This week we’ve got an in-depth chat about two watches that Jason and James recently bought and a look at the latest, limited edition, and endlessly cool Overseas Everest line from Vacheron Constantin (James needs!). After a good look at VC’s latest titanium creation (and the teaser for a surprise episode, hint-hint), the guys dig into two dive watches they recently bought - Jason with his Omega Seamaster 300M Pro and James with his forthcoming Bremont S302 GMT. Both picks represent watches we just haven’t been able to get out of our heads and it’s a special treat for both Jason and James to be thrilled by brand new watches!
I found the discussion around the Vacheron really interesting .
I suppose a lot of us keep climbing up in price until we hit a point where anything more would be uncomfortable. So far for me that's a Seamaster. Though I have been surprised that every time I've gone above my previous comfort zone, I've quickly adapted.
It was interesting to hear James say that he'd need the VC to retain its value over time. Back-of-the-envelope, his current collection would have to be in the same ballpark, total value-wise. Jason's would be significantly more. I think sometimes we trick ourselves about just how much money we've sunk into this hobby by spreading it across a lot of watches. In terms of "I could be using this money better" does it really matter if it's one $30k watch or a $10k, a few $5ks and a handful of $1ks?
Another thing that plays into the "can't afford to lose it" angle is insurance, which I rarely see mentioned. I think it costs me about 2% of the insured value a year for international loss or damage cover, which to me is money well spent.
Oh, surprise episode! Thank you both for making the interview happen. As someone who has worked in athlete sponsorship most of my life I am excited to hear about how this partnership came to be. Enjoy the vacation, James. And the offroad driving, Jason!
I’m also a little hung up on the Bremont S302 and I admit to being a little jealous that James snagged one. I’ll keep an eye on watch recon where I’ve already seen a few slip by.
#finalnotes
Here’s a link to a short, atmospheric piece from Smithsonian mag. It’s at once inspiring and a little haunting both in a physical sense (intimidating diving in icy water with huge animals) and emotionally. Definitely worth a read from the warmth or your armchair.
1 Just bought the Bond seamaster - thanks to Jason's view that the scaloped bezel isn't an impediment. Went for it because of the coaxial amagnetic movt, lumed bezel and titanium - mesh breaking in nicely on my relatively smaller 6.5" after some initial discomfort. Yeah it's pricey with the James Bond tax but to my eyes, it's worth it.
2. Dive GMTs - I really wish there were more local jump hour dive gmts (with the dive bezel) - I mentioned this in comments past and the only one I can find is the old Seamaster 2535.80 with some sort of re-work to make it jump hour. I really want that Selitta or ETA movt in the Mido in other pieces.
3. Rubber Straps - as I get older I find modern bracelets incredibly uncomfortable, especially heavy Rolex ones. I've taken to putting rubber straps on everything - even more so than a Nato. My Exp II in 42mm sports an Everest and I couldn't be happier.
4. Luxury sports watches - I own a 5164A as it was my grail. Yes, it cost me a pretty penny, even at MSRP - but this is my nec plus ultra of luxury GMTs (like James - GMTs for me are the most evocative movement that make me dream of adventure and travel). Course for the aftermarket prices - it's just a piece I can't justify really traveling with. Yes, I could afford $30K on a watch but I can't afford the body guards I'll need to really take it traveling. Shame really.
It looks like you can get either a stainless or DLC bracelet for the S302 directly from Bremont online for around $800 FYI. Wear the new watch in good health!
Thanks for the great content. I would strongly recommend checking out the the SS Thistlegorm ship wreck in Egypt. It was a British armed Merchant Navy ship built in 1940 . She was sunk by German bombers on 6 October 1941 near Ras Muhammad in the Red Sea and is now a well known diving site. In my opinion , it is one of the most historic and amazing wreck dives. Also check out the book written by John Kean about it , very interesting book with amazing history and underwater photography. I know John personally and had the pleasure to dive with him before , and he would make for a very interesting candidate for an interview on the show. you can talk to him for hours without getting bored and the guy is big on technical diving and ship wreck exploration.
Great episode as always gents. Moments after the words “rubber strap for 2254 that the Planet Ocean one was based on” hit my ears I’d ordered it from local Omega AD. Just have to wait about 3 months for it to arrive in Oz.
A little late to listening to this one but what a wonderful discussion. I just picked up a Bremont about a month ago (Broadsword Bronze with Sotek Dial) and I am loving it. I am relatively new to watches and this was my first major purchase. Is there a reason that some corners of the watch community are not fans of Bremont? I find their pieces to be beautiful but I assume it is like any watch company, there are folks who love them and those who are not fans. Anyway, loved the discussion of the 302.
Was catching up on some older episodes and doing some more research on Bremont after listening to this episode. I’m starting to find myself on team Bremont and next week I plan on trying on the S302 and MB Savanna. Loved James’ discussion of the S302 and his HODINKEE article. Following up on Episode 141, would love it if you guys had an interview episode with the English brothers. I don’t have a specific question, but an episode that can really introduce those who don’t know the brand and cut through some of the hate about earlier snafus regarding claims of in house movements and perhaps an honest discussion of pricing would be insightful. These two issues are what I see as constant criticism of the brand. And I can say for me at least it would be helpful to have some honest discussion about at least the value vs price, since I’m on the fence with my toe dipped in the water in considering purchasing one.
Congrats J&J on your new purchases, nice watches both!
I especially enjoyed the discussion on the FOMO of not owning a watch vs. being able to enjoy the fact it exists without feeling the need to own it.
I feel that is an area where you gents have an advantage, being able to review watches. You can get something for a few days or week, and then kind of go, “Yup, I wore it, I liked it, but I don’t need to own it” and then send it back. As a ‘civilian’ watch enthusiast, it is nearly impossible to walk into an AD and see many of the hot or LE watches, as they just don’t have them even as demos. So you are constantly left with the feeling that if only you could see it in person you could move on or pull the trigger.
Coincidentally, your friends Felix and Andy at OT: The Podcast just had a similar discussion with Adrian Barker from Bark & Jack. He came to a similar conclusion, that his ability to try watches for review actually helped him resist buying the new hotness. https://www.otpodcast.com.au/show-notes/s2e49
Thanks for another great episode, and looking forward to the “surprise” drop.
I found the discussion around the Vacheron really interesting .
I suppose a lot of us keep climbing up in price until we hit a point where anything more would be uncomfortable. So far for me that's a Seamaster. Though I have been surprised that every time I've gone above my previous comfort zone, I've quickly adapted.
It was interesting to hear James say that he'd need the VC to retain its value over time. Back-of-the-envelope, his current collection would have to be in the same ballpark, total value-wise. Jason's would be significantly more. I think sometimes we trick ourselves about just how much money we've sunk into this hobby by spreading it across a lot of watches. In terms of "I could be using this money better" does it really matter if it's one $30k watch or a $10k, a few $5ks and a handful of $1ks?
Another thing that plays into the "can't afford to lose it" angle is insurance, which I rarely see mentioned. I think it costs me about 2% of the insured value a year for international loss or damage cover, which to me is money well spent.
Love it when there is a secret message imbedded in the podcast. Looking forward to tomorrow!
Oh, surprise episode! Thank you both for making the interview happen. As someone who has worked in athlete sponsorship most of my life I am excited to hear about how this partnership came to be. Enjoy the vacation, James. And the offroad driving, Jason!
Very much enjoyed the episode. The excitement about new watches came across. Enjoy your new timepieces!
„Crossing the Sahara by truck“ reminded me of a 80s documentary about Paris-Dakar racing „Desert Raiders“ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ifxekPlyfuk
I’m also a little hung up on the Bremont S302 and I admit to being a little jealous that James snagged one. I’ll keep an eye on watch recon where I’ve already seen a few slip by.
#finalnotes
Here’s a link to a short, atmospheric piece from Smithsonian mag. It’s at once inspiring and a little haunting both in a physical sense (intimidating diving in icy water with huge animals) and emotionally. Definitely worth a read from the warmth or your armchair.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/ode-orca-180978578/
So much to unpack. Couple of thoughts:
1 Just bought the Bond seamaster - thanks to Jason's view that the scaloped bezel isn't an impediment. Went for it because of the coaxial amagnetic movt, lumed bezel and titanium - mesh breaking in nicely on my relatively smaller 6.5" after some initial discomfort. Yeah it's pricey with the James Bond tax but to my eyes, it's worth it.
2. Dive GMTs - I really wish there were more local jump hour dive gmts (with the dive bezel) - I mentioned this in comments past and the only one I can find is the old Seamaster 2535.80 with some sort of re-work to make it jump hour. I really want that Selitta or ETA movt in the Mido in other pieces.
3. Rubber Straps - as I get older I find modern bracelets incredibly uncomfortable, especially heavy Rolex ones. I've taken to putting rubber straps on everything - even more so than a Nato. My Exp II in 42mm sports an Everest and I couldn't be happier.
4. Luxury sports watches - I own a 5164A as it was my grail. Yes, it cost me a pretty penny, even at MSRP - but this is my nec plus ultra of luxury GMTs (like James - GMTs for me are the most evocative movement that make me dream of adventure and travel). Course for the aftermarket prices - it's just a piece I can't justify really traveling with. Yes, I could afford $30K on a watch but I can't afford the body guards I'll need to really take it traveling. Shame really.
Jealous of the new omega on Jason’s wrist! The white dial is a must have for my collection
Congratulations both on your new watches
It looks like you can get either a stainless or DLC bracelet for the S302 directly from Bremont online for around $800 FYI. Wear the new watch in good health!
I am looking forward to listening to this. I am a bit surprised that the new UTE two piece straps were not mentioned. They seem to be pretty cool.
I also wish that the Bond Seamaster was smaller. I would love to see Omega go head to head with the BB58 and offer this in 39mm.
Thanks for the great content. I would strongly recommend checking out the the SS Thistlegorm ship wreck in Egypt. It was a British armed Merchant Navy ship built in 1940 . She was sunk by German bombers on 6 October 1941 near Ras Muhammad in the Red Sea and is now a well known diving site. In my opinion , it is one of the most historic and amazing wreck dives. Also check out the book written by John Kean about it , very interesting book with amazing history and underwater photography. I know John personally and had the pleasure to dive with him before , and he would make for a very interesting candidate for an interview on the show. you can talk to him for hours without getting bored and the guy is big on technical diving and ship wreck exploration.
Great episode as always gents. Moments after the words “rubber strap for 2254 that the Planet Ocean one was based on” hit my ears I’d ordered it from local Omega AD. Just have to wait about 3 months for it to arrive in Oz.
A little late to listening to this one but what a wonderful discussion. I just picked up a Bremont about a month ago (Broadsword Bronze with Sotek Dial) and I am loving it. I am relatively new to watches and this was my first major purchase. Is there a reason that some corners of the watch community are not fans of Bremont? I find their pieces to be beautiful but I assume it is like any watch company, there are folks who love them and those who are not fans. Anyway, loved the discussion of the 302.
https://imgur.com/VtrqlxK
Was catching up on some older episodes and doing some more research on Bremont after listening to this episode. I’m starting to find myself on team Bremont and next week I plan on trying on the S302 and MB Savanna. Loved James’ discussion of the S302 and his HODINKEE article. Following up on Episode 141, would love it if you guys had an interview episode with the English brothers. I don’t have a specific question, but an episode that can really introduce those who don’t know the brand and cut through some of the hate about earlier snafus regarding claims of in house movements and perhaps an honest discussion of pricing would be insightful. These two issues are what I see as constant criticism of the brand. And I can say for me at least it would be helpful to have some honest discussion about at least the value vs price, since I’m on the fence with my toe dipped in the water in considering purchasing one.
Such a great ep. Thanks guys :-)
Congrats J&J on your new purchases, nice watches both!
I especially enjoyed the discussion on the FOMO of not owning a watch vs. being able to enjoy the fact it exists without feeling the need to own it.
I feel that is an area where you gents have an advantage, being able to review watches. You can get something for a few days or week, and then kind of go, “Yup, I wore it, I liked it, but I don’t need to own it” and then send it back. As a ‘civilian’ watch enthusiast, it is nearly impossible to walk into an AD and see many of the hot or LE watches, as they just don’t have them even as demos. So you are constantly left with the feeling that if only you could see it in person you could move on or pull the trigger.
Coincidentally, your friends Felix and Andy at OT: The Podcast just had a similar discussion with Adrian Barker from Bark & Jack. He came to a similar conclusion, that his ability to try watches for review actually helped him resist buying the new hotness. https://www.otpodcast.com.au/show-notes/s2e49
Thanks for another great episode, and looking forward to the “surprise” drop.