B&B Custom Watch?

[joel]

Hi fellow watch lovers,
We have an opportunity to have a custom forum watch made - and I wanted to see how interested you fellas were, or what your thoughts were.

First of all - it would be a mid-range watch, meaning it would be in the $650-1,000 range. It would be mechanical (likely automatic) and we'd have a few movement choices (everything from swiss, to soviet to Japanese) and it would be handmade in the US from a quality, name brand boutique firm, with quite a cult following and world renouned service. Naturally, any B&B markings would be VERY discreet (either on the back, or very small on the front) and would be branded by the maker - so it would be a custom watch for us, but keep the makers markings as the primary, like previous B&B items.

Few questions... how interested are you fellas in such an item (only answer if you are interested, lack of participation clearly shows your disinterest)? Any requested features/options? What of the options above in the poll interest you?

 

[richmondesi]

I'm a watch guy, and I could definitely see myself buying one... But, it would just depend on the final look and performance. I'll be watching this closely

 

[chainfire]

What a cool idea. I'm too allergic to metal to wear one and the price leaves me out of the game as well, but I can't wait to see what the final product looks like.

 

[Mr. Scruffy]

I'm not a big fan of a watch which is the size of a hubcap and has a dial for every possible metric ever conceived and needs a paint shaker to keep it wound.

Thin and slim, gold band, black dial, date window, Roman numerals, flat crytal. Something similar in appearance to the Movado Faceto.

 

[airplanedoc]

If I were to purchase a watch in this price range, It most likely would not be B&B branded, or from a maker I have never heard of when I need it repaired or serviced.

 

[ginantonix]

I may be very interested. I love good watches, and this would be in the right price range. The more unusual, the better. I am also a fan of Japanese automatic movements, but would be open to anything interesting.

Definitely not interested in a massive watch face. My dainty little wrists don't wear large watches well.

 

[texbilly]

I like 'em all. Have owned big, complicated Breitlings and elegant Tag Hauer dress styles. Speedmasters and digital workhorses. Just keep it tasteful!

Could be interesting!

 

[rickboone1]

If I were to purchase a watch in this price range, It most likely would not be B&B branded, or from a maker I have never heard of when I need it repaired or serviced.

Exactly. You can get quality movement, hell, Swiss movement for not near the price of this. I'd shop around to find another maker. I'd be interested in this but this is something I'd spend $75 max on and hope that $25 would go to support the site. Or, some other worthy cause, say Haiti.

With custom designer watch makers which you've probably contacted, they can do this all way less of a price. Especially if there is a large enough percentage buying.

I would call Wing at Android Watches and see if he'd like to help design something. That's just my thought.

 

[Austin]

I would be interested in something with a Swiss movement, water resistant 10 bars, sapphire crystal with luminous hands. What else am I missing?

My second choice would be Japanese movement such as what Seiko or Orient use. These movements can hold there own against the Swiss. They are also cheaper.

 

[Blondie]

I have a couple of watches with Soviet movements, and can attest that they are not only accurate, but damn near bulletproof. One of them was on my arm when I was well, I'll save that story for another time, but rest assured, they can take extreme shock and keep running like a charm.

 

[joel]

If I were to purchase a watch in this price range, It most likely would not be B&B branded, or from a maker I have never heard of when I need it repaired or serviced.

 

[thirdeye]

Me, I'd go for swiss movement, sub-dial for seconds, 36-38mm dia, leather band, water resistant, clean, mechanical..........

Hmmm sounds like a nice Omega Seamaster vintage thumper....

 

[DS/B MCS]

First of all - it would be a mid-range watch, meaning it would be in the $650-1,000 range. It would be mechanical (likely automatic) and we'd have a few movement choices (everything from swiss, to soviet to Japanese) and it would be handmade in the US from a quality, name brand boutique firm, with quite a cult following and world renouned service.

Before committing I would need more information on the boutique firm that would be assembling the watch. Of course, I'd also need to see a mock-up of the dial, hands, case, etc. As you know, on the preloved market $650-$1000 presents numerous options. Bill and Chris also offer great products in this price range. Good Luck

 

[MoJoe]

Can you provide snapshots of this vendor's previous work?

 

[BrianL]

I will be watching with some interest, at this point too many variables to consider. I am looking for a watch but may end up buying one before anything here gets going. Great idea by the way.

 

[Rughi]

...only answer if you are interested...

Sorry

I answered the poll before noticing the admonition that only likely buyers in the $650+ range should participate. In my fledgling enthusiasm for watches, I'm primarily interested in the blue collar quality of Seikos, Orients, Citizens and mods, but I'm sure you'll do something great of which I'll always wish I had been a part.

Have fun, guys
Roger

 

[Thebigspendur]

I agree there are too many variable right now. I would need to see an image of some kind and know what kind of movement and grade and who is making it.

At that price point there is alot of competition and maybe the B&B name means alot in a brush or razor but is not something to add to the vaklue in a watch.

 

[WhosYerBob]

I'd have to see the watch in question first before committing to it, as I'm quite picky about what I wear on my wrist these days.

 

[stobes21]

Sorry

I answered the poll before noticing the admonition that only likely buyers in the $650+ range should participate...

Me too, sorry. I'm not in a position to spend that on any watch regardless of branding. I'd be interested at the couple hundred price point. Sorry for cluttering the poll.

 

[Aevum]

have you looked at steinhart watches ? they made a couple of custom jobs for another forum i hang out at,