Watches N+1…

Thanks for the tips folks, that’ll save me a chunk of futile browsing. Wish it was so straightforward to replace everything else that was nicked.

Just learned about this brand today.

300m divers from Pantor. This is the Sealion. Rather lovely.

Cannae get link to work….

Thank you. Looks like it’s another Seiko or save up a bit (a lot) for an Omega, Tudor or similar.
Diz

derek, tha looks like a Seiko turtle to me, but then I on’t no my arse end seiko from my elbow end seiko, so I could be wrong

Seiko turtle, Doxa sharkhunter, Panerai. All variations of cushion case. I read a long time ago why they were popular for divers and I can’t remember for the life of me. Love a good cushion case.

catfood

Member
As above one of the main advantages of a NATO strap, apart from being so comfy is if a spring bar goes you don’t lose your watch

Also a disadvantage of NATO’s is they can make big watches a bit floppy and bouncy as they dont sit as close to the wrist as a “normal” strap or bracelet.

That Pantor is pretty.

If you’re quick you might still be able to pre-order a Helm Vanuatu – still up for grabs on the site, albeit with a production wait time, but if you fancy a new watch in May 2020, have a look. Most well-built tooly under 300 USD – amazing engineer strap, plus a nato thrown in. Possibly the best lume on a watch under $500. If not THE best…. I’m tempted, I just cba to wait until May for a new watch.

San Martin mas62 is very tempting, and something like 280usd on the aliexpress 11//11 sale delivered……

So I’m thinking of treating myself to a dress watch. I like a background/reputation story so I’ve narrowed it down the a baby, baby snowflake Fuyugeshiki or Tissot Le locle:

https://www.francisandgaye.co.uk/seiko-presage-gents-cocktail-fuyugeshiki-limited-edition-watch-SSA385J1-p25810

https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-gb/shop/tissot-le-locle-powermatic-80-4.html

im struggling with “too many seiko’s” but the back story on the design i really like and it’s a limited run .  Yet, owning the Tissots powermatic 80 also appeals

Thoughts?

The Seiko is handsome. I’d take that over the Tissot.

Me too. I like the way they’ve integrated that handy power reserve meter into the dial.

The Presage for me too.
I have one on patent leather with ice blue starburst dial.

POWERMATIC? Sounds like a 1950s washing machine!
The Tissot looks cheap.

A heads up for anyone who fancies trying an Erikas MN strap but can’t stomach the recent 50% price rise, Watchgecko’s almost identical ‘French Nato’ straps are on offer for only £6.

watchgecko.com/french-style-elastic-nato-watch-strap-by-zuludiver

Presage. But it needs a good leather strap.

There is something about the Tissot that looks cheap and I can’t put my finger on it. I have a Tissot Visodate with the silver dial and it’s a lovely thing. They’re worth looking at. Has a standard 2824 rather than a Powermatic.

I vote for the seiko too, although the tissot is also a lovely watch.

those that know seiko, can you tell me is there a difference between the Seiko Prospex Green L.E. SPB081J1, and the SBDC059 Seiko Prospex Diver Scuba Green Dial Limited. I’m confused and largely clueless on Seiko.

There is something about the Tissot that looks cheap and I can’t put my finger on it. I have a Tissot Visodate with the silver dial and it’s a lovely thing. They’re worth looking at. Has a standard 2824 rather than a Powermatic.

I too have a Visodate and really like it. I would wish it was a couple of mm smaller though.

With regards to the Tissot above, roman numerals on a watch, no no no.

can you tell me is there a difference between the Seiko Prospex Green L.E. SPB081J1, and the SBDC059 Seiko Prospex Diver Scuba Green Dial Limited. I’m confused and largely clueless on Seiko.

it would appear the latter has Sapphire Crystal glass and was a more limited run than the LE.   I think also the LE is Japanese Market only?

There is something about the Tissot that looks cheap

I always think this about Tissot.   I’ll have a look at the visodate as that does have a little reputation.  However, having slept on this I’m now not comfortable to splash £500 on a watch I’ll wear 3-4 times a year.

i started googling Vostok yesterday.  Lots of cheap genuine watches about.

thanks kryton, the J suffix means Japan market I think, I thought…or assumed maybe…the SPB081 had a sapphire crystal. I really don’t know my seikos!

Well J is made in Japan but it doesn’t signify the market. There’s £100 between those two yet my naturals instinct is to for for the more rare version.  Maybe do some more research on the glass – it may be the only different.  The movements etc is all the same.

Long time reader, first time poster. I’ve got a few watches = Bell and Ross BR03, Breitling Navitimer 8, Stowa Marine, Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon, couple of Seiko 5s. I’ve wanted something bronze for ages and after much deliberation looking a Tudor, Tag, Steinhart I went for something I don’t mind wearing every day – a Christopher Ward C60 Trident Bronze, 38mm. I’m very very happy with it, works well on my tiny wrists and is definitely different to my other watches.

That’s a good looking unit beej. Is it designed so that the bronze gradually tarnishes over time, like Tudor’s bronze model?

CW makes some good-looking watches, and pretty reasonably priced too

Yeah, it’ll develop a patina over time. You can buy them pre-aged, but where’s the fun in that?

I like the look of that bronze CW not really looked at them before but do seem decent ish money and I to like the idea of something that ages with me.

Trying to decide between a Stowa Marine or Flieger at the moment. Maybe I’ll end up with both!

Beej, nice CW!

As a big fan of Ball, I’d love to see a pic of your Hydrocarbon

I agree CW are nie and the bronze is lovely. I’ve looked at it too..and the tudor bronze bay…. have resisted but…hmmmm. Is it s SW200 in that?

I’ve long admired Stowa too, one of the original luftwaffe fleiger suppliers.

cheers Kryton, is there anywhere you can suggest for dong a bit of research on seikos?

Kato? visodate, 2824? errr…viso date? it has a day and a date complications yes? its not the 2824 in that case, it is…but with the extra complication its number changes…can’t remember..2845 or somthing like that.

2836-2. Every day a movement school day

Re: seiko le – thailand special edition normally.

Been too skint to pay attention for the last 3 years

Neil – yep, SW200-1.

The Ball is this one – not my pic! It’s the Magnate GMT.

Sits surprisingly well on a small wrist – there’s a curve to the case so it wraps around before the strap.

The Stowa Marine I’ve got is the basic handwind – but still has the display back. Like this, mine’s got a dark brown leather strap rather than black.

I’m looking at one of those on eBay beej. He wants £800 for it. I’m toying with making an offer but not sure about the polished case. I prefer a brushed finish. It’s a really handsome watch though

Looks a bit like the Dornbluth I’ll never be able to afford

Sides and bezel are polished, top bit and strap lightly brushed. It’s not full bling. They used to stock them in Ernest Jones – they still seem to carry a couple of the Hydrocarbons so you might find one to try on.

(assuming you mean the Ball!)

Stowa is polished.

I meant the Stowa

That Stowa is smart. the Ball is not to my taste but I hop you enjoy it.

Did some more research…SPB081 is identical to the SBDC059, both sapphire crystal and both were 1000 pieces, one was the Japan market, the other the international. It may take a while to find one at the right price. I may end up with a sumo instead….or something else….or nothing at all.

I seem to have bought a green Sumo on ebay… new one…£540. shipping from Italy.

I seem to have bought a green Sumo on ebay

Sheer carelessness IMO.

Hey
First post and about watches instead of bikes 🙂

Was on the phone with a Rolex AD again today. Situation is still an utter farce.

Anyhoo, have a few watches. Rolex, Raymond Weil, Rado, Tag, Tissot etc etc.

Really want an Orient Bambino, and a GMT on a jubilee bracelet.

Live in hope regards the latter. Waited too long and blew the budget last week on an Orange 5 Factory , much more fun lol.

Bought one of these by accident 🤨

G shock

hi brads, if you’ve bought much of the current stuff from the AD then you should have a chance on the GMT. I assume you are waiting for a steel one,I’m reading the rootbeer is slightly easier to get but even that seems hard.

johnners…well yes! its a good price…it was one of those bids that you don’t expect to win with!

it was one of those bids that you don’t expect to win with!

Usually a good sign!

I like that G Shock. It’s a new titanium version with Bluetooth tech isn’t it?