Who Watches the Watchmen (Our Chit Chat Thread)

Thanks that's awesome. They do 19mm so might pick up one for my sla037

If I buy while in UK how am I fixed for customs coming home?

things are stirring

I'm not getting political here, but this is an interesting knock-on from other stuff…

DHL Express is suspending deliveries to the US worth more than $800 (£603) because of a "significant increase" in red tape at customs following the introduction of Donald Trump's new tariff regime.

The delivery giant said it will temporarily stop shipments from companies in all countries to American consumers on Monday "until further notice".

It added that business-to-business shipments will still go ahead, "though they may also face delays".

Previously, packages worth up to $2,500 could enter the US with minimal paperwork but due to tighter customs checks that came into force alongside Trump's tariffs earlier this month, the threshold has been lowered.

DHL said that the change "has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock".

It said that while it is working to "scale up and manage this increase, shipments worth over $800, regardless of origin, may experience multi-day delays".

The company said it will still deliver packages worth less than $800, which can be sent to the US with minimal checks.

But the White House is set to clamp down on deliveries under $800 - specifically those sent from China and Hong Kong - on 2 May when it closes a loophole allowing low-value packages to enter the US without incurring any duties.

The removal of the so-called "de minimis" rule will impact the likes of the fast-fashion firm Shein and Temu, the low-cost retail giant.

Via BBC News

Had an absolutely bizarre experience in a jewellers in Dublin over the weekend.

I've been wearing my Speedmaster reduced for the last couple of years on a Nato strap. Decided to bring it into a jewellers to get some links removed from the bracelet to try it on that instead.

Honestly thought it would be a bit of an enjoyable experience, maybe have a bit of a chat about watches and look at some potential purchases - oh how wrong I was.

Was talking to the lady at the counter for a bit who was lovely while waiting for the jeweller to come out. Everyone in grand form and all laughs.

He comes out, takes one look at me, asks to have a look at my watch:

Jeweller - 'where did you get this?'

Me - 'excuse me?'

He then starts analysing the watch intensly as the mood grows extremely cold. I was initially thinking if he was checking to see if it was a fake.

Walks off to the back room with the watch. I'm left standing there puzzled, as is the lady who was working the counter. 'Is he just a bit eccentric and off to have a look at his tools?'

Comes back five minutes later with a barrage of questions asking me about it. Not conversational, but more of a cross examination. 'what year is it from, do I wear it daily etc etc'.

When I told him the owner before me had bought it in Weir's in 1998 he grew a bit less accusatory, which lead me to believe he might have been looking it up on a database in the back room (or maybe that's me just being overly paranoid)

Bear in mind I was standing there with the original box and papers on the counter.

Suffice to say, I took my watch back, told him I was no longer interested and going to go to Weir's instead.

My wife was actually sitting at the entrance on her phone the whole time listening silently and was secretly fuming.

I walked over to her with the watch back in it's box very puzzled and said under my breath

'Am I mental and completely misinterpreting this situation or was he accusing me of…'

and without failing she said 'stealing? - yes'

Suffice to say, she was not impressed at all and wanted to go back in and have a word but I thought it best to leave it.

Can't say anything like that has ever happened to me before. Certainly had me thinking about my clothes choices for the rest of the day 😂

Something interesting while season 2 is ongoing:

https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/joel-the-last-of-us-watch
https://www.therpf.com/forums/threads/joel-miller-pedro-pascal-watch-the-last-of-us-hbo-show-replica.353026/

closes to get a bit pricey though:

https://lum-tec.com/products/super-combat-b2-power-reserve?srsltid=AfmBOorjD-Dk9714wmaeBi_NVj7x_NQh1IewY9o7iugFvw2Hz_qvg1xl

or more obvious choices
https://stagprovisions.com/products/standard-issue-field-watch-38mm-black-olive
https://vertex-watches.com/collections/the-m100-series/products/the-m100
https://www.vintagewatchleader.com/products/1940s-vintage-timor-www-dirty-dozen-british-military-assigned

& https://www.hodinky-365.com/blog/the-last-of-us-joels-watch

Hi all, just looking for some advise here - headed to the south of Spain for a few days in June. First trip to that part of the world in many years. I’ll be between Marbella & Fuengirola. Whats the general consensus on wearing a nice watch out in the evenings in those towns? Ok, or go naked on the wrist?

I like this!

I’m a fan of Breitling .Nice easy watch to wear ,feels solid on the wrist and no bulshit with the brand.Not overly expensive either so you don’t have to be worried about it when wearing it.You must be due a purchase anyway .

Just an update on this, went into Weirs yesterday. Had the watch box, warranty card, even had my nice shiny Seiko Presage on as 'proof' that I didn't steal my Omega from some yuppie…

Treated like absolute royalty. The difference was insane. Didn't charge me a cent for removing three links. I know where I'll be going in future.

I was never a bracelet man but am coming around..! A bit of micro adjustment on the clasp when I got home (it was moving up and down my wrist a little more than id like) and it fits like an absolute glove.

I think I remember being told any Omega retailer will adjust your strap for free at any point. Part of the perks of owning one.. I may have dreamed that though

Was a big investment but could never see how it would generate a return all brands you'd be mad tk buy at retail.