Rob McNelis created WatchJudge.com as a user-generated buyer's guide for watches. In the blog section of his site, Rob has a series of five-question interviews with watch bloggers including Yours Truly, Joshua Claire-Flagg of Watch It All About, and some guy named Ariel Adams. I thought it might be fun for Rob to answer his own five questions. So tonight, I bring you the Watch Judge interviewing himself.
1. What watch or watches do you currently own?
Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar - K Serial, circa 2001, solid end links, holes case, lume, box, papers, links etc.
The most expensive watch I own, and my grail until I purchased it on The Rolex Forums (Rolex forums.com). Now I'm scouring the web for my next unachievable achievable timepiece. This was a big purchase for me, but I think it's one of the best deals out there in terms of being able to hold its value. I paid $3,900 shipped and I don't see myself getting any less than that if I chose to sell it 20 years from now. I don't plan on selling it, but that cements it as a good buy in my mind. Also, I think it's one of the most underrated Rolex watches in terms of popularity. A sub in similar condition/age will run you $4,500 minimum. Oh, and that white dial speaks to me!
Rolex Air King -This was a gift from my parents for high school graduation (2005). It means the world to me, and I will pass it on to my kids one day. It's only 34mm and I'm proud that I chose not to sell it for a bigger piece (I've matured since then lol). To me it's like a contemporary example of a vintage dress watch - sophisticated, understated, and totally baller under a suit (yes, I used "matured" and "baller" in the same paragraph).
Krieger Tide - Another super meaningful watch to me. I haven't been able to find out much about it. It's a relatively inexpensive quartz watch that has worn plated links, but my dad wore this watch when I was a little kid. He let my younger siblings play with it in their high-chairs, and ultimately he gave it to me. He had moved on to a Yacht-Master, and I found it in his closet when I was about 10 years old. That's my earliest memory of being intrigued by watches. I hardly wear it, but I love the memories behind it
Bernhardt Sea Shark - My first well-researched purchase after college. I had a tight budget at my first corporate job, and this was my "good enough for the time being" sports watch. At this time, I was dying for a Rolex sub, but ultimately settled on the Explorer II a few years later. This is another watch that has grown on me a great deal. It's by a small company out of North Carolina, and the owner Fred responds to customer service emails. I can feel his passion every time I look at it. His son designed the hour markers around the age of 10ish. I forget exactly how old he was, but he was young. Recently, I threw a green NATO on it because I felt the bracelet, while solid, wasn't going to compete with the Explorer II. I think it looks awesome.
Swatch Sistem 51 - Hard to have more fun with a watch under $200. I wear this watch regularly. It's 100% swiss made by robots. Something like 19 patents pending, auto with a 40-hour power reserve. Good stuff!
2. Currently, what is your favorite watch that you own and why?
My Rolex Explorer II, because it's the nicest watch I own and it represents years of hard work. Some of my others are more meaningful, but just being honest, I freakin' love this watch. Hard to get it off my wrist.
3. What is your favorite watch that you hope to own eventually and why?
Three brands pop into my head: A.Lange and Sohne, Patek Philippe, and Ressence. To be honest, I don't look at them often enough to know which models I would want the most. For a specific brand and model that I can think of, I would say a gold Rolex Datejust. That's a power watch! Gold isn't very popular anymore, which is part of why I am so attracted to it. It's retro, timeless, high quality, and flashy all at once.
