Watches - another OCD problem

[mclaincausey]

@Giles don’t overestimate my memory.

[Molle]

SRQ049 on IHM-27

[mclaincausey]

Speaking of Seiko, I only wear a Garmin smartwatch these days but I do love this crazy chunky diver.

[Molle]

@mclaincausey Kinetic, gave one of those 8 years ago to a boy friend of one of my daughters.

[Mizmazzle]

@Molle that’s a beauty right there!

[68degreesorless]

My first vintage buy. I could see getting hooked. Thanks @Molle for the inspiration and guidance.

[Molle]

@68degreesorless Looks like a perfect specimen. Great choice.

[Molle]

I really like the Seiko mechanical chronographs from the early 70s. This one, a 7016-8001, from 1973 tops my list. In a very nice and small case Seiko managed to fit the following:

• automatic movement
• 12h column wheel chronograph
• combined chrono minutes and hours sub dial at 6 ( > 30 years ahead of Patek who did the same on their Natulis 5980).
• hours
• minutes
• day
• date

And, on top of that, it looks great.
Nothing short of brilliant!

[DeeDee85]

@Molle May I ask your thoughts on the SJE093? I previously owned the SLA017 and loved the overall look of it but the thickness of it and and slightly out of proportion shape when side by side with the original 62MAS eventually led to me letting it go. Now Seiko have rectified these niggles, do you think it’s worth giving the newer one a go?

[Luijim78]

@Molle wonderful Lord, a dream of mine forever ...congratulations

[Molle]

@Luijim78 🥰

[Molle]

@DeeDee85 I also have the SLA017 and when the SJE093 I just had to have it. It is much closer to the original in all dimensions and as a bonus the 017 bracelet fits. In the pile pic you have, from the bottom; SLA037, SLA017, 6217, SJE093

[DeeDee85]

@Molle thank you so much for your detailed response, I think I perhaps need to track one down.. I stupidly missed the boat when it was released

[Anesthetist]

[gazza61]

@Anesthetist what a lovely classic watch.

[Bill C]

Can I ask you watch guys for some advice? I bought a handwound watch with an ETA 6498 movement about eight years ago - cost me about £700. The manufacturer recommends a service every 5 years, and I was meaning to get this done. I haven’t worn it much recently but have wound it fairly regularly. It’s just stopped working (winder turns but nothing happens - seen thru glass back). A reputable local repairer has looked at it in person and quoted £200 for a full service.

I’m unsure whether to cut my losses and eBay it as in need of repair, or shell out the £200. I’d be reluctant to invest £200 every five years, but is this to be expected with this type of watch?

Many thanks - Bill

[Molle]

World’s first commercially available quartz watch was the 35A Astron from Seiko. You could buy it from December 1969 at the cost of a Toyota Corolla. 18K gold case.

[goosehd]

@Bill-C The first question is what brand is it?

The answer to your question is yes regular maintenance is expected and is part of the cost of owning a mechanical watch. ETA movements are quite common and much cheaper to service than some of the in house movements of other brands. Some repairs cost as much as lesser known watch brands new…

[Bill C]

Thanks @goosehd - that’s really helpful advice - it’s an Archimede Deckwatch btw - Bill

[goosehd]

@Bill-C So then the issue becomes how much do you enjoy the watch and want to keep it?

The used prices on eBay will help you make a decision if the £200 is worth putting into the watch and fixing it. If you don’t like the watch and the price of a used watch is close to that amount, the decision is easy.

You’ll take a pretty big hit if you want to sell the watch (unfixed) on any market and if you misrepresent it in a sale a big hit to your reputation.