OT: Watches/Tough watches/one you won't cry over...

[A1CKot]

Cheap is a relative thing. I wear watches from Lum-Tec almost daily on and off work. Still look good and their customer service is just the best.

http://www.lum-tec.com

[Louis]

For folks who don't take time too seriously:

[wallymann]

if you truly just want a unbelievably durable watch that will tell time and not cost alot, get a g-shock. they are basically what every infantryman wears that pays for such an essential piece of equipment out of their own pockets. you're looking at $50. ironmans are a very close 2nd.

if you want a durable watch with more techno gee-whiz factor then go with a suunto. GIs that want to spend a little more often get these. you're looking at a couple hundred $.

if you want a durable watch that's a little more interesting yet simpler, you cant go wrong with the seiko automatic dive watches that have been mentioned. you're looking at $100 or so.

[Louis]

IMO, regarding the automatics, if you care anything about keeping accurate time don't get one.

I have an SKX007 and I love it, but accuracy is not it's forte, and the local auto expert guy told me that I should be happy if I get better than +/- 1 minute / week, and really didn't want to try to get better than that. I suppose he might have if I had forced him to try, but I didn't.

If you want a "set it and forget it" get a quartz (or an "atomic" G-shock).

[Charles M]

http://www.amazon.com/Casio-G9000MS-...g-shock+mudman




Bomb proof. Solar. Atomic accuracy.

I have Omega, Panerai, Zenith and Graham sitting and this is the daily driver. I dont think there is a more functional, durable and accurate watch for $100.

[choke]

Originally Posted by Louis

IMO, regarding the automatics, if you care anything about keeping accurate time don't get one.

I have an SKX007 and I love it, but accuracy is not it's forte, and the local auto expert guy told me that I should be happy if I get better than +/- 1 minute / week, and really didn't want to try to get better than that. I suppose he might have if I had forced him to try, but I didn't.

If you want a "set it and forget it" get a quartz (or an "atomic" G-shock).

Hmmm....I think I'd be looking for a different 'expert'.

I agree that as a general rule a mechanical is not as accurate as quartz. However, any decent mechanical - which the 007 certainly is - can be regulated to far better than 1 minute a week; it just takes time and patience on the part of the person doing it. My SandY 490, which has a pretty inexpensive movement (ETA2801), varied less than one second a month the last time I bothered to check.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by choke

Hmmm....I think I'd be looking for a different 'expert'.

He was recommended to me by two different St Louis guys on one of the big watch forums.

[RFC]

Originally Posted by choke

Hmmm....I think I'd be looking for a different 'expert'.

I agree that as a general rule a mechanical is not as accurate as quartz. However, any decent mechanical - which the 007 certainly is - can be regulated to far better than 1 minute a week; it just takes time and patience on the part of the person doing it. My SandY 490, which has a pretty inexpensive movement (ETA2801), varied less than one second a month the last time I bothered to check.

Agreed. If you are mechanical enough to build a bike you can regulate a Seiko dive watch. All you need is a cheap watch back wrench (eBay) and a pin. I have regulated Seiko dive watches to +-1 second/day, which is better than an off the shelf Rolex.

[Louis]

The guys I've spoken to here (the guy I took it to and one other) all want to use their watch timing machines to do it. Also, the guy who did it said that to get it better than 1 min / wk the amount it would have to be adjusted is so teeny that he'd have no idea if he was making it better or worse.

Just telling you what they told me, not saying that you guys are wrong.

[Don49]

Originally Posted by William

Any suggestions for something that might fit the bill?

You sound like a candidate for a Vostok Amphibian, rugged Russian divers watch, yet stylish and available in a variety of different colors and faces. They run about $80 delivered which takes two weeks from Russia. I strongly recommend seller Zenitar on eBay, http://www.ebay.com/usr/zenitar?_trksid=p2047675.l2559 The engineering that has gone into making these watches waterproof is pretty impressive. The date is not quick-set so I recommend getting a model sans date.

[professerr]

Casio W59
http://www.amazon.com/Casio-W59-1V-C.../dp/B000GB1RDM

$12 dollars. Not a dive watch, but I've surfed with these for years, run one over with a car, and otherwise completely abuse them in the manner appropriate for a watch that cost $12. I've never damaged one other than minor scratches. Thin, trivial weight, and when the battery runs out after, like, 5 years, throw it away and get a new one.

[jr59]

nm

[oldpotatoe]

Chinese..bought one for the shop, just cuz..comes with a little note, 'keep away from water'..$19, free ship, junk...

[shamsixnine]

My son does a lot of "extreme" activities. He has had various watches, and none of them really last that long. I finally got him a G-Shock. Yes, a little bulky, but not too bad. And very cool looking for sure. This is the one I bought him. It would definitely survive a zombie apocalypse situation.

http://gshock.com/watches/Aviation/GA1000-1A

[William]

More choices then I expected, and a few more $$ than I want to spend for a watch that will ultimately be destroyed due to my he-manliness. The Seiko Monster and the Lum-Tec watches are nice, but I see them more for when I'm not out riding, paddling, or stick-fighting. Some of the G-Shock offerings look interesting for what I'm thinking. Hmmm, choices......

Thank you for your suggestions everyone!








William