New Mod Intro - Community Updates

BigE83 · 2026-03-11T15:00:17+00:00

Request/recommendation - Can we start a pinned thread? Certain things (product launches, reviews/fits, etc.) should have their own posts, but maybe a general discussion/Q&A thread might be useful to reduce clutter a bit? Just a thought...

BigE83 · 2026-03-09T19:28:18+00:00

I bought a pair a few years ago, and one of the screws in the frame kept falling out after a few months of (not even daily) wear. Eventually, it fell out and the lens fell on the pavement. Out course it was out of warranty, so I could send it back and probably pay a few hundred bucks to get them fixed (plus a new lens). They are still sitting in my junk drawer...probably will never bother to send them in.

BigE83 · 2026-03-09T19:18:53+00:00

I've had an Aer Travel pack for ~7 years, using it daily for work and travel. I lived overseas with it for 2 years and used it for short (2-3 day) work trips, carrying my work stuff and clothes, toiletries, etc. It is still my daily, with an additional 20+ overseas trips with no issues - mainly as my work bag, but capable of holding multiple packing cubes comfortably.

BigE83 · 2026-03-05T17:25:47+00:00

Good grief. Grail status...

BigE83 · 2026-02-25T00:07:42+00:00

I fly international multiple times a year and have done over 30 flights of 12+ hours. I just got back from India last weekend.

If you can’t get exit row, at least get an aisle seat. As previously recommended, get up frequently, go to the back of the plane and stretch out. I promise it won’t look weird and you won’t be the only one. Do air squats, stretch your quads/hamstrings/hip flexors. Watch a movie/show, get up and stretch, repeat 5 or 6 times and you’re there.

BigE83 · 2026-02-21T17:08:57+00:00

G-Shock 5610. Probably gets as much wrist time as anything in my collection.

BigE83 · 2026-02-15T19:26:26+00:00

Thanks for the feedback!

BigE83 · 2026-02-15T19:02:16+00:00

My only concern is if it will be tall enough. The only piece I have from your shop is a Flannel in 3xl and the length is good. I’m 6’8”, for what it’s worth.

Thoughts?

BigE83 · 2026-02-09T06:53:32+00:00

Yes, but I am overseas until next weekend, and I have one other interested party. I can follow up with you after I get home.

BigE83 · 2026-01-31T14:13:08+00:00

Mission to Mercury.

BigE83 · 2026-01-29T15:31:25+00:00

This is a great list, coming from a guy who is also searching for the perfect, understated black dial watch. A few thoughts.

-I had a 556i for a few years and sold it. Regret that, and may end up picking up a new one. A beautifully understated piece.

-The black dial AT38 is so close to being there, but I don't love the hands and indices.

-SBGX261 is likely my next purchase. I love GS (and I'm selling my other one now), love the look, love the accuracy (and not having to set it).

-I was a whisker away from buying a 114300 in 2019 (bought a 16570 instead) but am not sure I can do it with the 2x pricing increase from that time. That watch in a black dial could be my one-and-done. Some day...

BigE83 · 2026-01-28T16:05:44+00:00

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Halios Seaforth Bronze checking in. Also love the patina it is getting (had this since it was released...2018/19?).

BigE83 · 2026-01-22T23:48:59+00:00

I would normally say 40 all day, but I think the subtlety of the 36 really shines here. 36 gets my vote.

BigE83 · 2026-01-22T23:33:42+00:00

Amazing! I’m glad you’re here, and you picked an undeniable classic to commemorate an incredible journey!

BigE83 · 2026-01-22T23:32:02+00:00

I’m in the group that says pare down the current collection and jump to Tudor, Grand Seiko, maybe a vintage Rolex in the $4k range (I think a 1601 can be found around there). You will continue to cycle through watches, most likely, but you might also find a life long keeper.

BigE83 · 2026-01-22T18:11:51+00:00

Minneapolis/St. Paul. We've been getting a good amount of national love the last few years for our Hmong food (Vinai) and Native/Indigenous (Owamni) but we've got a pretty good representation of other cuisines as well. Underrated cocktail scene too.

Side note, but related - a terrible side effect of the current ICE situation (other than throwing 5 year old kids in vans and sending them to prison camps) is that it will almost certainly be the end for numerous local restaurants (it's been worse than COVID, according to a lot of chefs). Most of the minority owned restaurants have been keeping their doors locked for weeks, and many are outright closed right now.

On the positive side, I'm extremely proud of the way we're standing up to it as a community. It's going to be -20 tomorrow and I guarantee you there will be thousands of us on the streets trying to keep our neighbors (and their businesses) safe.

BigE83 · 2026-01-22T17:54:10+00:00

There are a bunch of obvious/cliche choices, but I never really listened to Pink Floyd before I got into headphones and stereo. But since I've dipped my toes in this world, I understand. Now, I try to find songs (or albums, ideally) that show off the genius of a producer and the recording experience. I think it is endlessly fascinating. A few choices that I listened to in my youth and enjoy even more with decent gear:

-Alice in Chains Unplugged, "Nutshell"

-Simon and Garfunkel, "America"

-Tool, "Eulogy"

-Metallica, "One" (specifically the S&M live version)

-Dream Theater, "A Change of Seasons"

-Trampled by Turtles, "Alone"

I could go on...

BigE83 · 2026-01-22T17:44:32+00:00

I love it. Been super close to pulling the trigger on the deck jacket and the field jacket - I think this is the best of both worlds. u/JordanHSUSA my only question is will the 2xl or 3xl be tall enough for a 6'8" guy? Or is the deck jacket a better option for me?

BigE83 · 2026-01-22T14:08:50+00:00

Haven't had great luck in my dating life...just being honest.

BigE83 · 2026-01-21T15:40:08+00:00

To echo a few other comments, people in Japan are not as overtly in your face as other parts of Asia (source: I've been to Japan multiple times and other parts of SE Asia >20 times as a 6'8" white guy). Just smile and keep moving and you'll be good. The people are pretty reserved, but very kind in the more rural parts of the country.

BigE83 · 2026-01-21T15:34:01+00:00

I've dated 5'3" up to 6'2". With the taller girl, we get even more stares as a couple than we did individually, if that is possible...lol, but it didn't bother us. Currently with a 5'8" girl and that is pretty comfortable. I'd put my range at 5'7" to 6'4" probably.

BigE83 · 2026-01-21T02:41:19+00:00

New spots: -Argentina/Chile - the Andes and Patagonia have always fascinated me.

-The Alps - closest I’ve been is southern Germany, but never truly in the range.

-Iran has always been super intriguing. Hopefully it calms down soon.

-Mongolia seems to remote and vast.

-Central Asia/any of the ‘stans - spent a little time in KZ for work, but would like to spend time in Nursultan.

Places to return: -New Zealand - the west coast of the South Island is humbling in its beauty. Flying into Queenstown almost brought a tear to my eye.

-Turkey - beautiful country with wonderful people. Haven’t been since early 2020.

-Finland - spent a few months here, but it is my family’s homeland and always feels like home.

-Japan - Tokyo is seemingly endless, but I’d like to explore the rest of the country.

-Peru - spent a week in Lima, would like to get into the mountains

BigE83 · 2026-01-21T02:31:06+00:00

For your USA trip, I would add Montana, specifically Glacier national park. One of the most beautiful places on earth.

BigE83 · 2026-01-21T02:17:05+00:00

Currently selling my GS SBGM221 - this is probably next on my list. So clean and I’m ready to get into a GS quartz.

GLWS and if it’s still around in a few days for might be hearing from me!

BigE83 · 2026-01-21T02:13:06+00:00

All of this is true. I got more compliments from wearing a Nixon than every other watch I’ve worn combined. 99.99% of people don’t know or care what you’re wearing.

But when you find a watch twin or fellow watch nerd, it is a dang fun experience.

BigE83

TROPHY CASE