Newc

Just an altitude test. Stepping stone for Denali, for me. The guide I normally use was guiding an expedition so I hopped in with him.

This was impressive, no doubt, but Jim Morrison (back from the dead) completing the first descent of the North Face of Everest via the Hornbein Couloir is more impressive to me:

LINK

The lack of supplemental oxygen is crazy, but the South Col route is far less complex.

Still, both crazy ski accomplishments.

5 digit double quickset Day Date is the way. No better deal in watches right now, can get a gorgeous example in great condition for sub $20,000. 5 digit is much better balanced than 6 digit in my opinion. 6 digit is kind of an abomination, too shiny and bloated.

I think Baton Rouge is a fine place to live if you live in the right area. I’m under 10 minutes to work, a few minutes from Trader Joe’s, Albertson’s, WF, and any other number of stores, there are more restaurants than I have time to go to restaurants, I have a nice neighborhood to walk in, near a playground for the kids, etc. My life is incredibly convenient, and most people are very friendly. I think it’s a fine place to work and raise a family.

That said, I have no desire to retire here, and if I lived in the suburbs, I’d be counting the minutes to leave.

All have slightly different business models. Knowing what you are looking to purchase would be helpful. Jomashop actually has inventory (when indicated). Chrono24 is just an aggregator. Bezel and Grailzee… never used those but they seem to be an auction type service and hold the watch in escrow? All four are probably fine, but just be careful.

So, this is an 8171 not a 6062. The 8171 is distinctly odder - it is a 38mm, non-oyster case that is unlike anything Rolex has made since. It feels far more like a midcentury complicated Patek like a 2497 - and frankly, that appears to be what Rolex was going for. The 6062, in contrast, has a typical oyster case and is a bit more conventional. With that said, the 6062s with stelline dials, or the special iterations like the Bao Dai, are out of this world.

The 8171 is trickier. Because it has a snap back case, a lot have sustained pretty awful dial damage. Further, the case is not sympathetic to a polish at all - the coronet and serial number are very lightly etched and the case is a mix of polished and brushed surfaces. Thus, there is a huge mix of values at auction.

Here is a particularly awful example (note, the second track was sanded out!):

LINK

Here is a pink gold example that is not as nice as mine but is in pretty good condition from this year (pink gold is held in higher regard than yellow gold and commands higher prices):

LINK

Personally, I fell in love with the case of mine, coupled with the honest, lightly patinated dial. I don’t mind some age to a dial. But the case is just about perfect. Plus, it comes on a period correct stretch oyster rivet bracelet which is so fun to wear. No one makes a bracelet like Gay Freres did in the 50s. It has little tiny springs that allow the bracelet some give.

A bit of an odd bird, this one.

I’m realizing the size was inflated because of magnification. Lovely watch under any circumstance. I have a soft spot for, and collect, these old Pateks.

Looks like a 2501. A so-called Disco Volante. But that “Swiss” signature and grave accent look… a little funky. Could just be the magnification would like to see better pictures.