What is your favourite watch brand?
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My seiko is the one with the word 'chronograph' written in italics. Oh well~Originally posted by Gedanken:Is your Seiko the quartz chronograph model? If it is, you may be able to recalibrate the hands and reset them to zero by yourself. before moving over to Rolex, Seiko was my favourite brand.
Oris is much better value for money than TAG or Omega. If you're in the $1000-2000 range, try the Oris TT1 Chrono. If you want to move up to about $3000, I would suggest the Brietling Chrono Avenger M1 - it's got these cool magnetically-activated pushers that allow you to use the chronograph functions underwater. I'm thinking of getting one of those as a beater.
Budget would probably at a max of 2.5k. Is it possible to get limited edition watches at that price?
My need for individuality makes me a sucker for 'limited edition' stuff 
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Thats where the reliability of COSC comes in.Furthermore,Breitling isn't owned by LVMH,Richemont or Swatch group.It should be admired for being one of the few independent watchmakers around.(correct me if im wrong here)Originally posted by alexkusu:i dont need aviator functions
The watch cases built by Breitling are subjected to numerous testing as well.
Do not worry about the reliability because any brand from Tag Heuer onwards would have strict QC standards. -
hahaha, this is a good one...Originally posted by Gedanken:Well, Glen, by the WIS way of thinging, you wear a Q&Q to make sure you're on time, but you wear a Patek because you don't have to be on time.
but for me, i don't understand why to buy expensive watch other than to show off to your peers... -
Oris Mark Webber Chronograph or Oris Williams F1 Left Limited edition chronographOriginally posted by alexkusu:My seiko is the one with the word 'chronograph' written in italics. Oh well~
Budget would probably at a max of 2.5k. Is it possible to get limited edition watches at that price? My need for individuality makes me a sucker for 'limited edition' stuff 
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Good point. TAG is owned by LVMH and Omega is owned by Swatch, and neither presents good value for money IMHO. Richemont's Panerai seems all right, though, although their designs don't particularly appeal to me.Originally posted by MrFugue:Thats where the reliability of COSC comes in.Furthermore,Breitling isn't owned by LVMH,Richemont or Swatch group.It should be admired for being one of the few independent watchmakers around.(correct me if im wrong here)
The watch cases built by Breitling are subjected to numerous testing as well.
Do not worry about the reliability because any brand from Tag Heuer onwards would have strict QC standards.
About reliability, it's not all about QC. The design of the movements is the crucial part, and some manufacturers are better in this department than others. For example, the sturdier design of the balance bridges in Rolex's 31XX line beats the ETA 2824 movement found in Omega's Seamasters any day. You need to be careful to check if you're paying for quality or fashion. -
one pay money for the workmanship and quality ma. A good watch is like a work of art that can stand the ravages of time maOriginally posted by Glen999:hahaha, this is a good one...
but for me, i don't understand why to buy expensive watch other than to show off to your peers... -
you must be smappyOriginally posted by MrFugue:Thats where the reliability of COSC comes in.Furthermore,Breitling isn't owned by LVMH,Richemont or Swatch group.It should be admired for being one of the few independent watchmakers around.(correct me if im wrong here)
The watch cases built by Breitling are subjected to numerous testing as well.
Do not worry about the reliability because any brand from Tag Heuer onwards would have strict QC standards. -
a watch dealer at changi airport told me, the mechanism used by rolex, swatch, tag heur, actually came from omega. Or something like that.
Made me believe omega was the 'best' watches out there -
Yeah, Oris should fit well within your budget, and more people go for TAG or Omega's brand-name value instead. Within that price range, they'd be the ones to go for. Actually, if you want to go for something well-made and relatively scarce in an even lower bracket, take a look at Vixa or Sinn. Vixa's build quality is usually very good, and I'm sure one-niner can vouch for Sinn.Originally posted by alexkusu:Budget would probably at a max of 2.5k. Is it possible to get limited edition watches at that price? My need for individuality makes me a sucker for 'limited edition' stuff -
You are absolutely right about Rolex's elegance. That I won't question. I think comparing Seiko Spring Drive and an FM tourbillon is like comparing a mod out Mitsubishi Evo and a Ferrari. Both are equally powerful but totally different in terms of finesse.Originally posted by Gedanken:Can't say I've ever felt out of place wearing my Sea Dweller at a cocktail party or flying first class, and I've struck up a fair few interesting conversations with fellow Rolex wearers at Horizon Club lounges, where I tend to find myself when I'm travelling on business. One of the more fun experiences was trying out wines made by an ex-SAS officer and now film producer who owns his own vineyards in New South Wales - we started talking after I commented on his TT Blue Sub, by which time he'd already spotted my SD, and we got into a conversation about the Sub's versatility.
Yes, fifity years ago it may have been a faux pas to wear a Sub with a tux, but Ian Fleming's done a lot of good work in that department. The Sub/SD may not be the most pricey timepiece out there, but it's as much of a timeless design as a PP Calatrava.
On top of that, I can still wear my SD when I'm running, diving or wearing a T-shirt and jeans, all of which would look awkward with an FM, Lange, VC or Patek.
The Rolex 3135 movement is already COSC rated - why would I want a tourbillon? If I wanted that kind of accuracy, I'd go for a Seiko Spring Drive which is as accurate and is more reliable.
Anyway, being a watch nut I like seeing watch photos that people have taken personally, rather than press or advertisement shots. Got any of your FM?
Cintree Curvex (white gold) leather.
I wish I could give you better pictures but my camera is in service. Won't be back for a few days. -
Well,what matters to me more is the aesthetic-ness of the dial & bezel of the watch rather then the movement inside.Originally posted by Gedanken:Good point. TAG is owned by LVMH and Omega is owned by Swatch, and neither presents good value for money IMHO. Richemont's Panerai seems all right, though, although their designs don't particularly appeal to me.
About reliability, it's not all about QC. The design of the movements is the crucial part, and some manufacturers are better in this department than others. For example, the sturdier design of the balance bridges in Rolex's 31XX line beats the ETA 2824 movement found in Omega's Seamasters any day. You need to be careful to check if you're paying for quality or fashion.
Anyway,i like the Zenith's El-Primero movement -
POOI! Slap that liar in the face!Originally posted by alexkusu:a watch dealer at changi airport told me, the mechanism used by rolex, swatch, tag heur, actually came from omega. Or something like that.
Made me believe omega was the 'best' watches out there
Swatch owns Omega, and Omega and TAG tend to use Eterna ebauches. An ebauch is a generic movement (or mechanism) that is bought by another manufacturer and customised.
Rolex, on the other hand, make all of their own movements. The last non-Rolex movement in a Rolex was the Zenith El Primero in the Daytona, before Rolex finally introduced their in-house 4130 movement in 2000. The 3130/3135/3185/3186 movements that power the rest of their Oyster line are designed and built by Rolex, and the 31XX line can trace its heritage back to the cal. A2XX movements, also designed and produced by Rolex and installed in the Explorer, Submariner and Turn-O-Graph models of 1953. -
The remarkable tonneau design by FM which never fails to catch my eyeOriginally posted by philia:You are absolutely right about Rolex's elegance. That I won't question. I think comparing Seiko Spring Drive and an FM tourbillon is like comparing a mod out Mitsubishi Evo and a Ferrari. Both are equally powerful but totally different in terms of finesse.
Cintree Curvex (white gold) leather.
I wish I could give you better pictures but my camera is in service. Won't be back for a few days.
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Suh-weet. I'm not a big fan of exploding numbers myself, but you can't deny FM's quality.Originally posted by philia:
I wish I could give you better pictures but my camera is in service. Won't be back for a few days.
About the Spring Drive, I wouldn't get one myself except as a beater, but like I said, -4 to +6 coupled with bulletproof reliability is good enough for me. Beyond a chronograph and possibly reserve du marche, I'm not too fond of complications. -
I'm sure philia would agree with me that it's more a matter of personal satisfaction than showing off. I like interesting mechanical designs, and the engineering that's put into a good mechanical movement is something to behold.Originally posted by Glen999:but for me, i don't understand why to buy expensive watch other than to show off to your peers... -
i have not worn any watches all my life. never liked it. normally i will put in my pocket... dunno ehy. hahah but i find some watches nice....and also expensive!! LOL hmmmm maybe i shld get myself a pocket watch... the trendy ones...not the grandaddies always wear...
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It's also fun to walk into a watch retailer like Sincere/Hour Glass and strut around with FM.
WIS have a habit of peeking at another's wrist. -
I love those arabic numerals. Somewhat hypnotic.Originally posted by Gedanken:Suh-weet. I'm not a big fan of exploding numbers myself, but you can't deny FM's quality.
About the Spring Drive, I wouldn't get one myself except as a beater, but like I said, -4 to +6 coupled with bulletproof reliability is good enough for me. Beyond a chronograph and possibly reserve du marche, I'm not too fond of complications.
I am surprised that you aren't fond of complications. Most watch collectors I know of are mad about minute repeaters, self-winding chrono movement etc. I, myself, would definitely love to have a Patek Grand Complications 5074. Moon phases, perpetual calender and self-winding minute repeater ... drooollss -
How shall I put it? "Give me excess of it that, surfeiting, the appetite may sicken and so die".Originally posted by philia:I love those arabic numerals. Somewhat hypnotic.
I am surprised that you aren't fond of complications. Most watch collectors I know of are mad about minute repeaters, self-winding chrono movement etc. I, myself, would definitely love to have a Patek Grand Complications 5074. Moon phases, perpetual calender and self-winding minute repeater ... drooollss They're clever and nice, but just not quite enough to keep my attention for long.
Somehow, things like equation-of-time never tickled my fancy on grounds of functionality. For the same reason, I've never seen enough justification for the Yachtmaster's inclusion in Rolex's sports line.
On the other hand, have you checked out JLC's Atmos clock? Now there's a brilliant idea. -
Uh huh. My fiancée calls it my Rolex Radar.Originally posted by MrFugue:WIS have a habit of peeking at another's wrist. -
Yes indeed it's more of a passion. Take the FM crazy hour for example. The general public in Singapore would probably not notice that you paid an extra 50 000 just for the queer numbers.I believe people who purchase watches like PAtek 5130G or IWC Grande Complications are less worried about showing off since watches like these, in the eyes of an amateur, look less expensive than they really are. Perhaps, if they are flamboyant, they would have gone for the likes of a diamond studded Harry Winston or PIaget Polo.Originally posted by Gedanken:I'm sure philia would agree with me that it's more a matter of personal satisfaction than showing off. I like interesting mechanical designs, and the engineering that's put into a good mechanical movement is something to behold. -
i like patek and jager le-coultre.
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Even without complications, how many people would even begin to suspect the value of something like this?Originally posted by philia:Yes indeed it's more of a passion. Take the FM crazy hour for example. The general public in Singapore would probably not notice that you paid an extra 50 000 just for the queer numbers.I believe people who purchase watches like PAtek 5130G or IWC Grande Complications are less worried about showing off since watches like these, in the eyes of an amateur, look less expensive than they really are.
What about just plain "what the hell were they thinking?!"?Originally posted by philia:Perhaps, if they are flamboyant, they would have gone for the likes of a diamond studded Harry Winston or PIaget Polo.
Most times, most people won't even notice my SD. I do like the stealth bling aspect of an SS Rolex. -
Unable to keep your attention for long? Oh my, I will never grow tired of those reverberating chimes ... I'm salivating already. HahaOriginally posted by Gedanken:How shall I put it? "Give me excess of it that, surfeiting, the appetite may sicken and so die". They're clever and nice, but just not quite enough to keep my attention for long.
Somehow, things like equation-of-time never tickled my fancy on grounds of functionality. For the same reason, I've never seen enough justification for the Yachtmaster's inclusion in Rolex's sports line.
On the other hand, have you checked out JLC's Atmos clock? Now there's a brilliant idea.
The JLC Atmos clock is indeed a masterpiece. I won't dare to imagine the price. -
who wants to sponsor a struggling student here a chronograph watch?