Best Watch?

Lenny - I agree completely about the COSC chronometer certification. It's almost entirely a marketing feature these days, and fairly low-end stock ETA movements can be made to pass the tests easily enough.

Plus, note that the certification is generally done with uncased movements. After the certification, the movements are subjected to quite a bit of handling before they end up on your wrist...
 
bae,
as to the guy jewelry thing, I do have a Speedmaster Pro, my wife bought it for me in 1990 for 1st anniv. present. Its a pretty one, thats for sure, 18k/stainless, but I've had problems with it over the years. Sent it back to Omega on three different occasions because the power reserve was awful. If I took it off before bed it would be dead by morning. that and the weight seemed to be scraping on something inside when it would spin. Kept pretty good time, got a lot of comments, but I had to wear it 24/7 or wind it daily to keep it going. Omega sent it back each time saying that it was fine and charged me for the ruling the last two. I needed something robust, very waterproof, and that wouldn't break my wallet. The Superocean series are WAY cheaper than the fancy Breitlings. I don't know much about Fortis or IWC, I'll admit. I did contemplate the seamaster, but past experience with Omega and the price tag steered me away. That and the fact that I've had two other "lesser" watches rated to 200m that fogged up in a swimming pool. Still unsure as to what to do with the Speedmaster. Its due for a tune-up, but I'll wait until I plan to wear it again for that. now its sleeping up high in the closet with a few knives. Any suggestions would be appreciated.....g
 
The Omega Speedmaster Pro I was referring to previously is the "Moon Watch" version, the NASA-certified, manual-wind model. No trouble with the auto-winding system on that one. It's not particularly water-resistant at all, though (water being in short supply in spacecraft) - it's more splash-proof than waterproof. It also has a plastic bezel which sratches up if you look at it sideways. But, it's reasonably authentic.

The auto-movement Speedmasters are outside my experience.

I take your point about the Superocean series being more value-priced.

On a budget, I'd be tempted to track down an Eterna KonTiki - honestly-priced, some interesting history, robust, and decent looking. Nobody but a watch nerd will know what it is, so it might defeat the "guy jewelry" goal, though.

As far as what to do with your current Omega - sell it on TimeZone or EBay if it hasn't serious sentimental value to you, if you're not wearing it at all.
 
In thinking more about the Fortis, I started looking for them online. I found a few places all with the retail price listed. Where can I find a Fortis for the elusive 35-40% off.

Bucky
 
Wow… I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at the number of watch fans here at bladeforums. I actually found bladeforums when someone suggested a Sebenza to a knife recommendation post on a timezone forum (now I own 2 of the darn things…).

I have to agree with Lenny’s comments on Rolex and his suggestion of an IWC Flieger although the price point is outside the $1K range. My Rolex GMT has been rock-solid reliable for the past 15 years and now it’s worth more used than I paid for it new. Unfortunately it is overpriced when you look at the quality and I tend to wear others (including a JLC and Flieger) more than the GMT. Of course you could make the case that there is quality in creating a less than perfectly finished movement with enough tolerance to resist abuse and continue to run but that’s a bit esoteric.

Back to the original question…

I’m not sure I’d purchase a $1000 watch. Either wait and go up in price to get something that would maintain value (and given the demand a Rolex Sub would be a great choice -- try used) or go lower in price assuming you lose all value in which case any Seiko would do the job. That mid point (Fortis, Bretling, Tutima etc.) is great if you like the look but just okay from a quality and long term value point of view. The exception might be the Omega Speedmaster, which has a classic design and good quality but is a bit over the $1K mark.
 
IDC,
Which JLC do you own?
I've been wanting a Master Grand Taille for the longest time. I absolutely love the clean classic looks of it. Kinda reminds me of the Omegas of the 60's (I also have my grandfather's Omega Seamaster Deville from about 1964 in SS which I had overhauled and is now perfect). However, I also like the Blancpain 2100 in Rose Gold; quite a bit more expensive.
I'm torn between buying knives and watches.
However, with watches, I really like wearing the Flieger every day. I know it can take the punishment of every day knocks and water, and I still haven't found an everyday watch that looks as good to my eyes and is built with IWC's quality. But, I have been looking at the Aquatimer lately. And I also love the last version of the Ingenieur (discontinued), but that watch would look too small on my wrist. The JLC and Blancpain, however, would be dress watches for me and would only get worn rarely.
Ya just gotta love fine watches!
I'd really be dangerous if I were a wealthy man!
Lenny
 
Just got my Seamaster in.

Awesome :D

2254_50_00.jpg

Except that mine has the five link bracelet like this one
 
Nosamk :D I take that from where it comes. I too wanted a Seamaster since the early Eighties (Still have an old catalog I picked up back then).

I've already started looking for another.

I was lucky to find the one I did by accident. I was over on a site that needs no introduction to any of us here, Knifeart.com and saw a link for "Fine Watches". That link took me to Watchseller.com. Imagine my surprise when I found exactly what I had always wanted. I paid an embarrassingly small amount for an absolutely perfect, ANIB Seamaster. They have several different Omegas and a mess of other great watches in stock and I highly recommend them.

(I say "an embarrassingly small amount" as I was out last night and happened by a local jewelry store that had the exact same Seamaster, with the exception that it was the less expensive Quartz model. The story was that it's a new watch, ordered for a customer that never picked it up. Looking at it, it had been handled a lot and didn't look new. They were willing to take 30% off and I could have it for a mere $1100 out the door, more then I paid for a prefect automatic.)

I also did a lot of research here, a great resource for anyone interested in Omegas.

John
 
John-

congrats on the great find. I've been to watchseller a few times and have probably drooled on my keyboard over the actual watch you bought. I cant say I've wanted one since the eighties, but I have wanted one for a good 10 years anyway. My wife keeps telling me to go ahead and get one but it seems everytime I finally come up with the money another need arises....one day I WILL have one!!
 
John – good choice.

Lenny – I’ve got a JLC Duo. I travel quite a bit and actually use the dual time feature (for those of you who are interested, the Duo is a square watch that has a different face on each side www.jlc.ch). I like the Master series and am considering the Geographic (again for the multiple time zones) but the entire series had nice clean lines and I can’t say I dislike any of them. The Omega Seamaster Deville is a great watch as is most Omegas! That brings up a point…

What about a good used watch under $1000? I’d lean towards a military issue Omega (WWW with British markings) but there are some great used dress watches out there.

Another point to consider for any of you who travel is the exchange rate with Europe. Flights to Europe are cheap (at least from Boston) and the exchange rate is great. I bought my Flieger in Paris a few years ago for about 60% off the US list price. If you’re in the market for an expensive watch, a weekend in Paris might be a nice way to temper any complaints from the spouse.

I do have a number of watches in my collection but always seem to gravitate to the IWC. It’s a lot like the Sebenza in fit, finish, quality, and value and I always enjoy wearing it. You really have to hold one and compare it to others to really see the value you get with IWC.

Ian
 
A best watch?
Wow, loaded question! I had a severe, well not as severe as some of you guys! but severe addiction to watches for a long time...
But finally solved it when I picked up the Victorinox Swiss Army Watch, then I got the Stainless Officer's Watch and a special band from a friend, a stainless bracelet type of band made by a company called Don Juan, it really works well, light and handy, I used to go through watch bands in about 6 months before this band, and I have heard people that have had this band from the 50's and still going strong...oh and in the background is my small wood inlay Sebenza...nice knife too!

The Band, a friend on the forums asked me about it and he found some on eBay and picked up one as well...
G2

ps,
I know this watch isn't a High dollar one, but to me she was, $250 was a bit of a leap for me but the clarity and quickness at glancing to tell the time makes it the one for me...
 
Ex wife's Rolex Oyster spent more time in the shop than on her wrist.

Present wife needs an indestructiable watch, or easily replaced, because I'll find it in the dryer clunking around about 4 times a year or she'll loose it every 2-3 years. She now wears a Seiko women's dive watch.

I've been wearing the same $40 Casio 300m dive watch for over 10 years now. I've replace batteries twice and the band once. It's been worn continuously whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, shooting, training, working indoors and outdoors almost every day of that 10 years. It's a utilitarian, black poly armour device that keeps accurate time (both primary and dual) , alarms loudly enough to wake me, counts down/stopwatchs accurately enough to time field equipment and track bottom times and stay times. On yes, it weighs next to nothing and is very flat against my wrist.

I'm sure there are better looking watches, I just don't know of a better working one.
 
Ex wife's Rolex Oyster spent more time in the shop than on her wrist.

Present wife needs an indestructiable watch, or easily replaced, because I'll find it in the dryer clunking around about 4 times a year or she'll loose it every 2-3 years. She now wears a Seiko women's dive watch.

I've been wearing the same $40 Casio 300m dive watch for over 10 years now. I've replace batteries twice and the band once. It's been worn continuously whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, shooting, training, working indoors and outdoors almost every day of that 10 years. It's a utilitarian, black poly armour device that keeps accurate time (both primary and dual) , alarms loudly enough to wake me, counts down/stopwatchs accurately enough to time field equipment and track bottom times and stay times. On yes, it weighs next to nothing and is very flat against my wrist.

I'm sure there are better looking watches, I just don't know of a better working one.
 
Hollister,
Congrats on a fine choice for a watch. I have been looking at the very same one for a while now myself. I see you went for the COSC Auto. And it's Black! Best choice IMO. Chronecentric is a great site for Omega's.

I don't mind paying the price for the watch I just have a hard time bringing myself to wear it all the time everyday when I know I have a high probability of it getting abused...like at work but I'm a sucker for divers watches. If you like dive watches. Check out CountyComm here :http://www.countycomm.com

They have great selections of military/dive style watches that I refer to as " my everyday beater watches". I went there and got one of there Marathon Diver Automatic for everyday wear. Really happy with it.
 
Up until I got the Omega SMP, my EDC watch has been a red faced Luminox (as seen in last months "Blade" magazine). I still wear the Luminox at work, but I've been wearing the Omega at all other times. You only go round once, may as well enjoy the ride. :D
 
What do people think about the quality of those? I really like the quality of their enamel...

And what about the Panerai? Now, those are not your everyday watch...

Cheers,

JD
 
John+Commanderfan i wear my Omega all the time. Been in fights, fell down stairs (while fighting), climed fire escapes, dug at world trade center... Omega still perfect. Takes a beating. After i bought it and had it sized the guy who sold it to me said: "its a tank, you will have it forever." He was right.
 
Please bear in mind that it is the MOVEMENT thats certified, before it's fitted in the watchcase. In principle the watchmakers could mishandle the movement resulting in the watch being a poor time keeper.

Also remember that more than 80% of all the certificates are issued to movements sold to Rolex.

My personal opinion (whatever that's worth in a watch-nut environment ;) ) is that the cost of a mechanical movement is just not worth it. Buy a decent quartz watch. And spend the rest on a few Sebenza's. :D Almost all quartz watches are more accurate than all the certified chronometers.

Best regards
Overgaar

(I "carry" a Tissot T65.7.489.31 Titanium/Gold with an ETA caliper 251.265)
 
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