Andy Green
September was very much a mix of cars and watches, which understandably go hand in hand. The strongest commonality between the two hobbies? The collectors and their unwavering passion.Craig’s Rolex GMT-Master IITo kick off September, I made my way down to the German Auto Show 2018, put on by the Volkswagen Club of Victoria. I know enough ‘car people’ to expect to see some nice watches, and this event was no exception.A piece that jumped out amongst the vintage Porsches and VWs was a 2018 Rolex GMT-Master II in two-tone Oystersteel and Everose gold (reference 126711CHNR). This piece was an instant favourite of mine, back when I saw it in Basel earlier this year. The warm rose gold works incredibly well with the steel, and it’s the kind of watch that photos cannot do justice you need to see it in person.Daniel’s 1973 Omega Speedmaster Mark II racing dial (Ref.145.014)Later in the month, I found myself getting stuck in to another car event, which also delivered some interesting timepieces. I bumped into Daniel, who was sporting his prized vintage Omega Speedmaster Mark II Racing Dial. Being a car guy, Dan is?naturally drawn to vintage chronographs, and the colourful racing dial on this Speedy was the icing on the cake. Being a lover of timeless classical design, Daniel moved out of a modern GMT into this vintage piece.David’s Rolex Submariner 1680While kicking some tyres, I noticed a well-worn vintage Rolex Submariner (reference 1680) on David, a vintage car restorer. After chatting with David, he told me the story of his Sub, a birth-year piece, which he bought to celebrate his 30th birthday, a decade or so ago. David’s a panel beater by trade, and wears this watch daily, at work. He loves the robustness of the Submariner and is thoroughly impressed with how well it’s held up after a decade of being on the wrist of his self-described ‘panel beating hand’.Pat’s TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01Later this month I caught up with hospitality guru Pat, who was over from New Zealand to attend a conference in Melbourne. Pat timed his trip to align with the collection of a new piece a TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01, which he picked up off a local collector. Pat’s collection consists of bigger pieces, think Sky-Dwellers and Sea-Dwellers, so the heft of the Heuer 01 will be right at home. When it comes to what’s next, we don't know Pat has a reputation for quite a fluid collecting style, with set core pieces, and others that come and go.Mitchell’s vintage Rolex Oysterquartz Day-DateWrapping up the month, I spotted another vintage Rolex, which due to its?peculiarity, I couldn’t leave out. It’s not often you spot a Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date. As far as production goes, the Oysterquartz models are quite uncommon, as it’s believed that fewer than 25,000 were made.Mitchell has always loved the Day-Date and aspired to own one as his first Rolex. The quirky history of the Oysterquartz got him over the line, and he bought this piece a couple of months ago.Til next month!AG
29.09.18