"I think I obsess way more over the history of the vintage pieces than the crave for owning them."
INTRODUCING
Fakewatchbusta
Folex owners beware, there's a horological Batman out there and he's looking for you! Since his emergence last year, Fakewatchbusta has been perhaps one of the most entertaining accounts on Instagram. He calls it like it is, and has busted not only your typical posers out there, but many a celebrity as well who wear fake watches. Featured in various publications like Vice and even on ESPN, we're excited that FWB is taking a little time out of his crime-fighting schedule to sit down and chat in this week's Horological Minute.
What was your first watch?
My first proper watch was an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 2500cal. that I bought back in 2009. I still feel it's one of the better contemporary designs Omega has done. I still like it much better than the 8500cal. version and I still feel it's one of the better used purchases out there in that price range.
What was the last watch you bought?
I bought a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Grande Taille but didn't get that perfect feeling with it so it's already gone. The last watch I bought that's still with me is an Omega Speedmaster 35th Anniversary Limited Edition. I have owned that one once before and regretted the sale. It has that Paul Newman Daytona kinda style and is one of very few "Panda" Speedmasters out there. They did that limited Mitsukoshi one and then the blue Gemini one. I just love Speedmasters...
Do you prefer vintage or modern?
Defintely more modern stuff. I have tried vintage but I'm too much of a detail freak to live with vintage pieces. I had an almost mint 1680 white Submariner but it's just something about that quality feeling of a more modern watch that appeals to me. I also have a big fear of buying something franken or fake as I don't know the vintage world the same way I do contemporary watches. In pictures I often swoon like crazy over vintage stuff but I just see so many "faults" where other people see patina when I study them closer..
Can you remember your last great meal? Where was it and what did you eat?
My last great meal was with my wife at Tamarind while visiting New York. My friend who has traveled a lot in India recommended the place very deeply and we were blown away by it! We really wanted to do Per Se as well but we didn't have enough time to spend almost an entire day eating there.
Do you remember what watch you were wearing?
That would be the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. Feels like I only own Omega here now but It's been quite a few of them through the collection lately. I love the DSOTM, a perfect watch for someone with OCD on scratches, you can literally scratch a key against that watch with no effect other than damaging the key, just don't drop the watch on a tile floor..
What do you love about vintage Rolex?
The history is the big ticket for me here. I think I obsess way more over the history of the vintage pieces than the crave for owning them. It's probably also due to the crazy prices in that market for many of them but I really feel the most impressive thing about Rolex in general is their amazing history. I'm reading a lot about the Milgauss at the moment an it's truly some fascinating stuff.
Strap or bracelet?
Depends on the watch. The newer Rolexes I only wear on the bracelet. Take a Speedmaster for example and I never wear it on a bracelet, only nato or a leather strap.
GMT/EXPLORER/SUB/DAYTONA or........?
Good question, I've been through most of them and currently owns a GMT 16700 and a Submariner 116610LV. I love those gold ceramic Daytona's but I'm not a huge fan of the newer Daytona in general, I just wish they did something soon along the lines of the original design. All in all I'm a big Submariner guy but can't get that new black Sky-Dweller out of my head after trying it on...
What do you want to see come out from Rolex at the next Basel Fair?
Like I said, I dream of a vintage inspired new Daytona and a steel Sky-Dweller would be interesting. Don't see it happening though..
What's on your wrist today?
Today I'm wearing a 1997 GMT Master 16700 Pepsi on a black nato.
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