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Looking forward to getting this next week. Was sent to a professional after I mangled two second hands and also to be pressure tested once complete.
Custom or franken dependent on your point of view. Only the movement is Seiko (NH36), all other parts are aftermarket, mainly One Second Closer and Namoki. Ceramic bezel insert, coin edge bezel, red AR domed crystal, engraved crown, SKX style case with drilled lugs. It isn't the dial I initially planned as that's still in Hong Kong, but I quite like this one too.
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Bit chintzy and zero brand/history behind them, but I guiltily quite like the design. A lot of watch for the money. Sapphire crystal, Seagull movement, original design...
Very Richard Mille
Definite whiff isn't there.
Fortunately not reflected in the price. £175 at the moment.
Following on from my bargain £100 white Alkin. I liked it so much I’ve bought another. SS case, limited edition green dial with an orange second hand. Which is the one I was going to get before my whim eBay purchase. Will report when it arrives
Question is do I keep both?
Question is do I keep both?
Why not? Though if there can only be one - green dial all day every day. But then I'm a sucker for a green dial.
This looks like a bargain . NH35 movement, stainless steel case. £70 on
Amazon. Though the fact the brand - Lyle and Scott - is better known for golfwear puts me off for some reason.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lyle-Scott-Stealth-Automatic-LS-6006-03/dp/B07JGRY3MS
Anyway I've ordered a Vostok K43 from Russia so I can't justify another watch buy right now.
G-SHOCK Sport GBD-H1000 with Heart Rate Monitor and GPS. Can't wait to see one of these in the flesh. Could be a good rival to the Garmin Instinct.
Green Alkin Model One has arrived. Darker face wears smaller than the white one which is nice. Will probably keep both!
Might swap straps though. Think maybe the black would be better on the white face and the brown on the green face. What do you think?
I'd swap those straps, seems an obvious thing to do to me. Maybe someone will come along if you're lucky and photoshop it just to show you.
I'm selling my Alkin.
Lovely thing but not wearing it.
PVD black case and dark brown leather strap.
£200
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I like the look of the Model 2.
@lotto
That g shock looks quite good actually, and reasonably priced too.
@inbred853 (I’ve got one of those, btw), that Seiko pretty much has the most common mods, particularly the Pepsi bezel insert - the only mod I’d make would be the hands, just ‘cos I’m not so keen on arrowhead hands, I much prefer MarineMaster 300 style. Nice looking watch, that. 😁
Kato, you should buy Merak's black Alkin to complete the set. 😁
@tthew I think I probably would have if it was stainless. I’m not a fan of PVD cases you see. I like the look but I fear the longevity of the finish
A flieger will be next. I was about to buy a Stowa before Christmas but I like that the Laco is closer in resemblance to what the case would have been originally
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Started ordering other bits for another build. Lockdown/furlough boredom!
Can you recommended me a place to buy a ceramic but standard pattern SKX 007 please @Futureboy77. Either full lume or normal pip. Thanks.
Can you recommended me a place to buy a ceramic but standard pattern SKX 007 please @Futureboy77. Either full lume or normal pip. Thanks.
If you are using the standards hardlex flat crystal, you will be a bit more limited as most are for domed crystals. However have a look at:
Namoki Mods
DLW
Lumed Ceramic Bezel Inserts (LCBI)
Crystaltimes (shut just now due to Covid).
I have a spare you could have as a freebie if you have a domed crystal.
@tthew your best bet if flat...
https://www.dlwwatches.com/collections/ceramic-bezel-inserts/skx007-flat
Thanks for that! It's a flat one I'm after, I want to keep it looking standard but have scratched the aluminum one so may as well do a sympathetic upgrade while I'm replacing it. 👍
No probs @tthew. Original inserts are made of cheese and the bezel and insert should be fired in to the sun. Ceramic looks better, but get used to your own fingerprints!
Just been looking at a piece on a watch from a Swiss maker, it’s being produced on a sort of crowd-funded system, in that each watch made is custom made to order, there won’t be any available to buy outside of the order system. Not cheap at 6,990chf, £5854, but what really sets it apart is the fact it’s a chronometer-grade tourbillon movement!
https://monochrome-watches.com/horage-tourbillon-1-the-most-accessible-swiss-made-tourbillon-introducing-price/
A tourbillon separates the main movement from the rest of the watch workings, more or less making it immune to the effects of the watch being moved around, and they’re usually incredibly expensive, the TAG tourbillon is £15,000.
I’m not usually a fan of skeletonised movements, but if I had the means to buy one of those, I’d grab the chance.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourbillon
There are really cheap ‘tourbillon’ watches on Amazon, I have doubts as to how genuine their movements are, a genuine tourbillon is basically a showcase of watchmaking skill, hence the prices.
Dunno if anyone caught it last night, worth looking at on-demand, the ITV4 series Made In Britain. They were looking at the processes behind Wagon Wheels biscuits, Dr Martens boots, and, of interest to this thread, making Bremont watches. The whole programme was interesting, but being able to see behind the making of a hand-made British watch was fascinating.
Hamtun watches are running another kickstarter campaign for their ti diver, the Kraken H3
I was tempted with the H2 but got cold feet but commited to this one. £294 ti diver with some kind of scratch proof coating. Due in November. Think I'm going fir the orange version.
Hamtun Kraken H3. A titanium watch for everyone, every day., via @Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rossdavis/hamtun-kraken-h3-the-best-titanium-watch-replaces-the-h2?ref=android_project_share
all gone already hah
I put a search on eBay for a H2 thinking I quite fancied one. When they were first delivered there were LOADS being flipped at reasonable prices and I still get a reasonably regular message about a new listing. You'll probably get one that way if you have missed out.
Tempted by one of these for sub £300 shipped from the states incl fees etc. Especially a Swiss Made wactch,if its the older one with basically an ETA 2824 movement, and at 36mm (meaures up slightly bigger) its not a massive dinnerplate size.
A flieger will be next. I was about to buy a Stowa before Christmas but I like that the Laco is closer in resemblance to what the case would have been originally
My Stowa flieger is a thing of beauty. The thing with trying to get things close to 'originality' ona flieger was that they were 50mm+ monsters for wearing over your leather jacket sleeve so even a Laco is tiny/compromised in that respect.
Oh yeah I couldn’t wear a full sized one! I meant more the case design is more as the original was. Straight lugs and bead blasted with a solid caseback.
Count I'm not sure if the spinnaker has ceramic bezel but it is lumed. Sadly it looks to be sold out and the bronze version is $800
Long Island has both the blue and black in though at $299 and a fiver off voucher when you go on their website.
It's the weekend!
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Ooooh Smiths Everest! Lovely
I've never seen a Smith's Everest before, then saw this here and another one for sale on another forum 5 minutes later. Very tempting, it's a lovely watch, but I resisted...phew!
The later ones like that are much nicer. The indices on the early ones were far too big IMO
Have thought about it, but I really want an Explorer 1 at some point so will hold on
My latest cheap automatic watch. Vostok K43. Ordered from Russia 9th April and arrived 24th. £65
Giving my Sinn 240 ST a run out.
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Now that’s a handsome watch. Love the case
I'm wondering when I'll ever see mine again as it's hostage in the jewellers for the foreseeable.
Breaking in and nicking your own property is allowed, right?
I may regret peering into this rabbit hole, but I'm considering buying myself a Seiko SK007 as a daily wearer, to replace my current Casio GW-M5600. I love the Casio, it's solar-powered and radio-controlled so it's always perfectly accurate and doesn't need charging, but I feel like it's time for something a bit more "grown-up" and I've always loved analogue watches anyway.
I've found a couple of guides online, but is there anything I need to know - and / or are there any "essential" mods I should look for if I'm buying from, say eBay?
Take a look at futureboy77's at the top of the previous page for mods!
Essential, nothing really, they're decent in standard spec if a bit old fashioned now. Upgraded movement gets hacking and winding, (I did this to mine but only because I broke the original one somehow). Sapphire crystal is more scratch resistant and arguably looks better if you get a domed one rather than flat. Ceramic bezel inserts likewise more scratch resistant. Everything else, (hands, chapter ring, face etc) are really just for looks.
Edit - if you value the accuracy of your Casio, you're going to be disappointed!
Don't go down the rabbit hole! @Pierre
As said above, movement change gives hacking and hand winding to what is essentially the same as the stock movement. My movements have all been really accurate (+/- a few seconds per day). All other mods are cosmetic. I would avoid eBay and use more reputable companies for parts (Dagaz, Namoki, One Second Closer for example). Most mod work can be done yourself with cheap tools. Have a look at Lume Shot on YouTube for examples of different mods and how to carry the work out.
@Count - sorry I thought I'd replied, but I can't see it.
I'm not 100% the Spinnaker has ceramic bezel but I'd expect it does. Sapphire with AR, oh, lumed bezel too. Spinnaker don't seem to have the Ti version on their site but Long Island Watches does for $299 USD and when you log into their site offer you a $5 off voucher so delivery to anywhere world wide is just a fiver. It's a fantastic deal tbh (they have both the black and blue dial).
@Pierre,
You can go as deep into the hole as you wish but actually the SKX is a fine watch in stock form. Most are pretty accurate, to within maybe 3 or 4 seconds per day, though obviously as they're an automatic, if you don't wear it for a day or 2 you'll need to reset the time.
As far as mods go, only you can decide if you like it in stock form or not. For many, it's a gateway watch into the world of automatic watches, for others it's a cheap, reliable bit of kit that you can play with and modify. You can completely change the appearance and put a different movement in and you've got a new watch to all intents and purposes.
For me, the only thing I do with mine is play with different straps. The stock bracelet is notorious for being a bit cheap and jingly, but many love it. I wear mine on a cheap NATO strap most of the time but I've worn it on leather and rubber straps too, they can completely change it's look.
I do love mine, it's beautifully utilitarian, and that's part of the appeal.
@pierre, if your not stuck on a Seiko, this YouTube video has some decent alternatives from smaller brands. I'm not overly keen on the style of the main review watch but there's brief mention of similar designs at the end.
Yeah the stock SKX bracelet is pretty poor. My 009 came on a Strapcode Super Oyster which is pretty nice though. Tried it on a NATO but I just don't get on with the extra height
Depends on your view of manual/quartz watches. I liked the style of the sks007 but when it came down to it I didn't want to reset the time regularly.
I got the SKA 371P1 and it's done me very well.
Suggestions please.
Thinking about a dress watch.
White face (silver at a push), simple (time, probably seconds, date if I have to), preferably hand wound. Not too pricey, but up to £750-800 considered.
To be worn in a black strap, and to look right with a Prince Charlie.
These caught my eye.
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/stowa/marine-36-handwinding--id14828972.htm
(Link doesn’t work but it’s a Stowa Marine 36 handwinding)
https://www.timefactors.com/smithsprs36.htm
What you thinking?
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Derek Starship beat me to it! Lovely watch.
Is there a hand wound variant?
I like the aesthetics.
IGM, maybe consider a Seiko Fuyugeshiki. Rarer, a "story" behind it and a unique pattern on the face.
Or
As always with me, slightly over budget, have a look at Christopher Ward watches. I'm always more drawn to the more rugged watches, but I do like this one....
https://www.christopherward.co.uk/watches/retro-dive/c65-anthropocene-limited-edition-range
I'm tempted by this one myself - but just bought some new wheels so need the wife to buy a few more things before I'm brave enough to ask....
https://www.christopherward.co.uk/watches/dive/c60-trident-pro-600-mk3
I really like the second Seiko that Kryton posted, the SRPC97J1.
That in a good quality black (or dark blue) strap would be bang on. Lovely watch that is.
I'm not really in the market for a new watch, but every so often I consider getting a Smiths Everest from Timefactors. Does no-one else think they look good? It's probably a bit too similar to my current Certina DS Podium, but I'm drawn to the Britishness of it .....
That c60 Trident on a black Cordura strap, wow. That’s good looking.
The Smith's Everest looks great value for money and nicely finished.
I've had several watches from Eddie and currently wearing a Zeno I bought at least 12 years ago and it's still a favourite.
I've been looking at the Voyager (still kicking myself for not buying the original Dreadnought) but can't justify it at the moment.
@woodster that C65 Anthropocene is a lovely looking watch. I like that a lot.
@Futureboy77 and @tthew thanks for the pointers. I like the look of the stock SK007, although I've now got a few more resources for potential mods! The accuracy of the Casio is of course great, but I grew up with various cheap watches (including my old favourite Pop Swatch!) so I'm used to checking the accuracy every now and then.
If I was to buy a stock SK007, do you have any tips for where to buy? I can of course do the usual Google shopping search for wherever is the cheapest, but if there are any particular reputable or reliable sellers I'd be interested to know.
Creation Watches is where I got SKX from.
@Pierre a second vote for Creation Watches. I've bought a few from there. Really quick shipping and I didn't get hit for import duty.
Any thoughts on a Oris Divers Sixty-Five?
I have a significant birthday not too far away and like the look of these.
Any views?
Any thoughts on a Oris Divers Sixty-Five?
I have a significant birthday not too far away and like the look of these.
Any views?I looked in to that watch when I had a significant birthday too as I like the look of it. Reviews questioned the finishing on the case, and I was surprised it was only 100m water resistant, not that that matters in the real world. I decided not to.
Lovely domed crystal on the Oris. I like them
I had an Oris Divers 65, good things were the look, comfort and vanilla rubber strap. Bad was the movement is a little basic (modded sellita 200 with red rotor) and mine went very badly out of step (25 spd) within 2 years, so I got it sent back to Oris and sold it pronto on return.
Thanks guys, I think I need to get my hands on one to have a closer look. I’ve seen non too flattering reviews of them to.
Have a look at the Rado Captain Cook. That's the best looking retro diver of the moment, (IMHO) and roughly in the same price bracket.
What size watch are you looking for = just waiting for one of these to turn up from the States in the next day oor two - £300 with all the import duties - Jura have them for £850. Automatic and handwinding. Enough change to get a nice Hirsh q/release strap for it out of your budget.
https://glycine-watch.ch/collection/combat/combat-classic
So, anyone see Antiques Roadshow last night? And the chap who bought an Omega Speedmaster at a jumble sale? And it turned out to be a pre-moon one? And it was worth £5000? And he'd paid a fiver for it?
Bastard!
I saw that £5 quid was a very good result. Any thoughts on these at all
https://pinionwatches.com/collection/axis-ii/
nearly bought a tudor black bay then cancelled my order as I have a desire for something with a british connection. Been looking at Bremont and came across these Pinion ones which look nice and run in very limited batches.
@pierre - an alternative to the SKX007 might be the Heimdallr Sharkey SKX007/MarineMaster 300 homage, which I’ve got, I posted a photo of it a while back. The case is identical to the original Seiko, (in fact there’s watch modders who’ve swapped bits between an actual Seiko and the Heimdallr with no issues), it has a sapphire crystal, instead of Hardlex, the face and hands are styled after the high spec Seiko MarineMaster 300, but the movement is a Seiko NH35, an unbranded version of one of Seikos slightly higher spec movements than is fitted to the SKX007, but intended for the open market, and which is hackable, meaning the watch can be hand-wound, and the second-hand paused for accuracy when setting the time. It’s a really lovely watch, and far cheaper than any SKX007 you’re likely to find now that it’s been discontinued.
These two are both Heimdallr’s, both mine, the one on the left is a Seiko Tuna homage, the one on the right the SKX007, with a 007 NATO strap.
It’s currently listed at $149
https://www.heimdallr.watch/dive-watches/29-skx007-marine-master.html
Look through their dive watch range, they’ve got a bunch of other options as well.
The NH movements aren't higher spec than the standard 7S26. It's essentially the same movement with hacking and hand winding.
Some great deals on the Heimdallr website, shame all the watches they make are bloody massive, really like the turtle homage but its just far too big for my girly spindle wrists!
Good news for Seiko fans, albeit wealthy ones...
After the announcement of the new SPB149, a 62mas inspired watch limited to 5,500 pieces worldwide, the full range has now been announced with some non-limited colour alternatives...
Prices range from $1000 to $1350
Crikey @CountZero that's tempting, thank you! A tiny part of me wants a legit SK007 just because it's the actual thing, but I know I'd want to mod it with ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal, potentially hacking and a different bracelet... so the Heimdallr makes a _lot_ of sense. The only drawback, I think, if everything else is practically the same, is that the face wouldn't say Seiko. :/
I have bought 3 watches of Creation - but they now seem to have a very limited range of Seiko (and a lot of them are 5s).
Count Z — very curious about the Heimdallrs - a) how much duty did you have to pay? B) what is the quality like ?
A social network randomly served me some watch ads last night, so I spent a good 20 minutes or so trying to work out if the Seiko SSC667 looks good or not. On the one hand, there's this:
...but on the other, it looks a bit cheap in this: 
First thing that sprung to mind was : is that the Seiko Pyjama Watch?
I do like the case and face. It's very mid-70s.
I like the fact that the date is on a black disc.
£295 on Amazon. A bit steep for a quartz chrono?
Count zero. Those look great and very tempting, as about the same price as getting one of my Seiko divers serviced!