Looking for my next good watch...tritium automatic

JDMSMBACPA · Aug 19, 2003

I recently bought a Revue-Thommen Airspeed Altimeter (mechanical watch/mechanical altimeter). It was my first good (non-Timex) mechanical watch and a fellow member warned me they can be addictive.

Well, now I find myself drawn to certain "frankenwatches"--specifically, Seiko Divers with Stocker and Yale Tritium dials and hands. I've got a Luminox 1985 NATO Field Watch and I miss its luminescence when I wear my new altimeter watch.

Anyway, my question is: Where can I get a good Seiko/Sandy frankenwatch? Can anyone recommend a good reputable dealer from whom I could buy one or a good reputable watchsmith who could make me one?

I like Bill Yao's stuff fine, but I'd prefer to have the Sandy Tritium dial and hands, or better yet a tritium dial like the one on my Luminox 1985 nato Field Watch (bigger markers)...

fishbulb · Aug 19, 2003

I believe that there are a few automatic Luminoxes available now.

They're just a standard Luminox equipped with an ETA 2824 movement, but it would give you the tritium markers and auto movement that you are looking for.

You may also want to take alook at Ball watch company at www.ballwatches.com

They have a "Trainman" watch which features tritium illumination and an automatic movement, and looks very similar to the SY issue watches.

JDMSMBACPA · Aug 19, 2003

Thanks for the tip on the Luminox Auto. I didn't like the looks of the one I found online.

What is the buzz on the Ball products? I know the Ball brand is old, but I understand the current company bought the Ball brand a few years ago and is based in or manufactures in China.

The Trainman (left) looks like a Luminox SEAL with an automatic movement. It's water resistant to 200 meters. The Engineer and Engineer Master with the Arabic face (right) also look interesting, but they are only water resistant to 100 meters:

Anyone know anything about the BALL automatic movement? It says "automatic B 2001 (base caliber ETA 2836-2), certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Control" for the Engineer and "BALL caliber 2836-2 25 jewels" for the Engineer Master and Trainman.

Al Polkowski · Aug 19, 2003

Try www.watchuseek.com

At the bottom of the left menu, click on Watch Shop.

Check out the Traser and H3 watches. The H3 has some with ETA movements.

Note: prices are negotiable. E-mail Ernie Romers.

I purchased a Traser 3100. Great watch.

Good luck
Al P.

squid meat · Aug 19, 2003

Go to this link: http://www.broadarrow.net/sources.htm http://

This site is devoted to military - style and mil-issue watches, it might be a good place to look, also.

Check down the left for Frankenwatch gallery for ideas. Also the links listing on the right may have something you like.

If all else fails, got to either the Main Forum or for sale sections. Someone may have better ideas for your next watch.
Sorry about the messy link, it should work.

Jazzman · Aug 21, 2003

I'm not sure but I really do like the combo of tritium and an auto. The Ball watches are very nice but I don't think I can swing the cost right now.
Matt

fishbulb · Aug 21, 2003

Originally posted by JDMSMBACPA

What is the buzz on the Ball products? I know the Ball brand is old, but I understand the current company bought the Ball brand a few years ago and is based in or manufactures in China.
...
Anyone know anything about the BALL automatic movement? It says "automatic B 2001 (base caliber ETA 2836-2), certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Control" for the Engineer and "BALL caliber 2836-2 25 jewels" for the Engineer Master and Trainman.

I've never really been able to handle one of their products in person, but I have heard good things about the Ball products. I've also heard that they are now run by a Chinese corporation, but the quality seems to be there regardless.

You can ignore all the stuff about "automatic B" ans "Swiss Chronometer COntrol". At this price range they almost certainly have a bone-stock ETA 2836 in them. That is (IMO) a good thing, as the 2836 movements are a bit smoother and more refined than the much more common ETA 2824 that you usually find in lower-priced automatics.

It is a quality movement that is capable of excellent timekeeping and has a reputation for being quite tough, as well. Since it is fairly common if you ever need it to be serviced or adjusted it should be no problem. If you like the looks of the watch I'd say go for it. You can do a lot worse than a 2836.

JDMSMBACPA · Aug 26, 2003

Thanks

I used the form on Ball's site to ask for the location of the nearest "Ball authorized jeweler." Their site says they are not sold online and are not warranted unless purchased from an authorized Ball jeweler. So far they have not responded. Anyone know of anyplace that sells Ball watches in or around Seattle?

I read the Trainman costs around $500. IMO that's too much for something that looks just like a Luminox SEAL watch, even if it is a 200 meter automatic... 100 meter water resistance is plenty for me and I like the looks of the Engineer and Engineer Master with the arabic faces better anyway.

I'll keep checking those other links, too, for a Seiko/SANDY hybrid with a Tritium face and hands...