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NeoGAF Timepiece Thread Of Fine Wristwatches

New buy:

CfSedSB.jpg
 
Close, but that isn't the exact watch I want. It's PVD but not with a stainless steel bezel. I've contemplated taking that one, but 50mm seems a bit too much for me. You can easily see the difference between the 43/45mm and the 50mm version by looking at the 12 and 6 numbers on the dial.

Oh, sorry, I did not notice the differences indeed. And you are right, only professionnal wrestlers/LA club bouncers can sport a 50mm (Hublot generally) and still look normal :)

Maybe you can message the ebay seller for the exact model you want though?

I've really only been interested in watch collecting for the last 2-3 years. Went through a phase of G-Shocks, then moved into affordable autos like Seikos, Tissot and Hamiltons. Now beginning to let those go and move into a smaller number of better pieces. My Benarus is my most expensive watch now; the Speedie will surpass that if I get one.

On that note, I am headed over to my local Omega AD (techniclly, its a Swatch Co. Boutique since Swatch/Omega de-authorized my local AD) at lunch to do some side-by-side comparisons. For anyone in Chicago, the Torubillion boutique on Michigan Ave. is a ton of fun. The whole high-end Swatch family under one roof. GO, Brequet, Blancpain, Omega, Jaquet Droz and more

That sounds like a great Friday lunch!! I've been in Chicago twice, but never had the chance to go to an AD, I'll try for sure next time. Have fun trying those SPM!!
 

pwack

Member
That sounds like a great Friday lunch!! I've been in Chicago twice, but never had the chance to go to an AD, I'll try for sure next time. Have fun trying those SPM!!

The store was nice, and I think I have confirmed for myself that I will be flipping the Benarus (and probably another 2 of my watches just to help thin the herd). Then, on to the Speedie!

As much as I dislike Chicago's Magnificent Mile at times, it is a great neighborhood for watch shopping. Within a four block radius, there's the Swatch master store, a Torneau, a Rolex boutique (operated by Torneau) and another Swiss watch store with APs, Hublot, FP Journe, Zenith, etc.


And speaking of watch porn -- has anyone posted this video of the Jacquet Droz Bird Minute Repeater? Link
 

Aske

Member
OK, I am kinda in love with these two watches. Have they stated a release date and/or price range yet? This my have to be my next purchase...

These images were initially leaks, but Omega released some info on the '57 today.

As for pricing, not sure about the '57, but I'd imagine the Dark Side will be well north of $8k, since they're making much of the ceramic case, and that's the price of the standard Coaxial chrono.

Tons of info and photos here - scroll to the bottom for these two models.
 
The store was nice, and I think I have confirmed for myself that I will be flipping the Benarus (and probably another 2 of my watches just to help thin the herd). Then, on to the Speedie!

As much as I dislike Chicago's Magnificent Mile at times, it is a great neighborhood for watch shopping. Within a four block radius, there's the Swatch master store, a Torneau, a Rolex boutique (operated by Torneau) and another Swiss watch store with APs, Hublot, FP Journe, Zenith, etc.


And speaking of watch porn -- has anyone posted this video of the Jacquet Droz Bird Minute Repeater? Link

Amen to the Speedy instead of mutliple mid end! Make sure to share the pics with us as soon as you can!

Funny how super macro shots of real watch totally get me, when CGI fly through movement videos do not work at all... Maybe it's just me.


I am not too sure about the new 104 and T2, but I really love the new 103 Ti Teslaf, and even more the 857 UTC:

SINN_857_TESTAF_1.jpg
 

Sane_Man

Member
I've just ordered the Seagull 1963.

1963.jpg


Can't wait to try that bad boy on.

Does anyone know what strap this is?

XxvZMip.jpg


I'd like to switch between the two. Are straps easy to interchange? I've never customised a watch before.
 

maeh2k

Member
Does anyone know what strap this is?

I'd like to switch between the two. Are straps easy to interchange? I've never customised a watch before.

The (nylon) Nato straps are very easy to change. No tools needed. It's just one piece that goes between the lugs and continues on the bottom of the case. They aren't very expensive and you can buy them in lots of different colors. So there's lots of room for customization.


As for the two-piece straps like the leather one on the second picture, it's not something I'd like to try / do regularly. Seems like too much of a risk to scratch the watch.
http://gearpatrol.com/2012/04/10/timekeeping-how-to-change-a-watch-strap/
http://www.watch-straps.co.uk/change_watch_strap.shtml
http://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Watch-Band
 

Sane_Man

Member
The (nylon) Nato straps are very easy to change. No tools needed. It's just one piece that goes between the lugs and continues on the bottom of the case. They aren't very expensive and you can buy them in lots of different colors. So there's lots of room for customization.


As for the two-piece straps like the leather one on the second picture, it's not something I'd like to try / do regularly. Seems like too much of a risk to scratch the watch.
http://gearpatrol.com/2012/04/10/timekeeping-how-to-change-a-watch-strap/
http://www.watch-straps.co.uk/change_watch_strap.shtml
http://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Watch-Band

Thanks. I guess I'll just change it the once then to the leather strap. I really want the exact strap in the picture I posted but after spending ages trying to find it I'm still coming up short. The picture has to come from somewhere!
 

Aske

Member
That Seagull is sweet (love everything about that dial), and changing straps shouldn't intimidate you! It's very simple and intuitive once you have the tool in your hand.
 

nitewulf

Member
that looks great. i am not a huge fan of the domed dial look, hence i didn't go for a Junghan's Max Bill Bauhaus watch, but it does look classy.
 
The 857 does have the 2893-2 according to their website. Not that I know what that means. How is it not traveller friendly?

Except the omega GMT (which is a modified 2893-2), when you are changing the local timezone, you also have to change the GMT time.

Exemple:
If i'm in Frankfurt (UTC+1) and i'm flying to HK (UTC+8)

at the start of my journey (let's say 10AM)
In Frankfurt, my watch will be at 10AM and the GMT hand at 9AM

10hours laters, arriving in HK.
It 7PM GMT, 8PM CET and 4AM D+1 HK time
With a 2893-2, by adjusting the local time (making 7 turn clockwise), my GMT hand will also go 7 hour plus. That mean i'll have to resync the GMT hand.

I would like to find an affordable auto where you can move the local time independantly from the GMT rather that the otherway around like on the 2893-2
 
Except the omega GMT (which is a modified 2893-2), when you are changing the local timezone, you also have to change the GMT time.

Exemple:
If i'm in Frankfurt (UTC+1) and i'm flying to HK (UTC+8)

at the start of my journey (let's say 10AM)
In Frankfurt, my watch will be at 10AM and the GMT hand at 9AM

10hours laters, arriving in HK.
It 7PM GMT, 8PM CET and 4AM D+1 HK time
With a 2893-2, by adjusting the local time (making 7 turn clockwise), my GMT hand will also go 7 hour plus. That mean i'll have to resync the GMT hand.

I would like to find an affordable auto where you can move the local time independantly from the GMT rather that the otherway around like on the 2893-2

Nope, as far as I know Sinn UTCs are going to be same, you'll have to set both. Omega, and used Rolex, are still the only mid range to offer this as far as I know.

...But in the same price range as Rolex and Omega GMTs, or even less depending on the model, you could have the (perfect) Nomos Weltzeit, which let you adjust time to any place just by pushing one button... You have travel friendly and classy, and exotic at the same time :)
 
...But in the same price range as Rolex and Omega GMTs, or even less depending on the model, you could have the (perfect) Nomos Weltzeit, which let you adjust time to any place just by pushing one button... You have travel friendly and classy, and exotic at the same time :)
Stop tempting me! :)

i've also the issue, one location I work with is IST which is GMT +5.5 which complicate my matter further. :(
 

commish

Jason Kidd murdered my dog in cold blood!
Looking to buy a new watch. Currently my only watch is a Movado. I've been looking at watches and the Sinn 556 I seems to be for me. Thoughts? I don't want to spend more than, say, $1500. While I really like this watch, my only concern is that there might be something else out there I'd like better... so many options!

556-I_V.jpg
 
Looking to buy a new watch. Currently my only watch is a Movado. I've been looking at watches and the Sinn 556 I seems to be for me. Thoughts? I don't want to spend more than, say, $1500. While I really like this watch, my only concern is that there might be something else out there I'd like better... so many options!

What do you like in the Sinn? To wear in what context? Do you want a pilot, or could it be something else? Tell us a bit more!
 

commish

Jason Kidd murdered my dog in cold blood!
What do you like in the Sinn? To wear in what context? Do you want a pilot, or could it be something else? Tell us a bit more!

This is going to be an everyday wear, so to the office, etc. Why the Sinn? For one, it's not an everyday brand. Since I work in a law firm, you can pretty much imagine the types of watches everyone wears. I'd like to not wear what everyone else does. But besides that, I like the simplistic look of this watch, appears well-made... I'm not a big enough watch aficionado (yet) to know/care about more "advanced" details... like 2824 movement? No idea what that even means. :) Here's another Sinn that I like, the 756:

sinn756_1246_general.jpg


Damasko DA36 is another that I like.
 

kagete

Member
This is my favorite thread to lurk on GAF but I was wondering if the resident experts give out entry-level watch advice? I'm talking in the 2 to $400 range here, as I'm not yet ready to buy anything more expensive. I'm in IT so being well-dressed is already out of the ordinary, thin wrists and I generally like white faces but like black ones too.

Here's a pic of my wrist with a 35mm for reference:
IMG_20130428_194029_zpsd802a543.jpg

Of the choices below, which would you recommend I get? Any help will be greatly appreciated as I hope to graduate from the Fossil/Nike watch ghetto. I am also open to any other suggestions and have also thought about getting a cheap Casio Edifice watch to tide me over in the meantime.

Tissot PRC200 black


Tissot in white


Victorinox Chrono Classic


Victorinox Maverick

 
If anyone in Chicago needs a repair or a battery changed or simply a polish I highly recommend A & D Watch Repair on Lincoln. http://m.yelp.com/biz/a-d-watch-repair-and-service-inc-chicago-2

My wife bought me an Victorinox automatic officer's watch two years ago. Unfortunately the auto dial got damaged somehow. Because it was out of warranty it was going to cost $250 and take 8 weeks from the official Victorinox handler.

The guy at A & D took a week and charged half as much.
 
Oh man, that's a beautiful watch and the next one I want to buy. Is it still treating you well?

Yes, it's a great watch. I love the simplicity and classic look to it. Not too big, and it's a thin watch. Cool see through caseback, too.


I've always wanted this Victorinox watch:


But it's way too big. Like the case diameter is 45mm or something, and it's pretty damn thick.

Honestly, I'd love to pick up a used Speedy Reduced one day.
 

Macka

Member
I only just noticed this thread, and I've spent the last few hours going through it. I absolutely love timepieces. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to start a serious collection just yet, but a man can dream!

At the moment I'm wearing a Seiko SNQ123, which I love the look of.

SNQ123P9.jpg


I am craving more, though. Here are some of my dream watches. From left to right: Omega Speedmaster Professional, Longines Heritage 1954, A. Lange & Sohne AUF Glashutte I/SA Doppelfederhaus and the Longines Presence (L4.720.4.11.2).

omega-speedmaster-moon-watch-professional-jfk.jpg
ln011_im.jpg
cz13fje.jpg
viewPhoto2.php
 

pwack

Member
Macka -- great taste.

Having put my Benarus up on the shelf pending sale, I wore my SARB to the office today. It is really a great watch for the price point.

smG785ml.jpg
 
SARB series aren't expensive and are simple looking watches. They're great.

I really wish I had a good paying job. I'd like to buy a couple of nice watches, but this is reality. I need to focus on being smart with my money and investing in my retirement.

I know OnkelC owns a lot of expensive nice watches, but I think he has a good paying job to have disposable income.

Hell, I really didn't need to buy my Hammie Viewmatic. I should've bought a $100 watch and be satisfied with that. Something that can be somewhat formal, yet functional and utilitarian at the same time, like the Seiko SNZG13.

But maybe I won't buy another watch. I hardly wear my Hammie as it is, and I already own a spec ops watch and a Seiko chrono quartz watch. That's all I need.
 
SARB series aren't expensive and are simple looking watches. They're great.

I really wish I had a good paying job. I'd like to buy a couple of nice watches, but this is reality. I need to focus on being smart with my money and investing in my retirement.

I know OnkelC owns a lot of expensive nice watches, but I think he has a good paying job to have disposable income.

Hell, I really didn't need to buy my Hammie Viewmatic. I should've bought a $100 watch and be satisfied with that. Something that can be somewhat formal, yet functional and utilitarian at the same time, like the Seiko SNZG13.

But maybe I won't buy another watch. I hardly wear my Hammie as it is, and I already own a spec ops watch and a Seiko chrono quartz watch. That's all I need.

You are thinking out loud Jason :) May I suggest a kickstarter? "Jason needs a Speedy" or something catchy :)

Seriously though, you are wise, just spend the money you could save and nothing more, just save longer and negotiate a raise with your boss to get the watches you want :)

I only just noticed this thread, and I've spent the last few hours going through it. I absolutely love timepieces. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to start a serious collection just yet, but a man can dream!

At the moment I'm wearing a Seiko SNQ123, which I love the look of.



I am craving more, though. Here are some of my dream watches. From left to right: Omega Speedmaster Professional, Longines Heritage 1954, A. Lange & Sohne AUF Glashutte I/SA Doppelfederhaus and the Longines Presence (L4.720.4.11.2).

The Lange and SPM are classic design, and I agree among the most desirable watches there are. When it comes to Longines, and for reasons I already explained in this thread, I am not a big fan of their current models, but I do love their vintages (especially 1940s).

This is my favorite thread to lurk on GAF but I was wondering if the resident experts give out entry-level watch advice? I'm talking in the 2 to $400 range here, as I'm not yet ready to buy anything more expensive. I'm in IT so being well-dressed is already out of the ordinary, thin wrists and I generally like white faces but like black ones too.

Quote:
Here's a pic of my wrist with a 35mm for reference:

Of the choices below, which would you recommend I get? Any help will be greatly appreciated as I hope to graduate from the Fossil/Nike watch ghetto. I am also open to any other suggestions and have also thought about getting a cheap Casio Edifice watch to tide me over in the meantime.

Tissot PRC200 black

Quote:

Tissot in white

Quote:

Victorinox Chrono Classic

Quote:

Victorinox Maverick

Quote:

Watch GAF can find you a nice mechanical watch whatever your budget, we don't judge, we just try to help (unlike Headphone GAF :p).
The watch you propose are fine pieces, except the white Victorinox just because it's not that versatile IMHO, but they are quartz powered, and for a $400 cap you can surely find a nice mechanical, here are a few direction you could try:

A super affordable Seiko 5, with that classic look:

6a00d83452989a69e20115709f199b970b-800wi


Seiko also does a lot of great divers in this range (look for SKX automatic):

51NH9QATC3L._SX342_.jpg


Although I am sure PjotrStroganov has a lot more knowdledge than myself in this range and brand.

A nice Orient Ray, a bit more sporty but still verstaile:

em65008b.jpg


You could also go for a locely Pilot watch from Laco, with great history and super cool design ($450, but hey):

861759-0.jpg


This is going to be an everyday wear, so to the office, etc. Why the Sinn? For one, it's not an everyday brand. Since I work in a law firm, you can pretty much imagine the types of watches everyone wears. I'd like to not wear what everyone else does. But besides that, I like the simplistic look of this watch, appears well-made... I'm not a big enough watch aficionado (yet) to know/care about more "advanced" details... like 2824 movement? No idea what that even means. :) Here's another Sinn that I like, the 756:

Damasko DA36 is another that I like.

First, the Sinn is a VERY fine choice for this price range, and a very cool brand overall. But for $1500 and a unique watch that you will wear everyday, even if it is among the best choice out there, it would not be mine: IMHO, you are even better of with a used Nomos Tangente Sport or a used SpeedMaster, as you seem to like black dials:

2339711.jpg


Here

Or even better, a 1970s Omega SpeedMaster, also within your budget:

2012322.jpg


Here

(ok it's got a few bings, but it's a 40 years old + watch :) - FYI, there are a few other in your price limit with a better shape, but not vintage)
 

Fixed1979

Member
I'm jumping in. I haven't owned a watch in about 15 years but I've had my eye on a couple different Stowa.

On April 7th I ordered the Flieger Handwinding 6498.


People seem to dislike the fact that there's no second hand, but I fell in love with the simplicity of this watch right away. You can get them with a small second hand at 6 o'clock but I passed.

Then on April 15th Stowa put up the Flieger TO1 TESTAF and I ordered it, firguring I would cancel one of the two watches.

After flipping back and forth for 2 weeks I've decided to just take both of them. My plan was to get a Flieger and and an Antea, but two different Fliegers will do the trick I suppose, I'll look at getting something a little dressier next year.

Now to wait until the end of July to get these built and shipped out.
 

pwack

Member
I'd like to buy a couple of nice watches, but this is reality. I need to focus on being smart with my money and investing in my retirement.
. . .
Hell, I really didn't need to buy my Hammie Viewmatic.

I agree with the above sentiments. The issue with any of the watches discussed in this thread is they are all luxury goods! No one needs a watch that costs more than $30.

For myself, after discussion with my wife a while back, I set an annual budget for watch spending commensurate with my salary, savings, and investment needs; my wife has a similar budget for jewelry (which is her thing). We also have an agreement that we can choose to forgo birthday and Christmas gifts to add to our budgets. It's actually been very liberating and a lot of fun, while remaining (relatively) responsible.
 
I agree with the above sentiments. The issue with any of the watches discussed in this thread is they are all luxury goods! No one needs a watch that costs more than $30.

For myself, after discussion with my wife a while back, I set an annual budget for watch spending commensurate with my salary, savings, and investment needs; my wife has a similar budget for jewelry (which is her thing). We also have an agreement that we can choose to forgo birthday and Christmas gifts to add to our budgets. It's actually been very liberating and a lot of fun, while remaining (relatively) responsible.

I love it! I have a similar agreement with my wife, I have a house/mortgage budget, a watch budget, a family budget incl. kids education, and a holiday budget, all handled within my bank accounts. Oh, and she's not against a gift from my watch budget here and there :):)

The thing is, think of others before thinking about your timepiece, and when the time comes to reward yourself, the satisfaction is even higher :)
 

maeh2k

Member
Then on April 15th Stowa put up the Flieger TO1 TESTAF and I ordered it, firguring I would cancel one of the two watches.

I like the design as well as a couple of Sinns with similar dial, but 45 mm (and to a lesser extent the general trend of large watches) just seems huge for people who don't happen to have equally huge arms.

I don't think I'd want one much bigger than my 38.5 mm one. If I were to buy an Antea at some point, I would seriously consider the 365.
 

Fixed1979

Member
I love it! I have a similar agreement with my wife, I have a house/mortgage budget, a watch budget, a family budget incl. kids education, and a holiday budget, all handled within my bank accounts. Oh, and she's not against a gift from my watch budget here and there :):)

The thing is, think of others before thinking about your timepiece, and when the time comes to reward yourself, the satisfaction is even higher :)

These watches are my reward and that's the reason I haven't owned one since my dad gave me one in college. I'm saving and investing more than I ever have in my life with only one outstanding debt (car) and these will represent the financial change that I made in my life over the past several years. It's a pretty funny way to represent financial responsibly (purchasing a luxury item), but we need to treat ourselves on occasion.

I like the design as well as a couple of Sinns with similar dial, but 45 mm (and to a lesser extent the general trend of large watches) just seems huge for people who don't happen to have equally huge arms.

I don't think I'd want one much bigger than my 38.5 mm one. If I were to buy an Antea at some point, I would seriously consider the 365.

The T01 is a big watch, it'll be the considerably bigger then any I've owned in the past. There's a bit of concern that the size might drive me crazy but we'll see what happens after a couple months of wearing it.
 

Sane_Man

Member
Is there a particularly good place to look for second hand watches, other than ebay? I don't think I'd trust ebay for watches anyway to be honest.
 

OnkelC

Hail to the Chef
Looking to buy a new watch. Currently my only watch is a Movado. I've been looking at watches and the Sinn 556 I seems to be for me. Thoughts? I don't want to spend more than, say, $1500. While I really like this watch, my only concern is that there might be something else out there I'd like better... so many options!

556-I_V.jpg
the 556 is a great entry watch, owned one of the first series myself. Couldn't warm up with the watch, though. great value for money, nonetheless.

Edit:
LOL, just looked for my old thread on WUS for the watch, and it's bedome the biggest thread on the Sinn forum. Anyway, here are a few pics of the watch:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f24/sinn-556-thread-99048.html
 

pwack

Member
Is there a particularly good place to look for second hand watches, other than ebay? I don't think I'd trust ebay for watches anyway to be honest.

I also look at watchrecon.com, which aggregates sales posts from various watch collecting forums. You will need to do diligence on particular sellers if you are making a serious purchase.
 

maeh2k

Member
the 556 is a great entry watch, owned one of the first series myself. Couldn't warm up with the watch, though. great value for money, nonetheless.

I think it looks great, but maybe somewhat boring with the metal bracelet. Judging by the website it works really well with leather straps of any color. Probably nice with a NATO, too.
 
You guys are married, joint income, and probably make decent money where you're investing in your future.

Me, I'm going to be 31 soon, I have no money saved, underemployed recent college graduate, and work Sports Authority making $8.97 an hour.

Glob willing I find a career soon, I'm going to immediately start investing and saving. I'd like to put away $400 a month. They say you should have at least have saved $25k (or was it $35k?) by your 35th birthday. Then there's the possibility of meeting someone and having kid(s) one day.
 

kagete

Member
Watch GAF can find you a nice mechanical watch whatever your budget, we don't judge, we just try to help (unlike Headphone GAF :p).
The watch you propose are fine pieces, except the white Victorinox just because it's not that versatile IMHO, but they are quartz powered, and for a $400 cap you can surely find a nice mechanical, here are a few direction you could try:

A super affordable Seiko 5, with that classic look:

Seiko also does a lot of great divers in this range (look for SKX automatic):

Although I am sure PjotrStroganov has a lot more knowdledge than myself in this range and brand.

A nice Orient Ray, a bit more sporty but still verstaile:

You could also go for a locely Pilot watch from Laco, with great history and super cool design ($450, but hey):

Thank you very much for the tips. After looking into Seiko 5s I finally found a model range that I would absolutely wear everyday but the only problem I have now is that every single color option looks great and I can't decide which one to get. The dark PVD bracelet might be too much for daily use and the orange bezel one would have been amazing if it had a white or silver face. Help me choose guys!

Looking at Seiko 5 mechanical prices has really made me reconsider spending $400 on a quartz chronograph like you mentioned. At these prices I can buy one seiko5 and one cheaper chrono like the $200 Victorinox Maverick w/red bezel so I can still get my white-dial alternate.

 
the 556 is a great entry watch, owned one of the first series myself. Couldn't warm up with the watch, though. great value for money, nonetheless.

Edit:
LOL, just looked for my old thread on WUS for the watch, and it's bedome the biggest thread on the Sinn forum. Anyway, here are a few pics of the watch:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f24/sinn-556-thread-99048.html

I'm tempted by the UTC model. What exactly you did not like?
 
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