(Topic ID: 72232)

Pinball........and watches?

By Astropin

10 years ago


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#1761 4 years ago

Hi. Uh... things happened and now I'm here.

The watch thing got me in December... bad. Like real bad. Came on like a tsunami. It always happens this way (pinball, headphones, audio, etc.), so I'm now in the "accumulation phase" for watches.

*sigh* I know how this goes. Nothing to do but ride it out.

Since mid-December, I've examined, cataloged, and sorted over 25,000 watch dials and viewed almost everything in the world which is in current production. As well as visited a dozen watch shops across Texas during my Christmas vacation.

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Since 2000, I've only had this watch, a Fossil Arkitekt FS-2919. Up to now it had been the first, and only, watch I'd ever bought. Got it from an airport kiosk for about $100 and thought, hmmmm, that looks nice.

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The integrated spherical strap was interesting and different. I didn't realize it was not possible to switch it out, but such possibilities hadn't even entered my mind yet. I just liked it and it got lots of compliments over the years. More than any other thing I wore, actually.

Last November, it stopped keeping time. I had the battery replaced, but it was still losing hours by the day. So I sent it to the Fossil factory shop for repairs. I noticed some options to have the "crystal" and other "things" changed.

"Cool. The glass thing is called the crystal. I can get a new one? Cool. No more looking at 19 years of scratches, so let's do that. Hmmm. What is a "movement"? Oh, the thing which moves the hands and date and stuff. I guess maybe I'll need one of those too."

The total bill was $65 including new crystal, movement, and shipping. While awaiting its return, the Googling began. This is when the Big Trouble started.

I began to watch YouTube videos about crystals and movements. Then stumbled across Just One More Watch, The Urban Gentry, Minitwatch, and Teddy Baldassarre. All of whom made this watch stuff quite entertaining. And THEN stumbled across the infamous Hodinkee article about the Seiko SNKL23 with its tuxedo stripes, applied indices, automatic movement, and a price of only $75. Sayyyyy, that DOES look pretty nice with a new strap on it. How cool... straps really can change the entire appearance. Wow... so many styles to pick from.

Subsequently, the comparison videos came... SNKL23 vs. SARB033. Then Tissot, Orient, should you really buy a Rolex, etc.

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I liked the blue dials I was seeing, so I bought a Seiko 5 SNKE51 and put it on a Fluco blue suede strap. Cool... this is easy! And wow is this comfortable! And how cool that it doesn't need a battery and the second hand sweeps so gracefully...

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Then came the Orient Bambino, gen 2, version 3 in anthracite grey. Originally got it in blue, but was too dark for my liking. And hey! Now I have a blue AND a grey dial! Those 21mm straps aren't easy to find, but eventually located a very nice Hadley-Roma genuine alligator strap to complement it. I must say, my first few outings were Instagram-worthy indeed:

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OK, this is just cool. Now let's get something with visible moving parts. How about another Orient? Already, I began to learn the value of Japanese movements and how Orient made them in-house (and what that meant).

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This time, an open heart sun moon w/roman numerals (still awaiting the strap). Now we got blue, grey, white... how about something different this time. Maybe green?

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Behold the Seiko SNKP23 Recraft in green, fitted with a Tech Swiss croc strap. Awesome. Feels like I'm on a vintage episode of Buck Rogers or something. Are we done yet?

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Nope. Let's go mainstream Swiss w/ETA movement this time. Tissot Visodate w/white dial fitted with HNS tropical NATO strap (yes, I copied Urban Gentry's recommendation since I liked it so much).

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Gosh, this is so fun! Are we done YET?

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Moonphase! Gotta have a moonphase! I did try on a Jaeger LeCoultre moonphase in rose gold at the store which I liked an awful lot, but at $18,000... er... ah... that's not where I need to start looking.

Enter Davosa. Yeah, it's quartz, but the lovely hands, raised indices, and overall simplicity will dress up nicely once the navy croc strap arrives. Also they gave me a great deal on a new one... just couldn't pass it up.

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Saw the Timex Marlin in an Urban Gentry video and couldn't get the image of it out of my mind. Well, I don't have a 34mm small dress watch yet and this would be a good opportunity to try a Colareb strap, so why not? Turns out it was a great decision. Already getting lots of compliments on this little guy and the strap (Colareb Matera) is the butteriest, smoothest, most luxurious thing which has ever touched my skin. Heavenly.

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I grew arm hair?!!? Nah... had to use a stock photo of the next buy: Guanqin GJ16034. Why this one? Well... I wanted to try ordering a cheapie straight from Alibaba. But this ain't no crappy $1 Daniel Wellington wannabe. It's got a genuine Japanese movement (either Seiko or Miyota), sunburst dial, nice hands, and a unique sculpted bezel I've not found anywhere else. Sort of a dressy/sporty hybrid... so why not?

Any other niches we need to cover?

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My first misfire: Zeppelin 7336-5 in rose gold with carmine red dial. Looks nice, doesn't it? Unfortunately, the internet can be deceiving. The lack of applied markers makes the dial look flat and uninteresting in person. The light falls dead on the dial with only the hands to reflect anything back. Until now, I never noticed how all of my other watches have raised indices and appliques. Sure do miss them when they're gone! Had to send this one back.

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Vintage? Anyone say vintage? This Russian radiation/chemical military Pobeda watch has an unusual octagonal-ish case which I like. Hours on the inside, minutes on the outside, second hand spinning away the rads. Pretty cool. Wonder if I should check this with a geiger counter when it arrives... might be Chernobyl salvage. It did come from Ukraine after all.

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Yanno, I like that case so much I might as well get one more. Russian Sturmanskie military watch. Love the arabic numerals on this one. If they have lume I'll squee... but not expecting it at this price.

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And finally, the limited edition Grand Seiko hi-beat SBGH267. Sure is pretty! OK, I kid... this has been sold out for a while. But I must say it is astonishing to behold and one on my grail list.

Overall, I have been most impressed with the value, style, and design of Japanese, German, and French-designed watches thus far. For some reason the Omegas, Rolexes, Pateks, AP's, Vacherons, etc... just aren't that interesting to me, though they are superb pieces of art and machinery. If I had that kind of cash to burn, JLC and A. Lange & Sohne are where I'd be looking. Or perhaps Louis Moinet, Bovet, Grieb & Benzinger, Jaquet Droz, Arnold & Son, ArtyA... geez I've seen some truly eye-poppingly astounding dials out there.

Of course, Jacob & Co.'s grand complications take the cake but, c'mon, nobody is going to wear a $1m lightbulb-sized wrist automation in public without a security detail!

Final irony: Got my Fossil back & turns out I had been wearing it wrong (too loose) for 19 years. Compared with the others, it now feels exorbitantly heavy and sweaty. Poor thing. Might have to sit at the back of the drawer for a while. Speaking of which... where will I put all of these dials?

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Maybe this? But it only holds 16... LOL... and so it begins.

#1775 4 years ago

Doing a rebuild on the Jungle Queen motherboard w/Tissot Visodate on a tropical NATO strap to liven up this cold wintry day.

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1 week later
#1791 4 years ago

60 and sunny in the dead of winter in Roanoke, so it’s gonna be blue tropical strap today before the Stupor Bowl.

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#1794 4 years ago

...CCCP radioactive & chemical crew while rebuilding Jungle Queen today. Maybe I should have it tested with a Geiger counter?

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#1795 4 years ago

Sadly, cool as it appears to be, I have learned this is a Frankenwatch. Basically all of these Russian-style watches you see on Etsy and eBay are remakes with new dials and hands. Neither original in design nor history.

Oh well. It'll make a fun gift for someone as a conversation starter. I don't collect novelties or homages.

1 week later
#1802 4 years ago

Fixin’ the EM’s and being extra cautious today with the Orient open heart sun & moon on lizard brown strap...

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#1807 4 years ago

Turning screwdrivers with the Geckota G-01 1950’s retro diver in red. Because hey, it’s Valentine’s Day.

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3 weeks later
#1828 4 years ago

Turning more screwdrivers with the Orient Kamasu in gilt on a rubber Zuludiver strap...

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1 week later
#1832 4 years ago

CW makes some of the best moonphases for the money. Nice!

#1833 4 years ago

Not much to do right now except keep turning the screwdrivers... so we’re going full 70’s Ukrainian gangster mode today.

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1 week later
#1838 4 years ago

I'm not a Rolex guy, but if I were, I'd probably start right there. Very nice choice.

#1839 3 years ago

Modded the hands on the Guanqin and currently working on a 1964 Bally Big Day. Big ol' relay banks on this one.

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#1851 3 years ago

Bally Big Day playfield rebuild w/Vario “Empire” microbrand watch. Guilloche dial, Art Deco numerals, and thermally blued hands.

Makes me wish there were more Deco-themed pins produced during the 60’s & 70’s.

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#1852 3 years ago

Background: Big yellow reels mean only one thing... a 1960’s-era Bally pin!

Foreground: Timex Marlin on brown hornback leather, also taking a page from 1960’s style.

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#1857 3 years ago

Just about done with this 1964 Bally Big Day... quittin’ time hath arrived.

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#1858 3 years ago

...and a newcomer to the fold... the Citizen Brycen.

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#1861 3 years ago
Quoted from Astropin:

That reminds me...I don't think I ever showed this one. It Citizens limited edition Star Wars Luke Skywalker:
[quoted image]

Heyyyy pretty much an identical build there, except the dial. Pretty cool twist on it!

Quoted from mbaumle:

I really hope I didn't pick up another hobby. I've been wearing an Apple Watch for a couple years now, and I absolutely cannot stand the distraction it brings any longer. It's a great fitness tracker, but a poor everyday watch otherwise (unless you like getting tapped on your wrist constantly for email/text/sitting on the couch too long notifications).
Anyway, got a nice deal on this Orient Ray II, but decided to give it a more "spritely" feel with a NATO strap.
[quoted image]

Bond strap and Orient Ray = already off to the races! Sorry if this becomes a new hobby, but yanno, it's a good one. Time is universal. Why not give it some consideration instead of gluing your phone to your wrist? I think the phone has taken enough of my brain... it won't get my arm too.

Have you been watching Just One More Watch, Terry Baldassarre, Urban Gentry, Just The Watch, and other YouTubers? Some really fun ones out there! Of course, for sheer horological YouTube porn, nothing beats Watchfinder & Co.

#1863 3 years ago

OOF... if you're watching the vids, it's too late. But this is a cool hobby. You'll enjoy the ride.

Beware of buying any watches from India, Russia, or especially Ukraine. They all cobble together barely-working parts, print new dials on laser printers, and sell them as vintage. Nearly all of them are frankenwatches... had to press one Ukrainian seller via PayPal to get my money back. Hands fell off one, movement was rusted on the other.

#1865 3 years ago

OK cool... Meranom and other legit sellers are good. But practically everything from India on eBay or from Ukraine (Etsy too, also FB ads) are unreliable frankenwatches. Beware!

Etsy does have some cool watch boxes though!

1 week later
#1866 3 years ago

...finishing up Magic City with a German 1960’s-era Diehl (“Eye of Sauron” edition) on a perforated rally strap.

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#1867 3 years ago

....aaaand finishing up the Magic City playfield with Davosa Flatline Phase of Moon w/Colareb Matera strap in blue.

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3 weeks later
#1869 3 years ago

Blue Orient “Caballero” on blue croc strap. Rebuilding Flipper Fair motherboard today...

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#1870 3 years ago

Laco Bremerhaven German navy deck watch on Dassari leather strap.

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2 weeks later
#1882 3 years ago

This kind of thing scares me away from Rolex, Omega, etc. Quite a selection of fine watches out there for the price of one servicing... yikes.

3 weeks later
#1897 3 years ago

Rebuilding a Bally Wizard! pinball machine with the Geckota G-01 v2 (Space Age) in gold & magenta waffle dial on Milanese gold mesh.

Tried a ton of straps with this one... brown ostrich, brown weave, black textured, gold beads of rice, leather NATO, argh! It’s fussy, but really nice on the mesh.

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#1898 3 years ago

Q Timex Falcon Eye reissue... because when you’re working on machines from the 70’s, you might as well look the part.

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3 weeks later
#1906 3 years ago

Already sold out... wow! Glad I got one.

Looks great on mesh or vintage brown (Colareb Matera).

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1 month later
#1916 3 years ago

I'm not generally a Rolex fan, but you did well snagging the red grape version. It's tasty.

#1923 3 years ago
Quoted from captainadam_21:

my wife really likes the pink and blue ones. I don't really see the market for that weird orange yellow one

Maybe to go with this?

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4 months later
#1938 3 years ago

Classic Casio today... with Safecracker of course.

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2 weeks later
#1945 3 years ago

Recent acquisition: Vostok Classica in gold. Reminiscent of the Glashutte Senator without the stratospheric price tag.

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#1958 3 years ago
Quoted from Spyderturbo007:

Anyone have any brands they like? I don't want to pick up some piece of crap but I don't want to spend a fortune.

Straps aren't really branded, per se. Unless they are stamped to match the manufacturer and/or made for a specific watch. In your case you could go with any 22mm strap you like.

I'd avoid Milanese mesh (much as I like it) with that watch due to the large-ish 43mm case size. Milanese mesh is better suited for smaller case sizes like 40mm and under.

If you wanted to sport it up you could do shark mesh. That would give you the chainmail armor look similar to mesh but with larger links.

Or, if you wanted to dress it up, you could do beads of rice: https://strapsco.com/product/beads-of-rice-bracelet/

I like Strapsco because they always have buy 2 get 1 free. Use code FAM15 for another 15% off (hopefully still works).

The "super engineer" would also look good, as it befits techie-looking watches like skeletons.

Maybe get an engineer, shark mesh, and beads of rice from Strapsco (they also sell the link removal tools & extra spring bars) and mix it up different ways depending upon your mood. I have 2-3 more straps and bracelets than I do watches. Really helps to extend their usefulness and versatility.

1 month later
#1963 2 years ago
Quoted from Nokoro:

Just bought my first automatic watch. A Ball Trainmaster Moon Phase. I’ve been into watches for some time but never bought anything more than fashion brands until now. I thought this was a good entry into a little higher end collecting. Plus, I love the moon phase movement. It has tritium tubes so it nicely glows without charging.
[quoted image]
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Dang... that's an awesome jump from disposable to heirloom! Love Ball & that one in particular. I owned the white dial version for a while. Fantastic tritium and so stylish.

#1966 2 years ago
Quoted from Nokoro:

Thanks. I feel like now that I’ve bought one luxury watch, I may be buying more at some point in the future.
I still am very fond of my fashion watches. Here’s my current rotation. Of them, my two favorite are the Salvador Dali one since I was fascinated by that painting as a kid, and the Emporio Armani one. That on has a really cool rubber strap that always smells like vanilla.
[quoted image]

Pardon, didn’t mean to imply your collection was disposable... was more directed at the industry itself, particularly the biggest market manipulators: DW, MVMT, etc.

Still got my original Fossil!

3 weeks later
#1970 2 years ago

Nice choice. Can't go wrong with the Dress SKX. I had it in gilt (and gray) as well, but switched for the blue version. Fantastic value and good looks.

Welcome to the hobby BTW. It gets addictive. :p

3 months later
11
#2009 2 years ago

Joined the MIB club a little late today, but better than never. Actually I'm looking a bit alien these days... better have the squad check me out soon.

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#2012 2 years ago
Quoted from jellikit:

Pinball and watches, it doesn't get better than Ryan Claytor's latest!
[quoted image][quoted image]

I managed to snag #5! Did you get one? They all sold VERY QUICKLY.

1 month later
#2016 2 years ago

Latest acquisition: Timex Weekender Pacman

38mm case, 9mm width, second hand hits the indexes (with moving Pacman), and Indiglo blue maze function.

For a novelty watch, it’s surprisingly comfortable and well-executed. Currently on grey suede 20mm strap bought from Watchgecko. It’s a keeper! Better get one (or more) while they're on sale at Amazon for $42 delivered. They will sell out.

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#2019 2 years ago

Rolex plays “artificial scarcity” games. It’s not like they are hand made… it’s clever marketing.

#2025 2 years ago

Might as well ignore me when it comes to Rolex discussions. It's just not for me.

When I started my watch journey, "attaining the Rolex" was of course my primary goal. As a watch newbie, Rolex was the automatic grail choice. It is the most well-known and ubiquitous of all luxury brands. James Bond had one. That coke-sniffing guy in Die Hard mentioned it. Etc, etc. Thus, having that little crown meant having everything.

Or maybe having too much? The Rolex basic designs haven't changed for eons and have been homaged and knocked off to death since. In effect, my aspirational desire quickly waned after seeing the quality output of microbrands, creating a spreadsheet with many hundreds of other interesting makes, seeing the GS Spring Drive in person and appreciating the hybrid tech powering it, and especially after examining ultra-luxe pieces many steps ahead of Rolex... Louis Moinet, Bovet, Patek, VC, JLC, Moser & Cie, Andersen Geneve, MB&F, Romain Gauthier, FP Journe, Rudis Sylva, Sarpaneva, Graff, A Lange & Sohne, Leroy, Arnold & Son... holy moley it just goes on and on. Previously, I'd only known Sean Connery and Joe Biden to be the final arbiters of luxurious wrist candy.

The games Rolex dealers play (and the obsequious things buyers do to curry their favor) now strikes me as a peculiar collector hobbyist community not unlike people who exchange vintage Magic cards for $50,000 or baseball card collections. As long as this particular group of collectors stays focused upon Rolex, it's true, you really can't lose money on them unlike other brands. By that measure, perhaps they really are the best. So what do I know? :p

#2028 2 years ago
Quoted from jalkelly:

If you think first world problems are out of control on pinside head on over here for some good times -
https://www.rolexforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2

Wow

#2032 2 years ago
Quoted from AMSNL:

Today’s verry rare mint gem
Rolex 1811 Daydate Moiré finish 1967
[quoted image]

Snazzy. I take it all back.

2 weeks later
#2046 2 years ago

Hey Therm... good bit of info there. Not sure if this is known in Pinball World or not, but my uncle is the original inventor of the LED watch (George Thiess, pictured below). He built the first prototypes from classified military transistors which could operate at 1 watt, partly due to his time in the Korean War in the US Air Force. He also built electric car prototypes well ahead of the curve which ran on sea water (magnesium charged the batteries).

Uncle George is an EXTREMELY ambitious fellow and is still with us today inventing things. When I visited his home around 2004, he had built an above-ground tornado shelter inside and ACTUALLY USED IT when the house took A DIRECT TORNADO HIT only a few years later. Just an incredible guy, all-round.

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His inspiration to make the LED watch came from the Bulova Accutron. He thought, "Hey! That isn't an ELECTRONIC watch! It's an ELECTRO-MECHANICAL watch. I'll show them a REAL electronic watch!"

...and of course the rest was history.

2 weeks later
#2055 2 years ago

The Seiko Alpinist Ginza is made from Beskar…

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#2059 2 years ago
Quoted from Spyderturbo007:

That's pretty cool looking. Looks like it's limited to 3000 pieces. The pictures I'm seeing has more of a blue face. Is yours different or does it just change color based on lighting?[quoted image]

Lighting makes all the difference. The facets are like little blue mirrors… the more light, the better. Provides an array of different looks depending upon the environment. Love it. Best thing since the Grand Seiko SBGH267 which I sadly missed the opportunity to acquire.

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#2060 2 years ago

Another arrival this week!

You don’t often see much about Kuoe (Japanese microbrand)… and that is a shame.

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Nothing fancy, but perfectly understated at 35mm. The love is real.

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#2065 2 years ago
Quoted from spfxted:

Argh! The one I want is not in stock....
[quoted image]

They're all on pre-order. Should be available in a few weeks.

I'm tempted to get the green one too... aargh! Must resist!

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2 months later
#2101 2 years ago

New favorite… Seiko “Star Bar” Presage with honeycomb dial and open heart.

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GF’s pooch photo was accidentally selected, but might as well. He likes it too…

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3 weeks later
#2134 2 years ago
Quoted from DennisK:

I'd been wanting a flieger watch for a while now, and I identified that I wanted a model from one of the original five manufacturers. Stowa seemed ideal for me as they've got a lot of options and have modernized the case design in ways I find more comfortable. Only trouble with Stowa is they sell direct and thus rarely do sales. Every year they do an Advent Calendar sale which they use to clear out watches they built to display at events. One day, one new watch type for sale (quantity available varies of course).
I'd say about half the sales were Type A fliegers. Which makes sense, it is a design far more suited for modern purposes and thus I imagine demand is much higher. I wanted a Type B though. They finally had those on sale about two days before the event ended. Took over a month to actually receive it. I find it way more comfortable than my prior pilot watch though.
[quoted image]

Excellent choice. STOWA type B was my #1 flieger choice too. Did you go for the hand-wind option?

#2139 2 years ago
Quoted from DennisK:

Yes, knew I only wanted hand wind.
[quoted image]

Bravo! That exact flieger and configuration is my #1 as well. So if you ever get tired of it...

4 weeks later
#2147 2 years ago

Picked up the Kuoe 90-002 Old Smith field watch in green. Very comfortable and even though only 35mm wears plenty large enough on my 7.15” wrist…

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2 months later
#2156 1 year ago

I was hoping to snag an Omega MoonSwatch… no such luck.

2 weeks later
#2166 1 year ago
Quoted from spfxted:

Newest watch....I've been looking for a nice Ernest Borel for a while. Love the moving dials that create a pattern. Just picked it up today....
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Borel is cool, but if you can’t find one to your liking check out Humism.

https://humism.com/products/rhizome

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1 month later
#2175 1 year ago

Now is the time to get that Ricochet if you've been on the fence! GREAT price for such a nice piece.

1 month later
#2192 1 year ago

I’m thinking it may be time to join the Oris or Longines club. A bit more than I usually like to spend on a watch, but a nice used one could sneak in under the guilt radar.

Something not-dressy, smart casual, tooly-ish watch with a bit of the bling.

Leaning Oris. Bracelets and finish are usually better and I like to support independent businesses over megacorps whenever the option is available.

Hmmm… the options…

#2195 1 year ago

Yep… the Aquis line has some sweet offerings indeed. The cherry sunburst w/steel relief bezel is quite a looker…

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Aquis might be the way to go. It’s distinctive, not playing homage/me-too games with Rolex or Omega (I’m looking at you Longines Hydroconquest), and comes from an innovative independent company with a killer value proposition.

Hmmmm. Which one… hmmmmm.

11
#2203 1 year ago

Timex hot take... I dig.

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#2206 1 year ago

Ordered that red Oris Aquis (41.5mm) and the titanium (43.5mm).

“Two watch enter, one watch leave!”

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Or maybe… two stay? Two leave? We will see soon enough…

Quoted from DennisK:

Picked up a Seamaster 300M. My first Omega.
[quoted image]

Score! Very nice, Mr. K… and eminently on-brand as usual.

#2208 1 year ago
Quoted from DennisK:

Will be interested to hear your thoughts on the red Aquis Date, I've looked at that several times as I've been sorely tempted to get a red dial watch. I actually looked at their Big Crown options first but I cannot stand cathedral hands ever since I saw them on the Seiko Alpinist, but then saw the dive series doesn't use that format. Only other red I've really looked at are a couple of the Orient designs.

Awww. No cathedrals? Agree the Alpinist version is a bit overcooked, but the BC... yes please. Love the overall design, pointer complication, and proportions.

Grand Seiko's SBGH269 is rather fetching...

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But yeah, short of a Moser & Cie Pioneer for fume-dazzle, the Aquis isn't slouching in its wake. Especially for such a bargain price.

My favorite red cheapie is the Geckota G-01.

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#2218 1 year ago

Still waiting for delivery of my Orissusses, so I whipped up a fauncy little twist and fitted some classic beads to a Timex Weekender Pacman. Works!

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#2220 1 year ago

Grooby ruby on 6.75” wrist. Perfect size.

Really liked the lightweight titanium Aquis with grey sunburst, but alas, 43.5mm was a bit too tanky.

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This thing is BLINGY in person. Dang. I mean, you could dive with this, but I wonder who actually would?

#2224 1 year ago

I learned an expensive lesson about trying on watches from overseas worth more than $800…

…it doesn’t work like Amazon.

Needless to say, after paying shipping, customs duties, and facing even more expensive return shipping… I now own two Aquis (Aquises?).

Titanium grey 43.5mm:

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I LOVE the grey sunburst. Love the lightweight titanium case. Fits like a glove. Super comfortable. But… on my 6.75” diameter wrist it’s just a bit too large for my style, though still perfectly wearable.

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On the other hand, my cherry Aquis at 41.5mm is only 2mm smaller but appears to be significantly less due to the way the steel relief bezel shrinks the apparent dial size vs. the “expansive-but-cool” black ceramic:

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Now I’ve gone a bit crazy.

I just ordered another Aquis (US seller of course) to try a 39.5mm case. Because why not? Because only this colorway is available in that size. Because this hobby is great at feeding OCD!

Tomorrow, we shall check out the Aquis Oceanic Blue…

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#2227 1 year ago

One wasn’t enough. Had to get the 39.5mm “Oceanic” Aquis. Has a unique tungsten bezel made from remnants of the Terminator T-1000.

Fantastic color shifts from chrome silver to black depending upon the lighting.

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Sits a bit smaller on my 6.75” wrist which is better for everyday use…

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The outstanding level of fit and finish is making me rethink my entire collection. Pretty sure a few more are heading to eBay…

1 month later
#2238 1 year ago

Love the Oris Stormtrooper Aquis! One of the nicest Star Wars-themed items anywhere. High-level nerd bling. I wish I could get it in 40.5mm.

2 weeks later
10
#2243 1 year ago

Time to get back on the Ball…

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Trainmaster Standard Time 135th anniversary limited edition… whew. I’ve been looking quite a while for a “do it all” piece with modern conveniences yet retains some old pocket watch glamour. Neat to have tritium lume on a flashback piece like this… I guess like outfitting EM’s with warm white LED’s?

Love the creative ampersand twist on the “7”.

1 week later
#2248 1 year ago
Quoted from rai:

I’m thinking about buying a mechanical watch. Never owned one, just curious if they require much maintenance and upkeep and how often or how much does that cost?
Is it better to buy a new watch and is there a good place to shop?

I would suggest watching a lot of Jody's videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustOneMoreWatch

Terry too: https://www.youtube.com/c/TeddyBaldassarre

No real maintenance required unless you keep them for many years and get a lot of use.

Main thing to learn is what appeals to you and what your needs are. Dress watch? Casual? Tool/rugged use? Generally would not advise trying to hunt for The One Watch To Rule Them All. Watches are like shoes. Different situations, different needs.

Inititally I had about 24 watches in the $50-$350 range but have whittled it down to about four in the $600-$1500 range and the rest are inexpensive casual/vintage pieces.

#2251 1 year ago
Quoted from gprotein:

Or just spurge and get a Submariner, so you'll be done with constant looking and buying. The most iconic watch on earth that is rugged, reliable and you can dress up or down with it. Use it for all occasions and then pass it down to future generation like heirlooms decades later. It will worth more than what you paid if you takes care it

However, for some, the Sub's ubiquity (and infinite number of homages, fakes, etc.) is the primary turnoff. No guarantee it will continue to hold value over time.

Only buy a Sub if you really want a Sub.

#2256 1 year ago
Quoted from gprotein:

Well, it has for the last 60+ years and you think it won't in the future? Skip back the last few pages and you see Casio, Orient, Oris (including yours) and the other divers all looking like which watch? A submariner, the most recognizable design of all time.

Aquis is a contemporary diver with its own look. Other divers have unique features without being a Rolex homage or knockoff, though no shortage of those.

#2260 1 year ago

Hey Dennis maybe another red dial option?

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#2262 1 year ago
Quoted from Frippertron:

Have any of you guys checked out the new CW bel canto? This thing is unbelievable and under 4K. It has a chiming hour and is the best price point for such a complication.[quoted image]

Love it. Awesome. Sold out instantly.

#2277 1 year ago

Silver is the most versatile, but can be a bit sterile. No one single watch will cover every mood. Everything is a tradeoff.

If you had three, you could go dress, smart/sporty, and beater/casual. That would open up more options vs. locking up all of your options once and for all.

#2286 1 year ago
Quoted from Frippertron:

Ryan Claytor’s watch was just featured on The Watchfinder and CO YouTube channel!!! Check it out!

Dude! I love their reviews! Heading right over…

#2291 1 year ago
Quoted from DennisK:

Mentioned I was trading in my Oyster Perpetual, I swapped it for a Panomatic Lunar from Glashütte Original. I've been considering one of the Pano line for quite a while (this is the prior reference). I felt the power reserve model would be more practical but I think the moonphase looks better.
[quoted image]

A most excellent and appropriate decision!

1 month later
#2304 1 year ago

I recently tried the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 silver dial as a potential sporty/dressy “do it all” piece, but thought the 40mm case wore a bit too large, only average quality sunburst effect, weird 21mm lug length, and didn’t care for the bracelet.

During the return, an online acquaintance recommended another Tissot which I hadn’t seen before (and isn’t even listed on the US Tissot website)… the Tissot Courturier.

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Jomashop was running a sale so I thought… why not? 39mm case, framed full date/day, sub-11mm thickness, and Powermatic 80 movement (!) for only $250? Dude.

The included 22mm steel bracelet is quite attractive, but unfortunately has too many sharp edges and doesn’t articulate well. Since I tend to wear straps rather tight, it was a no-go… so it has been fitted to a Colareb leather strap.

Great everyday piece. It’s always fun to find an oddball choice which punches a couple tiers above its expectations. Thrill of the hunt.

11
#2315 1 year ago

Well… it finally happened.

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It’s light, it’s comfy, it’s fun, and it’s quite nice looking in person. Just be sure to swap out that default strap with something adventurous and/or sporty…

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2 weeks later
#2364 1 year ago

A lot of fun can be had by combing through the VAST Seiko 5 catalog at http://www.watchsleuth.com/seiko5finder/

Found some cheapy fun little oddballs in there to round out the collection, like this 1980’s-era “Trapper Keeper” SNXF05 complete with grid lines…

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#2365 1 year ago

Is the Casio Lineage LCW-M100TSE-1AJF the greatest watch of all time?

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Wears like a 38mm
Sub-10mm thickness
Outstanding grey sunburst dial
Applied indices
World timer/alarm/stopwatch functions
Solar power
Second hand hits the indices dead on
No need to ever set the time/date… it is radio controlled and synchronized automatically
Lightweight titanium construction disappears on the wrist
No tools needed for making adjustments with built-in spring bar system
Sapphire crystal with AR coating
20mm lug width
Under $200

The watch nerds are all over this one, and it’s easy to see why. Insane-good value here.

#2370 1 year ago
Quoted from Mrsiyufy:

Was big into Rolex, AP Patek JLC etc.. until a few years ago. Sold everything off and haven’t worn a watch at all in years. Came across a moonswatch yesterday and love it. Bought 3 more today![quoted image]

Wow... which ones do you have now?

For the Pluto I recommend this one for some texture: https://www.clockworksynergy.com/shop/nato-straps/2-piece-seat-belt-2-0-nato/grey-2-piece-seat-belt-2-0-nato-watch-bands/

And this one for a more futuristic/outer space vibe: https://www.bartonwatchbands.com/products/smokey-grey-silicone-rubber-quick-release-watch-band-strap

(Clockwork also has a silicone but the almost Western-style buckle doesn't match the spacey look as well as the Barton)

Dark grey was a good color choice by the factory but I strongly dislike the way the included strap fits. Or rather, doesn't fit. Aside from dark grey, not many other colors or patterns work with the Pluto and definitely no metal bracelets... noooo. Couldn't find an exact match for the burgundy. That would also look nice.

Would advise picking a 2-piece strap over a 1-piece NATO, as the lightweight slim profile of the case is better when it sits against the wrist vs. riding on top of a NATO.

1 week later
#2380 1 year ago

Oris Big Crown is an undeniable classic with handsome good looks… and a great value.

If you like cathedral hands also consider the new 38mm Hamilton Murph from Interstellar.

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#2383 1 year ago
Quoted from Kevin_LHeureux:

I just paid for my C1 Bel Canto Verde
[quoted image]

Lucky you. Hard to get and very cool.

1 week later
#2394 1 year ago
Quoted from Spyderturbo007:

I just wanted to follow up on this post. I visited the same 3 Rolex stores everyday for 5 days while I was in Vegas and they had nothing. Well, at least that’s what they said.
Based on what everyone posted here about them not selling to people they don’t know, I decided fuck Rolex.
I bought a Bond Premium instead.
[quoted image]

Right decision. You escaped the trap. *clinks martini glass*

3 weeks later
13
#2428 1 year ago

Hemel Air League Special 40mm chrono today, flying a sortie above Cactus Canyon.

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Equipped with the Seagull ST19 manual wind movement in exhibition caseback. Always liked this one:

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10
#2431 1 year ago

Simple little chum, but it might be the one I wear the most. Comfy, light, perfect fit. Timex Pacman Weekender on blue Fluco suede.

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1 week later
#2432 1 year ago

Had to switch the bracelet…

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No metal bracelet is more comfortable nor achieves a better fit than classic rice beads.

Tried ‘em all… and I always come back to the 7-link beads.

4 weeks later
#2441 11 months ago

Dollar-for-bling… the Aquis has no peer. Still my favorite in the collection.

#2443 11 months ago

Austere, but nicely tooled. I’m sure it fits like a glove.

4 weeks later
#2470 10 months ago

Tritium is the coolest. Will Ball re-tube them after they dim?

#2475 10 months ago

This damn thread. Had to dive in and order two more. Should be here next week:

Kuoe Royal Smith 90-008

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Kuoe is an EXCELLENT microbrand. I still have the Kuoe Old Smith 90-002 field watch in green. It has slowly made its way into my top five. Looking forward to seeing their new flagship in person. The applied Breguet-style numerals and parchment dial is a killer combo.

Seiko Rowing Blazers collaboration SRPJ71

Untitled (resized).pngUntitled (resized).png

I previously knew nothing of this Rowing Blazers + Seiko collab... but after taking one look at the email blast I thought, sure, why not. I enjoyed wearing my "DressKX" SRPE53 in blue so let's try something fun. Glad I did... it sold out in minutes!

1 week later
#2484 10 months ago

Welp, didn’t keep the Kuoe, because I have a peculiar dislike of flat polished indices.

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Seiko 5 Sports x Rowing Blazers collaboration stays.

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Uncle Seiko presidential bracelet highly recommended for all SRPE (“Dress KX”) models!

#2487 10 months ago
Quoted from ryanbrooks:

I tried an Uncle bracelet on a Speedmaster. I’d heard great things from people using them on Seikos. On an Omega, I couldn’t have been more disappointed. Poor quality. Uncomfortable. And for what it cost, I felt it was actually overpriced.

Aw man.... that sucks. It's a helluva lot better than the stock Seiko bracelet, that's for sure. Just happy to find a good option since there are such limited options for curved endlinks on the Dress KX.

#2490 10 months ago
Quoted from RyanStl:

That's freaking awesome. I've never seen that Seiko 5 before.

It’s the second Rowing Blazers + Seiko collaboration in the SRPE series. Very cool crossover. The DressKX date wheel always bothered me when it didn’t match the dial (which would be most of them)… but the RB collabs got this little detail right on the black and white dials.

Random Rob covered the black variant from the 2022 collab here (mine is from the 2023 set):

1 week later
#2503 10 months ago

Chrono24 is great, but beware of importing watches from overseas. Customs fees and taxes can really bite ya.

1 week later
#2516 9 months ago

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Glacier… now all I need is some yacht rock.

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#2518 9 months ago
Quoted from ryanbrooks:

I dig it! I prefer a smaller watch, so I’m anxiously waiting for the 35mm auto in green.

Had to have a PRX. Was waiting on the fence until I saw this colorway... *snap*

Hoping they will make a 38mm which is the sweet spot IMHO.

#2536 9 months ago
Quoted from DennisK:

A few months ago I got rid of most of my dress watches. I wanted a Lange 1. Found a used model but it needed a service so I recently did get that back and it's working well now.
So I keep telling myself "self, no more dress watches." I did keep my Reverso though. Exceptions, always exceptions.
Photo:
[quoted image]

Dang. Final tier achieved. Rolex… eat your heart out!

#2539 9 months ago

Trinity-schminity… so exhausted with brand worship and “being the oldest”. Can think of a dozen Moser & Cie dials I’d rather have than a Patek or Vacheron… and Lange leads the pack for obsessive attention to detail. I mean, just LOOK at it! The proportions are so perfect it’s like wrist-Zen.

11
#2556 9 months ago

Didn’t have a gold watch in the collection, nor a good-fitting skeleton… so figured I’d knock out both in one go…

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1 week later
#2568 9 months ago
Quoted from jawjaw:

Love that Zenith.

38mm looks perfect on your wrist. No need for a hulking chrono unless you’ve got a Hulk-wrist.

Now, if you did happen to need a little extra chonk, the PRX chrono would be a stylish option and currently leads its price segment. Even the bracelet is class-leading…

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#2570 9 months ago
Quoted from DennisK:

What is the PRX chrono size? I had a quartz PRX, the original (40mm?) but it felt large on me. I think the 35mm would be good but have not tried it yet. Those PRX hang long on the bracelets.

It’s the same 40mm case. Agree it wears large and will overhang wrists below 7”… but the 35mm is a bit small. Hoping they do a 38mm someday.

I’m digging the PRX glacier auto, but it is just a wee bit chunky on my 7.2” wrist.

2 weeks later
#2586 8 months ago

For the money, and sometimes even despite the money, Casio LCD watches just can't be beat.

#2589 8 months ago
Quoted from Astropin:

They are definitely classics...but I'm just fascinated by automatic/mechanical watches

Oh definitely. Maybe not for $15, but the sheer magnitude of, say, the Seiko 5 catalog alone for cheap mechanical thrills? Powerful gateway drug.

1 week later
#2596 8 months ago

Kamasu is a value slayer. Can’t think of another diver with sunburst dial and visibility that can touch it for the money. Extra bonus for adding just a touch of dressiness.

4 weeks later
#2612 7 months ago

*rubs hands* can't wait. Super hot watch.

#2635 6 months ago

Absolutely love that silver sunburst titanium Aquis. Would totally have kept it if they had a 40.5mm option... arg!

#2645 6 months ago
Quoted from Frippertron:

Looking to add some fun cheaper watches like Unimatic and Seagull, since I’m not a Billionaire like DennisK. What do you guys think of this cool bullhead from Seagull. I think this might be up Nico’s alley.[quoted image]

The bullhead arangement is cool and different; we don't see enough of those. Was that proper semicolon use?

I'm a fan of that Seagull chrono movement. Looks great and is reasonably accurate and reliable especially for the price. But the 42mm case size and near-15mm thickness would be dealbreakers for me. A bit too large for my 7.15" wrist. Anything 13mm or thicker has proven to be a no-go for me.

I've cycled through at least 90 watches thus far and the Aquis is *exactly* the maximum size and thickness I can do for a sporty-dressy piece at 40.5mm width and 12.7mm thick. If the case size shrinks, generally the thickness should too... otherwise it feels like a little wrist-brick/wristburger that doesn't disappear on the wrist in a satisfying way. When out and about I want to think about the time, not the thing on my wrist.

Frankly, one of the enduring favorites is the Timex Pacman Weekender on old-style beads. Top three piece for me... beating out much more expensive dials in fact. And now we're in TMI-land, so let's stop here before the watch singularity eats more of my time...

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#2646 6 months ago

I do enjoy watching these guys for affordable thrills:

https://www.youtube.com/@BensWatchClub

https://www.youtube.com/@JustOneMoreWatch

https://www.youtube.com/@JusttheWatch

Random Rob, Watchfinder & Co, Time Teller, Relative Time... lots of good channels for this hobby. And of course Dennis too!

1 week later
#2672 6 months ago
Quoted from spfxted:

I was just curious about the quality of the watches. It's not in my wheelhouse of knowledge.
The claim is that at $800 it would be hard to tell the difference between that and an original.....just curious....

Don't do it.

Fakes only fool those who do not know the difference, amuse those who do, and worst of all you'll have deliberately chosen to make a false impression to represent who you are.

Are you the kind of guy who cuts in line? Blows the monthly housing check on renting a Bentley? Pretend to be a celebrity to pick up girls on the weekend? Well, those people exist in droves, and the fakes are for them. But they rarely get away with it. Not because of the watch, but due to the other tells:

"Why is this guy with an apparent Royal Oak driving around in a Toyota Corolla and works at Taco Bell? Why doesn't he know anything about the economic forces lifting interest rates in a global sense? Why doesn't he have any local political or business connections whatsoever? Why does he talk about Paris like he's only watched a single episode of Rick Steves' PBS special? How can a young guy who knows THAT much about Call of Duty achievement points have amassed the influence necessary to blow more than a house down payment on a fancy wrist spinner?"

If you are genuinely a person of means, buying a fake doesn't make sense. Especially if your peers learn what you have done. They may wonder what other inauthentic gestures lurk behind your exterior. Because...

"The way you do anything, is the way you do everything."

Fact is, high-end watch buyers are kind of stupid. Me included. I mean, buying a fancy watch is like setting a pile of money on fire and asking to get robbed. Does a Rolex, Patek, etc. do anything more than a decent $500 Seiko can? Not really. So why all the fuss and expense? Well, because watches are cool and life is short. We all need to treat ourselves to nice things once in a while. Besides, a watch is the only piece of bling most guys are officially allowed to wear in public. So if all of those eggs are in one basket, welp, might as well blow your wad on the best basket you can get!

Nothing wrong with homages. I think they're good for getting a taste of the real thing and feeling like part of the club. But I personally don't wear them. It's kind of "been there, done that" for a design once a thousand lookalikes are floating around out there. For example, I simply cannot understand the eternal fascination with the Submariner other than "it's a Rolex" because it's a Rolex because Rolex. But, for many, it is "the" watch... so there ya go. Different strokes.

And that is my overcaffeinated response for the afternoon. oof

#2673 6 months ago
Quoted from Astropin:

I was just reading about the movement in these watches - Swatch Sistem51
90 hour power reserve...cool.
51 total parts held together by one screw...NOT SERVICABLE. Estimated lifespan if worn regularly 2-3 years. If not worn regularly...5 years. Then toss....not cool.

I sold my Moonswatch. Looked cool, but honestly it kind of sucked. Easy to scratch, didn't fit great, crappy strap, just... nah. Didn't turn out to be the breakthrough fun quality everyman's watch it promised to be.

1 month later
#2754 4 months ago

That’s a dead ringer for the Longines Legend. Similar price point too. Unusual & nice piece.

IMG_1708 (resized).jpegIMG_1708 (resized).jpeg
3 weeks later
#2761 4 months ago
Quoted from DennisK:

I did some during the pandemic. I would get cheap, broken watches on eBay and try to fix them. I should have started with working ones... and ones with higher quality movements that were easier to service. I made it a lot harder on myself than I could have. So, a lot were failures. I did get a few fixed up though.

Then again, as with pinball or anything for that matter, the higher the difficulty overcome the more knowledge is transferred.

I sprang for an AliExpress cheapie: Baltany S205033 chronograph. 39mm case, 12.2mm thickness, 20mm lug width, sapphire glass, Seiko VK61 mechaquartz. All of $95 and hits the goldilocks zone for me. Just needed something a bit more rugged to complement the dressier/flashier stuff.

61lfCcRAhHL._AC_UY580_ (resized).jpg61lfCcRAhHL._AC_UY580_ (resized).jpg

1 week later
#2783 3 months ago

I’ve had a lifelong love/hate thing for Rolex for the same reasons.

Good quality, wear well, classic looks… but worth the money? Not to me. The brand is primarily propped up by a rabid collector’s market fueled by powerful and shameless advertising and product placement, to which the majority of buyers are only on board to follow the cult brand like upscale Supreme collectors and couldn’t care less about the difference between a pallet fork and a pepperoni pizza.

Does one have to care about “horology” blah blah to be a watch geek? Absolutely not. But any self-respecting member of the watch nerds should at least have a basic level of knowledge about Swatch Group, Seiko, microbrands, Casios, lume types, movements, etc, and ideally own a selection of watches as diverse as their personality reflecting everything they’ve learned along the way.

The Rolex baggage is still too high (for me) to join the club as of yet. But I am softening lately. I’m getting to the don’t care milestone marker of life. Which means screw it, maybe I’ll just get the one that fits my exact needs without triggering too many nitpicks.

Maybe when I reach my mid-50’s and start looking my age, I’ll fully embrace the f*kit energy required to make the leap…

#2789 3 months ago
Quoted from snakesnsparklers:

Are the poors allowed in here? Here's one of my Casios.
[quoted image]

Luckily it’s more about the smarts than the bucks, and a Duro is always a smart choice for those in the know. Looks like the 44mm which is the much better option vs. the new disappointing 38mm.

#2797 3 months ago

Speaking of Casio…

A1000MA-7 silver steel just replaced my classic 168 illuminator cheapie. Better bracelet, thinner, more durable, and actually a bit blingy which is always nice.

IMG_2223 (resized).jpegIMG_2223 (resized).jpeg

2 weeks later
#2810 3 months ago

Farer and Christopher Ward are absolutely killing it lately! So many good dials coming out.

2 weeks later
#2835 78 days ago

Hydroconquest always a good choice. Oris Aquis (Sellita versions) and Formex Reef also excellent in this tier.

1 month later
#2880 28 days ago

Was planning to finally buy a Grand Seiko… but had a massive change of opinion after years of watching YouTube videos and print catalogs.

In person, GS is technically superior to Rolex, no question. But the designs leave me cold like a set of ultra-sharp steak knives in a drawer. Lack of lume also negatively affects visibility… so it seems I’m pretty firmly in the sporty/dressy/but not too fussy category.

Thus, it’ll likely be a Tudor Black Bay 39 in champagne since I dislike Rolex (even though they have some nice designs).

Pictured is the 41mm. Could wear it, didn’t hate it, but 39mm is the sweet spot for my wrist.

IMG_2838 (resized).jpegIMG_2838 (resized).jpeg
#2886 27 days ago
Quoted from DennisK:

Did you look at any of the GS sport collection? I've not handled those but I do believe they have lume. I haven't really explored them because they look a bit different than the other lines and I actually don't care for the look on those models but they do feel more sporty than things like the heritage line (my favorite).
Not sure if the bracelets are any better. My GS bracelet was a pretty big let-down.

I have & feel similarly about the sport line. Has the features but not the aesthetic. Just haven’t been able to fall in love with GS yet, impressive though they are… and that Spring Drive is just the coolest.

#2890 22 days ago

Gonna spring for a Hamilton Boulton as my square/rectangular/tonneau category driver. Quartz and sub-9mm thickness.

Stock photo here, pardon. It is listed as a watch for women, but the L size version fits a 7” wrist perfectly. The M size would be more appropriate for an average female wrist.

Don’t care for the mechanical version (pretty though it is) as it is quite large and nearly 12mm thick.

Have looked at quite a few Cartier tank alternatives from Alpina, Tissot, Oris, Frédérique Constant, Longines, and some cheap micros but overall I think Hamilton nailed the look without being too fussy.

IMG_3073 (resized).jpegIMG_3073 (resized).jpeg
1 week later
#2893 15 days ago

I would totally buy one of those LED Hamiltons if it had the “wrist-flick” option on the later Pulsars.

Did Jody’s recent video push you over the edge?

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