Ta will have a poke around the internet later. 👍
[img] 
[/img]
Mad to think I'm 46 this year and I've had this watch for half of that. It can tell a few stories.
Erika's Original straps are a bit spendy but much better than any generic NATO or similar.
Omegas are just ace aren't they.
I bought this lovely thing on August 8th 1992 from WoS in Manchester. And it's still going strong.
[img] 
[/img]
@derek@derek_starship sure are. Mine is heading in for a service in the next week or so. I'll miss it!
Wanted a Moonswatch but this was better value for money hahaha
[img] 
[/img]
Nice Kato, proper iconic.
I've got something new too, will pop some photo's up later.
as someone that doesnt know a fois from a moonwatch from a speedy pro from a reduced from a.....
what is it kato?
That's your classic Professional Moonwatch. Sapphire sandwich with the 1863 movement.
Lovely Nato I'm very envious. And poor, nothing coming from me soon I don't think, although I'm swooning over this:
Love a Casioak. Sold mine but keep looking at them so I imagine one will come back at some point
Ordered this tonight. I think it's stunning yet simple and I love the contrasting polished / brushed facets.
That's handsome
Unless one has genuine military provenance oneself I find this desire to wear regimental/ French navy unit colours a bit weird tbh.
Military spec generally means the cheapest option which hit the minimum requirements, it probably shouldn’t be used as any sort of guide to quality.
If you’d read the article, you’d know that the straps only come in that colour, because the material is sourced from parachute packs, and is a heavy-duty elastic, which is why the French navy divers adopted it - the watches were issued without a strap or bracelet. Do you actually believe that cheap, barely adequate materials would be used in manufacturing parachutes? Really? 🙄
Also, if you’d read further, then you’d have seen that the straps are available in black. As the NavyGraf was issued to the French Navy divers, and Yema actually sell the watch with an original spec strap made from original stock materials, then it’s an entirely appropriate combination.
If I was fitting one to another watch, then I’d choose plain black.
@Futureboy77 - I’m 69 this year, I’ve had my Rallygraf for around 51 of those years! It’s still keeping good time, but it has had a new mainspring and a service.
Well my Sub has just gone off to the nice man at Calibre for its regular 15 year service... The last one was at the official service centre in Mayfair. £600 of your British poonds but it needed a couple of minor bits. This one, Roly wanted £900, Calibre £450 so we'll see in a couple of weeks...
derek_starship
Free Member
Ordered this tonight. I think it’s stunning yet simple and I love the contrasting polished / brushed facets.Posted 12 hours ago
REPLY | REPORT
I had the release email for this, must say im tempted, but i also fancy a Casioak for some reason...
@Futureboy77 – I’m 69 this year, I’ve had my Rallygraf for around 51 of those years! It’s still keeping good time, but it has had a new mainspring and a service.
That's a good effort from your Rallygraf, but it (and it's movement) entirely predates the period when Yema was owned by Seiko and it's current ownership.
The article below, and the amount of stories reqarding poor quality and customer service was enough to make me walk away. Shame, as they are nice looking watches.
https://kaminskyblog.com/2022/12/01/yema-navygraf-heritage-review-in-house-caliber-or-bunch-of-cp/
Well my Sub has just gone off to the nice man at Calibre for its regular 15 year service… The last one was at the official service centre in Mayfair. £600 of your British poonds but it needed a couple of minor bits. This one, Roly wanted £900, Calibre £450 so we’ll see in a couple of weeks…
I don't foresee any problems. I've used Calibre a few times and they are good with communication, so no nasty surprises.
Another one for Calibre. My SMP300 is there just now.....
As the NavyGraf was issued to the French Navy divers, and Yema actually sell the watch with an original spec strap made from original stock materials, then it’s an entirely appropriate combination if you’re a French navy diver, otherwise you’re just dressing up as a matelot (with a crappy movement in your watch apparently)FTFY
Do you actually believe that cheap, barely adequate materials would be used in manufacturing parachutes? Really?
Yes, that's exactly why minimum specs exist.
Balls balls balls. I've been ghosted again by the (not really a) seller of the zenith I thought (wrongly) I was going to buy. Why would someone do that really? It's not my watch it's theirs and if they change their mind that's fine. No, instead I've spent the last 2 months sending occasional messages asking for an update and a convenient time for me to drive 100 miles to them to view and buy the watch. Balls. There is another chronomaster sport on tz for sale now.... But it's the black dial and I want the white. I'll have to wait.
Grrrrr.
Anybody going to Japan any time soon?
Anybody going to Japan any time soon?
A white chronomaster is pretty much my grail GADA watch. Jnr was on a school trip to Japan recently, but Mrs K put the slammers on me sending a parcel to his hotel. You can buy them at a decent price on Chrono24.
Indeed you can. Not that I'd be so naughty of course.
Next up my Orient Star Outdoor.
[img] 
[/img]
I'd be up for the recycled Promaster.
Damn this thread and Derek_Starfish!!!
Just got this for £90
https://www.watches2u.com/watches/timex/tw2v45300-mens-navi-watch.html
They have a nice looking automatic too, but I wasn't going to burden myself with the maintenance costs as a service on my Sea Master cleaned me out a couple of years ago.
richpips
Free Member
Next up my Orient Star Outdoor
I look at those a lot, mainly because I can't decide between the black dial and the textured grey dial but I'd never realised the blue was that shiny so now I'm wondering if the black is the same.
What do you think of the watch?
Thouroughly recommended, integrated FKM Seiko straps from Clockwork Republic. Have a look at the vids on the site, but integration, very soft rubber indeed and high quality with metal sleeves inside the straps for the spring bars to slot through. I bought one for my Samurai:
Before on a Zulu waffle:
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52751660098_e77fdc6905.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52751660098_e77fdc6905.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2onu3H1 ]IMG_3734[/url]
And after on the CR integrated strap:
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52751169651_60911a0483.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52751169651_60911a0483.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2onrwV2 ]IMG_3735[/url]
I couldn't work out how to embed a wrist roll vid, but its really taken the watch ups notch IMO.
Well I've gone for a Garmin in blue to replace my aging Samsung frontier.
https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/775697
Has anyone got one of those Baltany field style watches that Jody JOMW guy raves about?
I'm debating this for my upcoming 66th pension / bus pass year birthday.
Always wanted an Omega, but could never justify the spend. One day I always said.
If I don't do it now, I will never buy one.
(Used the same excuse on the 60th birthday to buy a BMW1200RT)
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/L8L1y7RM/Aqua-Terra.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/L8L1y7RM/Aqua-Terra.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
AT's are lovely. There is no debate to be had, get it bought!
I very nearly bought one of those a few years ago, lovely. I think the size is a bit big for my wrist though, so would probably go for the 38mm version now. Unfortunately the white 38 doesn't get the contrasting orange hand.
Very close homage for less than a 3rd of the price from Chris Ward.
It’s not an Omega though, if it’s special - buy the Omega.
I have the 42mm manual-wind. I've put it on a Hirsch strap.
It's been really reliable and I love the look of it.
[img] 
[/img]
@derek_starship - thanks
I really like the designs but weirdly the ones I prefer are self-wind or auto. I prefer quartz as I'm lazy
drnosh
Free Member
I’m debating this for my upcoming 66th pension / bus pass year birthday.Always wanted an Omega, but could never justify the spend. One day I always said.
I'd say do it - an Aqua Terra is all the watch you'll ever need, in that it's dressy, WR 150m, very accurate with the newer METAS movements, has a decent power reserve etc. And ultimately, if you *want* it (ie leaving aside the rational side of it), there's very little reason not to!
If i can ask a little advice... Where in London can i get a new battery and service for a Seiko perpetual calendar with 100m water resist? Most jewellers tell me they can replace the battery but not guarantee it's re-sealed/ tested. I can post it to Seiko Maidenhead but £££... I'd rather drop it off somewhere myself.
I thought even timpsons can do a pressure check these days
Can I ask some advice?
A while ago I put my name on a list with an AD for black Pelagos 39. She's contacted me, got one in, and I'm off to try it on next Wednesday.
Thing is, I can't really afford it without dipping into our life savings which Mrs K isn't happy about, so I'm thinking - assuming it fits etc - an available 0% deal without penalty for early settlement for when I eventually get a decent sales commission over the next couple of years would work.
Is this a step to far for a watch?
Why not? To be blunt, its a 'time to put your money where your mouth is' moment especially since you put your name on the waiting list.
I dont know the resale/used market for a Pelagos, but assuming there is a waiting list, its desirable. If its desirable, presumably it shall appreciate (or at least hold value).
For me, arent you just swapping one thing of value (cash) for another thing of value (watch)? Zero sum game whether that wealth is in cash or an asset....
For a widely available current model it probably is.
Well it would seem less than widely available seeing as I’ve waited 5 months to have one in stock.
SSS - thanks. Watch a lot of Pelagos 39 reviews and it’s very much described as THE Tudor, all the usual specs and looks, titanium, dual straps and 11.8mm depth undoing the atypical Pelagos bug bear of a “thick” watch.
I’ve slept on the question “is this a grail watch”. And worryingly I don’t know the answer. For sure it’s a desirable piece yet so is that Casioak, and with the Pelagos at the very top of my personal affordability ladder it’s one shot into a smaller collection which will force years of enjoyment without additional purchase - unless I flip it.
I don’t want to buy it to show off, i want to appreciate it and therefore I need answer the question - myself - of why I want to buy it. Becuase ultimately the Samuarai I posted up there does the same job and looks very respectable on a strap that may as well be a twin of the Tudor rubber.
I’ve slept on the question “is this a grail watch”. And worryingly I don’t know the answer.
It's not then, is it? Although tbh I'm not keen on the whole "grail watch" idea, it seems to require a degree of emotional involvement I've never experienced.
a smaller collection which will force years of enjoyment
Force years of enjoyment? Blimey.
Although that being said, if you think you can get a 0% deal and could flip it for minimal loss if you don't like it then what's the risk?
It’s not then, is it?
Quite. And as they say, its best never to realise your fantasy's / meet your heroes as they often disappoint. Perhaps much nicer to appreciate these watches from afar.
Although that being said, if you think you can get a 0% deal and could flip it for minimal loss if you don’t like it then what’s the risk?
There is that 😀
Here's what I'm looking at:
My one bug bear is that the straps aren't quick release, which may mean taking a tool & some spare spring bars on Hols...
Edit
For me, the thing to remember is these are the epitome of discretionary purchases. If you need to justify, get 'permission', convince, cajole and even finance them, it takes the joy out of it.
If you need to sell a kidney or put up with the cold shoulder, forget about it for now. I wouldn't be financing something like this. I know it's 0% and you (we) can convince ourselves it's a wise financial move. Yes on a purely financial level, free money for something that will probably appreciate over time looks like a good deal. But (for me), this sort of spend should come from freely available funds rather than committing cash that could be needed elsewear for more worthy stuff (cars/houses/surgery etc). You never know what's around the corner and if you're all maxed out on 'free' watch finance, that might restrict your future options on more important stuff.
It doesn't sound like you're convinced anyway as a) you're asking the question here and b) you've thought about it and haven't reached a decision.
If you can do it without aggravation (financial or relationship), bingo! If not, save up for it and then buy it. If it's your 'the' watch, you'll enjoy it all the more when it's aggro free.
Boblo, nail on head. After a coffee and watching Jody appreciate a yellow plastic Casioak, I came to post that same conclusion.
I'll still go to the AD and try it on because I need to see the fit/finish to know its want I want in the future, but as you say if I'm all good I can make it a savings target. And as I've changed my mind over the years about "the one" expensive watch anyway that strategy gives me the time to understand whether I really want it.
And we need a new bathroom, so er.... a priority my wife will appreciate much more. 😀
And we need a new bathroom, so er…. a priority my wife will appreciate much more.
I'm willing to bet you "need" a new bathroom as much as you "need" the Pelagos. I don't doubt your wife will prefer the bathroom though!
Oh no we need a new bathroom alright, ours is in tatters, we've been here 11 years and it was decorated/fitted about 11 years before that... It works is the best I can say about it TBH.
Boblo makes an excellent argument, and i would agree, id never purchase it on finance either, always pony up the cash for this purchase.
However, im going to throw this in the ring....
You have coveted this watch for a long time, and talked about it on many occasion. I have you down as a hard working, low maintenance kinda guy. Work hard, look after your family etc.
So this is for you, a small piece youve always wanted to dedicate to your, well, dedication.
If you save up, there will ALWAYS be more pressing needs for the funds. There always is, or 'oooo i better not spend that just in case'. With a high value purchase, because your a family man there will ALWAYS be explanation/cajoling required.
Better to have loved and lost - than to never have loved before. As said, you can always flip it, if it isnt your grail watch and re-realise the value.
You are having pre-buyers remorse right now, thinking youll get buyers remorse. But what if you dont??
Like others on this forum thread, im quite sure you get asked, incredulously, 'you paid how much for a watch'?? To which i respond 'you paid HOW much for a car?? And its worth 50% of what you paid now, my watch has held/appreciated in value'.
Await thought processes to kick in and the realisation...
Maybe, just maybe, emotion does have to get in the way....
I have you down as a hard working, low maintenance kinda guy.
LOL
Clarification - in this context 'low maintenance' means not an alcoholic/druggie/petrolhead/gambling addict- who fritters away vast sums of the families income on a daily/weekly basis 😀
low maintenance
This is the same guy who is considering taking a change of watch strap and a spring bar tool on holiday with them.
That sapphire Speedy I posted is one of my “grail” watches. Initially didn’t buy it as I had the opportunity to buy a Rolex. The Rolex was very nice but it just didn’t excite me. I’d put it on and forget about and put it away and not think ooooooh.
I am always looking at the Speedy now and it’s the first watch I pick out. I’m sure that will change but at the moment it’s really special.
If you don’t feel that way about the Pelagos don’t buy it. I was lucky enough to turn a profit on the Rolex so didn’t lose out. But these expensive trinkets we like so much really can be a waste of money sometimes
LOL
Even I laughed, I am hard working sometimes to my own detriment, but low maintenance? No... 😀
I appreciate the advice though SSS, thanks.
I'd argue if it's one of the years most hyped releases and all you needed to do was put your name down and wait a few months to get one from an AD at RRP then it's widely available enough and will only become more available as demand reduces.
By contrast for the last 2 years I've been trying to get hold of a particular Orient model only released in Brazil and now discontinued. I've had numerous google translate conversions with various Brazilian Orient dealers and had people in Brazil on holiday trying to track one down - neither with any success. As such my benchmark for widely available might be set slightly differently!
Had anyone use Creation Watches recently?
Did you have to pay import duties, Vat etc?
Hellooooo Bolbo is seconded. It's nice to look and there is a good thread on TZ-UK about climbing the tree and then enjoying and relaxing with lower fruit.
Currently wearing a sterile SanMartin Explore with a old parachute webbing fabric strap.
Had anyone use Creation Watches recently?
Did you have to pay import duties, Vat etc?
Yes
No
Basically, couldn't be easier.
Used Creation last year. Absolutely no bother as long as you don't mind the wait of a couple of weeks for postage.
I've not used Creation for 9yrs so thought I'd check
Thanks
Anyone got any good ideas for a replacement 20mm strap for this?
Yesterday after all the fuss I had a few drinks whilst watching the rugby, and made a drunk purchase of the Casioak GM-2100c-5aer. Beats the 12 bottles of Miracle Car Polish from QVC that happened many years ago I suppose.
That's the years toilet paper budget for the new bathroom gone 🙃
If I still drank, I'd have doubled down on the Tudor as well and be really in the sh1t by now... Hence why I don't drink 🙃
Ha ha. I’m going to let it arrive so I can have a look at it, but if I keep it something else has to go, probably the Citizen AT - the watch I hate to love.
Looks better than the £90 that it cost me.
Anyone got strap recommendation for the Citizen above?
Something to liven it up, preferably leather
Steveostraps
He’ll make you exactly what you want
Try the Zulu diver site? Lots of nice straps there, perhaps a black strap with a subtle grey stripe would look nice on that.
IvanDobski
Free Member
richpips
Free Member
Next up my Orient Star OutdoorI look at those a lot, mainly because I can’t decide between the black dial and the textured grey dial but I’d never realised the blue was that shiny so now I’m wondering if the black is the same.
What do you think of the watch?
I like it. Legibility without glasses is one of my main wants and it ticks that box. Good lume also.
There appears to be quite a choice of dials. I nearly went for a browny green before I remembered I'm not a prepper.
Anyone got a Seiko Presage?
I'm looking for a dress watch (under £500) and they seem lovely but most only have mineral glass and I'm a clumsy oaf
The Tissot PRX with blue leather strap looks lovely too.
Crikey, every time I post on this thread the conversation stops. Oops
Nah I see you! Are you talking about the cocktail time ones? They are very nice and I quite fancy the green one myself
[url] https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Seiko-Presage-Cocktail-Mockingbird-40.5mm-Mens-Watch-SRPD37J1/p/18440016 [/url]
As for PRX's I really want to like them but I'm not sure I love the 70's integrated bracelet look
@Kato - that's one but I think the Irish Coffee version is nicer.
The PRX blue leather looks a bit nicer to me than the SS integrated version
I like the cocktail time's they are handsome watches and reasonably priced imo. Mineral glass doesn't put me off at all. To be fair I had a Chinese Seagull chrono which had a plexiglass crystal and managed to keep it scratch free!
I'd go automatic on the PRX. The waffle dial on the auto is visually more interesting. They've just released an "ice blue" one which is rather nice
I like a nice acrylic crystal, (if that's not an oxymoron) easy to polish if it does get a scuff. Would you wear a watch like a cocktail time in a situation where it's likely to get damaged?
The Negroni one is my particular favourite, I'm a bit partial to the drink too! 😋