I'm glad Vertex finally opened up the new M100A automatic version to anyone to buy and it's now well under $3k new. As such, I finally decided to go for one. Still kind of pricey at around $2600, depending on current exchange rate. But, I think the build, true heritage, and the overall design of the Vertex are pretty good. Of all the remaining original Dirty Dozen mfgs still around, I think Vertex and Timor are the only ones still making a D12 watch. Timor is pretty faithful to the original scale at 36mm.. if not, they might be a tad larger at 37mm. But, I do think Vertex has the best looking aesthetic. The way they executed the dial goes a long way. Sure, there are many microbrands now that make pretty decent homages of the D12 watches now. And, they are priced considerably more affordable. But, for me, I thinking having one that has true roots and ties to the original D12 is the way to go instead of some facsimile. And, I will go back to Vertex design still looking the best looking of the bunch as a modern version of the D12 watches.
I just ordered one it arrives tomorrow. I spoke with Don at WindUp NYC last year or so and he told me how he revived the brand and some business aspects and such. I would have preferred the first releases as they are hand wound and thinner at 10.5mm and limited in production. Didn't realize the new ones are over 12mm tall which I don't like much also the sellita SW200 base movement which I also don't like much as i had three watches with caliber issues, one Oris 65 blue dial and a Alpina start timer limited addition with top grade movement that had serious winding issues. would prefer a Sellita SW300 for the price of this watch. I'll see how it goes once I receive it.
I agree with your “worth it” comment. I posses the needed documents to get this watch, however, there are multiple vintage vertex www watches for sale for under 3k. I suppose I just personally like wearing pieces of history but can appreciate those that want guaranteed water resistance and sapphire crystals for more worry free everyday wear. Just my opinion.
@@MountainStandardTime the Longines heritage classic is really a dial change away. Sure you could brush the case and add a mechanical movement but given they have a whole line of “heritage” watches it’s surprising to not get in on the dirty dozen market. Omega both surprises me a doesn’t in this market. On one hand they have multiple watches that saw war time use that I would absolutely pay to have a modern version of. On the other hand they have 30 colors of Seamasters and god knows how many versions of their Olympic watches so I would imagine they have little interest in that part of the market. Unfortunate because their Seamaster 1948 re-issue looks amazing.
Really interesting proposition. First I like the watch and story. However I agree with your approach. It’s not worth $3,000 to me. It would be quite a bit less. Thank you for a great video!
This is a very very nice watch, produced with great attention to detail. BUT, mechanically it's not much different from a number of (for instance) Hamilton field watches. Imagine taking a Hamilton Khaki that retails for 500 to 800 dollars, and spending 10 hours (at $100 an hour) polishing everything and adding the (very cool) luminous numbers. That brings the price up to 1,500 to 1,800 dollars. And I'm not sure how you would spend 10 hours polishing and brushing a watch. I feel the same way about several Swatch group brands, who take an off-the-shelf ETA movement, add a fancy rotor, call it "in house. and charge $2,500 for it. It's worth the money as long as there are people who are willing to pay the money. Does it represent $2,700 worth of value? I don't think so.
Look at it this way rolex movements are mass produced buy a movement company they bought out there no better than selita eta rolex make thousands of watches they control your watch itch thy are master's of marketing at least with vertex you talk to the guy that owns the firm
My only thing being active duty military at the moment is the price, I have Vaers, and love my 2 Hamiltons more than any watch in my box but looking at the big price difference is like wow…makes me really torn because it’s marketed towards military but maybe flag officers unfortunately
Yes. It is pricey. Perhaps Field Grade Officers can afford it. I wish Omega or Longines would come out with a modern reissue of their dirty dozen watches. From one USAF Vet to another, thanks for serving.
I think that Vertex would have served the buyer better with a more true to the original and they could have done it for far less than what they are asking for this watch. I purchased the Timor Heritage Field which is there re-issue of their Dirty Dozen model and they made it more true to the original and for far less. Thanks for the great video.
@@favoritethings3065 They offer it in a manual wound Sellita 216 movement also which is what I had at the time of the post but it appears that they are out of stock on their website at this time so they didn't miss the opportunity.
Did you keep the Vertex or get bored with it after a year? I do like the company as well, but I'm not sure they are so unique that I would pay the asking price. I especially love the chronograph, but for the price there is nothing "special" about the watch.
@@MountainStandardTime hahahaha....every time I purchase a new watch I try to convince myself it is the last one. It's never the last one. I currently wear a Damasko DC82 Chronograph. Awesome watch, but most likely not the last one.
The lume is nice, as is the manual movement; but the form factor is not fit for use in the field. It is too large for use in combat or hunting, IMO. The smaller DD inspired watches from VAER and Timor are properly sized for field use.
@@MountainStandardTime youtube won't let me post a link. The closest that Longines has made is the Longines Heritage Military 1938. It is 43mm wide and contains a pocket watch movement. These were originally commissioned by the Czech military in 1938. The production run was limited to 1,938 watches, numbered. Will they ever make a proper DD heritage watch? They would be fools not to... Eventually. To date, the Timor is the DD heritage that is truest to the original. They appear to be another reanimated watch brand that was crushed by the quartz crisis.
@@johnhebert3855 number nine out of 150 also mp45 heritage 1 of 25 manual best watches I have ever owned tough and simple proper tool watch I also own various zinns for example a rolex would be last on my list my opinion
