[canni01]

Hey Guys,

As the newest member of the Graywater club, I thought it might be fun to create a owners list to see how many are out there and how many owners are active on the forum. From my research I know that about 50 were scheduled to be made, and only approximately 40ish were ever produced. Maybe BobbyMike can chime in on the final number since he was in charge of distribution. I can try to update the thread as owners chime in :-!

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13. canni01
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22. OmegaCosmicMan
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33. Pentameter
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.

........I will add to the count if higher numbers surface.

 

[TallWatch]

Is this the version with the GMT hand ? I like that one, why were only so few made ? Would be nice to own one.

 

[TallWatch]

Is this the version with the GMT hand ? I like that one, why were only so few made ?

 

[canni01]

Is this the version with the GMT hand ? I like that one, why were only so few made ? Would be nice to own one.

Yes it is. They were made specifically for PMWF (Poor Mans Watch Forum) as a limited edition.

Why all 50 were not produced I am not sure. From prior posts it almost seems as though the project began to lose interest when the PMWF founder passed away and the site went down.

 

[canni01]

 

[TallWatch]

Yeah, thats a great watch ! If the Original site is down is the history uploaded somewhere else so i can read up on it ? Thanks for posting !

 

[OmegaCosmicMan]

:think:

To answer questions about 'History' and 'Origins', ultimately the search function (that button in the upper right down from top about a third) is your best friend -

BUT, you'll have to read some....

Here is a start for you....

https://www.watchuseek.com/f325/graywater-origins-1292954.html

;-)

|>|>

 

[OmegaCosmicMan]

Originally, there were supposed to be 50 watches.

From what I understood, after following the subject for about two years.... (or more) (both here and at the now-defunct PMWF) before I actually received mine (in Nov 2014), there were 'issues' for MKII in receiving the correct number and quality of high-quality parts, according to Bill Yao's rigorous requirements.

Parts issues were related to at least one critical part - He had posted that there was trouble getting watch cases in sufficient quality and quantity...

These issues caused many problems and delays.

In the end, for (whatever other) reasons in addition to this, the full quantity was never produced.

I was lucky enough to snag Number 22 - and it has been worn almost every day since....

There are many pictures of mine around here....

Since.....

Here are some...

:think: (This is one taken very shortly after I received the watch. Sadly, the 'beautiful killer' also seen in the photo passed on about 3 years ago - But the Graywater is still going, but has had a few lumps and bumps along the way...)

The 'old girl' (both of them actually) have a lot of miles. ;-) This one was taken in Mexico. Been there and back again....several times

(If you saw me today, I would probably be wearing this on this same velcro strap. It's been pretty consistently on the wrist....)

|>|>

 

[TallWatch]

:think:

To answer questions about 'History' and 'Origins', ultimately the search function (that button in the upper right down from top about a third) is your best friend -

BUT, you'll have to read some....

Here is a start for you....

https://www.watchuseek.com/f325/graywater-origins-1292954.html

;-)

|>|>

Awesome posts and watch, thanks a ziljon ! Lots to read up on. Pity chances of more production are nil…..

 

[Chromejob]

Ah, I see it arrived safely on your wrist, Nick. > Enjoy. It was a trusted friend on mine for many a jog, snow jaunt, and midnight scurry. If you look back on my past posts, you'll find it was the muse for many photographic experiments. I miss her complex face already, but know she'll keep you entranced for many moons.

I recall a lot of us were wowed by the "light saber" second hand on release. It's really something to see in action.

ADDENDUM:

….Why all 50 were not produced I am not sure. From prior posts it almost seems as though the project began to lose interest when the PMWF founder passed away and the site went down.

The project was very briefly in peril because the PMWF, for whch the watch was made to commemorate, had to close down unexpectedly. Some of those who'd committed to the project declined or disappeared. But BobbyMike kept the fires stoked, and many of Mk II's fans swooped in and bought one (myself included). It's an amazing watch in several ways, and at the time t'was a golden opportunity to get a Mk II Benrus homage without scrounging for a pre-owned Paradive. The ETA movement is a reliable classic.

I believe the run didn't go to 50 due to parts supply issues, any other factors I leave to the principals to disclose. (Search in past threads and you may find answers.)

The PMWF community continued as the Wallet Friendly Watch Forum (WFWF).

 

[Chromejob]

BTW and FYI ... (background discussion). I was not involved in the PMWF design discussions or approval (I believe the project was driven by Reto and Bill Yao in collaboration), but I presumed this was a variant of the Benrus Type 1 homage Paradive, with a GMT movement and slightly different, flight instrument-inspired hands. Only AFTER getting it did I discover the Omega Flightmaster DNA. Introduced in 1969 as Omega's first distinct "pilot's watch," the watch came with a no-cost special order option of cadmium yellow chrono hands for better visibility in low light cockpit conditions. Like Rolex's GMT-Master, it had features intended for jet age, globe-trotting aircrews, right down to the jet intake inspired case, and Douglas DC-8[SUB][1][/SUB] on the caseback. Produced only from 1969 - 1977, it could be one of Omega's most distinctive "professional" watches (alongside the Ploprof).

[1] Technically, the tail of the engraving suggests a Boeing 707 "glider" with no engines. :roll:

The distinctive 24h hand, and the cadmium yellow highlights, of the Graywater must be an homage to the optional Flightmaster configuration. Once I "grokked" that connection, affection for the Graywater only grew stronger.

More on the Flightmaster from Worn & Wound.
Fratello Watches book review, Flightmaster Only.

 

[Pentameter]

I’m 33 but considering selling as it hardly gets any wrist time. It is an amazing watch though...

 

[canni01]

I'm 33 but considering selling as it hardly gets any wrist time. It is an amazing watch though...

In addition loving the aesthetics of the watch, I'm a sucker for exclusivity, and since I basically had to beg chromejob to sell me his... I see this one staying with me.

It is quite amazing the popularity of this watch amongst MKII enthusiasts. If you look at previous for sale posts, these rarely last more than a day posted before someone grabs it. So, I'm sure you will have no difficulty.

 

[canni01]

Duplicate post.....

 

[OmegaCosmicMan]

@ Chromejob -

The distinctive 24h hand, and the cadmium yellow highlights, of the Graywater must be an homage to the optional Flightmaster configuration. Once I "grokked" that connection, affection for the Graywater only grew stronger.

:think: Years ago, when I first started really studying 'action pistol shooting' I realized after much testing, that my eyes focused much more quickly and sharply if my rear sight was outlined in this shade of yellow, and my front sight was fitted with a fluorescent yellow bead (instead of the more prevalent orange or bright red).

So I went to my semi-autos and revolvers and learned how to create and mold these into the sights.

But your point is valid, too. I recognized the almost-certain homage to the shape and size of the 24-hour hand, after I considered chasing down a real "Flightmaster" --

:think: (Haven't really given up on that yet....). ;-)

But I always thought that the use of the yellow was because of the 'enhanced visibility aspect'.

 

[Chromejob]

EDIT: oops, forum rules. :-x (Post deletion not available.)

 

[Semper Jeep]

I'm 33 but considering selling as it hardly gets any wrist time. It is an amazing watch though...

How do I claim rights of first refusal? :think:

 

[BobbyMike]

There were 40 made. That was a mutual decision by Bill and myself. I'm grateful that he completed that many. I still own mine, it was the first actually completed (but #27 in the series).

Keep your eyes open if you want one, I know quite a few (at least 10) have changed hands since the initial (painfully long) distribution.

 

[Chromejob]

How do I claim rights of first refusal? :think:

A: via PM.

Note that this section of the forum has rather strict guidelines about veiled "for sale" and "WTB" posts.

P.S. Nick is kidding, he didn't really beg. No horses were harmed in the making of "an offer I couldn't refuse."

 

[SubMoose]

I'm 33 but considering selling as it hardly gets any wrist time. It is an amazing watch though...

Uh...you did sell it. It's right here next to 16, 18 and 24