The Grey NATO - 159 - August Q and A
That’s a wrap for August so it was time for another Q & A episode and this is the first time that we’ve ever cleaned out the entire set of questions! From driving EDC and safety to local-jumping GMT movements, watchmaking training from home, how to snorkel like a pro, and alternate reality complications - we’ve got a wide-ranging set of questions that lead to a really fun chat.
A big thanks to everyone who sent in a question and don’t forget that if you have a question of your own - about watches or anything else - we need it. Record it into the voice memo on your phone and email the file to thegreynato@gmail.com. Also, if we seem to have forgotten your question somewhere in the shuffle, let us know and we’ll get it sorted. Until then, thanks so much for listening.
Click here to play episode 159 from your browser.
4:30 Dewalt Cordless Air Compressor https://bit.ly/3juASl2
9:08 James’ AstroAI Air Compressor https://amzn.to/3BofdRw
11:20 CAA https://bit.ly/3mQpPEY
11:21 AAA https://bit.ly/3t4wpII
11:42 Roadside hazard kit (just an example) https://amzn.to/3gPhwW9
15:33 Glashutte Original Cosmopolite https://bit.ly/3kXqr9h
19:25 ETA’s local-jumping GMT movement https://bit.ly/3Bqwolu
31:58 Omega Seamaster 300 https://bit.ly/2WKZEEN
33:25 Bremont S302 https://bit.ly/3xRn3lV
38:10 Timezone Watch School https://bit.ly/2UTjGMG
44:55 Tactile Turn Pens https://bit.ly/3wFTS3l
1:00:46 Nomos Tangente 33 Champagne https://bit.ly/2V5P3Ug
1:01:55 Junghans Max Bill Damen https://bit.ly/38un1oo
1:02:30 Anordain https://bit.ly/3DzMfQE
1:03:10 Tudor Black Bay 36 https://bit.ly/3gPvM0N
1:04:10 Sinn 556 https://bit.ly/3BqlRa3
1:04:40 Cartier Tank SolarBeat https://bit.ly/2WGKjoS
1:13:01 Dakine rash guard is not available, here is an alternative from Hyperflex https://bit.ly/3yzjtMn
1:13:48 DaFin fins https://bit.ly/35QYbOl
1:15:42 Certina DS action Diver 38mm https://bit.ly/3kFZ6rP
I also thought James was talking price when he mentioned "six figure Rolex."
Good episode guys! Couple of thoughts:
- On vehicle loadout, it's a tough question to answer. So many specifics that need to be looked at to make intelligent choices about what to carry. Remember the Colin Chapman philosophy, 'everything weighs'. If it's not helping you, it's slowing you down. Modern cars are just so good and pretty reliable. Keep the vehicle in as tip top as you can. Never let anything go, fix it as soon as you find it. And pack the vehicle based on what is the most likely problem you're going to encounter. Anything driven off tarmac, tire repair, compressor, and a good, full size spare (or two) are good calls. To James' point, a USB battery for the phone can solve a bunch of problems.. So can $500 or so in cash. Jason, practice driving without using the clutch. Vehicle stopped, engine off, engage first gear, start engine. If you're careful, it's not too difficult to manage without a clutch. If you have access to something without syncromesh (which I wouldn't be surprised if the SIII doesn't have for 1st) it's a bit easier to practice. You can just carry the starter then, leave the clutch hydraulics at home...
- On watch blindspots, specifically reasonable GMT's. Consider the new Seiko Presage 'Sharp Edge' GMT's. Flyer setting, 100m water resist, power indicator, and a kind of cool subdial date. My local AD is selling them for right at $1,000 or so.
-Tudor repair model. They are doing what is becoming the norm in modern service industries. Much easier to control the QC, speed, and cost by swapping out major components. As mentioned, the norm for quartz movements for years. And a lot of industries use this model. I agree with Jason's thoughts/comments, use the watch as a tool. Good on Tudor for offering the option though.
- 19mm lugs on the Certina. I've got two 19mm lug watches that I use 20mm NATO's on with no issues. Had to use curved spring bars on the old art deco Bulova because of the funky case shape, but other wise no problems. So the Bond downsize or cram it through upsize should both be viable options.
Thanks as always guys, excellent work!