Watch Thread

[didjamatic]

What watches do you have/like/want?

I'd like a simple looking watch like the MIH watch with all or most of it's functions and quality construction, but not the price tag.  I was hoping it was in the $100-300 range but it's $5k and only 200 per year are made.  So I'll be hunting for something else.

[Ekaros]

I want normal mechanical pocketwatch...

One thing I kinda have dreamed would be watch that displays 32bit Unix-time, would be most useless and most geeky watch in world... (If I ever end making those I know the clause to add: All warranty voided after 03:14:07 UTC 01.19.2038)

[wellington1869]

I had a couple of nice hamiltons back when people used to wear watches... I just dont wear a watch anymore.

looked something like this:



I also inherited my grandfathers big ol' wind-up swiss-made wrist watch.

[phillip]

i wouldnt mind a patek philippe

[Shawn Stanford]

I own several Seikos, a couple of Citizens and some other miscellaneous pieces. Most of my watches are customized to some degree or another.

For instance, this one is a cheap Chinese Rolex knock-off with the guts from a military-issue Marathon quartz:


This is completely custom-built Seiko 'Desert' diver:


This is another cheap Hong Kong watch with the guts from a Mickey Mouse quartz stuffed in:


I have more. Those are probably the most interesting.

[wellington1869]

i like those military style watches. There are some very neat 'russian air force' watches on ebay that look great, in a similar style.

I also like when one of the hands (like the second hand) is in bright orange or yellow Adds a nice splash of color.

[keyboardlover]

I have a very interesting and rare watch at home, in fact I've been unable to find any info about it on Google. If anyone can help me with that it would be tremendous, because I'm concerned that the watch may be "un-google-able". It's a Carrera "Atomic" Carbon watch. It syncs it's time to the atomic clock. It's very sporty looking, with a blue face and a black leather/carbon fiber band. I got it as a Christmas present when I was about 14/15. As I recall, it was a very limited edition (I think only several hundred were made) -- I think it was to promote some race or tournament or something. It was my favorite watch for years but the battery ran out (and I've been meaning to get it replaced). I'll post photos tonight.

[Konrad]

That was a Russian wristwatch. I know the country of origin of every timepiece in the world. That was a Russian copy of a 1969 Timex digital.

Can't offer anything else until you post pics, lol

[mike]

So I'll be hunting for something else.

Perhaps one of the Mondaine's ? :-



Far more reasonable than most big name watches. In fact this is a rare example of a (Swiss) company that has a big enough name to escalate prices enormously, but yet chooses to produce quality watches at a reasonable price. Their quartz movement watches go for £125-200; their mechanical movement watches seem to go up for up to £399.

There's a "Wristwatch Annual" catalogue of watch porn worth getting just to thumb through to say "WTF!?!" when you encounter a watch with a list price of $599,000 (a Vacheron Constatin).

Most of my collection are replica's which are doing fine. Out of the whole bunch, the one that tempts me most is a Bell&Ross :-



I also have a probably genuine Longines (it is emblazoned with an oil company logo - which would be odd for a fake), and a couple of watches from Christopher Ward.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've found my Wristwatch Annual so I'm going to spend an hour drooling over watch porn

[didjamatic]

I had a couple of nice hamiltons back when people used to wear watches... I just dont wear a watch anymore.

I was actually researching Hamilton wrist watches after reading they made very good, authentic Railroad Pocket Watches.  That pic you posted is very cool.  I'd definitely wear that.

Here's the article I read "100 Jewels, 83 Jewels too many?"

I own several Seikos, a couple of Citizens and some other miscellaneous pieces. Most of my watches are customized to some degree or another.

Dang, those are awesome, I didn't know you could practically mod watches.

[didjamatic]

Perhaps one of the Mondaine's ?

Thanks for the suggestion, I need to do some reading.

Are Invictas well built?  A couple weeks ago Amazon had a deal of the day on a pretty expensive one for only $50 which is more than the usual discount.  I realize they deeply discount off of the quoted retail price for that brand.  I'm just not sure I could wear one with such a massive diameter.

[zmurf]

I have three watches...

Everyday watch:
The One Zerone ZE101W1


Training watch:
Garmin FR60


Outdoor activity watch:
Suunto X10 Military

[didjamatic]

I had a fake Rolex Submariner years ago that a really loved.  It was a copy, but not a poorly done copy.  It even fooled a watch salesman in The Bellagio in Vegas.

I received a Fossil Retro LED watch as a gift a few years ago.  It's my main watch when I choose to wear one, but I don't like having to push a button to check time.


I have an old Casio Triple Sensor that has an altimiter, barometer, compass, historical charts, it does about everything.  But when I tried to replace the battery myself it never worked again.


Woz's Nixie Tube watch is pretty famous, but not really practical for me.  If it was 75% smaller and equally cool looking I would probably get one.

[chongyixiong]

Outdoor activity watch:

Casio G-Shock GA-100-1A1

Dress/Casual watch:

Seiko SKZ255J1 (a.k.a Frankenmonster)

This has an amazing lume, one of the best!


PS: Images taken off the interweb

[itlnstln]

That G-Shock is hot.  I'm going to have to check it out.

[Shawn Stanford]

Dang, those are awesome, I didn't know you could practically mod watches.

Seikos are probably the most extensively modded. They're common, inexpensive and the parts are largely interchangeable:

http://www.make-digital.com/make/vol02/?pg=150#pg150
http://internationalwatchworks.com/
http://www.seiko-divers.info/gallery/custom-seikos
http://www.10watches.com/
http://newatchworks.com/

[JBert]

Well, I did buy myself a Swatch a few years ago while on holiday in Switzerland.

Found some pictures on the Internet about it:



Obviously, mine isn't that mint any more as I wear it everyday... More scratches and occasional dust build-up.

[instantkamera]

I have a Rotary:



it is neither particularly well-built or expensive (Rotary did and still does build watches with real swiss mvmnt -  mine is jpn), but I love it just the same (my wife bought it for me, as an "engagement gift" when she was nearly flat broke).

[zmurf]

I would like a CBM led watch:
http://www.ledwatchstop.com/store/commodore-watch-time-mint-p-210.html


But I can't really get my self to pay almost as much for an ordinary watch as I paid for the Suunto X10, which have everything from GPS to altimeter and compass...

Something else I really like is watches with 24hour dials.
http://www.24hourwatch.info/

[Soarer]

My geekiest watch is this 1974 Omega Time Computer 1...





Or is it this Bulova Accutron 'spaceview'? (tuning fork movement)...



I'm currently wearing this 1964 Accutron Astronaut (another tuning fork)...



But my everyday favourite is is a Tutima FX UTC like this one...



(I really should get round to taking my own pictures of them all, but I prefer wearing them!)

[zmurf]

http://www.lum-tec.com/2009/combat-b-43mm.html

GIVEME!

[bitflipper]

yep

[Soarer]

OOoooo.  That Omega is nice.  Surprised the displays last that long.

They don't usually  Mine had a NOS display fitted about 2 years before I bought it though, so hopefully it will last a while. It's not really clear in that pic, but each segment is made up of 5 tiny round leds - it would be upsetting if even 1 of the 117 failed!

[mr_a500]

 

[Soarer]

Something else I really like is watches with 24hour dials.
http://www.24hourwatch.info/

Me too. I've almost bought various Glycine watches on a few occasions, but somehow the designs don't quite grab me enough (I like large faces on watches, with slim bezels). The latest Double 24 is nice though despite that (but a bit big!).

For now I have this Aviator...



which has brilliant lume...

[J888www]

Seiko Military SUS 4S15 Movement.

This watch bear great significance in the History of Seiko, it gave rise to the rebirth of Seiko Mechanical Watches.

GMT+9 Archive.           AlanWatch Archive.

Caliber 4Sxx is a revised version of Caliber 52xx which was originally used in King Seikos produced by House Daini Seikosha.

"Daini Seikosha thought that the 52 caliber was the last chance to produce for mechanical watches, and thus, they felt that they should produce a superior caliber to remain part of the watch history."

"I strongly believe that 52 King Seiko special chronometer quality exceeded
Grand Seikos." Seiya Kobayashi

[itlnstln]

I have been interested in one of these.  Does anyone know if they are any good?

[microsoft windows]

I like to watch TV.

[J888www]

Citizen is part of the Seiko Corporation. Some high end Citizens cost thousands of $$, just because the price tag is lower does not mean it is less accurate.

Personally, I prefer Mechanical Calibers to the Eco-Drive or Spring-Drive.

Unfortunately, similar to Grand Seiko, these high-end Citizen watches are also only sold domestic retail.

Edit: Citizen is not part of Seiko, was thinking of Orient at the time of posting, my mistake.

[wellington1869]

i'm amazed anyone wears watches anymore. I sold my last hamilton on ebay like 10 years ago. Havent worn a watch since.

[erricrice]

I have three watches...

Everyday watch:
The One Zerone ZE101W1

Show Image

I'm in love with this!

Definitely going to buy one in a few days!


^^^Toaster!  It has been changed!

[keyboardlover]

Ok here's photos of my mystery watch:





EDIT: Also, the back of the watch says:
CARBON
CRA01GUSB
5 ATM 150 ft
water resist

[Shawn Stanford]

Yeah, that's not what he's got. There is a Carrera watch company, you can find places to buy them on eBay. I don't know where they're made, but it's doubtful the company is more than a rebranding of some other watch. Looking at it, I suspect it's a Citizen.

Citizen is part of the Seiko Corporation.

Wachootawkin' bout, Willis?

[keyboardlover]

Also note that on the watch face at the bottom it says "Made in Germany"...

[frvrngn]

Also note that on the watch face at the bottom it says "Made in Germany"...

http://www.amazon.com/TAG-Heuer-Carrera-CRA01GUSB/dp/B00028WHB0

http://shop-tag-heuer.plaza-stores.com/TAGheuer_378516011_B00028WHB0_Carrera-CRA01GUSB.html

All I did was look up the model number.  

Seems it was made by Tag back in the day.  It is no longer available many places, but it was cached by Google to be anywhere from $135 on clearance up to $250 new.

[J888www]

Wachootawkin' bout, Willis?

My mistake, I was thinking of Orient at the time, I shall edit so as not to lead others to misconception.

[keyboardlover]

http://www.amazon.com/TAG-Heuer-Carrera-CRA01GUSB/dp/B00028WHB0

http://shop-tag-heuer.plaza-stores.com/TAGheuer_378516011_B00028WHB0_Carrera-CRA01GUSB.html

All I did was look up the model number.  

Seems it was made by Tag back in the day.  It is no longer available many places, but it was cached by Google to be anywhere from $135 on clearance up to $250 new.

Cool! Good to know - thanks!

EDIT: What I like so much about this watch is the clasp. It's the most comfortable watch I've ever worn...I haven't been able to find a watch nearly as comfortable. Anyone know of other watches with a similar clasp?

[frvrngn]

I used to buy and sell watches as a hobby for a few years a long while back.  Mainly because I wanted a new watch all the time and could not afford to own more than one or maybe two at a time!  Started low end mechanical and worked up to $2000 watches.  Any more than that and I was afraid to wear them.  I had everything from fashion watches like Corum Bubbles, to "in" watches like the giant Panerai , to classics like the IWC aviator or Omega Moon watch.  Sorry I sold some of them, but the lure of a new watch was too much.

First higher end watch for me was the Omega Speedmaster.  Wish I still had it just for memories.  I beat that watch to death and it still kept great time.  My daily wear watches now are a Seiko "Orange Monster" which used to be a Japan market only watch and I have a Citizen Eco Drive military style watch for when I dont want to risk anything else.  I have two higher end watches still in my collection.  A Rolex Sea-Dweller that I received as a wedding gift from my wife (she got a 2 carat stone that I feel like I am still paying for...) and a gold Omega that I inherited from my grandfather.  The S-D used to be daily wear watch but it was getting beat to death and really needs to be serviced soon.  I think I still have at least a dozen watches hanging around.  Mainly cheap ones, and mostly quartz.  I know I have a Swatch auto skeleton and a Russian hand wind alarm watch in my box.  They were fun watches at the time.  I also have some wacky Japanese market Citizen LED watches that are fun but eat batteries like drinking water.

If you want to keep basic time, nothing will beat a quartz.  Even a cheap $5 quartz can be super accurate.  Mechanical watches are like mechanical keyboards.  Definitely not for everyone, but those that appreciate them tend to obsess over them!

[Konrad]

Radioisotope batteries should be available soon; a trickle of electrical power to your watch that'll last several decades.

[WhiteRice]

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,2981A_Mondaine-Sports-I-2nd-Time-Zone-Watch-Leather-Strap-For-Men.html

You can get 30% of this Mondaine with the coupon code: SSFACE9

Expires today.

[didjamatic]

What I like so much about this watch is the clasp. It's the most comfortable watch I've ever worn...I haven't been able to find a watch nearly as comfortable. Anyone know of other watches with a similar clasp?

It's called a "Butterfly Clasp"

[didjamatic]

I'm in love with this watch:
Grand Seiko SBGL017

[keyboardlover]

http://www.amazon.com/TAG-Heuer-Carrera-CRA01GUSB/dp/B00028WHB0

http://shop-tag-heuer.plaza-stores.com/TAGheuer_378516011_B00028WHB0_Carrera-CRA01GUSB.html

All I did was look up the model number.  

Seems it was made by Tag back in the day.  It is no longer available many places, but it was cached by Google to be anywhere from $135 on clearance up to $250 new.

Thanks again for your help on identifying the watch...I sent it to Tag Heuer for a complete overhaul (they completely fix and tune the watch inside and out). Should be good as new when I get it back!

[frvrngn]

Thanks again for your help on identifying the watch...I sent it to Tag Heuer for a complete overhaul (they completely fix and tune the watch inside and out). Should be good as new when I get it back!

No problem!  I love watches.  Tag does a nice job on their services.  It should look like a brand new watch when you get it back.  It will even come in a new Tag box.

[Senor_Cartmenez]

The Grand Seiko is pretty awesome. Congratz to that one

Me I gotz this from Japan, a friend brought it along, otherwise those are impossible to get here unless you import them through some "special dealer"



And Citizen makes GREAT watches. Eventhough he confused Citizen with Orient, lot of what he said remains true for Citizen as well.
Some Citizen watches cost thousands of moneys and are plain awesome.
The EcoDrives can be seen as a master piece as few have gotten close to such good solar technology

[keyboardlover]

No problem!  I love watches.  Tag does a nice job on their services.  It should look like a brand new watch when you get it back.  It will even come in a new Tag box.

Well Tag Heuer called today and left a message saying that it's not authentic and they are sending it back unrepaired! Ain't that some ****...

So now I'm thinking that it must be made by that other 'Carrera' company - which from what I understand made watches in the 80s and 90s but mainly makes sunglasses now. They are an Italian company. So, I contacted them and asked if they'll fix it. We'll see...

[keyboardlover]

A FAKE Tag Hauer?!?!?!

I'm SHOCKED!!!

No it's not a fake...I guess some websites that sold it said it was made by Tag Heuer by mistake. (If what I'm thinking is correct). The only other explanation is it's authentic and they didn't do their homework correctly. I'm going to call them tomorrow and find out.

[Shawn Stanford]

I don't think Tag ever made a watch like that one.

[williamjoseph]

Somebody fess up.  On a forum called GeekHack who has the Casio Calculator?  The guy that plays Dwight says he puts on that watch and "BOOM", he's in character.

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Show Image

ok ok ok,  i'll admit that i gave my son one for last christmas.......

[Shawn Stanford]

I had one many years ago, but it wasn't tough enough and it expired messily...