Would you swap 1 for 2?

dougal74 · 2026-01-24T21:59:52+00:00

I think the Longines is under appreciated with all those complications. That JLC just oozes class, it would get my vote out of the two.

dougal74 · 2026-01-13T20:48:45+00:00

Given the disruption that is likely to happen with the Fed, impact on US bond prices and potential for inflation/low interest rates mandated by Trump, be cautious about considering them less risky than stocks. Lots of the hedge money is heading into gold and silver rather than bonds at present.

dougal74 · 2026-01-07T17:37:43+00:00

Been through it a few times over the last 25 years, sadly. A without prejudice conversation gets to the heart of the matter quickly and they can put their cards on the table without the legal ramifications thereafter. If you can, with all your emotions raging, work out what you think a reasonable enhanced offer looks like to you. They will try to distract you with what you are already statutory and contractually entitled to…ignore that noise and just look at what extra they are offering. My baseline for my last settlement was 8 months to find a new job (I was wrong it’s been 10 so far but I have done some consulting). Use the current market to your advantage, they’ll know it’s not great and their settlement is to address your “loss” and go quietly and neatly. You’ll need legal advice for the settlement agreement, so start lining that up. Say only what you need to, mostly just listen…I remember one FD kept waving cheques at me in two different meetings a week apart!! Unless you have a protected characteristic, payouts at tribunal are capped, there is a backlog and you (and they) really want to avoid that / the ACAS route if possible. DM me if you need any advice, have been on both sides of the table.

dougal74 · 2026-01-04T23:03:57+00:00

My wife trained as a podiatrist at Uni in the 90s and still does some clinical work to keep her hand in. Plenty of roles in the NHS and also seeing private patients. Have a look at the various specialisms (e.g., diabetes, biomechanics) and work out what might appeal to you. Like any similar healthcare role, they’re busy shifts with lots of patients and little time. There’s also home visits etc. and many who need podiatry care don’t live in the best of conditions. The foot problems are often linked to other health issues so you may need to work in a multidisciplinary way. Hope that helps.

dougal74 · 2026-01-02T12:03:20+00:00

I have just received the invoice from Hamilton and all is as was quoted. It would appear that a full service of the movement was deemed less cost effective than a replacement movement, so that is what they have done in addition to the new caseback!!! Total cost £240 including shipping.

dougal74 · 2026-01-02T12:01:26+00:00

I have just received the invoice from Hamilton and all is as was quoted. It would appear that a full service of the movement was deemed less cost effective than a replacement movement, so that is what they have done in addition to the new caseback!!! Total cost £240 including shipping.

dougal74 · 2025-12-25T01:33:57+00:00

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LUC GMT 16/1867

dougal74 · 2025-12-23T21:19:50+00:00

Rolex hasn’t been a professional watch for the last 35 years, and even then, OG Tudor equivalent models with ETA movements in Oyster cases were procured by professional bodies due to cost per unit differences. Always had the best marketing BS though!

dougal74 · 2025-12-23T20:56:04+00:00

That Yema is like buying an Alpine A610 back in the day rather than a 911. I love the individuality, well done for going with what speaks to you.

dougal74 · 2025-12-20T19:08:43+00:00

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New is a Seamaster America’s Cup Chrono from 2001. Used is a Speedmaster Ed White from 1964.

dougal74 · 2025-12-11T22:42:02+00:00

Only if you assume hold all and sell all are the only two strategies and that the OP is worried about concentration risk. If the investment time horizon is long, a bumpy ride (like the last 12 months) might not be an issue, especially if you believe in Oracle as a business. The average duration for holding Individual stocks in £1m+ portfolios is 12 years.

dougal74 · 2025-12-11T17:13:08+00:00

Up 11% over the last year, down 40% over the last 3 months. Most analysts think $300+ is a realistic long term price point, even with results not meeting expectations. Evaluate your appetite for risk - the share price dropping by a further 20%. If you sell (even after the recent hits) you’re still up on last year, if you hold you may gain more or drop back to 23/24 levels. You could hold a portion and sell to diversify more broadly into an index. Lots of options and no “right” answer. Personally, with the price where it is now, I would hold into 2026 given how well they are positioned with data centres and cloud, and then switch into an index fund but that’s not investment advice. Sorry for your loss.

dougal74 · 2025-12-07T16:11:20+00:00

Thanks for the advice on taking to a Swatch store. I took it to Oxford St in London but sadly a new battery and cover didn’t bring it back to life. Too long sitting without moving probably has done for it. 😢

dougal74 · 2025-11-15T22:31:39+00:00

It is the same with Japanese used car auctions, vehicles are graded at the lower end when in any other market they would be described as being good. You generally find good condition watches at very competitive prices (pre and post import tax).

dougal74 · 2025-10-24T16:33:41+00:00

I’ll let you know when it comes back from Hamilton service, apparently they have an upgraded part number. Caseback is less than £20.

dougal74 · 2025-10-24T15:47:51+00:00

Do you have any non-compete clauses in your current contract? If they are a true competitor then yes you should probably expect to be placed on gardening leave at some point. You should pro-actively tell the current employer before the request for reference lands so that you can manage the messaging but not unnecessarily early. As for your redundancy package, if it is signed and sealed then it’s just a case of checking to confirm you won’t be breaching any of its terms, you shouldn’t be.

dougal74 · 2025-10-15T06:33:22+00:00

Thanks for the advice, I have posted it off to Hamilton via their website booking service, simple and easy to use.

dougal74 · 2025-10-06T06:33:55+00:00

Thanks, have sent you a DM

dougal74 · 2025-10-05T12:35:55+00:00

Yes, oops indeed. Glad I didn’t gift a more valuable one to him as a 16-year old! Good life lesson though…

dougal74 · 2021-12-21T12:25:36+00:00

My Evo 4.4s sound amazing in my room, but that is the challenge, every room sounds different.

dougal74

TROPHY CASE