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A Safe Space

Be Constructive, Not Destructive

In which, the first thing I say is issue a warning to anyone looking to bash others.

Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.

— Oscar Wilde.

If you’ve looked around lately, you’ll notice that the world continues to be a scary place. A place where people don’t feel safe and secure, where paranoia is survival. If this is how you live your life, there is no shame in it.

However, this is where that way of life and this website differ. I strongly support constructive criticism and the building up of my fellow humans. Tearing someone down, even for a brief moment of relief, remains a constant way in which to perpetuate a painful cycle.

So if you have nothing good to say, nothing helpful, or supportive, don’t say it. Just like I choose to write, you choose to read. Do not like? Then do not read. In return, I will try to be as objective with my opinion as possible. I am only human, I feel things too.

Sincerely,

The PNH

The 5 Knives

A Knife Collectors Basic Guide

Most of us can get by with scissors and a box cutter while we’re doing our day to day stuff. Let’s be realistic when we say that knife collecting is a hobby. As always, safety first. Choose a knife with good grip in a size that fits your hand, with designs that promote good handling characteristics like jimping and flaring in the appropriate areas.

Having said that, knife collecting and those of us who are collectors, are very particular about our knives. We avidly discuss the metal composition, the blade shape, the handle materials, to name a few things. What works for you may not work for me. My style isn’t your style and that’s okay. Preference is okay. You may like the way that SpiderCo knives open as compared to how Benchmade Knives open or not, this is a huge topic of debate. There are many topics of debate. 

No matter what you like, these are just a few of the top categories to consider.

The Beater-Kershaw Zing

This is the knife that you throw around. It’s cheap so you’re not afraid to ding, scuff or otherwise risk this blade or its edge. For the price, it’ll still cut through your basic cardboard packages, open your mail and otherwise do a decent job in a pinch. It’s in fact so many times more affordable than our premium option, that you could possibly buy several of these, maybe even a dozen, without breaking the bank. It’s still razor sharp though, make no mistake as Kershaw is among the best in the business in the sub 50 dollar category. Alternative wood handle option, Civivi Mini Praxis. 

The Fixed Blade-Vosteed Mink

Your fixed blade should be chunky. It has to be strong and full tang. More than the beater knife, this knife will be your camp knife, your bushcraft knife, going through the mud and the muck with you on your adventures. You might consider what it’ll feel like being used while wearing gloves in the cold, or how you’ll holster this knife to best serve your needs. Unlike the other blades in this list, the fixed blade, not being a folding knife, has fewer parts and is therefore much easier to clean. Make sure it’s rated to resist corrosion in the metal of your choice (say Nitro V) and that it comes with a sheath. Affordable alternative- Kizer Cabox

The premium-Benchmade Mini Freek

The pretty one, some might say. The expensive one others might suggest. Made out of materials that resist corrosion, or hold an edge really well, and maybe even has great durability, these blades are usually tops in at least 2 of the 3 aforementioned categories. While no knife is going to score 10/10 on all of the knife ratings charts, some get awfully close in a few categories. Affordable Alternative- Vosteed Mini Psyops 299.

The Rescue-Victorinox Rescue Tool

A specific subset of the multi-tool category, the Rescue Tool category is for saving lives. Famously used for it’s seat belt cutter and glass breaker, this tool also includes a glass saw and as well as a more standard array of tools like a bottle opener, screwdriver, and a very sharp blade. Leave this in your car with the hope that you never ever need to use it but be grateful that the one time you do, you have it so save yourself from the watery depths. As for an alternative, there are very few that come up with the spec that this tool provides. In many cases, you’d need multiple tools that does everything this tool does but recommendations are welcome.

The Wilderness- Leatherman Signal

Beloved the world over, Leatherman tools have had a great reputation for generations. The Leatherman Signal is your true outdoors man tool. Need to start a fire? The Signal can help with that via the wood saw for kindling and the Ferro Rod for sparking a flame. Need some pliers or a small hammer? The Signal can help with that too. Counting the bit driver, there are some 19 tools plus additions you can add like the driver set that round out this tool’s usefulness outdoors. Whether car camping or hiking Everest, this tool will get you through a lot. Costs being what they are, a more affordable alternative would be the Gerber Stakeout. Fewer tools yes, but if the Ferro Rod/Striker combo and a wood saw are a priority, then this will do in a pinch.

Bonus

The Heirloom- Shot Show exclusives or a Herman Knives Tesseract

Not necessarily a specific type of knife, these are the ones you save, that you hand down. The rare limited editions that are available first at the SHOT show, and then if you’re lucky, also available at select retailers as well. These are the knives that come in special colors or other materials that can be eye-catching or controversial. As an example, the 2025 Benchmade Mini Freek was made with an Ultem handle material and there has been much debate made of that choice. For the Heirloom pick that will only appreciate in value, the Herman Knives Tesseract is one such knife on many collectors’ grail lists. 

The act of choosing a knife is something of a mystical process. It’s part art and part science. Yes, you might choose a knife based on the blade materials, blade type, size or other physical factor but to choose based solely on this criteria is a mistake. The art part of choosing a knife is handling it in person and seeing if it jives with you. A knife can meet all your requirements and yet when you have it in hand, doesn’t do it for you. The true test of a knife is how it feels in hand. Regardless of shape or materials, in-hand feel is what it always comes down to in the end so choose wisely.  

Sincerely,

The PNH

Got a Bag Problem? You Are Not Alone.

The 5 luxury bag buying experiences you’re bound to have as a modern shopper.

The first big purchase- Maybe this is a bag you saw in a movie, maybe it’s something you saw someone you admire carrying, or even something a family member said would look nice on you. You might have grown up knowing this brand or seen an ad for it and now the first-time rush of making a big purchase is here. You are excited for it and nothing can take this feeling away from you.

The Mistake-Maybe you got caught up in the color, the design, the brand but had an inkling even as you made the purchase that it was a mistake. This bag sits in your closet, tags attached and in the dust bag for ages before you remember it or find it again. Even after re-evaluating it, it’s still a mistake, something you don’t ever plan to use. So you trade it, sell it, or gift it away.

The Save and Wait- This bag is one you waited for with anticipation bordering on obsession and now that you have it, you feel like you’ve arrived. Whether you devoted time, money, or distance traveled to get this bag, you can finally own it satisfied that you did all the research, devoted all the effort and it was well worth it. This one might be later in life and has come after you’ve really learned what you need and want in a bag. You made all the smart choices and now it’s reward time.

The Impulse Magic-While this could often be mistaken for the ‘Mistake’ bag, this one is actually the lucky happenstance bag you buy. It could be that you were walking past a store front and went in to look without the intention of buying. Perhaps it was sitting on a shelf next to the one you meant to buy or it was something you hated in the advertisement but loved in your hands. Whichever it is, you bought it and end up loving it. This one is one of the rare gems in the shopping experience and should be treasured.

The Risky One- Oftentimes also the online buy, this one is risky because you don’t have the bag in hand. You don’t know what it looks like under natural lighting, where the bag has been, how it’s been stored or even how authentic it might be. The one can cause lots of heartache since it often comes at a great price, a steal of a deal but you might end up with a lemon. It looks the part but maybe isn’t sweet at all.

Whether it’s a briefcase, a backpack, a duffle bag, or any other number of styles of bag, many of us have experience these five bag buying experiences, sometimes multiple times. The important thing to know is that it’s okay, with the caveat that you should make sure you can afford to do this. More on that in a future post though. This one is just about shopping experiences, not ownership or savings.

Sincerely,

The PNH

Foundations of Time

Where my memories of time began and how I have interacted with watches throughout my life.

One of my first memories of time was of it’s infinite expanse. Namely, I was bored in the back seat of my dads car while we were on a road trip. I was at points bored and at other points nauseous. Bored if my father was driving, nauseous if my uncle was driving since he had a habit of both a heavy foot and not all together great perception of distance.

Then of course, once I was old enough and tall enough, it became my job to wind the old grandfather clock we had in my childhood home. Wind it enough times and it would not need to be wound for another 30 days, my father said. I realized that having something like this was a rare luxury, for my friends homes mostly had digital clocks. I only realize as I got older, just how valuable something like this item can be. It gonged, perhaps at midnight, perhaps on the hour. I don’t remember how often but I remember the noise of the gears as I wound it, the feeling of my hands around the winding key as I twisted to reach it through the stairway banister.

Next, was McDonalds watches. Those little plastic ones you get in the happy meal that you and your friends fight over. Jurassic park might have been a theme, in keeping with the movie release, or any number of other styles. The watches invariable got dirty, misplaced and left at friends houses. Still, it was an exciting digital piece to have and was very different from my family’s antique wall clock.

Then there was my leather Guess watch, which I’ve no idea who bought for me but I remember being upset that I’d gotten the leather wet and ruined while washing my hands and so this interaction has affected every watch I’ve ever bought since then. Currently I have one or two leather strap watches but by and large, my entire collection of watches are affordable stainless steel watches, some two tone but still steel and two in Titanium. One or two exceptions aside, I’ve learned that watches should be tough rather than delicate for what I need to do with them on a day to day basis. One of the few leather strap watches I had was a gift from my father which sadly, I’ve lost to the sands of time and moving homes every so often. These days, a Tank style dress watch suits me fine on the rare occasion I need to be in formal attire.

Around then, it was also time to receive a cellphone and that told me the time plenty. Nokia’s, Nextels, Sony’s, they ran the gamut of electronic candy bar cellphones used to communicate with friends and eventually, stream movies and TV shows. Nowadays, it’s cellphones and fitness trackers on everyone’s wrist but I adamantly refuse to go the route of Apple’s line of electronics. I’ll take one for work but my heart remains tied to the freedom of Android.

Into my adult years, it became necessary to get a watch for keeping tracking of both college classes as well as social engagements. It had to be at least somewhat business oriented or flashy so I went to Century 21 and found a two tone Bulova with a champagne dial. It’s since been beaten up, now needs a new battery, and has a ton of scratches but I still have it to this day and have no plans to get rid of it. It, along with a Hamilton Ventura, were the first two watches I bought as an adult that started the hobby of watch collecting.

There’s of course, growing up with computer clocks. First with a black and green screen computer, then the first color computers and the arrival of the internet. Setting your computers date and time automatically based on it’s time zone. Splitting computer time with your siblings until you could afford a second computer from your first job. Life wasn’t always easy and you realized time costs you money too, if you really think about it. Or is it that money can cost you time too? It’s both and yet neither, depending on how you looked at it.

Then it was GPS timing, from a phone or from a cars navigation, that took on a new meaning. Road trips, jobs that required driving, time spent with family and friends in the car getting from point A to point B. Like many drivers, we may like to see our ETA so we can plan around that while some of us like to exceed that ETA. Some of us even take that ETA as a dare or a challenge to beat so be careful because time does catch up to you in unexpected ways, especially when you’re driving.

These days, I’m wearing a Vintage Cartier Galbee, a Quartz model and thus affordable, but with great style and heritage. This singular purchase, more than any other watch purchased, has massively helped to curtail any need for additional watches. To me, this is one of the ultimate watches, combing excellence in design, simplicity of movement, elegant in abundance, relative affordability, and a great companion in day to day life. I have a small collection of other watches, an Oris diver, a Citizen Eco-Drive dress watch, and a positively ancient Omega Constellation but they rarely get any real wrist time.

I’m sure there are plenty of watches out there deserving of attention. I’ve seen them through social media or advertised in TV and movies but since that Cartier has landed on my wrist, it’s had the most wrist time and that doesn’t seem to change. Even as I submit the watch for maintenance and cleaning, I eager await it’s return and have no idea what I’ll do in the meantime.

In the end, time is relative, just like the cost of watches is relative and just like what watch you wear is relative. Time is a companion and how you choose to see and experience it is what matters.

Sincerely,

The PNH

My Must Haves For This Thing Called Life.

I’ve come to the point in my life where I am thinking about the things that I need to keep and the things I need to throw out. Beyond the standard things like a favorite pair of shoes or a warm hat, here are the things I’ve decided I must have at all times in life.

My Watch. Not a surprise given the amount of Watch related content this site has been putting out recently. I would need 1 watch, my Rolex Oyster Perpetual, to take me through life and to keep me on track. It’s made to be tough but elegant to the point that it would fit under a board room shirt cuff or hiking the highest mountain. It took me ages to save up for this watch (even before the price hikes) and it is proof that I can save money. I’m not going anywhere without it since I’ve taken it everywhere and it’s survived everything from drops to flood damage.

My leather jacket. Simultaneously classic and daring, the Allsaints Prospect leather jacket will go anywhere and do anything. Deep soft black leather, suede inner collar, shearling collar for the wind, this jacket is a comfort to be had on a cold night and brings back great memories. It stands up to nights out on the town or days visiting the relatives for lunch.

My Guitar. The Chapman ML2- Pro Modern in a Satin Fireburst. The satin finish is delicate and smooth as silk in the hands. The materials are of a high quality and even if I ding it, it keeps on going since it’s a through neck construction. This is the first guitar I reach for and while it’s not the rarest, it’s one of the most comfortable I own. I’ll get better at playing … eventually.

My Jade. One of the last gifts from my grandfather, in the shape of my zodiac animal, it is one of my important treasures. When I hold it, I think of him always, missing him and my grandmother dearly. It is a piece of them that I carry and it will remain with me always. It, unlike grandpa’s knife, would make it through airport security. The jade is statistically a better option.

My headphones. The Shure Se535 were bought from a trip in Japan along with some Luck Charms. Second hand but in pristine condition, I spent an hour sitting in a chair in a shop in Nakano Broadway testing them with various music. Whatever mobile device I have, I’ll always want to listen to music and so I must have an earphone with great sound stage, sparkling highs, emotional mid vocals, and punchy but clear bass. It’ll even do a half decent job at airplane noise isolation.

Google. If I am ever without Google, I would be totally screwed as I am so hooked into google that I would never make it out of any country alive without it. Google maps is one of my most trusted sources and google voice allows me to call or text anyone in the world. Every piece of writing I’ve ever done is saved there. Photos that document my history. Calendar that keeps track of my life.

Safe Travels on this thing we call the road of life. Whatever it is that you carry, may it bring you continued comfort and sanity. Part utility, part security blanket, and not always easy to transport in some cases, these are the things that we must have to go through life or else life just isn’t quite what it should or would be without.

Sincerely,

The PNH

A Terrible Fall of Angels By Laurell K. Hamilton

Like the Perfect Pizza, it depends on what you like. Give it some time.

As this is her first male lead, I didn’t know what to expect from Zaniel Havelock except a male version of her other (female) lead characters. What I got was a book that was really human, showcasing trauma, mental health awareness, and real connection that isn’t as well represented when compared to the first Anita or Merry books. Yes, it’s mentioned in other parts of her others work but we’re really seeing it in this book ( I haven’t read all of Merry, still waiting!). To be fair, the first Anita book came out in 1994 so she’s certainly improved.

These are people first and foremost, their gender part of their description rather than their sole defining characteristic. The characters you’ll meet in this book almost make it seems like there’s a prequel or an appendix of history that you the reader are not privy to and perhaps it’s better that way. There will be jokes and history that you the reader won’t know and good or bad, only you can decide if that’s something you can accept.

The same is true of the Angelic and other religious elements within this story as well. Faith here is different from how it’s shown through Hamilton’s previous work. It definitely has it’s mysterious parts, which I’ll talk about, but for the most part, divine intervention is powerfully obvious and results are direct in this book. You might expect Anita Blakes cross to glow around vampire threats but here? Zaniel himself see’s the glow of the world and it’s magical splendor. There’s definitely room to grow here in this urban jaunt.

There was some purposeful editing to keep things a tad more mysterious and anticipatory given the new supernaturals she was working with in this book. I admit that I am more familiar with how Were-animals and Vampires work, much less so with Angels and this kind of supernatural.  I can forgive that so long as the characters and the world are real but it still feels a tad more forced than in her Anita works. I’m not a fan of characters passing out as a method of ending a scene but this seems to be something that happens more than a few times in past books she’s written.

The differences in the reviews we as fans are seeing is the result of readers’ preference. What do you want in a book? Do you care more about character development and authenticity? What about Pacing? How about the World Building? Quirky cast of characters? Certain elements do need work in this book (looking at you Pacing) but I can really forgive it since the book pulled me in and left me wanting more.

There are a lot of characters we’re meeting and I’m sure we’ll meet them again in the next one (hopefully) but some folks have pointed out that there are a lot of people in this book. That can be trying for some but that only means the next books will bring these characters even more vibrancy and detail. If however, those characters never surface again, it may feel like a temporarily useful but wasted long term world building to introduce a solid character only to discard them completely in the next books. It’s a fine line that Hamilton hasn’t always balanced well.

The world itself feels real, like a place I could visit (but would probably not survive in for very long), and that’s worth it to me. The world feels, as always, well researched, and written with a very specific focus. Maybe too specific? Only in a few places but that could be because author Laurell K. Hamliton felt pressure writing a male lead character? Only time will tell but Zaniel definitely felt like a guy, where guys can get focused and be poorer at multitasking. It’s a different voice from what we’re used to with Anita but still have sprinklings of the witty banter we’re accustomed to reading.

As we expect, Hamilton writes realistic characters with human foibles, the mistakes and biases are what makes them so real. We can also probably expect to connect with her cast of characters but be forewarned that you may not see them after a certain point. Oh they’re likely still alive within the world but probably won’t take center stage once their story arc finishes in the authors minds eye. For better or for worse, as incredible as her characters can be, they don’t stick around forever. One of rarer elements that Anita books dealt with was the perma-death of a character that the lead was close to. Many have come close to the brink or had been brought back but something in this readers gut says that this time, it’s about to get serious.

I do like the way the main character interacts with the world around him and is written as a very self-aware (dare I say self-possessed?) character without the rose-tinted glasses that early Anita material possessed. Early Anita, for example, fell down the rabbit hole of the supernatural in her world and that led to much of the sex-capades that took place, which is fine. I just enjoyed the police work and supernatural bad-assery more. We can definitely see more of that painstakingly researched police work and fans have been told that we’re going to dive deeper into police work which I’m hopeful for even if it does include mountains of paperwork for Zaniel.

With Zaniel, you’ll get someone who is of course going to uncover supernatural things about this brand new world but he already knows a ton about the Angels and about Angel Speakers so there’s less chance of the book taking a path into the overly sexual that people seemed to dislike about some of the Anita books. There is an already established romance or two in the book that I’m certainly invested in (in all shades of the rainbow and not Zaniel centric), that indicates this won’t turn into a giant sex-athon. Again those are fine but I don’t see it for the character of Zaniel given his history.

There are seeds sprinkled in this initial outing for future books to expand upon for Zaniel Havelocks relationships, romantic or otherwise. The same can be said for event and showdowns foreshadowed in this first book that will keep readers waiting for the next book. You can bet it will be plenty violent but according to Hamilton, it will also lend itself to a greater degree of hope as well. The stakes are different in this book (haha Vampire joke) and so there’s a bigger sense of world-altering urgency in this book. It’s different from Anita and that’s okay.

It’s like she hasn’t gotten the recipe for this pizza pie perfect yet. Too many ingredients and it falls apart. Too few or the wrong few and it’s boring. The wrong flavor combo tastes a little funny and might not be everyone’s cup of tea. This time around, it’s a rocking good time and I can’t wait for more. She’ll get there, have a little faith.

Sincerely,

The PNH

10 Things to Miss about Japan

How one country can make you really miss it so much.

Being treated well when you travel shouldn’t be taken for granted and this is especially true if you’re going to a country where English isn’t their native language. Japan though, is a welcoming place to tourists. Most if not all shops are unfailingly polite and hospitable so the only real risk is coming from being late to something. Your personal safety is rarely at risk and women can generally solo travel this country with no issues.

Speaking of timeliness, the Japanese as a culture are very much strict about their time. It’s a sign of respect to be on time and even early in some cases. It’s viewed in a negative light if you are late to a meeting but what that means as a visitor is that if your train says it’s leaving at 12 noon, it’s definitely gone by 12:01. Equally important is to make restaurant reservations as they are very exacting with their spacing, seating, and portion requirements. Some restaurants may turn you away if you’re either excessively late or are an incomplete reservation.

It should come as no surprise, as the country in the world tied with France for the most Michelin Starred Chefs, that the food in Japan is nothing short of amazing. They’ve taken cuisine from all over the world and put their own amazing refinements on it. They’ve made curries a little sweeter while maintaining those amazing spices. The same for pasta, the sauce a tad sweeter but the cooking technique no less impressive. No matter the stand up sushi bar in a local train station or a 12 course Michelin Star dinner, expect to eat well in Japan.

I will be the first to state that Japan’s trains can be crowded and so they don’t offer much in the way of comfort during rush hour. However, comfort does reign in some very important area’s of Japanese culture. I am of course, talking about the porcelain throne. It’s no secret that it can get cold in Japan but what the Japanese have done for early morning cold posterior’s is nothing short of amazing. I’ve never missed a bathroom as much as I do the ones in Japan and I would consider it a worthy endeavor to convert an American toilet to the Japanese style heated seat.

The scenery in Japan is also one of the places where you feel at peace. There are awe inspiring places all over the world that seem larger than life and Japan has those too. What you should focus on though, is how you feel when you’re around those places. The shrines in Japan for example, evoke a tranquility rarely seen. Forests and hills, mountains and hot springs. Take in the beauty that still exists in this ultra modern country.

Japan is not for those faint of wallet. That is to say that the Japanese have made a culture of shopping and their second hand market is arguably the best in the world. Nearly any modern product that a discerning Nerdy Human might want to buy can be found in Japan, it’s that serious. The vintage shops in Japan are equally spectacular since the Japanese are fairly meticulous with the items they own so you can find items from 4 decades ago in unbelievable shape. They’re thoughtful like that.

There are plenty of old cities all over the world but the history in Japan is something else. Japan is famous for it’s technology and so it has some of the most modern buildings in the world built to reduce the impact of earthquakes. Equally well built alongside those buildings, are shrines and temples that are 2000 years old in some cases. So yes, you might find an ultra modern office building built next to a shrine that your great grandparents have visited.

As one of the most populated places in the world, it was definitely a requirement for commuters and travelers alike to be able to get around. Japan has one of the most modern and accessible public and private railway systems in the world. In one day, it’s possible to hop a bullet train and 6 hours later end up on the other side of the country. Simply put, the transit system in Japan allows travelers to experience the full range of city-to-country living at a moments notice.

If you’ve decided to take a day trip out to the country side or just a neighboring city, you’d be relieved to know that you can eat on the bullet train. Even as you accelerate to over 150 mph, you won’t feel it. So be safe in the knowledge that you can eat the variety of delicious snacks that Japan is famous for while you watch the countryside speed by. There are even cities with destinations for food lovers in mind and the snack minded.

Mindfulness, also known as consideration, is something that the Japanese have practiced for generations. As a culture they wear masks even when there isn’t a global pandemic as just a way to stop the spread of regular germs during flu season. Personal experience has shown that service staff in hotels and restaurants go the extra mile and are always willing to work with you towards your travel goals. It is perhaps this thing more than any others, that makes Japan shine.

For all the things I’ve talked about, it is truly the people of Japan that keep me coming back there. I never go in assuming I’ll be treated like a king who’s just returned home from a long journey and yet I’m comforted in the idea that here is a place that I visit, where I know I’ll be welcomed and treated well. A place where I can relax and truly enjoy without fear or reservation but always with politeness in mind.

Until Next time,

The PNH

Why Brands Matter

In particular, why do brands matter the most when it comes to Watches.

There is a circle of thought that says the brands you buy and wear shouldn’t matter. The idea is that quality by any other name would be just as fine, so long as you liked it. To a certain extent, this is true because there are generic foods, drugs, or yes Watches, that are just as capable of fulfilling your needs without the fancy name attached.

Why then, is it that Brands matter and especially, Watch Brands matter more? Why is it that most regular people off the street know Rolex but not Jaeger- LeCoutre? Why Omega but not Grand Seiko? Branding. Advertising and promotion are some of the greatest tools a Watch company have at it’s disposal to bring attention to itself so it any wonder that Rolex or Omega are in all the Bond movies. Clearly the strategy works as they have some of the biggest celebrities in the world be their brand ambassadors. The title is fairly obvious I should think.

Now, before you jump down my throat by saying certain brands are overrated and shouldn’t cost half as much as they do, just wait. Yes, there are certain brands that are overrated and are over hyped. Yes, there are brands that cost double or triple their retail cost on the second hand market. Do not confuse cost with value, they are not the same thing.

To get the idea of why Branding works, you have to understand the human mind. Branding works by connecting brands to certain events or emotions, with memory. Ever wonder why the biggest brands fight for a spot during the Superbowl? The commercials have proven viewership and reach that companies have complete bidding wars over who gets seen for how long at what time slot. Remember those after school snacks or those toys in the happy meal? This brand exposure is serious business because everyone is emotional. Emotions trigger memories. Memories that help you figure out what to buy when you have an itch for a shiny new something, like a Watch.

Competition and exclusivity is another reason why brands matter. Within your immediate circle, no matter how big or small, brands matter. What car you or your friend drives, what clothing you share with your family, what Watch you wear out on a date. All manner of things are taken into account to build your own image and sometimes, to out do the image of those around you. Competition. You want to be better than the guy or girl standing next to you. To have something more impressive than them.

Culture also plays a part, just outside your immediate circle. Seen on the news, in music videos, movies, TV shows and heard on the radio, culture drives brands and spending trends. The hottest brands as I’ve mentioned are often endorsed by the biggest celebrities. This in turn does feed into your close circle of friends and family but has further reach, being evident and visible on a large scale. Sometimes recorded into history books, certain watches make it onto the tops of mountains, land on the moon, or get us through wars.

There is something also to be said for sheer Loyalty and Trust. Back when brands were first being mass produced during the industrial revolution, branding did and still does rely on reputation. Image your trusted local mom and shop cookie company or in this case, Watch maker. They just make a few dozen at first, maybe a few hundred. At some point though, they got big enough to gain regional, then national, and international renown. Large international brands still had to start small and gain local trust at some point, even Rolex, before they could get to where they are today, titans of their industry.

All of the things mentioned here are reasons why Branding matters. There is certainly some gray area but at the end of the day we attach meaning to brands. We choose to be able to identify a product with a name and then we assign meaning to that product. Good or bad, branding gives us Control of our selves, allowing us to sort out our priorities and make life easier.

Branding gives us control of the chaos in our lives. It’s why we name things, for control. To define and sort and categorize and recall for later use is part of the very nature of history. It’s why we record and name things, for memory and for control. It’s at the very core nature of life to name and categorize things. From the moment that mankind discovered it’s consciousness, it has been striving it control everything around it. Over time, reputations build, giving you greater control until you find one day that certain brands have a near monopoly over your life. Isn’t that just equal parts amazing and terrifying?

So yes, Brands matter and Watch brands especially, as an extension of the age old idea of categories and control, matter more. Nothing more and nothing less, outside of the huge amounts of money that it generates on a yearly basis, you know? It’s why Rolex is one of the most famous watch brands generating great control over the industry, one of the biggest movers and shakers of the Watch world.

Sincerely,

The PNH

The Perfect One Watch Collection? We’ve got a Rolex Explorer for you.

Why the Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar might just be perfect One Watch that does rule them all.

We’ve previously discussed why having a One Watch Collection might be a reality that very few watch collectors ever achieve. It’s the idea that even if you have only one Watch at any given time, which watch that is will change over time. After all, as we grow older, tastes change, experiences mould us into different people resulting in preferences that evolve. Yet what if you really had just the one Watch? Which would it be? Here’s a suggestion for you.

Allow me to reintroduce, the Rolex Explorer II, reference number 16570. The technical achievements and specifications for this watch have long been sung to the heavenly watch gods so we need not do that here. You know that it has that lovely 40mm case size, the near perfect size for any wrist size. You are aware that it has the ability to tell you the time in a second time zone with that lovely GMT function. You are aware of it’s robust sapphire glass with 100 meters of diving capability and its slim 12mm case depth.

What we are going to talk about though, is how versatile this piece of Watch luxury is on a day to day basis. Yes there are those that will balk at wearing a 10,000 dollar watch to mow the lawn but hey, it’s your Watch, do what you want with it. There will be those harsher critics that say you should save this watch for special occasions and yes you can do that too.

Even still, some folks will say you should keep it in as pristine condition as possible and then sell it on for a handsome profit. You can do all of that and I wouldn’t judge you for it except in the case of you taking advantage of a fellow Watch Collector. That I would not abide and would recommend against. I also would not recommend the older 1655 with it’s sub optimal GMT capabilities or the 16550 for its lovely white aged-to-cream fade dial that has priced itself out of a regular persons salary. The 16570 is pricey but achievable rather than foolhardy or a touch more rare respectively.

Instead I say, you paid a rather tidy sum for this lovely time piece, enjoy it! You can slide it under a shirt cuff and wear it to work with no one the wiser. Equally easy is to use it when you travel with that great GMT function or out on the town on a date. There is literally no situation on earth that this Watch would be out of place. From boardroom to tarmac and beyond, this one Watch might be able to do it all.

Either Black or White Dial variant would suit you equally well, though we at The Patently Nerdy Human prefer the white “Polar” dial variant for it’s ability to contrast the dark painted 24 hour bezel. Unlike it’s newer bigger 42mm brother with the thicker clasp, the 16570 has the older stamped Rolex clasps that are light weight and slim.

But wait you might say, 10 grand (with box and papers) for a rattly hollow feeling clasp? Why would anyone do that when the 42mm variant comes with a much substantial clasp you might ask. Here’s the thing, that clasp on the 42mm Explorer II? It’s heavy, has presence and on the wrong wrist, adds unnecessary weight. If like me, you’re a skinny person, you might not want to have a Watch that can be used as a boat anchor. The older 16570 with it’s lightweight and ,yes, slightly rattly clasp is still as strong and robust as you will ever need. It has served Rolex faithfully for decades before the last generation of Rolex designs incorporated the thicker milled clasp and easy adjustment systems.

There are plenty of Watches that benefit from the convenience of a Rolex Glidelock or Easy Link for on the fly adjustment. The Explorer II 16570 isn’t one of them because with the aforementioned 12mm case depth and slim lug proportions, the newer milled clasps would look out of place and throw off the balance of the watch. The 42mm Explorer II has it’s place amongst the Watch Collectors of the world but I don’t necessarily think the same guy who buys the newer refence 216570 will want the older 16570. They look similar but in person are vastly different experiences.

There’s also the massive price difference between the 216570 and most of that is due to size, the clasp, and the movement. Now I don’t know about you but paying a grand or even more for the price difference just because of a clasp doesn’t seem worth it to me at all. I don’t disparage anyone who loves their 42mm Explorer II but that size just wasn’t for me and I’m okay with it. If you hate the older stamped clasp, change it, though I admit to not being a fan of putting 10,000 dollar watch on a 200 dollar Nato strap. That’s just not me. I’m also not going into a talk about Rolex movements, that’s another article for another time.

Here and now, what you want in a watch like the 16570 is stealth, like a constant companion you can trust to be there but isn’t in your face obtrusive. It’ll never be the belle of the ball nor will it ever likely go down in price if we’re being honest. It is a Rolex after all, so you know there are going to be people clamoring for them. On it’s own, it is still one of the best time pieces to own, scratch up, and make amazing memories while wearing. As a Rolex Watch, it’s finally getting the love it deserves from collectors and normies alike, much to the dismay of my wallet.

Happy Birthday Rolex Explorer II, you’ve earned it.

Sincerely,

The PNH

5 Accessories to Elevate Your Watch Game

How to choose a few things to make watch collecting even more enjoyable.

Collecting watches is a hobby or passion for most that involves having several Watches that you rotate throughout the week. The Watch debate for which movement, brand, complication or design is best continues to be a hotly debated topic that will be covered another time. Today, we cover the less hotly debated but equally deserved topic of Watch accessories. I will not be covering bracelets and straps as that deserves an entire separate article.

You would be forgiven for thinking that a Watch Loupe should and would be included in the repair kit. It often times is and should be it’s own separate purchase. A good magnifier is the first essential piece of kit you should buy even before buying a Watch. Fellow collectors know that there are times where the naked eye is not enough to inspect the quality of a high priced luxury item. Not only can it help you distinguish if the Watch is the genuine article, they can also help you negotiate the price if you discover some unknown damage or deterioration. Start with a 30x, but make sure you get the 60x and 90x as well for that deep dive into a Watch dial’s finer details.

Now that you’ve got your watch, you’ve got to have a Tool Kit. Assuming you’ve made the adjustment to the straps okay, be wary before cracking open the caseback. Many watches, especially if it’s vintage or a high dollar value, contain expensive parts that can easily break if mishandled. Still, if you must crack open that caseback, a tool kit that has the correct sizing tools will be a huge comfort. Doubly so if it’s just a quick battery change for a Quartz watch. Over it’s lifetime, the tool kit and some spare batteries will pay for itself in savings. Paying a little more is worth it for superior quality kit that won’t accidentally damage one of your precious collection.

The last thing you want to do is drop a watch while the case back is open so a handling station or Mat would be a good idea to have on hand. Gloves in hand, because you should always handle a watch with gloves if you’re repairing anything, the mat will provide a stable surface that prevents scratches or scrapes to your watch. It can also be a backdrop to the photos you’ll undoubtedly take of your collection because lets face it, you’re going to be photographing your collection a lot. Whether in leather or a soft fabric of your choice, this one accessory alone may provide a wide variety of unexpected uses.

A travel watch roll, unlike a watch box you keep at home, is another accessory that is hotly debated. Do you go for a hardshell case like you would for your sunglasses or a softer leather or canvas model? A Watch Roll is additionally an expression of personal style that showcases your personality. Unlike a Mat that has a ton of uses, a Watch Roll does one very specific thing, it helps you transport your watches safely. Yes it might fit some sunglasses if you’re in a pinch but it’s really only for watches. Just make sure to choose one that doesn’t cause any color bleed into your canvas or leather straps.

When not traveling, a Watch Box or Vault is purely to be used at home. Most likely being of leather, and with some additional features such as a winding function or security features, a box such as this is your watch’ temporary home before it lands on your wrist. An aluminum box may be sturdy but you may rue that decision if you accidentally knock your watch and ding it against that sturdy aluminum. Similarly, you should make sure you have cushions that cradle your watch, not cause your bracelets or straps to stretch and deform. If possible, try the box in person or get measurements for what watches will fit in it if buying online. Do not buy a box without doing one or the other.

In the end, there are a variety of accessories to help you further enjoy your watch collecting experience. Any and all of these items add their own value to enable you to be more informed and better capable of Watch ownership at any price point. The internet will provide a large number of recommendations for any of the aforementioned items and now you know how to choose some of them too.

Happy Collecting

The PNH

Formula 1 in 2021, a once in a lifetime race.

Why F1 2021 Grid hasn’t been this hot since 2010.

For the first time in over a decade, we have a Schumacher back on the grid. The legacy continues with young Mick, son of World Champion Michael Schumacher. What can we expect from him? He may take a while to warm up so we shouldn’t expect results until the second half of the year or maybe 2022. Alongside him are rookies Yuki Tsunoda and Nikita Mazepin, each of them looking to make their own mark on Formula 1. Mazepin comes with his own share of news press, none of it positive recently. Tsunoda, with strong ties to Honda, means the return of an Japanese driver to the F1 paddock since Kobayashi’s exit in 2013.

Then there are the veterans, some very experienced racers indeed. 7 Times World Champion Lewis Hamilton returns to Mercedes alongside his fellow driver Valterri Bottas. Pre-season testing showed mixed results for the Merc and this only adds to the spicy mix as the once projected leader seems to be in for the fight of their lives. Will another world title fall through Hamiltons grasp or will be claw back an 8th victory to celebrate.

The return of Fernando Alonso to Renault has fans abuzz as well, the two times world champion will have to duke it out with Sebastian Vettel for his place among the front of the grid. Both drivers have come a long way, each fighting their way back towards a leading position. Vettel’s shock announcement wasn’t a surprise during the 2020 season but going to the newly renamed Aston Martin team in the British racing green livery, is a surprise. Here’s to hoping that the once 4 times world champion will be back to showcase his best driving.

Then we have those that are seasoned, no longer considered rookies but just as hungry for the win. Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris in the Mclaren, Carlos Sainz Jr and Charles LeClerc in the Ferrari and George Russell in the Williams are all hoping to make big moves as well. Russell in particular, needs to show that like in the Sakhir Grand Prix, he has the speed and qualities that make him desirable to fill a Mercedes seat for 2022.

Special mention to Sergio Lopez for his 2020 season, the driver that fans rallied behind and celebrated when he signed with the then-named Force India Racing Point F1 team now drives with Max Verstappen in the Red Bull Racing Team. His drive along side Verstappen should bring great things to the grid and be a major threat to an 8th Mercedes world title.

If all cars hold to the same capabilities as they did last year, it is likely that the top 4 or 5 positions should be some mixture of Hamilton, Bottas, Verstappen, Perez, Vettel and Alonso. This may not happen though, as Mclaren, Alpine, and Alphatauri have shown impressive results in pre-season testing. Alonso, as a returning World Champion, should be an old hat at getting up to speed.

Gasly and Tsunoda were especially impressive and while they are competitors, the two young racers may have the makings of a great team. Norris and Ricciardo in the Mclaren were equally quick, though it remains to be seen if these two experienced racers can get along on the track. Mercedes certainly weren’t slow but the gap is much closer than is comfortable for the defending World Champion team.

The 2021 season is shaping up to be a monster, with a stunning 23 races to go through. It is the hope of F1 fans that no races are cancelled, that all teams remain safe during this turbulent time and to bring some measure of joy and celebration to racing fans the world over.

Sincerely,

The PNH