Watches N+1...

That’s not a bad price for a SKX. You could probably flog the bits you are removing and fund some of the parts needed for your mods.

It’s better than that, actually, that included postage, it was £148, for an ex-display model, most of the ones I’ve been following on eBay have been older, well-worn examples, some twenty-odd years old, the newer ones have gone well over that.
Ordered a new ZULU strap for it, it should arrive beginning of September, it’s been posted.

Carbis, if you’re in the Swindon area, there’s a watch dealership, Deacons, in Swindon, Royal Wootton Bassett and Marlborough, who have watchmakers on site, they fixed my 1970 Yema, not cheap, but the watch is worth it.
https://www.deacons-jewellers.com/

The Spinnaker Bradner looks like a nice watch in that budget. Gets a good review from Jody at ‘Just One More Watch’ on YouTube.

I think you can also get a 20% discount code from JOMW

only a little over your budget is the new timefactors precista :only a little over your budget is the new timefactors precista :

Cheers both but at the moment don't think I want a diver watch style. Also I think I'd rather have something from a brand that I recognise, although I don't know if that really matters.

Cheers both but at the moment don’t think I want a diver watch style. Also I think I’d rather have something from a brand that I recognise, although I don’t know if that really matters.

That's perfectly reasonable. I am not normally a big diver watch fan myself. If you haven't done so then you should have a look at the reviews by 'Just One More Watch'. They are informative and honest and not pretentious unlike many watch channels on youtube. Jody seems to know his stuff.

I knew next to nothing about watches at the start of the year, but now have about 15 watches mainly old Soviet in origin because they are extremely affordable, not common and I like some of the quirky designs, costing between £5 and £50, (although I have spent a fortune on straps).

I have developed an appreciation for Seiko though over this period. I always thought they were a sort of H Samuel cheap and cheerful type of brand. Lots of history and innovation though. I like their day to day office and dress watches, but not a big fan of their divers. Hands are too stubby and lumed indices are too chunky for my liking, but I understand beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I do have an itch that need scratches for a classy looking but AFFORDABLE Swiss vintage piece possibly from Tissot, Rado or Oris, but ebay is a reconditioned or potentially fake mine field.

@athgray I'll check out the YouTube recommendation.

I quite like this

[url= https://i.ibb.co/5k8Q2Fw/475-DB9-A5-536-A-403-C-892-E-5-C5-C05367187.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.ibb.co/5k8Q2Fw/475-DB9-A5-536-A-403-C-892-E-5-C5-C05367187.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

And also really like the look of this, but turns out the blue Alpinist is limited edition, USA only and not very cheap!

[url= https://i.ibb.co/285t425/FF2065-A5-192-D-44-B9-8873-139972-EDA132.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.ibb.co/285t425/FF2065-A5-192-D-44-B9-8873-139972-EDA132.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

JOMW newest video is a Tissot head to head with a Seiko Sarb. I reckon you might like it. Both those watches are nice.

The only Seiko I have is a 40yo Seiko 5 from ebay. Its an automatic with a typically 'jangly' Seiko bracelet, a day complication that moves on at 8pm and a date complication that moves at 10pm. I love it though.

Cool I'll check it out tomorrow.

I think I want a metal bracelet, but by jangly do you mean they're not very good? I've only got small wrists so need it to fit well.

Looking in greater depth, I think that blue Alpinist is a stunning watch.

I think Seiko bracelets at the budget end are not often considered the best. Folded links, cheap pressed clasp rather than milled. Also loose tolerances, meaning you get the distinctive metallic clank when you hold it by the case and shake it. I like my bracelet as it is thin and unobtrusive and I think it adds to the charm.

Also, what size case do you like. Many divers are in the 40-42mm diameter range or larger, where as I prefer 36-38mm.

So I decided to watch it now, that Tissot was on my list but having seen the video of it I think it's too plain-which was one of the reasons I liked it. The SARB looks really nice, £350 though 😕

I feel like I could be about to disappear down a rabbit hole....

That Alpinist I really like in the blue, it seems it's easily available in green and gold but I really don't like gold.

Size wise I think I would want something on the smaller side, I guess under 40mm but would like to try some on, or at least measure one of my other watches.

Cheers for the Seiko bracelet info.

I have laughably thin wrists. Really, it's like a small child has taped a stick to a paper plate when you look at my hand and wrist.

I have a Seiko 5. it doesn't look silly on me and I even managed to resize the bracelet myself. I haven't noticed it being particularly noisy but there is the odd rattle.

Is the blue Seiko this one
https://www.seiyajapan.com/collections/seiko/products/seiko-automatic-presage-sary073-japan-made

Nice watch. I love my presage from Seiya, very good vendor. I think I’d like a Grand Seiko now- it’s worse than bikes for n+1!!

I have a Seiko 5. it doesn’t look silly on me and I even managed to resize the bracelet myself. I haven’t noticed it being particularly noisy but there is the odd rattle.

The hate for Seiko bracelets is a bit overdone IMO. I don't think they're bad at their price point, though the Jubilee you get on the 007 is notoriously rattly. Also famously flexible, which can be a good thing for comfort. For me a pressed clasp is neither here nor there, though hollow end links can be an issue for strength as much as aesthetics. I've never seen a Seiko strap with folded links though, the bracelet that came with my SKX779 is made from girders, solid end links, pressed clasp with diver's extension and all!

Those new Fives look much better in 3d.  Check this out:

View this post on Instagram

Those new Fives look much better in 3d.

Nah, they looked better in focus.

"The new Seiko 5 range ⌚️ Which is your favorite?" - The green ones, it's almost always the green ones.

Is the blue Seiko this one
SEIKO AUTOMATIC PRESAGE SARY123 Made in Japan

Nice watch. I love my presage from Seiya, very good vendor. I think I’d like a Grand Seiko now- it’s worse than bikes for n+1!!

Yes it is, although listed as SRPB41J1, not sure why the code is different?

I’ve never seen a Seiko strap with folded links though, the bracelet that came with my SKX779 is made from girders, solid end links, pressed clasp with diver’s extension and all!

The bracelet that came with my SPORK is about as heavy as the watch! I changed it for a NATO/ZULU to start with, then the sharkskin mesh one when I discovered those on fleabay, it’s so much more comfortable, because of the flexibility, and it’s lighter as well.

I don't think Certina watches have been mentioned in this thread. I have two from this brand but I'm thinking of adding this diver:

[img] [/img]

Very smart.

That certina looks nice, could you tell us more about it?

Anybody a pam fan? I know very little about the brand but would love to know more.

I don't know more than its model name is DS PH200M.

Certina are an oft overlooked Swiss brand.

THey certainly make stuff to last,

This is my LCD DS Chronolympic circa. 1978. Immaculate and still beating.

[img] [/img]

So it turns out I've got one of these on the way to try 😁 Slightly worried it'll be a bit big for my twig wrists but will give it a try.

[img] [/img]

So it turns out I’ve got one of these on the way to try

Very smart. Size-wise 42mm is about my limit, and I always think that style wears a bit bigger than the measurement suggests, maybe because they're all face with no bezel to "shrink" the visuals a bit. Only way to know is wear it for a few hours and see!

The watch I'm wearing at the moment is about 43mm so similar size, the Seiko is 42. But it's a bit lighter being plastic with a rubber strap.

[url= https://i.ibb.co/k42wD9j/686-FD339-418-D-40-FB-BE39-45892-A5-C5583.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.ibb.co/k42wD9j/686-FD339-418-D-40-FB-BE39-45892-A5-C5583.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://freeonlinedice.com/ ]coin flipping machine[/url]

I did nearly go for this which is 37, and what I'll likely get if this one turns out to be too big.

Seiko Men's Analogue Automatic Watch with Stainless Steel Strap SNXS77K https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000KKO85S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QvguDbJEY5NAJ

That Certina diver is lovely. Hesalite crystal too!

You don't come across Certina very often in the UK, closest I've seen is the watch shop in Dublin airport. They have a very eclectic range compared to most watchmakers, some of which are truly hideous but others are really rather nice. Take a look at the listings on chrono24 to see what I mean. Link

.

How about my beauty from Emporio Armani?

rom the loads of watches I have this one is my favorite because it looks well on almost all of my clothes.

For anyone that want's to know the model it is the Emporio Armani Classic Quartz AR1682 watch. Super affordable but quality and good looking wris****ch.

But it’s a bit lighter being plastic with a rubber strap.

I like that green - can't beat a bit of plastic now and then.

I love the certina! Inspired me to go looking for one now. And I love the green plastic watch.....cool! Sorry but I don’t like the Armani watch at all though - a fashion brand dabbling in watches and a quartz watch to boot doesn’t do it for me. But hey as you can tell my tastes are a bit different.

How about my beauty from Emporio Armani?

Great troll.

What a super toss watch.

Liking the black Casio diver, nice and uncomplicated.
And currently only £15 on Amazon. Only problem I’d have is the synthetic resin strap, which always make my wrist red and sweaty and itchy.

How about my beauty from Emporio Armani?

Great troll.

What a super toss watch.

I’d say a triumph of style over substance, except there’s little of both going on there.

And some new Citizen mechanicals...

Liking the black Casio diver, nice and uncomplicated.
And currently only £15 on Amazon.

It's a bargain to be sure, a proper beach holiday watch at a fiver less than getting a strap changed over...

Saw a good but definitely used 007 go for £210 on ebay the other day, makes your Australian one pretty good value even if you get hit for VAT. Though with all the rumours of them being discontinued in favour of the new 5 Sports line we may yet be seeing prices firm up some more. Could be worth keeping the bits displaced by the mods just in case you ever fancy moving it on?

Have dipped in and out of this thread over a few months; there was some 'willy waving' but in a nice way a couple of months ago with some posters listing trucking impressive collections.
I have Breitling Transocean - was on a strap, now on a bracelet - and Omega DeVille; my fave is the Omega. It replaced one that was stolen some years and that was my all-time fave.
And a TomTom runner....
Breitling is every day and Omega for best.
Continue to be drawn back to Omega Museum Collection - oh my; personal preference is the Petrograd.
How TF do I justify that??? Ah forgot - I'm divorced so only need to justify to self.....and one of my Sons will inherit; sorted!
Also temped by a Panerai; that would be another step too far.
Will employer re-instate bonus scheme next year???? If they do then I could be very tempted to do N+1+1....

And some new Citizen mechanicals…

And very nice they look too, especially the green one which is reserved for far eastern markets. Just as well I suppose, I'm pretty diver'd up for now as well as being a bit skint.

Though I don't have a Citizen...

The Casio diver is lovely - very tempted

The Casio diver is lovely – very tempted

You really can't beat a Casio!

I've got one of those casio MRW-200H, cost me a tenner. Great as a knockabout beach/pool watch (took it on holiday this year) but it's more of a "diver-style" watch, easy scratch Acrylic crystal, the bezel is non-ratchetting, bi-directional and thus easy to knock if you're trying to time something, it's all cheap and plasticy, but it was only a tenner, it's easy to read, shows day/date, claims 100m water resistance so is fine for a swim and being all plastic/resin construction there's are no worries about water/sweat/sun cream knackering the strap or getting in the case... there's a few styles available too. Get one.

Of course if you wanted a Casio that's a bit more like a "proper diver" there's the MDV106-1AV "Duro" which is a pretty good VFM watch IMO... It's a slippery slope and hard to stop at one casio.

Though with all the rumours of them being discontinued in favour of the new 5 Sports line

Seems like the general consensus is that the mini-turtle is the replacement for the SKX. It has some of the upgrades that people have been calling for/doing themselves.

the general consensus is that the mini-turtle is the replacement for the SKX

If we're talking 007/009 that may be true functionally, in that it's a true dive watch. But the Mini Turtle has a very different case shape and no day complication, and it's Prospex, a step up to a higher price/quality point in the Seiko range. On the other hand the new 5 Sport is very 007-a-like, with a whole range of styles which Seiko may be hoping will appeal to people who would otherwise have been tempted to head for a 007 as a mod project. The capability downgrade is irrelevant (practically at least) to most 007 owners.

Well, to my utter astonishment, my new watch arrived this morning! In a very large cardboard box, it doesn’t have a box or paperwork with it, the description says it was a shop display piece. It was described on the package as a ‘vintage watch’, so I didn’t incur any extra costs. The watch is immaculate, it doesn’t have a mark on it, so considering the rather battered appearance of some of the examples I’ve been watching as auctions, and which were consistently fetching prices up around £170-180 I’m thrilled to bits. It’s now on an orange Watchgecko ZULUDiver strap, which is much more comfy than the rubber strap it came with.

There is a disturbing amount of indistinguishable flesh in that photo.

But the Mini Turtle has a very different case shape and no day complication, and it’s Prospex, a step up to a higher price/quality point in the Seiko range.

Sorry, I meant that Seiko seem to regard it as the replacement. It has a lot of the things that skx buyers wanted/modded to. The case is a semi classic shape which I suppose they hope will catch on and be the next classic Seiko.

The SKX is now, apparently, part of the ‘5’ range -

There is a disturbing amount of indistinguishable flesh in that photo.

Hadn’t occurred to me! My wrist is resting on my right knee, and my ankles are crossed, that’s my left ankle with the red line below my sock.
Just for clarity, you understand... 😁

CZ - that photo reminded me of finding hedgeporn!

That fleshy hue you'd catch in your peripheral vision and the subsequent butterflies in the stomach at the thought of an imminent find and some "alone time."

CZ – that photo reminded me of finding hedgeporn!

😉

You’re a bad man CountZero. I’ve just made a late night purchase of an SKX009 with a Strapcode bracelet

Always fancied an SKX but could never make my mind up between a 007 and a 009. Time will tell if I made the right choice!

Always fancied an SKX but could never make my mind up between a 007 and a 009. Time will tell if I made the right choice!

The bezel's the only difference, it's readily available and an easy swap. Have both!

tried posting a pic.
Failed.
Ignore.

DrP

You’re a bad man CountZero. I’ve just made a late night purchase of an SKX009 with a Strapcode bracelet

A fine choice, mine is well used and well loved. Currently on a dark blue NATO for weekend usage but it also looks great on a bracelet and even a leather strap.

The bezel’s the only difference, it’s readily available and an easy swap. Have both!

and the dial. The SKX009 is blue. It is such a dark blue that it looks black in a lot of light.

Anyone know if there is a blue version of the skx171 dial? Love the 009 but would really like an applied markers dial, a la 171. The Turtle faces fit, I believe but they are a lighter blue. Really like the really dark blue of the 009.

and the dial. The SKX009 is blue. It is such a dark blue that it looks black in a lot of light

Of course you're absolutely right, I forgot the dial. Makes my idea about switching between the 2 more or less on a whim not quite so straightforward.

So you pop off the bezel then unscrew the case back, remove the crown, take out the movement and take off the hands, swap the dial for a black one, put the hands back on, put the movement back in the case and replace the crown then screw the case back on. Then press the new bezel on and hey presto, SKX007!

Easy.

hey presto, SKX007!

Pretty much, yeah. 😁
The real fun comes with modding using dial and hand styled after different models, like the Marine Master, or different makes, like Tudor’s ‘snowflake’ hands.
Then there’s chapter rings, crystals, bezels, bezel inserts, casebacks...
I’m going for the marine master dial and hands, with coin-edge bezel and fully lumped ceramic bezel insert.
Oh, and a 6f15 hackable and hand winding movement with steel Tuna shroud.
Which will add to the original cost, obviously, but will be nothing like what an actual Tuna would cost.
Plus I can buy the bits as and when, then get it assembled later, spreading the cost.

So it turns out I’ve got one of these on the way to try 😁 Slightly worried it’ll be a bit big for my twig wrists but will give it a try.

[IMG] [/IMG]

So it arrived today 😀 it's lovely!

But is too big for my weedy wrists as I thought it might be.

Seiko 5 on the way now with a view to get something else in the future.

So it arrived today 😀 it’s lovely!

But is too big for my weedy wrists as I thought it might be.

That's a shame, it's a handsome piece. I take it you've worn it around a bit to get used to it? If I've been wearing my 37mm SNK805 for a few days then put on a 42mm diver it seems enormous for the first hour or so then I sort of acclimatise.

phil5556 - I like that. If it’s not rude to ask, what model number is it / where from?

@igm Seiko Men's Analogue Automatic Watch with Stainless Steel Bracelet - SRPA25K1 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01JAQ3G1Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tlZvDbVHEKXB8

Amazon was the best price, took about 5 days to come I think.

That’s a shame, it’s a handsome piece. I take it you’ve worn it around a bit to get used to it?

I can't unfortunately without shortening the strap. It really is big, just measured lug to lug and it's going on 50mm.

Think I need about 38mm, maybe 40 at a push. And I'm struggling to find anything that size from Seiko.

https://awcpanama.com/product/awc-seiko-skx007-planet-ocean-nh35-movement-mod/

Not sure how to post pics but I've done this mod to my old SKX007 minus the movement change, I have a mate who tinkers with watches for fun who helped me out.

I can’t unfortunately without shortening the strap. It really is big, just measured lug to lug and it’s going on 50mm.

Think I need about 38mm, maybe 40 at a push. And I’m struggling to find anything that size from Seiko.

That 50mm lug-to-lug will certainly tend to make it wear big. Still, if it's Amazon you've a month to get hold of a £2 pin tool to shorten the strap and wear it around the house a bit...

My only dress watch.

Seiko Presage with ice blue starburst dial.

Beautiful watch.

[IMG] [/IMG]

Really not into dress watch styles, but those two Seikos above are handsome beasts for sure.
I’ve had a rethink on having my SKX007 converted to take a shroud, the case is in perfect condition, and having a steel shroud fitted requires a fair bit of machining to make it fit, which would be a shame. If I’d been able to find a bare case for reasonable money, or a really worn complete watch for less than I paid for mine, then it would be worth the sacrifice, but all of the auctions I followed ended up at £175 or higher, so no chance.
I’m going ahead with the other mods, and I’ll get a black plastic Dragon Shroud, which clips under the case to protect the case from knocks, which won’t detract from the overall appearance.
Really pleased with it, it wears lightly, with the nylon ZULU strap, it’s dead easy to read at a glance, and it’s keeping reasonably time, gaining a little bit; ill give it a month or so, then have a go at regulating it.

There's a six case on eBay right now. $69 US. There's also Namoki? Namodi? who used to make their own case which was an aftermarket SKX case. They used to be about £50. You could also try chronograph.com or dagaz or yobokies or dlw for a case. Then you'd have both.

Toolwatch is a good app for regulation and free.
Remember it's a slow patient process, smaller than you thought could be done changes and then use the app over several days to evaluate. Then repeat. Do remember that how you rest your watch over night can significantly alter it's +/- spd.

how you rest your watch over night can significantly alter it’s +/- spd

Now, I’m in the ambivalent category when it comes to how many seconds my watch is inaccurate by, but this intrigued me - please explain?

The hairspring's axis of rotation is perpendicular to the dial. Put the watch face down or face up means the entire weight of the spring rests on the upper or lower end of the staff. Slight variations in the finish of the end or amounts of lubrication mean more or less friction. Points between the face up and face down position reduce the weight on the ends of the staff and reduce/increase friction

In the vertical positions (crown up, down and all points between i.e. the dial is perpendicular to the ground) means that the coilspring sinks slightly so the coils get close together on the downside and further apart on the upside, which also affects the weight/friction on the bearing points/jewels. The weight of the coil itself will not be perfectly distributed, so the position of the heavy part up/down and side to side will affect amplitude.
The vertical position also increases friction on the balance wheel (both ends are bearing, instead of one) which reduces amplitude.
There have been attempts to account for this over the years, the Tourbilion movement was supposed to help. The co-axial escapement was another attempt. Or you can just do what Rolex suggested 60 years or so ago "if your watch gains or loses a few seconds a day, remove it at night. To gain a few seconds, lay it flat with dial uppermost. To lose a few seconds lay the watch vertically with the winding button downwards. To lose rather more seconds, lay the watch vertically with the winding button uppermost"

COSC Chronometer certification requires the watch to maintain its accuracy in (I think) 5 positions. Although it might be 7

If that isn't far enough down the rabbit hole, google "lift angle"

Crikey, thanks.  This thread is a continual education into the history, complicity and shear awesomeness of watch mechanics!

That's brilliant, my watch is a gainer, I'll try the night time vertical storage. Thanks!

@cromolyolly - thanks for that, you’ve clarified things better, I reckon, than anything I’ve read anywhere else!
I’m copying that into my Notes for future reference.

HTH.

BTW - @tthew - what works for Rolex won't necessarily work for you - depends on your particular watch and movement - The general rules will apply - dial up /down should gain, dial vertical should lose but crown up/down dial up/down to get less/more change will vary from maker to maker and movement to movement. Depends, I suppose on where the coils of the spring start/end and so on. You could just experiment or you could Google your watch, someone has almost certainly done the experiment for you.

I find my watches are most accurate when worn 24/7.
Toolwatch is great for this.

cromolyolly- what an explanation! got to love STW! sometimes a real Jem of an answer comes up and that’s one. Will try your suggestions, although I find my watches are most accurate when worn 24/7.
Toolwatch is great for this.

thanks for that, you’ve clarified things better, I reckon, than anything I’ve read anywhere else!

Agreed, I'm aware of the concept but haven't seen the reasons behind it put so lucidly, thanks.
Personally I'd rather a 10 second gainer than a 3 second loser just because it's a trivial thing to correct (assuming it hacks!) - just pull out the crown for the requisite number of seconds and you're good.

Very pleased to be able to contribute to the community! Thanks.

Also just realised I completely cocked up the coil spring bit. gravity pulls it down so the parts of the coil on the low side get further apart, top side get closer together. Got that bit backwards, sorry, but you got the idea

The postman's just been with my (sort of) impulse buy of a couple of days ago! If there's any watch style I didn't need another of it's a diver but somehow here we are again. This will positively definitely be the last watch purchase of 2019...

Johnners, nice is that the new mako 3?
I've been looking for a cheapish diver and i'm quite tempted by one of those.
I'd like to add an automatic watch to my meger collection. I currently have a swiss Actua from the 50's issued to Italian artillery officers which was left to me from an uncle. A couple of old quartz ediface things and a beater casio diver that refuses to die.

Johnners, nice is that the new mako 3?

Orient call it the Kamasu, at least in the US market. I've seen it referred to as the Mako 3/Ray 3 all over the place though. Amazon UK just call it "Orient Mens RA-AA0003R19B" which is super catchy!

a beater casio diver that refuses to die

I've an old "Blue Thunder" Casio digital which is pushing 40 years old and still works pretty well. It's a bit of a mess and the pushers don't work the module the way they should (I'm stuck with a daily alarm at 11:30 which I can't disable!) but I still wear it now and then. Casios are great!

I've just bought my first NATO!

A navy blue and white number (sniperbay) for my Scurfa Diver One.

Another collection to fund...

Postman arrived with my SKX. I like!

[url= https://i.ibb.co/MpQHTCG/IMG-7293.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.ibb.co/MpQHTCG/IMG-7293.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

Hummm that Orient Kamasu is definitely going on the list, although I might save a bit more for the Stienhart Ocean One 39, which is lovely.
I keep coming back to the Citizen Ny0040, real tool like look about it, which I like plus its not going to be available for much longer.

For a little bit more than a steinhart you could get a Magrette for a great and much less common diver

So proud owners of SKXs (with good eyesight, a loupe or magnifier) settle a debate - the brushing on the lugs - which way does the grain go? Does it follow the circle of the bezel or does it go straight in line with the strap?

Also, anyone measured the lug to lug?