The (Less intimidating) Watch Thread

[Giles]

It's still March in New Mexico is it?

[Cole]

After spending way to much money on two Seiko Willards (SPB237J1 and SPB257J1) last month and spending to much time watching watch videos on YouTube I was sucked into the rabbithole of the AliExpress and hommage watches. So, out of curiosity, I ordered two Steeldive hommage watches during the 11.11. sale. A Steeldive 1975, which "borrows" its design from the Seiko Tuna 300m and a Steeldive 1953 which is obviously "inspired" by the Rolex Submariner. Both watches together did cost 148,97 € with free shipping and miraculously they passed customs without fees and taxes.

You can hate the whole hommage watch thing, but you can not deny that you get a lot of bang for your bug here. Both watches have a Seiko NH35 movement, a sapphire chrystal and ceramic and lumed bezzel inlays. The SD1975 runs more precise then my original Seiko Willows with +8 s/day, even though it has a higher rate of beat errors. The metal bracelets are meh, as expected, but both watches will end up on Nato straps anyways.

Two things are mindboggeling to me a.) that Seiko is selling movements to someone who is producing hommage watches of its own brand and b.) that the bezzel alignment on the hommage watches is spot on flawless while my >1.000 € Seiko has shit QC.

SD1975

SD1953

Seiko SPB237J1 (just because I like it so much)

[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...