Watches

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MadMan2k

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I want to get a mechanical watch, and I think a lot of people on here know a lot about them, so I'll ask.

Which ones are good, and what should I expect to pay for a decent one (I don't want something built as well as a Leica would be, I can't make images with a watch)?

I was thinking under $200 would be nice, if possible. Are there any with a good black paint finish like on a lot of cameras? If so, I think that would look better than chrome or titanium, or especially better than gold.

Thanks in advance.
 
Even used, mechanical watches are pretty pricey. For <$200, look at some of the Invictas. Seiko and Orient also make some fairly inexpensive divers-style watches. There are some nice Poljots, too. The Russians are fairly good at imitating some of the higher-end watches for a lot less money.
 
I would look at at Seiko Divers watch the SKX007 I think, you can pick one up in internet world for about $150 USD. I own Fortis Diver's watch for the last 6 years and it takes a lot of punishment.

Bill
 
Iff you mean wristwatches... do you want mechanical, as in literally? So you want a wind-up that you need to remember to wind every morning/night? Or mechanical as in analogue, typical face round with 3 hands, powered by a battery?

If you want a vintage watch, you need to keep your eyes open. I have a 1920's/1930's mechanical wind-up that I bought for £40. Solid Silver, with blue anodised hands (apparently). I spent another £15 on the correct black leather strap to suit.

A few years back - late 90's? - I think Seiko made a self-winding mechanical watch that uses wrist movement to wind itself. They were about £500 when they came out, but will be cheap second hand, as long as they work.


I don't have much luck with watches, so I tend to avoid them. The solid silver stays on top of my photo books, since there is a lot of sentimental value attached.

I'd recommend checking out a pawn shop or local jewellers that deals with older watches. You can see more of what you want in those kind of places. Avoid buying online, or you could be hit by a repair bill higher than the cost of the watch.
 
My grandfather left me a pocket watch with Hebrew letters for numbers and it moves counter clockwise when it works because Hebrew goes right to left. Alas it has not worked in years. Circa 1883.
 
I've got a Swatch IRONY Automatic watch (automatic as in automatic winding) that I've had for near a year, the face is sure scratched up but it hasn't stopped beating yet :D. It didn't cost more than $160 new and (due to not having an opaque face) is great fun to look at.
 

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erikhaugsby said:
I've got a Swatch IRONY Automatic watch (automatic as in automatic winding) that I've had for near a year, the face is sure scratched up but it hasn't stopped beating yet :D. It didn't cost more than $160 new and (due to not having an opaque face) is great fun to look at.
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yes that is definitely cool to look at.
 
Hi Jon,

It is possible to get a decent mechanical watch (either self-wind or manual wind) for around $200. The most prevalent finish for watches in this price range is stainless steel, either polished or brushed. There are a few black finished watch cases, but the coating tends to rub off, and just my opinion, but "brassing" on a watch is not as attractive as it is on a camera.

As already mentioned, there are a few brands available such as Seiko, Citizen, Invicta, Poljot, Trias, etc.

I recommend that you pop over to a watch forum that I visit frequently:

www.pmwf.com

They specialize in affordable watches. If you ask the same question there, you'll get many good suggestions, I'm sure. They also have a very healthy and reliable sales forum where you're sure to find something interesting if you don't mind buying used.

Hope that helps,

Warren
 
Mechanical watches are great. For under or about $200.00 you will find some decent used watches. I prefer Fortis watches myself, they are very nice and can be expensive, buying them second hand you my find some good deals on the bay. But if you are willing to spend a little more you may want to but one new.

Here is a nice one for sale...

http://cgi.ebay.com/FORTIS-Pilot-Professional-Automatic-Watch-Black-PVD_W0QQitemZ150083049813QQihZ005QQcategoryZ111679QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


4285_12.JPG
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll check those out. I don't know if I want a battery powered one or not... how long do they take to wind, and do they lose time much?
 
A fully mechanical watch takes a few seconds to wind, and will last over 24 hours before losing time, but it is good practice to wind every night.

It's all a matter of spring tension. I'd recommend if you buy a vintage watch to get it serviced as well. Mine was bought having been serviced previously. Unless, like me, you buy a watch because it really is something special to you (in appearance or otherwise), go for something you know looks right on your wrist, and works. That probably limits you to self-winding/battery powered to be on the safe side.
 
My mechanical/automatic is a Hamilton (Khaki series, Field Mechanical). It has a Swiss automatic movement and it cost just under $300. While it's definitely not up there with the likes of Oris and Rolex, it is a good timepiece and attractive in a simple way. BTW, the power reserve of this watch is only about 24-48 hours. In other words, if I leave it on the bed stand rather than wear it, it'll stop after a day or two.

http://www.hamiltonwatch.com

Ron
 
An automatic is typically a self-winding mechanical watch capable of keeping time for 30-40 hours when not worn or manually wound.

My favorite is the all titanium Omega Seamaster, Blue Dial.
 
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for bargains in new mechanical/automatic watches, keep an eye out for Seiko 5 Series watches. Several styles, but all self-winding 21 jewel movements.

They were not directly imported to the US, I ordered mine from a reliable seller in Singapore. Arrived in 5 days, for just over $120 with shipping.
 
visiondr, I really like the style of the one that you have.

I guess I'll check locally to see if there's some I can afford that I can try on and see in person first.
 
Russian Poljot (Vostok) watches are pretty neat, but I've found mine to not be as reliable as I'd like. I have a British Army service watch (G10-98) from the 70's that I bought from www.wartimers.com that's been great. Wind up, mil-spec, good looking, bullet-proof, and around $200. Swiss movement. I'd strongly recommend one if you want something a little out of the ordinary that won't let you down.

Of course nothing beats an Omega Speedmaster Pro, but those run into money. :)
 
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