The (Less intimidating) Watch Thread
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I'm not a watch guy at all. I have a Seiko 5 SKN809 and a Casio G-Shock. The Seiko kept horrible time and lost a minute or 2 every couple of weeks and the pins that hold the strap in kept coming out. I've been using my Casio G-shock ever since because it's indestructible. Both were cheap $50 watches so there ya go.
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After 25 years without a watch, I eased back in, a couple of years ago. If memory serves, I paid $220 for the Maratac GPT-1…
While I don't know much about movements, I know it has a Miyota 9015. Which, from what I've gathered, is a fairly reliable one. It has kept great time, and is certainly a "tank" of a watch. I like it, but the thickness and weight of it keep me from wearing it every day. Being my only watch, that is somewhat problematic. I've found another I'm interested in, as an everyday wear. I may just turn the Maratac around, and put down a few extra bones on this…
NAV B-UHR 44MM VINTAGE TITANIUM B-TYPE
The Steinhart runs just north of $500 USD. So, I think it would qualify as "less intimidating".I am still seeking a grail, though. I will dive into the deep end, when I see the "one". If there is such a thing.
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Seiko is an incredible value for a mechanical movement. I have a SARG011 (discontinued) that is as accurate as my Omegas.
The SKX line is a good way to get a "feel" for mechanical watches, but are really overrated. The dials are oftentimes misaligned, the accuracy is not great, but they are cheap. They went through a renaissance recently because of YouTube personalities but I'm pretty unimpressed. For a little bit more, you can get a Japanese Domestic Model with a much higher level of quality.
G-Shock is the way to go if you want something really tough and aren't into watches. If you get one with solar charging and Multi-Band 6, it's as low maintenance a watch you'll ever get. They have no personality, but they last with zero amount of maintenance. My GW-6900 has been through some rough shit and still looks new, only cost me $80. The alarms are handy for back to back meetings (my employees know to stop talking when my watch goes off, so I can get to the next meeting, keeps my meetings on time)
Edited to add photo:
Always my recommendation for a first mechanical all day every day any day. Durable, accurate, service will be relatively cheap if you need it and fits in with most casual/semi casual situations.
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Re: "ultra tough mechanical movements"
It's an oxymoron. Ultra tough is relative. A digital watch will always be tougher (I take my watches through firearms training regularly, and workout with them as well).
Any amount of moving parts will be more fragile than a device that's essentially one piece.
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I‘m in no way a watch collector or aficionado. I like automatic watches which can take a beating, because I don‘t go easy on my watches and don’t want to think about changing a battery. I chose my first automatic watch for the aesthetics (thank you Pierce Brosnan) and kept it that way with the other ones. Money is limited, because Giles is snatching any spare cent I have out of my pocket, so don‘t move in the expensive watches market, like some others here.
For the last 19 years I only had one watch and that was/is my Omega Seamaster Professional. 19 years without service, worn every day and on every activity (office, sports, physical work such as moving whole households and everything else you can come up with) and it is still going strong. This watch is a tank and goes as well with a suit as with a denim outfit or sports gear. A true heirloom piece.
My second watch is my Steinhart Ocean Vintage Military Mark I that I bought this year. I love the look of it, it has a high quality feel and a Swiss ETA movement. Overall an incredible value for money piece.
The latest addition is a modified Seiko Snzf17j, which now has a new saphire cristal, new hands, new bezel and new dial. I like the looks of it, because it is modded to have a lot of similarities with the Omega Seamaster 300, which is totally out of my price league.
There is one more watch that I want one day. The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 45,5mm. But it will be another 2 or 3 years before I will be able to pick one up in the used market without risking instant divorce.
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Any thoughts on service intervals?
There seems to be two groups of thought. One is to let it go until it breaks and then deal with the massive repair cost. The other is to service at regular intervals and eat the cost slowly.
I haven't figured out which camp I belong to yet, but in general I stick to maintenance schedules because I hate broken things.
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Well, Cole is 19 years into his Omega without service- that's probably saved him 1.5-2k in maintenance costs. Even if the watch needs massive service work eventually, he's still ahead.
I'm definitely in the "wear it until it breaks" category.
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My new affordable timepiece.
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Thanks man. It keeps flawless time. And it lights up like a Christmas tree when I press that round button.
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My current watch, very happy with it.
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They did two different sizes of it. I liked the chronograph version which was slightly bigger too if I recall.
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Wahey, love a good pun.
I thought I had a photo, but alas I do not. I’ll take one this evening, forgot to wear it to work today!
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Currently leaning towards an Orient Ray II
Great choice. I've said it for years- Orient makes amazingly good watches, and possibly the most beautiful blue dials at any price.
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Currently leaning towards an Orient Ray II
Great choice. I've said it for years- Orient makes amazingly good watches, and possibly the most beautiful blue dials at any price.
I still have months to consider my purchase, but from a few YouTube reviewers, it's been stated that the Ray II is a bot better than the Seiko SKX007, which is my other top contender.
I'll keep their opinions in mind while I do my own research as well.
Maybe @Graeme or @Louisbosco could come in with their opinions as well?
