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NeoGAF Timepiece Thread Of Fine Wristwatches
- Thread starter OnkelC
- Start date
maxheadwound
Member
love the close up of the movement
Not Spaceghost
Spaceghost
That image might as well be porn.
PjotrStroganov
Member
Nice pics!
maxheadwound
Member
This is going to get me to get the macro lens out and try and duplicate.
Just a tip (and perhaps to blow everyone's mind if they haven't noticed it before). All 'professional' watch photos have the hands at around 8 past 10. It's one of those 'once you see it' things. The idea is that the picture looks balanced with the hands in those positions. Often you'll find dates are usually 25 as well (kind of symmetrical).
Have a look at this page for example (though Omega have gone with the date of 8): http://www.omegawatches.com/collection
So, if you ever get a visit from your friend again, go round 2!
Sorry to rain on your parade. I have an eye for design and these things pop out to me.
GalacticSushiman
Member
LOOOOOOOL, I am NOT the PR guy from the Swatch Group in charge of Glashutte Original
I am just an amateur, who captured a moment.Yes, you are (generally) right: for promotional pictures, especially when the dial include painting/engraving/date at 12 and 6, a nice 10.10/1.50 is always the rule to make sure the hands do not cover critical dial elements.
But you are totally missing the point here:
If you have an 'eye for design' -
- you probably also noticed the absence of the moon in the moon phase window - which is a much bigger issue for this specific dial than the 10.10 rule for the reasons exposed by setsuna:This is an off-centered dial, where the most interesting part is the GO logo at the top and the quality and thoroughness put into the concentric circles. The Glashutte I/SA and second dial are much less important in my mind, as long as the minute hand does not get in the way of the second hand (which it is not in those pics).
Finally, those are not 'professional' pics at all, even if my friend is a pro photographer (but not of watches of course
). They are the reflection of a moment: I decided NOT to use the moon phase pusher to let the magnificent silver disc visible NOR to hack the movement and put the watch at 10.10, because those are 'techniques' / 'artificial stuff' when what I wanted was to capture a moment - which is what a picture is about, bring memories and all...
They were taken on the 2nd of September on a nice sunny day, it was nearly new moon, so you can barely see the top of the silver moon in the window, and it was in the middle of the afternoon.
I did not want to lose that
GalacticSushiman
Member
Technically, I mean if you count millimeters, yes it is.
Visually, and I wear it everyday at work, it never felt that way (nor for anyone else around me).
It feels 'right' to me, but I am the type who like to 'feel' his mechanical watch. I would never buy a Piaget ultra thin for that reason, it just does not feel right IMHO.
That said, it is true that, because of the thickness of the case, it does wear a little larger than the actual 40mm (people usually say it looks like a 41-42, which is the limit for my girly wrist).
Well, at the end of the day, when you spend that much on a timepiece ALWAYS try it on your wrist before ordering. It feels right to me and a lot of other collectors, but some, a minority though, will tell you that the thickness was an issue for them. I respect that, it's just personal taste at this point.
In my small experience I found that a watch can sing to you in pictures, and suddenly feels boring/awkward and just meaningless when you put it on your wrist. The exact opposite also happens... That's why I always try on different models whenever I have the opportunity, just for future reference
I'm currently looking for some additional NATO straps for my Aristo. I'm interested in one or two leather NATO straps. However, buying leather NATOs online is proving to be a bit harder than expected. It's really hard to judge the colors from the photos. Even on photos that show the same strap bought from the same shop, the colors don't always look the same on photos.
I've kind of decided on that strap: http://uhrforum.de/zeigt-eure-uhren-mit-nato-oder-durchzugsbaendern-t29355-206#post1802336, but it's been out of stock for a long time and I'm not sure whether the shop gets new stock for 20mm. In addition, there's a camel-colored one that might look nice, but it's really hard to tell from the product pictures.
Since the one I wanted is out of stock, I'm also looking at different stores. For example here: http://eu.cheapestnatostraps.com/collections/types?constraint=20-mm&q=Leather+Nato+Strap
There are just too many similar brown tones to choose...
I've kind of decided on that strap: http://uhrforum.de/zeigt-eure-uhren-mit-nato-oder-durchzugsbaendern-t29355-206#post1802336, but it's been out of stock for a long time and I'm not sure whether the shop gets new stock for 20mm. In addition, there's a camel-colored one that might look nice, but it's really hard to tell from the product pictures.
Since the one I wanted is out of stock, I'm also looking at different stores. For example here: http://eu.cheapestnatostraps.com/collections/types?constraint=20-mm&q=Leather+Nato+Strap
There are just too many similar brown tones to choose...
Kind of a weird reaction to my post. Just pointing out that promotional material for watches have hands in a specific spot for a reason, and I thought that might be interesting to some people. Don't see why that should receive a negative reaction but, hey, whatever floats your boat!
GalacticSushiman
Member
No negative reactions, just an explanation on why some of us believe this rule is simply not applying in this case.
...And maybe (crazy idea
), your perception has something to do with the original tone? - I re-phrase, but 'let me blow your mind' / 'I happen to see stuff people usually do not' is a tiny bit patronizing, right? Still, really nothing aggressive, this is the internet you know
To Maeh2k, I am really not a strap specialist by no means, I usually (boringly) keep the original one
. but the stowa on the cream nato really shines, good luck finding it, and don't forget the necessary pic!So I have a totally lame question, I bought a Rodina watch and it says automatic...does that mean I don't have to wind it, and it's like those kinetic watches?
Bonus picture
https://db.tt/gp9XXKmd
Bonus picture
https://db.tt/gp9XXKmd
whatsinaname
Member
Yep.
Automatic = Self-winding mechanism + mechanical watch. The self winding stores energy in a spring.
Kinetic = Self-winding mechanism + quartz watch. The self winding stores energy in a capacitor.
You can wind it to get is started if it runs down.
At the moment I'm looking for a very affordable automatic watch for my father as a Christmas present. My sister wanted to gift him a Fossil Quarz watch, but I decided that instead I should look for a mechanical watch and contribute myself as well.
My sister wants the watch to be a surprise, so I can't just ask him what watch he'd like the most.
So I'm looking for a dependable <150 Euros automatic watch for daily use. Shouldn't be so cheap as to break quickly and should be sufficiently precise (not like +-1 minute a day). I know he prefers dark dials and I believe he'd prefer a metal bracelet. Being able to see inside the watch would be a plus.
I'm now looking at some Seikos, Orients, and Invictas (but of coure I'd be open to other suggestions).
The best option so far seems to be the Seiko SNZH55K1 since that's apparently a really great offer. Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of the dial and the hands, but it's definitely not bad. Quality is probably okay and it even has a window to the movement.
The more Submarinery Seiko might be an option, as well. Ideal color would be a green bezel and/or dial (like the Rolex), but doesn't seem like Seiko have those.
There are some similar Orients that may even be a bit cheaper (but don't seem to have the glass bottom). And Invicta has some closer Submariner copies, but I'm not sure about their quality. Seiko/Orient seem like more trustworthy brands.
There are some other nice Orients in that price range such as this one (with the green tone my father likes a lot) or that one with its view into the movement, which he might also appreciate.
Alternatively, I'd also consider a Flieger, since he recently really liked a watch like the following one in a shopping window: Aristo Flieger. However, the ones I've seen so far are above our budget.
Any opinions/suggestions?
My sister wants the watch to be a surprise, so I can't just ask him what watch he'd like the most.
So I'm looking for a dependable <150 Euros automatic watch for daily use. Shouldn't be so cheap as to break quickly and should be sufficiently precise (not like +-1 minute a day). I know he prefers dark dials and I believe he'd prefer a metal bracelet. Being able to see inside the watch would be a plus.
I'm now looking at some Seikos, Orients, and Invictas (but of coure I'd be open to other suggestions).
The best option so far seems to be the Seiko SNZH55K1 since that's apparently a really great offer. Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of the dial and the hands, but it's definitely not bad. Quality is probably okay and it even has a window to the movement.
The more Submarinery Seiko might be an option, as well. Ideal color would be a green bezel and/or dial (like the Rolex), but doesn't seem like Seiko have those.
There are some similar Orients that may even be a bit cheaper (but don't seem to have the glass bottom). And Invicta has some closer Submariner copies, but I'm not sure about their quality. Seiko/Orient seem like more trustworthy brands.
There are some other nice Orients in that price range such as this one (with the green tone my father likes a lot) or that one with its view into the movement, which he might also appreciate.
Alternatively, I'd also consider a Flieger, since he recently really liked a watch like the following one in a shopping window: Aristo Flieger. However, the ones I've seen so far are above our budget.
Any opinions/suggestions?
Jason's Ultimatum
Member
What do you do for a living, GS?
At your price point, Seiko and Orient are good values. If you were thinking a Seiko diver, I would consider the SKX007, although I am sure it has a steel case back. The other solid option would be the Seiko SARZ line (although they look kinda young/aggressive). Seiyajapan.com has them for $210 USD, so that should be pretty close.
avaiable here: http://www.seiyajapan.com/collections/seiko/products/s-sarz005
It would be hard to get a real flieger from a German company at your price point, although Orient makes their version, which is about £125
Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AI1OOXA/
On a completely separate note, I went and looked at the Frederique Constant Moonphase Slimline this weekend in person and was very unimpressed. The moon phase complication itself was actually very flat and one dimensional in person, without any great amount of detail. It did not convey the sense of whimsy one would hope. The whole watch was also a bit too big.
I then went over to the local Glashutte Original dealer and had a fabulous time looking at their stuff. I wanted to like the Hand Date, because it is cheap, but ended up underwhelmed. I did totally fall in love with the Senator Automatic. The dial is very amazing and classic, the case is beautifully done with lots of levels and a bold feel, and the finishing on the movement is terrific. Below are other people's pics:
I think my next watch needs to be dressy. In my head, I am now weighing this GO versus a Nomos Orion. The price of the GO is about 2x the Nomos, otherwise I would be all over the GO.
Pjotr has a good point. If you went quartz, you could get a Aristo Flieger: Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002U0JL58/
PjotrStroganov
Member
Are you really sure he would like an automatic? It still is more of a hassle than a quartz watch. If your dad is not a real watch nut, I can imagine that the mechanical part of it is lost to him or inconsequential. And having to frequently set the time or having to wind it can be a turn off.
Yeah, I think he'd prefer an automatic one. When I bought my watch he suggested I get an automatic one. And he actually has an old Rolex somewhere in a drawer. However, it doesn't work anymore and would need to be serviced/repaired for hundreds of Euros. So he currently doesn't wear a watch at all, but mentioned that at some point he'd buy a new watch.
Totally stylistically different, even if they're both dressy watches with clean dials. The GO seems a little more inflexible, as Roman numerals are kind of imposing, to me, in that classical way. This comes from a place of love, though, as I say this as the owner of a Stowa MO with Roman numerals.
If you're spending about that much anyway, why not check to see how much it would be to restore and service his old watch? Depends on how attached he is to it, I suppose.
...Not that I would ever discourage buying another one in this thread.
At your price point, Seiko and Orient are good values. If you were thinking a Seiko diver, I would consider the SKX007, although I am sure it has a steel case back. The other solid option would be the Seiko SARZ line (although they look kinda young/aggressive). Seiyajapan.com has them for $210 USD, so that should be pretty close.
avaiable here: http://www.seiyajapan.com/collections/seiko/products/s-sarz005
It would be hard to get a real flieger from a German company at your price point, although Orient makes their version, which is about £125
Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AI1OOXA/
On a completely separate note, I went and looked at the Frederique Constant Moonphase Slimline this weekend in person and was very unimpressed. The moon phase complication itself was actually very flat and one dimensional in person, without any great amount of detail. It did not convey the sense of whimsy one would hope. The whole watch was also a bit too big.
I then went over to the local Glashutte Original dealer and had a fabulous time looking at their stuff. I wanted to like the Hand Date, because it is cheap, but ended up underwhelmed. I did totally fall in love with the Senator Automatic. The dial is very amazing and classic, the case is beautifully done with lots of levels and a bold feel, and the finishing on the movement is terrific. Below are other people's pics:
I think my next watch needs to be dressy. In my head, I am now weighing this GO versus a Nomos Orion. The price of the GO is about 2x the Nomos, otherwise I would be all over the GO.
Pjotr has a good point. If you went quartz, you could get a Aristo Flieger: Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002U0JL58/
The SARZ looks great, but it's a bit too expensive. I'm not entirely comfortable with importing from Japan. There's VAT and tolls to import it and then if there's a warranty situation, you'd have to ship it all the way back.
I'll ask my sister how much exactly they intended to spend on the watch to get a clear picture of the budget.
PjotrStroganov
Member
Understood about his preference. That at least won't be an uncertain factor.
Also, try and compare the different Amazon sites. FR, ES, DE, IT; there's bound to be cheaper option. And the product could still be coming from the same dealer. I've bought a watch from the Spanish amazon and it was sent from the UK. Turned out it was the same dealer. The difference in price was significant though.
https://pricenoia.com/ is a great site to compare between the different countries. I see the Aristo pwack mentioned (not the right choice, I know) go for 126 euro on the DE site compared to 130 pound on the UK site.
Also, try and compare the different Amazon sites. FR, ES, DE, IT; there's bound to be cheaper option. And the product could still be coming from the same dealer. I've bought a watch from the Spanish amazon and it was sent from the UK. Turned out it was the same dealer. The difference in price was significant though.
https://pricenoia.com/ is a great site to compare between the different countries. I see the Aristo pwack mentioned (not the right choice, I know) go for 126 euro on the DE site compared to 130 pound on the UK site.
I really like the Roman dial and the center second (more than a sub-dial seconds). I know that there are options that look a lot more like the GO, like the Tissot Carson (pic below) or a Stowa Marine Automatic. The Stowa is a contender, the Tissot less so (even though it looks more like the GO).
The Nomos is edging out the Stowa and the Tissot due to its solid reputation and quality construction and movement, even though it has a sub-second. I could also do a Nomos Ludwig, but I like the lugs and case shape less than the Orion.
Forgot about that. One of the great things about Seiya, who has a stellar rep, is he uses EMS for shipping, which generally avoids customs fees in the US.
SkepticalPanda
Member
A lack of financial backing and inability to source three different brands of timepiece has left me no choice but to buy a TopMan watch. The watch didn't cost much but I really like the simplicity and elegance it puts across. Its no Nomos, Stowa or Rodina but it will do for the time being. Obligatory Instagram picture.
For now he'd probably be better off with an affordable watch he can use every day without any hassle and without worrying about it. I suspect servicing/repairing (not sure if it just hasn't been serviced or if something is really broken) a Rolex is really expensive. My mother has one, too. Apparently her's stopped working at some point and they had it repaired and that cost quite a lot so they didn't want to have the watches repaired again after that.
Glad you found something! I know its been a hassle with getting something sourced to your country. Post some pics without Instagram filters when you get a chance.
GalacticSushiman
Member
A bit strange to ask this here, but basically I do strategic brand marketing.
Really disappointed when I saw that you wanted to sell your Hamilton. Sorry it did not suit your needs.
As I said the FC is a great value, but, like JLC in a way, it can be extremely disappointing on wrist, especially given the "sterile" dial design.
I am not really objective on GO as you know, they simply are the best timepieces in their price range in my mind, and yes it's twice as much as a nomos, but the movement finish alone more than justifies the price difference.
And, just like your SPM, you can keep it all your life, it will never get boring/outdated.
Finally, please don't hesitate to PM me if you want to discuss rebate % on MSRP, I'll be happy to share my experience.
If the Rolex is just laying there annoying him, I can do him a favor and take it off his hands (he'll have to pay p&p though)
SkepticalPanda
Member
Yeah, getting hold of something has been next to impossible, seriously. Right now I'm speaking to a guy in China if I'm not mistaken who has the Rodina that I so desperately want. I'll post some non-Instagram pics when I get hold of my camera. Cheers!
Orient is killing it right now. They just unveiled two new models/variations, and both look phenomenal : http://www.orient-watch.jp/press/details/?press_id=165
Now the question is: Should I wait for one of these, or grab a WZ0021DD this week?...
Creationwatches and 21jewels offer plenty of watches in this price range.
The Seiko SNZH55K1 is a pretty good choice, though. I own one, so if you need pics or details regarding it, don't hesitate to ask, Maeh2k.
Now the question is: Should I wait for one of these, or grab a WZ0021DD this week?...
Creationwatches and 21jewels offer plenty of watches in this price range.
The Seiko SNZH55K1 is a pretty good choice, though. I own one, so if you need pics or details regarding it, don't hesitate to ask, Maeh2k.
Thanks, I'll check out those sites. At the moment the cheap offer on the SNZH55K1 is no longer available. I wasn't quite ready to jump at that opportunity. However, there's still quite a bit of time till Christmas, so I'll keep an eye on various Seikos and Orients.
Unfortunately, I can't really judge the quality of these watches. For example, some of the Orients are a bit cheaper than the SNZH55K1 and I don't know how that reflects on their build quality or movement.
Rollo Lawson
Banned
I just bought an Orient myself (FFD0F004W) about 2 weeks ago. My collection is small, but so far it's my best looking watch. The only thing that put me off briefly was the fact that you can hear and feel it winding. Very accurate so far, heavy, and very nice looking
That is a nice looking watch. Personally my favorite watch that I have right now is my Orient as well. I love the depth to the face, my only issue is the display back with a not very display worthy movement, but I suspect that I will never find a "perfect" watch.
Not Spaceghost
Spaceghost
I just had a full 5 days off work + the weekend + columbus day, and I didn't wear a watch the whole time (kinda just stayed in my house most of the time inviting people over, or going out to get food / groceries / beer)
This morning when getting ready to go to work I noticed all my automatics were either stopped or completely off by a full day or by several hours.
However, my Seiko Kinetic was still surprisingly accurate.
Automatic watch woes ;_;
This morning when getting ready to go to work I noticed all my automatics were either stopped or completely off by a full day or by several hours.
However, my Seiko Kinetic was still surprisingly accurate.
Automatic watch woes ;_;
Pick up a winder. Not only are they a great way to display your watches, but you also won't need to worry about them winding down again.
GalacticSushiman
Member
First mistake right there! Even during a lazy day, make sure to wear your timepieces, remember you wear a wristwatch for you and you alone
If you have multiple autos, at least one winder is indeed a good idea, and lucky you, jomashop is running a wolf design flash sale right now
I do believe that, whatever your budget, whatever your taste, there is a perfect watch for everybody, but it takes time and dedication to find it and save up for it
Just to get the ball rolling a bit, I've been looking at an affordable brand for the past few days which I think has the potential to become quite big: AUTODROMO. Right now they only have a couple of autos, and their range is mainly quartz (and expensive one - $500+), but the attention to detail and craftmanship put into the dial and casing is definitely interesting.
Here are a few exemples:
Not Spaceghost
Spaceghost
First mistake right there! Even during a lazy day, make sure to wear your timepieces, remember you wear a wristwatch for you and you alone
If you have multiple autos, at least one winder is indeed a good idea, and lucky you, jomashop is running a wolf design flash sale right now
Oooooh I'll look into that!
Yeah haha, lesson learned, I mean I've had lazy days but not 8 of them in a row so this morning was hilarious, thinking I was late to work, then extremely confused, and then wondering what day it was before consulting my phone.
Then instantly realizing they had all wound down and feeling like a big goof haha.
I saw those on ablogtowatch, which now that I have quoted you, I see you got the photos from there. Although I could have sworn I didn't see any lugs in the pictures of their watches, which for whatever reason is a big turn off for me.I do believe that, whatever your budget, whatever your taste, there is a perfect watch for everybody, but it takes time and dedication to find it and save up for it
Just to get the ball rolling a bit, I've been looking at an affordable brand for the past few days which I think has the potential to become quite big: AUTODROMO. Right now they only have a couple of autos, and their range is mainly quartz (and expensive one - $500+), but the attention to detail and craftmanship put into the dial and casing is definitely interesting.
I didn't start collecting watches until this year, and started to quickly learn what I liked vs what I didn't (perfect example; small seconds used for the primary seconds on a chronograph), but not sure I'll ever find a watch that is perfect.. Just the next step to the next watch where what I'm looking for gets refined, always after purchase unfortunately
Jason's Ultimatum
Member
Never said it didn't suit my needs. Maybe I'm selling it for different reasons?
GalacticSushiman
Member
Oh of course it could be something else, but since you mentioned you hardly ever wear it and it sits in the box... Well, none of my business, hope you'll find one that you will wear proudly everyday.
I saw those on ablogtowatch, which now that I have quoted you, I see you got the photos from there. Although I could have sworn I didn't see any lugs in the pictures of their watches, which for whatever reason is a big turn off for me.
I didn't start collecting watches until this year, and started to quickly learn what I liked vs what I didn't (perfect example; small seconds used for the primary seconds on a chronograph), but not sure I'll ever find a watch that is perfect.. Just the next step to the next watch where what I'm looking for gets refined, always after purchase unfortunately
Yeah, I discovered the brand a few months ago, and gave it more thoughts after that article on ablogtowatch. Their new model is inspired by the Nautical Vulcain from the 70s (which is a good thing), and while the lug-less thing can be an issue, here it works for me. Not sure why.
The watches with lugs are their automatic pieces, the monoposto, with a myota. They are sold out now, very unique piece with a modern yet also classic design.
Again, I would not advise to succumb for this watches right now, simply because you can get a much better deal for the same price, but I just like what they are doing and the way they do it. Now let's put a proper movement in there and we could have a winner
MistakenMobius
Member
I want to have a tacky watch:
Envisioning about buying a Hublot
I want a useful dressy watch:
Envisioning getting a classic JL Master Geographic GMT,
i don't really know
(yeah i know GS, those two watch are completely different)
i've turned 30 since less than a month and i'm already completely jaded.
Envisioning about buying a Hublot
I want a useful dressy watch:
Envisioning getting a classic JL Master Geographic GMT,
i don't really know
(yeah i know GS, those two watch are completely different)
i've turned 30 since less than a month and i'm already completely jaded.
GalacticSushiman
Member
What's happening Mobius? I sense something strange, like extreme sadness or something. Come on, you can tell watch-GAF everything
(and WTF, REALLY HUBLOT? The new Jay-Z model I hope!
)MistakenMobius
Member
What's happening Mobius? I sense something strange, like extreme sadness or something. Come on, you can tell watch-GAF everything
(and WTF, REALLY HUBLOT? The new Jay-Z model I hope!
Yeah, not the happiest of time for me,
work is fine, health is fine, can't really complain on anything except romantic life
yet i kind of feel empty lately.
Will have a lot of work for the next few month so no head clearing trip before at least March 2014
Obviously first world problems i know.
I think you just buy a Hublot when you need re-assure yourself or something because it looks big, it's tacky and very expensive.
I'll try to take hold of myself and fall for something more reasonable and beautiful like this