Nice Seiko auto story here too:
I've just (well, have to wait til Xmas morning) joined the ranks of Moonswatch owners. Passing the Swatch store in Bordeaux yesterday, saw some in the window and decided Papa Noel would be bringing me the yellow one. Yellow is a bit out there, but it was the most "Swatch" one for me & have already got a non-plastic Speedy, didn't see the point in getting a similar metallic colour.
And the replacement NH35 movement for my Seiko 5 arrived this morning. Once I've put it in, that's N+2 for me, may have to thin the herd...
I have been eying Furlan Marri watches recently and see they are back in stock. I usually do not like cut off dial detail but this one looks right to me.
Does anyone in this parish have one and have long term feedback?
https://www.furlanmarri.com/products/1072-a-nero-sabbia?variant=40512422871172
I've been running a Scurfa Diver One for four years and it's been superb. Also really comfy and great lume. Build quality is excellent. One battery change to date.
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A little retro diver present to myself.
Well my Ti Vanuatu turned up and boy is it lovely.
Ti so super light (natch). Yeah it's going to scuff and scrape but meh. The Ti engineer strap is super comfy. Sized well and no pinchy hair bits.
The lume is so good. I love the watch. Should keep me happy for a while (until I finally do my Gshock 5600 ti case/strap modification!).
Stock images as work blocks Google Photos
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Both the Squale and Vanuatu look ace! Aphex, that will go well with your new job indeed 🙂
I really enjoyed the Seiko video as I do with all of Marshall’s efforts. A few words about Seiko’s tooling and quality comparing the in house-ability on par with Rolex and his enthusiasm for the watch during the process made me think very much that I’m not appreciating - with the exception of the CW Compressor - my watches for anything other than the visual appearance. So I took some time last night to read about the Nh36, Vajoux 7750, ST19, and Sellita movements in particular.
As always this thread provides an enjoyable learning experience.
Marshall does a great job of keeping his channel enjoyable - after all, you can only watch so many 50-minute videos of full watch services, they're largely the same to the layman. You need a backstory, and he gets that balance (pun intended) right.
I’m not appreciating – with the exception of the CW Compressor – my watches for anything other than the visual appearance
I'm largely the other way, usually can't see half the things that aesthetes talk about (hence buying a yellow moonswatch...), but can lose hours in something like the satisfying mechanical click of the chrono button on a Speedy, the way the hand resets, the rattliness of a well-worn 50 year old jubilee bracelet, or that almost musical sound a movement makes when beating in a small steel case with a plain caseback.
A little retro diver present to myself
That's lovely
Anybody had any experience with buying direct off the Rotary website?
I decided to chance £89 on a Black Friday offer watch for beater duties but heard nothing since (and no response to my enquiry email). Only received a confirmation email (at time of ‘sale’) and website says all orders dispatched within 3-5 working days.
Thinking about cancelling via the credit card…
I've never bought anything from them but I did submit an enquiry about their ti field watch and it took them weeks to get back to me.
Based on that I'd be tempted to just wait, I imagine their shipping etc is better than their comms.
What have you gone for? Some of their models are actually really nice looking and decent spec for the price.
Oh yes I agree! Both the squale and the vanatu look absolutely stunning! Congratulations!
Nice, I'd be tempted to put it on some sort of rally style strap I think.
Looks like the same quartz chronograph as my Timex Q on the previous page. Which is not a bad thing, but the 24 hour register can't be set independently, so it's a little pointless.
Well I was hoping to have the zenith this morning after driving to fetch it yesterday (100 miles away, but on the way to somewhere else I was going). However I heard nothing from the seller since a message from him about Tuesday or Wednesday when he asked if I was still good for Sunday. I replied yes, and gave an ETA asking if the time was ok, then Friday asked for address and phone number, messaged again Sunday...nada. not sure if I'm being ghosted or if the seller has had some kind of emergency but most likely the former I guess. My view, if he's found a better deal or whatever that's fine, it's his watch and he chooses what to do. Mildly frustrating to take cash out of savings account and make plans, but that's all. So most likely.... I'm still N.
@derek_starship - good to hear back from someone who’s an owner and wearer of a Scurfa. It’s a proper tool watch with no bells and whistles, and real clarity, which is what I like in a watch. It doesn’t hurt that the company is owned by a diver.
Gotta say, that Vanuatu is very impressive, and the lume is extraordinary!
Damn, two to add to the want list, not one.
Big birthday happening next year and I'm thinking I'd like a new watch. I've already got a nice divers so would like an explorer type to compliment. At the moment I'm really keen on the Nivada Super Antarctica. Has anyone had one or dealt with Nivada? Also thinking about a Seiko Alpinist of some sort. Anything else I should be looking at? Im probably more at ease with sub £1k watches,so an actual explorer or a ranger is out of reach.
A special explorer type..... I'd be tempted to go for a Hamilton Murph. They've just released a 39mm although that doesn't have the morse code on the second hand. Looks lovely.
@yokaiser put your name on the list for the next batch of Smiths Air Ministry?
Liked the Murph, I also like the Alpinist, especially the baby version without the compass bezel (istr seeing some video reviews where that bezel wobbled a bit).
Talking of compass bezels, I’ve probably got enough “tool” watches but this caught my eye. 1600€ tho…
https://ow-watch.ch/products/m-110-m
My wife bought me a green Alpinist for my 50th.
It’s not the most expensive watch I own, and it’s probably the smallest.
But it’s definitely the prettiest. Like it, works, no issues (except the meh Seiko strap - but you knew that) - it’s lovely.
And we just opened three Geckotas (same watch, different colours) for me and my two sons - in France so presents tonight.
Also very nice.
Interesting watch here, that’s new to me, but has a fairly long history. Nice looking watch, but sadly outside my price range. 🙁
https://www.ablogtowatch.com/watch-review-eberhard-co-scafograf-200-dlc-limited-edition/
Update on the Rotary situation: zero contact directly but a DHL email (no reference and no link)…
Then an email from DHL saying they try tried to deliver but I was out (yup, I was indeed, out in the front garden speaking with my neighbour!). DHL have a history of not being able to find me (not the first time they’ve had to phone and ask where I am) so its not over yet…
Short roundup of new watches from some British brands that might be of interest. One might push the limits of most people’s budgets, though.
https://www.fratellowatches.com/the-renaissance-of-british-watchmaking-in-2022-the-best-from-bremont-fears-vertex-farer-and-bamford/
Just watched the Seiko restoration above, sad backstory, but lovely to see just how well the watch had survived. Amazing to see it suddenly start running while he was still assembling it!
That’s a real treasure.
What that video has reinforced for me is the feeling that opening watches up and rebuilding them is something I’m just not suited for. I don’t have the patience, and my hands and fingers are no longer steady enough, combined with my inability to remember what order everything is supposed to go back together!
Whoop whoop! I've not been ghosted, the zenith seller had a good reason for being out of touch and it's still on hold for me.... He won't be around for another fortnight though so it'll be an agonizing wait before I can drive 100 miles across the country and collect it. In the meantime I'm looking at bracelets...forstner bullet looks nice! Annoyingly I'll have to get that one from the US and knowing me I'll get clobbered for import tax and the USPS handling fee, but still, from what I read it's a good quality and vfm bracelet.
I’ve a Watch based confession to make…. I haven’t sold any of my watches. Yes I’ve been busy, and then lazy and I did successfully restrict myself to wearing the five I want to keep.
I seem to have an emotional attachment to admitting defeat somehow. Any advice would be appreciated!
Whilst clearing out my grandparents house last year I came across an old tea caddy filled with the normal assortment of fuses, old keys, marbles, rusty screws etc. Amongst all this useful stuff was a WW2 Leondias pocket watch with its chain and its key fob is a few coins from Iceland dated 1941. The watch has had a hard life and looks like it was used for many years as a plumb bob, knowing my grandad probably was. Unsurprisingly it no work, can anyone recommend some one to have a look at it to see if its repairable?
Another good Seiko story - original Willard bought by a Navy diver and used for years in the navy and then saturation diving afterwards. The bloke restoring it met the owner when they were both being treated for cancer
It was a nice story, shame the watch service didn't go too well.
If he'd the first idea of how to use his cleaning machine it probably would've saved some of the issues encountered later on, but failure the address the shagged out barrel arbour bushings when they're that far gone is always going to have it looking like crap on the timing machine.
He does admit he's just a hobbyist so I'll leave it at that.
Anyone interested in a modded seiko?
I got hooked on the look from pictures but now i got it dial just feel to small for my taste.
And fancy a Elliot Brown Canford instead.
Probably want to put some pics up Mikkel, or pop it on the Classifieds and leave a link. Modified Seiko could be anything!
Black PVD not really my thing, but that looks nicely done.
Is this sort of plastic shite allowed here...? 🙃
A Fenix 6 XL Pro 'free' via the application of Avios/Nectar. Bit big but more battery so betterer.
Vomit discretely please.
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It had the bezel and bezel insert changed then flat saphire crystal and crown cerakoted red.
I do quite like this new(ish) Timex Expedition North in Ti.
AMZN are doing it for £227 but are currently OoS.
Can I just ask what people's opinion is on the following - Ordered a new watch from the US, turned up and looked okay but on inspection there is a small chip I think in the crystal, you can't feel it with your fingernail but equally it doesn't move with a cloth i.e. it's not just a mark that would polish out. Other than that the watch is spot on but I can't unsee the mark. It's between the 11 and 12 indices. What would you do? Watch was not cheap, but not mega bucks, around £550 + taxes I think.
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That would drive me nuts - I'd be looking for a replacement - or if you can put up with it, at least a partial refund. Bought a new Macbook a couple of years ago from John Lewis - arrived with a 2mm dent on the edge of the body. JL were kind enough to refund 15%.
derek_starship
Love the look of that Timex - very Hamilton-y and seems good value for Ti.
That would drive me nuts – I’d be looking for a replacement – or if you can put up with it, at least a partial refund.
Yep me too, I think I'm going to insist on a replacement, don't think a partial refund would cut it I know I'd be annoyed by it in the future. Frustrating as I waited an age for it to be shipped over, and the rest of the watch is spot on.
Decided to use the tax rebate wisely
EDIT photo not working, dammit.
2nd try. Result!!
Yep, love that Sinn.
Re the watch I posted earlier with the defect on the crystal, on close inspection it looks like something on the inside of the crystal - supplier has offered to pay for a service to clean it plus a small compensation fee, I'm not sure I want a new watch taking apart unnecessarily though, may end up with marks on it, reduced waterproofness etc? Am I right to press for an exchange or do you think a service/clean would be as good as new?
@Stevet1 - wouldn't worry me if the supplier is going to put it right. The watch will come back fully waterproof. Ultimately though its your money and your call.
If they can get rid of the mark after the clean, which I guess means they think it will polish out. I'd be happy for the same watch to come back blemish free.
Those Sinn 556 watches are fantastic.
Of all my watches it gets the most wrist time.
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@Stevet1 – wouldn’t worry me if the supplier is going to put it right. The watch will come back fully waterproof. Ultimately though its your money and your call.
It depends what they mean, I'm reading that as they'll pay for a local service which I'd not be keen on. If it's a new watch I'd want an exchange but enforcing any consumer rights internationally may not be easy.
If this was a new purchase missing that defect doesn't say anything good about the manufacturer's QC.
Yep they want to pay for someone to do it locally. It's an old stock watch not easily available, but they do have a couple more in stock. Quality wise, well the rest of the watch seems spot on, hands it the markers and bezel aligned and feels smooth etc. I'm undecided what's for the best.
Yep they want to pay for someone to do it locally. It’s an old stock watch not easily available, but they do have a couple more in stock.
If you go that route I'd want them to arrange the service and pay for it directly.
If it's one of the older 38mm chronographs they're a very nice size, I can sympathize with your dilemma but it really comes down to would you be happy with the watch in the end.
Yep they want to pay for someone to do it locally. It’s an old stock watch not easily available, but they do have a couple more in stock. Quality wise, well the rest of the watch seems spot on, hands it the markers and bezel aligned and feels smooth etc. I’m undecided what’s for the best.
Given you'd have to ship your watch back then wait for a replacement, I'd be tempted to do just that. It's a five minute job to open the case back, drop the movement out and give things a blast with air to remove the offending fluff. I would expect a pressure test afterwards though.
Crikey, was watching some youtube blokes trading watches recently and I nearly puke at the price of some of the watches ... those Richard Mille price really? But good that all the rich and famous are buying them otherwise they don't know how to spend their money.
Is Rolex now a commodity? They produce about one million watch per year so hardly scarce at all.
I will stick to Casio, Seiko, Citizen or any of the Japanese watch that I fancy. Nothing more than £150.
Has anyone owned used a Tissot T touch? I don't want a full smart watch, but I want to be able to glance down at a notification and know if I don't have to reach for my phone.
Oooh, Sinn do know how to make a good-looking functional watch. What is it, 200m WR too? And they're absolute strap monsters if you fancy trying different straps on it
Yes 200m. I’ve got the h-link bracelet and want to try a rubber and a leather option. At the moment it’s on a Barton olive green canvas strap.
I got the idea to get the Sinn as I really like the Rolex Explorer 39mm and the way a black sports watch wears different strap options, but there’s no way I’m getting drawn into all this over list grey market crap. The Sinn cost me 10% of what I’d have to pay for an Explorer.
Is Rolex now a commodity?
Effectively, yes. Highly controlled supply, with used prices currently just nuts.
https://www.ft.com/content/a7cbc3b7-f3b3-445c-bf64-51cedd5e9a29
https://unbolted.com/uk/luxury-focus/cash-vs-rolex/
Bought an Apple Watch 6 LTE in stainless steel for £315 in John Lewis sale. This is an upgrade from a basic grey Watch 3 that I have worn for four years to test the technology. Very pleased with the stainless steel case, and increased speed. Screen is bigger, and strap is my old one. Battery life is still rubbish. can't see the need for an equivalent Watch 8 at 2.5x the price.
The annoying thing is that this Watch 6 deprives me of the opportunity to wear my mechanical watch. Have my favourites (not Roelx btw), but that means one needs a Quartz watch for intermittent wearing.
The annoying thing is that this Watch 6 deprives me of the opportunity to wear my mechanical watch
Man up and get Schwartzkopfing!
Alternatively you could just suck up the minute or so it takes to reset the time and date on a manual and put a couple of turns into the movement?
So long as the watch servicer knows the basics properly there is no problem with a dismantle to remove the dust. If the small compensation is sufficient to pay for your time finding said service centre then all seems fine. If worried about the wr sealing get them to pressure test it, I think even timpsons can pressure test these days (although I'm not sure I'd trust a timpsons.... Although if the staff are good and often get mechanical watches I could be convinced)
Still waiting to collect the zenith here.
The Sinn 556 is class and a real nod to quality that only watch nuts appreciate.
The annoying thing is that this Watch 6 deprives me of the opportunity to wear my mechanical watch.
That's the main reason I don't have a smart watch. And I couldn't pull off the double wristed look. Schwartzkopfing, I like that. 😁
I'd get the crystal cleaned on the diver. TBH I'd probably do it myself if not for the water tightness test.
Wearing 2 Watches only??
Why not full Lewis Hamilton and have 2 on one wrist and 1 on the other.
So long as the watch servicer knows the basics properly there is no problem with a dismantle to remove the dust. If the small compensation is sufficient to pay for your time finding said service centre then all seems fine. If worried about the wr sealing get them to pressure test it, I think even timpsons can pressure test these days (although I’m not sure I’d trust a timpsons…. Although if the staff are good and often get mechanical watches I could be convinced)
You may be right, I'm just a little worried if something went wrong either now or in the short term future who would be responsible. I've contacted a local place to see what they can do.
It's actually a mecha-quartz eta-caliber-251-264 this one, but it has the centrally mounted second and minute chronograph hands like the lemania variant - https://calibercorner.com/eta-caliber-251-264/
Should make for a super accurate and legible watch, very wearable at 38mm and titanium case.
Still waiting to collect the zenith here.
Oh man, I'd be camped outside their house!
You may be right, I’m just a little worried if something went wrong either now or in the short term future who would be responsible.
This is a fair point. If the supplier told you this was an option then reasonable to assume it rests with them still, but it would be worth having confirmation of that on an e-mail.
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Surfboard.
Surprisingly nice for the money and my first Bulova.
Yes, if not and they want you to take the watch on different terms then the compensation would need to be a bit bigger.
Yeah I know, tempting as it is to camp in Milton Keynes the seller had a family emergency/illness and dashed out the country for several weeks, back only briefly before heading to the states on work. Apparently his wife isn't keen to meet a complete stranger and conduct a deal for a £9k watch at the family home.... Although I'm 'camping keen' sometimes you just have to wait.
That’s the main reason I don’t have a smart watch
I've left my Instinct on all weekend so far to successfully remind myself notifications are a pain in the arse and I become a slave to my phone.
Apparently his wife isn’t keen to meet a complete stranger and conduct a deal for a £9k watch at the family home…. Although I’m ‘camping keen’ sometimes you just have to wait.
Ha, yep it'll be all the sweeter when you do get your hands on it.
I agree the Sinn looks good, although its not a style for me.
Anyway, in the ongoing saga of "I've bought them now so is it really worth selling them" I found myself thinking about which watch to take to Barbados. Yep, we are off to see the family, yet staying in a hotel, so I need a nice watch yet a pool, sea and water sports watch and one that I really don't mind inheriting bit of patina. Mrs K dives but I don't, so I tend to help out with shore duty or up top in the boat, so if it gets clattered....
Et Voila:
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Yes, the Samurai I already own with a Zuludiver waffle. I realised I'd also put it on the strap for a previous Menorcan holiday, and to Barca '22 for a lads reunion. I'd put it back on the OEM bracelet in the box, but don't wear it otherwise. I think it has presence, looks, lume, is Prospex and would look good with a little patina.
So a re-invention not a purchase, it can only be a good thing to wear them more. I might take the orange SSK for out-of-pool visits to the family etc, but I think the Samurai is good sleeves rolled up water oriented option.
So there we go, some idle chat, feel free to ignore.... etc.
Yay, Kryton set to enjoy one of his watches! This can only be a good thing.
Lol!
I have actually enjoyed sticking the the five “keepers” in rotation. In fact they have really been on my mind much until today, and that was only because a Casio Duro popped up on my Amazon home page at random.
Tried a new strap from WatchGecko. Think I like it!
Does anyone have any experience with Certina's interchangable DS+ range? I've seen one of their regular DS divers which I really like but keep going back to the + range for the added flexibility.
I've got the green DS Action Diver and love the quality look and feel for the price so while not a DS+ I would have no worries about the build quality etc if you find one you like the look of.
just got myself a Nite Hawk T100
wanted something big and easy to see also in the dark for easy keeping track of short minute intervals when doing training with the dog.
First tritium luminated watch i have ever had and blimey it is bright.
Just need a longer strap so i can stick on top of my jacket when training.
I am thoroughly enjoying this thread - some very nice watches and a source of real inspiration. Thank You all :o)
I have two watches.
Both Seiko and both automatics - a 5Sport diver (which I bought of the STW Classifieds) on a bright Orange rubber strap and a lovely 1970's style Recraft (with the Blue dial) on a metal bracelet.
The bright Orange rubber strap is fading and looking a bit rubbish. So my question; who makes the best bright Orange rubber strap? Any recommendations?
Thats interesting, I've had a Luminox Leatherback Turtle in a basket, looks similar to that Hawk T100.
@bullet - cheers for that, sounds worth further investigation anyway, just a pity I'm nowhere near a stockist.
Surprising how hard it is to see some brands in the metal. You expect it with niche microbrands, direct to market brands or in my ongoing search for obscure Orients but for big, mainstream Swatch group brands like Mido and Certina you'd expect it to be a lot easier.
@JAG - Zuludiver do some nice rubber straps, I've got a couple of bright orange versions myself.
@IvanDobski - I got mine through Beaverbrooks. They had to order it in for me to look at but obviously no commitment to buy.
Equally Jurawatches have them with a clear and easy returns policy. Buy it, try it carefully then decide.
Welcome to the thread Jag... It gets expensive from here on 😂
Ps in still half heartedly trying to sell a seiko if you like green
Thanks for the recommendations :o)
IvanDobski - I'll take a look at Zuludiver
Neilnevill - Thanks for the offer but I don't like Green