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Ares501 - Mr Green introduces Raymond_S as the 'PuristS of the Month' for August, celebrating a respected member from Washington State, USA. This feature offers a personal glimpse into Raymond's life, his journey in the high-tech semiconductor industry, and his family's shared passion for watches. It's an inspiring read that highlights the community spirit and diverse backgrounds of WatchProSite members.
1. Please introduce yourself!
I’m Raymond from Washington State, USA, have been in the US for many years.
2. How did you discovered WatchProSite and what it means for you to be one of PuristS?
Like to read about watches, reviews and new releases (my boss always complaint why I’m wasting my time on things that will make me keep spending $$)3. What watch are you wearing today and how you choose watch “of the day”?
I’m wearing my Rolex GMT Master II and typically I wear the latest purchase more frequently due to honeymoon period and also to test the watch while it’s still under warranty, smart right?
4. What is your favorite watch/brand/complication?
Hard to say, really tough question. My childhood dream, while window gazing those ADs, I always admire the Breguet or Blancpain Perpetual Calendar (PC) watches.
5. When and how you discovered horology?
I can still remember when I was 5~6 years old, which was like twenty years ago (seriously?), one day my big brother came home from work. He took out a watch from a brown paper bag, like those from McDonalds (it’s not McDonalds) and handed a watch to me….I have no idea why he bought me a watch but that moment still etched in my memory. I think that was the start of this hobby.
6. What element of the watch is for you make it or break it factor?
It used to be just the looks, how nice it looks on my wrist. Now it’s Quality and the heritage of the brand. Limited edition will be an added bonus. 7. If you could design your own watch
what would it be and what it would look like?
If I have my own design,
it has to be wearable, in terms of size and weight. I think nowadays 38~40mm is
good, and not too thick 10mm +/-2 mm.
Too big or too high is a no-go for me. Eg.
My Corum Admiral’s Cup Challenge 44mm Split Sec Chrono will be too big and
heavy, like a handcuff, and it’s cast a print on my wrist L
It will be a PC, has to be round, depending
on the metal, Pt, RG, WG, SS, and a matching dial color eg. White metal + Black
dial looks great, RG + egg shell dial looks great, to me.
8. What is the watch that will last leave your collection and why?
Can I say a few? Please? The Pateks, Langes, Rolexes and Omegas…sorry, not going to happen to have the last watch. Need a few for various occasions. Ok, how about last 4? 1 from each
of the 4 brands above, please? If ok, for today, it’s my Nautilus, 1815HG,
Daytona, GMT Batman, Snoopy, Spectre, CK2998, oh come on…can’t do it.
9. What do you love and hate about watch industry today?
Love – competition is going to make brands produce better quality products, more bang for buck, not necessarily affordable. Hate - Getting very
expensive, inflation is crazy. Pricing across continents make shopping
complicated. Too many grey market dealers. I wish all watches are fixed price
so everybody pays the same. Price retention of most watches, I hate to say this
word, suck.
Love and Hate (neutral)
- Also, many complications can now be easily achieved by different brands, no
longer exclusive but more options.
10. What was the evolution of your collection and how do you see it in next decade?
Consolidation to only few brands, buy only quality, maybe limited ones that can last the test of time. My last 3 exit watches,
as I told my boss, have to be carefully chosen. I am now thinking of a PCC, or
PC and a nice Chrono (Patek or ALS), a Patek with micro-rotor, and something
Platinum as I don’t have any Pt watches. My boss can probably approve one of the 3 in 2017 but I feel we are still young, I want to wait and keep looking.
I will
have a special watch arriving soon, supposed to be here in Dec but delayed.
Stay tuned.
11. What other hobbies do you have?
Hobbies are watches, cars, music, food and travel. Typically we try to take vacation at least twice a year. Last 2 years, after a new job, we are fortunate to go 3~4 times a year, local within US and overseas. 2015 highlights was Dubai trip. 2016 has been great,
with 6 vacation trips (Amangiri, Italy, Germany, Prague, Austria, California
(2x), Hawaii etc), not sure if I will ever beat this year.
Most weekend activities
are shopping with my wife and try new restaurants. We eat a lot! As you can see
from my food posts, those are just 3 of us and we never “to-go” or take
away….we are hungry people J
I also like cars, BMW,
Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and all exotics….who
doesn’t right? So far I’ve owned 330Ci, X5 4.4i, 535i, 650Ci, Porsche Cayenne
Turbo, Aston Martin Rapide. I’m fortunate to buy them brand new but usually
keep them for 3 years and then change. As you can see, like watches, I’m into
variety and changes. Currently owning a BMW i8 and a Cayenne S, love them. I
don’t allow any food in my cars, always garage and hand wash, wax etc.
I like Bang & Olufsen speakers, like their design, modern, sleek concept. They do sound good.
The Patek Philippe World Time reference 2523, launched in 1953, is distinguished by its innovative two-crown system. One crown serves for winding the watch, while the second, positioned at 9 o’clock, controls the city disc. This design marked a significant development in the functionality and user experience of world time complications for the brand.
The reference 2523 was offered in two primary versions. The initial ref. 2523 featured larger lugs that extended above the bezel, with a case diameter of 35.5 mm. A subsequent variant, ref. 2523/1, presented a slightly larger diameter of 36 mm and thinner lugs that were integrated without extending above the bezel. Both versions were powered by the caliber 12-400 HU, which incorporated the world time module developed by Louis Cottier.
This reference appeals to collectors interested in Patek Philippe's historical advancements in complicated watchmaking, particularly the evolution of its World Time series. The distinct design differences between the 2523 and 2523/1, especially regarding lug integration and case dimensions, provide specific points of interest for enthusiasts tracking the model's development and variations.
always good to learn more about members of the community, but nothing can beat meeting face-to-face, so hopefully one day...
A good mix yoiu have in your collection! Best Blomman
Always interesting to read about fellow PuristS in depth.
May you continue to enjoy life and collecting watches Julian
So happy to meet you and your wife last month in NYC.
And thank you for the always kind and fun comments. Cheers, Luis
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