MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
44mm case....im a 40mm max, ideally 38
I’ve bought a vintage Russian watch on ebay (on a whim) but need a simple but “nice” leather strap for it.
Pictures dude - it's like getting a new bike, photo's is the rule!
Im thinking brown, calfskin. Not interested in a brand cos the watch is not worth much. Any recommendations?
Etsy tends to have quite a lot of choice at decent prices from independent makers. I had a nicely made leather NATO from there once.
rumour is the bottom left one is going to be 40.5mm...
that kickstarter is crazy. The FW-91 is notoriously robust anyway (and cheap) so why do that to it? Still, they hit their target so who am i to question?
That's the thing that really annoys me about Kickstarter, it's part of what gives millennials a bad name.
All you need is a couple of vapid hipsters, who manage to take someone else's perfectly good existing (and iconic) product and badly re-package it. In the process removing most of the useful features, and making it significantly worse for the environment, all because they've learned how to use a 3d printer and some epoxy.
The lack of a decent idea that needs funding isn't a barrier anymore, the major motivation is probably that they've finished their Industrial design course and don't want to find actual jobs...
With the tools they obviously already had at their disposal, they could have actually come up with something worthwhile...
Nope a waste of resources, money and time. I vote for the firing squad.
Love the Stowa and Sseiko SQ.
dakuan, I've limited experience (just my Sumo) but I think you'll find seikos where very much smaller than the dimensions suggest. My sumo is 45mm case and I expected it to be comically huge on my flat and just over 6.5" wrist but it isn't. Its large yes, but it isn't particularly tall and it is really, really comfortable! I've realised its for several reasons.
1. The sumo may be big but its not heavy, compared to my PO (which is only the 41.5mm version, but an utter beast) its light....although not as light as my Pelagos.
2. the sumo may be big but its not too tall. don't get me wrong, its not thin, but its not as thick as either of the other watches.
3. This is biggy, its got curved/shaped lugs that curve around the wrist and sort of 'cuddle' it. and
4. the case sides are not slabby, they have HUGE chamfers, so the watch does not have any edge to dig in, again making it comfy.
5. the crown at 4 oclock. a very seiko thing that i still think looks weird, but means it doesn't jab into the back of your hand.
the result is a watch that feels comfy, has presence but isn't as nuts as the dimensions suggest, and slips under a cuff well.
I haven't posted photos of the sumo before, hopefully I've found a working app to embed from google.....let's see.
Very very long clasp! the bit at the top, before the links start, is the diver's extension
the chamfer and the curved case/lugs
as you see, the chamfer and curve really allow the watch to 'cuddle' the wrist
bracelet is good and comfy too
and finally, yes its big, but it doesn't overwhelm even my fairly skinny wrists.
oh and the green is luuurvely! 🙂
4. the case sides are not slabby, they have HUGE chamfers, so the watch does not have any edge to dig in, again making it comfy.
I think that is a consideration that most of the watch reviewers miss, but very much influences how a watch wears. My left wrist is just a touch over 6 inches, (if you look at it, it's actually a bit deformed, right wrist is 6.5 inches, I think because I wore a watch quite tight when I was developing from when I was in junior school) yet my SKX007, which is 41mm looks fine. Diameter at the wrist is 37mm.
sorry about the metric/imperial measurement mix.
the green is luuurvely!
Oh my yes.
If anyone is interested, there a nice looking 7002-700 on eBay. £180 buy it now feels like a fair price.
q1 How do watch collectors store their collection. I've got up to 5, mostly solar, currently jusy lying on the window sill when not being worn. Some sort of stand might be worthwhile.
Q2. I've only 1 watch with an automatic movement. It seems to keep going for a day or two when not worn. Do auto watch owners just left them run to a stop when not being worn then wind and set when next used?
Q2 - I just leave the watches I'm not wearing to run down and set them next time I put them on, but you can buy special Watch Winders that spin them over occasionally to keep them going
How do watch collectors store their collection. I’ve got up to 5, mostly solar, currently jusy lying on the window sill when not being worn. Some sort of stand might be worthwhile.
I've currently got a dozen in a cheap display case from Amazon or ebay (can't remember) but it's just a convenient way to store them, they're not on display as such. The other 8 or 10 are in watch rolls or lying around.
Q2 A few are quartz which obviously take care of themselves, other than that I'll maybe have a couple of automatics on the go and I'll keep them wound but the bulk I'm happy to wind and reset as and when I fancy wearing them.
Has anybody got experience of the LIV brand?
The new addition to my collection. First impressions are it's hefty, but wears a little smaller than the numbers suggest, and well-made
q1 How do watch collectors store their collection. I’ve got up to 5, mostly solar, currently jusy lying on the window sill when not being worn. Some sort of stand might be worthwhile.
I've got a display box which I think holds 12. It's got a drawer underneath where I keep things like cuff links too.
Q2. I’ve only 1 watch with an automatic movement. It seems to keep going for a day or two when not worn. Do auto watch owners just left them run to a stop when not being worn then wind and set when next used?
You can buy winders, but mine just get put back in the watch until they are worn again when they get wound or given a shake and I set the time. I'm sure I read that this may not be the very best way to do it but I've got nothing mega expensive in the collection so don't worry about it.
That Oris is lovely!
Thanks Murray! I got hooked on wanting a mechanical watch with more than the usual 38-44 hours of power, so I could leave it a few days and still come back to find it running. Hamilton and Tissot do 80-100 hour reserve watches; Panerai and IWC do manuals with 8 days of power but they're out of budget.
The Oris is manual, with a 10-day power reserve - this one's the GMT. Lovely bracelet too, better even than my Omega AT. Next step might be to source an Oris strap with deployant for it.
In house calibre 111 too - very classy!
On that Oris, which hand is adjustable in 1h increments? The hour hand or the GMT hand?
My B&R 123GMT has the GMT as the jumping hand, which kind of makes it useless as a GMT watch!! Nice looking as a dress watch though.
The GMT is the jumping hand on the Oris - I think one review described it as a 'caller's GMT'. I wasn't sure about it at first, but it works for me; I have family dotted about the place, so being able to check what time it is where they are is useful. It also incorporates half-hour increments, for time zones like India (but not Nepal...) etc.
Interestingly, Oris's own ProPilot Worldtimer GMT does it the other way, I believe, with the main hour hand being the jumping hand. One wonders if there's any particular thinking behind the different choices.
Okay, I think I might look at an Alpiner GMT. Or keep my Garmin on my wrist!!
I have the Oris Pro Pilot GMT (not the world timer) and it too has a jumping GMT hand.
Like this if the link works. Currently on the stainless bracelet but I have the black nylon deployment too. It’s a toss up - nice and simple either way.
PS I also have a Seiko Prospex Kinetic GMT - that has the jumping hour hand.
Like this.
https://images.app.goo.gl/8C1XSqAiFHFeYeSq9
Oris is lovely. Tried a 45mm ProPilot but it was too big for me. 41mm gunmetal one is on my radar
Been looking at a Zenith purchase for my forthcoming 50th, prices have just gone up by £1k 🙁
I have the Oris Pro Pilot GMT (not the world timer) and it too has a jumping GMT hand.
Like this if the link works. Currently on the stainless bracelet but I have the black nylon deployment too. It’s a toss up – nice and simple either way.
I love the Pro Pilot look, especially the non-111/114 ones - the face is so simple and uncluttered. I have the black strap on order too. And despite the size, because of the way they're shaped, they're not *too* too big, even on my skinny wrists.
And the strap release is an aircraft seat belt release on the black strap. 👍
It’ll make sense when you see it.
@Barnum
Loads of nice stuff on that Gear Patrol website. A few heads would explode if that was posted on the climate change thread.
If you own you own CNC shop what about......
I know some of you boys have the Alkin Model One, and I quite like the current limited green dial with the orange second hand.
Thing is the indices are printed rather than applied and I can't decide if it make the dial look cheap as it's so flat. What's the opinion? I had a brief chat with them about the out of stock black dial and they seemed to hint they could find me one if I really wanted one...
Forgot to say the white and black faces have applied numbers rather than printed numbers
My local jeweller is at it again, they now have a Rolex Sub “Kermit” for sale. Not unreasonable price and with papers etc.
I can’t afford it in any way, but if anyone here wants one I can give you their details.
Thing is the indices are printed rather than applied and I can’t decide if it make the dial look cheap as it’s so flat.
It's a field watch style (albeit in more of a flieger size), printed looks absolutely fine. But bear in mind I'm an unreliable witness, given my fondness for a green dial.
Yeah the green dial and orange second hand certainly make it more interesting than black & white
Decisions
IMHO, if you can get one, the BW alkin is the one
looks like Seiko have heard me...this one out this year, priced at $1300
I first posted here asking about Q Timex, decided it was overpriced, bought a Vostok just for something unusual/fun. I actually got an Amphibian and a Komandirskie, both what I thought were the architypal designs. Changed bezel and straps on both. Still don't know what to do with the Kom strap
Impossible to take a good photo
I love a Vostock. I've put this on here before, pages back, can't find it. It's a Komanderskie replacement for a broken one I bought on a Inter-railing trip in 1993. The strap on this one is one of those Marine Nationale elastic jobs, At the moment I can't find any in the 18mm you need, I fancy trying a black/red stripe one. You can't put a NATO on a Russian watch though - (frankly French seems wrong, but I really like it)
Jamie p I notice the parnis Daytona in your pic - how do you find it?
Happy with how this mod worked out. I did plan to do more, but pleased I kept it simple. Dagaz knurled bezel and insert (photos don't do the insert justice, is a lovely midnight blue). Crystal times low dome blue AR crystal, brushed chapter ring and "S" engraved crown. Just the look I was after.
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Kryton57
Subscriber
Jamie p I notice the parnis Daytona in your pic – how do you find it?
To me, it's an elegant design that can be worn
dressy or sporty. No complaints with the build quality. Nice brushing. Screwed links. Crystal glass. Bezel and dial looks good. Don't like the clasp although it has a divers'/sweaty arm bracelet extension. Small dials hard to see in light. Pleasing chrono button press click and chrono hand snap back. No date window, bah. Keeps perfect time (battery, not manual/automatic). Really good value for the £50-5-ish cost.
Well, this evening I also bought a Parnis GMT Batman on jubilee bracelet to go with it
...A day remaining on the current AliExpress sale and a few quid off further with coupons: £54, I think
Happy first wrist shot!
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Was just about to buy that green Alkin when some late night eBaying dug up a bargain!
[img] 
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Wasn’t really looking at the white faced one but couldn’t ignore it for £100!
Not sure if I posted a photo of my Heimdallr SKX007/MM300 homage with the vintage Bond NATO strap, but it doesn’t look over-large on my very skinny wrist, and the single-pass thin nylon lets it sit close to my wrist as well. I absolutely love it to bits, the only amendment I’m thinking of making is a coin-edge bezel with full lumed ceramic insert.
that Alkin is a smashing deal! You must be stoked
Here's my cheapo collection
Everyone should own an SKX!
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A bit of colour to brighten up a Sunday.
Just ordered a case, case back and a dial for the next project!
.
Everyone should own an SKX!
I quite agree.
Just ordered a case, case back and a dial for the next project!
Wotcha building?
I'm temped to do an explorer 2 type thing, but never seen quite the right white dial
@dakuan An SKX body with a Dagaz Fifty Five Fathoms dial. I'm not doing a Fifty Fathoms homage, just fancy putting a watch together that I like.
Will be ordering a ceramic bezel insert and a double dome crystal soon. I have an spare NH36 movement and some hands at the ready.
@Futureboy77, I like that - did you do it yourself or get someone to do it for you? More details either way, please!
edit: oh, just saw some details further up, apols.
I blame this thread. After seeing it here I got an Alkin Model 1 - my first automatic watch. Now, still very much at the budget end a cheapo Seiko 5 diver style.
https://gearpatrol.com/2018/10/19/seiko-srp605-deal/
Ordered at £132 from Amazon UK. Could have got it a few quid cheap from international sites but buying from Amazon UK (not 3rd party seller) will mean no quibble return in the event it develops any fault or I don't like it in the flesh. A check on Camelcamelcamel suggests this is the lowest he price has been on Amazon UK.
Ordered at £132
Looks decent value for a Seiko, especially since it looks like the 5KXs are still £200 and above. Nice looking but a bit big for my taste - I like the hand set though.*
*see Gen 1 Monster above!
Those Seiko 5s are and wear much smaller than skx. I have one on a bracelet and am coming around to the smaller sizing.
Time to re-name thread as it's now about little other than Seiko.
Other watch brands are available.
Nice looking but a bit big for my taste
Yes. I gave the size a bit of thought. It's 4mm wider than my Alkin . My wrist is probably a bit bigger than average at 19cm/7.5" so hopefully I'll get away with it.
ah in that case you might as well get on with the 45mm monsters 😀
Those Seiko 5s are and wear much smaller than skx
Are you sure? I've no experience of how they wear but everything I've seen has the SRP605 at 44mm diameter vs the SKX007 at 42.5. If you meant the SRPDs (5KX) then they're practically identical in diameter and lug-lug.
New arrival for £100! Mint and wears smaller than the photo indicates. Very pleased
New arrival for £100!
Bargain. I bought an identical one - white face, stainless steel, brown strap at full price!
Pleased with it. Very comfortable once the strap breaks in. Runing accurate to about 5s a day after 3 months.
New arrival for £100!
Absolute bargain, they're decent value even at full price. I do like those hands.
whoop whoop! I've picked up a gorgeous Tissot visodate, auto. traded my Steinhart ocean one so N still=N but I'm rather pleased!
Excellent choice they’re beautiful things! Which one did you get?
Cheers, yes I've admired them for years every since a mate I got into watches bought himself one. I picked up a white dialed steel case auto. The auto is day-date, ETA movement, the quartz are date only I believe. I realised my small collection (planet Ocean, pelagos, green sumo, Ocean one) was diver heavy and missing a white dial. Although the PO and the sumo look smart, particularly the po, a white dialed non sport/tool dressier watch seemed a good addition. Plus since getting the Sumo it was pushing the Steinhart out of place as the cheaper beater to wear on holiday, mowing the lawn, washing the car etc. So when an opportunity came to swap the Steinhart for a visodate I was very pleased indeed!
Well I got this today. Took a few years but finally indulged myself. Its rather nice.
https://imgur.com/Hc0mZOb
https://imgur.com/81B8KkS
https://imgur.com/LYm7RMx
https://imgur.com/Lh9sj80
https://imgur.com/lfIvDzM
Very nice. I'm a rubber strap kind of guy but that is pretty sweet.
That is nice. Ive been looking hard at second hand Seamasters.
Oooh, very nice. More pics/ details?
Happy new Speedy @penguinni Very nice it is too! They are lovely watches to wear.
My old Ti one is badly needing a service and a tidy up/valet. I've been quoted £280 by a local independent (Rolex trained) which I thought wasn't too bad (although much more than my car service!). It cost more and was away for over 6 months at Omega/Swatch the last time!
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Speedy!??
Nice SMP. I think they are fabulous value. Enjoy.
Photo for you, particularly Kato (if it works!)
Speedy!??
Soz, was reading a quote for work on a Seamaster and Speedmaster whilst typing!
Does anyone know of any watch stands? I have a watch box but end up leaving the two I wear most just on the top of the box, and then naturally any flat surface becomes a collection point for clutter (paperwork I need to file, mostly.)
I quite like these:
https://thewatchstand.com/
But refuse to spend that much on a metal rod, some cheap leather and a slab of marble. I also would like one that can old two watches comfortably.
I've also seen this on Instagram but no details as to what it actually is:
'merica
plyphon, thought that was your pic at first. Was going to comment on the Patek...
Here’s some of mine, apologies for some rubbish pics...and hope the links work...
Should be my Rolex Explorer II, Breitling Super Ocean, Oris TT Chrono Ceramic, Seiko, Bell and Ross.
I have a few others but no photos (Omega Seamaster and Panerai Luminor 1950, after the father in law had a break in and a nightmare with the insurance company, the expensive watches are now kept in a family safe)
I probably wear the Seiko the most, I have another Seiko Divers somewhere, the blue one in the pic was a present from the wife so have to wear it, but I do quite like it. The Bell and Ross Was also a present from the wife so wear that for dinner/evenings out. The Oris is probably my personal favourite. The Panerai I really like, mainly because I wanted one for years, saved up for a long time to be able to afford it (and sold a bike!). The Rolex I got at a relatively good price due to previously living abroad and no VAT.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/hrcS8XCT4docmY4U6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/UtkzygMF8hPF5rbV6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/KfDKabiVvz6HzSTD8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/KfDKabiVvz6HzSTD8
Will be getting a new nice watch within the next year, just haven’t really seen much that takes my fancy within my budget.