u/duinius_maximus

I just received my first ever pair of Alden shoes, the 5375 F in snuff suede from Brick and Mortar Seattle. I took a huge chance ordering online not knowing my size, but I based my sizing on some online info, comparing sizes between companies, reviews etc. For size reference, I am a size EU 44 in Birkenstocks, 10.5 EEE in Allen Edmonds, and a US 11.5-12 in most athletic shoes. The Aldens are a 10.5 D.

As soon as I slipped them on using a shoehorn, I could tell I got the size right. Slightly snug over the arch, and no heel slip when walking around. The length seems to be perfect too. I feel really lucky as I feel like I always have a hard time getting a good fit with any kind of shoe. I also don’t know my brannock size.

What blows me away is the comfort and how well the overall shape works. I have a cheaper pair of loafers from J. Crew that are somewhat nicely made, but the way these feel on foot are vastly different and much better. These are my first pair of Alden’s, and most expensive shoe purchase ever, but definitely not my last! I also bought Saphir super invulner, as I’ve read that they should probably be treated before wearing, but i also don’t want to darken them. Anyone have any experience treating snuff suede with this stuff? Also anyone own both these and the Alden Indy 403? Just wondering how they compare in terms of size, as they would likely be my next Alden purchase. Apologies for the poor lighting in most of these pics.

Pretty pissed about these two screws honestly. Not just one screw but two screws practically stripped out. Not only that, but the screws weren’t put back in their original links, so one was sticking out and not flush with the link (not pictured; I saw the same mistake described identically on Rolex forum). When I got home I switched the screws and put the link on the correct side of the band so it sits more centered too. Maybe I’m too ocd but idk, I wish I just added the link myself to prevent ruining two screws. I didn’t really see how bad it was until after I left.

I find myself stuck in indecision. I am considering parting with one of these two to free up money to help pay for some house projects. It is not 100% necessary, but having the extra cushion would be nice. If you absolutely HAD to, would you sell the sky dweller, or the gmt master II? These are my only two Rolex watches, and I don’t foresee being able to get either of them again.

Pretty much what the title says. Opened the hood to refill my washer fluid reservoir and noticed this rust on the hood strut bracket. Do we think this is significant enough to call the dealership or will they say it’s normal? Are there any solutions I should just do on my own? Purchase the 2026 TSE in November, this is the only rust I’ve noticed anywhere on the body, but there have been other QC issues, which can be seen in my post history.

Reposted with serial #s crossed out. Following the advice of Sporty I went through DavidSW and got one of his unworn Pepsis. The Batman colors just did not do it for me, I think the classic heritage colors of the red and blue bezel and red 24hr hand really perfect the look of the gmt master II. No hate on the Batman, I just vastly prefer the Pepsi. Last pic is the Batman I traded. I realize it wasn’t the best financial decision, but I couldn’t see myself ever really warming up to the Batman, and given there were some QC issues with the Batman (misaligned bezel or dial, blue paint on 24hr hand not cleanly applied), I made the decision to part with it. DavidSW was really easy to deal with, and I went with this particular example because I could check the rehaut and bezel alignment in his posted pics were pretty much perfect. Not everyone cares about that level of detail but I feel for a watch as expensive as this there shouldn’t be any misalignment in the rehaut/bezel like my Batman had.

In my opinion, the bezel (and rehaut) is misaligned too significantly to look past. Anyone have any experience getting their gmt bezel aligned better by the AD? Is it something they could do at the AD or is this a send to RSC kind of job? I don’t really care about the rehaut alignment but the bezel alignment is not acceptable for me.