God doesn't need to know what time it is.
Value of anything is a most fascinating subject to me.
Eric Clapton hasn't owned this Rolex Daytona for nearly 20 years. It 's probably been in storage since he dumped it and is expected to fetch north of $1.6M?
For that much I'd want his playing ability AND his stereo system.
@tablejockey You could have Clapton’s playing ability if you just bought a guitar and practiced with marginal diligence. I would guess the average person hits Clapton-level ability after about a year from starting from scratch. There’s nothing special about his playing. As basic as it gets. |
tomcy6- Ralph had one heck of learning experience- Too bad Ralph didn't have the drive to stay with the guitar. He possibly could have developed into a decent player. Lessons equal to that would cost a fortune! His posture was pretty convincing in some of those some of the scenes. Fun movie I actually saw Son Thomas play at The Tucson Blues Festival some years ago. He was great. The power, not volume, power, coming off that stage produced by one man with an acoustic guitar was incredible." That is the sign of a good player. Holding an audience captive with just an acoustic is a gift. |
I dont like particularly Clapton, but oufff i dont like your virtue signaling post at all... I am sure you cannot guess why.... Call me a " racist" it is way easier for your brain working .. 😁😊 I will side here with the "culturally appropriating" Clapton... Even if i dont listen his music at all...
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@tablejockey I know that Ralph wasn't playing the guitar. I was just referring to the character he played in the movie. Ralph did do a good job considering the short time he had to learn the air guitar parts for the movie. Your link to Arlen Roth's website was very interesting. I've got a cd or two of his around here somewhere and I actually saw Son Thomas play at The Tucson Blues Festival some years ago. He was great. The power, not volume, power, coming off that stage produced by one man with an acoustic guitar was incredible. |
Thanks everybody for the feedback about my watch. I'll look in to having it serviced. I'm still wearing it daily and it is in great shape overall. I don't have any intention of getting rid of it. I just had this idea in my head that it that it was a zero maintenance forever device, which is a ridiculous notion but I get those now and then. I also have an Elgin pocket watch that was my great uncle's. I'm guessing it was old when he got it. I never met him. It dates to the late 1800s and still keeps good time. It was gold plated brass I think. The gold has been largely worn off around the edges. It's fun to play with because the back is easily unscrewed and there's an arm that can be moved to adjust it if it's running slow or fast.
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One of the things i like about Rolex (although i don't own one) and part of what makes them popular among celebs is that Rolex is a 100% non-profit charitable institution--always has been. Good on them. Although watch collecting seems silly to many of us i'm sure our obsession with audio is silly to many of them... |
"Ralph dug back into his classical guitar training to come up with something the Devil’s guy couldn’t best." tomcy6- Ralph is a good actor. He was able to learn how to ape the fingering on the fretboard and move his strumming hand in a convincing way to the audience. He was instructed by a player-Arlon Roth.to play an "advanced "style of air guitar while holding the guitar. I had an instructional video on VHS with Arlon in the late 80's. Click on the "Crossroads" for fun facts.
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Clapton was pretty amazing in the early days-- riding distortion on "Stormy Monday" at one of the London clubs when he was playing with John Mayall. I think the old Les Paul he had at the time went missing. The best Cream record is, sadly, a boot- the Grand Ballroom performance in Oct., '67. I eventually lost interest in what he was doing when he embarked on a solo career but he was important in that era between the electric blues and hard rock with psychedelic influences. At the time, what he was doing was considered inventive, though it is now a well worn groove. I'm not into technical mastery, as such. I like the player to capture the soul of the song. Haven't seen/heard him in some time; probably the Clapton-Winwood tour where they reprised a lot of Blind Faith. It was good. (Good band too). @asctim - you would be surprised at how cost effective a refurbishment by factory is- I have done this periodically and you get back what amounts to a new watch (sometimes they say, oh, do you want to replace the face, and I say no, because I like the patina of age). Often the total of a full refurbishment with warranty is a fraction of the value of the timepiece. I just received one of my watches that was overdue for the full re-do and it is enormously gratifying that it is fully operational again, and have two that are in process. Even if the watch does not have sentimental value, the cost of factory rehab is far less than the cost of the watch on the used market. When you have time, contact a local authorized dealer and they can send it to the factory shop (in the case of several of mine, that is located here in the States) and they will give you an itemized estimate for refurb. The only cost to you is shipping (which if done by a jeweler is a fraction of what you'd pay as a civilian with insurance, etc.).
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More like 25000 mile/day. But that just give more time for people to move outta da way. |
You’re right that Ry played on the soundtrack, but IIRC, Ralph dug back into his classical guitar training to come up with something the Devil’s guy couldn’t best. Clapton critics should remember that there are classical guitarists who can play rings around their guitar heroes. It’s all a matter of taste and Clapton plays with taste, IMHO. |
"The problem with EC's playing from my perspective is I always seem to know which note comes next which for me makes him boring." mijostyn- I believe your intuition is reinforcing music harmony theory /science-why a certain note just sounds "right" to our hearing. Science and subjectivity that always gives me "wow" moments when I read the subject. Eric's solo's often does follow specific scales/patterns any good guitarist has in his solo arsenal. How one puts it all together in any setting is the tough part.
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What gets me is Rolex giving their fancy watches to professional golfers. As if wearing one during a competitive round would help! (Even if you're a slowpoke player and the officials have put you "on the clock," wouldn't this be the caddie's job?). |
Once again mijostyn shows his bon ami. As to Rolexes, they are both a cliche' and a marvel to behold. The steel versions (which in the hobby are ironically known as "tool watches") are made from harder steel than any other mass produced watch. And let it be known that despite their high resale prices they are mass produced. And yet, their movements are among the most reliable and advanced, particularly their newest movements. There are only three brands of watches that routinely go up in value despite being worn/used and they are Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and yes, Rolex. Fact. And with A-P it is really only the Royal Oak model that can be counted on to appreciate in value. |
It bring tear to my eye to hear such good example of why so many buy cheap watch and drive old car. I never understand why guy no work harder and try get ahead but it make sense some want nothing good.I think maybe that what make world go in circle. That thing moving like 25,000 mile per hour so move out the way I coming through. |
The problem with EC's playing from my perspective is I always seem to know which note comes next which for me makes him boring. As for his watch, who the F cares. We are sitting on the brink of a nuclear war, getting as close as the Cuban missile crisis and this is what we have to talk about, a silly watch that people wear only to prove they are rich. I bet Putin has one. |
@secretguy: You and I agree on many things but sadly you are way off on Clapton. Most of the great respected guitarists of all time (Albert Lee, Yngwee Malmsteen, Joe Bonamassa etc) all say Clapton is a fabulous improvisational talent and blues player--Yngwe saying Clapton's guitar on John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers album defines blues playing. Is he the best of all time--no---is he a great guitar player--yes. Would love to know what successful trained musician thinks he's a "hack" ? Oh and don't mention Ritchie Blackmore--his jealousy of Clapton is well known. For the record Clapton thinks Albert Lee is the best. |
i think that you are not an idiot and must know that everybody interested in watch mechanism and not only in Rolex brand name know that the first complex "watch" or mechanical computer was very ancient and unsurpassed before millenia pass over it ? And astronomy/astrology of the greek is nothing save " sky fairy"... You know that before Newton Archimedes genius anticipate calculus and theoretical physic? Go back silent or post something which will be interesting TO ALL instead of trolling me... When i answered your posts i gave ARGUMENTS...
Here is a Swiss watch maker thinking otherwise than your limited onlooker blind habit about greek "sky fairy":
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@crustycoot: Actually, the guitar Ry uses primarily for his slide playing is a heavily-mofified Strat, not Tele. He refers to it as the Coodercaster ;-) . At the suggestion of David Lindley he replaced one of the stock pickups with a pickup out of an old pedal steel guitar. Awesome tone, but of course it always comes back to the player, his touch, and his musical sensibilities and taste. |
My dad left me a very basic Breitling watch before he died. He suggested I sell it because he knew I wasn’t interested in watches. That was the plan, but 5 years later I’m still wearing it. I grew fond of its qualities such as; self winding, doesn’t care about the internet, amazingly robust and waterproof. Basically it feels like something that will last for more than my lifetime and it’s rather convenient to get the time at a glance. Recently my love for this device has faded a bit because it’s not keeping time as well. It probably needs servicing and that’s expensive. It was running about 1 minute a month late, which I thought was exceedingly impressive for a mechanical device. I think it’s now losing a minute every 4 or 5 days. The change seems to have happened suddenly. It’ll probably get worse. Don’t know that I want to pay to have it serviced. |
On the Ry Cooder sub-convo, and in connection to the “Clapton is God” graffiti, RC played the sweet Tele slide guitar for the soundtrack of the movie “Crossroads” in opposition to Stevie Vai’s demonic metal shredding in the final shoot-out between Ralph Macchio and Vai to reclaim the soul of his friend. |
@jonwolfpell + 1 |
John Mayer has quite the collection.
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A watch keeps time. A Rolex is a piece of jewelry that also keeps time. Some folks like to wear jewelry, some like to look at appreciate it & some do both. You can buy a decent watch that keeps better time than a Rolex for under $100 & requires no maintenance. It may not be as beautiful & probably won't last generations. Its sort of like cars. You can buy an American or Japanese sports car that will be as fast as all but a very few Ferrari's or Lamborghini"s but nowhere near as beautifully hand made or last as long. Some of us are willing to pay for beauty & artistry in the audio world too & thus this forum.
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Great story isochronism. It raises an important question... Just who would I pick, If I could choose any of the greats for a one on one? "Wristwatches were made so one would not need to to reach into their pocket for the time. Now it has come full circle where people reach back into their pocket." That is one of the reasons I wear a watch. I just don't have the wrist or wallet to wear a cool one as the Submariner or Daytona!
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Probably the best and most functional watch I've ever owned was a "Casio - Moon Phase" back-lit LED, I think that was the name. Cost was $12.95. Never had to replace the battery. I would use the stopwatch function to race myself to work every day, got to be a real "thing". I realized it was really getting reckless and so I took the watch off my wrist while riding and tossed it in the woods. Pleasant trips after that. Haven't worn a watch since...that was 1982! Regards, barts
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I would put watch nerds and vacuum tube nerds in the same category. Both very detailed and chasing some version of a perfect synergy. Please take "nerd" as a term of endearment. I do appreciate a unique watch but would never spend good $ on one, and I agree that they are not about the current time. I visualize an independent watchmaker at his/her bench with the same level of skill and enthusiasm for craft as all the images of Nelson Pass at his bench. Both take science and turn it into art. |
Wristwatches were made so one would not need to to reach into their pocket for the time. Now it has come full circle where people reach back into their pocket. I’ve been a watchmaker for years, hence my ID "isochronism" (So I have more than a few) I also have a few vintage guitars and amps also. Funny Clapton story: A friend who only gave guitar lessons and was a big 50’s Strat collector, received a call from Eric’s people as he was to appear on Letterman show in a few weeks and was looking for a Tweed Twun to borrow. (my friend told me of this a couple weeks prior to his appearance) My friend said: "you know I don’t have one but even if I did I wouldn’t lend it. I told his people I don’t have one, but Eric can come in for lessons anytime" 😄 True! And my friend was THAT good! Such is life. |
One of the posters made me snort my morning coffee. When I retired it was about the same time my son left school and was looking for work. Since I had 3 wristwatches I told him he could have whichever of mine he wanted? "why wd I need a watch?" So you cd know the time" He held up his I phone -I stared at it for maybe 5 minutes before the penny dropped |
@keithsax Yes Rolexes do seem to keep good time if properly regulated. When you say 'spot on time' what do you mean? I have a Submariner that gains about 1.6s a day. I reckon that's pretty good.
@bdp24 Each to his own, please. I have about 13 good watches and no guitars. I suppose you think I'm missing out? |
I don't know which model Daytona Clapton has. Some rare ones are very valuable. But it won't be worth anything like $1.6m. Paul Newman's 60's Daytona fetched $17.8m. Newman is not 10 times more famous than Clapton but his car racing exploits including at Daytona raised the value. I cannot understand the recent fetish for owning generic kit that has been owned by famous people. There has always been such interest, but currently the price premium has multiplied enormously. Each Rolex Daytona of a particular model is the same as all the others. Auction houses have latched onto this and now routinely sell the furnishings and personal possessions of the rich and famous either when they are down-sizing, need the money, or mostly their children cashing in after they pass away. It is interesting stars can cash in on their fame, and make a lot of extra money merely for being famous. Possibly they should game this by owning a lot more stuff than they need, even more than they actually do. |
Have worn my dad's Oyster pretty much every day for twenty years- only had to have the strap repaired once and serviced occasionally- keeps spot on time and still looks new despite daily abuse. Don't own a mobile phone Always been disappointed with my bro's twin reverb- always seems to hum too much despite servicing; maybe find a better tech |
"I had a Blackface deluxe and a blackface vibrolux at the same time and enjoyed them both. Eventually I got frustrated with the finnicky nature of vintage amps but they sounded wonderful" stuartk- Yeah, they're noisy idling, the pots eventually get scratchy, and the tone conrols don't really do much-but once you plug in- the sound. I plug in a tubed stomp box for pseudo Marshall stack tones. whart- I've always admired the Submariner. Classic looks. Cool made cooler since it was the choice of Steve McQueen. I totally get the watch collector thing. It's a "hobby" reserved for someone with Tech Das Air Force One play money.
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@jrpnde: Gordon Lightfoot's Bobby McGee is my favorite version of that song. Good recording, too. In 1973 I was visiting the newly-opened Audio Arts in Livermore California on the very day Bill Johnson was delivering and installing his complete ARC system (Thorens TD-125 table, ARC's pro-type arm which never made it into production, Decca Blue cartridge, SP-3 pre-amp, Magneplanar Tympani T-I loudspeakers bi-amped with D51 and D75 amps. The sound blew my young mind. Later in the year that system was in my house ;-) in the shop's listening room. AA proprietor Walter Davies played that very track, and Johnson remarked on the good sq of the recording. I bought a copy of the album (If You Could Read My Mind), when I got back to San Jose, and still have it. Ry Cooder is a guitarist's guitarist. Good taste is (heh) timeless. |
I thought this was going to be a thread about the use or non use of master clocks for dacs, etc. I don’t even wear a watch. A friend gave me some very good copies of expensive watches. She thought it might be a nice accessory, as I was on the dating scene a number of years ago, but always forgot to wear them. I did buy a super expensive bottle of Creed men’s cologne that was quite helpful. |
bdp24--I owned an original ’65 Deluxe Reverb for 20 years and never understood why everyone else thought it was the desert island amp (and just where do you find electricity on a desert island?). I later found that what I really wanted was a Vibrolux Reverb. Different strokes, I suppose. I lost my last watch years ago and never replaced it. secretguy, I am an actual trained musician and I think the stuff EC did from Mayall through Blind Faith is outstanding. Love the studio solos with Cream.
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