I haven’t previously felt any desire to wear a yellow gold watch, but this 1963 vintage Oyster Precision 1002 was so sweet that i couldn’t pass it by. On the wrist it’s actually very discreet, and the extra weight of the gold (compared to stainless steel) is quite reassuring.

I’m really pleased with it.

I love the Explorer range. Both the I and II really appeal to me, and whilst I bagged a lovely tritium 14270 recently I’d pretty much forgotten about it’s cousin, the 16570 “Polar”. However, a recent opportunity turned up just what I’d been waiting for, and it (a 1993 16570, that is) duly arrived not long ago looking even nicer in the metal than I’d hoped. Complete with box and booklets, the original black dial and a very recent service warranty from Mr Bill Rice to complete the set.

I can honestly say that I’ve never liked a watch so much upon putting it on my wrist. What do you reckon?

Yesterday, it seemed as if the cogs and wheels of the horological universe had turned to point fate in my direction, and so off I toddled to what was meant to be a quick pint with a fellow forum member but which turned into a very enjoyable couple of hours in the windswept wilds of Elstree. A trade was completed, and a belated dinner devoured.

So, here’s what I ended up with, then. Possibly the most underrated Rolex ever, and probably the best example of a watch where form and function meet to perfection. In fact, the size of the case, the width of the bracelet and the shape of the lugs deliver what is, I think, the most wearable Rolex that the company has ever produced. It looks the way a watch was always meant to look, and manages to be both discreet and sporty in one fell swoop. This one – almost as a bonus – is akin to NOS it’s in such good condition, despite the fact that it dates back to 1997. This means, of course, that it’s a tritium dial and I think the difference between this and the luminova variant is astonishing; the subtlety of the indices and hands gives it a warmth that a modern watch will always struggle to achieve. Add a complete set of box, papers and assorted bits that it came with, and the pain of parting with the Ingy is far, far easier to bear.

Some photos of my 14270, then.

Well I like it!

I actually bought this with the intention of giving it to Bea as a wedding present. She thinks, apparently, that a black dial is too “masculine”; in a way she’s right, because I reckon it’s great and I’ll now be wearing it myself.

It’s 40 years old (not that you’d know it) and at 34mm fits in quite nicely with my smaller watch preference. Thanks Bea!

Or, to be more precise, Time factor’s “Yet Another Bond” NATO. Probably the best NATO ever.

Blue is the new black? Whichever, this really is one of the most photogenic watches I’ve had – the dial is a dream, as you can see from the photos.

The size, at 34mm, is taking a little getting used to, but with a 35mm vintage JLC on the way too I’m definitely done wth wearing clocks on my wrist!