I like to collect the "unsung heroes". I buy for pennies and restore Russian Pobedas, Vostoks, Zims, etc. On the other hand, I build new ones with Seiko movements as base... any now and then I buy good brand quartz watches... I wear any watch that fits the day... now I have a Typ B pilot at my wrist... yesterday a had a Casio MTP 1330, let's see what tomorrow will bring :)
Quality homage watches are fantastic. It lets people appreciate the design and feel of an iconic or sought after piece which they may never have had the opportunity to do. It's also a good way of trying out something you think you like before buying the original watch. For people who make derogatory comments about homage watches; you should do more research on the 'knock offs'. There are plenty of case of quality manufacturing which surpass the likes of Rolex in many areas. Don't get me wrong, the history, name and original design will always tempt me but I'm more than happy to buy San Martin or Cronos because I understand their finishing and commitment to quality.
There are so many great reasons to consider them. I understand the thoughts behind the “hate” but I feel there is a very good place for them in the watch world.
I'll wear a shiny/flashy "nice" watch with super casual (like athletic or "house clothes") outfits, but I probably won't wear my bulky sporty diver with a preppy look, unless I changed at work or something. That said, my flashier watches fall short of being explicitly formal.
I guess I've been lucky in that I knew what I liked from the beginning and that was the Rolex Submariner and family, Sea Dweller, Deep Sea. Boring maybe but most all the watches in my collection are homages of these watches. I have an incredible collection and am extremely happy with it.
I appreciate your objections to the 104. I like the day/date execution, guess that’s just a matter of taste. As for the finish, keep in mind it’s also a pilot watch. Airline pilots’ uniforms are on the same level of formality as a business suit; so making the watch less “tooley”makes sense. Also I think the steel used has a high Vicker’s hardness, making it less likely to scratch.
I'd love to know if the Rover 1 and the Silent Spring are also so good. Also, I've never seen a sub on a strap, but I do wonder what straps and even other bracelets might look good with it. I'm not a slave to clomageness. Maybe a shiny black alligator strap.
I am going to get the chance to see more of them shortly. The brand owner has agreed to lend me a couple of their watches. I will have to send them back but I should be able to have them long enough to get a good feel for them and create some more videos too.
I have the 40 mm version with the lume dots on the dial. It’s a stunning watch and I actually like how it sits on my wrist. It’s actually my first hand wind chronograph and I love it to bits. I especially love the recessed rings in the subdials. I got it on the recent summer sale for about $136 Canadian which is just over $100 US.
Hi, thanks for your list. I have the Escapement Time type b and the merkur . They're both great watches, but I'd argue the Merkur is more of a field watch with its esthetics and 38mm case- but the line between the 2 styles is blurred, especially with the Chinese watches. I think your list is missing the Addiesdive 39mm type a. It was my first Aliex watch, I got it with the sterile dial (not sure if that's still available) and it's a very solid cheap watch that I still love- and I'm wearing right now
Sophy seems awesome! I generally pick stuff that matches my other stuff. My problem is that I can literally take half an hour to pick a watch. Australia seems a lot like Africa. The Karoo in particular! I don't do leather often either. I don't have an expensive collection so almost everything can be a beater if the need arises. I am a bit of a practical person and prefer function over aesthetics. Take care James!
I do wear my watches to match with my clothes particularly by colour LOL the only type that is kinda hard to match are those 'vintage' watches like Casio like F91 LOL
Automatic watches are not designed to be handwound to full power! You should avoid handwinding as much as possible. The crown stem is the most vulnerable part of the watch. Your big, fat fingers twisting and torquing the tiny crown stem is the fastest way to break your watch. Only handwind when absolutely necessary, just a few turns to get the watch started and set, then WEAR it. Automatic watches are designed to be powered by the rotor, not the crown.
Great selection, ive got that Sugess in blue with pvd gold case, a beautiful watch that i love, did see the watch it hommages, blanc pain aircommand last week, its my grail watch but its a lottery winning price unfortunately. So until those 6 numbers come up I'll be wearing the Sugess. Thanks James.
I always get heaps of stick from the missus & young bloke, about my lengthy decisions on what watch to wear with a particular outfit. Only other watch geeks can understand.
Not being very fashionable, the only time I matched my watch/strap to my clothes was on my daughter's wedding day. I do choose watches for activities though, sun cream and leather straps is not a good mix! I'm not a bracelet fan and not keen on rubber straps, my go to in the summer is two piece nylon straps, breathable, washable, tough and cheap as chips. Both my G-Shocks are on nylon too.
I’ll do both, pick a watch first and then my clothes or pick an outfit first and then match the watch. It just depends on what the plans are for the day.
I just received mine today and it does NOT have the easy access battery. It has 4 screws, 1 in each corner holding the case on. Did they recently change the caseback? I can't find any info about it. I really hope there aren't fakes going around.
@WATCHingJames update from Bulova. They had to update the caseback to comply with the 2022 Reeses Law that requires button batteries to not be easily accessed. They said they are updating the website to remove old photos of the coin cover.
