Jb8312,
The one other thing I would suggest is definitely see the watches in person, and try them on your wrist. It's remarkable how your list of favorites can change once you actually try them on. I had this experience with a Girard-Perregaux Laureato Evo3, which I thought was just OK in photos, but flipped for it in person...and I bought it.
Like audio, fine watches can be a very gratifying hobby. And the folks on the Time Zone threads are really supportive and helpful. If you need suggestions for dealers of specific brands, email me privately, and I'll do whatever I can to help. |
Who cares.....!!!! I thought this was Audiogon !!! Let's stick to what this site is about and for music and Audio gear !!!! Please.... |
Who cares.....!!!! Nearly 6 years and 200+ posts later, it seems a few people do. There is a lot of hobbyist crossover between audio and wristwatches, bicycles, motorcycles, wine, scotch, etc., all of which are discussed at length in their respective threads on this site. |
Hey I have a question for the watch experts.
I am a watch noob.
It seems as though many of the $$$ watches such as this Omega Seamaster that I like... :
http://www.omegawatches.com/index.php?id=557&pos=7&no_cache=1
...have a "rotating" bezel with numbers on it.
Can someone explain what function this serves, with a specific use case outlining a scenario where someone would use the rotating bezel to serve some purpose?
thank you!! |
Can someone explain what function this serves, with a specific use case outlining a scenario where someone would use the rotating bezel to serve some purpose? The Seamaster is a diving watch, with a rotating bezel that can be locked in place. The purpose of rotating the bezel is to set the large marker that is normally at the 12 o'clock position while on land to the time at which you enter the water. That way, you can track how many minutes remain until the air in your tank expires, without having to remember what time you descended. Most are uni-directional, so if they are accidentally moved, they rotate clockwise, thereby indicating less time remaining than actual...for safety purposes. Does that make sense? |
Yes that makes sense, thanks ( :
I'm probably not going to be doing too much diving, but I suppose that could be helpful with not burning the brownies. I'll probably burn them anyway, though |
I'm probably not going to be doing too much diving, but I suppose that could be helpful with not burning the brownies. I'll probably burn them anyway, though That's hilarious, Goatwuss! I'm not a diver, but I've owned a number of diving watches, including a Seamaster that I recently inherited. Very comfortable watch, and excellent for attracting the Bond girls! |
Thanks (or not) to this thread my passing interest in nice watches has been fueled. As reccomended above, I have visited the website for watches and learned a lot in a short amount of time....
I have now ordered a ORIS TT3, and I am looking a B&M Classima Executive for more dressy ocaitions..
When you look close as a nice watch, they are really beautiful....
(sorry for the grammer, I am in a hurry)
John |
sorry for the grammer, I am in a hurry Obviously, you're too busy buying watches to keep track of time. :-) |
I noticed this thread keeps resurfacing every now and then. I also noticed some members needing advice on watches and links were duly provided to help them. Good links, however, allow me to add one morefor the benefit of members. I frequently visit this forum being a member. Hope someone finds it useful.
http://forums.watchuseek.com/index.php?
Cheers |
Oris Artelier Pointer Date - simple and understated, unlike my hifi. |
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Citizen Eco-Drive Calibre 2100 |
Usually, none. When I do, it's a Citizen Ecodrive titanium WR200 perpetual calendar. It was an anniversary present. |
Need to stay on time to be on time.
I wear the following watches.
Breitling Chrono, twin rotor Perrelet, Valgine, Pulsar Diving , Suunto and a Casio.
They all serve their function but my favorite is the Perrelet. |
L.L. Bean is my watch (it is made by Hamilton). I bought it in the 70's. I wore it all over Alaska for many years. I didn't wear it for actual work (Journeyman Lineman/Electrical), but it bounced around the line truck for years. I wore it hunting, fishing and even a 3000 mile bicycle (Mountain bike) trip from Bellingham Washington back up to interior Alaska (via the unpaved Cassiar route, not the Alcan). It now has an easier life here with me in Georgia, but it is still bounced around a bit.
It has been through many wristbands (both metal and leather) plus a few crystals (and many batteries). It still works and keeps good time.
When I decided to get out of the tools and get into the "chair" at a (electrical utility) system distribution center, I (like many other Operator, Dispatchers) bought a "high end" watch. A reliable and highly accurate watch was required due to switching and other critical procedures performed in a electrical distribution center. I ended up, initially, with a Rolex Submariner (about 1K at the time). It ran fast. I took it back (Zales return policy at the time) and traded it in for another model, an "Explorer", I think (maybe a bit cheaper). It too, did not have the accuracy that I needed. I ended up going back to the "Bean". It has held near perfect time since day one. One (and probably only) bad thing about it though, I hated the "Yuppie" stigma attached to the L.L. Bean name. The Rolex was even worse. People always rolling their eyes and cracking jokes (both to me and behind my back). Buttt.... work and work well it did, AND it still does. I am retired now and rarely wear the watch. It is still here, somewhere in the house or maybe the car. It still works fine. It's just a bit beat up, but not too bad.
The best part about the watch ? That's easy. It still has time for memories. Many of them, at any time. |
hey, any recommendations for something in the $1k range? I have a small wrist and am thinking a non-leather, non-metal band, as I have a slight allergy to nickel. I was considering a Sinn 356 but want to see what fellow audiogoners have to say ;) |
Oh boy, how did I miss this thread? Let's see, today I have on my Panerai 050, also have a Glashutte Original Panamatic Lunar in Stainless Steel (my Favorite), Breitling Aerospace, and a Citizen dive computer watch. Goy my wife a JLC reverso recently, as I wanted one but felt guilty about getting another one for me;)
Next will be a PAM 231, but need to wait until te bonus for that;) |
MRE2007, FWIW I've had a Sinn Chronometer/chronograph for about 8 years. Outstanding time keeper. It really is a chronometer. I loose less than a minute a month. I'm not familar with your selection, but don't hesitate just because most folks have never heard of them. I bought my watch in an auction on E-Bay for $825. It was a German model which was rebadged and imported - sold for retail in excess of $3500. I also picked up an Eterna-matic Kontiki chronometer in the same price range. Another winner. Unfortunately you'd have to put on a new wrist band as they both come with matching metal bands. You could probably find some rubber bands. |
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Patek and for everyday Eco drive Citizen. |
Rolex Daytona, runs spot on! It had better. |
Still running the Omega Seamaster Pro Chronometer since the last time I posted here! |
A fake Piaget until my 25th or thereabouts; thereafter none, and I hope I can keep it that way |
Got myself a TIMEX 2 weeks ago. Bot the expensive analog dial one at Walmart in Lihue so that I didn't put my Bell & Ross through the surf & turf action on vacation. Actually haven't taken it off since. Maybe I should do the same with my stereo... |
An antique Hamilton 992 in my pocket with a 14K gold chain that resembles an anchor chain. Been wanting a chain like that since I got out of the Navy in '79, and just found one of excellent quality a couple months ago. www.seawear.com |
Tissot, Citizen Eco-Drive, Diesel, or SWATCH. I have several of each, all different types, so I always have one that fits my current mood.
Arthur |
Fortis titanium, great watch! |
Omega Seamaster Professional. Formerly Oris models Atelier, Big Crown Comandant and Modern Classic. |
Haven't worn one in over 10 years. The Watch I want is a Seiko Galaxy. It is no longer available and was made for the overseas market.
I discovered that there were different versions, but unlike what I saw in Saudi Arabia. Bummed |
I got a Rolex SS Date a while ago for a birthday and I wore it religously everyday because its so versatile, sports, work, formal... I recently treated myself to a IWC Portugeuse Chrono. Love that watch, wonderful understated design and classic looks. Rolexes are fine as an everyday watch but they don't hold a candle to IWC in terms of cool. Those who know this iconic watch give you a knowing wink when they see it.
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I'm confused by "Rolexes are fine as an everyday watch but they don't hold a candle to IWC in terms of cool".
According to who? The IWC does nothing for me. It's true that it may be more rare on the street than a Rolex, but so what. I guess rare means cool now. |
I'm confused by these last two posts. Rolex an everyday watch? For those who think its important to wear something on their wrist that everyone who looks will recognize and interpert it to mean that the wearer is 'wealthy'?
At least most people, except for watch enthusiasts, won't even know what and IWC is.
Now the test. Other than casework, what makes either of these watches superior to the two I mentioned on 4/18/7? |
Now the test. Other than casework, what makes either of these watches superior to the two I mentioned on 4/18/7? Unfortunately this would most likely turn into a squabble! For those who think its important to wear something on their wrist that everyone who looks will recognize and interpert it to mean that the wearer is 'wealthy'? Unfortunaly this is the mindset of many; while I am sure there is some truth to this for some people, it is not for many, so not a fair statement. |
Brian, You are correct. The statement as a general proposition was unfair. But, I thought perhaps it would serve as a wake up call for those to whom it MIGHT apply. :-) |
How to respond without sounding like an elitist snob? Lets just say that Rolex sells about 600,000 watches a year. Yes they are good watches but they are about as common as say Denon or Bose receivers. Not saying that Rolexes are as over hyped as Bose, but they do spend quite a bit on marketing and have cultivated very strong brand equity over the years. The smaller boutique watch houses such as IWC, Jaeger, Patek etc, put out far less volume and use old world craftsmanship and engineering that watchfiles will appreciate. Yes "cool" is in the eye of the beholder, I think watches are cool, others may not and don't see the purpose when a $20 Timex probably keeps better time. I don't wear a watch because I want people to think I'm wealthy (and I'm not), I just love the way it looks and how it feels on my wrist. To put it into your terms, some Agon members may drool over a $85,000 Kondo amp, but the general public will think you're quite insane. |
Newbee: a friend of mine has a Sinn Chronometer, beautiful watch! |
Swiss Army- silver w/ a white face. |
The smaller boutique watch houses such as IWC, Jaeger, Patek etc, put out far less volume and use old world craftsmanship and engineering that watchfiles will appreciate. I guess it is all how one wants to view it. One could make a point for the state-of-the-art factory that Rolex has. (Before I go any further, let me make it clear that I have nothing against the brands you list, all wonderful pieces and I'd be glad to wear them.) I would be willing to bet some of these "small" boutique companies would love to be selling at the level of Rolex. Furthermore, I am not sure of what craftsmanship and engineering you are alluding to. In my opinion Rolex takes a lot of heat for two main reasons, some of the people who purchase them, as Newbee alluded and because they are "on top", if you will. On top in that they are a household name and a leader in sales, in regards to mechanical watches. No matter what the topic, those "on top" always have a target, any issue good or bad is amplified. As you stated, Rolex sells a lot of watches, not just because people want to say they have one, although that happens, and kudos to Rolex for building such a name, but there are many that buy them for what they are, an extreemly good mechanical watch, all with in house movements. Spend some time on Timezone.com and you will see that the Rolex forum is the most active with some passionate and (very) knowledgeable people about the brand. |
Cell phone w/ satellite correct time. And I get to call for pizzas. |
I wear three watches depending on mood. I have a rolex datejust I received as a gift. I wear equally a 1970s 18K rolex submariner that for me has a high cool factor as it was my dads. Lastly for those who are going to call me shallow, I have my great grandfather's Hamilton in gold filled, circa 1940s, I had overhauled by Hamilton. My next purchase is a Patek Cavaltrava with nob head bezel for the craftsman ship. |
What a great collection with VERY cool history James!! |
The coolest [production] watch out there in conceptual terms, IMHO, is f p journe's chronometre a resonance. I think it looks nice too but the idea, if it actually works, is really neat. |
this is a good article describing Rolex's standing in the watch market
http://www.chronocentric.com/watches/brands.shtml
Brian: actually Rolex has not always used their own movements, until a few years ago they were using Zenith movements in their hugely popular Daytona model. |
I am well aware of that Mike, I never claimed they always have. |
That's one of the reasons I bought my Zenith El Primero. The other is it is/was probably the most accurate Swiss Chronometer. The third is it looks very, very nice - understated and classic.
Enjoy,
Bob |
Bob, Nice watch! Three great reasons to own it. Some day my ship will come in..........:-) |
Dig my Omega Seamaster! Thank god I'm not on the watch merry-go-round. |
If you've got the money, I've got the time?
Whatever.
Got over myself and bought a used Rolex GMT II.
The thing is the most bulletproof mechanical watch I have owned.
Which will be relevant when the EMP of a nuclear attack or comet strike renders anything with gallium in it useless.
Fortunately, pure tube equipment will be unaffected.
As long as you have a power source designed by Faraday.
Wonder why all the tubes come from Russia or China?
Or the mechanical watches from Switzerland?
Buy American.
Save the world. |
I currently have three that I wear. A Fortis Flieger Chronograph, a Sinn U1, and a cheap Seiko diver. Have had a few others that were sold due to lack of wrist time. But the three listed above make me happy. I do miss a Stowa Marine Auto I had :( |
