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I found this Piaget Polo Date Ref. G0A47014 to be wearable and modern. Which it should for a timepiece that retails for about USD11,600. We'll be lucky to get a third of that in our closed trade auction.

A nice office watch. It could do with a gentle repolish. No doubt the buyer will do that. It's not super vintage and collectable so it'd be OK.

It's not expired. It still has the January 2025 manufacturing date sticker on it. Ooh, 100m depth rating and quick release spring bars. That's useful.

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There's a glorious "Tropical" patinated dial on this Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref. 6694, which is probably at the early end of the 1960s to 80s when the model was made. The Coca Cola branding adds character. It's a Rolex for someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously.

I bet this watch has some tales to tell. I'd buy it drinks in a pub all night just to hear them.

I was half expecting to see Swire Bottlers 50 Years engraved on the back, but sadly, no.

Look how slim it is. Haven't watches changed over the decades?

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Piaget are masters of elegant diamond set ladies watches. This Piaget Limelight white gold wristwatch featuring a brilliant diamond-set oval bezel and a mother-of-pearl dial...is quartz, which is great, because I've yet to meet a lady who enjoys winding ladies watches.

I do love this one. It's a good choice for a young woman.

It was keeping time, so presumably the battery was replaced.

This peanut or guitar looking thing is a ladies watch by Sarcar Genève in 18K white gold and diamond-set. I've seen these advertised for £20k and up, but they must be dreaming.

Now, if I had roughly 1.75x more taste than I do, I'd have bought this 1950s "fat lugs" Omega Seamaster instead of the "Peter Blake".

Pure class, but ignore the strap. 3, 6, 9 and 12 on the patinated dial. It has just the word "Seamaster", probably because claimed water resistance was only 30m when it left the factory. This is a 50s sports watch, meaning nothing more vigorous than Backgammon.

More gold than C3-PO. Actually, I see no hallmarks so I think this is gold capped, which is thicker than plate, but not solid. Still, if it was just plate it'd have worn off by now.l and if it were solid, it would have been melted. A watch this old will have been worn proudly by many and will be worn by many more.

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Omega Seamaster Professional Ref.2254.50. Peter Blake was a famous competitive sailor sponsored by Omega who was shot dead by Brazilian pirates who boarded his yacht "Seamaster" and stole his watch and an outboard motor. This isn't the same watch, but it's the same model he was known for.

It's pretty much the same as any black-on-steel Seamaster, but it has easy to read sword hands instead of skeleton hands.

The clasp is beautiful but offers no adjustment bar a divers extension. Not even with tools. You need to add or remove links. At least the bracelet is tapered. That small mercy is not a given on an Omega.

Hippocampus is a mythical seabeast. As opposed to a Hippopotamus which is endemic to Columbia, thanks to Pablo Escobar.

I paid HK$10,000 for this. With box and papers, one like this will run you upwards of USD3,500.

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Me to my GM "Hey, if you ever see one, I'm looking for an original bracelet." GM: "Yeah, that one's the wrong color. Eww 🤢" Me: 😳 And that's what it's like working with a Pawnbroker.

The truth is I just don't see it. I feel it and cna hear it, but I don't see the problem.

Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I set out to look for a cheap and sh*ty watch for meet ups. It is SO cheap and sh*ty that it's charming. I'm actually enjoying wearing it. Review is in the Alt Text.

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

My daughter had a first go at shooting with my brother and got ice-cream afterwards. Looks like a good first effort. Video to follow.

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Anamorphic flare, or scratched lens? Well, my phone doesn't have an anamorphic lens.

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Here's one everyone can afford. The SKMEI 1628, a deservedly popular clone of Casio G-Shock DW5600. It'll cost you anything from £5 to £9 depending on sales and coupons. I'm going to test it; to destruction if necessary. AND it has a function useful for film development. See alt text.

It's still got the screen protector sticker on, LOL. Reputedly, it's depth rating is down-rated to 50m, but is otherwise an equally capable, part-exchangeable clone of the legendary watch, except that it has a better backlight and the time remaining function can be set to autorestart, like if you were timing 5 minute development agitation cycles. And that's the real reason I bought it. Actually I bought two. One to destroy and one to use.

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Tudor Prince Oysterdate Submariner (reference 79090) is a lot like a 4 digit Rolex Sub, and pretty much my perfect watch, especially with an added Easylink.

Out of all the classics 14060M, 124060, 1st Gen Sea-Dweller and Deepsea, why do I keep coming back to this? I only paid the equivalent of a Longines Hydroconquest for it, threw on the cheapest Chinese strap. The lume is all but gone and I wouldn't trust it in a shower. But it's the ideal shape, size, top hat acrylic crystal, aluminum bezel and there's something about the overall lookand feel that's just right.

About the only thing wrong with it is the lack of on the fly, tooless size adjustment. So I added this flip out link. It's just a cheap repro. I wouldn't do anything so sacrilegious to a complete swt or genuine strap, but it isn't. It's not a safe queen, it's a daily beater. Maybe that's the magic.

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Reposted by Dan K

Camera Traders @camera-traders.com · 15/09/2026

We've got a bunch of these weird old lenses from ancient folding cameras up in the Lenses section. They don't cost a lot and they are kind of fun!

HBM 100mm f4.5 Ensar lens in a Trichro shutter

A small, brass-front Kodak lens from an old folding camera.

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

"Do what you love and you'll never work another day in your life." 👉 "Turn your hobby into your job and you'll need another hobby."

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

In 1926 Rolex launched their water- and dust-proof Oyster case which led the way for sports and dive watches. They didn't do a centenary re-isssue but three of the best Chinese homage watch brands Baltany, Thorn and Militado made tributes. I paid £94 for this Baltany S184037. I highly recommend it.

36mm case in 316L stainless steel, 8.9mm thick (10.9mm including the bubble sapphire crystal) weighs only 49g.

It's kind of like a Panerai, but a sensible size, lightweight and with a comfortable cushion back.

The design doesn't look like a clone of a modern luxury watch, but has a tasteful, genteel, yet casual vintage style. One of the first true sports watches, it would work as well with jeans as a suit.

I'm not sure it would look right on anything but a leather or Milanese strap, but I can mix and match colour tones and styles to suit the occasion.

The best thing is it's quartz, with a reliable Seiko VD78. The 377 / SR626SW battery is expected to last 3 years and Baltany's warranty is 2 years. Quartz means it's always ready to go in the morning and I'll not forget to fulky screw down the crown and let water inside. The case has a 10ATM/100m water resistance rating.

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Photos from Hong Kong artist Keith Hui, who painted my M3, taken on the M6 Traveller i gave him in exchange for his excellent work.

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

This article reminded me of how Leicaphiles sound when recommending a film rangefinder and concluding that "only the M6J will do, but you need to replace the framelines" or something. The Curious Case Of The Boring Rolex Submariner Ref. 14060 www.fratellowatches.com/the-curious-...

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Reposted by Dan K

🦇bat-ilda jay @wavesounds.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

but look, aerocolor slides!

me holding a torch up behind some film to show the slides

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I have commissioned these SOLID GOLD shutter release buttons as a gift for my photography mentors from D.G. Workshop. If you also want them at USD199 each +Shipping & Import Duty contact him: chingfelix888@yahoo.com.hk WhatsApp +85296582914 Or friends here can ask me to facilitate.

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Reposted by Dan K

Ade Taylor (shoot_dev_print_repeat) on instagram @ade-pano.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

I remember turning one of these down for 2k a few years back, what a mistake that was 😮

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Shanghai 7120 Huh. I was not expecting this watch to be that good for the price (RMB168/USD25/£18.49). In the 70s, they were referred to as the Rolex of China. It's not a Rolex, and it's not Rolex-level, but it's not something I'd be embarrassed to wear or gift. It's a keeper!

It's an mid-century style watch. Sporty but elegant enough to go with a suit. It's not a homage, it has 70 years of heritage and real historical importance. Plus it has a Chinese theme to it without it being cultural appropriation.

36mm case diameter. The hands are a bit small by today's standards, but period style. It's unlumed and no water resistance as a non-dive watch should be.

Top hat acrylic watch glass. Stainless steel case is polished to a really nice lapped finish. Even the side-top transitions are bevel polished. It's slim and the sides make it look even slimmer.

RMB168 is in the ballpark of what a CASIO F-91W costs. But this is mechanical, has a leather strap, and is a whole lot better looking. 168 in Chinese numerology sounds like "One straight path to success" and that means they could probably have done it a little cheaper, but this number looks lucky. That's USD25 or £18.49. For another 5 or 10 you could add a nice leather case and it would make a super budget gift that could pass for something worth 50 to 100 times that. And the recipient would actually want to wear it.

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

This Watchdives Premier WD0019 40mm Diver with a Sea-gull ST2130 movement (excellent quality ETA 2824-2 derived) cost me $249 shipped and came in the post today. It's shockingly good. IMO, it's somewhere above Tag Heuer, Oris and Mido, just below Longines. Moreover, it looks good in its own right.

If the hands and batons look odd, it's because they're lume blocks. It's a microbrand trend, and gives them the brightest glow in the dark possible with modern technology.

The blue tones are tasteful, like a BB58 Blue or a FXD Marine Nationale. But the bezel is matte ceramic.

The ETA 2824-2 has long been the gold standard in mid-tier watch movements. Tudor used them. It's not just a good clone of the ETA, it's beautifully done.

And a Sapphire caseback, engraved text, toolless quick release strap. There are lots of finishing variations and the back edges of the case have a black polished bevel.

I've never seen this level of finishing from this price point before.

It sits low and flat on my wrist with gracefully dropped lugs. It has a skin diver vibe. The crown lugs are held on with Torx screws. Proportions are really good.

Dive bevel knurling feels like a Tudor Black Bay. Nice 60 click action.

The bracelet is a highlight. The links are slim with flat polished edges. So slim that the push pins seem appropriate. It has Watchdives' new on-the-fly adjustable, deployant clasp too. Articulation is top notch, links closely spaced and it doesn't pull hairs.

Look at the AR coated, flat sapphire watch glass with a sharp bevel. Wahhhh. That's new.

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

After posting lots of expensive watches, check this out. Watchdives WD1680Q V2 with an aftermarket Glidelock (Deep Sea) clasp. It's slimmer than a Rolex, sweep seconds quartz, good bracelet articulation, 20mm strap width, easier to open back and has a better clasp than the Rolex Starbucks. See Alt

My camera won't bring out the green. Let's just say it's not vibrant, but it looks right. And it's ceramic. With a Sapphire glass. And decent lume.

Watchdives WD1680Q VH31 Sub Diver Watch V2 costs $85* new and shipped. And the clasp costs another $20 off Aliexpress.

*I s##t you not. Eighty five dollars.

It looks the same on the wrist as the model appropriate clasp, but it can do THIS.

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

In the early hours of this morning I finished my first service and reassembly of a watch movement and am enjoying the "I know Kung Fu" stage of the Dunning-Kruger Effect. Mistakes were made, diagnosed and rectified. I learned a lot and was super satisfied to see it run.

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Reposted by Dan K

Camera Traders @camera-traders.com · 14/08/2026

Just in: not sure what this is, some kind of camera made by a printer company? Goofy little clock on top, guess they couldn't figure out how to make an lcd 😅 next time leave it to the pros boys 🤣

camera-traders.com

Epson R-D1

The Epson R-D1 is a unique M-mount digital rangefinder camera with a very cool "clockwork" information display, courtesy of the Seiko half of Seiko Epson; the body is based on a Cosina Voiglander 35mm...

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Dan K @zdp189.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

"Garden Traffic, Snail Victor Romo Hotel Hotel Foxtrot, taking off runway 05 for touch and goes, Garden Traffic"

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Assorted Rolexes, the legendary Tudor Date+Day and a Longines.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34mm wristwatch in stainless steel with an olive green dial and orange hour markers. Ref. 114200.

Nice, has a bit of a Milgauss vibe.

Stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 15200 featuring alternating Arabic numeral markers. You don't see a lot of these.

Prince Oysterdate / Prince Date+Day Reference 76213(?) "Vice-President" with a solid 18K gold bezel and gold capped centrelinks. 36mm case. ETA Calibre 2834-2.

Rolex never made a Oyster Perpetual Day Date in steel or Rolesor (two tone) so there's no question of being mistaken for one of those at a distance.

I'd wear the Rolex in 36mm, but if it's Tudor, I'd prefer the 38mm Jumbo models.

From slightly too small to slightly too big, here's a Longines Master Collection Power Reserve. I think this is a 42mm version...Chonkers. Longines Caliber L602/L693 based on the ETA 2897 automatic movement with 42 hours of power reserve. Cheap though!

I think I'll buy this Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date for myself. It's a behemoth at 43mm, but wears OK. And the buckle is brilliant! But don't buy new (HKD27,200 MSRP) I'm paying HKD4,000 (£375/$510) which is fair.

43mm across the case but a reasonable 12.5mm thick. That bezel has a nice 60 click action. Not Tudor level, but good.

Lug to lug is 50mm but it has female end links and fits my 7.25" wrist. The octagonal bezel is a nice spin on the Submariner style. If you can find one in a flea market, go ahead, but new, the Longines Hydroconquest is cheaper and better. Or get a Mido, which is half the price a d similar quality.

A decent embossed case back. An effort was made.

The best thing about the watch is the unique and innovative buckle. Double push button deployant clasp release and double push button size adjustment without tools or even taking the watch off. Bravo!

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The Franck Muller TransAm is surprisingly comfortable on the wrist, but who knows what the designer was thinking. I don't even think the bezel can be rotated. The only reason I'd wear it is to annoy people with taste. Our reserve is 2/3 the price of a Longines Hydroconquest, LOL.

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This Hublot Spirit of Big Bang King Gold Blue watch has a solid 18K gold tonneau case, chronograph complications and skeletonised dial. I'm rather hoping it'll get us a decent return. But friends don't let friends buy Hublot, so don't even ask.

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