any love for Moon swatches?
great fun! I'd have got one for holidays if they didnt fall apart *quite* so quickly
And as if by confidence on the same day Timex launch a quartz dive gmt at half the price.
yes quartz, but still sapphire and 200m.
https://timex.co.uk/pages/search-results?q=Deepeater
Well the Helm has been sent back to the US for an extended warranty claim and just got notification it's already arrived in LA from Aus so hopefully they can fix the date not adjusting and the rattly rotor weight which sounds like it's fallen off it's pivot/axis.
Biggups to Matt @ Helm for agreeing to warranty, after the 12 month warranty period had expired, and for stating return postage is all covered. A little annoying but if it's going to be fixed then I'm happy.
@ Kryton
Those Timex are nice - I love the first one with grey bezel and green numerals. Dunno if the pop up appears your end but when I went on the site there was a sign up link for 15% off.
I did yes although I’m not buying currently. I like that Ti diver also, but if I had to buy one it’d be the GMT Diver with a QR bracelet - a whole lot of watch for effectively sub £200. Jnr is 16 in Jan and im thinking that could be a good gift, especially as he likes to travel.
Yeah also liking the Timex, I’ve signed up to be notified when it comes into stock.
I like the blue gmt on a rubber strap.
Talking of cheap fun, whilst bored at home with man flu I rediscovered MN straps:
Bloody hell how did I forget the comfort and infinite adjustability! Just ordered a couple more, £12 amazon recommendations, most notably a dark grey / light grey stripe for the Slim Turtle.
My Erebus Ascent arrived a few weeks ago and I've been wearing it a fair bit. It's outstanding value for money, but I'm still not sure it's my kind of watch. It seems (to me) to be too shiny for everyday wear, it feels like a dress watch. I've tried it on leather and canvas straps and that dresses it down nicely but it also highlights the small size of the case. It's only 1mm smaller than my Seiko SPB143 but it wears smaller off the bracelet.
https://flic.kr/p/2qnpspE
https://flic.kr/p/2qnnPi4
https://flic.kr/p/2qnnPhY
This popped up on my feed the other day. For an everyday watch, I'm sorely tempted. I like those recent Timex releases but they look too similar to my Seiko, these look different enough and are properly set and forget.
Seiko Solar Divers £470 (steel)
https://oracleoftime.com/seiko-prospex-solar-diver-41mm/
Blimey £470 and they put Sapphire in it. They finally listened. That’s quite compelling, if I hadn’t just put the above 5kx/ strap combo together I was thinking of selling the 5kx, and I’d replace it with that if I didn’t have the King Sam & slim turtle & Arnie already lol.
I’d be quite compelled by that as a beater / holiday watch TBH.
Edit: available as backorder with 10% off at Firstclasswatches.
Kryton57Full Member
Talking of cheap fun, whilst bored at home with man flu I rediscovered MN straps:
Question: how well do you find they hold the weight of the watch in place? I'm not a NATO fan mainly because I hate the way the watch rattles around on my wrist and feels unbalanced; figure MN should be better, but you might need to have it pretty tight on the wrist to keep everything in place?
Well, the 5kx above doesn’t move around at all no matter how hard I shake my wrist, bear in mind you can do up an MN strap pretty tight and it’s still comfortable due to the elasticity, and that same elasticy is pulling the Watch to sit very flush on your wrist anyway.
The material is also basically a loop a la NATO, and the friction of it - even under the caseback - stops it rotating. When the new ones arrive I’ll stick one on the Panerai for the acid test and report back. 🙂
Buy a cheap one from eBay/amazon and give it a go.
Question: how well do you find they hold the weight of the watch in place?
They can feel a bit unbalanced compared with a bracelet because all the weight will be on one side of the wrist but I've always found them secure enough, even with a (relatively) heavy diver. They're very comfy.
I've finally found on my Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue again, it's time to sell it. Is the consensus here that ebay's still the best place to sell? Any advice/ guidance/ things to bear in mind?
It's been a while since I sold owt on ebay, and nothing as serious as a 'proper' watch.
TheLittlestHoboFree Member
Value is in…….£1000I think i will try ebay and put it at £1500 reserve.
How did you get on with selling yours btw Hobo; did you get what you'd hoped for? How was the process of sending it off to ebay's assessor etc?
But not as good.
There's something about the Erebus.....a mix of this and that..... its the watch equivalent of Homer Simpson 's car.
I quite like the Erebus, I prefer it over the Helm....beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that.....
(With my watch collection its clear I have no idea on what looks good or not!)
I kinda like the textured dial on the Erebus but not much else. Even their logo looks a bit Helmy. Copying is the best form of flattery, I guess.
Every time I looked at that Erebus (the one at the top of the page, not the one a few posts up), I would be thinking 'not a Grand Seiko' and looking wistfully at the Grand Seiko website, again
I'd be constantly thinking "Helloooooooo" every time I looked at it. 😀
Seiko Solar Diver watches have been amazingly affordable I thought. If I didn't have an older Kinetic version of same be tempted particularly the PADI specials seem be available widely for £100 less: eg https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Seiko-Prospex-Prospex-Sea-PADI-Solar-Diver-quote.s-43.5mm-Mens-Watch-Blue-SNE549J1/p/18280239?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmjqHvuLK5iOnQv2Jc326nR4NMEU&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx53qoe-QiQMVp4hQBh1D2Cn8EAQYASABEgKU9fD_BwE
Solid wear anywhere and not so much worry about cost but nice looking watch that runs way inside mechanical chronometer spec ... and not a beater ...
I have a seiko solar diver in titanium which my OH imported from Japan, it is by far my most worn watch. Very light, comfortable with great lume.
Anyone on here got a new Bulova Jetstar?
My mate has one and he's smitten. It looks really nice with the dark red face.
Accuracy should be -20 to +40 seconds a day for a Seiko 5. There’s no real point in servicing a cheap watch, a new movement will be cheaper. If you send it away for a service that’s what they’ll do.
I downloaded one of those accuracy checking apps and it is running about 160secs a day slow.
So who would I send it off to for a new movement?
Any local jeweler would do that swap for you. In fact with a few cheap tools and some YouTube instructions you could likely do it yourself if you get a new movement off eBay like Murray suggested. I did with an old SKX diver. Just be aware if you do upgrade at the same time, you'll need a new stem and crown too because the original won't fit.
I downloaded one of those accuracy checking apps and it is running about 160secs a day slow.
So who would I send it off to for a new movement?
Any local jeweler would do that swap for you. In fact with a few cheap tools and some YouTube instructions you could likely do it yourself if you get a new movement off eBay like Murray suggested. I did with an old SKX diver. Just be aware if you do upgrade at the same time, you’ll need a new stem and crown too because the original won’t fit.
Don't be too hasty, the SKX movement is a doddle to regulate yourself. I've got two, and after a bit of fiddling (which is especially easy using one of those apps) they run nicely to time.
The little screw pot with +/- next to it?
Worth a go I guess... How much of a turn is it likely to need? And presumably turn it to + to speed it up?
Is it as simple as that?
You don't turn the screw, you move the little lever, and you only need teensy-tiny movements. And yeah, + to speed up, it'll be a bit trial and error to gauge exactly how much or little you need to move it, but if you've got the app you can check each time.
There are actually two levers, you need move the top one. The bottom one sets the beat, leave that alone unless you really can't get it running to time.
There's tonnes of how-to's on YouTube.
How much of a turn is it likely to need?
.
A tiny movement produces a substantial effect IME. It could take a while to get a reasonable result though, unless you're using a timegrapher or some sort of app you'll have to wait a fair while to see the effect of what you've done.
Have you been wearing it regularly? An old watch plucked out of a drawer after being there a while will often need to settle into regular running on the wrist so I'd make sure it's been worn for a few days before making any judgements on its accuracy or attempting to regulate it.
Cheers, I've watched a video now. I'll order a cheap case opener and give it a go, with tiny nudges.
I wear it most of the time apart from when I swap to my Garmin either for a few days at a time or holidays etc. So it doesn't sit around too much.
Can anyone suggest a good watch box brand? My collection of Nixon's has grown in size and value so feel it fitting to house them in something other than the Amazon special they're currently in.
I had a moment of inspiration and got an Archer NATO for the Panerai (sorry, if I knew how to make pics smaller I would):
it arrived a bit more blue/grey than the olive/grey 20mm I already have but I think it looks ok. It seems to snug down on my wrist well also bearing in mind the weight of the watch. I’ve installed it single pass, and I think the polished hardware adds balance.
it kinda surprised me how good it looks, so now I’m waiting for someone here to tell me I’ve got vision issues and actually…. 😀
It seems to snug down on my wrist well
It does, I've always found NATOs to be a bit prone to leaving the watch sitting high unless cinched a bit too tight, especially when new but that's conforming very nicely.
You should see how it looks with a nice watch.
To counter any Monday afternoon blues here is some watch porn to cheer everyone up!
A wee while ago I was seriously considering: https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Bremont/Martin%20Baker/MBII-WH%2FOR/30789/item/304456
Love the white dial pilot aesthetic, but I'm increasingly drawn to smaller rather than large ... I didn't buy it and it sold ... and not that common on second market but you never know ... but since looking at similar (to my eye) aesthetics ... and currently drawn to smaller and thinner ... https://nomos-glashuette.com/en/store/watches?o=9&cf=11#/en/ahoi/ahoi-neomatik-560
If that Nomos was matt brushed steel or ti ...
Monday Watch Porn - enjoy!
Both very nice. I have that knurled crown on a dive watch and they are by far the best grip of any crown.
The Nomos is lovely. Also see the Junghans Max Bill range which may fit in with that style.
Anyone own a Steeldive sd1992? Kinda like the look of the white face / silver bezel on orange rubber strap. Cheap on Ali-Ex @ $130. Wondering what Steeldive's lume is like? I understand it's not going to match my Helm in any way but... Tempting.
Check ebay for steeldive watches, I noticed a fair few on there when I was looking for my monster
I looked at the steel dive watches a wee while ago, am sure they can be found for even less than $130 on Ali express.
they look great value and reviews are mostly good. As a beater watch they probably take a lot of beating 🙂 they do look like really good blatant copies of some recent Seilo watches.
i didn’t buy one, was tempted but at the end of the day i have some nice Seikos i should wear more often & so stopped myself
this from long island watches has piqued my interest though
I posted about Spinnaker a few pages back. They can be had from Mainspring which is UK stock and usually at decent discounts which negates those saying they are overpriced. They don't do all the Collab versions though. Also, from my looking into the Bradner GMT I think it's fairly big and chunky, even for a GMT, that may or may not be a concern for you
Any watch over a £15 job from Argos is being bought for reasons other than utility (actual deep sea divers, etc. excluded) so if you have to ask someone else if it’s worth it, then it probably isn’t as you aren’t that smitten with it.
A CasiOak is a pretty utilitarian watch, unless you go up to the fancy steel cased ones, but they start at around £130, I’ve got a very basic Casio that I bought for my late stepdad that does keep excellent time, and was only about £30, but I wouldn’t want to get it wet.
I wear one or other of my CasiOaks now, I haven’t worn any of my mechanical watches for months, I just don’t feel like I want to, the Casios are proper beater watches, they’re very lightweight and I barely know I’m wearing them, the solar one I like just because I can connect by BT and it sets the time, the basic black one is currently about 12 seconds fast, so pretty respectable. My lume mod works incredibly well, it stays bright most of the night, so job well jobbed!
I’m wearing this now, the yellow is a bit grubby, wearing a black hoodie seems to have stained it a bit, but that’s plastic for you (it’s an old photo).
A bit more subtle, and won’t show the dirt…
I love them, the analogue face fits all my needs, and I never think about bashing them about, a proper tool watch, really.
Occasionally a watch pops up that tempts me, there was a very tasty field watch I saw the other day, 30m water resistant, titanium case, and one model with a fully lumed face, and about £380 or thereabouts, but I just don’t feel the need for it.
but I just don’t feel the need for it.
This is where I am currently, after an exhausting search for a celebration piece max value 1 x ex-Mortgage payment. I’m down to an offer on a half price Speedtimer - the mad 4 dial 1/100th second one* and oddly as you mention it the dark ion plated full metal Casioak. But I really don’t have the enthusiasm to buy.
*this one:
Is that reticence because it’s minging and looks like an eight year boy old designed it?
@kilo that made me chuckle, harsh but true!
Kryton, I don't see that adding anything to your collection...
I'm in a similar position, have a bit of spare cash for a new watch...I either put it to one side and keep saving for something fairly special - or I'm tempted by a Christopher Ward.
lol, it looks better in the flesh/3d (see YouTube) and of course is an interesting reinterpretation / movement. It wouldn’t be a daily. But yes it’s not a looker and doesn’t elevate the collection. Waiting patiently is the key for me now, the ion Casioak would be a better grab and go alternative to have sitting in the box
…but is t really holding any horological interest for me.
I love that Chris Ward and would but one if I didn’t have the collection i do already.
That Christopher Ward is nice, and despite recent price creep they’re excellent VFM.
I’ve recently sold a couple of pieces and although I was trying to sit on my hands after the recent Pelegos FXD purchase, I’ve decided to put the money from the sales into one I keep returning to the pictures of, so incoming, PAM00112 2007 Sandwich dial. That’s it until I’m 50 in 18 months. Honest…
Nice! Pics when it arrives.
Wondering what Steeldive’s lume is like?
I've got one of theirs, the lume's pretty decent and tbh the build quality is amazingly good for a watch I think I paid about £55 for. It's one of their generic homage/ripoffs, I think it's the 1953 in green.
the ion Casioak would be a better grab and go alternative to have sitting in the box
I'd be giving that a swerve just on grounds of legibility!
I’d be giving that a swerve just on grounds of legibility!
I wanted a CasioOak but that was the reason I didn't get one. I got a Black GBD-200-1ER.
The screen is great even in bright light
I got a Black GBD-200-1ER.
The screen is great even in bright light
I love the MIP display, I just wish they'd roll it out on a few more models - I'm tempted by the GBD-200 but I just feel I'd be paying for a feature set I've absolutely no use for.
I pretty much only wear one watch, the others sitting in the watch box, I don't really have the money to spend on a new watch so why do I keep looking!
This week I'm really into this Sternglas, just love the colours.
https://uk.sternglas.com/products/merion-green-orange
@johnners - I just use the step counter and stare at the lovely MIPS display.
Someone on here complained they're a poor semi-smart watch but the workout stuff doesn't get used by me so I don't care
Very, very nice - congrats!
Someone on here complained they’re a poor semi-smart watch but the workout stuff doesn’t get used by me so I don’t care
That was probably me. I stand by it, and also don't use the workout stuff. I might occasionally if it was actually functional! It's grown on me as a a basic digital beater.
Found myself looking at Seiko mods on youtube and am drawn to a 007 no time to die mod, pretty much this exact look - with 'Seamaster' strap.
However, I have no real knowledge of whether it is good or not and the reviews for this particular seller are not great.
Does anybody have any opinions on either the seller or if I am getting suckered into a crap watch that I like the look of etc.
Not looking for the best movement and I'm no watch enthusiast, just like the look of it and it's not silly expensive (or is it?)
https://wristmodding.com/products/custom-seiko-seamaster-mod-007/
Just got my Casioak out of the box to find it's dead.
Oh well, another watch that sits there for the next few years needing a battery
*Edit - not dead, it's come to life
Does anybody have any opinions on either the seller or if I am getting suckered into a crap watch that I like the look of etc.
As above
Any watch over a £15 job from Argos is being bought for reasons other than utility (actual deep sea divers, etc. excluded) so if you have to ask someone else if it’s worth it, then it probably isn’t as you aren’t that smitten with it.
What's wrong with buying a watch you like the look of? I'm wearing a G shock which I'll never been deeper than 2m never mind 200m deep with. I've needed the compass on it once in 7 years so I've clearly been sucked in by marketing. I still like it.
What’s wrong with buying a watch you like the look of? I’m wearing a G shock which I’ll never been deeper than 2m never mind 200m deep with. I’ve needed the compass on it once in 7 years so I’ve clearly been sucked in by marketing. I still like it.
On the other hand I just wore my Arnie during a Forest based hour of Laser quest, meeting it’s USP perfectly 😉
I’ve gotten quite into the idea of a radio sync/satellite time keeping watch as a bit of a side quest to the luxury watch game. Some really nice looking Citizen models that are totally set and forget for a decade.
Yep, I use my Citizen Ti Moonphase for that MO, it’s a perfect grab and go with Eco drive, alway correct.
Some really nice looking Citizen models that are totally set and forget for a decade.
If you want to look beyond Citizen I've a Casio LIW-M700 I really like as a grab and go. I really like the looks of it but I've got to admit it's not as catchy a name as Ti Moon phase.
So, my CW Trident Pro is getting hard to wind again. Was repaired under warranty in Feb as the reverser wheels went wrong. As predicted on here it feels like it's happening again. Has really taken the shine off the ownership experience which is a shame as I love the white face and overall look of the watch.
I have cheap Seiko automatics that are more reliable so I'm thinking of three options...
Send back again for repair but ask for a movement replacement rather than a fix.
As for a swop to a Trident GMT which has a different (better?) movement.
Just get my money back and buy a different brand - that may not go down well with CW but it's less than two years old.
You’re within the 5 year warranty Bullet. But, it’s a sellita movement right? Maybe be a duff one? I’d ask for a replacement movement or a different watch with the balance of the warranty to remain. 3 years on my CW and no issues at all.
Also, yet another new watch announcement from CW at 8am tomorrow with hints at a chiming watch, so a Bel Canto 2/budget/tourbillion maybe 🙂
I thought sw200 movements were normally good. Think you've been unlucky there.
Have spoken to the service department at CW to make them aware. As said above, got plenty of warranty to go but they did say they only oiled the reverser wheels last time so would replace them when I send it again. Got bigger things to worry about at the moment so will wait until the New Year and discuss further and get it returned.
In the meantime, this happened….
Ooo. That's kinda nice. Yours kryton? Or just a new release?
Not mine no, a new release today - 42mm COSC / METAS FXD GMT at £4k.
I'm not quite sure about that Pelagos GMT, I don't think it actually works for me, other iterations of the Pelagos have always made sense, especially the FXD, I've even considered making my own Pelagosish field watch ( mil spec hands rather than snowflake, single pip bezel) as it's a classic tool watch, I'm just not sure this one really hangs together.
So, my CW Trident Pro is getting hard to wind again. Was repaired under warranty in Feb as the reverser wheels went wrong. As predicted on here it feels like it’s happening again. Has really taken the shine off the ownership experience
I had exactly the same with my Elite 1000. It went back twice over 4.5 years for the same apparent fault. They didn’t tell me what they’d repaired each time, but I wasn’t going to take the risk outside of warranty, so I offloaded it.
I’m down to just the one CW in the collection now from the 7 I used to own. Although I only ever had the one lemon, I just lost interest in the others over time, I used to pick them up in the clearance corner at the end of the year, since that stopped, I’m less bothered about them.
Meh
Looks fun but who is spending that much on a Christopher Ward? $4,200
It’s more a showcase of technicality / uniqueness, there’s a lot of horological hard quality work in that watch.
After sleeping on it, I’m in agreement re the Tudor. I’d change the Velcro strap to a nato, and prefer the simplicity of the Pelagos 39.