Today was the third anniversary of the passing of our friend, Chuck Maddox, a legend in the community of vintage chronograph collectors. Chuck probably wrote and talked more about vintage chronographs than anyone else in our community. He not only inspired OnTheDash but introduced me to the “techie” who made it happen.
There has been considerable discussion about which watch was actually Chuck’s favorite . . . he seemed to love them all. But when I woke up this morning, I had no doubt about which watch to wear in Chuck’s memory. Whatever we say about the “Grail”, and however much he loved the Lemania 5100s, and for all he wrote about the Speedies and Moon watches, on a given day, this was the watch that Chuck was most likely to be wearing.
Chuck wrote about this one here, and the following is an excerpt from that review:
The Seamaster Pro Chronograph is attractive because it is the watch that “has it all”… Chronometer rating, Automatic Winding mechanical movement with excellent durability and parts availablity, Chronograph, Calendar, Helium Release Valve, Saphire Crystal, an absolutely incredible bracelet w/divers extension & twin push button safety release, non-slip caseback, available in a variety of material’s: dial/bezel colors, great water resistance rating, and the show stopper: the unmatched ability to operate the chronograph underwater without compromising the Water Resistance of the watch. No other mechanical watch boasts that feature. Jeff Huber and I (among many many others) say it’s the best sports chronograph on the market, and you know what… People don’t argue that point with us. There is nothing out there that does what this watch does at any price, much less the price point one can obtain one for.
Chuck often tried to convince me to buy one of these, but I only bought one after he had passed away. It was then that I realized that this one probably was, when all is said and done, his favorite watch . . . at least his favorite watch to wear.
So this is the one I wore today.
Jeff