What is the Sebenza of wristwatches?

R

RobbW

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Oct 15, 2003
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I'm looking for a wristwatch that has the same characteristics I admire in my Sebenza: a functional & straightforward design, tight tolerances, and high-quality fit and finish.

I don't need or want to pay for extras like ornate design flourishes, extra timer hands, moveable bezel, or waterproof to more than a few feet. I'd like an automatic--if I can get one that's highly accurate and not too large or thick (I have small wrists).

I've seen a couple of Raymond Weil watches from the "traditional" collection that caught my eye--nothing that I was ready to bite, though.

I know very little about watches or wristwatch brands--any hints or leads? I appreciate any advice...
 
i would say panarai except ya dont want a big watch, pans really remind me of a seb, plain kinda yet very functional/heavy duty construction/etc. but small they are not, 44MM IIRC

a rolex GMT also has those characteristics, and w/a rolex ya almost always can sell for more $$ than purchase price. and they arent too high if ya shop around, have seen older ones for $1500 or so and ya can get them rebuilt to look like new. still not small though.

TAGs are also good, along w/the seiko divers watch, again, both kinda like a seb to me, again though only the TAG is anywhere near small.

i guess to me most watches that remind me of a seb arent small lol.


greg
 
Thanks for the links, I appreciate the feedback. I've had fun browsing styles of watches I never knew existed.

The semi-custom Yao stuff is really an interesting idea--mating Seiko movement with custom hands and faces. My uncle had one of the original Seiko automatics in the late 60s/early 70s.

Most of the watches above are too aerospace/military/professional for my taste. I'm looking for something streamlines that I can dress up or down--something without the extra chrono dials or numbers on the bezel. On the Omega site I saw this:

http://www.omegawatches.com/omega/co_watch?ID=1340&line=118&gen=G&sublineID=379

Simple with just hands and the date. I like the look of SS or Ti. Seen anything similar to this you could recommend?
 
Originally posted by KnifeRat
I'm looking for a wristwatch that has the same characteristics I admire in my Sebenza: a functional & straightforward design, tight tolerances, and high-quality fit and finish.

I don't need or want to pay for extras like ornate design flourishes, extra timer hands, moveable bezel, or waterproof to more than a few feet. I'd like an automatic--if I can get one that's highly accurate and not too large or thick (I have small wrists).
Click to expand...

Fortis doesn't have the name recognition of Rolex and the others but, they are great solid user watches.
 
Omega Seamaster or Speedmaster.

It's similar in name, reliability, function, design qualities, and value. Serious 75/25 payoff here.

Only thing is that in my experience, Omega (aka Swatch) has better customer service. :)

-jon
 
114270-78690.jpg



Rolex Explorer


or
Sinn_656_ss_a.JPG


Sinn 656
 
Good Evening All-

Sid, I'm going to second your vote for FORTIS as a "tool" watch, which can also been seen at Helvetia Time.

Anyone considering something "pedestrian" like the Swiss Army Watch should give some thought to spending a few more dollars and getting a FORTIS, which has proven itself in numerous space missions.

The very cool SINN shown in one of the posts was recently discussed in WatchTime magazine, but keep in mind it does have a pricepoint considerably above basic FORTIS models. If you like SINN, you'll probably also like models from both KOBOLD and BELL & ROSS.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
I really like the Fortis Flieger Automatic, the Omega Seamasters and DeVilles--and that Rolex Explorer also looks nice. I've never considered myself a Rolex guy before--but the Explorer looks NICE. :-) All are very clean looking and streamlined.

Question: Why are the Sinns so expensive? They look nice but the price surprises me based on their appearance. I'm starting to get a sense which watches are expensive because of quality materials and machining, and which are expensive because of brand image. I get the impression that Sinn is expensive because of quality, but I don't really know what makes them distinct. Anyone have the inside scoop?

Thanks again for all the help. This is a real education!

BTW, my grandpa worked his career in passanger service for Union Pacific. That Pulsar kind of looked like his Bulova RR retirement watch. I may pick one up just for nostalgia's sake.
 
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