Android (Aragon) and Vostok Watches coming to the Shop ep.1

[@tarasmathers7423]

Okay Im back. That "Silverjet" is a real beauty, huh?!? I really like the detailing on the lug tips, as well as the Android logos, machine into the endlinks, of the bracelet. I had heard Wing call the bracelet, the "original Silverjet bracelet" before, but I had never actually seen an execution of that model w/ it, until you first showcased this one. I have to say, that the bracelet, really does suit, the rest of the build. The bezel action is superb (as is usual, in my experience, w/ most Aragon/Android models). I also like, that it's fully lumed. That's funny, that it was originally released w/ a cyclops, but that area of crystal, was missing. Almost makes me wonder, if the chunk that was missing, happened while someone was heating the crystal w/ a torch, trying to remove the cyclops, and a chunk popped out, due to the intensity of the heat. I've seen mineral glass burst before, under intense heat. Not on a watch crystal, but mineral glass, none the less. I also like the perlage decoration, on the top plate, of the Miyota 9015. That's a rock-solid movement. To my knowledge, all of the Miyota 9100 series, are fantastic. The only real gripe, I ever hear associated w/ them, (well 2 really, but they are related) is the lack of bi-directional winding, and the rotor wobble. Which the unidirectional winding, is what requires the excessively heavy rotor, and that inertia, is what causes the rotor wobble. A lot of people speculate that the new, La Joux-Perret G100, Swiss Made, automatic movement, is based off of the architecture, of the Miyota 9100 series. It's another "drop-in replacement," in preparation for the eventual discontinuation, of the ETA-2824. The parts would not be interchangeable, between the 2 (like those of the SW200-1, and the Ronda R150, that are, I believe), but all of the other specs to make it compatible as a drop-in, are the same. Also, the fact that the Citizen Watch Group, just bought controlling interests, in La Joux-Perret Watch Company. Hey, have you ever watched the movie, "Interstellar"??? I don't know if you follow the "Timeless Watch Channel," or not, but you should checkout his latest video. The video is just a portal, to his patron, where you can watch a production of his that was banned, by both KZbin, and Paramount. You'll have to scroll down through the comments to find the link. It's in 2 parts, each about 30 minutes or so. IMHO, it's amazing. Lemme know what you think, if you are able to check it out eventually. You're a pretty smart guy. I think it might be something that interests you....

[@WatchCollectorsGuild]

It is a great representation of Aragon-Android. I wonder if some of these Androids could be replicated with the Aragon name or if it would not be cost effective given the scarcity of movements and materials now. I will need to research the La Joux-Perret G100. I have one Aragon with the ETA 2824, still haven't done a video for it, but maybe soon. The Sellita SW200-1 is great as well from personal experience. Yes, I've seen Interstellar - I'm a Christopher Nolan and sci-fi fan in general, especially anything space and time travel related. Huge fan of space shows like Carl Sagan's Cosmos. Great recommendation, just watched the first part and his style is entertaining and cerebral! I need to re-watch Interstellar and 2001: A Space Odyssey ASAP.

[@tarasmathers7423]

@@WatchCollectorsGuild I knew you'd like it. I can tell that you and I have a lot in common. If you go back through his video's, he has a lot of really great productions. One of the best watch channels on KZbin, IMHO. Oisin, was in a fairly successful rock band from Ireland, called "Mr North." He then became a classical music producer, and now lives in Venice, Italy, where he produces the Timeless Watch Channel. He's a very smart guy. I really like some of his earliest productions, the best. I wish Wing would do like a, greatest hit's compilation, where he reproduces some of his best prior models

[@tarasmathers7423]

Lil brother, James.....long time, no see. It's funny, because I was just thinking to myself earlier today, that I needed to give you a holler, but as usual, you must've been thinking the same thin, and beat me to it. Appreciate the shout out, and great job w/ the presentation, BTW. It's getting late here. I'll give you a ring tomorrow sometime, when I can put my thoughts down, a little more clearly. I'll catch you then. Thanks again buddy. Have a good night

[@tarasmathers7423]

Little brother James, it has been too long. I had to use your own opening line on you. How are you???? Just wondering whats new in your collecting journey. Picked up anything new, as of late? No new acquisitions for me, but plenty of scouting. There's a chinese based manufacturer, called Rmalti, who've recently released a Grand Seiko homage. I've only seen an unboxing of it, and the stock photo's on Ali Express, but from what I've seen, and based on the KZbinrs' first impressions, it's a well made, well spec'd, and impressively finished watch, for the price. Just the NH35 inside, but as you know, I'm ok w/ that. MOF, I much prefer it, to a Miyota 8215. Of course, I've been watching what Wing has been doing. I'm waiting for the new Titanium Damascus "Evo," to get released, in 45mm. Honestly though, I've been looking for more "traditionally sized" watches lately. For now, unless something super amazing for an equally amazing price comes along, I feel like I have enough larger pieces in my collection. I'm not the kind of person who want's a huge collection either. I don't know how some guys keep, wear, and maintain hundreds and hundreds of watches. To me, I have around 20 watches in my collection, and I feel like that is bordering on a lot. To each his own though. I have also considered selling off a few models that I don't wear as much, to make room for others. Then I think, do I really want to potentially take a loss on some of them??? Sometimes I'm not sure it would be worth it. I know of guys that regularly sell their watches for about 50% firm, to make them easy to sell, and they consider the "loss" to be essentially the fee for experiencing that watch. Almost like a rental. To me, I'd almost rather hold them, until I come across the right people to give them to. Honestly, I feel that's a much better way, for me to get the value out of a watch. Like I said though, to each, his own. Looking forward to hearing from you, when you have the time, little brother. Until then, stay safe, and happy collecting👍

[@WatchCollectorsGuild]

Great to hear from you man. I know what you mean about the large collection. I've been dwindling mine down by asking the questions, would someone else enjoy this watch more than me, how often do I actually wear it, and can I sell this watch and get close to what I paid for it back. Sometime you get lucky, like if you bought the watch at a good price and now it's sold out, you can actually turn a profit. Those gains will offset losses you may take. So I've been taking a deeper look into Sugess and really want a mechanical chronograph with the Seagull ST1901. I'm thinking about the Chrono Heritage SU1962SW/X "Plan B" because it has some slight improvements over the 1963. I feel the same about larger watches. Even 45mm seems large now. I would say 42mm diameter and 14 mm thickness are my new upper limits for watches I look at. With Aragon I'm holding off for watches close to those dimensions. I really would have liked the Antigravity in 42mm with the line hour indexes without the tourbillion, and a matte black or textured black dial. I would say the Rolex Explorer line is my favorite grail watch for now, so that is influencing what I look at. I am also scouting vintage military watches on shopgoodwill and ebay. Have you bought a Sugess before? Do you normally buy through Ali Express?

[@tarasmathers7423]

@@WatchCollectorsGuild James buddy, I swear sometimes, that you read my mind. 😄 SMH. At the very least, you and I, are on the same page about things. Sugess really do make some beautiful watches, don't they. I've haven't owned one yet, as I've only recently become aware of them, but from most everything I've seen, or read about them, everyone says how well made, and finished their watches are, and particularly for the price. Their prices are really quite good, especially for their mechanical chronographs, and tourbillions. The "SU1962" is a fantastic choice in my opinion. I really like that it has the star logo, on the counter-balance of the second hand, like a Zenith. For a "chrono," the ones that have been calling me, are the "Heritage S411" SU1901BS, and the SU1901OS. In truth though, I could sit here and list more models that I would gladly own from their chrono section than not, as I just find so many of them appealing. The models that I would purchase first from the company, would undoubtedly be the Seestern S417 "Slate dial." I'm just laser focused on anything w/ that Grand Seiko styling. To be honest though, I think that the Rmalti watch that I told you about lastime, might be the better looking of the 2. It's done in the spirit of the "White Birch" (undoubtedly my favorite watch of all-time), w/ the more expertly diamond-cut indices, and more complex finishing of the case and bracelet throughout. It's cheaper too. But, at the moment, I'd have to order it from Ali Express. I've never ordered anything from Ali Express to date. I haven't actually heard anyone complain that they've had an issue using the platform. I just don't know that much about it yet, and am slightly hesitant to use it at the moment, for that reason. Sugess on the other hand, is known for being a very reputable manufacturer/distributor. Because I'm impatient, I would tend to use the express/DHL/UPS shipping to receive it much quicker, even though it would roughly $40 to the order. What I mean, is that I wouldn't hesitate to order from them. Apparently, they're known for their customer service, as well. The ST1901 is actually quite a pretty little movement to look at, IMHO. Especially, w/ the gold, swan neck regulator. 45mm is a large watch, generally speaking. 42mm is about the upper limit, of what I'm looking for at the moment. I've even been looking at a lot of pieces, sub-40mm in diameter. The PD-1692, "Explorer" homage, that i fancy so much, is 39.7mm in diameter, and it's also my first sub-40mm piece. I totally agree w/ your sentiments on the Rolex, "Explorer." The recently discontinued 214270 39mm varrient, would be my choice. It's a truly "timeless design," IMHO. It's the watch that my PD1692, is modeled after, dimensionally speaking. To be fair though, I have yet to try, a 36mm facsimile. As for the "Antigravity," you took the words, right out of my mouth. Your description, of the ideal model release, is the one I would want, to a "T." Even the date-red version, w/ the matte black dial. If he was to reduce that to 42mm, I would grab that up. He's supposedly been working on his first 40mm watch. For me, the potential of him shrinking down some of his designs, is an exciting proposition. I'll tell you what I was really looking at the other day, was the Accutron, "Tahoe" watch, that you have posted on your ebay store. I really like that piece. It's really a pretty nice watch, and it has a pretty good Ronda quartz movement in it. Don't be surprised if one day it goes missing....lol. My only sticking point about it, is the golden border. But I think I maybe could live w/ that. IDK, we'll see. Did you ever decide about the Pagani Design GMT Master LHD model???

[@tarasmathers7423]

Oh man, all that and I almost forgot, to ask you how you DM4 "Tourbillion," is running, since coming back from service?? I'm really interested to see how this situation is playing out for you. Hopefully, it's been straightened out

[@WatchCollectorsGuild]

Hello sir! So far so good. I am wearing it at work when able. I reattached the polished silver bracelet, it is a bit flashy so I only wear it when I know there aren't any meetings where it might be a distraction. When I am able to get 1 to 2 weeks of timing in, I will let know. The good thing to hear was it was a straight forward process. I returned the watch to Aragon with a note stating what was wrong with it, they worked on it and sent it back, no questions asked or excuses to void the warranty. Very pleased with the process.

[@tarasmathers7423]

@@WatchCollectorsGuild I am very glad to hear that, but I've gotta say, that I'm not surprised. Hands down, one of the best attributes, about the Aragon brand.....they stand behind every product, 100%. I know the feeling about wearing certain things, in certain situations. I have to say, that I've come to really like the mirror polished, tungsten bezel, on my "Hercules." The lightplay off of it is spectacular, and very eye-catching, to say the least. I feel like it works well, especially because the rest of the build is brushed. I get the same effect from my "Enforcer." The bezel teeth are polished. So it's like a crown on top. Then the top is ceramic, and sapphire. Very flashy. It's probably my favorite watch. Hey let me know what you think of that video one day, if you decide to check it out. It's called, "What is time??" Good to hear from you, and thanks again for the shout out.and showing that piece for me. I think I'm going to have to pass on it at. As much as I like it, and know it's a great piece, I've been moving away from watches that large. I'm keeping the ones I have, but I haven't been buying above 45mm. I feel like I have enough 46 to 50mm pieces. I constantly have to keep reminding myself of that. I'm drawn to them. I want to thank you again though.