Wristwatch collectors out there?

[Subvet642]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

^^ Very cool ^^

Alpina has a cool line up watches and you don't see them much in the States.

Do they make a bracelet for that watch? Matching blue croc strap would be awesome with it.

Sadly, no but I kinda like the brown leather strap, which is really nice quality. I'm also looking at a dark brown rally strap. I just haven't decided between large holes or small. Problem is the 23mm lug width.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Subvet642

Sadly, no but I kinda like the brown leather strap, which is really nice quality. I'm also looking at a dark brown rally strap. I just haven't decided between large holes or small. Problem is the 23mm lug width.

Hirsch is a popular brand for straps. Is it a deployment buckle? Some of the rubber straps are really fantastic and comfortable.

I believe Alpina a brand manufactured by Frederique Constant, right?

[Subvet642]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Hirsch is a popular brand for straps. Is it a deployment buckle? Some of the rubber straps are really fantastic and comfortable.

I believe Alpina a brand manufactured by Frederique Constant, right?

I checked out Hirsch but they don't have much in 23mm. I bookmarked them for future reference.

It's a pin buckle, but a nice one. It's reminds me of the buckle on a garrison belt; kind of an over-under arrangement. I usually replace pin buckles with deployment clasps or butterflies but I like this one.

I've read that FC acquired Alpina in 2002 but I don't know if they are made by them or if manufacture is separate. At any rate, the Alpina is currently keeping to about +1 s/d and the fit and finish is beautiful. I got an insanely good deal on it; only $820 (MSRP $2795) as a "Factory Recondition" but it came in the usual high end box with papers, etc. I don't think it was "reconditioned" per se, but I saw a review that showed the subdial hands on the wrong dials; the red hand on the running seconds instead of the 30 min. counter. What I suspect happened was that the factory accidentally installed them wrong and then had their authorized service centers swap them when retailers noticed it. I bought it from one of these centers on eBay (they have more). I never would have been able to afford it otherwise. What I like about it is the 70's style cushion case and that it's a mono-pusher; which is kind of unusual and hard to f*** up.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Subvet642

I checked out Hirsch but they don't have much in 23mm. I bookmarked them for future reference.

23mm is more uncommon than the even number sizes.

[Subvet642]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

23mm is more uncommon than the even number sizes.

I have a couple of nice ones sourced.