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What do y'all think of this Balmer! ? I'm
considering it...
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Posted By: Ricky Lee McBroom
Date:
Tuesday, 11 March 2008, at 5:34 p.m.
Though only halfway seriously - it's
by my standards!
What do y'all think the fair market value is? 100% TZ condition, apparently,
Here's some info from Ballmers website.
Model #: 62605912
Movement: Swiss Made; Unitas 6431 manual wind w/ 17 jewels; “Incabloc” shock protection
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary seconds dial; Super luminous hands & markers
Case: 46mm Stainless Steel; Domed Sapphire crystal; Rear exhibition window; Screw-down case back; Water resistant up to 3 ATM
Band: Genuine high-grade leather; Stainless steel buckle
About the COMMANDER: During World War II, many pilots relied on watches built around a unique hand winding movements. Today, the finest pilot watches incorporate movements like the Unitas 6497 or 6498 in order to commemorate those times of the past. That is why Balmer sought out and obtained the last remaining Unitas 6431 movements with “Incabloc”™ shock protection. To the best of our knowledge, only 400 of these movements exist in unassembled Ebauches kits in all of Europe. The Unitas 6431 is the 18-1/2 ”Ligne big brother to the 16-1/2” Ligne 6497, and was the most popular movement actually worn by many of the pilots of WWII.
Out of production for over 35 years, the 400 Unitas 6431 movements that make up this very limited series were originally destined for the pilots of World War II. We have confirmed that these movements have been stored in a climate-controlled facility as unassembled “Ebauches” kits since before 1968. This New Old Stock has been meticulously assembled and tested by some of the finest watchmakers in Switzerland. Each watch is numbered and will be delivered with a certificate of Authenticity in an oversized wooden box.
This is truly a very limited edition of a one of a kind Pilot's Watch that bears historical significance. Only one of Balmer’s many efforts to deliver something truly magnificent to the discerning collector.
Thanks for the input!
-Ricky
Messages In This Thread
> (views: 211)
(views: 16) (views: 14) (views:
16)
...... (views: 23)
Be careful with
this one
(views: 19) (views: 17) (views:
22)
(views: 25)
(views: 12) (views:
13)I mean, I'm not gonna argue that their MSRP's aren't mad. They are! But that's a game most all watch companies play, to one degree or another.
But a $150 watch? That's mad, too!
The lowest price on a bare Unitas 6497/6498 at Otto Frei is $130 + shipping. Decorated movements are in the $200 range. And this movement (the 6431) is much more rare...
-Ricky
.....I have seen some nice 6497s decorated watches with sapphire in the
$250-$350 range. What you have to wonder about is if its legit. I noticed that
the distributer of these watches listed on the website also puts out alot those
chinese watches with decorated movements on UBid. I may be wrong, could be
totally wrong on this. But the question is: Would you spend $600 to find out.
For me, I'd be really concerned about a watch that retails for $8999 and is sold
for $600. The watch I bought had a msrp of $3000, And when I got, it was one
fancy decorated piece on chinese dog cr%p.
(not that it's bad)
(views:
19) (views: 11)
(views: 13) I like that! Big $$$?
(views:
16)
! Somewhere in the neighborhood of $600... (views: 16) (views: 13) 
(views: 17)Decided not to pursue the Balmer Commander...
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Posted By: Ricky Lee McBroom
Date:
Wednesday, 12 March 2008, at 4:46 p.m.
..even though I just got a $3K bonus at work.
My itch for a new watch is for a very specific movement, and that's thanks to Hector Ortiz! Thanks Hector, ya rat bastich!
'tis a Unitas I'm after, see. After inspecting his 6498, I've just got to get me one!
In any case, I've done some research, and am convinced the watch is legit. It's biggest attraction is the 6431 movement itself. At 18.5 ligne (41.74 mm) vs. the 6497/6498 at 16.5 ligne (37.22 mm), the 6431 is one whale of a movement. No wasted space in the Commander's case, even if it is 46 mm!
The deal-breaker, for me, is the shape of the case. It reminds me of some sort of a Panny derivative, and that, to me, just seems wrong in a pilot-themed watch.
Also a deal-breaker, albeit to a lesser extent, is the Commander's lack of a full display back. Hey, even though the 6431 is only modestly decorated, I still want to see it!
The current front runner is now this
;
Still a Unitas 6497, but in a more traditional flieger-style case. Add in the full display back..
..and fact that the size, at 42 mm, is perfect for me and.. well, I think I'm in love!
The budget-priced contender is this
..
..which, while not the abomination that some Invictas are, is still not at all what I'm looking for. I mean, I like Hector's Invictas, but I'm not ready for something like this.
Maybe if I just wore it backwards...
NOT!
Then there's the Debaufre Air Force One on our own Sales Forum. But, while I like the cockpit-instrument look, I'm really looking for a more traditional homage to a WW2 pilots watch. That, and the fact that
-Ricky
Messages In This Thread
- Decided not to pursue the Balmer Commander...
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Wednesday, 12 March 2008, at 4:46 p.m.
- 2 BIG
khoward -- Wednesday, 12 March 2008, at 6:19 p.m.- The Jurgen & Gallai is a fine watch. I've got one on a Jurgen strap.
John S. -- Wednesday, 12 March 2008, at 5:56 p.m.- I really dig the back on the Balmer
Paul December -- Wednesday, 12 March 2008, at 4:59 p.m.
- It IS handsome. Just not quite what I'm lookin' for.
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Wednesday, 12 March 2008, at 5:26 p.m.
I put in an
bid on this
-based
Posted By: Ricky Lee McBroom
Date: Friday, 14 March 2008, at 3:02 p.m.I started out at $1.00 under the
limit..
Yes, of course it was rejected, and 'ere's why;
I worked my way up to $1,250 in increments, but all were rejected. Hey, I can dream!
I suspect this gent has his reserve price set somewhere north of $1,500
Now, while I've really got the itch for a
did. So, I've got $340 to work with..
I know, I know! But a
..for instance, had a $329 Buy-It-Now price. Yeah, I did make a lowball offer of $120 for it.
Anywho, I actually have an active offer being considered on this one;
The movement is gorgeous..
..the plating, Geneva stripes & blued-screws really set the mvmt off!
The BiN price on this one, though, is very close to the PMW limit. I seriously doubt my bid will be accepted. :-/ Hey, can't blame a guy for tryin', though!
-Ricky
Messages In This Thread
- I put in an
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 3:02 p.m.
- Re: I put in an
Sugarfree -- Saturday, 15 March 2008, at 1:26 a.m.
Fantastic... i have one or two "targets" right now (like having my first Omega and so), but after that i'm going all over those UNITAS
I have one and love it, not getting the wrist time he deserves but i really need to change the stock strap.
- Very nice Pacardt! I love the fact that..
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Saturday, 15 March 2008, at 11:49 a.m.
..they proclaim 'Unitas 6497' right on the dial! A a very pleasing dial layout it is, too. Nicely decorated movement. And, while I'm looking for something a bit more traditional in profile, I'm quite fond of that case shape. Reminds me a bit of my
..all in all a stunning watch! Have you owned it long?
} have one or two "targets"
} right now (like having my
} first Omega and so)..A worthy goal, for sure!
} ..not getting the wrist
} time he deserves..Whoa! I doubt that if could pry that one off me wrist with a crowbar! I can only conclude that the remainder of your collection is very tempting, to pass that one over.
} ..i really need to change
} the stock strap.I noticed that it's a 'notched' strap. Looks OK from what I can see.. what don't you like about it?
-Ricky
- Re: Very nice Pacardt! I love the fact that..
Sugarfree -- Saturday, 15 March 2008, at 7:14 p.m.
The Pacardt is quite recent... i was browsing the web and found a german seller that had the one i bought and a black dial version of it for well under the pmwf limit and i thought that was a steal :P
I'm in Portugal so in less than a week i received it, it runs very well, its well made and for sure it worths more than what i paid for it.The only thing that i dont like is the strap,looks and feel "cheap". For example in this price range (just a little more) i have a Hamilton (the one on the picture) and the stock strap is WAY better. I'm thinking on a Panerai style strap
- Is that Tourbillon1801? I think it is. Those hand decorated movements are
old skool -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 5:53 p.m.
Hand made dials:
You should see his collection of Cortbert movements and Angelus 240 movements.
Here is the price list:
The SOPROD 6498 is really nice
http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/tourbillon1801/
- Yes, that's him.
for the
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 8:07 p.m.- I want one of hte PVD Unitas movments (views: 26)
ToddH -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 6:34 p.m.
- Ooh la la! I'm
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 8:09 p.m.
- I drool too every time i see it
ToddH -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 9:07 p.m.- invicta looks well very cool indeed!
pobowal -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 5:05 p.m.- If sub-seconds are not important you could pic up a PRS-20 (views: 33)
Ron Jr -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 3:53 p.m.
True the Non-LE doesn't have a display back. But it will only cost around 600.00 USD if I remember correctly.
- Sub-seconds ARE important to me!
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 4:49 p.m.
And I'd really prefer to have the sub-dial at 6, instead of 9.
That was partly the deal-breaker with this
Means I need a 6498 instead of a 6497, I guess. Also wasn't crazy about the text on the back crystal -would much prefer sterile.
O' course, the fact that somebody offered $50 more than I did played a big part in breaking the deal, too.
-Ricky
- OK I didn't know. (views: 22)
Ron Jr -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 5:09 p.m.
To bad this one is no longer in production.
- The text is usually printed on the back-side of the crystal >>> (views: 29)
Paul December -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 5:02 p.m.
...and easily removed with a bit of solvent ...I've done it before and it has come off completely clean.
- Good
info!
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 8:03 p.m.- All nice pieces, and nothing wrong with that
shane delaurian 1000 -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 3:37 p.m.
Funky but good.
- Yeah, I quite like the Windsor. Just not exactly what I'm looking for at the moment...
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 8:02 p.m.- I actually like tyhe last one most of all. Which brand is it though. Those decorated Unitas 64xx movements are lovely. (views: 26)
John S. -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 3:15 p.m.
nt
- 'Tourby' brand, but essentially a custom. He goes by Tourbillon1801 on
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 8:00 p.m.
Paul December -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 3:14 p.m.
...once sent me the direct link to that seller...but I can't find it
He may be cheaper that way without PayPal fees...and I remember he had a HUGE selection of
Anyone got that link
- If you're reallin aching for the Unitas... (views: 61)
hedgesjr -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 3:11 p.m.
I hope the "active deal" (the last watch in your post) goes through, as I think it aces the Invicta in the looks department.
- I really am! I've got high hopes for the last one pictured, too...
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 7:58 p.m.Not "reallin" - "really"
hedgesjr -- Friday, 14 March 2008, at 3:12 p.m.
Ricky's Quest For A 
Part Four - another 
and 
..
>
Posted By: Ricky Lee McBroom
Date:
Wednesday, 19 March 2008, at 10:05 p.m.
"Part four!" you say? OK, I'll confess. Yesterday was actually a double
Balmer Commander -
Yup, 'tis the Balmer! Yeah, yeah, I know I said that I wasn't gonna go for it. So I lied!
I'd like to thank all those who gave me feedback in my original post about the Balmer. Y'all certainly gave me a lot to think about, and it definitely influenced my research.
First I checked out the company in general, bearing in mind khoward's statement "What you have to wonder about is if its legit. I noticed that the distributer of these watches listed on the website also puts out alot those chinese watches with decorated movements on UBid."
As far as I can tell, the Balmer-branded watches being sold on uBid are not Chinese made.
They mostly use Leschot movements (a couple use ETA movements) and, while these are not exactly top-of-the-line, they definitely are Swiss made.
Quite a few Balmers seem to be sold on Property Room and Hopestone Gems, too. They go for $100 to $300, depending on the specific model. Judging by the reviews, the overwhelming majority of the folks who buy Balmers seem to love them. Some of the reviews are positively glowing...
When I realized that most Balmers use Leschot movements, and knowing that Omikron watches are part of the Leschot Group, I popped over to their web site for a look-see. Surprise surprise. Now, I admit this is unsubstantiated, and should thus be considered conjecture - but I strongly suspect that Ballmer and Omikron are related. Both use Leschot movements heavily. Their websites are peas in a pod stylistically, and functionally are clearly based on similar code. Also, the two companies share case designs. Quite unusual case designs! Compare the Balmer Sphinx and Omikron Corsair - that can NOT be coincidence! The Balmer Pegasus and Omikron Sentinel are also clearly related. Check it out.
OK, so I'm satisfied that Balmer's a legitimate corporation, with current offerings deserving their "Swiss Made" status as much (and maybe more) as those from some more well-known brands. But what about the Commander model specifically?
Here the information's a bit more scarce. No surprise, really, as the watch has been out of production for four years. I did turn up a handful of threads, though nothing you could call a full review. Street prices seemed to have averaged around $400 back In The Day, with a few topping $500. One thread in particular ridiculed Balmer's $8,995 MSRP.. and justly so!
More telling were the comments of WIS types; they were, to a man, pleased as punch with their Commanders. It seems to be something of a cult favorite in the UK. One Brit detailed a months-long search before he was finally able to obtain one from the US. All praised the case back..
..as a thing of beauty. But then P12 spotted that right off.
But the real attraction with this watch, and no doubt about it, is the movement;
By all accounts I found, it's the real deal. Balmer obtained 40+ year-old pre-ETA
They even did a decent job of packaging the watch..
..and yes, mine does come with the box & papers.
Shane commented in the original post "..but be careful where you buy it from , if you do though.". Sound advice, for sure! The seller had 100% feedback on
Truthfully, I did not plan to bid on the Commander after I'd made that sour grapes post. But somehow, I just kept coming back to it. Couldn't get it off my mind. Again, 'tis the movement. I kind of see it as The Mother Of All
T'anks for lookin'.. wish me luck!
-Ricky
Messages In This Thread
Part Four - another and ..
> (views: 158) (views: 9) (views: 22)< Commander Update - New Bracelet >
