OT - Watches

[AngryScientist]

the "new watch" bug has bitten me again. its almost as vicious as the "new bike" bug.

soliciting suggestions, here is what I'm after:

classic dive watch, automatic only. I own a ton of auto dive watches, including THE dive watch, the sea dweller, but the style of them just calls to me, and there is something mesmerizing about the movement of the automatic second hand. like a bicycle, i appreciate that all the power it needs to run comes from me, not a battery or "fuel" of any type. something always makes me smile about a complicated machine humming away on my wrist to glance at any time of the day.

also, i cant believe i didnt see this before: what are YOU wearing right now??

me currently :
http://www.friendsoforis.com/img/uploaded/image4210.jpg

[Polyglot]

I have one of my Zenith watches on right now, an identical one is for sale here (not by me):

http://www.vetroplastica.it/annuncio-vendo-Zenith-Pacific-El-Primero-590010400-1122.html

[Mike748]

1969 Speedmaster Professional this week.

I generally favor handwind chronographs (zenith ep and omega) but like auto divers too (seamaster ti, seiko 6306).

[MarcusPless]

what are YOU wearing right now??
This.

[pjm]

I have a stainless steel Submariner that I purchased back in '89. Still looks like new.

[djg]

I got on the bike this morning in a fuzz. Forgot to put on a watch and I feel a little underdressed.

I have an Omega seamaster, but mine is not a classic dive watch version. I think that the dive-versions of the seamaster are great. A ton of money relative to something that just works -- keeps time and keeps the water out -- of course, but functionally excellent, well finished, and the band is very good. Relative to other well-known, high quality swiss watches -- and especially for sport watches among them -- I think they represent a really good value.

I've also got a cheapo bang-around Invicta automatic dive-style watch. I'm not sure it's suitable for diving, and it's not hard to discern where they saved at least some of the money, but it's a nice looking watch that keeps decent time and is plenty water-resistant for the pool or snorkeling.

For a budget watch that keeps good time, looks cool, and is IMO better quality than the Invicta, it may be hard to beat a Seiko automatic diver's watch.

Dress watch is actually a little less formal than a real dress watch, but it's suitable for what passes for formal in my life, as well as the office, going out, etc. -- a GP doctor's chrono -- stainless with a gold bezel and a lizard strap.

I kinda decided it's enough. If I look at lots of watches, I want one. If I don't, I just don't.

[SEABREEZE]

Since living in Florida, the last thing I want is a watch on my wrist, to hot, to sweatty to irritating.

My cell phone works just fine date and time.

[Acotts]

When I was a little kid, my rich uncle had a fancy watch that had a button that if pushed, would turn the watch hands into a compass.

Can anyone give me a lead as to what kind of watch this was?

It was effin cool.

[Blue Jays]

My preference runs towards IWC (http://www.iwc.com/) wristwatches.

[eddief]

http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T46861-Expedition-Stainless-Bracelet/dp/B0000TIIXC/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

[velobran]

Panerai PAM005 - this gets the most wear
http://www.watches24seven.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=10654&g2_serialNumber=1
Baume & Mercier Hampton City
http://www.watchmvp.com/proImage/hampton%20city/Baume%20&%20Mercier%20Hampton%20City%20Chronograph%20Mens%2 0Watch%208344/Baume%20&%20Mercier%20Hampton%20City%20Chronograph%20Mens%2 0Watch%2083440.jpg
Tiffany (forget the model name - mine has several leather/croc/ostrich bands, not this stainless one)
http://www.outofpawn.com/files/0016/9705/01_page.jpg?1258660652

I have a friend that works at Tiffanys - I obtained two of these watches less than a gruppo.

[grateful]

Here is mine. Omega Seamaster Limited Edition (#982 of 9999). I love this watch.

[mandasol]

When I was a little kid, my rich uncle had a fancy watch that had a button that if pushed, would turn the watch hands into a compass.

Can anyone give me a lead as to what kind of watch this was?

It was effin cool.


A Tissot T-Touch can do that: http://www.tissot.ch/ but it's not a mechanical movement.

Some brands of watches that fit the bill for the OP are:
http://www.koboldwatch.com/
http://www.sinnwatch.com/
http://www.fortis-watches.com/front_content.php
http://www.tutima.com/en/



Though having had numerous automatic/manual mechanical, quartz, mechaquartz, kinetic and so on watches my daily timekeeper is a Citizen Eco-Drive Nighthawk (http://www.bluedial.com/bj7000-52e.htm). The Eco-drive is the most user friendly movement I've tried and you can wear it all time and beat the heck out of the watch and not have to worry about ruining a $6000 timepiece.

[pjm]

Like Del Griffith, I also occasionally sport a Casio! :cool:

[thwart]

Pricey... $10. :rolleyes:

Plastic 'crystal' has been amazingly resistant to scratches. I wear my watches 24/7, including cycling/showering/painting/etc, and so far (6 mo or so of use) it's been bulletproof.

[William]

http://www.stemcaptain.com/category/stem-cap-clock/

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j5rsUB3wTI8/SQojlmPkvqI/AAAAAAAAA-4/yyBGgD5nJMY/s400/stmcpt.jpg

Clock, compass, thermometer, or picture frame.






William

[fiamme red]

Pricey... $10. :rolleyes:

Plastic 'crystal' has been amazingly resistant to scratches. I wear my watches 24/7, including cycling/showering/painting/etc, and so far (6 mo or so of use) it's been bulletproof.Hey, that's my watch, except that mine is black and has no numbers. Maybe someday, when I'm secure financially, I'll get an expensive watch to impress people. ;)

[Acotts]

A Tissot T-Touch can do that: http://www.tissot.ch/ but it's not a mechanical movement.

Some brands of watches that fit the bill for the OP are:
http://www.koboldwatch.com/
http://www.sinnwatch.com/
http://www.fortis-watches.com/front_content.php
http://www.tutima.com/en/



Though having had numerous automatic/manual mechanical, quartz, mechaquartz, kinetic and so on watches my daily timekeeper is a Citizen Eco-Drive Nighthawk (http://www.bluedial.com/bj7000-52e.htm). The Eco-drive is the most user friendly movement I've tried and you can wear it all time and beat the heck out of the watch and not have to worry about ruining a $6000 timepiece.

Thanks. I wished the Tissot did not have that digital display. Kinda ruins it for me. Still it is a good start. ANd I am happy to know that I didn't just make this up as a little kid.

-A

[mandasol]

Pricey... $10. :rolleyes:

Plastic 'crystal' has been amazingly resistant to scratches. I wear my watches 24/7, including cycling/showering/painting/etc, and so far (6 mo or so of use) it's been bulletproof.


I don't get it. It only tells time :confused:

[Ozz]

Are those RGM Watches (http://www.rgmwatches.com/) any good?

They look nice...

[Jason E]

Wear it everywhere but the bike.

http://www.kenmarwatches.com/images/prod_oversize/17/festina_24417.jpg
]

[MarcusPless]

Maybe someday, when I'm secure financially, I'll get an expensive watch to impress people. ;)

I own two decent (to me) Omega watches. Like the vast majority of my decent (to me) bike stuff they were previously owned. There's a very active market in people buying/selling watches in a variety of price ranges, just like the Serotta Classifieds. :D

--Marcus

[fiamme red]

http://www.stemcaptain.com/category/stem-cap-clock/

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j5rsUB3wTI8/SQojlmPkvqI/AAAAAAAAA-4/yyBGgD5nJMY/s400/stmcpt.jpg

Clock, compass, thermometer, or picture frame.This is the ne plus ultra of bicycle watches (though it's only a stopwatch):

http://www.ryanbenyi.com/cirque/source/img_1699.htm
http://www.ryanbenyi.com/cirque/source/img_1700.htm

[Dekonick]

Tag today... Zenith when not working.

[Kevan]

the one on the right.

[Mike748]

Cracks me up when guys who ride mega bucks bikes make fun of us mechanical watch lovers. Yeah a Timex tells time. And a Walmart Schwinn gets you where you are going. You realize they sell complete bikes for $100?

[Jason E]

Cracks me up when guys who ride mega bucks bikes make fun of us mechanical watch lovers. Yeah a Timex tells time. And a Walmart Schwinn gets you where you are going. You realize they sell complete bikes for $100?

+1

[fiamme red]

Yeah a Timex tells time. And a Walmart Schwinn gets you where you are going. You realize they sell complete bikes for $100?A Timex tells time just as well as an Omega, and batteries are easy to replace. On the other hand, a $1,000 Trek is far superior to a $200 Magna in every conceivable way (ride quality, weight, durability, etc.).

A better comparison is a mechanical watch and a lugged bike painted by Joe Bell. The bike doesn't ride any better because of the lugs or the shiny paint.

By the way, I do like mechanical watches, and only wore automatics for many years.

[bking]

Sinn--though mechanical:
http://people.timezone.com/msandler/Basel/Sinn/Sinn_U2S.jpg

[ckamp]

+1 for casio!

[buldogge]

I love me some Sinn... I have a 756 Diapal that I guess is my "dress" watch. Most of the time I just wear a beater G-Shock (lately a GW2500B), especially when riding or swimming.

What I really want to grab is a Damasko DA36 (or DA37...undecided) for an "everyday" watch!

-Mark in St. Louis

Sinn--though mechanical:
http://people.timezone.com/msandler/Basel/Sinn/Sinn_U2S.jpg

[Louis]

The OP mentioned automatic, but I have to say, I've been very happy with my Luminox.

1) Simple, basic design
2) Not a 1/2 lb weight on my wrist
3) You can almost use the thing as flashlight
4) Keeps very good time - it gains about 2 seconds a month
5) Incredibly sturdy crystal

Only real problem was been the metal band. One of the slide plates has gone bad so I replaced it with a black plastic band from a dead HRM wrist unit and I think it looks even better than before.

[Steve in SLO]

Cracks me up when guys who ride mega bucks bikes make fun of us mechanical watch lovers. Yeah a Timex tells time. And a Walmart Schwinn gets you where you are going. You realize they sell complete bikes for $100?
Yeah, why not spend money on both?

[Louis]

Yeah, why not spend money on both?

Showoff ;)

I didn't know you had a Texas Longhorns bike...

[Steve in SLO]

Those are Sachs-y shorthorns

[dancinkozmo]

the one on the right.

what model is the one on the right??...very nice :)

[Walter]

If you like the chronograph look, but want something unique, try the white face Rolex Daytona.

http://www.rolex.com/en#/rolex-watches/cosmograph-daytona/cosmograph-daytona-40mm-steel-M116520-0016/

I wear mine daily.

[oldpotatoe]

the "new watch" bug has bitten me again. its almost as vicious as the "new bike" bug.

soliciting suggestions, here is what I'm after:

classic dive watch, automatic only. I own a ton of auto dive watches, including THE dive watch, the sea dweller, but the style of them just calls to me, and there is something mesmerizing about the movement of the automatic second hand. like a bicycle, i appreciate that all the power it needs to run comes from me, not a battery or "fuel" of any type. something always makes me smile about a complicated machine humming away on my wrist to glance at any time of the day.

also, i cant believe i didnt see this before: what are YOU wearing right now??

me currently :
http://www.friendsoforis.com/img/uploaded/image4210.jpg

32 year old Rolex GMT master.

[Mike748]

Very nice Ed White Speedy you've got there. I used to have one but sadly sold it to buy a moonphase speedy, which is beautiful but has unfortunately been with my watchmaker for about 2 years now trying to get it to work right. I'm not sure about Omega's quality these days...

Yeah, why not spend money on both?

[ThasFACE]

Portuguese Automatic. Probably shouldn't wear it as my everyday, but whatever.

[djg21]

http://www.klockit.com/itm_img/OCWM700TDA-1A.jpg

I have an Oceanus OCWM700TDA-1AV. It is relatively inexpensive, as good watches go. I like the lightness of the titanium body and bracelet, the fact that I never need to set or adjust the watch as it it has an atomic clock time calibration radio signal receiver, and is solar powered. Oceanus watches are made by Casio.

http://www.oceanus-us.com/index.php?fuseaction=products.detail&product=OCWM700TDA%2D1AV

Not a plug, but I bought mine on-line here: http://www.klockit.com/products/product.aspx?sku=87041

[Ken Robb]

Yeah, why not spend money on both?

Not a fair analogy because a Serotta rides better than a $100 bike but a $100 (or less) watch keeps perfect time. heck, its quartz movement keeps better time than a mechanical Rolex or other fine watch. It's about aesthetics, appreciation of the skill of the maker, etc.

I've got my dad's Girard-Perregeaux (sp?), my 1969 Omega Seamaster, 1990 Omega Constellation but: my every day watch is a Seiko Titanium Perpetual that AUTOMATICALLY keeps track of the day/date adjusting for leap years etc. and needs a battery every 5 years. It's waterproof to 300 ft. though I've only tested it to 50 ft.

[benb]

That Oceanus is appealing to me, if a little busy.. I reject the comparisons to bicycles.

I tried the Swiss watch thing (luckily nothing super expensive) and it didn't work out for me.. the darn thing kept breaking, it didn't live up to it's water resistance claims. I had a 200m rated watch which wasn't even safe to swim with in reality, it ended up with condensation inside it twice. Then the second hand failed, and it took forever for it to come back for repairs. (I took it back to the dealer, they sent it back to Switzerland) When the hand failed again a year or two later I was done...

I have a Titanium Citizen Eco Tech now.. Diver style, perpetual calendar. Pretty much unstoppable like they claim, ridiculously accurate, etc.. I've taken it diving without problem, I never worry about it. Mine doesn't pick up Atomic radio broadcasts but it doesn't really matter.. it's usually off by less then 5 seconds when I adjust it 2x per year. It's accuracy still surprises me. (I have to adjust it when we switch on/off DST) It's been flawless for 5 years now.. only reason I will get something else is just to have something else for fun. The only thing I can complain about is the Ti bracelet can make noise if I wear it bicycling... but I can only hear it during portions of the year when I'm slow.. once I'm in shape I'm riding fast enough that the wind noise drowns out the watch noise. (And bike noise)

I do really like the looks of a lot of the watches you guys have though. Plenty of good taste..

[FlashUNC]

Nothing terribly fancy for me. Been wearing a Mont Blanc Summit for about 3 years now as an everything watch. Its really large or bulky, which I like.

http://www.abouttime.com/business/mnt1/abouttime/invt/07144/summit-07144.jpg

[Acotts]

no other watches w/ compass option?

[Ozz]

no other watches w/ compass option?
Here you go:

In the northern hemisphere:
Hold the watch horizontal.
Point the hour hand in the direction of the sun.
Bisect the angle between the hour hand and the twelve o'clock mark to get the north-south line (substitute 1 o'clock mark during daylight savings time). North will be the direction further from the sun.

In the southern hemisphere:
Hold the watch horizontal.
Point twelve o'clock in the direction of the sun.
Bisect the angle between the hour hand and the twelve o'clock mark to get the north-south line.
North will be the direction closer to the sun, south the other way.

:beer:

[dancinkozmo]

Here you go:

In the northern hemisphere:
Hold the watch horizontal.
Point the hour hand in the direction of the sun.
Bisect the angle between the hour hand and the twelve o'clock mark to get the north-south line (substitute 1 o'clock mark during daylight savings time). North will be the direction further from the sun.

In the southern hemisphere:
Hold the watch horizontal.
Point twelve o'clock in the direction of the sun.
Bisect the angle between the hour hand and the twelve o'clock mark to get the north-south line.
North will be the direction closer to the sun, south the other way.

:beer:

i just ask someone...

[Kevan]

what model is the one on the right??...very nice :)


http://www.princetonwatches.com/shop/SKA371.asp

Nothing charges a kinetic like a long bike ride.

[xjoex]

I wear this watch the most: comfortable, casual but dressy enough, great size (38mm) and I like the looks.

The Wenger Classic Field Watch.

-Joe

[Peter B]

If you're in the budget airman/marine/bauhaus realm, check Stowa. Jorg Schauer makes nice manual and auto watches for a good price.

http://www.german-watches.com/cgi-bin/lshop.cgi?action=shopstart&wkid=8193&ls=e&nocache=1281581551-8258

[jeffinCT]

Take a look at these NFW Autopilot watches. The company sponsors my cycing team. http://nfwonline.com/store/watch-collections/autopilot

[dancinkozmo]

http://www.princetonwatches.com/shop/SKA371.asp

Nothing charges a kinetic like a long bike ride.

thanks !!

[rugbysecondrow]

Omega Seamaster "James Bond" style watch. It is an auto, but I might have chosen differently due to the service costs. The last service on the automatic movement (every 3-5 years) at an authorized omega center was $500. Thatis a lot to spend on a watch that already cost nearly 2 grand, IMO. It is beautiful though and I do enjoy it. Very durable and classic looking.

[AngryScientist]

Omega Seamaster "James Bond" style watch. It is an auto, but I might have chosen differently due to the service costs. The last service on the automatic movement (every 3-5 years) at an authorized omega center was $500. Thatis a lot to spend on a watch that already cost nearly 2 grand, IMO. It is beautiful though and I do enjoy it. Very durable and classic looking.

just a word to the wise for the future: unless you regularly dive with your watch, there is really no need to service it every 3 - 5 years if it is running well and within specs. as a matter of fact, the less a mechanical watch is opened up, the better. the beauty of an an auto watch is the fact that it never needs a battery replacement. todays high quality lubricants and precision machining should keep a good mechanical watch working for many years. i own a seamaster among other great automatics. i do occasionally dive, and bring my watches in the water all the time - i have them annually pressure tested to assure that they are still water-tight, thats about a $25 - 30 dollar service. i've never had one fail.

[Onno]

Can anyone recommend a decent watch for those of us with very skinny wrists? I hate a big/bulky watch, and I don't want to wear a watch obviously made for women.

[Kevan]

Can anyone recommend a decent watch for those of us with very skinny wrists? I hate a big/bulky watch, and I don't want to wear a watch obviously made for women.

Hamilton. They sport a variety of styles and sizes (and prices). They too are a good workhorse.

[1centaur]

What's your skinny wrist size?

These days the ShopNBC brands are making watches for women at 40mm, while Rolex was recently making 39mm watches for men, so the lines are very blurred. I have a skinny wrist and 43 does not seem bulky to me anymore while 41mm seems a little small. I can't get above about 46, while lots of SNBC watches are 50 and above.

[Blue Jays]

Any watch less than 42mm seems tiny to me now. Love the legibility of larger watches, too.

[Ozz]

I wear this watch the most: comfortable, casual but dressy enough, great size (38mm) and I like the looks.

The Wenger Classic Field Watch.

-Joe
very nice...I have the Victorinix version as my "sport" watch..have had it for nearly 20 years....gone thru about 4 bands. I have a TAG s/el for my "dress" watch

[johnnymossville]

I own a couple and love them. these aren't mine, just some of the current models they sell.

Either the original orange faced Professional diver.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u312/ripper-diver/Doxa%20SUB%201200T%20Pro/DSC_0322.jpg

Or if you aren't as adventurous, the Sharkhunter model.

http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/msuben/photodressedup.jpg

[Kevan]

I own a couple and love them. these aren't mine, just some of the current models they sell.

Either the original orange faced Professional diver.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u312/ripper-diver/Doxa%20SUB%201200T%20Pro/DSC_0322.jpg

Or if you aren't as adventurous, the Sharkhunter model.

http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/msuben/photodressedup.jpg

Satisfies any weightbelt requirement too. ;)

[johnnymossville]

Satisfies any weightbelt requirement too. ;)

the ti models are very light, but I like the heavy ones. :)

[JMerring]

Can anyone recommend a decent watch for those of us with very skinny wrists? I hate a big/bulky watch, and I don't want to wear a watch obviously made for women.

breitling aerospace - clean, simple and classic, and, being titanium, weighs next to nothing. it isn't automatic, either, so doesn't need winding.

[Onno]

My current watch is 38mm across, and it takes up most of my wrist, as you can see. This is the biggest watch I can imagine wearing, and I find it too thick. I also wear a women's (or maybe unisex) Timex Ironman watch, which is a little smaller, but I really prefer an analog watch. I can't wear a watch with a metal link band, since usually the clasp mechanism is too big.

I have wimpy wrists, but otherwise, I'm in excellent shape! :)

[malcolm]

German, simple and awesome

http://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/Muhle-Glashutte-Marinus-III-Steel-Rubber-Strap-p1403.htm

[Blue Jays]

"...German, simple and awesome..."Love that cool Muhle Glashutte Marinus III in steel on a rubber strap. Lots of very sharp Sinn models on that website, too. Have to see if Tutima is still around.

[cadence90]

Not dive watches, but I have these 2. I think that currently German watches offer excellent value and design. I love the technology, simplicity and elegance of the Damasko. 40mm case.

http://a.imageshack.us/img375/2134/damaskoda36.jpg.........http://a.imageshack.us/img375/5153/damaskoda37.jpg

And my Omega Seamaster "birth watch". Still excellent after more than 50 years! 37mm case.

http://a.imageshack.us/img375/5535/omega1958seamaster01sman.jpg

I prefer simpler classic or "pilot" and "marine" watches, and not chronos or divers, (for that I use a Casio G-Shock, amazing watch) but re: dive watches I have never owned any but have seen some beautiful Seikos. Omega of course (the Aqua Terra is also stellar). Doxa is great. Also, again the German companies offer excellent watches. Arctos, Glashutte Original ($), Limes, Muhle Glashutte, Nivrel, Schaumburg, Sinn, Stowa, Tutima all offer dive models. Of course there are myriad others.

For smaller wrists and/or more "refined" looking watches, I would suggest Hamilton, Stowa (Antea for example), Nomos ($), etc. Archimede Arcadia are also very nice, but the case is larger. Again, many, many others. thwart's Casio is very nice. I had an old Timex like that and loved the simplicity.

A great source for research, discussion, brands, classifieds are the Watchuseek (WUS) forums (http://www.watchuseek.com/site/forums.htm).

Finally, I lust after this watch, but will never be able to afford it. I think it's beautiful, but 5K for a watch is just way too rich for me.

http://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/catalog/dornbluethcentralfront_1125_detail.jpg

[AngryScientist]

Finally, I lust after this watch, but will never be able to afford it. I think it's beautiful, but 5K for a watch is just way too rich for me.



i believe firmly that you should never say " i will never be able to afford it", whether you are 5 or 95 years old, you never know what luck will bring your way, or what may happen down the road.

[Tony Edwards]

I am currently wearing one of these: http://seamasterreferencepage.com/srp/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/wgmt7.jpg

A few years ago I was quite a watch buff and purchased several nice watches, including my Seamaster, an Omega Railmaster, an old Tudor Shock-Resisting from the late '50s, a Sinn 656, a Hamilton automatic chronograph, and a bunch of various automatic Seikos (including two modified by Bill Yao) among other things. I'd have to say the Seikos represent the best, most honest watches for the money on the market IMO.

[steampunk]

my instrument panel

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b386/rayovolks/Bike%20Parts/DSCN0761.jpg

not really :) but i've been wearing my 756 everday for years.

and fun fact for cadence90 - this one is with the case made by damasko.

[cadence90]

i've been wearing my 756 everday for years.

and fun fact for cadence90 - this one is with the case made by damasko.
Nice watch steampunk!
And quite rare: I think only the very first (some say between 100-1000) 756s were made with the case by Damasko (not the crown, etc. though, right?). Too bad that partnership ended, because from all I've seen the "ice-hardened" cases are still superior to the tegimented steel Sinn now uses.

[Ken Robb]

http://a.imageshack.us/img375/5535/omega1958seamaster01sman.jp models. Of course there are myriad others.


A great source for research, discussion, brands, classifieds are the Watchuseek (WUS) forums (http://www.watchuseek.com/site/forums.htm).



That Seamaster is just like mine except mine is gold with gold dial. Good for skinny wrists too. I find the current fashion in fine watches a bit odd. Years ago one of the defining factors of a really good watch was how thin it was. It took great skill to fit all the required parts in a really thin case. They were thought to be very elegant. Cheap watches were thicker. I "get" dive watches need to be a certain size to perform at great depths but I don't "get" dress watches that keep my shirts sleeve from riding where it should on my wrist.

[1centaur]

I think the thick and big watch phase is a natural progression. Super slim was cool when it was rare but not so much when it was common. Accurate was cool until quartz was more accurate, now not so much (yes, still to those who choose to engage the industry that way). So the industry is moving to visual interest that has not been seen before, and that can include depth. It also includes lots of awful looking watches. But at least big diameter watches have the potential to be very readable, including the date wheel - good for older eyes.

We've already seen "big" go too far (55, 60), and I sometimes wonder if big is designed to catch up with meaty arms, but I don't think we'll head back to 37 ever.

[TMB]

I am still wearing the same Seiko Diver watch that I've been wearing for the last 20 years.

It should last me the rest of my life.

[steampunk]

Nice watch steampunk!
And quite rare: I think only the very first (some say between 100-1000) 756s were made with the case by Damasko (not the crown, etc. though, right?). Too bad that partnership ended, because from all I've seen the "ice-hardened" cases are still superior to the tegimented steel Sinn now uses.

thanks! it is a treat everytime i glance to look at the time - and the love hasn't faded in years either. if i make an analogy, it is like swinging my leg over my Serotta, the feeling never gets old. hahaha...that ice-hardened vs. teg case discussion is the equivalent of the shimano vs campy discussion for Sinns. :D

my apologies to AngryScientist by not providing a recommendation. i know you're looking for an auto, but how about a B&R marine.

http://image.vialuxe.com/NewsImages/2443_LRG.jpg

[AngryScientist]

thanks! it is a treat everytime i glance to look at the time - and the love hasn't faded in years either. if i make an analogy, it is like swinging my leg over my Serotta, the feeling never gets old. hahaha...that ice-hardened vs. teg case discussion is the equivalent of the shimano vs campy discussion for Sinns. :D

my apologies to AngryScientist by not providing a recommendation. i know you're looking for an auto, but how about a B&R marine.

http://image.vialuxe.com/NewsImages/2443_LRG.jpg


i LOVE that B&R, absolutely love the design, and i've tried it on at a local watch shop, feels great on the wrist, but the movement is a total dealbreaker for me. it is of course a matter of personal opinion/choice, but i can't see spending more than a few hundred dollars on a quartz powered watch. they have no soul, no personality.

what in the name of escapement is B&R thinking not offering this watch with an auto movement? sigh.

[djg]

i LOVE that B&R, absolutely love the design, and i've tried it on at a local watch shop, feels great on the wrist, but the movement is a total dealbreaker for me. it is of course a matter of personal opinion/choice, but i can't see spending more than a few hundred dollars on a quartz powered watch. they have no soul, no personality.

what in the name of escapement is B&R thinking not offering this watch with an auto movement? sigh.

I sort of feel the same way although, let's not kid ourselves. A $ 5k watch is not likely to contain a 4k movement, or even a 1k movement. Might be lovely design, cool, and interesting, but rather few of your dollars are going into the mechanicals.

[cadence90]

i LOVE that B&R, absolutely love the design, and i've tried it on at a local watch shop, feels great on the wrist, but the movement is a total dealbreaker for me. it is of course a matter of personal opinion/choice, but i can't see spending more than a few hundred dollars on a quartz powered watch. they have no soul, no personality.

what in the name of escapement is B&R thinking not offering this watch with an auto movement? sigh.
AS, what about a Precista diver (http://www.timefactors.com/precista.htm)?

Excellent movements, construction, value.

PRS-14:
http://www.timefactors.com/images/p300.jpg

PRS-3:
http://www.timefactors.com/images/prs3nonle1.jpg

PRS-3 LE:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e274/cojis/prs3le002.jpg

PRS-50-B:
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/1160/prs505.jpg

PRS-17-C:
http://www.timefactors.com/images/prs17c-17.jpg

I think some models are sold out.





Also, Bill Yao at MKII Watches (http://www.mkiiwatches.com/) can build you an excellent "custom" diver.

http://www.mkiiwatches.com/images/lrrp_front_wc.jpg

http://www.mkiiwatches.com/images/pa_front_wc.jpg

http://www.mkiiwatches.com/images/sr_front_wc.jpg

http://www.mkiiwatches.com/images/bw_front_wc.jpg

[cadence90]

I sort of feel the same way although, let's not kid ourselves. A $ 5k watch is not likely to contain a 4k movement, or even a 1k movement. Might be lovely design, cool, and interesting, but rather few of your dollars are going into the mechanicals.
Or, on the other hand, many 5k watches offer hand-made or certainly highly hand-elaborated movements. That Dornbluth I posted above is an example.

[AngryScientist]

I sort of feel the same way although, let's not kid ourselves. A $ 5k watch is not likely to contain a 4k movement, or even a 1k movement. Might be lovely design, cool, and interesting, but rather few of your dollars are going into the mechanicals.

i agree with what you're saying, to a point, but it really isnt the cost of the movement that i really care about, just the fact that it IS mechanical.

its exactly the way i feel about cars, i like european sporty cars, and would not buy one with an automatic transmission. i understand that [generally speaking] manual transmissions cost less to produce than some of these new sophisticated auto transmissions, but the "feel" of a car comes from learning just how its clutch engages, the gearshift lever throws, etc. you're missing out on all of that with an auto, the "personality" aspect of it. i guess what i'm trying to come across with is that its an emotional thing more than a intellectual for me, if that makes sense.

[Louis]

i agree with what you're saying, to a point, but it really isnt the cost of the movement that i really care about, just the fact that it IS mechanical.

And here I was, thinking that 99.999999% of the purpose of a watch was to tell time... ;)

[Jeff N.]

This.
+1 I own the same thing in the Seamaster Pro Chronometer in titanium and rose gold. Always has been, and continues to be, the best looking watch ever made, IMO. Jeff N.

[old_school]

i guess what i'm trying to come across with is that its an emotional thing more than a intellectual for me, if that makes sense.

I definitely hear you. When I think iconic dive watches, the Blancpain 50 Fathoms is among the first to come to mind (you already own the other). On the new bracelet, the 50 is stunning, but so is the price. Another interesting piece potentially worth considering, is the Longines Legend Diver, which can be found for under 2k, and is available both with and without date.

[malcolm]

A watch is mechanical, everything else is a computer that tells you what time it is.

[Louis]

A watch is mechanical, everything else is a computer that tells you what time it is.

Bleh on those newfangled mechanical time pieces. I prefer my sundial - only two moving parts :)

[MarcusPless]

+1 I own the same thing in the Seamaster Pro Chronometer in titanium and rose gold. Always has been, and continues to be, the best looking watch ever made, IMO. Jeff N.

Not trying to start a mutual admiration society but I've seen previously posted pics of Jeff's watch, and (imho), it is what all watches should aspire to be. Titanium and rose gold is just frickin' gorgeous. I love the looks of that watch!

[MarcusPless]

I do like what the TimeFactors guy is doing -- been following his work for a few years now, and it's interesting. No idea how his things hold up in the resale market, if you care about that sort of thing, but I think he's producing quality product at a reasonable price point. If all you care about is the time of day $20 will get you there, or just rely on the cell phone you already own. But if you care about how the time looks on your wrist (or how it's mechanically tracked)...

There are plenty of sub-$15000 bikes that are capable of getting you around the Saturday morning ride and plenty of sub-$30000 vehicles that will transport said bike to said ride. Where you want to spend your money is up to you. Some people get a kick out of owning the same mechanical movement that transported people to the moon. Maybe you care about that, maybe you don't.

It's not (always) about the time.

[azrider]

has been and will continue to be on my wish list....for loooong time

http://www.acquiremag.com/2009/02/11/monaco69.jpg

[oldguy00]

the "new watch" bug has bitten me again. its almost as vicious as the "new bike" bug.

soliciting suggestions, here is what I'm after:

classic dive watch, automatic only. I own a ton of auto dive watches, including THE dive watch, the sea dweller, but the style of them just calls to me, and there is something mesmerizing about the movement of the automatic second hand. like a bicycle, i appreciate that all the power it needs to run comes from me, not a battery or "fuel" of any type. something always makes me smile about a complicated machine humming away on my wrist to glance at any time of the day.

also, i cant believe i didnt see this before: what are YOU wearing right now??

me currently :
http://www.friendsoforis.com/img/uploaded/image4210.jpg

Always liked Oris watches. Been wanting one of these lately:

http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/L11948033.jpg



But also want one of these really bad!

http://www.espiraldotempo.com/fotos/galerias/raymond_weil_nabucco_gmt_1_1233519612.jpg

[xjoex]

has been and will continue to be on my wish list....for loooong time

http://www.acquiremag.com/2009/02/11/monaco69.jpg

The monaco... I covet it as well.

-Joe

[xjoex]

Since we are talking watches, my wife got this Zodiac watch as a gift. Anyone have any info about zodiac? Its a wind up if that helps.

Thanks,
-Joe

[csm]

I am still wearing the same Seiko Diver watch that I've been wearing for the last 20 years.

It should last me the rest of my life.

I've had one for about that long as well. bought it at Jewelcor during their 50% going-out-of-business sale. replaced the rubber band with a stainless one, and have replaced the battery several times but it just won't die!

[indyrider]

This is my favorite watch, but have decided to sell it and posted it in the classifieds...Need to buy a cross rig for the season! Let me know if you're interested!

Indy

[Tony Edwards]

Since we are talking watches, my wife got this Zodiac watch as a gift. Anyone have any info about zodiac? Its a wind up if that helps.

Thanks,
-Joe

Zodiac is a midsized Swiss firm. They've been making watches for many years (I believe the company is more than 100 years old). The ones I'm aware of are relatively inexpensive, though it's possible they've made some higher-end stuff over the years (I've never seen any, though). I'm not sure, off the top of my head, whether Zodiac is part of the giant Swatch consortium that owns many of the major Swiss brands.

Zodiac is probably best known for likely having inspired both the name and handwritten logo/signature used by the Zodiac serial killer in the Bay Area. One of the prime suspects was wearing a Zodiac watch, which he had apparently received as a gift, when he was interviewed by the police. Here is some info about that connection. (http://watchismo.blogspot.com/2007/08/killer-zodiac-watch-of-zodiac-killer.html)

[McQueen]

Time trialing on the tip of my Fizik Aliante..

Tag Monaco - (predictable given my login name)

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, 007 Quantum of Solace LE

Not pictured, Tissot T-touch - which has a built in compass, altimeter, and thermometer (which is not accurate while attached to your wrist). I have the titanium version of it and ride with this watch (pretty lightweight on the wrist) - if I ride with a watch.

The Omega Seamaster is the only one of the three on-topic - Automatic Dive Watch - I see others have also suggested the same.

I like them all, though I wear the Omega 80% of the time.

The person with the best suggestion on here is Velobran, with the Panerai - great watch - and though they sell some as dive watches with a leather band, I wouldn't do it (dive with leather). I think it is the official watch of the Italian military's equivalent of the navy seals.