![]() |
I decided its time for me to get a watch
So I've decided its time for me to get a watch. I don't necessarily need a jewelry watch, but more of a functional/practical watch. A Man's watch. Obviously a jewelry store is out of the question, I don't need or want a gold watch.
I need a waterproof watch (within reason....waterproof to snorkeling/holding breath depths) I need a watch that has some extra useful features (doesn't need all of these): stopwatch altimeter displays the date moon phases ect...ect...ect... Really I need a nice watch, I need a watch that is DURABLE and I need I watch I never have to take off (unless I have to put on a suit or something). I would like to have something in addition to just the time telling ability that would be useful in a SHTF scenario where I may not have the space to devote to a specialized device in my pack. I don't know what that function is yet, if anything. I need help! What should I be looking for? I would like to keep this under $300, but may consider something more if it really strikes my fancy and I just "have to have that one". Any idea? Should I just get a cheap "sport" watch? I really would like this to be something a little more...maybe a tool I'll need to survive. What would you like to have on a watch that may help you survive? |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
Casio G-Shock
http://www.gshock.com/products/ Very cool watches, good prices. They even have "Atomic Timekeeping". |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
My watch spooked me today at 7:30 am. Alarm sudenly went of. For 10 minutes I was wondering whether I should hide in the basement.
Then it went back to normal I reckon it was a solar flare http://polimaster.com/files/product/...200585062439_3 I have it set up to beep at 3 times ambient http://polimaster.us/products/electr...sonal/pm1208m/ http://polimaster.us/files/product/image2/1198829512678 ( do your own diligence ) Cons: 1. It runs on two batteris. The dosimeter's battery lasts only for a year or even a little less. 2. The watch is somewhat bulky 3. I suggest changing the battery yourself. (I had to give my watch for the repair after shop guys broke of a tiny peace when changing the battery ) Otherwise it is a fun watch Got valid and useful alerts on several occasions computes accumulated dose (could be useful for frequent fliers) |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
what about something like an Aviator or of course a TAG? There is another excellent brand which escapes me just ATM. I think it was a brand focused on sailing and yatchies.... will have to ponder it unless anyone else has clue.
maybe it was Breitling.... not convinced.... yes I think that was it now I am seeing the web site... thank you for your patience. |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
First, you need to decide how to power your watch.
Quartz electric or Mechanical/automatic After having a quartz watch crap a battery when I really needed to have a watch that worked, I've changed to automatics, almost exclusively. Unfortunately, there are no reliable $300 automatic watches. If your budget is fixed at $300, I would look at the Luminox Brand. They make both stainless and carbon fiber cases, are all lighted with tritium (i.e. you can read them at night without charging them with your flashlight first), and are really tough. I think they're even making chronographs (i.e. "stopwatch) in nice stainless steel cases. They virtually all have dates. For moon phases, altimeters, and the like, I think Casio has some digital products but are you buying a tool or a toy? You'll never achieve any kind of altitude accuracy with a watch unless you're really high (like higher than you can breath without oxygen) and if you're planning operations based on phase of moon, you won't be doing it under your pancho liner.... Any electric watch and many inexpensive mechanical watches will fall victim to an EMP, if you're worried about that sort of thing. When I got my first pilot license, I got all excited and went out and bought a "Pilot Watch" which was a Seiko Aviator. It had a circulur slide rule navigation computer for time-speed-distance calculations, a stop watch, date, etc.. It seemed so cool and was going to save space in my flight case 'cuz I'd no longer need my "Jeppesen Computer." And it all worked really great... until I started the engine.... The vibration was just right that even my young (at the time) eyes couldn't read anything except the time and the date. Those numbers are small! The rest of the stuff just turned out to be eyewash! The other thing I learned is that in the dark, luminous watch hands don't show up as well against a white face as they do against a dark face. I have never had a watch with a white face since then. For readability of a watch in low or changing light, think CONTRAST. Since then I have been searching for, and failing to find, the ideal flying watch. I am satisfied that as of now, it has not yet been built.... If you're buying a tool, give it some thought and get the right tool for the job. If you're one of those folks who just can't figure out which end of the screwdriver to hit the nail with, well... :signs14::signs14::signs14: Quote:
|
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
Quote:
http://divers-watch.net/wp-content/u...submariner.jpg :shine::shine::shine::shine::shine: |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
I bought a gshock back in 2001. I still have it, and I've gone all over the world with it, banged it up, snorkeled with it, whatever. Still works. The only thing is, after 8 years, the plastic starts to crack and pieces of it start breaking off. It's more than useable.
I'd love to have a brietling. Those things are gorgeous. |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
I use a Timex Expedition.
Time, second hand, date, backlight, nylon strap, water resistant to deeper than I've ever needed. I use it when I dive. Although never been deeper than 275'. Under $30 I have a Rolex Submariner in the drawer. My Grandfather gave it to me when I graduated UK. Wore it once. In 49 years I have gone through a total of THREE Timex watches. ROI--priceless CC |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
Take a look at the watches available on the overstock website. They have many to choose from at closout prices. I bought my last one from them and have been happy with it so far.
|
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
www.stauer.com/?ad=STRSEMWBIWMSNSTB
I'm happy with my Stauer. It took some wearing in to get reliability. It would hang the second hand up and stop. After a few hours, it worked normally and has since. I confess that I don't wear a watch much as it's a hazard in my work. I'm thinking of buying another one just because I like them. They are'nt expensive as you'll see. |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
Quote:
It is virtually indestructible. |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
Quote:
|
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
Alright, I'll admit that though I have lots of class, its all third. :haha: :haha: :haha: I have worn the Casio CA-53W for decades. The battery lasts more than 5 years, but I haven't replaced a battery yet because I either lose the watch first, or somehow destroy it through carelessness. I literally wear it all the time. The watch is water resistant, so it is happy in the shower or washing the car, but it did not like it when I forgot to take it off while snorkeling one day. For SHTF planning with $300, I say splurge for the $20 the CA-53W costs, and also buy a dozen SAE to carry in your pocket. Then the calculator on the watch will be the only tool you will need for SHTF - so you can calculate how many loaves of bread or chickens you should get for each SAE! :haha: :haha: :haha: :haha: Attachment 79196 |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
Quote:
|
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
1 Attachment(s)
I recommend the Rolex Sea Dweller.
It has taken a ton of abuse, looks great and has actually increased in value over the years. The watch is built like a tank, will last a lifetime and is worth the initial buy in - IMHO. Gave my dad a Submariner - he wanted a smaller case - and he is also thoroughly pleased. ST |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
Quote:
I've has several of these E6B watches....from inexpensive to quite expensive. The very best and most expensive is the Brietling...I prefer the Old Navitimer Model - excellent E6B number size = easy to read......but they are $3000 these days.....I do not have one but my father and brother do. Too expensive for me..... I do have a Tag Heuer Pilot E6B watch in quartz movement....the also made them in mechanical movement.....no longer make the mechanical ....not sure on the quartz.....plan on north of $1000. Actually as good or better E6B size/visual. This is the very best alternative to the Brietling. Chase Durer $400 - $1000....nice watches for style.....every one of their E6B is way too small...nearly useless in planes/cars moving. I owned 1 and sold it. Seiko Pilot quartz movement E6B is fair....not quite big enough for planes and cars...but not bad....lets call it fair......cost about $500 these days.....I had one and sold it. Citizens Navihawk (might call them Skyhawk these days)......this is my favorite watch .....packed with functions...it is a combination quartz movement and digital watch.....now in the 3rd generation....I've had all three.....really love these watches for $200 - $300 if you shop the net or travel to the Caribean you might find under $200. E6B about the size of Seiko...so...could be larger but the watch has a lot of functions packed into its size. The even offer it in titanium for low weight and also an ecodrive / kinetic drive...no battery ever needed. Some models will be in the $400 - $500 zone. There are a couple of other brands that feature the E6B.....I've never had on in hand...only magazines and internet....Torgoen....looks nice....many models $300 - $500. Really, that is about it for the E6B watches. Like I said, I use the E6B calculator nearly every day. So, for me, that is the watch I must have. |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
These guys seem to have a wide selection of most of the popular E6B watches:
http://www.hmewatch.com/-c-21.html |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
1 Attachment(s)
This is an example of Tag Heuer Pilot...very large E6B numbers.....they made it in silver face and black face....
|
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
1 Attachment(s)
In a black face.....the model I have.
|
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
2 Attachment(s)
Brietling Old Navitimer.....$3000 is crazy expensive.....but they are probably the very best E6B watch ever made.
|
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
Solar atomic Casio.
|
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
I'm a watch collector, Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Sinn, Ocean7, Damasco, Dox, Revue Thommen, Wenger GST sea master, Seiko, .......many more.
My favorite is the Seiko Tuna can.....do a search. I switch off on ocassion but always go back to it, fit and feel& looks are right for me and reads well in low to no light, I can't say enough good things about this watch. I'm surprised at the punishment it has taken and how well it still looks after 4 years ! and still on same battery. If your looking for a feature packed tuff watch you might want to check out this watch, it is also made in a 200meter virsion. No I don't own this one , can't say I'm crazy bout the look , but read up on it , it's got some great features like the back light coming on auto when you turn your wrist to read in low light conditions. |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
1 Attachment(s)
My current daily watch = Citizen Navihawk Stainless.
|
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
|
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
The tuna can looks similar to the seiko diver I bought from overstock. I went with an automatic rather than quartz. It's been a great watch so far. I have a casio g shock that is tough as nails too, it has the solar charging feature to prolong battery life.
|
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
Getting back on track....I posted non-applicable stuff.....now I'm interested in a general basic watch also.
1) Mechanical Movement (Automatic even better).....or some type of Ecodrive...last a hell of a long time without battery. 2) Reasonable waterproof - basic swimming, hunting, etc... 3) Only needs time.....date/day would be a bonus...but not needed. Likewise - no chronograph. 4) Optimum night/low light visability - whatever give maximum visability. 5) Prefer dark face + bright hands. 6) Prefer metal case over a plastic case.....probably non-metal bracelet..... 7) After function....but want it to look the part also..... Are there any true military, tough as nails watches out there? |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
1 Attachment(s)
this is what I wear. Cannot be beat.....
Breitling Emergency w/ 121.5 mhz locator beacon |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
Quote:
Sounds like what you want is a Luminox..... check out http://www.luminox.com/ look at model # 3001 http://luminox.800rpm.com/index.php?...%20Series/3001 |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
Quote:
Glycine Airman is an excellent watch with GMT function. I had an "Airman 46" and regret selling it a few years ago. Readility/brightness is average I've had two Fortis GMTs - nice looking - simple but elegant. But they have a problem - the weight on the autowinder comes loose. I thought I had an unusual problem with mine 'til I talked to a former watch magazine editor who had the same problem. His fortis is in the same condition mine is: lonely in the dresser drawer. Readility/brightness is average but I improved it by having a jeweler remark the face with Superluminova. I was recently given an Omega Seamaster GMT, which I like a lot both for looks and functionality. The way Omega has put together the time changing function makes much more sense than Breitling, Rolex, et al. Although not tritium, the brightness and readability of the Superluminova is excellent. A friend has the same watch that's not as bright so I don't know how consistent the brightness is. The Dragonlady gave me a Brietling Chrongraph about 12 years ago, which was my first automatic. It's a nice looking piece of jewelry and reliable, but readability could be better. The Brightness is Average as well. I've had several luminoxes which are bullet proof and bright, if not EMP proof. The most recent one I've bought is a Ball. The Ball Watch company is actually the folks who brought us the term "on the ball" which came from the railroads. Back before communication was not so simple, the railroads lived and died by the accuracy of the engieers watches, hence the term "on the ball." The readability is outstanding. Ball was one of the first to put the tritium illumination vials into a high quality automatic watch. I think the one I got was an Aviator GMT. (I tend to get watches that display GMT/UTC as all flight planning and aviation weather is reported in GMT). The reason I'm so hung up on readbility is because in two crew flying, your lighting situation changes so much that you almost never get your night vistion really adjusted. I think that means you need a brighter watch than say, an Army Ranger who needs more light discipline. One place to get really good quality automatic watches is from a place called WestCoastTime (http://www.westcoastime.com), which is run by a gent named Howard Marx. Howard is a real stand-up guy (honest to a fault - I've bought from him for years). He concentrates on a little-known brand of Swiss Watches, Ollech & Wajs. GI's used to by O&W by mail order or in the PX during the Vietnam conlflict. O&W is also a British MOD contractor so he sometimes has MOD overruns and the like. Also, Howard has a huge stock of excellent tactical type nylon bands and I have often bought his "extra sturdy" stainless pins to prevent loss of the watch. I must have six of the bands he sells, in various colors. Howard is in California and he has a "unique" writing style, sort of like The Duck without all the smilies, but he knows watches, has a great selection, and is straight and honest as the day is long. He has an online store at the web site and also lists on eBay. Prices are good too. Often I'll see good O&W Autos for under $400, but don't quote me on that. And no, I don't get a commission. Haven't talked to him for at least a year. :coolbeer: |
Re: I decided its time for me to get a watch
i've seen people with those I've always wondered about them, this topic has been very informative... thanks i've made it this far without one though I think I can manage.
|
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:46 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2010, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright = None use it and Link to GIM