watches...

manta173 wrote:

Maurice Lacroix Men's MP7138-SS001030 Masterpiece Squelette Skeleton Dial Watch

So this is along the style of what I want.... but 8k is a little steep. It is what I am looking for I guess I just didn't look in the right price range. I'd like to keep it under $1000 and I prefer metal bands and not gold ones either... I'm a silver or steel color kinda guy.

What are the determining factors for the high cost here? If its accurate to within a few seconds a day I'm fine with it. I'm not looking for quartz level performance just something that I only have to correct one a week or so.

Determining factors are materials used (rare metals cost more), complications (these are subdials which track things other than basic time, such as date, etc.), and where the watch was made. Swiss made watches fetch a premium due to the regulations required to qualify for being a Swiss Made watch. German watches are also at a premium. Japanese watches are great values but they lack a lot of the finish seen in Swiss and German watches. Chinese watches are dirt cheap (the one exception is Sea Gull which is a Chinese watch maker that has been around a long time and makes quality timepieces. Sea Gull movements are some of the most reliable and durable movements in the world).

$1000 is a very generous budget and will get you a high quality watch, sufficient for being an heirloom.

One difficulty might be finding a skeleton on a metal bracelet. Skeletons are considered dress watches and as such most often come on a leather strap. Also, due to the movement being the centerpiece of a skeleton, with visibility being important, they tend to primarily be manual wind - automatics don't translate too well in skeletons. There are automatic skeletons but they tend to be at a premium.

Here's a nice Sea Gull skeleton. Well under your budget however it's on a leather strap and is manual wind.

Stuhrling makes a decent skeleton. Under $100. It's not going to stand the test of time like an Omega or a high quality brand but it fits your criteria.

There's also this beauty: An out of production Swatch Body & Soul. To be honest, I would probably buy this if you weren't looking for a watch like this. It's definitely a collector's item at a very reasonable price. This Swatch is not a feat of craftsmanship, they weren't hand made, but it's a feat of engineering how they could make a quality automatic skeleton for around $100.00. The 37mm case is a tad bit on the small side but nonetheless, it's a beautiful watch.

This one is really nice. Bulova Accutron automatic skeleton. Hits the upper limit of your budget but hits all your criteria. 40mm case @ 11mm thickness is a very nice case size.

Here's another Bulova. Not a full skeleton but half with second and GMT complications. At the lower end of your budget.

Have you considered getting 2 watches for your $1000 budget? A skeleton in the $250-$500 range and another watch - like a diver or a chronograph, a more sportier watch, with the rest?

So yeah. I like watches.

I'm currently on the trail of a grail so I have to trim the herd a bit. I am offering this watch on my watch site of choice but figured I would offer it up here as well as it's a geeky watch I know techies would appreciate.

Here's the post on Watchuseek.

Here's the watch on Amazon. $299 brand new.

Suunto Core All-Black Military model. This is an ABC watch (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass). Serves all functions and does them well. Suunto is considered tops in regards to multifunctioning watches that report data other than simply telling time.

It's in mint condition, worn only a few times. Not a mark on it. Production date (verifiable by the serial number) is December 2011 and it has the latest Suunto firmware and software. $250 via PayPal gets it shipped to your door via USPS 2-day priority including insurance and tracking.

IMAGE(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Rq-zKTQIL._AA300_.jpg)

Gorilla.800.lbs wrote:

I have a Citizen Eco-Drive (~$200) that I wear to work and when I am out and about. Otherwise, I wear a Nike sports watch (~$50).

This is one of my two daily wears:
http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-BM8180...

Comfortable, reliable and appropriate to have on me if the apocalypse happens. Powered by light!

The other is:
http://www.amazon.com/Skagen-809XLTT...

This just came in the mail the other day. The face is a deep red color, for some reason the pic make it look orange-ish.
IMAGE(http://www.techfresh.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/kisai_3d_unlimited_colored_lcd_watch_design.jpg)
It is cool as hell.

ruhk wrote:

This just came in the mail the other day. The face is a deep red color, for some reason the pic make it look orange-ish.
IMAGE(http://www.techfresh.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/kisai_3d_unlimited_colored_lcd_watch_design.jpg)
It is cool as hell.

It is. Plus, no other watch can tell you when it's 9:JJ.

Wow ruhk. What a mindbender! Still trying to figure out which was is up on that. That has to be a great conversation starter.

Gotta look this thing up.

Bump!

So yes, I like watches but I'm currently pretty poor due to moving cross country and still paying my mortgage for a place I don't live in (and can't rent).

I love mechanical watches so it'll be a harder sell for me getting a quartz.
So, I'm looking for cheaper, yet still quality pieces.

Items that I'm currently looking at:

Hamilton Khaki Officer. I would love this for an everyday wear. It's a bit more than I want to spend currently, so I'm hoping to find a decent used one or just save up and pick it up. (condo is selling soon-ish so I'll have money again after that)
IMAGE(http://forums.watchuseek.com/attachments/f357/299868d1277842127-hamilton-khaki-officer-vs-swiss-army-infantry-vintage-h70615733-4.jpg)

Or I might grab a Seiko 5 and put a nicer NATO style band on it. Both are military style watches I would feel comfortable wearing everyday as my casual wear is jeans and t shirt. I like the history of the Hamilton and I'm sure the fit and finish is above the Seiko, but I hear the Seiko 5 is near indestructible and I wouldn't care if I scratched up a $70 watch with daily wear.
IMAGE(http://forums.watchuseek.com/attachments/f222/606318d1326983562-advice-needed-leather-strap-seiko-snk809-135810d1224541327-fs-seiko-5-snk809-flieger-style-nylon-seiko-snk809-flieger.jpg)

For a diver I've been looking at the Seiko skx007 and definitely putting a James Bond Nato on it. I couldn't resist having a 007 strap on a 007 watch.

IMAGE(http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/7743/img2381bd8.jpg)

Lastly for a dress style. I found this Chinese watchmaker who seems pretty adamant about propelling Chinese watchmaking forward. Pretty resentful to all the knockoffs that is being produced. Some people on watchuseek seemed to like his work, especially this piece.(For the price.)
Perpetual GMT G-01
IMAGE(http://forums.watchuseek.com/attachments/f72/401845d1299754874-some-pics-my-new-perpetual-gmt-g-01-img_2720.jpg)
IMAGE(http://forums.watchuseek.com/attachments/f72/256667d1265840844-my-first-perpetual-watch-gmt-rimg0012.jpg)

So that's my poor man options for watches that I'm currently thinking about. Any advice or other options?

I really like that last one.

I used to wear a watch but people kept punching me in the gut for some weird reason.

LarryC wrote:

I used to wear a watch but people kept punching me in the gut for some weird reason.

I told you to stop spitting on people after you show them your watch!

I've been wearing this as a dress watch:

IMAGE(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn50/ColdstreamGWJ/81oF5pvFkPL_SL1500_.jpg)

Overall, I need something with a second hand so I can get heart rates etc. when someone isn't hooked up to a machine. My daily wearer is a nifty asymmetrical Seiko, also with a second hand. I'm not big on purely digital watches, although that Kickstarter with the epaper watch tempted me sorely.

All solid choices S.A.M.

Like you said, the Seiko 5 is a good value that you won't care about beating on.

The SKX007 is a proven workhorse with a solid automatic movement. I used to have a bead blasted SKX009 that I absolutely loved but sold due to little wrist time. I guarantee you will love it.

IMAGE(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KJ5NhrxmNSA/T5X6upYs2MI/AAAAAAAAEAU/G21ZaC0dojk/s640/IMG_1848.jpg)
IMAGE(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RH2fpiCge8g/T5X6ybcQqAI/AAAAAAAAEAc/OTiyqojuwkY/s640/IMG_1843.jpg)

A Bond fan, huh? Me too! Here's my Omega SMP 2254.50 on a bond nato. I absolutely love this watch.

IMAGE(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k5cH9lz0SNQ/TTCnyZqXwKI/AAAAAAAAD8w/lyzZp3x8xek/s512/IMG_20110114_143747.jpgp)

Hamilton's are fantastic watches. Can't go wrong with any of them. It seems like you're looking at spending in the sub $200 range right now. To be honest, I would go with the SKX007 or one of those Perpetual's. Once you're established and can afford a better watch, you'll find that Hamilton offers watches that are great values in the $400 - $750 range.

Love that Perpetual too. Looks like they use Seagull movements which are respected by many watch enthusiasts. For that price, I think I'll pick up a Perpetual too.

I could suggest lots of other watches but need to know your criteria. Looking for a diver? Something you can beat on that will last? Something that will go well with a dress shirt?

You could also consider one of Seiko's Monsters, their value line with the 7S26 automatic movements. They come with different dial colors. I picked up an Orange Monster and have been playing with a few straps. Right now I have a shark mesh on it. The watch is an absolute tank. Withstands everything. I think it's an unwritten rule on Watchuseek that every member must own a Seiko Monster. I swear, everyone has one.

IMAGE(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GItjOVE007M/TUlYSR95FTI/AAAAAAAAD8w/2Sa_pudqDdw/s512/IMG_20110202_081128.jpg)

Good luck! All great choices.

Also, wanted to post up a new piece I picked up. A Halios Bluering, brushed stainless with blue face and black bezel. #73 out of 100 pieces.

IMAGE(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nu0OnVfmid4/T5X9paea8DI/AAAAAAAAEAs/5P4L8kWxrec/s640/4863188739_47594abea5_z.jpg)
IMAGE(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1_Gk9xKGohs/T5X9paAldlI/AAAAAAAAEAw/_i1E-xHbf2I/s640/5845661987_e5cf0b7908_z.jpg)
IMAGE(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QSs65z4st_I/T5X9peopGMI/AAAAAAAAEAo/JQowmw9X5Eg/s640/5846215058_6df097e25c_z.jpg)
IMAGE(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U4QWUXNhUWg/T5X9pa2IwXI/AAAAAAAAEAk/EaYeQ0Cw2z0/s640/5846214782_b784068b12_z.jpg)

FSeven wrote:

A Bond fan, huh? Me too! Here's my Omega SMP 2254.50 on a bond nato. I absolutely love this watch.

IMAGE(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k5cH9lz0SNQ/TTCnyZqXwKI/AAAAAAAAD8w/lyzZp3x8xek/s512/IMG_20110114_143747.jpgp)

Hamilton's are fantastic watches. Can't go wrong with any of them. It seems like you're looking at spending in the sub $200 range right now. To be honest, I would go with the SKX007 or one of those Perpetual's. Once you're established and can afford a better watch, you'll find that Hamilton offers watches that are great values in the $400 - $750 range.

Love that Perpetual too. Looks like they use Seagull movements which are respected by many watch enthusiasts. For that price, I think I'll pick up a Perpetual too.

I could suggest lots of other watches but need to know your criteria. Looking for a diver? Something you can beat on that will last? Something that will go well with a dress shirt?

Love that Omega!

I'm grabbing that Perpetual as soon as I can get one. That will probably be my work/dress watch. As I usually wear a decent shirt and tie, if not a suit.

I would want something to wear casually, jeans and T-shirt. That's what the other 2 military watches and diver are for. I think I'll probably save and get the Hamilton but I might break down and pick up the skx007 before that happens. I don't think I'll regret having it in my collection/rotation.

Right now I dress for work fairly nice, but after work I'm very casual, dive bar drinking, not wanting to get stabbed over my watch. I like the military style because the laid back, understated side of them. I feel like it fits my personality.

Consider buying used. Most watch nuts keep their pieces in impeccable condition and sell them for significant discounts.

Here are two websites that search all the major watch sites based on criteria you choose and will return results. You should be able to find the Hamilton you're looking for, lightly used, for a price within your budget.

Watch Recon

Elite Deal Seeker

I would also recommend creating accounts on several watch sites, if you haven't already, such as Watchuseek, PMWF, TimeZone, Watchnet, Watchfreeks, Seiko & Citizen Trading Post, Rolex forums, etc. That way if you find the watch you want on another site, you can hop on it right away instead of having to wait a week or two for the admins to enable your account.

In Korean culture, a woman buys a man a watch as a sort of engagement ring. My wife bought me one of these:

IMAGE(http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu345/kathwoo/TagWatch.jpg)

She also made me get rid of both of these:

IMAGE(http://www.warwatches.com/images/uploads/seamastercollection/3902_3753.jpg)

IMAGE(http://fototime.com/%7B8844D5AF-192D-4433-8298-18411D70FF57%7D/picture.JPG)

I've noticed that my ability to conjecture the time has improved dramatically after giving up on watches, which I stopped wearing because I always ended up losing them. I'm seldom off by more than 10 minutes.

Nevertheless, I'd love a fancy pocket watch to wear and squint at in a pompous manner whenever I'm donned in formal dress!

She made you get rid of those? Why? That Omega is gorgeous.

Paleo, I know there are other cultures where one never buys a watch for their intended because it puts a "time limit" on the relationship. I think it was a Bosnian/Serbian girl who told me this. Once you are married it is fine though.

FSeven wrote:

She made you get rid of those? Why? That Omega is gorgeous.

Korean girls are highly territorial. Sort of like male lions who eat their competitors' offspring.

So, you had two prior engagements that you broke off and kept the watches?

Rowr. You go, Paleocon!

I'm in for a Pebble on Kickstarter. Hopefully it'll live up to the hype

Gorgeous watches, all. Too bad I have yet to find a watch that doesn't irritate my skin and give me a rash when worn regularly. Gold or silver. Do watch aficionados suffering this plague have a secret? A little felt pad under the watch back or something?

That Perpetual looks huge on the arm, but I'm a big dude. I bet I could make it work. Want.

I've never heard of that big. The only times I've had irritation were for two reasons: either the watch was too heavy for my wrist (140+ grams) or I had the bracelet adjusted incorrectly. Sometimes if the bracelet is too tight it, the caseback can press against veins in the wrist causing numbness/rashes. Same if the watch is just too heavy.

Do you actually have allergies to metals? You said gold/silver. How about stainless steel or titanium?

I found that a bit of moisture under the strap was a major problem for me, either sweat or water from washing my hands. I took to making sure my wrist and the back of my watch were clean and dry all the time, and the rash went away. It takes surprisingly little to cause a disproportionately painful rash, in my experience.

After years of nice watches, I eventually had to give up. For various reasons, I wear my watch on the wrist of my dominant hand, which is pretty much a recipe for disaster. My parents bought me a really nice expensive watch for my 30th birthday, and I scratched it 3 days later at Edinburgh Castle.

Beyond that, I just had really bad luck; an expensive Omega that wouldn't keep proper time, despite 3 warranty repairs, a Tag that got stolen, and so on. In the end, I gave up, and bought a sub-£100 ugly-as-hell G-Shock. It has 4 benefits: it's too ugly to steal; it's damned near indestructible; it takes the time from an atomic clock at 2am every day, so always right; and it is solar powered, so I don't have to worry about the battery.

I still have the Omega and the one from my parents for special occasions, but I don't even bother to keep a live battery in them!

No allergies to metals that I'm aware of. It's happened with every watch I've owned since my teens (parachute pants. Don't ask), so I'm guessing stainless has been in there somewhere.

It could be the issue you mentioned - causing the rash where the caseback presses if too heavy/tight. I haven't worn a timepiece for more than a night out in at least seven years, and that's just a cheapy little Citizen eco-drive.

IMAGE(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii107/bighoppa67/hegimmedawatch.jpg)

I tried wearing it regularly and the same thing happened, but that watch is rather tight on me.

I'm checking out the forums on Watchuseek. Great info on there.

LarryC wrote:

So, you had two prior engagements that you broke off and kept the watches?

Rowr. You go, Paleocon!

Not exactly. But the fact that I had nice watches and had been in committed relationships before were somehow associated in her mind.

I was also not allowed to keep any of my linens.

No love for leather?

I had no interest in watches at all until my wife-then-girlfriend bought me this one in 2005:

IMAGE(http://i.imgur.com/SXtqL.jpg)

Now I'm a watch guy, though both less and more particular than the rest of you watch-lovers. Less in the sense that if it tells me the time within a couple minutes, I'm happy; I don't need it to do anything else except look cool. And more, in that I particularly love Fossil's leather watches, and buy them for $30 from Fossil outlet stores whenever we go to the States.

This is currently getting a lot of wrist-time. I love the wood, and it's super light:

IMAGE(http://i.imgur.com/Wb0dj.jpg)

This one I got around when I was playing Fallout 3 since the face just had a FO3 look to me:

IMAGE(http://i.imgur.com/5vd7P.jpg)

Then I have a silver Fossil watch for when I'm obligated to dress up, since I wouldn't wear a silver watch otherwise—but it's nowhere near as fancy as some of the ones you guys have posted! (Like I said, $30—it tells the date and the hands glow in the dark.)

My wife bought me this watch for Christmas last year. I wear it with pretty much everything, and like it pretty OK.

IMAGE(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81jEKALxacL._SL1500_.jpg)

Gravey wrote:

Less in the sense that if it tells me the time within a couple minutes, I'm happy; I don't need it to do anything else except look cool.

My attitude towards watches is like my attitude towards motorcycles: it doesn't matter what you're riding (wearing) as long as you're riding (wearing) something you enjoy.

Those are awesome watches. I had a Fossil with a black bund strap (those thick leather straps are called bund style) and loved it. Unfortunately one of the pieces of leather that held the watch on broke and I never wore it again.

Took delivery of another watch yesterday. Bought it off a guy on Watchuseek. Casio Protrek PRW-5100YT-1JF "Black Titan". Japanese only release. Sapphire crystal and titanium PVC coated bracelet. It's in ABC watch in that it has Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass functions. Same as the Suunto above I was selling but in an ana-digi format which is growing on me. This is the watch I will be wearing when the zombie apocalypse comes. Solar charging of the battery which never needs to be replaced, and keeps accurate time via radio synchronization with the atomic clock.

IMAGE(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8nNjh_gKW5c/T5fpKnc5gYI/AAAAAAAAEBM/pfHPLT5n3XU/s512/IMAG0203.jpg)

What will you do when the zombies overrun NIST?