Watches N+1…

It’s more a showcase of technicality / uniqueness, there’s a lot of horological hard quality work in that watch.

After sleeping on it, I’m in agreement re the Tudor.   I’d change the Velcro strap to a nato, and prefer the simplicity of the Pelagos 39.

I like the look of the bel cantos, as a pretty thing and a clever thing.  Largely useless as a device for telling the time though… or tricky to read at least.

I like the gmt, I think the faux aged lume and colourway work well.   Tbh, I think the fixed bars are a real draw back but other wise I like it.

Re the bronze bay, tz UK sales Corner has a brown colourway with bracelet,  original natural and extra natural with great adjustable clasp, offered at £2k

I know I am a bit of an outlier as my preference is for older smaller watches, but I thought I would post up a couple of pics for anyone who may have similar tastes/general ridicule.

My 1970’s Seamaster, an eBay bargain from over a decade ago, been serviced once and my day to day watch.

and my Gerard Perregaux chrono, I don’t think the previous owner ever wore it as it still has the sticker on the back of the case.

Like the GP!

I’m after a bit of assistance, please.

I’ve started to wear a watch again after 14 years of carrying kids about in my left arm, and bought a moonswatch which I quite like, but it’s a bit of a gateway drug.

Significant birthday next year and I think I’d like a nice watch. I’ve always liked a Seamaster, and I’m looking out on eBay for one. But, as a watch virgin there are several million options out there, and I’m a bit lost.

Any tips would be very welcome. Is it worth buying new? Or used to certain ages? The ones with glass back or not? Ti or steel?

What I do know is I prefer black face, and not metal straps. But that’s it.

Help me, oh wise stw.

If you like the Moonswatch, why not a proper one? There’s loads of different models, some of which are quite reasonable on the second hand market.

There’s a few on here with Seamsters though, I’m sure you’ll get some good suggestions and photos. For me, I tend to buy with a metal bracelet and then put on a nice appropriate after market strap. That way the bracelet stays in nice condition and I still have the option for a different look occasionally.

Edit here you go, a nice second hand Speed master at a sensible price.

I didn’t think I cared much for the Seamaster but that one threw linked to above is rather nice. At 39mm not the usual dinner plate looking thing either.

I bought the moonswatch thinking I love it, which I do, but I’d like something a bit simpler so have pretty much decided a seamster is the best option. And a plain version, not a chrono. And with a date thingy.

I’ll likely put a fabric or rubber strap on it anyway. Maybe the next step is size. The moonswatch is 42mm and looks about right to me even on my wimpy wrist.

Posted earlier about a Seiko mod or some sort of Chinese watch but, in the end I went with another Oceanus to go with my S100.

Fancied a black watch and went with a T200.

Impressed with the quality and finish for the £280 it cost (new).

Doesn’t photo too well but it wears nicely.

Any tips would be very welcome. Is it worth buying new? Or used to certain ages? The ones with glass back or not? Ti or steel?

What I do know is I prefer black face, and not metal straps. But that’s it.

Help me, oh wise stw.

As the owner of a current model SMP300,  I’d say don’t buy new, but a very good condition preloved one if you like the current style watches.  They’re very expensive now at retail.  My model (white face with rubber strap) is £5400 new, I paid £3400 a year old and immaculate condition.  Some suggest buying on the bracelet and then changing straps, but I knew I’d never wear the stock bracelet so saved a couple of hundred by buying on the rubber instead.

There’s more black and blue face for sale than any other, so shouldn’t be difficult to pick up what you want.

Thanks. I’ve been keeping an eye on HotUKDeals for bargains, but they only drop to 5k or thereabouts.

Does it being recently serviced add anything to the equation?

And is there a sweet spot in terms of age? Or is it buy on condition?

I’ll keep an eye out for deals.  It’s the current version you want? Any colour?

Ta. I’m not fixed on anything, other than probably a black face, maybe blue. I’m hoping Mrs will pay for it (ha!) but my hints thus far have got me nowhere.

So, no, it’s not the current version necessarily. I’m not even sure what the current version is, and what advantages it may have over a used one, hence the post on here.

Current version has ceramic dial with wider spaced waves, ceramic bezel unsert, Skeleton hands,  42mm case,  exhibition case back and 8500 movement which is the fully in-house coax wonder  it’s very antimagnetic and very accurate. Comes I’m white/black bezel,  green,  blue and black colourways.

Older versions are numerous with plain or wave dials, anodised aluminium bezel insert, Skeleton or sword hands, black, blue or a not super common or loved white (with steel bezel), 36mm, 42mm or 46mm case, quartz or mechanical,  the mechanical being the 2500 which is basically an eta 2824 retro fitted with a coax escapement.

The new movement is better but the old is good. The old case is thinner and wears better but that’s because it has no exhibition back.

I’m not sure of current prices and they vary from model to model but probably £2250-£2500 for a nice older one.

I’ll keep an eye on tz-uk and see what pops up, and update with a bit more fresh detail.

For example this is a classic Bond older 36mm, wave dial, Skeleton hands, alu bezel

https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.watchfinder.co.uk%2FOmega%2FSeamaster%2520300m%2F2531.80.00%2F5669%2Fitem%2F307161%3Futm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_campaign%3DWF%7CUK%7CG%7CSH%7COmega%26utm_campaign%3DWF%7CUK%7CG%7CSH%7COmega%26utm_content%3Dpaid_shopping%26gclid%3DCj0KCQiArby5BhCDARIsAIJvjITy3cQlcr652DpHnsS4Wbsdjyi7VGpbHnkn1lif7vtTGc04W5EwWH4aAnRmEALw_wcB%26gad_source%3D1&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4

Id hope to get a 36mm much cheaper than that.

Have a look at the First Omega in space, they are the one Speedy I was looking at as they are a black face with brown leather strap.

Around £3.5-£4.5K for a second hand one.

https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Pre+Owned-Omega-Pre+Owned-Omega-Speedmaster-Anniversary-Series-Chronograph-39.7-Mens-Watch-311.32.40.30.01.001-null/p/406701317490?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmjqHsGgE16D7gvOSCkEJZM6ldKi&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjrqT2fzTiQMVvJNQBh2FoA5tEAQYASABEgJZ8fD_BwE

Whoop!!!

My Helm has been fixed under extended warranty. Had an email from Stoll to say it’s having it’s accuracy tested then will be sent back to me in Oz in the next few days. Huzzah!

I finally got around to trying a Pelagos 39 bs 41.

Blimey the 29’is tiny!  It managed to look small on my 6.6inch wrist.  As before becuase I have a low knuckle it was the 41 that made up blank wrist space and looked the part.  In addition it has some 3d rehaut detail which is missing on the 39 making it look more 3d/substantial.

so, it’d be the 41 for me, though that would be the Seiko killer / beater / holiday watch in the collection.

I got a Black GBD-200-1ER.

The screen is great even in bright light

ElShalimo

Full Member

@johnners – I just use the step counter and stare at the lovely MIPS display.

I saw H Samuel doing them for £90, so here I am buying yet another Casio, and to quote myself in an earlier post – “paying for a feature set I’ve absolutely no use for”.

But MIPS though…

£90 is a steal

MIPS display is lovely though

Hello chaps. I’m still watching from France. Quite a few changes in the collection. My VC Patrimony sold this week, so awaiting the proceeds of that – some of which will need to pay a few debts. I’m also thinking of letting my JLC Reverso go, due to lack of wrist time. Even my Explorer 1 is potentially on the block! Currently on the wrist is my Ball Worldtime (yes, I have two green Balls), seen below in the pool for kayak practice on Wednesday night. Cheers all!

Celebrity watch spot – Declan Donnelly takes a Luminor into the jungle.     However, on the basis he’s a small chap and it looks rather too well sized it’s a Due, so let’s hope it doesn’t rain….

I’m after a bit of assistance, please.

I’ve started to wear a watch again after 14 years of carrying kids about in my left arm, and bought a moonswatch which I quite like, but it’s a bit of a gateway drug.

Significant birthday next year and I think I’d like a nice watch. I’ve always liked a Seamaster, and I’m looking out on eBay for one. But, as a watch virgin there are several million options out there, and I’m a bit lost.

Any tips would be very welcome. Is it worth buying new? Or used to certain ages? The ones with glass back or not? Ti or steel?

What I do know is I prefer black face, and not metal straps. But that’s it.

Help me, oh wise stw.

Ha this is very familiar, a moonswatch was my gateway and have ended up with a Seamaster

If you happen to travel, there are definitely some good opportunities in duty-free; I got a mind-blowing tax-free discount on mine – as low as the secondhand market; I would highly recommend some careful shopping.

Colours, Ti or steel etc are all personal. I went Ti, its nearly 100g lighter than the steel and wears beautifully for a day to day.

Can anyone recommend a watch repairer?

I tried to get my dad’s 60s Certina auto working a few year ago and was told spares aren’t available, I’d like to try again. I was probably recommended the repair guy on here 🙂 – he was very snobby about my uncles Seiko (“Japanese rubbish”) which is still working great.

In other news I joined an “affordable watch” group on FB and it’s whetted my appetite for cheaper trad watches (cheaper but good brands and even Aliexpress) anyone on here into that?

@cynic-al Do you mean you’ve tried Calibre, the default on here for servicing? He’s A1. I’ve had a couple of services and both have been exemplary. I’m assuming you’re still north of the border, as, IIRC, you were ready to emigrate a while ago.

@boblo I don’t remember the name  Calibre, tho I can’t find emails to confirm.

Yes I am here, still working on a way to move/obtain a visa. Hope the wind is at your back, unlike our Hebridean trip 😀

I saw this earlier and it might appeal to some on this thread

Seiko Alpinist on a NATO strap for half price.

https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Seiko-Prospex-Alpinist-Mens-Watch-SPB211J1/p/18280085

Picked up a Citizen SuPer Titanium EcoDrive (a BM8560-53E) from their BF email thing the other week (which got delivered today).

Resized (for what I now know is a 18cm wrist as I had to measure it) and delivered within 6 days (over a weekend) from ordering.

£149 for a ti beater for days when my BB58 isn’t ‘appropriate’ it was a bit a bargain. At 42mm its a little bigger (but a decent fit on 18cm) and it fits snug (as brand new) where as my BB has gotten looser (being worn daily for a couple years). Pretty chuffed with it.

Thanks to whoever posted one a year or two back and piqued my interest (albeit it took a while!)

I’m struggling not to buy something cheap.  Timex have 30% off, Watcho have discounted most Seikos and a Willard at half price. Baltany have a couple of new GMTs…..  Thing is, in my head these are all “cheap” and don’t do anything to the collection other than more daily indecision over what to wear.

For some reason I’m desperate for a new watch on a bracelet despite having the Aquaracer and Citizen Moonphase permanently on bracelets ready to go.

Magpie tendencies I guess.

Sell the moon phase to me for £10 then you can buy another watch

One in, one out

😉

Er yeah ok!

I think where I am heading is a Marine Master / Pelagos with the SMP optional.  I’ve a Uncle strap coming for the Mini Turtle/Willard which may halt me looking at MM’s, also considered an after market bracelet for the SMP.

Anywhere here have an SMP on an after market strap photo?

MIPS display is lovely though

Isn’t it though!

Seiko Alpinist on a NATO strap for half price.

They were punting the same model at that price this time last year. It’s nice but the dial’s a bit flat, the indices are just printed which I think is a bit poor. To bang my usual Seiko value drum, it’s just about decent value at the reduced price, the RRP is a joke.

Magpie tendencies I guess

I definitely have those, but luckily without your inclinations towards the pricier end of the market so I tend to just indulge my base impulses!

I’ve a Uncle strap coming for the Mini Turtle

Well, I hope it’s better than their POS beads of rice strap for the SARB017!

Indeed, the Jury is out – I got one for the 5kx and the hollow end links are a poor fit and it’s not a high quality item.   This does have solid end links and it’s reported to be of better quality, but it’s not coming out of the cling film wrap permanlty until I’ve had a good look.

without your inclinations towards the pricier end of the market

Right.  I’ve spoiled my self over the last 12 months with the Omega and Panerai.   If I can’t stop buying, I’d be far better using one side of my watch box as low end rotation/flip so I can enjoy playing with the lower end and stop being such a pretentious **** 😀

I am a Seamaster owner but would love a Speedmaster. Regarding eBay as a source – how can you guarantee they are not fakes?

Don’t supposed anyone has an Oris Calobra they want to sell?

I am a Seamaster owner but would love a Speedmaster. Regarding eBay as a source – how can you guarantee they are not fakes?

Depends on the cost. If it’s £1500+ ebay has an automatic authentication process – the seller sends the watch to an assessor who sends it on to you. If it’s less than that, I guess it’s the usual ebay buying stuff: check the seller’s feedback, their other items, ask them questions etc.

Don’t supposed anyone has an Oris Calobra they want to sell?

Best I can do you is an Oris ProPilot 10-day, once it returns from its full factory service… 😉

I’d be far better using one side of my watch box as low end rotation/flip so I can enjoy playing with the lower end and stop being such a pretentious **** ?

I’d not be that harsh but it’d be good if you could occasionally enjoy watches more frivolously. The odd low-stakes purchase just for the transient fun of it!

Indeed, I’m tempted to flip the 5kx to play with one of these, the Times being £130 with a BF code.

Waterbury Traditional GMT 39mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch

https://baltany.co.uk/product/retro-gmt-two-colour-automatic-watch/

ideally I wanted a cheap quartz Solar sapphire GMT with 100m, seems hard to come by.

how can you guarantee they are not fakes?

I had the same question, going back a bit. There wasn’t (probaby still isn’t) a fake Speedy that would pass as authentic, because there’s no movement with the subdials at the right spacing. Every detail would be correct, except that, and it’s obvious a mile off.

Edit – there’s a 90$ aliexpress Speedy with the right spacing (quartz movement) but I imagine that looks obviously fake anyway