Ep #32: CP7 Unplugged - Don't Judge a Watch By Its Cover - Fun Watches You're Not Supposed to Like
Listen to full episode :
Join us in another Unplugged show! No editing, no deletes, just pure unadulterated watch talk. Oh, and for the first time, the CP7 boys are enjoying a beer (or two!) live on air.
With all the uncertainty in the watch world right now, the hype looks to have well and truly died down; is it finally safe for us enthusiasts to now have some fun, and not have to worry about the investment-inspired "hype-class"?
That question has inspired this show... don't judge a watch by its cover, can we have fun and wear the watches we want… irrespective of what anyone else says?
So temporarily tear up your Rolex or Patek Philippe waiting lists, and let’s get into some other brands, for our fix of horological fun. MB&F, Bell & Ross, Maurice Lacroix, Franck Muller, and even Ulysse Nardin all get put to the test CP7 style!
So buckle up and enjoy the ride, as the boys get into another fun filled, and thought provoking Unplugged show.
A very special thanks to Alon Ben Joseph from Amsterdam's legendary Ace Jewelers for loaning us the review watches.
Check out Alon on Instagram:
@alonbenjoseph
and Ace Jewelers:
@acejewelers
weblink:www.acejewelers.com
// Always drink responsibly //
First, let’s take a look at the wristwatch checks. Andy brings two pieces to the table this week, starting with the ELKA D-series Essence X Ace Jewelers. Look at that fume dial! Next is Andy’s latest acquisition: the showstopping vintage Rolex Oyster 1573 in Rolesium, complete with the original matching Rolex Gay Frères ladder bracelet—a true piece of Rolex history. Now we turn to Andy’s grandfather’s Vetex, which bears a slight resemblance to the Rolex’s cushion shape. Is Andy’s collection going square-shaped? Lastly, for the wristwatch checks, we have Parm’s equally showstopping Rolex, the Blusey 116613LB. Look at that blue dial and gold pop!
Now we move on to the watches we perhaps shouldn’t judge too harshly at first sight. We start with the MAD Gallery MAD1, which is somewhat of a modern icon these days, yet Andy could only keep it on his wrist for one week. We then move on to the Maurice Lacroix Aikon #Tide Benzilla, which brings back a rush of 80s nostalgia for Parm—should he take the plunge on this one? Following this, we have a look at Benzilla and his Loook artwork. Next is the Franck Muller Crazy Hours, a piece that both Andy and Parm feel is misunderstood and deserves a bit more respect for the complication and the watchmaking that goes into it.
Moving on, we look at the Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull, a truly bold watch with bags of character and rock-and-roll style. Do Bell & Ross deserve more attention? Parm certainly thinks so after his most recent visit to the boutique. Now, we turn our attention to the incredible Ulysse Nardin Freak, a true horological masterpiece that the CP7 boys feel doesn’t get the respect it deserves for the level of master watchmaking present in this unique piece.
Up next is the Oris ProPilot X Kermit. There is no doubt that the ProPilot has had relatively good success in recent years, thanks to its sharp lines, angular case shape, and variety of fun dial colours. But was the Kermit green a step too far? Parm and Andy don’t think so.
The Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull in action.
Finally, we round off with MB&F. First, we look at the very fun MB&F HM10 Bulldog. This watch could easily be misunderstood, but when you look closer, you have to appreciate the fun factor and the blend of art and case design mixed with high horology. The final MB&F piece is the MB&F HM3 JWLRYMachine, which follows a similar movement design to the HM10 Bulldog but takes it to the next level with incredible gem setting, design, and watchmaking.
A lot of people might just ignore this one, but it resonates with Parm due to the story behind the watch and its name, inspired by the old Watchmen comic book franchise and the Night Owl character from the comic, linking to Parm’s original IG handle in the following image: The Night Wrist Watchman. The final image features the famous MAD Gallery, which is on Parm and Andy’s to-do list for their visit to Geneva Watch Days.
As always, let us know how you enjoyed the show in the comments below and tell us which watches we should have included that we might have missed.
