u/JohnTheDrummer1951

I make no apologies for sharing yet another pic( or two) of my kit 🤩

My regular reader will be aware of the conundrum, and mental anguish, caused by my only having two ferns.
The trauma has now been alleviated by the arrival of a smaller one to complete the trio: I should add that this latest arrival was bought for me as a gift by my lovely wife. This has made this old man very happy.😍

I’m an absolute sucker for well worn, patina’d stuff in general, not just jackets, so when I spotted this for a good price on eBay, I literally couldn’t help myself.
Love the colour, too 😜
I’m hoping it’s generous in the sizing, as I know International stuff can be a bit small.🙏🏼

An update on my little collection: the smaller one-the one I thought was dead, has produced eight fronds,& the bigger one( its ‘replacement’), has thrown out three new ones since I bought it.
Can’t help thinking it looks a little unbalanced with just two though 🤷🏼‍♂️

This is currently listed on Ebay: I seem to remember a similar post on here a couple of days ago where the black Hamilton lettering was one of the giveaways?
This is the seller’s description – is he just covering himself against accusations of counterfeiting with the bit about aftermarket parts?

“Seller-refurbished Hamilton Khaki Field automatic 42mm watch

Powered by original Swiss automatic movement, inspected and tested by our in‑house watchmaker

Fully reassembled with high-quality aftermarket replacement dial, hands, case and strap in a classic field-watch design”

Used these again last weekend, and the trusty LM400🤓

This is my third watch from Michael Travis. I’ve had two Omegas( the NTTD and a Seamaster ), but I liked the clean look of the IWC, so I ordered it. The watch that arrived looked great, felt authentic but unfortunately started to run fast after one day’s wear (+15-20 minutes in 12 hours).
After a couple of messages ( which were always answered promptly), he sent me a replacement, which has kept perfect time since.
I can’t recommend him highly enough… so much so, that I’ve already ordered another watch. 🤓

I’ve had these Sonor Vintage series kit for about 9 months now( traded in my Ludwig Classic Maple Ringo kit, which I always thought was my ‘grail’ kit 😜).
The Sonors sound amazing, so many compliments,& tune up so easily. 👌
So, why am I now hankering after some vintage Ludwigs?🤷🏼‍♂️

Weathering well after a fortnight in Provence

The main parts seem healthy and thriving: a couple of new leaves in the last couple of months ,& one( at least) incoming .
My question is about the yellowed leaves: should I trim them,& are they a symptom of something?🙏🏼

So this lovely Olive green beauty, from Steveo straps here in the UK, was the first aftermarket strap I bought for my khaki King four years ago -I decided to put it back on this morning: it’s fading and fraying beautifully as it was designed to do – here’s the description from Steveo’s site: “this strap is made with top layer from a weapon sleeve,& the bottom is from a MK8 TYPE B CARGO PARACHUTE FLIGHT RELEASE SYSTEM, There will be some fraying of edges initially and there may be some marks on the straps due to them being made from issued equipment and thrown from the back of a Hercules”

The strap has worn really well, softened and faded( I wash it in the pocket of whatever jeans I’m washing… keeps it clean and really enhances the fades.🫡