The Watch Discussion Thread

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

I was thinking of getting a watch for everyday/business-casual purposes. Any thoughts on this Citizen AW1150-07E or other suggestions?

 

[Mike Rotch]

What are your considerations in terms of $$, auto vs quartz and are you looking for more emphasis on the business of 'business-casual' or the casual part..?

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

The price could move depending on how much I like the watch. $140-150 is the preferred max. I didn't look at all into auto vs quartz, so I have no preference there. I'm leaning towards more casual, but it would be a nice bonus if it didn't feel out of place on the other side of the spectrum.

 

[Mike Rotch]

Can't go wrong with a Seiko at that price - some examples for ~$100

quartz

quartz

quartz

kinetic

kinetic

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

How do steel bands work with hairy arms?

 

[Mike Rotch]

How do steel bands work with hairy arms?

Not so well .

Most of the "entry level" options (Seiko 5, Citizen, Casio) don't have that much variety without S/S bands - but, that doesn't mean you cannot fit another rubber/ leather one if you find a watch you like a lot.

 

[Shaun]

How do steel bands work with hairy arms?

Not so well .

Seconded!

Keep in mind that if you do find a watch that you really want with a stainless strap they can be swapped out with a good leather strap with little pain or cost to the wallet.

 

[Kamuifanboy]

The price could move depending on how much I like the watch. $140-150 is the preferred max. I didn't look at all into auto vs quartz, so I have no preference there. I'm leaning towards more casual, but it would be a nice bonus if it didn't feel out of place on the other side of the spectrum.

I've always preferred spending A LOT more money on a watch. Especially if you are going with anything business. The amount of money you spend will feel stupid at first but, it will all be worth it in the end. You get a luxury brand name with superfast and smooth movement. My Omega Speedmaster Racing felt like a massive investment 5 months ago when I bought it but, I'm loving it so much. Whereas my Casio's and Seiko I got bored with after a few days.

 

[Mike Rotch]

I've always preferred spending A LOT more money on a watch. Especially if you are going with anything business. The amount of money you spend will feel stupid at first but, it will all be worth it in the end. You get a luxury brand name with superfast and smooth movement. My Omega Speedmaster Racing felt like a massive investment 5 months ago when I bought it but, I'm loving it so much. Whereas my Casio's and Seiko I got bored with after a few days.

It is a bit of a journey though - I bought a lot of more affordable stuff when I started out and I am glad I left the bigger ticket purchases until later on when I understood what I liked and did not like in a watch.

 

[Kamuifanboy]

It is a bit of a journey though - I bought a lot of more affordable stuff when I started out and I am glad I left the bigger ticket purchases until later on when I understood what I liked and did not like in a watch.

Very True. I had 2 go through 2 casios and a Seiko to realize that I really wanted something different.

 

[Joey D]

My fiancee, soon to be wife, bought me an early wedding present/Valentines Day present. It's not a designer or even a name brand watch, but it does embrace my inner-geekiness and my love all things Boba Fett.

 

[Joey D]

New item to the collection! It's a Swatch Irony Diaphane Pheidippide from the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. It came in a pretty cool box too, which included a 3D printed map of the Athens marathon route. It goes quite nicely with my Sydney Olympics Swatch I got last summer.

 

[Monatsende]

Recently I recognized some Swatch lovers here. For those with technical interests I recommend to have a look at this one:

Sistem51 (selective availability at the moment though)

Official site:
http://www.swatch.com/zz_en/sistem51.html

Review:
http://home.watchprosite.com/show-f...pressive-swatch-sistem51-review-and-pictures/

 

[Joey D]

As soon as those are available in the US, I'm getting one of those blue ones. They seem like a good competitor to the Seiko 5.

 

[Pagey279]

Can't remember if I have posted this before, but a new watch for me as of last September courtesy of my girlfriend:

It looks good, but the build quality is a bit ropey. The tick is horrendously loud, even if I place it on the other side of the room it will keep me up at night. Plus something has come loose inside, and rattles every time I move.

Aesthetics, great. Build quality not so. Not what you would expect from a brand like Tommy Hilfiger.

 

[Joey D]

Picked up my first Seiko 5 off Amazon the other day since it was their Gold Box deal and I couldn't pass up a decent $50 watch. It's a SNKL93 model and while it has a Malaysian movement, I suspect it still won't be too bad considering it's still a Seiko. My only complaint about it is the bracelet feels sort of flimsy, so I might actually go with a NATO band, but we will see.

====

@Mike Rotch, where have you been? I haven't seen you post anything new in awhile.

 

[Mike Rotch]

Picked up my first Seiko 5 off Amazon the other day since it was their Gold Box deal and I couldn't pass up a decent $50 watch.

$50 for an automatic Seiko. That's more than a decent watch man, that's one of the bargain's of the year. I am usually not a fan of the usual Seiko 5 numerals, but have not seen this style before and I like it a lot. Excellent find Joey 👍

@Mike Rotch, where have you been? I haven't seen you post anything new in awhile.

I've been keeping an eye on the thread in a lurker capacity .

but funny you bring this up.

I've been contemplating over the last few month's what the next purchase ought to be. I'll be getting my aussie citizenship this year and would like to mark the occasion with a new watch, the question is, what.

As mentioned elsewhere in the forum, I was looking at Monaco's. I love them, but it is more than I would really like to lash on a watch primarily as I always reckon spending $5k on one watch is outweighted by getting 3 $1500 watches for example (or 5 $1000, you get my drift) as there are a lot of cool watches in the 'lower' range I mention.

Then I discovered a Hamilton Jazzmaster Maestro Chrono that I really did take a fancy too:

Problem? It is discontinued and impossible to find. They replaced it with a similar one but with a day/ date which I think detracts from the design:

In short, I am in the market and still looking for either a ridiculously cheap Monaco (which doesn't exist), an example of the discontinued Hammy above or something else that jumps out at me. I am looking for something with a 9-6-3 sub register orientation, rather than the 12-9-6 above. I have enough 12-9-6 day/ date's and need want something different.

 

[Kamuifanboy]

I've been contemplating over the last few month's what the next purchase ought to be. I'll be getting my aussie citizenship this year and would like to mark the occasion with a new watch, the question is, what.

As mentioned elsewhere in the forum, I was looking at Monaco's. I love them, but it is more than I would really like to lash on a watch primarily as I always reckon spending $5k on one watch is outweighted by getting 3 $1500 watches for example (or 5 $1000, you get my drift) as there are a lot of cool watches in the 'lower' range I mention.

Then I discovered a Hamilton Jazzmaster Maestro Chrono that I really did take a fancy too:

Problem? It is discontinued and impossible to find. They replaced it with a similar one but with a day/ date which I think detracts from the design:

In short, I am in the market and still looking for either a ridiculously cheap Monaco (which doesn't exist), an example of the discontinued Hammy above or something else that jumps out at me. I am looking for something with a 9-6-3 sub register orientation, rather than the 12-9-6 above. I have enough 12-9-6 day/ date's and need want something different.

Oddly, I like the newer version with the date on it. Really good looking watch. I've never really been a fan of Silver with a black leather band. Usually with leather I only like the Gold with Brown leather band combo. But, this looks really nice in Silver with black leather band.

 

[photonrider]

That Jazzmaster is about as elegant as a gentleman's watch could get. Very 'Mike Rotch'. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you: Good Luck.

Great new acquisitions, Joey. Have you made your Will, yet?

 

[Joey D]

Thanks Mike!

I love the Jazzmaster, I'd even take the "base" one without any of the additional features on it. I see what you mean about the newer model though, the day/date function looks out of place on the watch. If they would have made it black with white lettering it probably wouldn't have stood out so much. I wish you luck on trying to get something good and I look forward to seeing what you snatch up.

@photonrider, thanks man! As for my will? I haven't thought about that yet

 

[Crash]

Nice new watch, Joey! I've had another Seiko 5 as well for the past few years and I've been really happy with it.

Mike, the Hamilton looks really classy. How big is the watch? Also, how are Hamiltons in terms of quality and bang for buck?

 

[Mike Rotch]

Mike, the Hamilton looks really classy. How big is the watch? Also, how are Hamiltons in terms of quality and bang for buck?

That model is 42mm but being a valjoux movement is 15mm deep too, so quite chunky (which I like, but can make it a cuff buster).

Hamilton's are in my opinion, the best value Swiss watch you can get. They are Swatch owned, Hamilton. Swatch own Tag and Omega among other brands too so workmanship is going to be top drawer.

In short, the quality is far greater than what you are paying for. By way of example, this model uses the same movement as the Tag Heuer Carrera, with the points of difference being the movement grade and elaboration of the decorations in the movement.

 

[Kamuifanboy]

That model is 42mm but being a valjoux movement is 15mm deep too, so quite chunky (which I like, but can make it a cuff buster).

Hamilton's are in my opinion, the best value Swiss watch you can get. They are Swatch owned, Hamilton. Swatch own Tag and Omega among other brands too so workmanship is going to be top drawer.

In short, the quality is far greater than what you are paying for. By way of example, this model uses the same movement as the Tag Heuer Carrera, with the points of difference being the movement grade and elaboration of the decorations in the movement.

15mm depth isn't too bad IMO. Most Auto Chronos are that thick. I think I've only seen Blancpain or higher brands with slim auto chronos.

I've always liked Hamilton. They make great looking watches, and like you said, the movements they use are fantastic.

 

[Ramanujan]

In short, I am in the market and still looking for either a ridiculously cheap Monaco (which doesn't exist), an example of the discontinued Hammy above or something else that jumps out at me. I am looking for something with a 9-6-3 sub register orientation, rather than the 12-9-6 above. I have enough 12-9-6 day/ date's and need want something different.

I know a nice 12-3-6 watch.

I also did a quick search for the Hamilton you mentioned. Yes it is impossible to find, it seams.

There are 3-6-9 classima's but i think these are a bit bussy.

Also available in black wich in my opinion looks less nice.

 

[Shaun]

I've been contemplating over the last few month's what the next purchase ought to be. I'll be getting my aussie citizenship this year and would like to mark the occasion with a new watch, the question is, what.

👍

Not classy enough for you?

Problem? It is discontinued and impossible to find. They replaced it with a similar one but with a day/ date which I think detracts from the design

I also did a quick search for the Hamilton you mentioned. Yes it is impossible to find, it seams.

Yep I also searched a couple of days ago and while I could find other variants of the Hamilton that particular model was nowhere to be seen. Nice watch btw 👍.

Which reminds me I should really stop watching this thread, while my search for the Hamilton I started to look at watches (again) for myself.
Came across some nice watches from Tissot that I liked and seemed to be reasonably priced.
What's the general consensus on Tissot, good,bad or otherwise?

 

[Mike Rotch]

Came across some nice watches from Tissot that I liked and seemed to be reasonably priced.
What's the general consensus on Tissot, good,bad or otherwise?

Tissot is sort of the Swiss Seiko.

They are a solid manufacturer and one of the best 'entry' level Swiss watches that are genuine Swiss watches - not the Swissasian crap like Invicta. Their auto's use the same movements has more expensive watches (albeit in lower grade). One has to accept at that price point, there may be the odd cheap feeling bracelet, but that's just down to the end user.

I am guessing you are looking at something like a PRC200? One of the the guys I worked with had one - it looked to me to be a very well made watch.

The only thing I would say is be careful if you are looking to buy of ebay. For some reason, there are a lot of fake Tissots on there (Le Locle and PRC200).

 

[Shaun]

Tissot is sort of the Swiss Seiko.

They are a solid manufacturer and one of the best 'entry' level Swiss watches that are genuine Swiss watches - not the Swissasian crap like Invicta. Their auto's use the same movements has more expensive watches (albeit in lower grade). One has to accept at that price point, there may be the odd cheap feeling bracelet, but that's just down to the end user.

I am guessing you are looking at something like a PRC200? One of the the guys I worked with had one - it looked to me to be a very well made watch.

The only thing I would say is be careful if you are looking to buy of ebay. For some reason, there are a lot of fake Tissots on there (Le Locle and PRC200).

Thanks.
Yeah the PRC200 was one if the variants I was looking at although even within that range there can be a big difference in price as the models vary.
Also quite liked the look of some in the V8 range which by the look of it seem to be cheaper again. A leather strap would be a must as I'll never go to a pain inducing bracelet again.

When you get the time a quick rundown of various movements, automatic, quartz etc would be appreciated in plain English as that's mostly above my knowledge of watches.

Not saying I'll buy right now (possible unexpected cash winfall coming my way) or if I do it has to be a Tissot but yes the fakes on EBay do concern me. So much so I may consider buying from a bricks and mortar store if the price was OK.


Edit: Found some time to do some quick research on movements. I think I grasp it now.

 

[Mike Rotch]

When you get the time a quick rundown of various movements, automatic, quartz etc would be appreciated in plain English as that's mostly above my knowledge of watches.

Sure. Hopefully I'm covering what you mean, so just ask if not.

Movement's come in a few flavours; mechanical, or quartz or a hybrid.

Quartz in it's basic form is your traditional battery powered watch. Unless you are buying the highest grade mechanical, it will be more accurate, but require a new battery every couple of years. It also has the tick-tick, versus the smoother sweep of mechanical watches.

To get around having to piss about with a battery, some manufacturers have solar powered watches which recharge in direct sunlight, or are 'kinetic' in that they still use a battery, but can be recharged through a mechanism which converts movement (pendulum swinging) into electric charge which is stored in a capacitor type setup.

Mechanical essentially forgoes battery power and uses a wound mainspring to deliver energy to power the watch. Winding the mainspring is achieved either by hand winding the crown or in the case of automatic watches, the main spring is constantly wound by a geared-rotating pendulum which rotates when you move your wrist about. A fully wound spring typically lasts around 40-45hrs if left unattended.

Most mechanical movements are built by the ETA Group, which is owned by Swatch. They basically produce movements, and sell them to watch manufacturers to use as they like. This is why you can find the same base movement from a Tag in a Hamilton and a Breitling, even though they are all in different price segments. These movements are called 'ebauches' and come in different grades, which cost ascending:

- Standard - which is the most basic, unadorned movement. The cheapest. Probably accurate to ~20secs a day
- Elaboré - same movement, some more adornments and jewels (to reduce mechanical resistance) and more adjustable so probably accurate to ~15 secs per day
- Top - More adjustment possible, higher tolerances in manufacture and fitment, higher quality parts in the critical areas of the watch - probably accurate to ~ 10 seconds per day
- Chronometre - manufactured and tested to pass COSC standards - which is basically assured accuracy in any watch orientation in any reasonable temperature range ~ 0 - 3 seconds per day.

So Tag and Breitling etc will opt for Top or Chronometre grades, whereas Hamilton or Tissot may opt for Standard and Elaboré. ETA is reducing it's output of ebauches to non-Swatch groups, which means more manufacturers will need to start making their own movements (driving prices up) or using the fairly new ETA rival's movements (Sellita).

Hybrid is where quartz meets mechanical. Only Seiko have created this 'Spring Drive' in which accuracy of quartz and a seamless second-hand sweep are merged. Seamless as in, think electronic clock on the wall seamless. A mechanical movement moves at 6-8 beats per second, which tricks the eye in to appearing smooth, but is actually not on closer inspection.

Mechanical sweep:


Spring Drive sweep:


FWIW, 'Swiss Made' can only be given to watches which meet conditions set out by the Swiss Law which stipulates that watch is only Swiss Made is it is assembled and cased in Switzerland and, 51% of the cost of components are Swiss.

Asian/ Chinese manufacturers like Invicta have been getting around this by using 99% of componentry sourced from China, with a single higher cost component (the crystal, for example) being Swiss and thus getting around that clause.

"Swiss Movement" and "Swiss Watch" don't really mean much if seen on a watch face.

So much so I may consider buying from a bricks and mortar store if the price was OK.

No!

You're paying 20% too much in a b&m shop over here versus a reputable online dealer. Avoid ebay in this instance, but shop online

 

[Shaun]

@Mike Rotch thanks for that Brad, most informative. I had figured the basics like auto and quartz but your description in particular of the mechanical movements was great. The vids rammed home the description also. 👍

When I say may purchase from b&m store it would only be in the unlikely proviso that the price was very close to the online price.
I have been known to whip out my phone and price check in the company of a salesman .

 

[Shaun]

So I was at a local shopping centre yesterday on non watch related business when a jewelers shop caught my eye advertising watches up to 50% off. Wandered over and took a bit of a look.

A few Tissots caught my eye and after a discussion with the lady behind the counter we came to an agreement of sorts on the price of a watch. Told her I would sleep on it and she happily obliged and said she would hold it for me for a couple of days.
That night after some googling and a quick discussion with @Mike Rotch it seems it was indeed a pretty good price. Went back and handed over the coin.

Tissot PRS 330.
Huge box is huge.

Reams of literature. Seems the Swatch company have a pine plantation somewhere.

A couple closer up.

After having the strap cut in store it fits very well and is very comfortable even though it's bigger and heavier than my other watches.
Couldn't be happier.