Big Eye Here. It's raining watches...

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Noush
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Big Eye Here. It's raining watches...

Post by Noush »

...and the Dry Season has just commenced. Either by planning or blind luck my collection has landed in a Very Good Place. I'm going to enjoy it for what it is for a good while. Beyond what I could have imagined to be honest.
So why so soon after the arrival last weekend of the (fantastic!) Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue? Well, when you've been on a waiting list for the BB58, the AD calls when he does. This one was planned to recognise a significant moment. Today.

Exactly 5 years ago I had a massive heart attack. My good fortune was to be at work where help was at hand. If I'd been at home alone, my survival chances were the same as Buckley's. None. I was "brought back" twice electrically that day, once in the ambulance and once on The Table. Today I'm doing rather well and marking that is what this was all about.

A little while ago I wandered into the Omega AD and tried on the new 3861 Hesalite Moonwatch, my favourite Speedy. By my terms, a rather expensive piece even if a deserving icon. It needed to be more "just right" at that price and it wasn't. Having had a couple of quartz chronographs, I had some idea what "just right" was going to be in a "proper" mechanical watch.

This one fits the bill perfectly. It's as large as I would want in a watch on my skinny wrist (which "pulls it off" just fine), but there's no avoiding that to have the kind of movement I wanted. Calibre L688 is a 7753-based movement with a column wheel, vertical clutch and no date. Just the thing but of itself it is 8mm thick.
I wanted a brand that means something to me (Longines does). Real numbers on the dial! The action of a column wheel. A minute counter that I can actually read. More brushed than polished finish. On wrist this one just spoke to me. Buckets of charisma. Once again we learn actually trying them on is best!
longines-watch-front-collection-heritage-l2-816-4-53-2-800x1000.jpg
Chris
"Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans" : John Lennon.
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Re: Big Eye Here. It's raining watches...

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

That’s quite some story, Chris. Gives you a perspective on what matters, I guess. A lovely way to mark a significant personal milestone, and a superb looking watch!
Steve
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Re: Big Eye Here. It's raining watches...

Post by missF »

Oh I LOVE the BigEye! So all the best for your ongoing good health, and enjoy! :thumbup:
watching you fail in your quest for a “one watch” has been great entertainment
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Re: Big Eye Here. It's raining watches...

Post by Kansas City Milkman »

Thanks for sharing the story. Great watch, congrats
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Re: Big Eye Here. It's raining watches...

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Heartwarming story, thank you.

Really glad you made it through from five years ago. As Steve says, it brings into perspective things that matter in life.

As to the Big Eye, a wonderful iteration of the classic Aviator Chronograph and a style I really like too.

Enjoy it in good health.

Guy

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Re: Big Eye Here. It's raining watches...

Post by Thegreyman »

Thanks for sharing that personal story Chris, and glad you are with us.

A deserving treat to yourself to mark the milestone and an excellent looking watch, one of Longines best (and they do consistently make some very classy watches).
Patrick

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Re: Big Eye Here. It's raining watches...

Post by Noush »

Thanks so much for the kind thoughts.
Statistically, the mind-blowing number is that only 25% of heart attack survivors ever return to full time work.
These last 7 months in particular I have worked overtime every single week.
My work is quite physical and it's kept me active and fairly fit in middle age.
Guess what I've spent the extra overtime income on? I do feel it's "well-earned". :)

I have to thank this wonderful CW Forum Community for the inspiration and support for the great strides and learning that has come for me in this great hobby of ours. It's been a truly special journey.
Chris
"Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans" : John Lennon.
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Re: Big Eye Here. It's raining watches...

Post by Tortoise »

I see you've enjoyed quite a bit of good quality rain down your way..! :D
Doing it in style Chris! Enjoy.. (don't do too much of the overtime!)
All the Best
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Re: Big Eye Here. It's raining watches...

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

Noush wrote: Sun May 02, 2021 9:31 am I have to thank this wonderful CW Forum Community for the inspiration and support for the great strides and learning that has come for me in this great hobby of ours. It's been a truly special journey.
I'm sure I speak for the forum when I say we have enjoyed having you along. You make a difference. Long may you continue to do so.
Steve
Linguist; retired teacher; pilgrim; apprentice travel writer

Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time


Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. (Max Ehrmann)
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Re: Big Eye Here. It's raining watches...

Post by Father Goose »

Great choice! Definitely one of their best looking chronos.
Watchbox: Hamilton, Christopher Ward*, Seiko, Dan Henry
History: Jaeger-LeCoultre, Girard-Perregaux, Rolex, Omega, Tudor, NOMOS, Longines, Oris, Frederique Constant, Glycine, Tissot, Orient
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