Brandon Skinner's 2018 Watch Collection Review
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Brandon Skinner's 2018 Watch Collection Review

By Brandon Skinner · Dec 5, 2018 · 47 replies
Brandon Skinner
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
47 replies6614 views18 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

Brandon Skinner's 2018 collecting year in review offers a personal and engaging look into his family's horological journey, highlighting significant acquisitions and the joy of sharing this passion. This article captures the essence of collecting, from independent watchmaking to robust tool watches, and the community's warm reception of his diverse choices. Readers will appreciate the blend of personal narrative and insightful commentary on various timepieces.

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2018 was a fantastic year for the family collection. In February, the Grail Wife got the party started with a gorgeous 38mm PSM Serpent Calendar. I couldn't be more proud of her… how many people can say the first watch they ever purchased was an Independent?!

I kinda hate to say it, but she has the nicest watch in the family! It looks amazing on her and it took some stress off of all my watches she and my son love to scratch so skilfully. Grail Baby approved.


I kicked off the year with a trusty new surf companion.🤙

In its first year, the fearless Turtle survived at least 50 sessions in the water, getting tossed around in the waves and ground by sand and yet somehow it still looks brand new. Seikos really represent an unbeatable value.


Next addition was the LLD, a watch I have admired from afar for many years. One fateful day in the Spring, I walked into the newly built Nordstrom in my area where I noticed inside  their case of Longines an LLD with date (close your eyes, Nico🙈). I tried it on and it was all over... I naturally had to find the No-Date version. Fortunately I found it with no trouble at all from a fellow Purist. Just had to change the strap and I was good to go. Grail Baby approved!


What I thought had to be my last watch of 2018 was this Habring2 COS. My first ever Indy, first ever white dial, and the closest I have ever come to a “dress watch”. If you've never experienced the operation of the COS crown, what Richard and Maria created is quite remarkable. When we regard the pushers of a 5170 or Datograph as buttery smooth, I can say activating the chrono of the COS is just as smooth if not smoother. As with any Habring2, this another watch with tremendous value.


Last month while on vacation in Europe, I visited my friend Sandra at Amsterdam Watch Co. They have an enviable selection of vintage Rolex and Omega which are presently (and likely forever) out of my reach. One piece which was utterly unique from the rest was a 42mm Pontiac (a brand I admittedly never heard of) with Blue-Green dial, all original dial & hands, and best of all, a 42mm EPSA Super Compressor case with signed crowns.


I left without it but obsessed every day of two weeks until I called Sandra to kindly put it on hold, intent on paying in full in January. But the Grail Wife - the amazing woman that she is - realized how much I was lusting after it and surprised me with an early Christmas present!


And so with the Pontiac the Grail Family put a cap on a huge (for us) 2018. In 2019 I have my sights on the polarizing Panerai PAM779. Sacrilege to the Paneristi but I love it! After that, THAT'S IT… I'M DONE for a long, long while!!!  .....but of course we'll see how long that lasts!😉


Thanks for reading, my family wishes all our fellow Purists a great end to 2018 and an even better 2019.













About the Panerai Luminor Ref. PAM1080

The Panerai Luminor PAM1080 is a distinctive interpretation within the Luminor collection, characterized by its specific aesthetic and technical configuration. This reference is notable for its particular dial execution and case finishing, which set it apart from other contemporary Luminor models. It represents a specific period in the brand's production, appealing to collectors who appreciate variations in design and material application within the established Luminor framework.

This Luminor model typically features a robust case construction, consistent with the series' design principles. The movement housed within is engineered for reliability and precision, offering a practical power reserve suitable for daily wear. The crystal protecting the dial is designed for clarity and durability, ensuring legibility and protection for the intricate dial details.

For collectors, the PAM1080 offers a specific point of interest due to its limited availability and unique characteristics. Its appeal lies in its particular combination of elements, which may include subtle differences in dial texture, numeral application, or case treatment compared to more common Luminor references. This makes it a sought-after piece for those assembling a comprehensive collection of Panerai variations.

Specifications

Caliber
OP XI
Case
Titanium
Diameter
44mm
Dial
Brown
Water Resist.
300m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
MA
mahesh
Dec 5, 2018

That Longines Legend driver no-date is a great one...worth every penny ! Best, Mahesh.,

BI
Bill
Dec 5, 2018

Thank you very much for sharing your family and you watch journey for 2018. What is in store for 2019. Best Bill

WA
Watchonthewrist
Dec 5, 2018

Love the PSM from your Boss and your Habring2 . (I am a sucker for indie watches 😉) Sandra from AWCO is such a nice woman and the owners Roel and Toesja are lovely people as well , bought my first indie (CvdK)there 15 years ago ,and many more after . Thanks for sharing .

MJ
mj23
Dec 5, 2018

Don’t say “my last one for a long long time”. It won’t be long!! 😉 Didn’t know they gave a no-date version for the Longines. You should show it to me next time.

MI
Mike H
Dec 5, 2018

Quite a nice selection ! Needless to say that you did more than well with the PSM for her, and yours are just fine too (I have a soft spot for the Habring² COS). Impressive, that's a productive year ! Wear all these newcomers in the best of your health Mike

CL
Clueless_Collector
Dec 5, 2018

I agree to mj23....Never say you're done for x period of time...it never happens here

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