesign6214 Brilliant video Curtis my friend. I was glued to your discussion throughout. Bravo Sir! We gave you and this video a shoutout on The Escapement Show this morning and posted the link so, hopefully a few more people got to hear your wonderful stories. Fantastic to see that you have started your own channel. I look forward to seeing some of your videos in the future!
@@Thomas_Burnett Thank you buddy. I spoke with ID Guy for over 90 minutes yesterday after the video aired. I was bummed out when he told me that I missed your show, but I was most likely still sound asleep. Let me know if you ever in need for a fourth wheel on the show, I'd love to join it on the discussions.
This strap from us was made from satin black Ostrich Leg skin and features padding and our 'Thick Curved Lug System' (TCLS), which provides an integrated fit between the lugs.
For us collectors is kind of rewarding to see characters like this appreciating the watchmaking value of either a 25K$ Rolex GMT the same as a $1000 Marathon or Sinn and even appreciate historic gems like that Seiko Pulsometer, by the way I am also fan Of the GSAR and I also own a Glycine Airman.
One thing that I wish I had covered in more depth was the servicing and condition of my Pepsi and why it still looks so good after 40 years on my wrist. While it's been serviced four times and lightly polished maybe three times, the polishing is entirely dependent on the skill and artistry of the watchmaker. My go to servicing is from Beau Goorey and Eric Ku of Los Angeles Watch Works in Pasadena, CA. Beau is a master case refinisher, and he even saved my original hands as the Tritium Lum was disintegrating. Rolex and most watchmakers will replace the hands [and dial] thereby greatly diminishing the watches originality and therefore its value. LA Watch Works restored my original hands and lightly cleaned up my case to keep it 'crisp' looking. The watch has NEVER been laser welded, like I stated I took care of it very well.
Thanks, most people don't realize that the Rolex history did not start several years ago with wait lists, and they were desirable [and available] watches 50+ years ago. Also, my GMT has a 316L steel case versus 904L, an acrylic versus a sapphire crystal, hollow end and center links and a non-in-house movement. If it can hold up this well after 40 years, just think how the new models with hold up after time.
That was many decades ago.,.. Big sigh! 😥 I just checked the exchange at MCB Camp Pendleton for the new 43.5mm Bulova Lunar Pilot, but they did not have any. I have the 45mm fully polished version, and it fits well on my 7.6"-7.7" wrist. I interested to see how the new, properly sized version sits on my wrist. FWIW, the part of the interview with my Bulova was cut, but no big deal as it was almost an hour long [they cut out four watches].
Derrick and Damien, DLW Watches in Singapore. Damien runs DLW watches and has a great selection of parts and a very useable website. Derrick is Mods by D, and he works with DLW to mod watches for customers using DLW parts. You can find Derrick's info under DLW Watches. DLW offers parts for Seiko SKX007, 009 & 011 as well as the Seiko 5 SRPD replacements. They also offer some parts (crystals) for many other Seiko models. Browse the website and decide how much or little you'd like to mod. As stated, I love the iconic SKX case, dial and hands, everything else was changed, i.e., Deep Sea style polished bezel, Red, 12-hour bezel insert in brushed steel, brushed chapter ring, a thick, beveled, flat sapphire crystal-Type E, NH36 movement [hacking/winding] and a polished red "S" logo crown. I HIGHLY recommend the Strapcode Angus Jubilee bracelet as the best overall upgrade; this is available separately from Strapcode in Hong Kong.
18:37 "Not to collect, but to use..." How does Curtis actually *wear* all of them? My collection got up to 15 and it became almost impossible to give even most of them any wrist time. I scaled back to 5 watches and it's still a struggle. PS: Curtis, as a Sinn fan and 777 pilot, have you looked into the Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF LE made for Lufthansa Cargo?
Thank you... I have 12 watches in active rotation and make a concerted effort to wear each watch at least 2-3 times per month. Many days I wear one watch during the day while working and another in the evening. I'm very familiar with the Sinn 857 watch that you mention, but as you've stated, it's an effort to wear the watches I already own, and if I got the 857, I'd have to release my Sinn 104 which I'm not willing to do at this time, as I prefer its look.
The new GMT have quickset hour hand instead of quickset date. The furthest one would ever have to adjust the date is 15 days. That can be done in way less than a minute. Another IMPROVEMENT made by ROLEX. (Nothing wrong with the old as well)
Could still find Rolex sporadically in NEX overseas (Europe) in the early 90s but not at those prices.. Lots of Breitlings and Tags. Love videos like these! Bravo Zulu!
Even the Rolex watches at the military exchanges in Japan were nowhere near the 50% discount of the China Fleet Club in Hong Kong. They were maybe 20% discounted, maximum. Why the CFC offered this tremendous deal was unknown, but it was recognized as the best place in the world to buy a Rolex, if you were in the military.
Purdue '73-'78, NROTC then USMC OCS in 1977. Active duty, '78-90, Corporate Citation, Hawker, GIV and Helicopter '91-'99, AA '99-'20, MD-80, B-737,757,767,777. San Diego resident 1980-present. The rest you know. Yes, I still love beer. 🍻
In the thumbnail pic what is the watch closest to the camera? (If you are facing the display tray from the viewer perspective the watch front left) Appears to be fairly large, strap may even have some opening holes in it?
You missed my point completely... while my dad took me to Tiffany's on our trips to NYC, with five children he could never afford to buy anything there! It was all about exposing us to the finer things in life. He taught us all to buy the highest quality we could afford, saying... "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten." 🤔 FWIW, this is a quote frequently attributed to Benjamin Franklin.
Love the stories here but omg, can we please talk to the editor about more rollup and dynamic videos? Watches and talking, maybe more images? Watchbox has everything to surpass Hodinkee on their videos but they don't want to.
I'll have the edit team take this to heart. They always put in the time and do a good job generally, but I agree that the video needs to show more watches more often - preferably EACH watch as it's discussed. Best, Tim
@@the1916companywatchreviews This is code for a Christian-Bale-on-the-set-of-Terminator-Salvation style rant from Tim when they get back to Bala Cynwyd. Should be good. :)
Honestly a lot of these Collector Conversations are surpassing Hodinkee’s Talking Watches. Well done Tim and the rest of the Watchbox team.
Talking watches in Hodinkee is a thing of the past.
When you have someone like Jack Froster on their side, it's hard to not to beat them 😂
I just wished they showed more videos and images of the watches. In a 5 min segment we only get a peak at each watch practically.
False.
Truth
I have had the privilege of meeting and knowing Curtis personally for years and it made me grin listening to him share all of these stories again. Backstory, humbleness, knowledge and enthusiasm for what he loves, can't really get better than that. Fantastic interview Watchbox and a huge congratulations to Curt for taking the time to share one of his many passions with us! 🥃
He's a great dude and an American patriot. I can't thank him enough for his decades of service to the USA -- and the HOURS of driving he endured to visit for this interview.
Best,
Tim
As a nice side story, I had been following ID Guy from his early days on YT and it wasn't long before we started corresponding because of our shared Industrial Design background. I finally got to meet up with him in Brighton, England on August 14, 2020, on the last day of my last trip with AA before I retired the very next day. We spent almost eight hours together talking life and watches [over drinks and lunch in a local pub] with never one seconds lull in the conversation. 😊
Just some background... this process started over three years ago when Tim announced that WB was looking for average watch enthusiasts/collectors and not just folks with high end collections to interview. I emailed Tim and he was very positive about doing a conversation and we were in the process of securing an aviation museum to film the episode when Covid hit, that was March of 2020.
Thanks to Tim, Brandon W., Armand J., Nick L., Garrett H. and his staff [the editing was brilliant] and the whole Watchbox crew [Tyler F. and Viki G.] for finally making this happen. Even better was that we did not have to fly all the way to Philadelphia for the interview. The six-hour round trip to LA was a piece of cake. Finally, meeting Tim [plus Armand J. and Mike M.] in person was a real treat. Tim and I have a connection that goes well beyond watches [Pugs are our spirit animal 😉].
To say that I'm overwhelmed by the positive feedback and comments is an understatement. The good news is that WB wants to do a follow-up sometime soon. That's a good thing as I have another hour of stories I did not tell. 🤔
Semper Fi,
Curtis A.
Incredible episode Curtis you are a real legend. Would you mind linking to the article you mentioned about Pilots watches? Many Thanks!
@@icoh15 Thank you! I'd love to get this article to you, but right now it's just in a pdf format. Let's see what we can do to get this disseminated.
Hi Curtis - we are so grateful that you took the time to work with Tim and team in LA and share your story with the WatchBox community. We hope to see you again soon!
--Team WatchBox
Really loved this episode and great story telling, thank you for sharing.
@@perma_bann You are most welcome.
Tim can stand toe to toe with any person on any subject and contribute something meaningful… he’s amazing.
Love his way of thinking. Actually wearing pieces like how they are meant, but also preserving some watch parts like bezels and straps. Great episode
fricken love this. a real treat for collectors.
One of the best discussion you have done Tim. Everybody here should aspire to be like Curtis when we grow up. Lovely and genuine guest here.
Grow up? My motto is... You're only young once, but you can be immature the rest of your life. 😉 Thanks for the kind words.
I have gone down such a rabbit hole with watch collecting. These talks and conversations are fascinating.
It is fair to say this channel has had it's fair share of Trust fund babies on with their collections.
It was refreshing to see a consummate gentleman who worked up to a meaningful watchbox for himself. Including the watchbox taped on the icebox dancing like sugarplums in his head.
More 'enthusiasts' encounters like this human. Real folk, please.
This
Curtis is a treasure, pure passion, deep knowledge, and a deep respect for Tim. This was such a pleasure to listen to, this is the definition of why we love watches!!
I really like this format of getting watch collectors and hearing their watch journey.
This is my favorite collection video to date. Great guy....good stories, not a trust funder......and just a good conversation. Great stuff Tim and company!
Wow, this interview could go on for hours of amazing and interesting storytelling by this gentleman. What a treat!
I easily could have gone on much longer as every day I remember another great story or antidote that I forgot to mention. That being said, it sounds like a follow-up interview is in the works.
Phenomenal interview ! This chap is amazing! Thanks for the upload
Wonderful conversation and collection!
Wonderful conversation.
Such a great story! One of the best I enjoyed watching this year.
Gotta love this guy
Wonderful video. Love these Collector Conversations. Way better than Talking Watches. More please!!
Outstanding! What a down to earth and engaging collector! Enjoyed this conversation very much. My favorite so far. Curtis, how about a CZcams channel? Keep them coming Tim!
Matthew, thank you for the compliments. I do have a channel in the works, Watch by Design.
Curt is a personal friend and a great guy!
Thank you Paul, you are a true friend.
Rolex GMT-Master: "I paid 400 dollars for it in Hong Kong, it better be real" 😄
I paid $4500 for mine and foolishly sold it before the prices skyrocketed. I kick myself everyday for it.
A very cool and real collection and interview. Well done!
Great episode, such an enjoyable conversation with lots of good stories. Congrats !
Refreshing to see an episode with a working class guy and not a finance/consultant ghoul. Great collection...the guy even caused Tim 2 brief existential crises when he stumped him regarding the hacking mechanism of one of the watches and the cargo load of the 777
What is your definition of working class? Someone who works as a living?
@@Dranreb865 Most of us airline pilots consider ourselves blue collar workers since we are glorified bus drivers, union members making an hourly wage.
A very interesting individual, with a great eye, great taste, a great story, and a fantastic collection. This is the watch content I've been needing. Hodinkee going the way they are has made room in the world for other channels to provide better content.
Great video. That Curt guy is an amazing fellow with wonderful stories and a true appreciation for the hobby. Great guy, great show. Let's see some more.
Awesome guy and collection
This was an exceptionally interesting episode. Thank you for that!
Got a feeling this one will get a lot of Likes. Well done.
Best Collector Conversation yet!
having met Curtis he is an amazing gentleman a true friend and watch collector
Great watch talk and insight. Curtis sure has a lot experience, great taste and does his homework to backup every smart and personal watch purchase. The wide range and enthusiasm for the watches on his collection is definitely thumbs up worthy.
Thank you my friend for the kind comments. You are one of the old "Snupps, The Watch Guys" that I still follow and keep in touch with.
I had no intention to watch this video in its entirety for close to an hour. But I got caught up in it - it is very fascinating and very well done. Thank you. PS you need to add a Breitling to your collection.
A great compliment... Thank you! BTW, the Breitling 806 limited edition Navitimer reissue is a watch that is still on my list. Also, the 765 AVI 1953 re-edition is a watch I would love to own.
A true collector's collection. Really enjoyed the stories behind each piece. Congratulations Curtis!! Great work Tim!! Thx
Tremendous conversation. Loved every second of it. And Curt is right - Hong Kong is watch nirvana.
I was in Hong Kong a few months ago. People were yelling at me out of cars, and I was even asked for group photos from uniformed security services. Then I found a street with two AUTHORIZED Patek dealers literally 50 feet apart on opposite sides of the same road. Yes, it is watch heaven.
Best,
Tim
@@the1916companywatchreviews Tim, if you get the chance, you should cross the harbour to Tsim Sha Tsui and walk down Canton road like where Curt mentioned and check out 1881 Heritage - it's a late 19th century building that was the old marine police headquarters but now the entire building consists of watch boutiques; including Lange and Roger Dubuis.
Vacheron also has a boutique there, but then just 4 minutes walk to Harbour City there's another Vacheron boutique there!
@@alectang1614 This was my favorite hangout! Especially the JLC, ALS, PP, Breguet and Blancpain boutiques.
Very cool stories
Great interview, love this guy. I have one non-buyers remorse watch and he's got it, the Tonda 1950 in WG. 39mm white dial. You could pick those up all day for $4.5k to 5, now they're 10 and up.
Same story 😆!
Passionate and cerebral horological interview. Great pilot with watch aficionados. Love it when the two go together. Thanks for the video!
Curtis being a pilot and finding the Rolex GMT is literally the stuff of legends. The stuff everyone talks about when talking about the GMT.
Rolex GMT-master 1675 in space:
1967, October 17 = X-15 flight 190 William Pete Knight above 85 kilometers (USAF Astronaut wings)
1970, April 11 = Apollo 13 John Jack Swigert (turned in his spaceflown 1675 for a Gold GMT-master in October 1970)
1971, January 31 = Apollo 14 Edgar Mitchell and Stuart Roosa
1972, December 7 = Apollo 17 Ronald Evans (1675 taken to the lunar surface onboard Lunar lander "Challenger"
MOreover, Datejust, Daytona, Submariner and Sea-Dweller versions have been space-flown onboard space shuttle missions ! #MoonwatchUniverse
@@phmwu7368 Thanks for pointing this out. While I don't specifically collect space watches, my Speedy, GMT master, Glycine Airman and Bulova Lunar Pilot all have flown on missions.
The caption should be “If Dad caught the watch bug with you.” Love it!
I can listen to these guys for hours
Amazing story he has to tell. What a great guy. And it's really interesting to hear his first hand experience of how it was like to buy a Rolex back then at an AD. Amazing they had a 6263, subs and a Pepsi lying around!
This is what watch collecting is all about. Fantastic interview guys. See you both on the TTWTM forum.
Amazing episode ❤
Wonderful episode!
Inspirational episode and gentleman, designer, pilot, collector and restorer.
This guy is just AWESOME! Just a a dude no watch snob no push posh bs type guy just the guy next door you have a beer in the driveway with.
Thanks! BTW, my favorite beer... Cold and free! 😉🤔🍻
This was fantastic!!
Outstanding episode, I really enjoyed that, great job guys!
He is the type of Rolex owner I respect.
Amazing video, person and insight. This is what it's all about. Can you please link to Curtis' article about pilot watches?
Hodinkee who??? Excellent interview
I have 6 of his in my collection! 👍
Which six?
In reference to the Glycine Airman, Tim's silent inconsolable rage when he has to ask "No, how did the hacking work?" is hilarious
Great job 👍
This was a fantastic video. Really enjoyable to listen to Curtis and his great stories - nice job Tim and team.
Like to see this stories about watches that don`t cost a fortune but still make Mr Curtis talk about them with a passion. I hope for more videos like this one.
Loved that, thanks!
Hello Tim! I first met Curt in Vegas at a watch meet up. A gentleman and a great storyteller. Congratulations on a fabulous show, both of you. Now Curt, sell me that GMT already! #bigwristenergy
Thanks D, you're one of my biggest supporters.
Such a cool lineup ! Great video.
Great interview! My first exposure to expensive watches was also from reading National Geographic magazines back in the '70s. They were the UK editions, so they also had Tudor ads, and I always wondered (as a kid) how Rolex let them get away with such blatant copies! I guess advertising works.
Interesting that you mention Tudor as it wasn't until my first trip to Hong Kong in 1983 that I discovered Tudor and their relationship with Rolex [correct, they were not sold nor marketed in the USA back then]. One part of the interview that wasn't aired was my wife's Tudor Monarch quartz dress watch that I got her in 1997 on a trip to Hong Kong.
Great Video Tom. Curtis is spot on Hong Kong as its a watch kingdom with mature informed buyers. Cant wait tom see the pandemic new watchbies are gone soon and the real enthusiasts are back on the market :)
The ostrich is the leg skin that’s why there’s no quill marks
Yup, that's the only part of the Ostrich that looks like this, my favorite.
Curt, You are an amazing man with true love for your amazing watch collection. No hype here. Great! Great! Curt you should start your own you tube channel
Hey Ron, thanks for the compliment and the support. I'm part way there, this is my channel name, but no videos just yet.
@@watchbydesign6214 Brilliant video Curtis my friend. I was glued to your discussion throughout. Bravo Sir!
We gave you and this video a shoutout on The Escapement Show this morning and posted the link so, hopefully a few more people got to hear your wonderful stories.
Fantastic to see that you have started your own channel. I look forward to seeing some of your videos in the future!
@@Thomas_Burnett Thank you buddy. I spoke with ID Guy for over 90 minutes yesterday after the video aired. I was bummed out when he told me that I missed your show, but I was most likely still sound asleep. Let me know if you ever in need for a fourth wheel on the show, I'd love to join it on the discussions.
tims voice is a legend
Wonderful video. Great stuff, thanks Tim and Curtis!!
This strap from us was made from satin black Ostrich Leg skin and features padding and our 'Thick Curved Lug System' (TCLS), which provides an integrated fit between the lugs.
For us collectors is kind of rewarding to see characters like this appreciating the watchmaking value of either a 25K$ Rolex GMT the same as a $1000 Marathon or Sinn and even appreciate historic gems like that Seiko Pulsometer, by the way I am also fan Of the GSAR and I also own a Glycine Airman.
Lovely conversation! Thanks for sharing!! J
This conversation is right up there with the best talking watches! Even up there with John Mayer!!
Like my Hong Kong friend Ho Lee Fuk would say... WOW! That is high praise indeed. 🙄
Now THIS is how you talk and collect watches!!!!!! ❤
High praise... many thanks.
Great interview and great conversation. Thanx Tim.. 🥃🥃🥃 Tool watches ✅️✅️✅️
Hi Tim,
I couldn’t make out the chap from Germany who made the Sky-Dweller strap. Could you let me know his company name please?
Regards
Dangerous9 Straps, Munich, Germany, John Glance.
Strap looks like its from the leg of the ostrich
great content!
on a side note, what is the watch Tim is wearing?
Really cool chat
Great episode. When each new piece is a sacrifice, not just another drop in the bucket for the trust funders.
I think the Oscars skydweller leather strap would come from a leg to get that texture
Where can I find his article on pilot watches? Great interview.
If I can get your email address, I'll send you a pdf.
One thing that I wish I had covered in more depth was the servicing and condition of my Pepsi and why it still looks so good after 40 years on my wrist. While it's been serviced four times and lightly polished maybe three times, the polishing is entirely dependent on the skill and artistry of the watchmaker.
My go to servicing is from Beau Goorey and Eric Ku of Los Angeles Watch Works in Pasadena, CA. Beau is a master case refinisher, and he even saved my original hands as the Tritium Lum was disintegrating. Rolex and most watchmakers will replace the hands [and dial] thereby greatly diminishing the watches originality and therefore its value. LA Watch Works restored my original hands and lightly cleaned up my case to keep it 'crisp' looking. The watch has NEVER been laser welded, like I stated I took care of it very well.
Lovey video! Just a delight.
Just a note, that’s ostrich leg. I love my ostrich leg straps.
I wish I had him as a friend, and just meet at a Starbucks or Panera once a week and talk and show watches
Great, great interview!
Anybody bashing Rolex, hear this story about the GMT Master.
Thanks, most people don't realize that the Rolex history did not start several years ago with wait lists, and they were desirable [and available] watches 50+ years ago. Also, my GMT has a 316L steel case versus 904L, an acrylic versus a sapphire crystal, hollow end and center links and a non-in-house movement. If it can hold up this well after 40 years, just think how the new models with hold up after time.
Rolex at a base exchange?! The highest end we have here now is a Bulova Lunar Pilot lol.
That was many decades ago.,.. Big sigh! 😥 I just checked the exchange at MCB Camp Pendleton for the new 43.5mm Bulova Lunar Pilot, but they did not have any. I have the 45mm fully polished version, and it fits well on my 7.6"-7.7" wrist. I interested to see how the new, properly sized version sits on my wrist. FWIW, the part of the interview with my Bulova was cut, but no big deal as it was almost an hour long [they cut out four watches].
Great interview! Seems like a great guy!!
Who is the modder for the Seiko? Giving me some ideas...
Derrick and Damien, DLW Watches in Singapore. Damien runs DLW watches and has a great selection of parts and a very useable website. Derrick is Mods by D, and he works with DLW to mod watches for customers using DLW parts. You can find Derrick's info under DLW Watches. DLW offers parts for Seiko SKX007, 009 & 011 as well as the Seiko 5 SRPD replacements. They also offer some parts (crystals) for many other Seiko models. Browse the website and decide how much or little you'd like to mod.
As stated, I love the iconic SKX case, dial and hands, everything else was changed, i.e., Deep Sea style polished bezel, Red, 12-hour bezel insert in brushed steel, brushed chapter ring, a thick, beveled, flat sapphire crystal-Type E, NH36 movement [hacking/winding] and a polished red "S" logo crown. I HIGHLY recommend the Strapcode Angus Jubilee bracelet as the best overall upgrade; this is available separately from Strapcode in Hong Kong.
I cant stop looking at your flouro green watch contrasting with the suit. It’s stealing the show for me lol
got many of tudors in hong kong and china fleet club had the best fish and chips.
I don't recall the Fish & Chip place at the CFC, that's definitely something I would have enjoyed! 🤤
@@watchbydesign6214 the fish and chips was on the menu in the restaurant in the china fleet club.
18:37 "Not to collect, but to use..." How does Curtis actually *wear* all of them? My collection got up to 15 and it became almost impossible to give even most of them any wrist time. I scaled back to 5 watches and it's still a struggle.
PS: Curtis, as a Sinn fan and 777 pilot, have you looked into the Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF LE made for Lufthansa Cargo?
Thank you... I have 12 watches in active rotation and make a concerted effort to wear each watch at least 2-3 times per month. Many days I wear one watch during the day while working and another in the evening.
I'm very familiar with the Sinn 857 watch that you mention, but as you've stated, it's an effort to wear the watches I already own, and if I got the 857, I'd have to release my Sinn 104 which I'm not willing to do at this time, as I prefer its look.
The new GMT have quickset hour hand instead of quickset date. The furthest one would ever have to adjust the date is 15 days. That can be done in way less than a minute. Another IMPROVEMENT made by ROLEX. (Nothing wrong with the old as well)
Could still find Rolex sporadically in NEX overseas (Europe) in the early 90s but not at those prices.. Lots of Breitlings and Tags. Love videos like these! Bravo Zulu!
Even the Rolex watches at the military exchanges in Japan were nowhere near the 50% discount of the China Fleet Club in Hong Kong. They were maybe 20% discounted, maximum. Why the CFC offered this tremendous deal was unknown, but it was recognized as the best place in the world to buy a Rolex, if you were in the military.
He and I have quite a bit in common - Purdue alumni, former aviation, veteran, watches - I may have missed something! I'd like to meet him for a beer!
Purdue '73-'78, NROTC then USMC OCS in 1977. Active duty, '78-90, Corporate Citation, Hawker, GIV and Helicopter '91-'99, AA '99-'20, MD-80, B-737,757,767,777. San Diego resident 1980-present. The rest you know. Yes, I still love beer. 🍻
Nutnfancy still has his Marathon field watch that was issued to him by the USAF while in pilot training.
Great interview! Does anyone know the name of the strap maker for the Rolex Skymaster? Thank you
John Glance, "Dangerous9 Straps", Munich, Germany
Amazing!
In the thumbnail pic what is the watch closest to the camera? (If you are facing the display tray from the viewer perspective the watch front left) Appears to be fairly large, strap may even have some opening holes in it?
Bulova Lunar Pilot, vintage logo, no date, fully polished case on a black leather racing strap with three large holes per side.
@cnaarndt wow thanks so much!
we didn't have a lot of money... my dad would take me to Tiffany's every year. LOL
You missed my point completely... while my dad took me to Tiffany's on our trips to NYC, with five children he could never afford to buy anything there!
It was all about exposing us to the finer things in life. He taught us all to buy the highest quality we could afford, saying...
"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten." 🤔
FWIW, this is a quote frequently attributed to Benjamin Franklin.
Love the stories here but omg, can we please talk to the editor about more rollup and dynamic videos? Watches and talking, maybe more images? Watchbox has everything to surpass Hodinkee on their videos but they don't want to.
I'll have the edit team take this to heart. They always put in the time and do a good job generally, but I agree that the video needs to show more watches more often - preferably EACH watch as it's discussed.
Best,
Tim
@@the1916companywatchreviews This is code for a Christian-Bale-on-the-set-of-Terminator-Salvation style rant from Tim when they get back to Bala Cynwyd. Should be good. :)