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Well I've requested to return my watchswap watch. It is a small but nice looking old Oris on one of those expanding straps. I've been wearing it for a few days to regulate it and although it's tiny 30mm I've grown to the looks.
Regulation however is knackered. It swings wildly between -10 and +10 mins a day so barely counts as telling the time.
Unless I can find something quick, it's going to be the reliable but not so cool backup.
My package of two new watches arrived today from Zelos watches. I give you the amazing value proposition of the Zelos Swordfish 40mm.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zsu7owT1WMw69PYQJzw6hjhLK9aH5e2j/view?usp=drivesdk
Unfortunately I find it very difficult to take decent photos of watches.
Unfortunately I find it very difficult to take decent photos of watches.
Unless you sort out the permissions on the pic we'll never know! I would have been all over those 40mm Swordfish if I didn't have a 42mm bronze one already - as it is I just managed to talk myself out of it.
I need STW's help!
Im after a simple field/tool daily watch to replace an aged and battered G10, the requirements are;
numerals
date
cheap (which rules out an Oris Propilot) ideally less than £200
Must be solar/kinetic/auto ie no battery.
Future fixable ie new crystal when I inevitably scrape it.
I think I've narrowed it down to the following watches in order of preference but im not 100% on any of them for the following reasons hence a bit of STW assistance in choosing one!
4.
Seiko EN471 solar
downsides - 44mm case which is probably too big for my small/medium sized wrists.
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/KvFV4Qxb/237370026.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/KvFV4Qxb/237370026.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
3.
Seiko SN13Z13J
downsides - the unused 'real estate' round the outside of the upper dial face annoys me a little
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/2jnMzgpT/SNZG13J1.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/2jnMzgpT/SNZG13J1.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
2.
Orient Defender
downsides - bit overly fussy with the 2nd hour indicator dial
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/KvNWTL8M/RA-AK0402-E10-B.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/KvNWTL8M/RA-AK0402-E10-B.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
1.
Seiko SNK381
downsides - 38mm case is possibly too small, polished case - prefer brushed/blasted finishes
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/5y5RnQ5D/1df76ce0-ec29-11e5-9686-8a2491b8763d.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/5y5RnQ5D/1df76ce0-ec29-11e5-9686-8a2491b8763d.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Thoughts and comments please!
The finishing on the Orient will be a lot better than you'd expect for the price and the smaller hr dial effectively acts as an AM/PM indicator which helps when setting the date.
I'm buying that same model at some point soon but I'll put a NATO strap on it I reckon.
RNP - Get yourself on Timefactors forum , post and wait.
I have only had two days of "sales corner access" and .....it's been fun.
Posters often allow 10% to the website runner as a sign of gratitude.
If only STW learnt a little from this method of classifieds.
This fits your bill, +£75. on for sale.
[img] 
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Tz-uk is very good, very good indeed. Currently wearing my sc purchased pelagos.
Rusty, of those is pic the SN13Z13J, Ive had one in the past, it’s a good, very reliable watch and can be worn on loads of different straps.
However, I did buy my, rather large wristed brother a SNK381 and it does look bad at all on his wrists. He normally wears it on a leather strap. I’m sure you can find that watch with a brushed finish if you look around.
^thanks for the comments.
I should just buy the two Seiko's and be done with it but when I buy a watch it pretty much goes on my wrist and comes off again when it's broken ~10 years or so later so I don't want it annoying me for that long!
I was going to pull the trigger on the Orient earlier today but thinking about it for a few hours longer that 2nd 24hour indicator is still annoying me and it's the dearest watch out of them all.
It's going to be either the 381 or the 13z
The finishing on the Orient will be a lot better than you’d expect for the price and the smaller hr dial effectively acts as an AM/PM indicator which helps when setting...
A mate of mine rocked up with an Orient Triton the other day, I was amazed at the build quality tbh.
I've managed to knacker one of these 🤦🏻♂️. The regulation was all over the place from when I got it (from Creation). It's a 2ish years old and recently started running 2hrs/days fast. When I tried adjusting I accidently moved the beat regulator (not that it was useable anyway). It doesn't really work at all now. I looked at servicing costs but it's similar to what the watch costs. It also has a tiny bit of lume on the inside of the dial which has driven me crazy from the moment I noticed it 😬. Not sure what to do with it now 🤷🏻♂️ assume it's worthless.
I've got my eyes on one of these now. Looking to buy from UK supplier this time though. Price alert set up on Camel Camel Camel. I know it it's a bit of a Tudor rip-off, but I really like it:
I've got an app in my phone called Clock Tuner. It doesn't tell you the beat error, but it does give a trace like one of those fancy machines so you could see how re adjusting the beat regulator works.
Although if it's 2hours per day out, there's probably something more fundamentally broken than that. What movement? Probably just easier to swap it, can be done DIY, I managed it!
@ross980, currently £136 at Creation Watches, I only know this as I'm looking too.
Not UK but the service and shipping is always very good from them. https://www.creationwatches.com/products/orient-watches-252/orient-mako-iii-ra-aa0011b19b-sports-automatic-200m-mens-watch-14879.html
These look good to
Got to add Duty/VAT and handling fee to Creation though. I got stung with it last time. It's cheaper on eBay once that's factored in. Next watch I get in double checking dust/lume under the glass before I start wearing and will be returning if not perfect. My Seiko was a Japanese made one which are supposed to have better QC 🙄
Got to add Duty/VAT and handling fee to Creation though. I got stung with it last time. It’s cheaper on eBay once that’s factored in. Next watch I get in double checking dust/lume under the glass before I start wearing and will be returning if not perfect. My Seiko was a Japanese made one which are supposed to have better QC 🙄
If you choose the royal mail ~£6 option you don't end up paying import duties/tax. The free shipping option does. Not sure how it works plenty of Google about it
@ross980 - I just looked, 4R35 movements are £37 to £40 on eBay, would be a lot cheaper to have whoever you would used to service just to swap it. There are also people who offer SKX007 upgrades for about £100 including the movement, it's essentially the same job.
If you decide to replace I'd have the old one off you for a few quid, (to you or charity) and fix it.
OOS on Creation. Ended up just ordering from Amazon.it , much cheaper than Amazon.co.uk
For anyone else looking for similar things it's often worth looking at Amazon .fr .de.es.it etc. The prices vary wildly and can be a lot cheaper, even with currency conversion and postage (at least for now whilst there's no VAT/Duty!).
I think I'm going to hang on to it @tthew , I might try and swap the movement myself at some point in the future.
I might try and swap the movement myself at some point in the future.
Good plan, if its already broken, you've little to loose! There are lots of YouTube films showing how to upgrade the SKX's to that movement and you won't have the complication of changing the stem. You will have to change the date wheel across and the hands are the most tricky bit, but not impossible.
So how are the Watch Swappers' watch searches going? I had my eye on a few, missed a couple, have now hit a bit of a dry spot. Hmm.
I did find this though, which brought on a pang of nostalgia as my very first watch, circa 40 years ago...
I've hopefully got something arriving this week.
If it's as good as the eBay pics I think the person receiving it will quite like it, we'll see!
Difficult! Just missed out on a couple this weekend. Well I say missed out, I appeared to come second but you don't know how much the winner was willing to go over the final price.
I know one has been sent, it should be with the new owner very soon, if not already.
Update on my Heimdallr.
It eventually arrived after 3.5 months, and looked good.
The lime then fell out of the 12 o'clock position in the bezel. Cue contract with Heimdallr and them saying they would send me a new bezel.
I was walking out on Sunday, when hit by the torrential rain. Crown screwed in on said watch - but 1/2 hr later the glass is completely fogged up.
Heimdallr now say they will replace - I am saying refund - as it is nor fit for purpose. Let see how long this is going to take ...
Caveat Empor, guys and gals ....
Heimdallr now say they will replace – I am saying refund – as it is nor fit for purpose. Let see how long this is going to take …
I'd want a refund too but unless they've an EU presence (and if they do the 3.5 months suggest that's not where you bought your watch) I reckon you'll struggle to get one. You might just have been unlucky, Heimdallr get decent reviews so a replacement just might save fruitless hassle.
Well, that did not take long, first TZ-uk classified purchase on wrist. Really delighted.
Just bought something so need to make space - is anyone interested in these? After £110 for the diver and £60 for the dressier one, both have brand new straps and batteries.
Picked up for my 50th just before lockdown and I'm only just getting around to posting here.
Can’t see pictures toofarwest?
Ahh that didn't work, to be honest I've not tried uploading since Photobucket started charging for hosting.
Watch swap watch has arrived and it’s spot on, though the strap is terrible, I may yet replace it.
Lucky recipient, I will get it in the post shortly.
Not suitable for the £30 watch thing, but does anyone want a free watch? Leather Nato is tired but the black one is new (and cheap). Keeps good time but has an incredible loud movement and is cheaply made.
Ooo, come on toofar, you have me interested now!
I'm thinking ahead to my own 50th currently. Still 2.8 years away but it takes me ages to choose nice watches!
Current considerations, after the wife shook her head when I showed her a Pam 372, are: GS Snowflake, Rolex op39 white dial, white dial black bezel SMP. Or if somehow very flush.... Rose gold tresor. Next week may be a different list.... Who knows.
But if Rolex ever do a white dialed in explorer my decision is made.
I’d want a refund too but unless they’ve an EU presence (and if they do the 3.5 months suggest that’s not where you bought your watch) I reckon you’ll struggle to get one. You might just have been unlucky, Heimdallr get decent reviews so a replacement just might save fruitless hassle.
They have said they will not refund an “old watch” - so 6 weeks old, broken bezel, and not waterproof. Has to be sent to CH to be returned, and I will get a replacement - not chance of a refund.
Maybe my experience is bad, maybe I should have not dealt with them directly ... but I have hated the experience - so even when I get a replacement (let’s see if that happens) it will never get worn.
Buy from them knowing the risk
Hi Neil, I’m pretty much the same age as you and currently saving for my 50th birthday watch. We have similar tastes, I’m humming and harring over a few watches and change my mind pretty much every week.
As I’ve said on here before, I just don’t like Rolex. But they make so much sense to buy as they won’t lose any money. My white face Explorer II is a bit to “bling” for me. I love my Panerai, but haven’t had it since lock down as it’s in the father in laws safe. The grand Seiko in your list floats my boat, I like the fact that most people won’t know it’s an expensive watch.
My only advice is to not let your Mrs interfere with your choice. My wife has bought me a few watches that are expensive, and being absolutely honest, her choice is not what I would choose. But they were gifts so I can’t complain.
Currently high up on my list is a Glashutte Original Senator, something a bit different, expensive and the nagging feeling I have is that the future value will drop significantly.
https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Glashutte-Original-Senator-Chronograph-Panorama-Date-Mens-Watch/p/17140354/#fo_c=655&fo_k=523e8b5132a4fb9401e8ada537c5cd26&fo_s=slisys
New watch Friday! Ready for all the rain.
That's nice, I like that.
The old £30 watch swap is going to the wire for me, watching (pardon the pun) a few but I bet they're all going to go north of thirty quid. Then there's others that I kind of like, but I'm not bowled over by, but will that have to do? Time's a tickin' (see above)
Hi woodster! You've a fiddy haven't you? I never used to like panerai but having seen some really great photos and read a bit more of the brand they appeal more. I like bigger watches despite a 6.75" wrist. I like tool/divers, hence the 41.5mm 8500 PO (black dial), pelagos on (blue) and sumo (green). The size, tool look and simple styling of a fiddy appeal but I'm undecided, it seems too simple and value wise is poor (although I'd likely buy used to overcome that). Generally my Mrs tastes match my own so I still her view as a guide, but she knows it's my watch and my choice.
Yeah the explorer 11 doesn't appeal to me. I do like the original explorer 1 but don't want it black dialed.... I think. If they do a white one I'd be keen, and the op 39 very nearly fits the bill....I just want the 369 dial!
The Snowflake does look incredible and my engineering background means good movements are something I look for, the coax escapement sold me the po and the spring drive could sell me the Snowflake. It's a strong contender!
The SMP I've always liked and I was close to getting a blue one last summer as my wedding present but then the smurf pelagos came along and I loved that so much! I think I've a soft spot for Omega divers though and either the silver with blue bezel or white with black would be different enough from my other watches... The white when black is gorgeous I think.
The tresor would be a pure stress watch and..wow it's stunning in rose gold, but I'd probably hardly wear it.... Weddings and funerals only error thing!
The glashutte does have a sweet vintage look! I too would be fearful of how much it would drop in value. Personally I'd not have a problem buying used but can see not everyone wants to, especially for a big occasion watch. It'll cost more to own too with those complications, but it's very attractive.
It's a fun journey, choosing.
The old £30 watch swap is going to the wire for me, watching (pardon the pun) a few but I bet they’re all going to go north of thirty quid.
I think we're all pissing in the same pot and outbidding each other. 😊 I've tried looking at other sources, but pickings are slim outside e-bay.
Ok let's try again
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[url= https://i.ibb.co/M6Z8Q3Y/FB-IMG-1597924056381.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.ibb.co/M6Z8Q3Y/FB-IMG-1597924056381.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://i.ibb.co/rpx7N2H/FB-IMG-1597924065150.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.ibb.co/rpx7N2H/FB-IMG-1597924065150.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Very nice toofarwest. Now you know how to upload photos let’s see one on the wrist (sounds rude but you know what I mean!)
I like the history behind zenith, especially the el Primero and cal 400 being used by Rolex for the Daytona.
I'd been looking at speedmasters prior to this, didn't really know much about Zenith until I came across a watchfinder vid then started looking into the brand.
[url= https://i.ibb.co/brrkBQ2/FB-IMG-1597924070574.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.ibb.co/brrkBQ2/FB-IMG-1597924070574.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
I’m liking the Zenith a lot.
This is now leading my next watch purchase debate at the moment....
Ah man, I should banned from the internet! I’m now even thinking I could sell my Blackbay 58 to buy the Zenith....
Ooo nice, wl primero, quality chrono. My perception of zenith is a quality brand that flies under the radar bit deserves more respect than it gets.
That link just leads to a 404, page not found error - did you buy it w00dster?
The Zenith I like is Zenith El Primero 50th Anniversary A384 Revival Original 1969 37mm. I think it’s £6500 from WoS, but can be bought for under £5k though.
Unfortunately I have a wife who also has expensive hobbies, so the purse strings are tightly closed for now.
Next month I’ve got Mrs W’s 40th birthday gift to pay for......which conveniently will help me if I do decide on the Daytona for my 50th.