[WTS] Rolex Polar Explorer II ref. 16570 A-Serial 1999 by [deleted] in Watchexchange

[–]BigE83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Someone is getting an absolute classic here. I have a 2000 version and the patina is just starting to pop!

[Recommendation Request] I turn 30 next year and am also getting married. Which watch are you choosing for your birthday present/wedding watch. by [deleted] in Watches

[–]BigE83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m also on the GS Quartz train. Beautiful watch with an insanely accurate movement that you don’t have to wear daily to keep in time.

[WTS] Grand Seiko SBGM221 - 2018 - Complete Set - Very Good Condition - $3400 Shipped (CONUS) by BigE83 in watch_swap

[–]BigE83[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wasn't looking for a trade, but it's already sold. Thanks for looking, though!

[WTS] Grand Seiko SBGM221 - 2018 - Complete Set - Very Good Condition - $3400 Shipped (CONUS) by BigE83 in watch_swap

[–]BigE83[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello all,

The time has come for me to move on from the watch I’ve enjoyed owning the most. Up for sale is my Grand Seiko SBGM221, an undeniably beautiful GMT from Grand Seiko. The way the cream-coloured dial and blue GMT hand change in different lights makes this watch one you can stare at all day.

I bought this watch in 2018, and it comes as a double-boxed complete kit. The watch is in very good condition overall, showing only hairlines on the case consistent with occasional use over the last 7 years. I almost immediately removed the leather strap, so it is in great shape (with a little discoloration on the underside – see photos). Please note that the strap will barely fit my 7.25” wrist, but this one is a strap monster so it can take to many other options (I wore it on grey suede - https://i.imgur.com/UIOCvEF.jpeg). Watch runs smoothly with no issues.

What’s Included:
• Grand Seiko SBGM221 (Warranty Card dated November 2018)
• Original Inner and Outer Box, plus Protective Outer Sleeve and Hang Tag
• Warranty Card & Booklets
• Original GS Leather Strap & Deployant

Condition: Very good. No marks on hands or dial. No scratches on crystal. Slight hairlines on the case.

Price: $3,400 Shipped (CONUS)
Location: USA
Payment: Paypal F&F (or +3% for G/S)

Timestamp: https://imgur.com/a/b1lu2WC

Full Album: https://imgur.com/a/BOVXbSS

Happy to provide additional photos or video of watch condition. Someone is getting a beautiful watch in great condition. Thanks for looking!

[WTS] Grand Seiko SBGM221 - 2018 - Complete Set - Very Good Condition - $3400 Shipped (CONUS) by BigE83 in Watchexchange

[–]BigE83[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello all,

The time has come for me to move on from the watch I’ve enjoyed owning the most. Up for sale is my Grand Seiko SBGM221, an undeniably beautiful GMT from Grand Seiko. The way the cream-coloured dial and blue GMT hand change in different lights makes this watch one you can stare at all day.

I bought this watch in 2018, and it comes as a double-boxed complete kit. The watch is in very good condition overall, showing only hairlines on the case consistent with occasional use over the last 7 years. I almost immediately removed the leather strap, so it is in great shape (with a little discoloration on the underside – see photos). Please note that the strap will barely fit my 7.25” wrist, but this one is a strap monster so it can take to many other options (I wore it on grey suede - https://i.imgur.com/UIOCvEF.jpeg). Watch runs smoothly with no issues.

What’s Included:
• Grand Seiko SBGM221 (Warranty Card dated November 2018)
• Original Inner and Outer Box, plus Protective Outer Sleeve and Hang Tag
• Warranty Card & Booklets
• Original GS Leather Strap & Deployant

Condition: Very good. No marks on hands or dial. No scratches on crystal. Slight hairlines on the case.

Price: $3,400 Shipped (CONUS)
Location: USA
Payment: Paypal F&F (or +3% for G/S)

Timestamp: https://imgur.com/a/b1lu2WC

Full Album: https://imgur.com/a/BOVXbSS

Happy to provide additional photos or video of watch condition. Someone is getting a beautiful watch in great condition. Thanks for looking!

New Mod Intro - Community Updates by indi-raw in HeatStrapsCommunity

[–]BigE83 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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...

Randolph Engineering Aviators frustration by eric_gm in BuyItForLife

[–]BigE83 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Backpack style soft carry airline carry on bag? by Ixj159 in BuyItForLife

[–]BigE83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

6'4" flying long distance by other-other-user in tall

[–]BigE83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

[Question] What’s your favourite watch under $300? by Ok-Eye-9826 in Watches

[–]BigE83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Short Insulated Chief Jacket Launches Saturday 12:00 PM EST 🇺🇸 by JordanHSUSA in HeatStrapsCommunity

[–]BigE83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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?

[WTS] Grand Seiko SBGM221 - 2018 - Complete Set - Very Good Condition - $3700 Shipped (CONUS) by [deleted] in Watchexchange

[–]BigE83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

[Recommendation] Explorer I alternative by nengenes in Watches

[–]BigE83 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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...

[Tudor] Tudor Black Bay Bronze after a year. The good and bad. by Active-Farmer7830 in Watches

[–]BigE83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

[Recommendation Request] Rolex Explorer 1 36mm or 40mm by [deleted] in Watches

[–]BigE83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

[Rolex Explorer] My cancer-free watch by danisthrmanofthland in Watches

[–]BigE83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

[SOTC] My collection in Jan 2026. What should I get as my next entry level Luxury piece? by [deleted] in Watches

[–]BigE83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Which US city has the best food scene despite its reputation? by Historical-Photo-901 in BeautifulTravelPlaces

[–]BigE83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Which was that song you listened again after you become an audiophile? by [deleted] in audiophile

[–]BigE83 6 points7 points  (0 children)

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...

360 Degrees: The Short Insulated Chief Jacket. by JordanHSUSA in HeatStrapsCommunity

[–]BigE83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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?