SOTC Part 2 - The Balboas

[scottjc]

The second installment of my SOTC features more scratchproof watches, this time they're the funkier models produced, in the main, for the Asian market.
Starting with the most subtle, there is the Balboa Cologny which houses the hand winding Peseux 7001 movement. The stainless steel bracelet has small tungsten carbide inserts on each link, reflective of the case:

Onto the mineral dial models. This one is a Franken that I made using an Eiger case with flat crystal to show off the ammolite dial. I call it the Balboa "Conquistador":

Two more mineral dials in standard Balboa cases with the nine segment faceted crystal, blue goldstone and abalone shell:

The Asters are so named as they feature different colours of alabaster as their dial material. It is the only mineral soft enough to have a hole drilled for the standard rotating anchor logo and mine has a perfectly white dial instead of the more common cream or yellow:

The Deluxe also has a mineral dial and is more often seen in a champagne coloured case. Mine is silver tc with a hawks' eye dial and is shown here with a pair of hawk's eye cufflinks:

Taking the faceted crystal to the next level is the Balboa day/date, I think that the dial is a bit too busy here and don't wear it too often:

The Eigers are some of my favourite Balboas, the case shape is chunky and the crystal facets aren't too overpowering. Here is my Mk1 Eiger with a lovely textured dial:

And a Mk2 with graduated brown dial:

I'm also a big fan of the Breithorn. The pink angular case and faceted crystal just scream 70's funk:

[scottjc]

Again, I ran out of space just before the end so it leaves me to share the ultimate Balboa with you. The modestly named Balboa Great, every element has been over designed and, as the saying goes, who cares if you can't tell the time, you're wearing a Great:

Thanks for letting me share another part of my obsession, next up will be the stainless steel models.

[OhDark30]

Thanks Scott!
I'm enjoying seeing these pics of your collection, learning some of the background, and your thoughts on your favorites.
Seeing (and handling) them in their metallic loveliness has been one of the highlights for me of the gtg's we've attended.
People, these are about 99 times more fabulous in real life, the play of light on the mineral dials, faceted crystals and funky case shapes has to be seen to be believed
A breathtaking collection - thank you so much for sharing

[meijlinder]

thanks for these posts Scott. Really interesting to see all the variants that exists. Rado really stands out with some of their designs (in a good way) and I can see how one would get caught up in the collection of these.

and as Oh said I imagine these look especially awesome in the flesh even though your pics capture many of the angles beautifully.

looking forward to part 3 and on

[scottjc]

Many thanks for your kind words. As tribe said at last year's g2g, he can now see the appeal but wouldn't want to own one. If people can understand the appeal then it makes me feel less nervous about the illness.

[tribe125]

I saw a passing reference to Bobby Moore owning a Rado the other day.

http://www.the-saleroom.com/it-it/au...a-a4a700bd56cd

[scottjc]

I saw a passing reference to Bobby Moore owning a Rado the other day.

http://www.the-saleroom.com/it-it/au...a-a4a700bd56cd

Yes, I saw that. He also had quite a nice Longines too. The Rado is nothing special IMO.

[Henry Krinkle]

Very nice Scott. This is the first time I've seen them altogether.

My Balboa collection is much more modest than yours. I currently only have three, though I've had three or four others in the past.
I'm actually a bit of a fan of the champagne cases.

[scottjc]

Very nice Scott. This is the first time I've seen them altogether.

My Balboa collection is much more modest than yours. I currently only have three, though I've had three or four others in the past.
I'm actually a bit of a fan of the champagne cases.

Thanks Henry. I told you that my Balboa collection was less conservative than the Diastars.
It's funny how we both collect the same things but how we do it differently. I have often discussed this with Marcus, our collections don't run parallel, they briefly overlap.
That's what I love about Rado, you can be as outrageous as you want, there's a watch for everyone.

[Henry Krinkle]

Thanks Henry. I told you that my Balboa collection was less conservative than the Diastars.
It's funny how we both collect the same things but how we do it differently. I have often discussed this with Marcus, our collections don't run parallel, they briefly overlap.
That's what I love about Rado, you can be as outrageous as you want, there's a watch for everyone.

I think my real niche is their '68-'78 monsters., the NCCs/SpaceWing/Diamaster axis.