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I like the look of the bel cantos, as a pretty thing and a clever thing. Largely useless as a device for telling the time though... or tricky to read at least.
I like the gmt, I think the faux aged lume and colourway work well. Tbh, I think the fixed bars are a real draw back but other wise I like it.
Re the bronze bay, tz UK sales Corner has a brown colourway with bracelet, original natural and extra natural with great adjustable clasp, offered at £2k
I know I am a bit of an outlier as my preference is for older smaller watches, but I thought I would post up a couple of pics for anyone who may have similar tastes/general ridicule.
My 1970's Seamaster, an eBay bargain from over a decade ago, been serviced once and my day to day watch.
Like the GP!
I'm after a bit of assistance, please.
I've started to wear a watch again after 14 years of carrying kids about in my left arm, and bought a moonswatch which I quite like, but it's a bit of a gateway drug.
Significant birthday next year and I think I'd like a nice watch. I've always liked a Seamaster, and I'm looking out on eBay for one. But, as a watch virgin there are several million options out there, and I'm a bit lost.
Any tips would be very welcome. Is it worth buying new? Or used to certain ages? The ones with glass back or not? Ti or steel?
What I do know is I prefer black face, and not metal straps. But that's it.
Help me, oh wise stw.
If you like the Moonswatch, why not a proper one? There's loads of different models, some of which are quite reasonable on the second hand market.
There's a few on here with Seamsters though, I'm sure you'll get some good suggestions and photos. For me, I tend to buy with a metal bracelet and then put on a nice appropriate after market strap. That way the bracelet stays in nice condition and I still have the option for a different look occasionally.
Edit here you go, a nice second hand Speed master at a sensible price.
I didn't think I cared much for the Seamaster but that one threw linked to above is rather nice. At 39mm not the usual dinner plate looking thing either.
I bought the moonswatch thinking I love it, which I do, but I'd like something a bit simpler so have pretty much decided a seamster is the best option. And a plain version, not a chrono. And with a date thingy.
I'll likely put a fabric or rubber strap on it anyway. Maybe the next step is size. The moonswatch is 42mm and looks about right to me even on my wimpy wrist.
Posted earlier about a Seiko mod or some sort of Chinese watch but, in the end I went with another Oceanus to go with my S100.
Fancied a black watch and went with a T200.
Impressed with the quality and finish for the £280 it cost (new).
Doesn’t photo too well but it wears nicely.
Any tips would be very welcome. Is it worth buying new? Or used to certain ages? The ones with glass back or not? Ti or steel?
What I do know is I prefer black face, and not metal straps. But that’s it.
Help me, oh wise stw.
As the owner of a current model SMP300, I’d say don’t buy new, but a very good condition preloved one if you like the current style watches. They’re very expensive now at retail. My model (white face with rubber strap) is £5400 new, I paid £3400 a year old and immaculate condition. Some suggest buying on the bracelet and then changing straps, but I knew I’d never wear the stock bracelet so saved a couple of hundred by buying on the rubber instead.
There’s more black and blue face for sale than any other, so shouldn’t be difficult to pick up what you want.
Thanks. I've been keeping an eye on HotUKDeals for bargains, but they only drop to 5k or thereabouts.
Does it being recently serviced add anything to the equation?
And is there a sweet spot in terms of age? Or is it buy on condition?
I'll keep an eye out for deals. It's the current version you want? Any colour?
Ta. I'm not fixed on anything, other than probably a black face, maybe blue. I'm hoping Mrs will pay for it (ha!) but my hints thus far have got me nowhere.
So, no, it's not the current version necessarily. I'm not even sure what the current version is, and what advantages it may have over a used one, hence the post on here.
Current version has ceramic dial with wider spaced waves, ceramic bezel unsert, Skeleton hands, 42mm case, exhibition case back and 8500 movement which is the fully in-house coax wonder it's very antimagnetic and very accurate. Comes I'm white/black bezel, green, blue and black colourways.
Older versions are numerous with plain or wave dials, anodised aluminium bezel insert, Skeleton or sword hands, black, blue or a not super common or loved white (with steel bezel), 36mm, 42mm or 46mm case, quartz or mechanical, the mechanical being the 2500 which is basically an eta 2824 retro fitted with a coax escapement.
The new movement is better but the old is good. The old case is thinner and wears better but that's because it has no exhibition back.
I'm not sure of current prices and they vary from model to model but probably £2250-£2500 for a nice older one.
I'll keep an eye on tz-uk and see what pops up, and update with a bit more fresh detail.
For example this is a classic Bond older 36mm, wave dial, Skeleton hands, alu bezel
Id hope to get a 36mm much cheaper than that.
Have a look at the First Omega in space, they are the one Speedy I was looking at as they are a black face with brown leather strap.
Around £3.5-£4.5K for a second hand one.
I finally got around to trying a Pelagos 39 bs 41.
Blimey the 29’is tiny! It managed to look small on my 6.6inch wrist. As before becuase I have a low knuckle it was the 41 that made up blank wrist space and looked the part. In addition it has some 3d rehaut detail which is missing on the 39 making it look more 3d/substantial.
so, it’d be the 41 for me, though that would be the Seiko killer / beater / holiday watch in the collection.
I got a Black GBD-200-1ER.
The screen is great even in bright light
ElShalimo
Full Member
@johnners – I just use the step counter and stare at the lovely MIPS display.
I saw H Samuel doing them for £90, so here I am buying yet another Casio, and to quote myself in an earlier post - "paying for a feature set I've absolutely no use for".
But MIPS though...
£90 is a steal
MIPS display is lovely though
Hello chaps. I'm still watching from France. Quite a few changes in the collection. My VC Patrimony sold this week, so awaiting the proceeds of that - some of which will need to pay a few debts. I'm also thinking of letting my JLC Reverso go, due to lack of wrist time. Even my Explorer 1 is potentially on the block! Currently on the wrist is my Ball Worldtime (yes, I have two green Balls), seen below in the pool for kayak practice on Wednesday night. Cheers all!
Celebrity watch spot - Declan Donnelly takes a Luminor into the jungle. However, on the basis he’s a small chap and it looks rather too well sized it’s a Due, so let’s hope it doesn’t rain….
I’m after a bit of assistance, please.
I’ve started to wear a watch again after 14 years of carrying kids about in my left arm, and bought a moonswatch which I quite like, but it’s a bit of a gateway drug.
Significant birthday next year and I think I’d like a nice watch. I’ve always liked a Seamaster, and I’m looking out on eBay for one. But, as a watch virgin there are several million options out there, and I’m a bit lost.
Any tips would be very welcome. Is it worth buying new? Or used to certain ages? The ones with glass back or not? Ti or steel?
What I do know is I prefer black face, and not metal straps. But that’s it.
Help me, oh wise stw.
Ha this is very familiar, a moonswatch was my gateway and have ended up with a Seamaster
If you happen to travel, there are definitely some good opportunities in duty-free; I got a mind-blowing tax-free discount on mine - as low as the secondhand market; I would highly recommend some careful shopping.
Colours, Ti or steel etc are all personal. I went Ti, its nearly 100g lighter than the steel and wears beautifully for a day to day.
Can anyone recommend a watch repairer?
I tried to get my dad's 60s Certina auto working a few year ago and was told spares aren't available, I'd like to try again. I was probably recommended the repair guy on here 🙂 - he was very snobby about my uncles Seiko ("Japanese rubbish") which is still working great.
In other news I joined an "affordable watch" group on FB and it's whetted my appetite for cheaper trad watches (cheaper but good brands and even Aliexpress) anyone on here into that?
@cynic-al Do you mean you've tried Calibre, the default on here for servicing? He's A1. I've had a couple of services and both have been exemplary. I'm assuming you're still north of the border, as, IIRC, you were ready to emigrate a while ago.
@boblo I don't remember the name Calibre, tho I can't find emails to confirm.
Yes I am here, still working on a way to move/obtain a visa. Hope the wind is at your back, unlike our Hebridean trip 😀
I saw this earlier and it might appeal to some on this thread
Seiko Alpinist on a NATO strap for half price.
https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Seiko-Prospex-Alpinist-Mens-Watch-SPB211J1/p/18280085
Picked up a Citizen SuPer Titanium EcoDrive (a BM8560-53E) from their BF email thing the other week (which got delivered today).
Resized (for what I now know is a 18cm wrist as I had to measure it) and delivered within 6 days (over a weekend) from ordering.
£149 for a ti beater for days when my BB58 isn’t ‘appropriate’ it was a bit a bargain. At 42mm its a little bigger (but a decent fit on 18cm) and it fits snug (as brand new) where as my BB has gotten looser (being worn daily for a couple years). Pretty chuffed with it.
Thanks to whoever posted one a year or two back and piqued my interest (albeit it took a while!)
I’m struggling not to buy something cheap. Timex have 30% off, Watcho have discounted most Seikos and a Willard at half price. Baltany have a couple of new GMTs….. Thing is, in my head these are all “cheap” and don’t do anything to the collection other than more daily indecision over what to wear.
For some reason I’m desperate for a new watch on a bracelet despite having the Aquaracer and Citizen Moonphase permanently on bracelets ready to go.
Magpie tendencies I guess.
Sell the moon phase to me for £10 then you can buy another watch
One in, one out
😉
Er yeah ok!
I think where I am heading is a Marine Master / Pelagos with the SMP optional. I’ve a Uncle strap coming for the Mini Turtle/Willard which may halt me looking at MM’s, also considered an after market bracelet for the SMP.
Anywhere here have an SMP on an after market strap photo?
MIPS display is lovely though
Isn't it though!
Seiko Alpinist on a NATO strap for half price.
They were punting the same model at that price this time last year. It's nice but the dial's a bit flat, the indices are just printed which I think is a bit poor. To bang my usual Seiko value drum, it's just about decent value at the reduced price, the RRP is a joke.
Magpie tendencies I guess
I definitely have those, but luckily without your inclinations towards the pricier end of the market so I tend to just indulge my base impulses!
I’ve a Uncle strap coming for the Mini Turtle
Well, I hope it's better than their POS beads of rice strap for the SARB017!
Indeed, the Jury is out - I got one for the 5kx and the hollow end links are a poor fit and it’s not a high quality item. This does have solid end links and it’s reported to be of better quality, but it’s not coming out of the cling film wrap permanlty until I’ve had a good look.
without your inclinations towards the pricier end of the market
Right. I’ve spoiled my self over the last 12 months with the Omega and Panerai. If I can’t stop buying, I’d be far better using one side of my watch box as low end rotation/flip so I can enjoy playing with the lower end and stop being such a pretentious **** 😀
I am a Seamaster owner but would love a Speedmaster. Regarding eBay as a source - how can you guarantee they are not fakes?
Don’t supposed anyone has an Oris Calobra they want to sell?
I am a Seamaster owner but would love a Speedmaster. Regarding eBay as a source – how can you guarantee they are not fakes?
Depends on the cost. If it's £1500+ ebay has an automatic authentication process - the seller sends the watch to an assessor who sends it on to you. If it's less than that, I guess it's the usual ebay buying stuff: check the seller's feedback, their other items, ask them questions etc.
Don’t supposed anyone has an Oris Calobra they want to sell?
Best I can do you is an Oris ProPilot 10-day, once it returns from its full factory service... 😉
I’d be far better using one side of my watch box as low end rotation/flip so I can enjoy playing with the lower end and stop being such a pretentious **** ?
I'd not be that harsh but it'd be good if you could occasionally enjoy watches more frivolously. The odd low-stakes purchase just for the transient fun of it!
Indeed, I’m tempted to flip the 5kx to play with one of these, the Times being £130 with a BF code.
https://timex.co.uk/products/waterbury-traditional-gmt-39mm-stainless-steel-bracelet-watch-tw2w22700
https://baltany.co.uk/product/retro-gmt-two-colour-automatic-watch/
ideally I wanted a cheap quartz Solar sapphire GMT with 100m, seems hard to come by.
how can you guarantee they are not fakes?
I had the same question, going back a bit. There wasn't (probaby still isn't) a fake Speedy that would pass as authentic, because there's no movement with the subdials at the right spacing. Every detail would be correct, except that, and it's obvious a mile off.
Edit - there's a 90$ aliexpress Speedy with the right spacing (quartz movement) but I imagine that looks obviously fake anyway
ideally I wanted a cheap quartz Solar sapphire GMT with 100m, seems hard to come by.
Ah addiesdive do one for £68. Feel unbearable to entertain though!
If you happen to travel, there are definitely some good opportunities in duty-free; I got a mind-blowing tax-free discount on mine – as low as the secondhand market; I would highly recommend some careful shopping.
Ah! That's interesting as I'm thinking of a significant trip next year too. Singapore and Oz. What sort of deal did you get?
I would like the ti one but I prefer the newer style where the bezel is coloured, but they are spendy and way over budget.
Ah! That’s interesting as I’m thinking of a significant trip next year too. Singapore and Oz. What sort of deal did you get?
I would like the ti one but I prefer the newer style where the bezel is coloured, but they are spendy and way over budget.
At the Omega dealer in Bangkok Airport, I got just over 40% off vs. UK RRP with VAT on a Planet Ocean, it was the exact model I wanted as well. It's new stock. Authorised Omega dealer.
With the cash I had set aside, I also got a Grand Seiko Shunbun 🙂
@ericemel Presumably you pay UK VAT on entry? Do you get stung for Import Duty as well?
bobloFree Member
@ericemel Presumably you pay UK VAT on entry? Do you get stung for Import Duty as well?
erm... have you travelled much? To be sure, one would be more than happy to pay VAT, but they really don't make it easy to understand how you do so...
I wore my Omega unpackaged on wrist back from Barbados with the box in my hand luggage to prove I wasn’t being it to resell it as new.
have you travelled much?
I have. I even had that w@nki word 'Global' in my job title for a few years... 🙂
I was just checking to see if the default was still smuggling to avoid duty and VAT 🙂
Urgent Q, would you replace a Coctail Time with this if it was offered to you at £460? https://www.watcho.co.uk/Watches/Seiko/Seiko-Presage-Craftsmanship-Series-Watch-40mm-Automatic-Riki-Watanabe-Edition-White-Enamel.html
Not sure if an appreciation of the enamel dial in the collection outweighs Seiko as a brand for black tie events 🙂
I'd want to see it really close up tbh. It's not worth RRP that's for sure if it has the famous Seiko QC .
If it's boxed with papers then maybe. I've just brought an Alpine for more than that and it's going back under warranty because the minute hand locks up.
I'm a fan of Seikos ...
bobloFree Member
have you travelled much?
I have. I even had that w@nki word ‘Global’ in my job title for a few years… ?
😀
I once drunkenly offered to help a colleague who was trying to bring a watch box back from Lisbon to Toronto; she was going to take the watch herself. Next morning I was extraordinarily hungover and in a hurry to catch my flight back to Canada, was told by front desk there was a parcel for me - said watch box was for a Hublot, half the size of my carry-on suitcase, and contained the price tag (but not watch) saying something like €15k.
Canadian customs policy at that time was if they found a watch box in your baggage they'd charge you 10% of the total value of the watch; so that was quite a nervous journey...
I once drunkenly offered to help a colleague who was trying to bring a watch box back from Lisbon to Toronto; she was going to take the watch herself
But what we really need to know, is did you get in her knickers...? 🙂 Just joshing obv.
That's the thing. If they find a box in ya bags and a sparkly watch on ya wrist, you're a bit bang to rights aren't you...
Urgent Q, would you replace a Coctail Time with this if it was offered to you at £460?
@Kryton57 - no. But that’s me not anyone else.
Urgent Q, would you replace a Coctail Time with this if it was offered to you at £460?
Oh yes, but I'm a Seiko fanboy. In fact, if you buy it and it doesn't float your boat, can I have first refusal please?
@tthew - I’m not going to buy it, but if you want it at that price send me an email address and I’ll forward the means for you to do so.
Well the uncle strap arrived:
First, I’m very pleased with the look of the watch, it’s really taken it to premium Seiko level, no need to look at MM’s or cheap beaters any more 🙂
Second, it’s of might higher quality than the 5kx Beads of Rice I bought, solid end links, screw links, very even finishing, solid feel and a tight fit. Despite all that it’s not out of balance with the watch, feels lovely.
The Oyster isn’t period correct but I wanted it to be more tool and less glam that the polished links within the z199/oem. Job done I reckon.
Well the uncle strap arrived
It looks ok, the taper looks to be a bit off but it's a mile better than their pos beads of rice (why not grains? Nobody counts rice in beads!) for the SARB017, so that's a win.
Square G Shock at a good price at Argos
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/2926175
Unless I'm missing something, like it being an older model...
They’re often down to that price on Argos but yes it’s good value.
Yes, I've seen them around the £75 mark before but not this particular model.
Just picked up a nice seiko presage for my wife, so she stops stealing mine!
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I'm in mid swither about this ATM, a Zenith el primero chronomaster sport titanium . I can get a new one for an absolute steal tho still a lot of dosh. The issue is, I really want a Daytona but am not prepared to pay the uplift currently needed. I feel like Kryton mk2... Angst is my middle name. 🙂
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If I’ve learned anything, go with your heart. Anything else comes with regrets.
However Daytona level spend is another tier - I couldn’t afford one, so I’d happily get the Zenith. If one Daytona is in your reach, wait.
IMHO
Or maybe I wouldn’t 😀
That's helpfull... 🙂
I can’t see Daytona’s dropping to retail pricing anytime soon as availability is still poor, so that means paying the uplift if you want one. If you’re not prepared to pay the uplift, then you won’t be getting one whatever, so if the Zenith floats your boat, then crack on. I tried a Zenith, but for me, it didn’t bring much to the party that my sapphire sandwich moonwatch didn’t.
The second post was a humorous addition.
A analogy - I really want a Pelagos 41. But, I dont want to pay £3.5k for it, or the £2k secondhand right now. Hence I bought the Uncle strap to see if I could get a reasonable semblance of a mono-diver I’d be happy with.
In years to come, if I ever come into £3.4k of very disposal income I’ll get the Pelagos to replace it. There’s an argument that I could have saved the £750 the mini-turtle cost me toward the Pelagos, and you’d be right. But, while I’m waiting for the Pelagos, I’m really enjoying the Seiko. I appreciate your issue is magnified by the cost of both, would paying for the Zenith hurt the Daytona fund putting it out of reach especially considering Blazin Saddles post?
And the zenith does float my boat so I got one (in steel). The daytona is not available retail unless you are a very very big spender. It's a 'thank you for your continued custom' piece.
The second post was a humorous addition
I know, no probs. I tried to respond in kind but clearly failed 🙂
I could get both assuming Daytona's ever sell at retail again, but that is really taking the pizz. If I bought the Zenith, it'd be because I can't (sensibly) get the Rolly and might always feel a bit 'second best'. I know this sounds utterly ludicrous so please don't tell the argumenteers on the luxury car tax thread or I'll be strung up by the goolies...
Nice. If it was me - (yes in i know, but I’ve turned a corner now) I wouldn’t spend that kind of cash only to be feeling “second best”. Perhaps spend more time researching and smooth talking AD and industry people to get on/up that ladder.
Having said that, i watched a YT vid that explained the “luxury ladder” model via a (spoiler - it didn’t happen) Porche GT3 RS purchase. Essentially you have to have bought, sold and lost on X no. Items before you’re even offered the opportunity to be on a list. The alternative of course is higher cost on the grey market, or a BMW M3 Touring. 🙂
Edit: The answer was he’d have lost more selling the X no cars prior to the GT3 than he would paying the grey market price.
I would only do that for a grail / exit watch.
What is an exit watch?
What is an exit watch?
it’s a term used by some collectors to describe the last watch they’ll buy, an exit from the hobby I guess?
it’s a term used by some collectors to describe the last watch they’ll buy
If you're really into 'it', is there any such thing? Presumably once a collector, always a collector and new stuff comes up all the time? Obv if you collect paintings or some such from a given period in the past, your targets are limited as no more can be created that fit the bill. Watches, they're making em all the time. 🙂
@Kryton57 Probably because he would be dead if caught splurging that amount of cash on a trinket... So last purchase by default 🙂
Multiple watches (high end or otherwise) can be seen as a bit silly anyway. I wear either a Fenix or Forerunner 99% of the time nowadays. Neither are nice, just functional. My 'collection' (such as it is) sits forlorn and unloved in a couple of watch boxes. Another reason I'm loath to jump in with an in-betweener before the main event.
I wear either a Fenix or Forerunner 99% of the time nowadays. Neither are nice, just functional. My ‘collection’ (such as it is) sits forlorn and unloved in a couple of watch boxes.
This is the reason I don't own a smart watch. You're kind of stuck with wearing them to feed the data beast.
This is the reason I don’t own a smart watch
+1 I only wear my Fenix on the bike /run /turbo to record relevant data for those events.
im with you on the multiple luxury watches though. After the SMP and Panerai my desire for anything less and to spend anything more disappeared PDQ. I wear them both regularly.
”Less” and “more” being entirely subjective of course.
Fully agree Boblo. I like what I like and I’m discovering new stuff I like all the time plus they’re still making/designing ‘em. I’ll have periods when I don’t want to buy anything, I may sell some stuff I don’t wear much and trade out to other stuff as tastes change/evolve.
Long time lurker first time poster on this thread.
When I first got a decent paying job after my PhD in 2012 or so, I went through a few luxury watches in quick succession - Explorer 1 (too small/plain), IWC Ingy Laureus (too dressy), some stupid Panerai (I do not have Sly Stallone's wrists) and an Omega Seamaster Liquidmetal (actually wish I hadn't sold that one).
Anyway, I then got a Tudor Ranger in 2015 - the first reissue with the open endlink bracelet, and that was it. It's still my main watch. So sometimes you can get an exit watch.
All I've bought since then is a few GPS watches as my existing ones break, a second-hand Animal W002 identical to the one my cool GCSE geography teacher had, and a couple of G Shock 5600s that I sold when I realised I hate the little metal buttons.