zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

As 2009 drew to a close, I realized I had a burning desire to buy a new watch. Not just any watch, a watch that would take my collecting in a new direction.

I had . . .

. . . . the dreaded . . .

. . . . the inescapable . . .

. . . . the ever burning . . . .

. . . . the recurring curse of the WIS . . . .

. . . . the evil master of the watchaholic . . . .

the Watch Jones. . . .

Fortunately, my family came to my aid.

My brother-in-law definitely took my collecting in a new direction with my Christmas gift.

A certified "Raylex" (did I mention my brother-in-law's name is Ray), this is the only one of its kind in the world

Here's a closer look

But that was not the only assistance I received.

****************************************************

My friend David Moose, felt my pain, and did his best to intervene. He listened to my agonizing over choices -- what watches I considered, including those so outrageously expensive I couldn't seriously consider.

His reaction?

He included the following letter in a Christmas card, which accompanied a gift.

He nailed it about midway down the page: "How much money is it gonna to cost you to get over the Jones??"

The watches he listed were ones I considered, some more seriously than others.

As David stated, he was "not remiss in his friendship" and provided "an alternative to your Jones". David did not offer "encouragement". Because as he stated, "Now, do you think the Jones needs encouragement? I think not!"

So what did David offer instead of encouragement?

An intervention . . . .

. . . . .in the form of . . . .

He offered this high quality quartz timepiece.

Focus on this fine example of horological workmanship, savor the details

He also warned me to wash my wrist regularly because the watch was reputed to turn it green.

Thanks, David

**********************************************************************

But your gift came too late. Prior to receiving your and Donna's (his gracious spouse) thoughtful gift, I had already pulled the trigger, meeting the conditions you set in your letter, David. The very previous day, as a matter of fact.

May I present my first acquisition of 2010?

The 2003 Armbandurhen Watch of the Year

Chronoswiss Chronoscope model CH1521R regulator chronograph

The packaging is large and impressive

A green leatherette box, containing a cloth wrapped wooden lacquered box

Also contained within was a large polishing cloth and a leather case with the guarantee, instructions and service records

The interior of the box has a few customizations

Model and serial number

Those numbers appear on the watch as well

The machining on the case and crown is impressive, and the case is rose gold of a particularly deep color

The details of the watch

The dial is marked in 1/6th seconds (the watch runs at 6 beats per second, 21,600 alterations per hour) -- and 60 seconds times 6 sixths per second equals 360, explaining the dial markings.

Continuing details

The movement is an Eterna 159, acquired by Gerd R. Lang in the 1970s, during the quartz crisis, and highly modified

A comparison for size is helpful

And one to note the "rosiness" of the gold by comparison to a yellow gold watch

And, by the way, I will put David's watch gift to good use. And my Jones is just fine now.

Sam aka Hewybaby