A revival of the Watch thread

March 17, 2023, 09:48 AM

stickman428

I don’t think the perfect watch exists.

Acquiring my grail watch only resulted in a 7-10 month lull in my watch interests, which then evolved slightly.

I suppose I still have a grail watch to strive for, a vintage Heuer Solunar which ranges from expensive to ridiculous depending on its condition. When you consider an $80 G-shock rescue has the same capability and then some it becomes hard to explain to non watch enthusiasts.

It’s a hobby/addiction that often seems to defy logic.

**edit to add**

copaup, those are gorgeous! Christopher Ward is one of my favorite brands ever. That is a sharp watch! The Speedy actually looks damn good on a green NATO. I’m green with envy!

Beautiful watches! You have exquisite taste.

March 17, 2023, 10:15 AM

copaup

Thanks. I dig em.

My only gripe with the Ward is the logo at 9 o’clock. I miss the old logo at 12. Bang for the buck I don’t think you can beat the brand though.

And yeah. That Omega looks good on literally anything. I was shocked how good it works on an OD nato.

March 17, 2023, 02:24 PM

vthoky

quote:
Originally posted by P250UA5:

I did say 'new'
Didn't rule out vthoky rejects

March 18, 2023, 12:29 PM

pulicords

quote:
Originally posted by stickman428:
I don’t think the perfect watch exists.

Acquiring my grail watch only resulted in a 7-10 month lull in my watch interests, which then evolved slightly.

I suppose I still have a grail watch to strive for, a vintage Heuer Solunar which ranges from expensive to ridiculous depending on its condition. When you consider an $80 G-shock rescue has the same capability and then some it becomes hard to explain to non watch enthusiasts.

It’s a hobby/addiction that often seems to defy logic.

**edit to add**

copaup, those are gorgeous! Christopher Ward is one of my favorite brands ever. That is a sharp watch! The Speedy actually looks damn good on a green NATO. I’m green with envy! Beautiful watches! You have exquisite taste.

I think you hit the nail on the head, Stickman! There is no "perfect" watch that (IMHO) negates the enthusiasts' recognition of quality offerings and the desire to acquire others. I'd also apply this trait to the recognition of quality straps and bracelets.

Copaup's Christopher Ward and Speedmaster are no exception. That green NATO strap is beautiful and though I'm sure the OEM bracelet was very nice too, the ability to switch out straps in only a few minutes gives the owner a plethora of options. Prior to the arrival of my Hamilton Khaki Aviation, I ordered up several NATO straps and also a two piece leather offering from The Strapsmith. I switched out the deep blue NATO Supreme a few days ago and I think the new leather addition gives the watch a new look.

March 18, 2023, 06:27 PM

copaup

That is a SHARP looking Hamilton.

I just ordered a two piece leather rally style strap with quick release spring bars for my Speedy. I’ve got a couple for my Wards, but they are 22mm and the speedy is 20. Those quick release spring bars are slick. Makes changing leather as quick as swapping Natos.

The bracelet for my Omega is very nice. I’ve put it away in its box should I ever wish to put it back on. I spend a lot of time at a keyboard at work and I absolutely wreck the clasps. Don’t have to worry about scratching up nylon…

March 23, 2023, 08:54 AM

stickman428

I scooped up a used Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT 500 and lucked into getting one with an ETA movement.

The newest version of the Ocean 39 GMT lists only the Sellita SW330 movement. Previously, before ETA began cutting off supplying movements outside of Swatch group you would see watches with both Sellita and ETA movements with the ETA movements being more desirable.

39mm might be the perfect size for a watch. While 41-43mm has more wrist presence and might look better they cannot match the comfort of a 39mm watch on the wrist.

I really like the look of this watch on a premium seatbelt material NATO.

The obligatory mesh pic.

If you look under the “AN” in “OCEAN THIRTY NINE” on the case back you can see the ETA logo.

March 23, 2023, 01:45 PM

RogueJSK

I really like those "Batman" bezels.

Black/silver/royal blue is probably my favorite watch color combination.

March 24, 2023, 12:59 PM

6guns

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I wish I could see your photos, stickman. I don't know what's up with my laptop. Your not the only poster who's photos I don't see, but some I see fine.

March 24, 2023, 02:04 PM

P250UA5

quote:
Originally posted by 6guns:
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I wish I could see your photos, stickman. I don't know what's up with my laptop. Your not the only poster who's photos I don't see, but some I see fine.

Maybe an issue with your computer & postimg?
Does this one show for you?

March 24, 2023, 04:20 PM

6guns

^^^ Blue question mark.

FWIW, I have a very old Mac Pro with an outdated operating system. I'm afraid to upgrade to current system for fear of crashing everything. Maybe that's the problem...

March 24, 2023, 04:24 PM

P250UA5

Sounds like an incompatibility with your OS/Computer & postimg hosted photos, in this case at least.

March 24, 2023, 05:31 PM

6guns

I think so too...in some cases, yet on this page I see pullicords pic and I always see r0gue's pics.

I'll try to get to an Apple store sometime and see how far I can upgrade.

Sorry for the drift, fellas.

March 25, 2023, 05:24 PM

stickman428

You could use a different internet browser but first I would clear your internet history. I had an issue with mine not displaying images on the forum but when I reset my browser (safari) I could see pictures again.

March 27, 2023, 09:13 AM

6guns

I've tried Chrome with the same result.

I'm a bit reluctant to completely clear my history as I'm afraid I'll lose some auto passwords that I no longer remember. Maybe that's a lame excuse, but a fear I have.

Sorry for the drift.

March 29, 2023, 02:28 PM

RogueJSK

What are ya'lls thoughts on the various $200-$300ish dive watch microbrands that use Seiko automatic movements? Stuff like Islander, Deep Blue, Spinnaker, or Phoibos. (Others?)

Seems like these offer a lot of bang for the buck in a couple hundred dollar dive watch, with some nice upgrades over the bigger name dive watches in that price range, like sapphire crystals and ceramic bezels, along with a wider variety of interesting color combinations and dial designs.

So on paper, they appear to be a step up in features compared to a Citizen, Orient, or Seiko diver in that same price range, but are they a step down in comparable quality as a result?

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

March 30, 2023, 07:29 AM

Johnny 3eagles

I've owned a Deep Blue and a Phoibos. Both were quality timepieces. Sold them to finance another project. I purchase 3 Helm watches. Again, an excellent purchase. 1 of the HELM watches was a gift for my SIL.

March 30, 2023, 08:20 AM

fischtown7

quote:
Originally posted by RogueJSK:
What are ya'lls thoughts on the various $200-$300ish dive watch microbrands that use Seiko automatic movements? Stuff like Islander, Deep Blue, Spinnaker, or Phoibos. (Others?)

As much as I try not to send any money to China, I have purchased two Steel Dives from Aliexpress, Both use NH35 Seiko movements and the quality of both has left me speechless for the money, on sale right around $100 each. I have always liked the Capt Willard and the Marinemaster Tuna from Seiko. My logic before spending the big money on the Seiko's I could wear these to see how much I liked the style first. Not only do they have a Seiko heart but the in some ways they are better than the originals.

March 30, 2023, 09:17 AM

RogueJSK

I've read a little about the various Aliexpress options, but I'm pretty hesitant to go that route.

While I understand that many (most?) of the $200ish microbrands source their dive watches from Hong Kong anyway, you're at least getting a US-based retailer and US warranty support.

And you're not having to deal with Chinese shipping/customs, or send your personal information or credit card info to China...