Watches N+1...
 

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Watches N+1...

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Neilneville thanks for response, I nearly went for the black bay but like you suggest am going to give it some time to decide. That bronze version does look good and did not realise the case was bigger.


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 9:09 am
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Practical? It tells the time and date. I’m not sure what you mean

Depends what you mean by practical

Yeah I mean, how wearable is it everyday, y'know - when I'm not diving down to 200m which I do every weekend obvs. Is it the equivalent of buying an intense M1 to commute on because it looks great?

Have you looked at the Seiko Turtles? I’m currently lusting after the “Save the Ocean” version.

Indeed I have, and initially I liked the samurai version but now the Turtle has grown on me and I actually prefer it. Going to have to look at one in the metal I think. I've narrowed it down to either that, or this Hamilton which is at the other end of the spectrum as far as 'look at me!' watches go but I think it looks great, expecially on a Nato strap
https://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en-gb/h70455733-khaki-field-auto.html


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 9:27 am
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the number of people who have actually been 200m deep are in the hundreds at most, I'd bet less than 200 people and I would also hazard a guess that not a single one of them was relying on a watch 🙂

from what I can remember the limits are reference to the destruction test that they do on the watch case and 200m means anything to 20m is rock solid for water ingress, 1000m means solid to 100m.


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 10:38 am
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🙂

Unless an heirloom or a gift, it's a piece of male jewellery, designed to project an image or reassure the owner.

Nothing wrong with that, obviously, but at least be honest.


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 11:12 am
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Just a piece of jewellery, I agree.


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 11:29 am
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Men only really get to universally wear one piece of jewelry. Some dudes can rock wrist bands or necklackes but most of us, watches are all we got.

So take it seriously


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 12:09 pm
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Sprocker, I just found this read about the bronze bay patina.... And answered my own question

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-patina-diaries-living-with-the-tudor-black-bay-bronze

Btw, if the bronze interests you, Bucherer have a limited edition with a blue bezel not brown, it's got a waiting list though I think.


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 12:20 pm
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Just went past a shop in Kingston’s shopping centre - 3 second hand subs in the window at £8k each...


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 12:43 pm
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Men only really get to universally wear one piece of jewelry. Some dudes can rock wrist bands or necklackes but most of us, watches are all we got.

So take it seriously

This is my take. A wedding ring and a watch is all the jewelry I wear. So there is nothing at all wrong with wearing something a bit indulgent.


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 12:57 pm
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I have an old G-Shock which gets used a beater
My grandfather's Pocket watch - never used, but has pride of place in my watch box
Vintage Pulsar Solar Titanium
Elliot Brown Tyneham
Stowa Verus Hand wind
Looking for a nice auto/hand wind Chrono to add. A few I like, but all out budget 🙁


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 1:05 pm
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£8000! I sold my Submariner about 5 years ago for £2000.


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 1:06 pm
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neilnevill

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Anybody got experience or views on Stowa or Laco? Flieger model A in particular.

Posted 2 weeks ago

Ive had an ikarus, and currently have a Verus Hand wind. Quality is excellent. Extremely pleased and would love to add more Stowa's to my collection


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 1:21 pm
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So question to Rusty...
I have a Rolex, Panerai, Breitling, Bell & Ross, Omega and Oris. (Sorry for the willy waving, but I wanted to make a point)
My Oris was £1800, I paid £800 for it new / old stock. I generally only wear the Oris. What image would I be projecting or what re-assurance do I need when I wear my cheapest watch on a day to day basis?
Surely if I needed re-assuring I would wear my Rolex? Or if I wanted to project an image of myself as some sort of watch connoisseur then it would be the Panerai?
I do accept that all they do is tell the time, but the same can be said for most expensive things. People who drive a Range Rover, probably only need a Clio, who needs a Santa Cruz when a Boardman will do etc etc. (I drive a Berlingo and ride a Trek - they lose money as soon as used - my watches whilst not purchased as investments will retain most of their value (apart from the Bell & Ross and Breitling but in my defence they were gifts from the wife)
I'm also about to buy a Seiko Divers watch (SKX007J1), this will probably become my day to day watch. Does that say my image is I pretend to be a diver? (I'm not a diver, the deepest water the watch will see is the swimming pool on holiday)


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 1:26 pm
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I deliberately said there's nothing wrong with it!
We all indulge ourselves to a certain degree with our choices.

As to what image you wish to project or how your watches make you feel, that's a matter only you can answer.

I do accept that all they do is tell the time, but the same can be said for most expensive things. People who drive a Range Rover, probably only need a Clio, who needs a Santa Cruz when a Boardman will do etc etc. (I drive a Berlingo and ride a Trek – they lose money as soon as used – my watches whilst not purchased as investments will retain most of their value (apart from the Bell & Ross and Breitling but in my defence they were gifts from the wife)

I agree about the car/bike thing, a Range Rover is jewellery, a Berlingo is a tool.
I have a Doblo. I also have a nice Surly, which is a useful tool but also a beautiful thing to own.

I’m also about to buy a Seiko Divers watch (SKX007J1), this will probably become my day to day watch.

I like watches and love 007's. the J1 happens to be my favourite too. 🙂 I'd absolutely love an Alpiniste, but they don't make them anymore. I'll probably not buy either and spend the money on a guitar instead. Choices, innit?

I wasn't decrying other's choices, merely pointing out something that seems to get overlooked by those who value image above all else.


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 2:27 pm
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Or if I wanted to project an image of myself as some sort of watch connoisseur then it would be the Panerai?

Everyone knows the only watch that does that is the Seiko 5 on a NATO.


 
Posted : 06/02/2019 4:36 pm
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Yeah I mean, how wearable is it everyday,

Absolutely fine. I wear mine because they are comfy, I like the way they look and most of them are not so expensive that I worry about wearing them (I do now make sure to take them of before sticking my hand down into an engine compartment, you have now idea how hard it is to get your watch off and your hand out when it gets stuck.)

Apparently 200m isn't a lot when you factor in the momentary pressures associated with moving your hand in water.
People who actually dive wear wrist computers because they recalculate on the fly allowing you to stay down longer

The Hamilton is nice.
Try the turtle in for a while - cushion cases aren't for everyone, I'm a bit torn on them.

I’m also about to buy a Seiko Divers watch (SKX007J1)

New or used? Rumours come every year that it is about to be discontinued but it seems it actually might be now.


 
Posted : 07/02/2019 12:36 am
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Everyone knows the only watch that does that is the Seiko 5 on a NATO.

Result! 😉


 
Posted : 07/02/2019 10:27 am
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bloke jewellery, yes it is. I'm cool with a Seiko or a casio or a Patek Phillipe, whatever works for you.

Glasses are bloke jewellery as well I suppose


 
Posted : 07/02/2019 10:33 am
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I'm currently struggling to chose between these at the moment, Nato strap is currently the favourite: -
https://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-prospex-299/seiko-prospex-solar-divers-200m-sne441-sne441p1-sne441p-mens-watch-10422.html
https://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-mens-208/seiko-automatic-divers-200m-nato-strap-skx007j1-nato4-mens-watch-7362.html
https://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-divers-automatic-90/seiko-automatic-divers-japan-made-skx007-skx007j1-skx007j-200m-mens-watch-837.html


 
Posted : 07/02/2019 10:52 am
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@w00dster 007 on a black nato. The rubber strap is horrible, you'll end up swapping it out very quickly anyway. And personally, i don't like that model of Prospex.


 
Posted : 07/02/2019 2:41 pm
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@wOOdster I’d go first option on a nato 🙂


 
Posted : 07/02/2019 3:39 pm
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Yeah I mean, how wearable is it everyday, y’know – when I’m not diving down to 200m which I do every weekend obvs. Is it the equivalent of buying an intense M1 to commute on because it looks great?

No. A Breitling with emergency beacon, yes. A watch like the Seiko is a tool watch, it’s simple, pretty hard-wearing and tells the time. There are watches with a whole shitload of supplementary dials and whatnot that are hugely expensive, and are so complicated and difficult to read that their function as a watch has become secondary to their function as a way of showing off your immense wealth and lack of taste.
I’ve been wearing my SPORK everyday for the last three weeks or so, having not worn it for months, and it’s like having an old friend back after a long absence, it’s so comfy to wear with the sharkskin mesh bracelet.
It’s nice to have a number of watches to swap around on a whim, the only one I don’t wear on a regular basis is my Yema, only because it’s now quite a valuable watch, and almost irreplaceable, at least at a price I could actually afford, and it’s got real sentimental value as well.
I might stop wearing the Seiko regularly, or at least to work, once the weather gets to shorts and tee temperatures, just because it’s more likely to get banged around and damaged, which I’d rather regret.


 
Posted : 07/02/2019 5:22 pm
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As the result of someone mentioning Vostoks etc earlier on, this just arrived today. I'm staying out of here now before it gets any more expensive!


 
Posted : 07/02/2019 6:58 pm
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I like that Vostok everyone. I am enjoying wearing my newly purchased Pobeda. I was surprised at the diminutive size of the dial compared to modern watches. Not being a deep sea diver or a pilot It does all I ask of a watch.


 
Posted : 07/02/2019 7:16 pm
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Yea I was really surprised at how small it is. I quite like it though makes a nice change from my Seiko 6309 (not that that's particularly big!)


 
Posted : 07/02/2019 7:33 pm
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I definitely think watches got too large. I wear a 42mm but it took a long long time for me to decide i could pull it off before buying it. had they made a 40 I'd have had it. Having recently got a 36mm, which these days is called a unisex size, it is sooooo comfortable! I may have slimish wrists, but for everyday use big watches can be a pain and look a bit silly. 34, 36, 38, 40 are all good sizes for men in my mind.


 
Posted : 07/02/2019 9:00 pm
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40mm as a dress watch on my 8" wrists looks about the right size, not too small not too big. 42-44mm for everyday wear. I don't like the oversize look.


 
Posted : 07/02/2019 9:13 pm
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Nice vostok...


 
Posted : 07/02/2019 11:06 pm
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Sprocker if you are still looking how about a Schofield. A favourite brand of mine and British. They have a very cool bronze beater watch. If I knew how to post pictures of it I would!


 
Posted : 08/02/2019 6:05 am
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I've been wearing this old, hammered, but just about dressy enough Vostok to work more than anything else lately, cost me a tenner, keeps pretty good time and looks OK on a cheap Milanese strap...

Good old soviets eh...


 
Posted : 08/02/2019 10:12 am
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Looking at the omega seamaster 300, is there a big difference between the master and standard version. Price wise it's a jump of £680


 
Posted : 08/02/2019 12:07 pm
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Link the 2 you mean, I'm not sure which. It maybe a movement tweak?


 
Posted : 08/02/2019 12:31 pm
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That Smiths Everest from Timefactors looks good for £330.


 
Posted : 08/02/2019 3:43 pm
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The black faced 210.30.42.20.01.001 Seamaster is the newer version with the Omega Master Chronometer Calibre 8800 movement, which is arguably one of the most advanced (mass-produced) movements on the market right now, competing with (and arguable beating) Rolex and the like. The blue dial version has the older version of this movement.

It also has the much lauded return of the wave pattern on the dial

Totally worth it to me, but you might not care about such things.


 
Posted : 08/02/2019 4:03 pm
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The other change is an overhaul to the He escape valve


 
Posted : 08/02/2019 6:19 pm
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I'd need to check the spec on the omega site but the 8800 in the black one is the latest version of the in-house movements designed ground up around the coaxial escapement that started with the 8500 in my PO. Awesome movement. Been around for about 8 years now. The blue one may have the previous movement, basically an ETA movement modified to put a coaxial escapement in. A solid movement, easier to deal with by repair guys, but not as good.


 
Posted : 08/02/2019 6:31 pm
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right I'm back. just managed to post the brief words before while commuting home on the bus, then phone battery died.

As plyphon says, the wave patter on the dial is a marmite thing. On the 'original' of this style seamaster, the one I bought recently, the brosnan bond one, the lines were printed (the indices were also printed not applied) and close together. lots liked the pattern, others thought it made the dial too busy, especially with the skeleton hands (nother marmite, many prefer the older/authentic sword hands). later models the dial goe clean again, now its wavey again. current dial is new tech, ceramic, laser cut the waves have depth. i read its good
this model discussed on hodinkee is a leap on agan with the case but the rest is the same
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/omega-seamaster-diver-300m-ceramic-titanium-introducing
Anyway...dial is personal choice, you like it or not.

the He escape valve got overhauled....you aren't doing diving in bells and full He/O2 atmosphere? no? ignore that then...just make sure its screwed down and check occassionally. the old one shouldn't ...but did leak water if it got unscrewed...the newer one shouldn't even more.

the big change is the movement. I'm bias but as plyphon suggests, the 8500 movement is incredible, the 8800 is the latest version. the main points...coaxial escapement means it'll live longer and needs far less services, silicon main spring and a few other bits make it quite resistant to magnetism. this is important, magnetism kills a lot of watches. I'd have to check the specs but I think the 8800 is far more resistant than the rolex milgaus and that was built specifically for the physicians at Cern. 8800 also has a ..err...80 hour power reserve. Now a standard ETA 2824, a good, very good but work horse movement, has a reserve of 38-40 hours. so you can take the watch off as you go to bed, not wear it the next day, pick it up the day after and put it on and its still going (just). a longer power reserve does little for you until its ~24 hours longer and then you can go the whole weekend with another watch. Guess what the 8500 got? yep, at 60 hours it makes the weekend. 80 hours? hmm it is likely not quite enough to do a bank holiday weekend...it needs another 5 or so, but its darn close. Now I can't be bothered to check what movement the blue one has. it used to be an ETA 2824, then it got modified to get a coaxial escapement...still a darn good movement, solid, but not in the same league. I'd pay the extra, but if you like the blue one that is good too


 
Posted : 08/02/2019 10:21 pm
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Thanks for detailed responses I think will go for the latest movement in black, going to go and try one on along with a Tudor again and decide.


 
Posted : 09/02/2019 8:52 am
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(the indices were also printed not applied) and close together.

The major indices 12 5,10 etc should be applied. Are you talking about the 1 second/minute markers?


 
Posted : 09/02/2019 5:29 pm
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Tried Tudor and omega on was going for the omega when they suggested I look at the Bremont s501. Tried it on and preferred it on my wrist but know nothing about them. Any thoughts on them ?


 
Posted : 09/02/2019 5:55 pm
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That Smiths Everest from Timefactors looks good for £330.

Great watches from a guy that really knows his stuff.
His second watch is a bit of a classic that goes for good money.

I've got a PRS-30 which is a lovely piece although I do think it has a slight design issue with the pull out crown.


 
Posted : 09/02/2019 6:04 pm
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cromoly I mean the old ones from the late 90's were like this

[img] [/img]

the dial is printed, the waves are close together, the indices are printed, or painted

later ones are like this

[img] [/img]

the indices are stuck on.

later again the dial lost the waves..or i think later, not quite sure when though


 
Posted : 09/02/2019 7:53 pm
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grrr!
older

later


 
Posted : 09/02/2019 7:57 pm
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@Neilnevill

I thought I was losing my mind! I had to dig out my old Omega catalogues to make sure - I was sure they always had applied markers. Turns out the two-tone, white face, and complications all had applied markers (at least in the catalogues I have - I'm missing odd years in and there. I know people with the 2351.80 (blue dial, blue bezel) from the mid to late 90s and I'm sure some of them have applied markers. Some clearly didn't, although it is really hard to tell in the pictures in the catalogues.


 
Posted : 09/02/2019 11:37 pm
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Believe it or not, my Certina Chronolympic is forty one years old. There's not a mark on it. Everything still works - including the nightlight.

[IMG] [/IMG]

Fast forward to 2001 - my plain and clean Seamaster 120m.

[IMG] [/IMG]


 
Posted : 10/02/2019 3:06 pm
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Well my recently purchased SMP from 1999, on the wrist now, is blue wave dial, printed indices. I've box and papers and had the back off in the shop, it's authentic. Mine is the same as the first picture, except the end of its second hand isn't orange. Not sure if it's faded or just was always white.
It occurred to me the new ceramic dials and bezel inserts won't fade. On the one hand a 50 yo watch that looks like new is awesome, but as an owner of a beautiful patina'd 1961 seamaster too, or seems a shame watches won't age that way!


 
Posted : 10/02/2019 4:15 pm
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@sprocker - you were asking about Bremont watches, I have an article from the Telegraph dated July last year about them, by a strange and spooky coincidence! I’ve found a couple of online Telegraph articles that should tell you all you need about them, set up in 2002, they’re one of the foremost British watchmaking companies now...
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/watches/bremonts-new-dh-88-limited-edition-watch/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/watches/bremont-1918-limited-edition-watch-royal-air-force-centenary/


 
Posted : 10/02/2019 5:03 pm
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I can't find my 1999 seamster catalogue unfortunately so I can't help with the end of the second hand. The years around it that I do have all show red. I'll keep looking though.
It never occurred to me that they wouldn't t have applied markers on the blue/blue given all the rest did so I've never really looked all that closely. The pics in the catalogues are really hard to tell - the only thing I have to go by is the width of the non-lume ring around the lume

I miss the tritium inserts that when a nice shade of orange as the aged. The suoerluminova seems like it stays pale green forever.
I suspect the modern paint is really good and won't fade anytime soon. Probably doesn't even have lead in it.


 
Posted : 11/02/2019 3:32 am
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Can you educate me on lume? Old lume, radium and tritium was always on, same brightness, faded with the half life of the radioactive element.... Basically gone in 40-50 years. Modern luminova, and superluminova is totally different, charged up by UV? It's brightness fades over hours but it's life is what? Permanent?

On other issues... what are my chances of getting on the wait list for a GMT master II? Thinking black bezel I might have a chance. What say you?


 
Posted : 11/02/2019 1:51 pm
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Tried on a lovely Speedmaster on in my local WoS yesterday - 4 years interest free makes it really tempting! Still find it surprising that used ones are advertised for not much less than new - do they hold their value that well?


 
Posted : 11/02/2019 3:46 pm
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Re:lume. Afair tritium and the like have a half life of ~ 10 years. (Tritium tubes are different) Need no light to charge but when they are gone, they are gone. Except that the tritium was a mix of tritium and e.g phosphor, which is why it didn't need light. The tritium excited the phosphor which glowed. The tritium destroyed the phosphor over time so depending on the exact mix you will find some old watches don't glow at all (the tritium has died and destroyed the phosphor) and some the will glow faintly if charged by light but not last very long (tritium dead but some phospher left). I have a 60s seamaster like that.
Luminova/Superluminova. Theoretically lasts "forever" (doubt it but maybe as long as I'll ever know about). Charged by any light sun or artificial. Can be had in different colours. Way brighter than tritium but only lasts a few hours after a good charge. Some is better than others but not sure why.


 
Posted : 11/02/2019 5:22 pm
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many years ago I used to wear my late grandfather's watch whilst at school. Don't know what was used to lume the hands, but it was more radioactive than the little lump of alpha wave material which used to come out of its wooden protective case during physics lessons. The geiger counter would go mental when I went close to it !

With that, and rolling mercury around the desk, it's a wonder I'm still here 🙂


 
Posted : 11/02/2019 8:02 pm
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Don’t know what was used to lume the hands,

Radium, tritium are both radioactive. I guess that's why the nanny state has banned them.

"Mercury football" that was fun. That's were you flick Mercury at other Mercury and try to make the biggest ball hit your mate.


 
Posted : 11/02/2019 8:23 pm
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Re: Luminova/SuperLuminova - given a good charge from a nice bright source, like an LED flashlight, for maybe a minute or so, my SPORK will still be readable six or seven, maybe eight hours later. Tritium vials, obviously, will be bright as long as it’s dark enough to be able to see the glow; there is a caveat with Tritium vials - different colours are ‘brighter’ than others, due to the human eye’s sensitivity to certain wavelengths. Green seems a lot brighter than blue or violet, or red and orange, for that matter.
As far as watch dials are concerned, I would guess that Tritium markers could be replaced once they die: I would hope so, there are some fairly pricey watches with Tritium markers and hands, like Ball, the American maker.
Personally, I think I prefer Luminova.


 
Posted : 11/02/2019 8:29 pm
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Yes I've read of tritium lume being redone.

jerrys, tritium is a beta particle emitter.

stevemorg, speedmasters I'd expect to drop as you walk out the shop...20% vat...maybe more, then after that not drop so much. Not an expert on speedy's though. Oh if you like speedys, be aware that servicing a chrono is considerably more expensive. Spoke to a guy that just got his back from Omega...that lifted his wallet for £850 iirc.


 
Posted : 11/02/2019 9:09 pm
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I know there are places that will re-lume a dial and there are places that will sell kits so you can do it. I don't know of any that definitely use tritium. In a lot of places you would need a licence or approvals to do so.
I do know that some re lume places use dye to create luminova that is the correct colour for the age and original type of lume.

The radiation emitted by the markers shouldn't escape the watch case. In fact the alpha particles (I think) won't penetrate a piece of paper). It does emit radon gas as it decays, which will escape the watch case.


 
Posted : 12/02/2019 12:00 am
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Alpha particles are big, a helium atom minus electrons. They are easily stopped as they are big enough to hit things, card is enough to stop them.
Beta particles are smaller, an electron. I seem to remember they will go through card and other materials but not much. I suspect a metal watch back will stop them, a hesalite( acrylic) crystal might also, or might let a few through.


 
Posted : 12/02/2019 1:32 pm
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Tried on a lovely Speedmaster on in my local WoS yesterday – 4 years interest free makes it really tempting! Still find it surprising that used ones are advertised for not much less than new – do they hold their value that well?

Hmm, a couple of things going on really -

The OG Speedy Pro is an always-in-demand watch, as in, someone is always looking to buy one. You'll never not find a buyer for a Speedy. That pushes the prices up simply due to ample demand (despite historically ample supply)

Omega are also focusing strongly on limited editions and the 'new' Speedy design, all of which can make the Pro harder to find (I've been to an AD that didn't have a single Pro!)


 
Posted : 12/02/2019 3:49 pm
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My flashlight has a UV option and it's much better for charging BGW9/C3 or Lumibrite

I had a Luminox which had tritium vials and they would replace the vials after some years - 10 iirc however the watch itself (named NAVY SEAL!) got scratched up and it leaked! Not impressed generally but the tritium was lovely at night.


 
Posted : 13/02/2019 10:01 am
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In my continuing experiment I just dashed to Wempe on New bond Street and asked about a GMT black bezel. I was told they do not operate a waiting list. I asked if I could express my interest and they happily took my details while clearly stating they made no commitment.


 
Posted : 13/02/2019 6:16 pm
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@neilnevill - I don't get it, are you waiting for your Pretty Woman shopping moment?


 
Posted : 13/02/2019 7:00 pm
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I know there are places that will re-lume a dial and there are places that will sell kits so you can do it. I don’t know of any that definitely use tritium. In a lot of places you would need a licence or approvals to do so.

I can’t imagine there being any issues with Tritium vials, they’re readily available for all sorts of things, like for night fishing. I’ve got a flashlight with ten vials set into recesses to make it easy to find in the dark. I ordered them from eBay.
The company who make SuperLuminova sell kits for people to repair or refurbish or customise watch dials and hands.


 
Posted : 13/02/2019 7:19 pm
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@neilnevill there seems to be any number of the usual suspects online who have them available and ready to ship. If you don't want to go that route, I would have thought developing a relationship with a smaller AD might serve you well.


 
Posted : 13/02/2019 10:57 pm
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I can’t imagine there being any issues with Tritium vials

Sealed vials, no. Watches that use vials are a relative minority I think. Most have painted dots. Tritium in loose powder or paint form is difficult to get and is what requires a licence or approvals to use in most jurisdictions.


 
Posted : 13/02/2019 11:00 pm
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cromolyolly, smaller AD may indeed be worth a go. i work in central london just off victoria so its easy to visit he west end ADs. if i'm near a smaller one i may go in. i quite enjoy looking at nice watches and talking watche for a few minutes so it is no hardship. this evening i had time to kill before the match at wembley so i walked up to new bond street, was quite nice. passed Aspreys on the way to wempe....they're next.


 
Posted : 14/02/2019 12:12 am
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I hear you - watch shops, bike shops tool shops. No hardship to spend time in them
I'm trying to remember the London watch place that used to advertise a lot in the vintage car magazines - I'm sure they had Rolex and Omega but that seems unlikely because I don't think I've ever seen one place that did both.


 
Posted : 14/02/2019 2:39 am
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Watches of Switzerland have both, mappin and Webb used to but have transferred all Rolex too WoS (same chain/holding company... Err Goldsmiths too?). Bucherer? Do they do more then Tudor and Rolex? Looking on Rolex website the London ads are Harrods, Wempe, pagnells, asprey, Bucherer and WoS (they also list mappin even though they don't). Tbh Wempe could have had omega, I didn't look, just in, spoke to the nice sales rep, gave my details and left.. Wasnt even offered a drink and I fancied a cuppa so was slightly frustrated. That always happens to me.... Offered drinks if I'm in a rush or for whatever reason can't accept, fancy something I'm not offered!


 
Posted : 14/02/2019 10:55 am
 kilo
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Slightly ot, but used some PolyWatch on the scratches on my Rolex glass yesterday, very impressed with it. Seemed to buff out all the marks and cheap to.


 
Posted : 14/02/2019 11:28 am
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There is also the 'Rolex Boutique' on New Bond St also, down the bottom end. I've not been in but might take a peek next weekend when i've got some time.


 
Posted : 14/02/2019 11:37 am
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Isnt that Bucherer? I'm not sure. There are plenty of others that sell them pre owned, but those are the only ADs according to the Rolex website.


 
Posted : 14/02/2019 11:53 am
 igm
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Slightly different tack - what do folk think of the smart straps for automatic watches that are starting to appear? Sony Wena ( https://www.thbaker.co.uk/wena-by-sony/ bad name, high price, but they will get cheaper) and the like.
I’m not sure. Interesting, but not interesting enough to get my hand in my pocket.


 
Posted : 14/02/2019 3:14 pm
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Isnt that Bucherer? I’m not sure. There are plenty of others that sell them pre owned, but those are the only ADs according to the Rolex website.

I'm not sure, signage and Google just says 'Rolex Boutique' - it's this one here:
https://goo.gl/maps/xaZbxbQE8D42

(Just seen the website link is to WoS so maybe it's part of those guys.)

Slightly different tack – what do folk think of the smart straps for automatic watches that are starting to appear? Sony Wena ( https://www.thbaker.co.uk/wena-by-sony/ bad name, high price, but they will get cheaper) and the like.
I’m not sure. Interesting, but not interesting enough to get my hand in my pocket.

Interesting idea, but the construction of those bracelets looks doooooggggg cheap. Lots of forged metal with the mold lines visible, yuck! Looks like a Stanley knife ha.


 
Posted : 14/02/2019 4:49 pm
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I've heard, from various sources that there has been none too subtle pressure from each for AD to pick one or the other. I assumed when holding companies moved one beand to one named chain, the other brand would go the other way, to keep both under the umbrella but satisfy the brands demands
Don't know if it was just omega or the whole swatch family. If the latter you wouldn't have much in the shop!

Good night for you at wembley last night

@igm I sort of like the idea that my Luddite watches a) don't use batteries and are built of stuff that will last my lifetime and more, lessening the load on the environment
b) don't know and share everything about me
So for me they are a non starter. Interesting idea though, if you have a watch you like but would like a smar****ch. My other issue would be that part of what makes a watch good for me is that the bracelets are really comfortable.


 
Posted : 14/02/2019 5:10 pm
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@igm I sort of like the idea that my Luddite watches a) don’t use batteries and are built of stuff that will last my lifetime and more, lessening the load on the environment
b) don’t know and share everything about me
So for me they are a non starter. Interesting idea though, if you have a watch you like but would like a smar****ch. My other issue would be that part of what makes a watch good for me is that the bracelets are really comfortable.

Exactly my attitude as well. I have a phone to do all the smart stuff, including lots of stuff a watch can’t do, like be an ebook reader.
I wouldn’t be the slightest bit interested in a smart strap, for the same reason.


 
Posted : 14/02/2019 10:42 pm
 igm
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Lost interest in smart anything after I got a mailshot from IWC this evening.

Must resist.

But they are lovely.


 
Posted : 14/02/2019 10:44 pm
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Ahh I assumed it was Bucherer after dong similar, look up the knightsbridge one on google maps and click the website link and it goes to bucherer.

Actually i wonder if it is run as as separate entity, with separate 'lists' to the nearby 'parent' shops? Obviously a WoS in London will have a separate list to a WOS in birmingham but what about the knightsbridge, regent street and brompton street WoS? would they operate 3 separate lists, or 1 combined? hmmm. then add the boutique into the mix.


 
Posted : 14/02/2019 10:50 pm
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After flippantly dismissing diving watches here I have been doing a bit of research.

I am biased but my new found love of Russian watches would lead me to the Vostok Amphibia if I was in the market for one.

Described as the AK47 of dive watches, a distinct and robust design with a face perhaps only its mother could love and a terrible strap for a one off payment of £50 against the pretty handmade Rolex Submariner combined with second mortgage.

I know where my money would be going.


 
Posted : 14/02/2019 10:54 pm
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I couldn't resist any longer.
And with money from my 50th birthday burning a hole...I've just orderd the Seiko Samurai "Save the Ocean."

Paid £10 extra for a Saturday delivery so tonight is another Christmas Eve for me!


 
Posted : 15/02/2019 12:14 pm
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Very happy!

[IMG] [/IMG]


 
Posted : 16/02/2019 2:28 pm
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