I'm pretty anal about time. All my clocks are radio sync'ed with CO. Most of my watches have been radio sync/ed as well (Casio or Citizen). The last two watches I've bought are solar (I hate when watches just suddenly stop; I hate replacing the batteries). One was still radio sync'ed (very expensive for me). One was just solar but it keeps good enough time (5 seconds over 6 months? - I notice when I reset time for daylight savings).

The solar radio watch has an issue now (although only 2 years). It still works for primary time (home time) but local time (2nd time zone) dial is broken - hands don't move anymore. I can still use as-is but I'm concerned that more failures are forthcoming; I've lost confidence in the watch reliability.

I'm looking for a new brand, at this point either Orient or Seiko. Key requirements include: 1) accuracy (don't want to lose more than 1 min over 6 months), 2) no battery, 3) best in class lume (for the price anyway); 4) clean, high contrast face and hands (don't even want date but seems like I largely don't have a choice; if date, magnifies is good given my eyesight).

First choice seems to be the Seiko Prospex Padi Solar ($395). https://seikousa.com/collectio...spex/products/sne549

But I'm open to automatics you guys always talk about. As long as they are reasonably accurate (again 1 min over 3-6 months) and are hacking(?) movements (I can sync the time exactly with CO occasionally).

These seem to be candidates (and seems like a good sale right now for some of them):

1) Seiko Propex $595: https://seikousa.com/collectio...spex/products/srpg21

2) Seiko 5 Sport $295: https://seikousa.com/collectio...orts/products/srpd55

3) Orient Neptune $480 (sale from $710) (I really like this one but not sure if it's good or not; really, really expensive for me so better last a lifetime (or at least what's left of it ): https://www.orientwatchusa.com...oducts/ra-el0001b00a

4) Orient Kanno $225 (sale $425): https://www.orientwatchusa.com...oducts/ra-aa0008b19a

5) Orient $170 (sale $350): https://www.orientwatchusa.com.../products/faa02004b9

Any advice?

I would not recommend an automatic for your request. Awesome is -3 to +3 a day, realistic in your price point is -30 to +30 a day.

That said, I would recommend a Citizen ecodrive of some flavor.


Specifically,
Those orients are +25/-15 seconds per day, the Propex is +45/-35, same for the Sports 5.

That’s not to say they are not good watches, but with any automatic great accuracy is a nice bonus, not an expectation, unless you’re spending in the thousands, and even then it’s still a +/- window.

With practice and a decent movement, you can keep one pretty much dead-on, but it’s more of an art.

Citizen ecodrive also normally has great lume. I agree that staying away from automatics, if you are demanding accuracy, is not a bad idea. That might change with the pricier stuff but in that range I'd go quartz or ecodrive if you dont want to change batteries.

I don't think you will get that kind of accuracy out of any auto. I do like that Seiko Solar, keep in mind that you will have to adjust at the beginning of most months for the date

I'm going to suggest the Prospex "Arnie" I own this one and love it. You won't have the date adjust thing to worry about

https://longislandwatch.com/se...1-dive-watch-snj025/

Check out the older Orient Triton. It’s the exact same watch as the Neptune. You can sometimes find examples for a little less money. The Orient Neptune used to be called the Triton. Its the exact same watch but was renamed for some reason. There is also a version of it that ditches the power reserve indicator and I believe it costs about half as much.

Why do I recommend this watch? The QC of Orient is superb, the watch has a robust movement that will last a looooooong time.

The lume and accuracy are very good out of the box and can be regulated to +/- 2-5 seconds a day (the same goes for the Seiko Turtle below)






I also recommend the Seiko SRPXXX Turtle. It’s a vintage reissue of sorts drawing inspiration from their iconic 1970’s 6306 & 6309 Turtle that ran from 1976-1988. It’s called a turtle because the case shape looks like a turtle shell when looking down on it from above. They are comfortable on the wrist, gorgeous and incredibly stout. It has a movement that lasts, is easy to service/replace and will provide years of service.

This watch is just as accurate as my Omega Seamaster Professional. I disagree with those who say Seiko autos are not accurate. They are inconsistent. Out of the box some are crazy accurate and some can be up to +10-15 seconds a day. They can be regulated for probably about $50 or less and will yield superb results. There are plenty of micro brands that used regulated Seiko auto movements and are able to achieve +/- 1-3 seconds a day accuracy. I own quite a few that perform this well.




If you’re adamant about no date or day on the dial you could always get a Seiko mod made for you to your specific taste by mad mod world.

They made me this unique flieger diver out of an older SKX and put in a newer movement so it has hacking and hand winding!


I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the watches on your list. There is much more joy in owning an automatic watch that is powered by your movement throughout the day. Quartz is accurate but it’s soulless and boring. Automatics on the other hand are a joy to own.

I wear Quartz Movados.

They look nice, keep perfect time (well except that they have no numbers on the face), only need a battery change every few years, and are thin and lightweight.

They are good enough that you won't be looked at like a goof by a salesman in a premium car dealership, and chicks that pay attention to such things dig them.

My daily one is 15 years old and just needs some buffing by a jeweler to look its best.

Thanks guys.

Dumb question: when you say auto is +/- 30 seconds per day, is that one day it might be +30 and next day it might be -30? Or is it that if it's +30, then expect +30 basically everyday.

If it's +/ 30 sec every day, netting to something near zero (less than 10 sec?) each week, then maybe that's something that could be entertained. Auto for the allure of craftmanship over accuracy. Even better if it's +/- 5 seconds per day (assuming I only need to regulate occasionally, say 1 once every few years, or once a year. If once a month, then not preferable).

But you guys are probably right, if it's even + (or -) 10 seconds per day, then I'm off by a minute each week and that's gonna be annoying to any anal guy like me.

So, if auto, depending on the clarification, seems like a regulated Triton / Neptune (and Orient over Seiko unless Turtle (SRPxxx of which Padi above is one?)).

That said - the recommended choices seem to be the Seiko Padi (Turtle) Solar or the Orient Neptune / Triton or the Seiko Padi (Turtle) Auto. All in the $400-600 range.

quote:

Originally posted by BigSwede:
I'm going to suggest the Prospex "Arnie" I own this one and love it. You won't have the date adjust thing to worry about

https://longislandwatch.com/se...1-dive-watch-snj025/

Thanks. I'll look into that more - sound interesting. Hope they have one with a stainless band.

Konata88, they typically run that +5 or +/-30 consistently. The better ones will lose a bit over night, maybe a second or two and make it up as you wear it throughout the day. I set PADI Turtle before a two week Caribbean vacation and when I returned home it was something like +5 seconds from atomic time.

I forgot to mention a Swiss watch. Also check out the Tissot Seastar. It’s under the same corporate umbrella as Omega. Think of it as the more affordable little brother to the mighty Omega Seamaster. I know what you’re thinking, Swiss = too expensive but considering the price increases in Seiko watches lately and not much to show for that price increase as you compare it to the Swiss competitors it gets interesting. You are within the range of a nice Tissot Seastar. Those are basically regulated from the factory since their new manufacturing process is such that they are getting extremely good consistency right out of the box and eyebrow raising good accuracy. The Tissot also has an 80 hour power reserve which is about double that of the Orient and Seiko watches in the same price point. Mine are actually giving me slightly over 80 hours of reserve. It also has a sapphire crystal display case back which allows you to see the beautiful movement in all its glory as well as a sapphire crystal which is MUCH harder to scratch than Seiko’s hardlex crystal.

Tissot just redesigned the Seastar so you can find the previous gen (the Seastar pictured below is the previous gen) for dang good prices. Basically $499 all day on Jomashop. Prob cheaper on the fleabay. I went with the silver dial but they offer lots of colors. I’m not really feeling the newer, larger Seastars but they do have a few stylistic tweaks/improvements over my version.



One of the neatest parts of an automatic watch is the movement. I like companies that don’t hide their movement but rather put it on full display.




Another shot of my turtle in its natural environment.

I knew stickman would be here to mention the Seiko Turtles. If you want to get into Seiko automatics, I'll say Samurai every time stickman says Turtle, but that's simply a matter of preference.

That said -- in the OP you mention the Prospex PADI SNE549. I have SNE435 (thanks, Craigcpa!). It's got the same V157 movement as SNE549, and Seiko mentions +/- 15 seconds/month.

I haven't measured accuracy on mine, but I'll say it's a great watch. The only time I have to dink with it is when I need to adjust the date.

Chongosuerte mentioned an Ecodrive... I have one I'd lend you if you wanted to try it.

Honestly in his price point vthoky the Seastar outperforms everything from Seiko. You’ll have to spend about $1k to get that kind of build components and power reserve from Seiko.

But alas you are correct...I am contractually obligated to always at least attempt to promote one of my absolute favorite Seiko watches. As Farris Beuller so eloquently put it....It is so choice, if you have the means I highly recommend picking one up.

G-Shock Gulfmaster, Solar...check, Radio sync also check, and even when it hasnt synced in awhile still scary accurate. Lum not bad but has light so your covered there too. Oops just reread your original post, new brand, The arni is a great choice or the Padi

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:

quote:

Originally spoken by Ferris Bueller:
It is so choice, if you have the means I highly recommend picking one up.

Nice job, sir. Nice job.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Honestly in his price point vthoky the Seastar outperforms everything from Seiko. You’ll have to spend about $1k to get that kind of build components and power reserve from Seiko.

I see what you're doing...
You're trying to convince me to buy that titanium Shogun!

quote:

Originally posted by fischtown7:
The arni

Good call! Seiko SNJ025 "Arnie"

Red/blue SNJ027 version at Amazon

There's a green SNJ031 as well.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: vthoky,

What about a used Longines VHP? That should be about in your range, might not be as rugged...

I like my G shocks, but the solar charging gets a bit irritating, when I put them away for awhile.

Awesome. Thanks guys. I could live with 5 seconds in 2 weeks.

Tissot is a great tip. I've heard the name before but know nothing about them. Nice to hear that they are related to Omega - nice watch that I'll never be able to afford.

The Tissot sounds very nice. These two caught my eye. I might lean toward the jewelry style if it's adjustable. Otherwise the link style looks just fine as well. These are above my budget but I can defer the purchase until I get enough saved up.

https://www.tissotwatches.com/.../t1204071105100.html

https://www.tissotwatches.com/.../t1204071104102.html

The SNE549 and the SNE435 look exactly the same to me. Same price. Is there a difference?

Thanks vthoky! Very kind offer. The watch that is failing is an Ecodrive PCAT. So, looking to try a different brand. I also have an Ecodrive Promaster Diver that I like and it's been very solid (but lume is just acceptable; could be better in longevity).

I'm looking very closely at the Tissot.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
The SNE549 and the SNE435 look exactly the same to me. Same price. Is there a difference?

Thanks vthoky! Very kind offer.

Certainly! Glad to make the offer.

As for the difference between 435 and 549... I can't tell either. I've stared at them for a while now, and I just don't see it.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Konata88, they typically run that +5 or +/-30 consistently. The better ones will lose a bit over night, maybe a second or two and make it up as you wear it throughout the day. I set PADI Turtle before a two week Caribbean vacation and when I returned home it was something like +5 seconds from atomic time.

I forgot to mention a Swiss watch. Also check out the Tissot Seastar. It’s under the same corporate umbrella as Omega. Think of it as the more affordable little brother to the mighty Omega Seamaster. I know what you’re thinking, Swiss = too expensive but considering the price increases in Seiko watches lately and not much to show for that price increase as you compare it to the Swiss competitors it gets interesting. You are within the range of a nice Tissot Seastar. Those are basically regulated from the factory since their new manufacturing process is such that they are getting extremely good consistency right out of the box and eyebrow raising good accuracy. The Tissot also has an 80 hour power reserve which is about double that of the Orient and Seiko watches in the same price point. Mine are actually giving me slightly over 80 hours of reserve. It also has a sapphire crystal display case back which allows you to see the beautiful movement in all its glory as well as a sapphire crystal which is MUCH harder to scratch than Seiko’s hardlex crystal.

Tissot just redesigned the Seastar so you can find the previous gen (the Seastar pictured below is the previous gen) for dang good prices. Basically $499 all day on Jomashop. Prob cheaper on the fleabay. I went with the silver dial but they offer lots of colors. I’m not really feeling the newer, larger Seastars but they do have a few stylistic tweaks/improvements over my version.



One of the neatest parts of an automatic watch is the movement. I like companies that don’t hide their movement but rather put it on full display.




Another shot of my turtle in its natural environment.

Stickman makes great points for the Tissot. I have a chronograph model from Tissot. Great watch. A decent Swiss brand and if owned by Omega I am sure they would not tolerate garbage being put out on the market.

Of all the watches mentioned in this thread thus far this one gets my vote.

Why? Because it checks all of Konata88’s boxes and does so with style.

-Easy to read? Yes
-Accurate? Hell yes. I have four watches with the movement in this watch they are currently performing at : +1 second a day, -2 seconds a day, -1 second a day and +5 seconds a day. They are performing at a level way above what they should be at their price tag. Their movement, the Powermatic80 is a superb mechanical
masterpiece.
-Good lume? Yea it also glows blue. No, it isn’t quite as bright as Seiko. No one, I mean no one not even Rolex can match Seiko’s lume but this watch has good lume that lasts all night.
-high contrast easily visible hands? Yes. The hands on this watch are one of its best attributes.

The way the light reflects off the dial and the blue to black fade is AWSOME. I have the more expensive limited release chronograph diver (that is sadly larger too) and it has the exact same type blue to black fade dial. It is stunning to see in person. Pics to not do it justice.

Awesome - that's the one I'm considering the most I have more confidence now with votes of first hand experience.

Out of OPs specs, but I have been thrilled with my EDC watch: Armourlite.
Outstanding lume, very accurate (for me anyway) and some of their watches have a 10 year battery.
They use a Swiss made Ronda movement.
www.armourlite.com