Watches N+1...

Stevet1
My other half has a Tissot t touch solar that he got whilst coming through GVA after a ski trip. I left him alone to go for drinks with a friend in the BA lounge and when we met up again he'd bought that watch !

Anyway, he's had it for about 8 years and it most definitely has not gone kaboom. It's not as big as some of his watches (Brietling Chrono Avenger), it's not bulky and it is fairly lightweight. The functions appeal to his geeky side (he's got a big inner geek) and it's the watch he takes when we go skiing as it's got an altimeter and that's handy when ski touring.

The original watch strap died which is a shame but he replaced and it looks great. Feel free to message if you want any more information.

with the SPORK, it had stopped on the 17th, and you have to wind forwards continuously to change the date every twenty-four hours, which took several minutes

Well that does sound like a right Kommandirskie-level PITA. Surely it's broken though? I've a couple of 7s26 movements in an SKX779 and a SNK805, both with day/date and they can be advanced on the first click out. Even my old 70s 7005-8042 will do that.
Anyway CZ, broken or whatever, hacking or not, I'm definitely with you that £70 or so is a bargain if it puts a watch you love back on your wrist more regularly.

Woah there Count Zero.

The NE15 is a direct like for like swap with the 6R15, it just doesn’t have the Seiko branding

It does not have hacking.

Are you sure about that? The 6r15 in my Alpinist hacks.

Thanks sprootlet, appreciate the review. You're not helping though as I'd just about decided to be sensible and leave it. I have Suunto Observer Ti already which is another ABC watch, but the Tissot is just... well.. cooler.

It was late and beery when I answered - no tbh, my Seiko movements are mainly 7s and 4r

I was going off count zero saying no hacking on his spork and wanted him to be aware that it was a like for like.

The 4r15 calibre is non-hacking, and date adjustment is by winding the hands forward - I checked the date adjustment against online references to that movement.
Putting a 6r15 or NE15 would actually bring the SRP045K up to a Prospex standard, quality-wise, and they retail around £750, so even going for a 6r15 would bring my total outlay up to £475ish, and considering just how much gets spent modding SKX007’s and the overall quality of the spork and the short time it was available, I honestly think it would actually be worth it; they were only in production for 22 months, from 2009 into 2011.
One reviewer has been checking serial numbers, his earliest was May 2009, 95xxxx, latest February 2011, 12xxxx; mine is 960xxx, so early/mid 2010, or thereabouts.
Seeing as I’m highly unlikely to ever part with it, and value/scarcity equation means it’s unlikely to ever really drop in value anyway.
The 4r15 and 6r15 do both have a 50 hour power reserve, which is nice to have as well...
😁

The SPORK has a one piece crown and stem and you might need to change this to work with the new movement. I'm not sure if there are any aftermarket or alternative crowns for a SPORK so something to look into before buying a new movement for it.

If I wanted to build my own watch, well assemble really, where would I start?

I’m thinking dress watch, stainless case, white dial, simple, refined, bit of lume, only time needed, date ok.

I assume I need case (with crystal, crown and back), movement, hands, dial, tools to assemble it - anything else?

Any recommendations where to look?

Would I be better modifying a watch that’s similar to what I’m after?

How bad a mess am I likely to make? (I can index gears and set brake callipers 😉)

This is not quite my style but I really like it

San Martin Diver Watch 6200 Retro Water Ghost https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0Zi6Rp

@igm - there are a few options for kit builds which would probably be the best place to start, you'd at least know the parts "should" fit together even if it doesn't seem like it when you're doing it plus you get the correct tools etc as well for when you want to go off-piste with your own builds.

DIY watch club

I've often fancied it but I'm cackhanded at the best of times let alone with something small and fiddly.

If I wanted to build my own watch, well assemble really, where would I start?

If it were me I'd start with either a Seiko SKX 007/009 or a Vostock Komanderskie/Amphibia. You've got a massive range of mod parts for both and both are relatively inexpensive if you really bugger something up, but robust so it's fairly unlikely anyway. And of course you start with everything you need the right size so you can measure stuff to ensure you are buying compatible bits.

There are loads of modding video's on YouTube and definitely at least one longer film about buying all the bits to make from scratch if you really want to go that way.

I’m thinking dress watch, stainless case, white dial, simple, refined, bit of lume, only time needed, date ok.

If it were me I’d start with either a Seiko SKX 007/009 or a Vostock Komanderskie/Amphibia

Now that's what I call a challenging modding project!

Now that’s what I call a challenging modding project!

Ha - I skimmed past that bit, but you can get plain chamfered bezels for the Vostok's that make them look much less diver-y.

@igm, I've mulled over the same idea before, once you've fiddled with and modded a couple of watches (probably the best place to start really) you do start considering the idea of designing and making your own somehow, there's a huge variety of movements so you could start off with something cheaper and go from there...

I'd say it's probably useful look at all the parts you can get from somewhere like cousins, that gives you an idea of what you'd need, and watch a few of the watchmaking tutorial type videos you can find on YT, many are long and somewhat dull TBH, but then you probably need to be aware of just what's involved.

Lot's of people probably run out of ability and/or patience before they get as far as doing a movement swap, so designing and assembling a watch is probably more of a commitment than you might initially appreciate...

Hmmm.

Might get one of those kits and take it from there.

Took an iPhone 4 apart for a screen swap and most of it worked afterwards.

I should be ok.

All, can I pick your brains.....
Got a SKX031 which is in fair condition, however second hand fell off after I dropped it, doh!!
Two trains of though:
1. Get it repaired and possibly modded, new movement, dial, hands etc. Any recommendations?
2. Buy a new watch, much like the SKX031, again any recommendations?
I like the size and fit of the 031 as a guide, thanks.

Evening all,

Thanks to this thread, unbeknown to me, it seems that I have Omega Seamaster 2254 shaped hole that needs filling!

Not having ever bought a 2nd hand watch, I’m not quite sure how to go about getting one and what I should be asking...

For example
What years was the watch made?
Can I check the serial number myself?
Should I be concerned about the service history
Is getting a 15 year watch an issue?
What else should I be asking/thinking about and any recommendations for a reputable seller.

Thanks for your help...

There's one in tz-uk sales corner now, priced at £2550.

That may not help, if you aren't a member you can't get access for ages.

Find a dealer you trust. Service history, or rather when it was last serviced, gives confidence. If it's not been serviced for say... Over 5 years, then budget for a service.

Oh and 15 year old watch, not an issue. It'll be good for another 100.

Not sure where the serial number is, think it might be in the case near) on a lug but visible on that. Some watches (eg Rolex) have it between the lugs so you need to remove the bracelet/strap.

Thanks Neil. Tz-Uk seems unlikely in the short term, having just seen the conditions...!

Appreciate the reassurance of the age of the watch.

Anyone know trusted dealers in the south east?

Got a SKX031 which is in fair condition, however second hand fell off after I dropped it, doh!!

If it's otherwise working it should just be a matter of unscrewing the back, popping out the crown, dropping out the movement and carefully replacing the second hand. No point doing any more if you don't have to. All of that will be easily found on YouTube though the only bit that isn't necessarily obvious is pushing the wee lever that holds the crown in. And make sure you replace the second hand pointing to 12 with the minute hand hitting an index or everyone will point and laugh.

If you're really after a new watch (and why not?) then it's hard to recommend any replacement in particular because there's just so much around that looks similar to yours but if I was particularly after an affordable Seiko around 40mm the SRPE61K1 is a handsome watch. No rotating bezel so not diver-y looking but most of the Seiko 5 dive style watches are 42mm which you might find a bit bigger than you're used to.

I can recommend Paul at Tempus Watch Mods. My SKX007 is less than a year old and was losing about 2-3 minutes a week. I contacted him to ask about a movement upgrade and he actually dissuaded me from upgrading the movement, saying that although 20 seconds a day is within spec for the 7S26 movement he could almost certainly regulate it to be more accurate.

I sent the watch off and asked him to replace the bezel insert with a ceramic one as close to original as possible, and fit a flat sapphire to it too - I wanted a functional upgrade but didn't want it to look significantly different.

He did a superb job. The watch is now keeping great time, it's lost 15 seconds in the last two weeks (which I do understand is better than can usually be expected) and the new bezel and sapphire look great without dramatically altering the watch's aesthetic, in my opinion:

@johnners & Pierre, thanks. Watch needs a new bezel as mines a bit scuffed, I may attempt myself and buy a watch repair kit from the 'bay.

The Timefactors website opened for orders this afternoon and I’ve gone for a Baby Dreadnought. Hopefully it won’t be too small...

Was thinking about selling my 2254 now I’ve moved on to an IWC. Has been my daily wearer for last 6 years so isn’t mint with a few battle scars but would polish up. Prob due a service but would price to reflect this. Has the box and manual. Can send some pics at the weekend if you like?

Not really the type of thing that this thread goes for but I'm selling a brand new in box and unworn, never even turned on Wahoo smart watch for £250 on the classifieds if anyone's after something gadgety to go with their actual watches?

@inbred853 I'll be surprised if you manage to obtain a replacement bezel (last time I saw an OEM it was £110 - which is a crazy price considering the full watch is probably 2-300).

If you get stuck give me a shout as I'm in the process of refurbing one.

Seems like you are lucky to get your order in st. Closed in about 5mins despite no new Everest's to fly out the door.

Cracking watches though. Still love my PRS-30 Bronze after 7 odd years.

@Saccades, sorry meant bezel insert, seen a few aluminium and ceramic ones that look okay. I purchased a bezel off of an Asian vendor on the bay, however once fitted was as tight as **** to turn.
Saw a Yobokies one for sale @ $80 if I recall correctly.
https://theyobokies.com/?mod=product&sec=item&task=detail&id=406
Edit $58

Ah, no worries.

Plenty of inserts available. I know there are some aftermarket bezels from the Philippines, didn't realise yobokies did them too (not looked through his stuff for an age).

I have an aftermarket yobokies bezel on my Stargate - tis not great.

And a bnwt skx031 bezel that I'm pondering selling as the watch original is in decent condition (I was doing a factory level refurb with new OEM bits but it's my dad's old watch so something more sympathetic might happen). Dunno, everything is on hold until finances/covid is sorted tbh.

I'm sure the bezel I bought was from the Philippines,will check, good quality, but as I said very tight.
Same position as yourself with finances/ COVID, possibly a long project.

I'm still hooked on 70s quartz. Where else could you get a dial like this for £150?

Very nice. I like a good square / rectangular dial and the 70s is probably the best era for good examples.
I was looking at quartz as a potential birth year watch (80s) but it's such a crap decade for watch design for obvious reasons.
There are a handful of 80s releases that are nice, and the few models that persisted right through but tend to be £££ like Subs, Speedys or OysterPrinces.

Well my birthday present to myself arrived, 20 days from order which I think is pretty good, and I avoided import tax so for £87 I give you:

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I tried to capture the domed crystal and sunburst blue dial. Its does feel a little cheap at the crown/adjustment and the bezel doesn't ratchet but its an ideal Beach watch for Hols I reckon, buy hey, being a Vostock it'll never drown in the pool.

I was after a batman GMT and nearly bought a Steinhart, but I'm glad I bought something I give less of a toss about on holiday.

my birthday present to myself arrived

That's very nice, quite clean and almost classic looking (for a Vostock!) though I could live without the scuba dude. I do like the crystals on those. I'm a sucker for a cheap watch myself, I think maybe because I can enjoy them more when there's little financial hazard involved and it's easier to be satisfied with a relatively inexpensive purchase.

its an ideal Beach watch for Hols I reckon

Absolutely! But so's my £10 Casio...

I’m still hooked on 70s quartz. Where else could you get a dial like this for £150?

Have a look at the Seiko Recraft releases if that kind of retro quirk lights your flame, they're around that kind of money if you can find them - availability is a bit patchy for new but they often come up on ebay. 7s26 rather than quartz though. I rather like the look of this one -

Love that Scuba Dude. Vostocks are brilliant.

Old School time. Going through my late Dad's house, I came across this ladies' watch in a dresser. It's very corroded - possibly steel, but I'd like to have it restored for Mrs CB to wear. The crown is missing, but I've wound it by pushing the ratchet wheel and it runs for a short time before stopping again.

In my novice view, a new crown, a clean and lube and a case refinish and we're good to go.

Any recommended restorers out there?

PSA, 10% off Orient at Creation with the promo code “ORIENT”. May treat myself to one of these.

I really love the learning opportunity this thread provides. Having shown off my new Vostock above I did some post purchase reading ay the weekend, which led to this really good article about the mechanics of a Vostock design:

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/vostok-amphibia-an-analysis-of-design-methodology.491757/

Its a very interesting read, and if you don't know already will teach you the mechanics of a domed crystal and the - always amazing to me - engineering of the movement but particularly the different mechanics of Vostock vs Other design. Despite it likely being much more simplistic affair I was remarkably overwhelmed to find I have a micro clutch in my Vostock crown, amazeballs...

Anyone who owns, or plans to own an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch might be interested in a new set of Velcro straps that replicate the ones fitted for the astronauts. They’re not cheap, but they have the NASA logo on, and come in three colours. Further down the article, though, there’s information about an exact replica that’s very much cheaper.
https://www.wired.co.uk/article/omega-nasa-velcro-straps

@Lunge - I've got one of those, currently on a burgundy Zuludiver Veryan Nato. It's a fantastic watch, looks much smarter than most divers and for the money it's a no brainer.

I have a quartz omega seamaster 300 I’ve had for 25years. I bought it second hand then for £300.
I now have a brand new 300 auto so I would like to shift the quartz.
It’s in ‘fair condition’
Is eBay my best bet(I ****in hate eBay).
Many thanks in advance.
Gary.

I sell watches on here and bike parts on ebay.

@skin2020 Will send you a PM

This arrived via Kickstarter and it’s fast become my favourite. It’s like a Black Bay 58 Blue Bronze GMT. It’s not a true GMT but I’ll forgive that for the price of it compared to my Black Bay GMT...

Can you get different straps for G-Shock watches? Got one that's about 8 years old and the resin strap is a bit stiff. It would be more comfortable with a softer, more rubbery strap if such a thing exists?
Have got a Tissot T-Race that has a lovely soft strap. Haven't measured anything but that soft style of strap would be perfect.

Can you get different straps for G-Shock watches?

Definitely, both original and after market. My relatively new G-Shock has quick release spring bars on the straps too.

I like that Yema, is the gmt hand not independently adjustable?

Can you get different straps for G-Shock watches?

It’s possible to get adaptors that fit into the strap sockets and allow the use of a 22mm NATO/ZULU nylon strap.

@CountZero - like the idea of a NATO strap! Do you know where I can get the adaptors from please?

I like that Yema, is the gmt hand not independently adjustable?

It is, but it’s not a true GMT. I had it set to U.K. time when I got it but will inevitably set it to something else. Unfortunately the GMT hand is quickset, whereas you’d expect the hour hand to quickset when travelling.

Got ya.

@Bullet https://www.amazon.co.uk/Conversion-Strap-Adapters-MIL-Shock-GLS-5600/dp/B07NXWZ99M.

Others are available

Cheers Kryton!

Thanks Kryton, I haven’t been back for a day or so, so hadn’t picked up on the request, but I got mine ages ago, so I’d have had to resort to doing a search anyway!

[img] https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/uldfsmbsgJS9dTCvESjzCvBK8bgD4qXqjnroRmikfFp1scFm_swZExDE9LD_l6QkA-vNWcKXg9_FQWbFAq8sum1FmVjz7flRAMW7JcBHin2Sh6P2JH7IG1eE4eiQ-RSwQUjRODWI7A=w2400 [/img]

Being CuSn6 it patinas quite fast and was already getting a rich hue, then I went on a day trip to the beach and had a paddle and dipped my hand (to cold for more!). The hints of verdigris started in moments. The photo was the next day after a wash in soapy water.

Can anyone recommend straps for someone that basically never takes off their watch, I've found rubber straps moat robust but I do go through them quickly!

https://www.tudorwatch.com/en/watches/black-bay-chrono/m79360n-0002 I want this

I'm torn between the BB58 silver and the steel Explorer myself

@grim168

Saw the new Tudor chronos on Bar & Jack the other day. Cream dial is a stunner

Steveo straps. about £50 but handmade and I like the Paracanvas for 24/7 wearabilty.

Can anyone recommend straps for someone that basically never takes off their watch, I’ve found rubber straps moat robust but I do go through them quickly!

I’d have thought a good NATO would be the answer here, they’re pretty indestructible. Watch Gecko is worth a look.

Gosh that Tudor Panda...

Rubber straps - I've had a few, most comfortable is the crafter blue, they make ones to specifically fit certain watches, or have a standard one but only in 22mm.
https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/collections/rubber-watch-straps
For longevity and robustness though nothing beats the yellowdog rubber nato strap. It's hand made to your length, and can be made without the 'tail' part as a zulu strap. I like the low profile hardware as well. Mine is about 3 years old now and shows no sign of wear.
https://www.yellowdogwatchstraps.com/product-page/low-profile-hardware-rubber-nato

I've recently got a few Gemony two part NATO, they seem excellent.

I agree the Tudor panda looks good. I reckon I'd prefer to pay the extra for a zenith chronomaster sport, but the Tudor wouldn't be a disappointment.

I’m thinking of having a clear out. Anyone got an idea of value for an original seiko monster with the black face?

Had a look at all the new releases yesterday

Rolex,, irrelevant. You can't buy them anyway and the new ones are Instagram trash.

Tudor, much more like it, the chrono is stunning, but , silver ? really ? won't it be soft as hell for a watch case o na supposedly tough watch ?.

Here’s Wired’s run through the more interesting new releases of this years watches.

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/best-of-watches-wonders-2021
Check out the Panerai, using recycled materials, including the lume; I’ll take two, please! 🤣

Tudor, much more like it, the chrono is stunning, but , silver ? really ? won’t it be soft as hell for a watch case o na supposedly tough watch ?.

They make watch cases and bracelets out of 9ct gold, and platinum, although, to be fair, platinum is a pretty hard metal, as my goldsmith buddy will attest to, he hates working with the stuff! But while silver is unusual, it’s no softer than the gold used in high-end watches like Rolex, Breitling, etc.

I've got no time for tudor at all (badum tish!) but the vast majority of so called tool watches are basically cos-playing their toughness anyway so **** it, make one in silver - at least it's something a bit original which isn't something tudor are often accused of being.

I'd say the move to ceramic/saphire bezels and the ubiquity of saphire crystals suggests the manufacturers are more concerned with the sort of superficial toughness that prevents scratches on a desk-diver than actual "not gonna shatter and leave you without a working watch" ruggedness.

This rantette was brought to you courtesy of a bottle of cooking shiraz.

Plenty of old pocket watches in silver cases...ok they weren't tool watches but I guess .925 is as tough as 18k gold. O like the look of it, the taupe dial suits it. I can see it selling better than the gold one. A gold Tudor tool watch really seems odd to me.

I’ve got no time for tudor at all (badum tish!) but the vast majority of so called tool watches are basically cos-playing their toughness anyway so **** it, make one in silver – at least it’s something a bit original which isn’t something tudor are often accused of being.

What are you going on about? Tudor have been around for many years, they’re not copying anyone else, just look at the number of different brands that copy Rolex hands, ‘Pepsi’ bezel inserts, etc. Tudor make their own in-house movements, the current chrono one in conjunction with Breitling, and their Pelageos is as tough a tool watch as you could want, titanium case, in-house calibre with 70-hour reserve and 500m/1650ft water resistance. They even do a version for left-handed wearers, with the winder on the left side of the case, and compared to the likes of Rolex, not stupidly expensive for that standard of watch at £3440.
Now TAG Heuer, on the other hand...
(And I have a TAG, one of the very first ones, but I would have a Tudor Pelageos over any modern TAG any day).

A gold Tudor tool watch really seems odd to me.

That’s the thing, though, innit. Once you start fannying around with precious metals in the case, bracelet or other parts of the watch it’s posh jewellery, not something you’re going to wear every day. Titanium or stainless is more for tool watches, although some Grand Seiko watches have such highly polished steel cases it’s actually considered an art form! With prices to match.

316 stainless has a hardness of 140 HV - link
Argentium (a proprietary type of 925 silver) has a hardness of 60 HV rising to 125 if age hardened - link

I suspect Tudor are using Argentium or something similar

although some Grand Seiko watches have such highly polished steel cases it’s actually considered an art form! With prices to match.

I've just bought a GS springdrive and the polishing was unbelievable. Of course I simply wore it every day till that was fixed lol.

Well it's not a "proper" watch but I got a deal on a Ticwatch Pro 3 smart watch. My first dabble with a SW.

I can see why Tudors are so popular at their normal price range, but spending tens of thousands on a precious metal one? Fanboy stuff only IMO.

The new Tudor chronograph is right on trend too, actually nicer than the Daytona imo, and thankfully has a sensible quantity of text on the dial.

I've got a Pelagos LHD, it's a fantastic watch, and gets far more comments / compliments than any of my other watches.

There's a lot to like about the Pegalos. Even though I'm not a bracelet man myself, the clasp alone is a thing to behold, better than anything at that price point and beyond.

CountZero

What are you going on about? Tudor have been around for many years, they’re not copying anyone else, just look at the number of different brands that copy Rolex hands, ‘Pepsi’ bezel inserts, etc. Tudor make their own in-house movements, the current chrono one in conjunction with Breitling, and their Pelageos is as tough a tool watch as you could want, titanium case, in-house calibre with 70-hour reserve and 500m/1650ft water resistance. They even do a version for left-handed wearers, with the winder on the left side of the case, and compared to the likes of Rolex, not stupidly expensive for that standard of watch at £3440.
Now TAG Heuer, on the other hand…
(And I have a TAG, one of the very first ones, but I would have a Tudor Pelageos over any modern TAG any day)

"Meh, they're a self-referential in-house homage brand for people that don't have the money to buy a rolex but lack the imagination to look much further.

Obviously if you want a tool watch that looks like a Pelagos then great, the Pelagos is likely to figure amongst the top 5 or thereabouts"

Is what I'd say if I was trolling anyway. 😉

On a more serious note, there is a huge lack of objectivity in the watch world in general and "tool watches" are pretty much ground-zero for a lot of such nonsense.

It'd be cool to see someone like tudor design an actual tool watch, designed to be tough AF and see what they come up with.

Also, I previously wasn't a fan of tags but they've grown on me a lot recently and there's several I'd have ahead of any tudors, except that silver one - which is somewhat ironic.

Anyone got an idea of value for an original seiko monster with the black face?

SKX779? Not that much tbh, they're quite common. £150-250 and you'd be doing well, maybe a bit more if it's in really good nick on an original bracelet.

This rantette was brought to you courtesy of a bottle of cooking shiraz.

Lol.

That Tudor Chrono is now one of three watches on my 50th list, with the others being the SRQ031J1:

And the Tag Carrera:

Although the Tag maybe deferring to a Speedmaster becuase I already have an Aquaracer Crono.

The Tudor reminds me of the Hamilton Intramatic which I really like.