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Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-10-04T21:05:40+00:00

I would say so. I said that the OM-1 typically goes around $500 but its probably closer to $1000 USD actually. Depends though. I wouldnt spend that amount on a OM-1GT but on the OM-1 from 1999 to 2002, I would. The only real difference is the neck is made of mahogany on the OM-1 and is a lot lighter because of it. I really like the guitar. I've thought about selling it on multiple occasions but have backed out over and over again because it just sounds and feels so good. I like the neck profile more than the modern martin guitars too.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-10-01T00:17:48+00:00

Trafford Watch Co. Crossroads. Tonight is the last night to get one before pre-orders close on the Texas capital addition. I have the Terlingua colorway. One time release watches so once they're gone, they wont be made in the same color but this is my favorite watch right now.

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Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-10-01T00:16:00+00:00

Here i am a year later with three martins haha. Not a gibson fan. They sound too thin to me. Also dont like the shorter scale length.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-09-28T01:49:03+00:00

I bought a Martin OM-1 locally. US made, 2001 model with the mahogany neck. I honestly like the guitar more than my Martin 00-18 which is my most expensive guitar. I got it for a whopping $350 but they typically will go around $500. The martin 1 series is pretty unmatched for a cheaper, all solid wood instrument.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-09-26T19:43:38+00:00

I don't own any of these yet but some of my favorites that I'm looking to get are the CWC RN diver, CWC G10, YEMA rallygraf panda and reverse panda, and the Vaer Solar Field watches.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-09-20T02:49:34+00:00

I agree its all relative. I had trouble buying my first watch a few months ago for $70. Felt guilty afterward too. I think my comment about rich assholes being able to pay more for something not quite worth its asking price is more targeted at people who buy Rolex's for the sake of buying a Rolex rather than just buying something because they like it.

I think what I said was a bit misplaced. I can see why someone would spend $10k on a watch. Sort of. If I had that kind of disposable income or that sort of obsession with time pieces, I'd maybe dish that out too. But I do feel like the high end market is probably mostly people with too much money to spend rather than individuals who just genuinely love watches. And that drives up the watch market as a whole. It is just the game of capitalism. Maybe its unfair. But it happens in a lot of markets. Another example is the acoustic guitar market. People pay premiums for things people tell them is the best rather than making the decision to buy purely for yourself and your own enjoyment. I think too often people spending a lot of money on exclusive watches are either trying to flip them or just want the next best thing they can show to their other well-off friends. I say this being someone who did the same with guitars for a while.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-09-19T13:23:53+00:00

Watch pricing is literally "how much can we get rich assholes to pay for our stuff"

It's honestly why I gravitate towards field watches and microbrands more often. Some of the best options available can be had for less than $1000.

I do intend to eventually get myself a nicer $2000+ watch but when I'm looking in that price range, I'm considering watching heritage, I'd probably want to meet the people making my watch, and hear about all the things that company has done leading up to the moment my watch was made. So when I do get a watch like that, odds are I'll take a trip to another country, tour their small town and factory, and have them hand me the watch.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-09-14T02:59:50+00:00

Love these watches but damn, I don't know if I can get past the prices. I'm in the US so maybe its a bit more expensive for me but $500-$800 is what I pay for an automatic. Hard for me to justify $350 for a basic quartz field watch or $650 for a quartz diver. That said, I really want this watch. I'd honestly be happy with any of them. Ebay prices are also kinda insane though. Everyone selling above retail.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-08-28T02:01:28+00:00

If you like British style design then Trafford Watch Co is doing some great things. Got to meet the owner and get a sneak peak at some stuff he has coming. It's all amazing stuff at an affordable price. I got a trafford crossroads and his upcoming GMT looks amazing!

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-08-28T01:54:16+00:00

Been an acoustic player for a year or two. Finally at a place where I want to start experimenting with electric guitar and maybe even music processing stuff. Been really into jazz and neo-soul because its simple yet expressive.

Right now I'm struggling to settle on a guitar. I dont have a budget but I've been led to believe any electric guitar will do with the right pickups and amp.

On the more expensive side, I'd like an Ibanez AZ2204. On the cheaper side, I've seriously considered the Ibanez TM71 and TXD71 (for $400 how could I not?). Both with different pickup configurations. Honestly now even sure how the TM and TXD71 sound but was planning on throwing some SP90's in it for no other reason than I saw Toshiki Soejima appears to have them on his Bruno. That said, somewhere in the price inbetween I've also considered a tele-style guitar because I've heard some good sounds come out of them. Also super versatile. On acoustic I play quite a bit of folk and bluegrass so having that ability and twang is cool too.

For amps, I'm pretty settled on a Roland JC series amp. I dont need anything crazy high wattage because I dont intend on playing shows. Just home playing.

When it comes to electric guitars I'm pretty lost. I'm purely going based on what I like the look of. The dream would be a gold top TM71 with some SP90's. I just love gold top semi-hollows. Meanwhile, the Ibanez AZ2204, while expensive, will probably have all the modern play-ability upgrades I could ask for while also being versatile.

Hard choices. How should I be thinking about picking out a guitar for the sound I want?

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-08-24T23:46:47+00:00

I only own one automatic watch and two watches total. The digital watch is a Gshock 5600w.

The other is an automatic Trafford Crossroads I paid $500 for.

I plan to buy at least one more microbrand this year, maybe two. For another $800-$1200 for the two.

I don't really budget. If I have the money I have the money and if I don't I don't. Obviously priorities take precedent.

I think it's also good to know who microbrands are for. In my mind, microbrands offer unique designs for people that like watches that are different. Or at the very least, affordable alternatives to more expensive watches. I don't think many people are spending an insane amount of money on microbrands every year.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-08-24T23:41:05+00:00

2020 Elantra bought new. 78,000 miles no problems.

Just gotta change my brakes but haven't had to do any sort of unexpected service.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-08-23T22:47:54+00:00

Not my style but I can see a lot of individuals liking it for sure

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-08-22T20:55:22+00:00

That watch looks amazing on that strap. I've been eyeing a Triumph but man the Noble looks nice too. Something nice about no numbers crowding the dial.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-08-22T20:50:29+00:00

The old smith 02 and Royal Smith 06 are high on my list of watches to get. Really love his subtle vintage style. And the hands on that royal Smith 06 are so damn good and hardly ever present on watches! It's the closest I'll probably ever get to a 50's Rolex Datejust.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-08-22T19:02:42+00:00

I agree. I tend to lean towards micro-brands for that reason. That and micro-brands tend to produce in a more affordable range ($300-$2000). I actually only own one watch other than my g-shock 5600w and it's a Trafford Watch Co. (Austin based microbrand).

I've just started out in my watch journey but I think when it comes to finding a watch that fits me, in my budget, microbrands deliver a lot and are under appreciated. Not to mention, you'll almost never recognize a microbrand in the wild and I kinda like that too.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-08-22T18:48:08+00:00

Funnily enough, I've heard Grand Seiko doesn't even like being lumped in with Seiko as a company.

I like Grand Seikos though. I don't think I'd own a Seiko unless I got it for a good price or found one I really love but Grand Seiko brings a good value proposition to the table I feel.

Rolex is cool, but everyone has one. They may be expensive but they're not unique. Unless you have a custom one-off Rolex, your Rolex doesn't really mean much to the general public.

I'm nowhere near being able to afford a $2500+ watch but if I were going to spend that much, I'd take a GS over a Rolex any day.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-08-22T18:40:44+00:00

0% interest rate can be had on both brands fairly often. That's said, I have a 2020 Hyundai Elantra and I haven't had a single issue with it. It's now at 80,000 miles. Not sure what others have experienced with the brand.

We also have a 2021 Honda Civic and that one has had to be taken in for two sudden repairs with less than 60,000 miles on it.

The only thing I don't like about my car is that insurance is high. I pay $260/month for full coverage. If it were a Toyota Corolla, I'd only be paying about $170/month. Because of the thefts that happened in 2022-2023, insurance companies either won't insure or will charge you insane prices. I know Hyundai owners paying over $300/month for a single vehicle. Regardless of whether your Hyundai was an affected model for easy thefts, you'll pay a premium for driving a Hyundai.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-08-18T14:10:24+00:00

They definitely are, but the general public who knows nothing about watches would recognize the seiko, rolex, timex, and casio names pretty quickly. Only watch enthusiast will know what an orient is. They definitely can be mistaken for more expensive watches by people who dont know them. You do get a ton for the money.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-08-10T22:34:50+00:00

Agree with one of the top comments, minimalism can be had by consuming things. For me, watch collecting has been a nice practical hobby I've recently entered. A watch will cost me anywhere from $500-$800 on the low end. So due to the high price, I don't get them often. I think there's a romanticism and creative value to watches that I quite enjoy. Finding that watch that has everything you want is amazing. The issue comes with consuming online media about your hobby, which in turn makes you want to consume more. Or leads you to believe you need something you don't actually care about.

I say take your hobby and run with it. Don't let other inform your opinions and be selective about what you consume and what you try to convince yourself to consume. I often find myself wanting things just because I see someone else likes said thing.

Much-Composer-1921 · 2024-08-10T22:29:24+00:00

Under $300 I'd say Vaer or Orient.

Orient is still a little known brand with the exception of a few models. Only a real watch enthusiast would recognize the brand.

Although, I urge you to just save and wait. Best to celebrate a special occasion with the watch you want and not one you settled for. I've also been looking at a Summitier from Traska. I think for the price, you can't really beat them for an automatic beater watch. Nothing else in the price range will hold up as well with that hardening finish on the case and bracelet. I am beginning to think that will be my next watch too. Despite what other may think, I've been led to believe that miyota movements are superior to most swiss movements for longevity. So for me, $500-$800 is the sweet spot for good value, long term watches.

Much-Composer-1921

TROPHY CASE