I wish I had time to photograph my new watch but I doubt I will till tomorrow or Saturday:
I just received my Seiko Velatura today. It is 45 across the bezel, 49 across the entire case if you add the crown. Wears like a mid-sized watch. Very light and comfortable on the wrist. Elegant and classy without being ostentatious. Build quality is excellent.
The price point was $359 and free shipping. The Velatura is worth the money, but since I own the Seiko Black Monster, a $200 watch, I feel compelled to make this point: While the Monster and the Velatura are different types of watches, I find the Monster has more of the "gotta have it" factor. It is a magical watch, very manly and has a stunning quality about it, the shine of its steel and the stark contrast of its shark teeth lume marks and black dial that makes it special and transcendent, a classic.
So while I love the elegance of the Velatura, it lacks the wow factor of the Monster. I'll get some comparison photos in the next day or two.
But by virtue of moving toward "understated" watches, the "wow factor" naturally recedes. I think "Gotta Have It" is still very much in play though----particularly if you find the new watch to be worth the significant cost.
Posted by: Angelo | September 27, 2012 at 04:27 PM
I'll remind you of my first impression of the SNAD05: I liked it immediately but was slightly underwhelmed and it took me a few days of wrist time to really fall in love with it. Now I can't take it off.
I look forward to the pictures.
By the way, the Black Monster might be next on my queue. I have to sell off a few Invictas myself, but might get a couple more Seikos within the month.
Posted by: jonnybardo | September 28, 2012 at 05:03 AM
The more I wore my Velatura yesterday, the more I loved it. It's my ten thousand dollar Rolex.
Posted by: herculodge | September 28, 2012 at 06:14 AM
My guiding principle has become WWBW?
What would Bond wear?
Bond, James Bond.
Seiko, Rolex and Omega for the most part.
http://www.jamesbondwatches.com/the-list-eon-movies.htm
Posted by: tomWc | September 28, 2012 at 06:57 AM
That's a funny site, tom. The difference between Bond and I, though, is that the British government pays his salary (which is presumably high six or even seven figures), while a small private high school pays mine (don't ask). I'm in the process of going back to grad school and changing careers to psychology, but even in the best case scenario of a thriving private practice, I'm unlikely to ever own more than MAYBE one luxury watch. If I had to choose now Rolex wouldn't be my first choice - it would be a Breitling, with Tag Heuer and Omega both on the radar.
Posted by: jonnybardo | September 28, 2012 at 07:33 AM
M-Audio StudioPro 3 Desktop Audio Monitors $60 Shipped @ Musiciansfriend. Add to cart to see price.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/m-audio-studiopro-3-desktop-audio-monitors?CJAID=10684459&CJPID=361116
Posted by: Paul | September 28, 2012 at 07:46 AM