Let's See Your Watches! The Vintage Watch Thread.

[Ugarte]

who is making the watches for his company.

Someone in China most likely.

That is an astute observation. Back when I was thinking about splurging for a replica Rolex (we shall not discuss this matter) I did some research and as near as I can tell, the Japanese are making the only automatic movements for the $300-$500 range out there. I believe Kenneth Cole uses "Geneva" (not to be confused with "Geneve") movements.

I'm sure my Invecta has a Japanese movement in it, but it looks good (transparent back) and runs just fine. It is what it is.


Mark
.

 

[Richard Warren]

I understand that the automatic movement Seiko puts in its dive watches is quite reliable. A functional automatic movement does not have to be expensive. Maybe Kenneth Cole has some cachet with him or his set, but I'd go with the Seiko.

 

[Richard Warren]

Anyone have any recommendation for a small (ca 36mm or perhaps square or rectangular), stainless steel, automatic watch, perhaps on a strap, dressy as opposed to sporty? I'm sick and tired of wearing ten pounds of metal on my wrist and watch faces the size of saucers.

 

[theinterchange]

Viola,
Orient Watch USA offers many styles of "automatic" mechanical watches that have a pretty good rep for that type of watch on the cheap. They have Chinese made internals which seems to be the primary reason they are able to hit that kind of investment level, and they also have deals ALL THE TIME. Sign up for their newsletter and you will get some offers for substantial discounts over and above their regular pricing.

http://orientwatchusa.com/

I've personally not handled any of their wares, but the Watchuseek forums seem to regard them fairly well for $100-150 mechanical watches.

I've long heard good things about Orient, and so, I ordered a "Mako" from Amazon.com... long story short, the watch went back in 3-4 days after I received it. In a space of less than 55 minutes, the watch gained nearly 2 1/2 hours and 2 days... plus it would only move ahead to the Spanish day, I'd have to manually adjust to English. shakeshead Then it started either advancing the day or date every 12 hours. [huh]

I must say I was quite disappointed in the quality of the movement. The case and bracelet were GREAT looking, the watch was hefty, too. I'll readily admit to most likely having the one rotten apple in a bushel, but wanted to toss my experience out there.

I have several Timexes that have served me well. But my "favorite" is a Seiko chronograph, and am thinking of getting a Seiko Divers watch. [Either that or a Citizen Eco-Drive diver]

Randy

P.S Orient's movements are Japanese, not Chinese.

 

[Stearmen]

Two Watches

Just saw an interesting documentary on Ferry Command, the pilots that flew aircraft from Canada to the UK during WWII. In one of the seens, the pilot is taking barrings using a sexton, he has two wrist watches on! I know my hack watches are not real accurate, but he really didn't trust his!

 

[Shangas]

Is it possible that the two watches are for two different timezones (which is probably important information to know, when flying around the world).

 

[Legion]

I can't personally vouch for the quality (I have a hand wound, vintage version on order) but I must admit, these look pretty damn cool for the money.

http://www.russianwatchguide.com/review-vostok-amphibia.htm

 

[Stearmen]

Watches

Is it possible that the two watches are for two different timezones (which is probably important information to know, when flying around the world).

Could be the reason, however, the plane would have one or even two 8 day clocks! I know they were very worried about being off course, and Dead Reckoning is done by speed and time!

 

[Javelina]

I can't personally vouch for the quality (I have a hand wound, vintage version on order) but I must admit, these look pretty damn cool for the money.

http://www.russianwatchguide.com/review-vostok-amphibia.htm

Those are pretty cool. I like the Blue Frogman Amphibia. I might just pick one up at that price. Thanks for the link.

 

[Stoneface]

As I was looking for a proper watch that matches my suit I stumbled across this one:

15 Euro was okay so I ordered it and was surprised how huge it was:

But soon I found the one at the right at a local discounter for just 7 Euro.

 

[Talbot]

Could be the reason, however, the plane would have one or even two 8 day clocks! I know they were very worried about being off course, and Dead Reckoning is done by speed and time!

Interesting. Could the two watches be due to cold? There is a lot at stake if your time reading is out.

 

[rlk]

Harman Swiss Driver

The lugs have an extra pivot position(semi-fixed) to stabilize it on the side of the wrist if desired.

 

[jamespowers]

Is this one that is worn on the side of the wrist? I can't tell from the picture. [huh]

 

[rlk]

Is this one that is worn on the side of the wrist? I can't tell from the picture. [huh]

Its on the side in the picture, but if you release the lugs(from the fully rotated locking position) so they pivot freely it sits fine in the regular position.

 

[rlk]

Illinois

C. 1928 2 watchbands included.

 

[jamespowers]

C. 1928 2 watchbands included.

Now there is one heck of a rare watch in excellent condition. You find them every now and again but not in such good shape. Keep that one around for a while. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[rjenkins]

Pocket watches

These are a few examples from my Father's collection. They were sold on ebay some years ago.

A 'Walker' (1867?):

A 'Hebdomas' with open escapement:

And a Waltham:

I have photos of a few more, but this post is already rather long & I don't want to take too much space unless there is definite interest.

 

[jamespowers]

I have photos of a few more, but this post is already rather long & I don't want to take too much space unless there is definite interest.

There is definite interest. I love the old key wind/key sets. Your father had some nice pieces in his collection. :eusa_clap

 

[Cigar Dave]

Currently my vintage watches are Hamilton "Lester", 2 Hamilton "Kirby" and a Hamilton "Sutton".

 

[Cigar Dave]