I am amazed by technology.
Crikey - have a look at the watch in this picture.
It uses a Temperature Compensated Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator (TCVCXO).

Other watches with dual Xtals etc are at this link:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=2087

---

What's the point?? The trains and buses are going to be late, no matter what watch you have.

I don't have that problem when I am in Germany.

I'm sure Coral Sea will be able to oblige you with some good advice on this question. He is a wristwatch aficionado. I'll remind him to post here.

Quote:

What is the best wrist watch to buy?

Certainly nothing with an electronic movement.

Something Swiss and with an automatic movement - although the Germans do make a few nice autos.

Depends what you use it for Bobby...

Unless you're Bill Gates, there's no point in wearing a $100,000 Rolex while mowing the lawn or changing the oil in the car..

So something fairly robust and able to keep time...the watch YOU can afford, but one that will not cause heart palpitations if it's lost or broken...


Personally, I always used to buy the $19.95 "no-name" specials from Big W......but that was because it didn't matter if it got smashed while subduing a drunk at the pub...

I had a Russian Vostok military auto for years. They still make them and you can pick them up new for around $100 including postage. They come in heaps of different face designs.

Waterproof, shock proof, built like a tank and can take heaps of abuse.
No batteries to buy, but they do need a service every couple of years.

http://automaticwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/amphibian.jpg

JC Denton wrote on Nov 20^th, 2010 at 1:19pm:

I don't have that problem when I am in Germany. I'm sure Coral Sea will be able to oblige you with some good advice on this question. He is a wristwatch aficionado. I'll remind him to post here.

Thanks - did you read the link to the forum?
see here:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=2087

Life_goes_on wrote on Nov 20^th, 2010 at 1:35pm:

Quote: What is the best wrist watch to buy? Certainly nothing with an electronic movement. Something Swiss and with an automatic movement - although the Germans do make a few nice autos.

I don't agree.
Read the link I gave & you will see masterpieces which
give such accurate time compared to mechanical only watches.

See link:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=2087

Gizmo.

Quote:

Personally, I always used to buy the $19.95 "no-name" specials from Big W......but that was because it didn't matter if it got smashed while subduing a drunk at the pub...

What a bogan you are.  ;D

I think an Omega or Rolex would calm you down
and help avoid pub brawls.

Bobby. wrote on Nov 20^th, 2010 at 4:13pm:

Life_goes_on wrote on Nov 20th, 2010 at 1:35pm: Quote: What is the best wrist watch to buy? Certainly nothing with an electronic movement. Something Swiss and with an automatic movement - although the Germans do make a few nice autos. I don't agree. Read the link I gave & you will see masterpieces which give such accurate time compared to mechanical only watches. See link: http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=2087

I use my phone. It's accurate to the second and it corrects itself for time zones. It's all I need.

I also have a heart monitor watch which I use for exercise zones.

Muso.

Quote:

heart monitor watch

I bet the rate goes up when you see some babes getting physical in their leotards?

Talking of time - did you notice that freediver never changed
the time on this forum when we went to daylight saving?
It's an hour behind.

Bobby. wrote on Nov 20^th, 2010 at 4:15pm:

Gizmo. Quote: Personally, I always used to buy the $19.95 "no-name" specials from Big W......but that was because it didn't matter if it got smashed while subduing a drunk at the pub... What a bogan you are.  ;D I think an Omega or Rolex would calm you down and help avoid pub brawls.

LOL no bobby, not a 'bogan', just a security guard/crowd controller

Gizmo.

Quote:

LOL no bobby, not a 'bogan', just a security guard/crowd controller.

OK - Now I understand.
A $20 plastic watch would be perfect for your line of work.

I know someone who used to buy one of those every time the battery went flat.
He said it was easier than trying to muck around replacing the battery.

My watch is 30 years old.
It's a Seiko quartz sports 100.
It still keeps time to better than 2 seconds per month.

Bobby. wrote on Nov 20^th, 2010 at 4:35pm:

Gizmo. Quote: LOL no bobby, not a 'bogan', just a security guard/crowd controller. OK - Now I understand. A $20 plastic watch would be perfect for your line of work. I know someone who used to buy one of those every time the battery went flat. He said it was easier than trying to muck around replacing the battery. My watch is 30 years old. It's a Seiko quartz sports 100. It still keeps time to better than 2 seconds per month.

Seiko is a good brand...My last 'Big W' special keeps less than 2 minutes per month...but if someone smashes it, or steals it...I really don't care..

Eventually I'll buy a 'flash' one and keep it for special occasions..

Gizmo.

Quote:

Seiko is a good brand...My last 'Big W' special keeps less than 2 minutes per month...but if someone smashes it, or steals it...I really don't care.. Eventually I'll buy a 'flash' one and keep it for special occasions..

You really need to upgrade.
Babes go for guys with Rolex or Omega watches.

gizmo_2655 wrote on Nov 20^th, 2010 at 4:42pm:

Seiko is a good brand...My last 'Big W' special keeps less than 2 minutes per month...but if someone smashes it, or steals it...I really don't care.. Eventually I'll buy a 'flash' one and keep it for special occasions..

I have a Seiko kinetic watch in a drawer somewhere. I didn't like the metal wrist band so I gave up wearing it.

It also had time relay. That was plain weird. It must work off wireless time stations or something. When you hop off a flight, the hands whiz around to the right time. At first, I wondered what the noise was. Sometimes it takes an hour or so to adjust.

Quote:

I don't agree. Read the link I gave & you will see masterpieces which give such accurate time compared to mechanical only watches.

While it's true that quartz watches can be more accurate than any mechanical watch, you'll find that it's the mechanical watches which are the most prized.


Quote:

I think an Omega or Rolex would calm you down

Yet you pick two brands who only make mechanical watches?
Omega never have (their Swatch brand aside) and Rolex stopped making them a decade ago.

For a lot of us, there's something about having a miniature mechanical marvel sitting on your wrist.

Life_goes_on wrote on Nov 20^th, 2010 at 5:36pm:

Quote: I don't agree. Read the link I gave & you will see masterpieces which give such accurate time compared to mechanical only watches. While it's true that quartz watches can be more accurate than any mechanical watch, you'll find that it's the mechanical watches which are the most prized. [quote]I think an Omega or Rolex would calm you down

Yet you pick two brands who only make mechanical watches?
Omega never have (their Swatch brand aside) and Rolex stopped making them a decade ago.

For a lot of us, there's something about having a miniature mechanical marvel sitting on your wrist.

[/quote]

Hello - the watch on the first page of this article is a Rolex & it says:

Quote:

It uses a Temperature Compensated Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator (TCVCXO).

It's not a mechanical watch.

Here is an Omega Seamaster watch & it says

Quote:

Caliber: Omega 1538 Quartz precision movement with rhodium-plated finish. End of battery life indicator Power reserve: 27 / 36 months

It's not a mechanical watch either.

---

Are there still some neo-Luddites out there who don't realise mobile phones have clocks in them nowadays?

abu_rashid wrote on Nov 21^st, 2010 at 1:34am:

Are there still some neo-Luddites out there who don't realise mobile phones have clocks in them nowadays?

Abu - this thread is about technology in wrist watches not mobile phones.
That would be another thread if you want to start one.
I thought that Muslims love nice watches?
I heard Bahrain & Dubai are full of watch shops?

Quote:

Seiko is a good brand...My last 'Big W' special keeps less than 2 minutes per month...but if someone smashes it, or steals it...I really don't care..

Yeah, but it looks like garbage and as a result, makes you look poor. A nice watch is about status signaling, it's plain and simple.


Quote:

I thought that Muslims love nice watches? I heard Bahrain & Dubai are full of watch shops? Back to top

Arabs love status signaling too. I mean when you're that ugly, what choice do you have?

Quote:

Arabs love status signaling too. I mean when you're that ugly, what choice do you have?

Some of those Arab women are beautifull -
that's if you can see them under their tents that they wear.

Bobby. wrote on Nov 20^th, 2010 at 9:41pm:

Life_goes_on wrote on Nov 20th, 2010 at 5:36pm: Quote: I don't agree. Read the link I gave & you will see masterpieces which give such accurate time compared to mechanical only watches. While it's true that quartz watches can be more accurate than any mechanical watch, you'll find that it's the mechanical watches which are the most prized. [quote]I think an Omega or Rolex would calm you down Yet you pick two brands who only make mechanical watches? Omega never have (their Swatch brand aside) and Rolex stopped making them a decade ago. For a lot of us, there's something about having a miniature mechanical marvel sitting on your wrist.

Hello - the watch on the first page of this article is a Rolex & it says:

Quote:

It uses a Temperature Compensated Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator (TCVCXO).

It's not a mechanical watch.

Here is an Omega Seamaster watch & it says

Quote:

Caliber: Omega 1538 Quartz precision movement with rhodium-plated finish. End of battery life indicator Power reserve: 27 / 36 months

It's not a mechanical watch either.


[/quote]

My humble apologies, you're correct, although Rolex ceased production of the one in the OP in 2001.

It's probably a good idea for both Rolex and Omega to offer budget (quartz) movements as an alternative to their pricier mechanical automatic movements. Especially for those who are purely making a purchase based upon the brand name.

Life.

Quote:

My humble apologies, you're correct, although Rolex ceased production of the one in the OP in 2001. It's probably a good idea for both Rolex and Omega to offer budget (quartz) movements as an alternative to their pricier mechanical automatic movements. Especially for those who are purely making a purchase based upon the brand name.

No worries.
The Omega Seamaster 300 metre watch (above) costs around $5,000.
It's hardly for those on a budget.
I know that I would prefer the quartz version they make because it's more accurate.

This thread is placed in the - "Technically speaking"  section for a reason.
It's to technically evaluate the best watches.
I hope you have read the article at this address:?

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=2087

It gives a wonderful insight into the technical advances made with quartz.
In fact the quartz crystal oscillates in a mechanical way.
It actually moves back & forth at high frequency so it is in some ways
still a mechanical watch.
The battery is only used to excite the quartz to move.
Some watches have 2 crystals & temperature compensation as well.

To me the watches shown are so advanced that pure mechanical watches
are more a curiosity than a preferred method of time keeping.

Quote:

The Omega Seamaster 300 metre watch (above) costs around $5,000. It's hardly for those on a budget.

Yes, the mechanical automatic version costs around $5,000. The quartz version retails for under $3,000.

So in comparison, the Quartz version is the budget version - that's if you're looking to spend between $2k and $5k on a wrist tick tock by Omega.

Care to guess which one will hold its value the best?

Life_goes_on wrote on Nov 21^st, 2010 at 10:41pm:

Quote: The Omega Seamaster 300 metre watch (above) costs around $5,000. It's hardly for those on a budget. Yes, the mechanical automatic version costs around $5,000. The quartz version retails for under $3,000. So in comparison, the Quartz version is the budget version - that's if you're looking to spend between $2k and $5k on a wrist tick tock by Omega. Care to guess which one will hold its value the best?

To be honest I can't find the Seamaster above again.
I am not sure of the prices.
You are right in that at this moment collectors seem to value
the pure mechanical watches much more.

God knows what the Rolex on the front page would cost?
- and that is a quartz version.

I just noticed this thread, I am a watchmaker by trade, but haven't worked as one since i finished my apprenticeship 28 years ago, thanks to the cheap watches available nowadays watchmaking is about as useful trade as candle stick making.
I dont even know if they still run a course nowadays, but even in the class I was in we only had 18 people from all over NSW so I doubt too many more trained after me.
All of that said, I never worked on a rolex but omega made some  quality watches,as for the run of the mill affordable watches on the market now, Seiko still make a couple of mechanical watches, I have one that I bought about three years ago and it was only a few hundred bucks,but it gains about a minute a month and as its a 100 metre (which only means you can go ten metres under water btw) watch I wouldn't bother trying to get it fixed, once they are opened the seal can not be guaranteed to work as well.
If you want the "best" I'd be looking at Swiss made, but thats just my opinion,as bobby has said most quartz watches keep better time anyway. I remember when Casio watches first became popular in Aus, that was the beginning of the end for watchmaking, all they needed was a new battery and the customer was on their way.

it`s 7 to December dippy.

skippy. wrote on Nov 22^nd, 2010 at 2:26pm:

I just noticed this thread, I am a watchmaker by trade, but haven't worked as one since i finished my apprenticeship 28 years ago, thanks to the cheap watches available nowadays watchmaking is about as useful trade as candle stick making. I dont even know if they still run a course nowadays, but even in the class I was in we only had 18 people from all over NSW so I doubt too many more trained after me. All of that said, I never worked on a rolex but omega made some  quality watches,as for the run of the mill affordable watches on the market now, Seiko still make a couple of mechanical watches, I have one that I bought about three years ago and it was only a few hundred bucks,but it gains about a minute a month and as its a 100 metre (which only means you can go ten metres under water btw) watch I wouldn't bother trying to get it fixed, once they are opened the seal can not be guaranteed to work as well. If you want the "best" I'd be looking at Swiss made, but thats just my opinion,as bobby has said most quartz watches keep better time anyway. I remember when Casio watches first became popular in Aus, that was the beginning of the end for watchmaking, all they needed was a new battery and the customer was on their way.

Thanks Skippy.
Did you ever work on a dual crystal temperature compensated watch?
That seems to be the ultimate in time keeping now.

As for 300m waterproof - I doubt that too.
When people go diving they buy a proper divers watch -
they don't use a Rolex.  ;D

Quote:

Thanks Skippy. Did you ever work on a dual crystal temperature compensated watch?

No, I'm not sure I've even heard of one until you just wrote it, but I haven't worked on a watch for about 28 years, though I have played with a few old clocks that my wife got off her grandma, one of those is still keeping good time,but clocks were always much easier to work on compered to watches.

i still wear wristwatches. your story was sad skippy. my dad owns a bunch of swiss watches and loves watches too. quartz watches changed everything.. it must have been very bad for the people who were so passionate about making mechanical watches and seeing their trade vanish.

skippy. wrote on Nov 22^nd, 2010 at 4:02pm:

Quote: Thanks Skippy. Did you ever work on a dual crystal temperature compensated watch? No, I'm not sure I've even heard of one until you just wrote it, but I haven't worked on a watch for about 28 years, though I have played with a few old clocks that my wife got off her grandma, one of those is still keeping good time,but clocks were always much easier to work on compered to watches.

That is a sad story but surely service is required on quartz watches too? -
especially when they can cost over $5,000.

As for me - I use the internet to check the time.
I use this site:
http://www.time.gov/timezone.cgi?Pacific/d/-8/java

to adjust my watch.
It appears to have quite a good system in that it allows for your time delay.
It gives the accuracy to normally better than 1 second.

Quote:

God knows what the Rolex on the front page would cost? - and that is a quartz version.

There's one made in 1980 for sale on the net - with an 18k gold bezel - for around $4,500.

Rolex make a series of dive watches with a true water proof depth of over 3,000 metres. Of course nobody has ever worn one that deep.

I have two watches:

The first is a Raymond Weil Tango (I bought into the quality of a Swiss watch without knowing much else about them)

http://cdn.raymond-weil.com/WATCHES.img/Product_EN_1271_packshot1.jpg

The second is a Casio G-Shock, old school looking gun

http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/bigpics/Casio%5Cdw5600cs9.jpg

I barely wear any of them (though I really should), and pretty much know nothing about how they work.

Nice watches.
There are so many good looking watches for under $200.
Here is one.
You wonder whether the expensive ones are worth the extra money?

---

The best wrist watch is the one that someone else pays for.

abu_rashid wrote on Nov 21^st, 2010 at 1:34am:

Are there still some neo-Luddites out there who don't realise mobile phones have clocks in them nowadays?

But abu, the thread is about wristwatches...

Besides, there are times and places where you can't really carry a mobile phone with you...

skippy. wrote on Nov 22^nd, 2010 at 2:26pm:

I just noticed this thread, I am a watchmaker by trade, but haven't worked as one since i finished my apprenticeship 28 years ago, thanks to the cheap watches available nowadays watchmaking is about as useful trade as candle stick making. I dont even know if they still run a course nowadays, but even in the class I was in we only had 18 people from all over NSW so I doubt too many more trained after me. All of that said, I never worked on a rolex but omega made some  quality watches,as for the run of the mill affordable watches on the market now, Seiko still make a couple of mechanical watches, I have one that I bought about three years ago and it was only a few hundred bucks,but it gains about a minute a month and as its a 100 metre (which only means you can go ten metres under water btw) watch I wouldn't bother trying to get it fixed, once they are opened the seal can not be guaranteed to work as well. If you want the "best" I'd be looking at Swiss made, but thats just my opinion,as bobby has said most quartz watches keep better time anyway. I remember when Casio watches first became popular in Aus, that was the beginning of the end for watchmaking, all they needed was a new battery and the customer was on their way.

Well it seems they do still run courses skippy.....one place at least does..(not sure if it involves more than just changing batteries though..)

http://www.nswgrouptraining.com.au/p209_Watchmaker.html

Whatever happened to the fob watch?

How about....

Piaget’s Emperador Temple or  Cartier’s phoenix-shaped wristwatch. Other pieces stand by their technical merits, such as Frank Muller’s Aeternitas Mega 4, with 36 complications and Louis Moinet’s new piece, Meteoris, set of 4 , which is made from four meteorites from space and comes with a planetarium of the solar system.

Personally, I'm a fan of the humble Zodiac watch.

8-)

Miss Anne Dryst wrote on Nov 25^th, 2010 at 12:13pm:

Whatever happened to the fob watch?

It was politically incorrect and offended boat people...
those...

"Fresh Off the Boat"..

;)...However, i'm sure Skippy would have loved it.

mellie wrote on Nov 25^th, 2010 at 12:26pm:

Miss Anne Dryst wrote on Nov 25th, 2010 at 12:13pm: Whatever happened to the fob watch? It was politically incorrect and offended boat people... those... "Fresh Off the Boat".. ;)...However, i'm sure Skippy would have loved it.

oooooohhhhhh funny girl
is humour allowed here?

Miss Anne Dryst wrote on Nov 25^th, 2010 at 12:29pm:

mellie wrote on Nov 25th, 2010 at 12:26pm: Miss Anne Dryst wrote on Nov 25th, 2010 at 12:13pm: Whatever happened to the fob watch? It was politically incorrect and offended boat people... those... "Fresh Off the Boat".. ;)...However, i'm sure Skippy would have loved it. oooooohhhhhh funny girl is humour allowed here?

I like to think it is.

8-) Allowed I mean...depends on the mods mood.

;D

Miss Anne Dryst wrote on Nov 25^th, 2010 at 12:13pm:

Whatever happened to the fob watch?

Men stopped wearing three piece suits, no 'fob' pocket, no way to wear a fob watch...

Although I have a 'sort of' fob watch..has a belt pouch and a clip..

Miss Anne Dryst wrote on Nov 25^th, 2010 at 6:59am:

The best wrist watch is the one that someone else pays for.

Not always - a girlfriend of mine - a long time ago - bought me a watch that
I didn't like.
It had thick gold plating on it which soon started to wear thin under the bracelet
& started to look tatty where it wore through in other places.
Even thick gold plating soon wears through.

I have a watch fetish, so it's probably a good thing i'm not a man, as I especially love men's watches...prefer them actually, not that I would wear one myself because they look grotesque on woman's arms, naturally.

Take a look at this store on ebay...you can get some bargains there.


http://stores.ebay.com.au/DESIGNERTIMEUK/_i.html?_nkw=watch&_from=R46

How about blooming rose by Rolex?

http://www.rolexwatchesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/rolex_everose_daytona.jpg

Ps, only in the case of cheap watches does the gold rub off.

http://www.rolexwatchesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/rolex_everose_daytona.jpg

Don't get me started about clocks..

http://i12.tinypic.com/4vhevd4.jpg

I like any watch, clock that looks more complicated than it should, I have no idea why, I just love interesting watches.

Oh and I love fob watches too.

:)..   All watches.

Ticking vintage alarm clocks, church clocks, clock towers, pocket watches, grandfather clocks,  I even have a clock tower screen saver.

Lovely!

A Minnie Mouse watch!
Can you still get them?

Mellie,

Quote:

I have a watch fetish, so it's probably a good thing i'm not a man, as I especially love men's watches...prefer them actually, not that I would wear one myself because they look grotesque on woman's arms, naturally. Take a look at this store on ebay...you can get some bargains there. http://stores.ebay.com.au/DESIGNERTIMEUK/_i.html?_nkw=watch&_from=R46 How about blooming rose by Rolex?

I think mens watches worn by women look ok.
A lot of nurses do that so that they can see the second had to take a pulse.
I am glad to see all the replies here.
I thought I was the only one who loves interesting watches.
As for the Rolex - yummy!

I don't think a Minnie Mouse watch qualifies here  ;D

Bobby. wrote on Nov 25^th, 2010 at 6:30pm:

Mellie, Quote: I have a watch fetish, so it's probably a good thing i'm not a man, as I especially love men's watches...prefer them actually, not that I would wear one myself because they look grotesque on woman's arms, naturally. Take a look at this store on ebay...you can get some bargains there. http://stores.ebay.com.au/DESIGNERTIMEUK/_i.html?_nkw=watch&_from=R46 How about blooming rose by Rolex? I think mens watches worn by women look ok. A lot of nurses do that so that they can see the second had to take a pulse. I am glad to see all the replies here. I thought I was the only one who loves interesting watches. As for the Rolex - yummy! I don't think a Minnie Mouse watch qualifies here  ;D

ok ok lol
But men's watches are designed so as the time is easier to read. Whilst we have to squint to actually be able to see the time!!

Just not fair.  >:(  ;D

Anne.

Quote:

ok ok lol But men's watches are designed so as the time is easier to read. Whilst we have to squint to actually be able to see the time!! Just not fair.

 

Don't use them then.
If you wear a men's watch I won't call you butch  ;D

Bobby. wrote on Nov 25^th, 2010 at 6:34pm:

Anne. Quote: ok ok lol But men's watches are designed so as the time is easier to read. Whilst we have to squint to actually be able to see the time!! Just not fair.     Don't use them then. If you wear a men's watch I won't call you butch  ;D

Thanks
But maybe they have gay guys watches, which would be more feminine.
Best of both worlds then.

Anne.

Quote:

Thanks But maybe they have gay guys watches, which would be more feminine. Best of both worlds then.

What - poof watches -
now I've heard everything  ;D

Bobby. wrote on Nov 25^th, 2010 at 10:57pm:

Anne. Quote: Thanks But maybe they have gay guys watches, which would be more feminine. Best of both worlds then. What - poof watches - now I've heard everything  ;D

Guess that does sound funny lol
Do they make a half way watch, not the big chunky guy watches or the itsy bitsy girl watches, but half way?
And can you get them in hard plastic/rubber, so then can also be in brighter even fluorescent colours?

Anne.
Here is one that would suit you.

http://www.shoppewatch.com/haurex-italy-1a340dpm-womens-yacht-rubber-strap-watch.html

I can't seem to copy the pic - even the enlarged version.

Bobby. wrote on Nov 26^th, 2010 at 6:38am:

Anne. Here is one that would suit you. http://www.shoppewatch.com/haurex-italy-1a340dpm-womens-yacht-rubber-strap-watch.html I can't seem to copy the pic - even the enlarged version.

Thanks for the tip
I couldn't grab the pic either.
So I went and googled for it and found something similar.
Biut mid-size looks good
http://www.amazon.com/Haurex-Italy-Womens-7A340DNM-Yacht/dp/B0037W556C?tag=landing_page-20

Although its metal they also have the 'rubberised' ones and in some nice colours too. 8-)

---

Anne - looks great - I think you're getting into a watch buying mood.  :)

Thanks, I may just do that too.

This has to be the best pic I've found of the Omega Seamaster.
From here:
http://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/images2/watch_images_pages/pages/omega_seamaster_25945200_chronog.htm

---

And surely there must be fakes around:

see here:
http://www.ioffer.com/i/new-omega-automatic-watch-watches-177105871

That "Omega Seamaster"   was $59.  ;D

This site quotes $3,200 for the same watch:

http://au.askmen.com/fashion/watch/omega-seamaster-300m-22208000.html

Bobby. wrote on Nov 26^th, 2010 at 10:27pm:

This has to be the best pic I've found of the Omega Seamaster. From here: http://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/images2/watch_images_pages/pages/omega_seamaster_25945200_chronog.htm

Nice watch, but if I was that outlet I'd be changing the name.

Bobby. wrote on Nov 26^th, 2010 at 10:54pm:

That "Omega Seamaster"   was $59.  ;D This site quotes $3,200 for the same watch: http://au.askmen.com/fashion/watch/omega-seamaster-300m-22208000.html

Well if a $59 watch lasts a year then that'd be ok, as just get another one and so on.
And in a few years can change to a different watch altogether.



Is any watch worth $3,000?
Be a bit like buying a car and expecting it to last. A watch would be similar wouldn't it, the servicing and replacement parts would also expect to be expensive.
I suppose there are some places (Cash Converters, Pawn Shops etc) that take "second hand" watches, but would you actually go to one to buy or even to sell in order to buy another watch elsewhere?

Anne.

Quote:

Well if a $59 watch lasts a year then that'd be ok, as just get another one and so on. And in a few years can change to a different watch altogether.

The guy in that advert has never sold anything before.
It's probably an internet scam.
You'd probably end up with nothing.


Quote:

Is any watch worth $3,000?

Yes - definetly if you would rather not have the cash in the bank instead.


Quote:

the servicing and replacement parts would also expect to be expensive.

If you bought a quartz watch then you would only need to replace the battery.
To keep the seals intact you would need to go to an authorised dealer
to have new seals/o-rings as well.
I don't think that would be too expensive - more an inconvenience.
The pure mechanical types would  be costly to repair & I am not
sure if proper repair facilities & parts are available in Australia.


Quote:

I suppose there are some places (Cash Converters, Pawn Shops etc) that take "second hand" watches, but would you actually go to one to buy or even to sell in order to buy another watch elsewhere?

Those places would only give you 10% of what the watch was worth
so not a good idea.

It seems I was right at the start of this forum when I posted
a picture of a Rolex Oyster Quartz.
Unfortunately they are no longer made & have become
expensive collectors items.

http://clockmaker.com.au/w/k1581.html



Quote:

Rolex OYSTERQUARTZ DAY-DATE Ref 19018 18K solid gold watch Rolex OYSTERQUARTZ DAY-DATE Ref 19018 18K solid gold watch. Serial B7195831. Case diameter 37mm. A very fine example of the best mechanical quartz movement ever produced by any Swiss maker - the 18K oyster quartz is an exceptionally rare watch. During 25 years of production, only 1000 pieces of Oyster quartz were manufactured annually and out of those 1000, most of them were stainless steel and steel/gold combination. Excellent value, solid investment potential. OYSTERQUARTZ- The best Quartz ever made! Recently overhauled by Rolex Service centre. Long bracelet to fit XL wrist. $A 12,888 GST INCLUDED

---

Quote:

The pure mechanical types would  be costly to repair & I am not sure if proper repair facilities & parts are available in Australia.

A qualified watchmaker could repair an Omega, there would still be places in the capital cities where you could get parts.
I'm not sure if they are still there but most of the places we used to get parts from were in Elizabeth street in Sydney.
Smith and Smith is one I remember and another place called Rowland I think, but that was years ago they could have moved on.
I remember being a first year apprentice and having to go to the city twice a week to get parts and pick up watches /clocks and jewellery we didn't repair ourselves. In those days we even took jewellery into Castlereagh street for engraving, nowadays any Mr minute can do it.

skippy. wrote on Nov 27^th, 2010 at 2:57pm:

Quote: The pure mechanical types would  be costly to repair & I am not sure if proper repair facilities & parts are available in Australia. A qualified watchmaker could repair an Omega, there would still be places in the capital cities where you could get parts. I'm not sure if they are still there but most of the places we used to get parts from were in Elizabeth street in Sydney. Smith and Smith is one I remember and another place called Rowland I think, but that was years ago they could have moved on. I remember being a first year apprentice and having to go to the city twice a week to get parts and pick up watches /clocks and jewellery we didn't repair ourselves. In those days we even took jewellery into Castlereagh street for engraving, nowadays any Mr minute can do it.

Thanks Skippy.
I wonder about watches - especially when you see so many good looking
ones at cheap stores for only $25.
One of those would be more accurate than a
mechanical Omega Seamaster costing $5250.

Accuracy seems to have flown out the window with all the watch makers.
Some good watches of yester-year have dual crystals - one at a high frequency,
one at a low frequency & temperature compensation -
why don't they make them anymore?
The accuracy has got worse - not better over time.

The watch has just become a pure status symbol.
The mechanical Omega Seamaster is a wonderful piece of engineering -
especially that you can also see the mechanical movement through the glass
on the bottom of the watch but really - what is the point?
It's a curiosity to show people & hold their attention for maybe a minute & that's all.
It's a talking piece & a wonderful example of attractive jewellery but
wouldn't it be nice if you could also say that it was the most accurate watch ever made?

I have just browsed an interesting watch website.
They seem to have everything there from watches costing a few
hundred dolllars to others costing as much as a house.

See link:

http://www.watchonwatch.com/

Quote:

The mechanical Omega Seamaster is a wonderful piece of engineering - especially that you can also see the mechanical movement through the glass on the bottom of the watch but really - what is the point?

I own a Seiko sports and you can see the mechanical movement through the back of the watch, that was one of the reasons I bought it.

skippy. wrote on Nov 28^th, 2010 at 8:28pm:

Quote: The mechanical Omega Seamaster is a wonderful piece of engineering - especially that you can also see the mechanical movement through the glass on the bottom of the watch but really - what is the point? I own a Seiko sports and you can see the mechanical movement through the back of the watch, that was one of the reasons I bought it.

I can understand that - I am also fascinated by the movement myself.
I could never work out they made such small precisely machined cog wheels
which mesh so perfectly.
They really are mechanical marvels.
I suppose every watch collector would have one.
How long would they go for before requiring expensive service?
I have a 30 year old quartz watch which just requires a battery every 5 years
& has never been cleaned inside yet it still goes perfectly.

Latest find - the most accurate watch you can buy is the Citizen Chronomaster.
It is accurate to better than ± 5 seconds per year
& sells for about $2,500.

See here:

---

OK - if this video doesn't get your rocks off - you don't appreciate watches.
How about a Thomas Prescher Triple Axis Tourbillon with
an open window so you can see it going?
It costs over half a million dollars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bj9nfJn7K0

Watches are my thing, them and good Italian shoes.
I have a Longlines, a couple of nice Fossils(cheap but nice),Omega and a casio calculater watch for a bit of fun, but my next purchase will be a Thomas Sabo ceramic.
http://shop.thomassabo.com/EN-en/watches/rebel-at-heart/watch/pid/WA0068-220-203
So far I have 9 and wear a different one everyday :)

Dsmithy70 wrote on Dec 5^th, 2010 at 8:54pm:

Watches are my thing, them and good Italian shoes. I have a Longlines, a couple of nice Fossils(cheap but nice),Omega and a casio calculater watch for a bit of fun, but my next purchase will be a Thomas Sabo ceramic. http://shop.thomassabo.com/EN-en/watches/rebel-at-heart/watch/pid/WA0068-220-203 So far I have 9 and wear a different one everyday :)

Hi Smithy - do you really want to go for something that looks so dark?

The photos don't do it justice Bobby.
Looks extremely elegant and classy in real life.

How about this one?
It's a:    PATEK PHILIPPE 5002R ROSE GOLD SKY-MOON TOURBILLON

It is reversible - so that you can see a different watch by flipping it over.
The cost is US $1,350,000 -  that's right - over 1 million bucks!

There is even one available on Ebay right now.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180594653682&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

---