I now ignore inconsistencies with closeups, knowing that it's usually second unit filming, not using main actors or props. If it's not the actual actors wearing or using certain props, I don't consider it "official".
Although I like certain styles of watches I see in movies and TV, I don't strictly insist on getting the identical model. My "Magnum/Bond" watch is a cheap blue Orient Ray (original version) - no concerns about getting beat up or lost in the ocean because it costs only $200 CAD. My "Prisoner" watch is a $75 USSR Poljot de luxe. My "Blue Thunder" watch is a 1984 Casio AX-250 (also 1982 Timex M-433 - and they surprisingly just made a reproduction of this).
Pahonu wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 12:01 am
Have you ever heard of the Westy wave? I tell people about this and most seem to think I’m joking with them.
For decades, I had to deal with the "VW Bug wave". As Bugs started disappearing, it became easier and easier. I thought I was over that nonsense, but then I got a Jeep Wrangler and suddenly I had the tedious task of having to constantly scan oncoming traffic for other Jeeps, so that I'm ready to wave and not piss-off other Jeep owners. Half the time I'm not paying attention and I miss the wave by a fraction of a second, the other Jeep owner passes by thinking I'm some kind of arrogant jerk.
Pahonu wrote: ↑Thu Mar 04, 2021 9:34 pm
I certainly can’t complain. It’s become my watch to wear camping and sailing and anywhere else I might slam it against something. It’s all dinged up. I have an Invicta mechanical watch with a bracelet I wear most days. I love never having to replace the battery. I’ve had it for quite a few years, though not as long as the Seiko. It’s in much better shape and I reset it about once a week. The quartz has almost perfect accuracy even after all these years!
Sounds like it has that desirable "well worn" look. I think we need a photo.
Hey Styles,
What a brain fart I had! I went to the grocery store in my Westy today and remembered to pull out my old watch for a pic like you asked for. It’s a Casio not a Seiko. All the other details are accurate but I screwed that up, sorry. Still want a pic? It is “well worn” as you said. I should have realized from the angled crown. I’ve never had a watch like that. By the way, any idea about the value of an 80’s CASIO dive watch? I was surprised when you said the Seiko was worth maybe $200 or more.
Here’s a picture of both watches. I never reset the date on Casio from February, but I’d bet money that it’s second hand is closer to the actual time than the Invicta mechanical. I’ve never been much of a watch guy as can be seen from my diverse collection, but I always wear one. During the quarantine I put together a small collection of tools to work on them though. I replaced the pin between the lugs for the bracelet on the Invicta (challenging but doable) and replaced the battery on the quartz. I used to always just take them to the shop nearby. The canvas strap needs replacing now because the loop to tuck in the end tore off. But I’m prepared! Hey, do you have any thoughts on a strap?
Also, I agree the old VW splitties are insanely priced now. I saw a samba go for six figures at auction a few years ago!!!
Apparently my generation of van is growing in value now. I paid $5500 bucks for it in 2007 with leaking heads and it was considered just an old van. I’ve spent a lot of time and money restoring her over the years, but had a guy approach me about buying it a couple of years ago. He was in importer bringing rust free vans from around the world back to the UK where they’re very popular. He said he did a few trips a year to Australia, South Africa and the US Southwest hunting down vans. He said he could probably go as high as 15k. I was stunned! They MUST be popular for him to make a profit after spending that much, shipping it, and freshening it up. He gave me his card and I put it in a safe place.
Nice pair! Casio doesn’t have the cachet that seiko does in the dive watch world, so probably not very valuable. But looks like it could tell more than a few stories! I love the vibe. Well worn and chunky.
Wonder why the UK guy was looking for LHD vans. He must be looking to sell them on the continent. Can’t imagine there’s a huge demand for vehicles with steering wheels on the wrong side. It’s way too dangerous. They do have an amazing following though. I remember a while back a member of the forum mentioned that he bought one of the original Island Hoppers VWs. I think he imported it to Germany. Vehicles are pretty cheap in the US compared to other countries. Even Canada (and they don’t get destroyed by salt and snow half the year!)
He must have been planning on selling the LHD ones on the continent. He said he also imported from Australia and South Africa a lot too, but there are much smaller populations and likely fewer vans there overall, I would think. I was just surprised at the amount he said. I would say that I have actually noticed a LOT fewer of them in my general area than even 10 years ago. I pretty much only see them in marinas like mine, live aboards often have vans, and near camp grounds. That wasn’t the case in the recent past.
Thanks for the watch information. I don’t take the Casio under water at all, because I’ve changed the battery so many times and have seen the seal on the rear face, or what’s left of it! The mechanical has never been opened. I bought the Casio for around $50 US about 32 years ago, so I certainly got my money’s worth even if it’s not worth much today!
I had a black plastic digital Seiko dive watch (I’m sure this time ) that I actually used when I dove a lot in the past. I don’t have any of my equipment anymore and have only snorkeled in the last few years. I’m still certified, but when I turned 45 I developed a problem in my right ear. It can be really difficult to equalize the pressure in that ear, and gets quite painful at depth. That same ear immediately becomes inflamed whenever I get a cold with sinus congestion. I still love getting under water but there are limits now. It comes with getting older I suppose.
Mad Kudu Buck wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 7:00 pm
Thanks Styles for the article link.
I now ignore inconsistencies with closeups, knowing that it's usually second unit filming, not using main actors or props. If it's not the actual actors wearing or using certain props, I don't consider it "official".
Although I like certain styles of watches I see in movies and TV, I don't strictly insist on getting the identical model. My "Magnum/Bond" watch is a cheap blue Orient Ray (original version) - no concerns about getting beat up or lost in the ocean because it costs only $200 CAD. My "Prisoner" watch is a $75 USSR Poljot de luxe. My "Blue Thunder" watch is a 1984 Casio AX-250 (also 1982 Timex M-433 - and they surprisingly just made a reproduction of this).
Pahonu wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 12:01 am
Have you ever heard of the Westy wave? I tell people about this and most seem to think I’m joking with them.
For decades, I had to deal with the "VW Bug wave". As Bugs started disappearing, it became easier and easier. I thought I was over that nonsense, but then I got a Jeep Wrangler and suddenly I had the tedious task of having to constantly scan oncoming traffic for other Jeeps, so that I'm ready to wave and not piss-off other Jeep owners. Half the time I'm not paying attention and I miss the wave by a fraction of a second, the other Jeep owner passes by thinking I'm some kind of arrogant jerk.
Too funny!
I read in Manetti’s book I think, that Selleck drove a Jeep Wrangler around Hawaii when he was filming the series, at least early on.
All the other details are accurate but I screwed that up, sorry. Still want a pic? It is “well worn” as you said. 
I should have realized from the angled crown. I’ve never had a watch like that. By the way, any idea about the value of an 80’s CASIO dive watch? I was surprised when you said the Seiko was worth maybe $200 or more.
