Watch question: Thoughts on the Swiss Army Automatic?

Jedi Knife

Jedi Knife

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First of all, this is a watch I'm referring to. A watch.
OK, now has anyone seen the Victorinox watch with the automatic movement? They're relatively new, I think. I have no idea what model the movement is, but the watch looks nice, and sells for around $300.00 or so. Thanks for any information!

JK
 
I can not speak for the specific model that you are refering to, however, I do own an older S.A. watch. I purchased it in 2001, S.A. calls it the "Summit". It cost around $ 200-250 (sorry can't remember) in San Diego.
I was not impressed at all. It does keep acurate time, however it wasn't worth the dollars. The metal band was clunky and the clasp was not as "secure" as I wanted. The bezel is junk, usually it's stuck and requires a massive amount of torque to get it to move. I've tried to clean it up, and to lube it, no joy. Put the watch on a NATO band, but only used it for about 6 months, total.
Since moved onto a Marathon SAR, twice the $$$ , but well worth it, IMHO.
My advice would be to look into other brands, then make your decision.
Good luck with your purchase.

:)
 
Swiss Army Brands recently over hauled the waych making part of the business. They have put "watch people" in charge of the watch part of the business. The newer watches should be a major step up.

Paul
 
For around $300 there are a lot of great automatic choices -

Hamilton Khaki auto - a great deal in a military style watch

Seiko 5 military, Seiko divers of all varieties, basically any of the 7S26 based watches will be reliable and well made (and will be a lot less than $300)

There are also some basic model Oris and Fortis watches around that price range.

I have heard some good things about recent Swiss Army watches and my wife has an older quartz officers model that has been an excellent watch.
 
Thanks for taking the time to reply- I welcome any more input as well. The watch looks good, I saw it at a local jewelers, but I was awestruck at the Rolex and Omega styles and I didn't pay much attention to it, despite the jeweler's encouragement to have a look at it. I would like to own a Swiss automatic watch, and I just can't spend the money to get something like a Rolex, or Omega.

JK
 
If you want a swiss movement, have you considered a O&W (Ollech and Wajs..spelling?). Anyway, they use ETA movement 2824-2A, I believe... Also, Swatch has gotten in the "cheap" auto game.
 
Take a look at the collection at Westcoastime.com. They are auto swiss movements with decent pricess. You may want to start with this as mentioned in a previous thread.
 
Thanks for the links. I've checked out Yao's site- but the last I heard, Mr.Yao is into long vacations and such.


JK
 
I went through the watch shopping thing a while back.

I bought an Oris BC3 automatic Chrono. Great watch, I have never regretted spending the cash. Looks great, I've had several compliments from guys wearing rolexes and other high end watches.

They are a great product. They just don't cost as much since they don't spend millions on ads each year.

Also, brother has a rolex and has gotten tired of everyone asking if it was real. He bought an Itialan Panaria (spelling?) to replace it. Course, he has more money than I!!

Watch out for fakes.
 
I'd really encourage you to look at the Hamilton autos - they're part of the Swatch Group (as is Omega for that matter) and are some of the best values for the $ around. I have an automatic chrono that is built like a tank and is very well made.
 
Get the Omega ...You won't regret it.
Click to expand...

I really like the Omega watches, and I like the Rolex Submariner as well. I can't spend that kind of money right now, though.
Also, do you know how much it costs to get a Rolex serviced?


JK
 
I've bought and sold a submariner several years ago, I'm EDC a submariner (no date), which I got as a present at work. Rolex are good looking and well made watches but as well IMHO extremely overpriced.
There is a lot of very nice stuff out there from swiss/germany/japan that will give you the greatest satisfaction for a fraction of a Rolex/Omega price.
A watch that looks really tempting to me is the Dreadnought from Timefactor UK http://www.timefactors.com/. Check also http://www.broadarrow.net./ and http://www.westcoastime.com/
You can get quite a lot with a 300 usd budget.
 
I had one of the higher end models and it broke in a month. I sent it back for service, and after 8 weeks, got it back to find out that the winder spring had sheared.

It lost time repeatedly and would die after 6 hours of non-use, which was a joy to have to set my watch each morning. I was less than impressed.

When it came back, I transitioned to a Suunto and haven't looked back. I've still got it somewhere for dress occasions.
 
Thanks for the links, Fausto, and thanks for sharing your experince Spark. I would be heartbroken, had I paid so much to get a Rolex and then have something like that happen. I've toyed with the thought of buying an automatic watch for quite a while- now I've got a couple of great Eco-Drive models and I am entertaining the thought again, since I have other watches I can use if I end up being disappointed with the automatic.

JK
 
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