Watch Thread

Seiko 5 watches are excellent beater watches. In some ways tougher than their Swiss equivalents for the money. Mineral crystal is better if you do not need to show off the watch. I gave my old SNK809 away (black field watch, 37mm) and after quite some abuse it still showed almost no signs of wear and tear.

Add a quality nato-strap and it looks even better.

 

The "all-American" combo. The Tread 2 here is a BTO from Devon to match the color scheme of my Tread 1 - they gave me a hearty discount, and they even threw in a free rush build for me so that I can wear it on my trip to Asia. Try getting that deal (or even get on the phone) with a Swiss company.

 

So the VIncero Kairos that I have for almost two years has been such a good basic watch for $150. The only thing I don't like about them are the bands. I wish there's a band that's a better fit for my wrist. I just wonder if this watch uses a standard band that will work for it. Thoughts because I'm pretty useless.

 

Any reason why it might not use a standard band?

Just checked, it's a 22mm standard strap. You'll need a toolkit off of eBay/Amazon to do the swap yourself, or find a local watch repair shop, they'll usually do it for free.

 

When it comes to watches (and really most everything) I am a classicist, but damn, that Tread 2 really gets my attention

 

Indeed, both of them are on the extreme end of conversation starters, although people in the hobby are definitely more drawn to the Tonneau. People have asked me if I'm wearing a Richard Mille - which I guess is flatting since they must assume that I look rich enough to swing one of those!

https://i.imgur.com/iXpZ6d7.jpg

 

Enjoying my Casio G-Shock GW5600 with combi bracelet. A great go-anywhere alternative to a stainless steel diver.

 

The new Nasa watches are pretty cool.



Thing is, no specifications on the automatic version so I am out. Then there is the Bulova Lunar Pilot chronograph.



Also reminded me of this Hodinkee episode. Who knew a Seiko Turtle dive watch went to space?

 

I was walking through a mall in Beijing when I noticed an A Lange Sohn boutique and they had an 1815 chrono out on display. I've never seen any of their high-end movements so I asked to check it out. And holy cow! The caseback is unreal. It's an expensive watch, yes, but judging by the stuff I've seen ALS's quality puts everything in its price range to shame. You could pay more than twice as much for a Patek that's barely on par, open dial Royal Oak's can't hold a candle to the finishing and depth here.

The design is a bit too conventional for my tastes, and the chrono is a bit hard to justify when smartphones are a thing, but this piece is on the radar, perhaps when I've got a bit more disposable income and want something no-nonsense. It's rare that something this horrifically expensive manages to feel like a bargain.



They asked me not to take pictures of the back (a customer backed out of a preorder on the piece). Here's a shot of the movement - It looks even more off the wall in person.

Surprisingly, the Beijing side MSRP was a tiny bit below the US quote and about 15% cheaper with a sales tax refund, and the store clerks hinted about being open to discounts. Not really sure why, since the Rolex AD next door was hyper-inflated, but perhaps something to keep an eye out for during trips to Asia. Asking $45k for a gold Daytona when you can get this thing for less money? That part I don't get

 

I really like the Seiko 5. I have small wrists and any case diameter over 36 mm just looks too big on my wrist.



The 36 mm Seiko SNK789 I have works for me. With my small wrist I had to remove a couple of links which was a PIA until I found this video on how to remove the spring leaves holding the links together. Automatic movement and exhibition back for under $100 is a deal. It is only accurate to about 15 seconds a day but for a beater watch it's great.

 

Having a small wrist is one of the things that made me gice up wrist watches. But it seems I far from the only slim-wristed guy. So why could I only find watches for big wrists last time I was looking!

That is very wonderful. If I had a watch like that I'd wear it with the movement facing outwards. Merely telling the time seems so prosaic compared with gazing lovingly at that incredible engineering.

.

 

Check out Nomos and Farer - their designs start at 35 and only go up to around 40mm. I like both brands, especially nomos, but their watches are too small for me.

It's a shame that ALC considers itself above the skeletonizing trend - AP caved and that was the watch I wanted to try, but it's nearly impossible to get ahold of a steel AP these days without a long wait. If they could hollow out the display a bit, the 1815 would be a dream watch.

 

I don't get why more manufacturers don't offer a 34 mm option (like Rolex and Tudor do with the mid-size.) Nomos is interesting they have a couple of 33 mm watches and they make great leather bands. I don't see anything under 37 mm for Farer though,

 

I could probably wear 33-35mm.

But no, I really have given up wristwatches. It has been so long now that it would feel rather strange to wear one.

I have a very practical problem with my home climate. It is hot, humid and sweaty. I was getting through leather straps rather quickly. And a sweaty leather strap is uncomfortable. And I'm not keen on metal bracelets. And yes... I'm hard to please!

 

I really like the perlon strap I use, nice and breathable, very comfortable.

 

Those look very nice.

 

Thinking about getting a Lorier Falcon in gold.
Looks really nice, and I just need a full gold watch on gold band.
The one with the green waffle dial looks real nice.


Kinda like a rolex explorer but cheaper.
https://www.lorierwatches.com/products/falcon-pvd-gold

 

The Loriers look like good value. Nice to see a watch under $500 using screws for the removable links rather than the PIA pipes and pins Seiko uses on the Presage links.

 

I just noticed this thread, I've been getting back into watches after not thinking about them much over the last 10 years or so. I've mostly had citizen and seikos over the years, this is my current watch:

 

That is a lot of watch for the money. I understand why you are tempted.

Reminds me of the Steinhart 39mm Gnomon special edition:



When a hommage is that good, damn...