Looks Like It's From a Catalog

This is undoubtedly my favorite photo- graph of a wristwatch. The watch is not one from my collection, darn it! It is an 18k gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual owned by a friend in Australia. He paid the photograph a high compliment when he asked if I had copied the picture from a Christie's or Sotheby's auction catalogue. I told him I had taken the picture, to which he replied, "It looks like it came from a catalog." What an awesome watch, with a gorgeous dial. The lighting turned out just right to show off the dial, without detracting from the beauty of the timepiece in any way.
BTW, I'll post my second favorite watch photo soon. That one, a SS/18k Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph, was in my collection. It's long gone, though I wish that watch had never been sold. Bummer -- but then again, I'm blessed to have worn it and to have some awesome pictures of the watch. Tick, tock...

Back to Watch Collecting

Watch collecting has not been an active part of my life for more than a year now. There's the whole PayPal rip-off thing -- and my own mistakes on eBay. But, that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy my watch collection.
Here's a two-tone Rolex Datejust with gorgeous white dial and leather strap. I just love these vintage timepieces -- and the way they photograph. Watches are not as pretty as some animals nor flowers, etc. BUT, they are technically very pleasing to the eye.

The Best For Last...

I saved the best for last. No, not the photo- graphic quality, but the best wrist- watch. BTW, I realize my watch photos are not perfect. However, the SS Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116520 is one of the most sought after wristwatches in the world. It's simple styling and workhorse movement make it a highly coveted timepiece. Sadly, this piece is no longer in my personal collection. It took up too much room (monetarily speaking) to stick around. Ah, but the joy of having owned it is awesome!
Well, this concludes my watch collecting-slash-photography joined theme. I hope you have enjoyed the pics. Next month, it's back to "regular" photography...

Joining Hobbies...

The Rolex Sub- mariner 5512 is a true classic. In my opinion, it embodies what a wristwatch should be -- simple, stylish, ruggid and self-winding. The Submariner is the watch of choice among professional divers. The 5512 is a certified chronometer, not to mention water resistant to more than 660ft.
You know, I really enjoy photographing wristwatches -- joining my two primary hobbies into one. Furthermore, when using macro lenses (or setting on digital), I get to see details on a watch dial that my presbiopic eyes can no longer see on their own.

Have You Ever Seen A Zephyr?

This is not really a rare timepiece, but it is unusual. The Rolex SS/14k #1008 Zephyr was produced for several years. The example shown here was in great shape. The bezels on Zephyrs from the 1960s are normally quite worn. The dial was almost perfect, too. I'm very sorry that this timepiece is not still in my personal wristwatch collection. It was a deusey!

A Little Bling...

This is the third most "bling" wristwatch I've ever owned. The first two were both Rolex Day-Dates (aka Rolex President). I traded a friend in Myrtle Beach for this dial. However, it took me six months to talk him into the trade. I was so very pleased with the result. The original dial was "oyster" colored. Doesn't this one look much better?

Rolex SS/18k Datejust w/ Jubilee Arabic dial and two-tone Rolex Jubliee bracelet.

Into Chrono...

Although not rare, this is one of my favorite watches. It is a SS Tudor "pre- Tiger" chrono- graph 7928, with special "Prince" bracelet. I don't know if there is a photographic aspect to my wristwatch preferences, but I am drawn to black & white dials on wristwatches. This dial is reminiscent of the Tudor chrono's sister, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. WOW, what a watch!