automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

[jscottyk]

The Marathon GSAR is another consideration.



Based on ETA 2824-A2 movement and about $700.

[chasea]

Umm. For 55 bones this little looker is pretty hard to beat.

Timex Weekender Watch Collection | Selectism.com

So simple and good lookin' I may have to throw down on one. And I don't wear watches.

[Rhys]

Always wanted one of these.

[Jason Musgrave]

Any idea if the leadtime on the paradives is accurate (currently at 7 weeks)? I know people waited quite a while for some of his watches.

My understanding that the customs took/take forever to get (not currently offered). The Swiss built units seem to be fairly accurate on lead time - no worse than the Ambrosio Nemesis' we just got anyway...

[Jason Musgrave]

TimeZone: Sales Corner: FS: MKII Paradive Type 1, Day/Date

[cody.wms]

Musgravecycles - thanks for the update on leadtimes. I saw that Paradive on Watchuseek earlier. Wish it was listed about two months from now. I've got some other stuff that has to be taken care of before I can acquire a new timepiece.

So, I'm not sure what people consider "budget" in this thread - I will say that I'm drawn to the stowa offerings (stowa.de) for sub 1K offerings, and customized Seikos at around $500. This guy (Home - D.O.T. WATCHWORKS CUSTOM WATCHES) uses parts from 10watches.com, which he either owns or is closely affiliated with, to make some neat stuff.

[xjoex]

I blame this site for creating a monster. I was totally happy with my Movado, but then a timepiece thread started...
Which had a MKII in it.
Next a link to watchuseek was posted.

Now I need to save for a seamaster, mkii or a bali hai. So I am selling all my watches to save for one of the above.

So if anyone needs a Wenger Classic Field Watch, PM me.... the Wenger found a new home.

-Joe

[Jason Musgrave]

welcome to the lunch table...

[Eric Estlund]

I'd much rather have a Seiko automatic than an Omega quartz. [/url]

That's interesting to me- the Omega quartz has variations of between -0.5 and +0.7 seconds per day, while the mechanicals are between -1/+11 seconds per day. It seems like the quartz, at least as far as a time measuring device and not a mechanical curio, is maybe the "better" bet.

For no other reason then it seems neat and solves all of my visual and functional quircks in one go I think I'll end up with one of those Marathon GSAR's, but my little ol Sector quartz seems to be keeping me pretty content in it's singular purpose of telling me what time it is.

I'll fully admit I am not a watch guy. I want one to do it's job and be virtually idiot proof for years at a go.

[Jason Musgrave]

no auto can touch a $9.99 quartz for accuracy.

The love affair is about having a small machine on your wrist that utilizing nothing but springs and gears manages to keep track of time. Guys (and gals) who are into auto's are usually into machine's dot period - lathe's, cars, etc, etc...

[WadePatton]

no auto can touch a $9.99 quartz for accuracy.

The love affair is about having a_small_machine on your wrist that's using nothing but springs and gears to keep track of time. Guys (and gals) who are into auto's are into machine's dot period - lathe's, cars, etc, etc...

very most excellent way of answering the inquiry. that is we.

also that is why 200 bucks is "budget" autowinder. for the purposes of the thread let's say 1000 or so for low-production watchmaker stuff and 300 for mass-produced items like the 7s26 and it's ilk.

also got tired of swapping batteries. imperfection is perfection.

[Ben]

short answer:

Grand Seiko/Professional Diver (top line-limited production)
7s26 is current "mid-line" full-sized with 21j _affordable_ dozens of variations.
Seiko 5/Sport is budget end with multiple dozen variations.

they're all automatic/self-winders or they don't count.

WP-
On my wrist at the moment is an SNK807. The face says Seiko 5; the movement says 7S26. So apparently they coexist in some models.

[jscottyk]

The love affair is about having a small machine on your wrist that utilizing nothing but springs and gears manages to keep track of time. Guys (and gals) who are into auto's are usually into machine's dot period - lathe's, cars, etc, etc...

Perfect description of why I love mechanical watches, et al. Perfect description.

[BestDeathEver]

For the money, it's hard to beat the beautiful automatic Swiss movement of a handmade Zeno. Zeno Watch Basel independent Swiss Watch Manufacturing, oversized wristwatches

[WadePatton]

WP-
On my wrist at the moment is an SNK807. The face says Seiko 5; the movement says 7S26. So apparently they coexist in some models.

i'm no expert, no sir. just a fan. i would have to read further. could be every one. so the case is all the price diff? surely not.

i used to be a svelte watch fan, but have really grown attached to these giant bomb-proof stainless tanks. otherwise i might have learned more about the 5's and those picture windows. gotta love the windows.

[Ben]

You can buy the SNK807 BNWT for $70 shipped on eBay all day. I happen to quite like the web band, but if it's not your cup of tea, replace it with a leather band and you've got a great looking watch for less than a lot of folks here spend on a tire.

[WadePatton]

aha! see the crown position? maybe the 3 oclock position is one action and the 3:45 is the 7s26. also the 21j. most 5's i've seen had 3:00 crowns and 23j. but i never had one. they are _the_ bargain $-wise, but i can't brag on something i've not owned-put through the wrist-wringer. some are quite refined, while many are garish/fashiony.






sure i love the looks of a good band, pretty much all but metal (whoa, found some metal i don't like). BUT i so much prefer the deployant clasp and the minute adjustments it allows. i just measured-3mm. so i get 1/4" of adjustment once strap is cut, or +/- 1/8". i can't stand over-tight and you don't want the big dog flopping around. the strap holes (for buckle pins) are about 4.5mm apart.

[WadePatton]

show us your bands/bracelets!

[Jason Musgrave]

fairly good deal on a tool watch:

FS: MKII Blackwater - The Military Watch Resource - Community Fora

[Eric Estlund]

[QUOTE=musgravecycles;319009who are into auto's are usually into machine's dot period - lathe's, cars, etc, etc...[/QUOTE]

If only I didn't have to plug in my lathe!

I get it- and I can appreciate enjoying an object for what it is.