The (Less intimidating) Watch Thread

[Matt]

@Cole I really like the strap with the orange stripe.

[IrishHeart]

These look fun and thought may appeal to some. They seem good value.
https://mrjoneswatches.com/collections/all-watches
Here’s one from the collection.

[endo]

@IrishHeart really cool watches

[Cole]

The Accurate : Mecanical is my favorite. Remember you will die.

[IrishHeart]

@Cole I agree with you. Not that I need reminding regarding the message!

[TeflonDon]

Ok, so I found the right thread.

I just received my first diver:

I think it is a beautiful watch, and based on the first 24 hours I’ve been
reasonably lucky with precision as well.

I haven’t had luck with straps though. I think the stock bracelet is ok, but I’m looking for a good rubber strap and a nato/zulu as well. I have a couple of natos from a Danish website, they are a little disappointing. They are comfortable enough, but the nylon is very shiny, I think I would prefer something a bit more textured.

Any recommendations for straps? Preferably from an EU vendor, but I’m willing to compromise if I can get better options outside the EU.

[Giles]

Without a doubt.......

https://isofrane.com/

[endo]

On mine I like the original Seiko Prospex rubber strap.

[TeflonDon]

Great suggestions. Thanks. The Isofrane is really functional, which I like. The Seiko one is more subdued, which could also work.

It’s a bit of a jungle, a lot of producers give very little information about the rubber they use.

[Graeme]

I like the look of Erika's Originals straps, although I haven't tried one.

https://erikasoriginals.com/

[VoodooRay]

Trusty g-shock metal square.

[TeflonDon]

Brilliant, Graeme. They have the slightly more rugged look I was after.

Thanks!

[Matt]

The Brew Metric I posted earlier was a catch and release as the Chrono Regulator I wanted came back into stock…

[VoodooRay]

Buzz Rickson’s A-11 watch (seiko movement). Repro of a WWII Elgin watch.

[Matt]

Brew makes a few automatics and once they sell out they go for double on the 2nd hand market. Managed to score one on eBay for retail. The Retromatic in burgundy with a Seiko movement…

[AdamJ]

@Matt Lovely bit of kit that

[Matt]

Thank you!

[goosehd]

@Matt He's just looking for a place to stay...

[Matt]

He wants to rent that room and “borrow” the watch.

[chrisjohnnick]

My Grandfather was a pilot and a navigator in the Navy and Air Forces during WWII. The plane he was on went down somewhere over the Philippines in 1945, and he floated in the ocean for a few days before being rescued. Somewhere over the years, the Type A-11 that he wore (and was wearing at that time) found it's way into my hands. It wasn't working, and is rusted out in areas (obvs) but has always meant a lot to me. I finally found another one from the same maker (Elgin) and the same year (1944) and decided to pick it up. It is also in perfect working order and has a period-correct olive watch band on it! Beyond stoked to be wearing this piece and think of Grandpop every time I put it on!

Here's his original watch, which I have on a shelf on our family gallery wall:

And here is the one I just picked up: