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Post by rw16610 on Feb 21, 2022 15:46:15 GMT -6
Well, I've done it again. Found a great deal on eBay and it arrived today! Introducing my second Caravelle Set O Matic. This is an "N5", so made in 1975 and is in excellent shape. The lume has a nice patina and it looks great. Thankfully it's from a Canadian seller in Montreal, which explains how it got here so quickly. I've ordered a Milanese bracelet for it exactly like the one on the left. The lug width is a strange 19mm so I'll have to file down the Milanese a bit as I did with the one already photographed to get the best fit. I've also got two springbars on the way (19mm) which are more hefty than the ones or came with. Here are two of the sellers listing images of the internals: Very happy with this unexpected purchase! My intent for this piece is to be a travel beater. Incredibly attractive looking, Swiss movement, vintage dive watch appeal, and not the end of the world should it get damaged or go missing.
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Feb 21, 2022 16:42:43 GMT -6
Congrats!!! I dig the funky 5 piece bracelet - totally screams 70's!
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Post by rw16610 on Feb 21, 2022 17:02:55 GMT -6
Thanks, Roger! I didn't like it in the listing but appreciated it more in person. That bracelet was of incredibly poor quality and already broke. Luckily the watch didn't fall off, so I'm glad it happened when it did, how it did.
So glad I discovered this model a while back. One thing I really wish came my way was a Zodiac diver, but for now these will do!
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Feb 21, 2022 17:18:34 GMT -6
Thanks, Roger! I didn't like it in the listing but appreciated it more in person. That bracelet was of incredibly poor quality and already broke. Luckily the watch didn't fall off, so I'm glad it happened when it did, how it did. So glad I discovered this model a while back. One thing I really wish came my way was a Zodiac diver, but for now these will do! That's a shame. What part broke? I wonder is a good watchmaker could make it study again. I think it adds some killer flair to the whole watch, but I can understand wanting to switch since it's failed once.
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Post by rw16610 on Feb 21, 2022 17:32:38 GMT -6
It was one of the pins that hold the folding clasp together. From the time it was unboxed I noticed it was hard to close and very stiff. I'm on the hunt for a vintage Milanese as well. If I could find the same bracelet pattern but better quality I'll be in to so it. I'm not mad though because when I negotiated with the seller this was one of the things I had planned to swap instantly. He agreed to an offer that reflected this. The watch seems to be running well, he said it keeps good time. Winds well, but has a lot of resistance when setting the time as it requires significant force, but works, nonetheless. My dream is to source the original Caravelle bracelet like the one below: Image from Google That or something like this, but not sure how sturdy those folded end links would be for an aquatics watch. Bent or even broke many springbars on my Orient with similarly constricted end links.
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Post by lagunatic on Feb 21, 2022 17:36:28 GMT -6
Back in New York City in 1970 it was ether the Seiko diver or the Zodiac Cosmograph. I wanted the Zodiac with all the dials on it but my mom said it was too much money so my mom bought me the Seiko
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Post by muckymark on Feb 21, 2022 17:44:23 GMT -6
Congrats Rommel. That’s a great pick up. I agree with Roger, the bracelet is cool. Not a design you see every day. Do you think it’s repairable?
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Post by rw16610 on Feb 21, 2022 19:38:51 GMT -6
Back in New York City in 1970 it was ether the Seiko diver or the Zodiac Cosmograph. I wanted the Zodiac with all the dials on it but my mom said it was too much money so my mom bought me the Seiko Very cool story, I can imagine! The Seiko, albeit great, lacks that appeal the Zodiac pieces of the 60s, 70s, etc have. How nice it would be to go back in time (or a watch museum) to see AD offerings the era in new condition. Congrats Rommel. That’s a great pick up. I agree with Roger, the bracelet is cool. Not a design you see every day. Do you think it’s repairable? Thanks muckymark ! You and Baco Noir twisted my arm to fish the bracelet out of the garbage. After washing it off for a good few minutes with soap and very hot water I'm going to see if I have a replacement springbar that size so it's back together. I've got a springbar set here so I'll be able to find one. However, still not too trusting of this bracelet but appreciate how unique it is! Stay tuned for an update on this shortly as I go looking for the parts. At least I can determine the size this way then order thicker / stronger springbars.
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aquajoe
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Post by aquajoe on Feb 22, 2022 17:51:27 GMT -6
Hey Rommel if the bracelet comes apart in the pool it would be a true dive watch - you’re gonna have to dive to go get it!
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Post by rw16610 on Feb 22, 2022 19:24:28 GMT -6
I was able to get some additional information from the seller on this piece. He told me it was obtained from an estate sale or mostly new old stock watches a couple years ago, most likely in Quebec somewhere. This explains why the watch is in such good shape overall. I'm thinking the first one I bought should be the beater and this the collector piece that gets less harsh use. aquajoe - So true! The weakest link of the Milanese would for sure be the springbars. Although I decided to keep the bracelet photographed I can't see myself using it again with confidence after this. Now if I was able to find it in the water at least (should that happen) it would make for added fun! My snorkel gear is ready!
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CHIP
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Post by CHIP on Feb 22, 2022 19:33:38 GMT -6
I like that one quite a bit! Congratulations, Rommel!
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Post by rw16610 on Feb 22, 2022 19:55:40 GMT -6
Thanks CHIP ! Further proof I'll never be done purchasing, especially more reasonably priced pieces.
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Post by carl on Feb 28, 2022 12:20:21 GMT -6
Congratulations rw16610 it's another great looking piece. It looks great on both those straps. Would be great if you can get the original repaired. Very unique. Really like the looks of this piece overall. The lume has aged beautifully and still intact. And I love the bezel on these. Great collection you are getting!! I think it's time I started looking for a good vintage piece as well. The AD, Russell Jewellers, where I got the O&W has an incredible watchmaker. Literally able to work on anything.
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Post by rw16610 on Feb 28, 2022 15:27:31 GMT -6
carl Thanks! Always looking for a reasonable piece to add. Albeit getting more difficult, I'm still searching for a Fortis after missing out on the 1950-1959 Marinemaster 8002 that was in rough shape, not running. I'll try have the bracelet properly repaired one day, as I'm sure it's possible. You should definitely do it! There's something special about vintage watches, especially for a watch lover. Each time I look at it, hold it, put it on my wrist, it's like going back in time. Glad to know your AD can service anything! This will come in handy if I find something nice in rough shape that's too costly to send internationally.
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Post by carl on Feb 28, 2022 20:49:34 GMT -6
rw16610 Just found out we are getting a Fortis AD here in Vancouver. I really look forward to checking the watches out!
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