Post pics of your watches ***Please NO QUOTING PHOTOS***

Wibbs

Wibbs wrote: »

It isn't a link so sadly I can't. ecoli3136 if you get a www link post it but put a space between the W's and I'll fix it for you.

Ah - I couldn't work out how to find the picture on imgur but thanks a mill.

Here is what I am wearing today. I really love the SBDX001/MM300 without reservation, except for it's bracket, which looks pretty good but overall does the watch no favours in terms of fit and comfort.

I love wearing it on an insurance, for comfort, but I really don't like the gap between the strap and the lugs. The watch looks kind of "perched" on your wrist with this strap.

Having tried dozens of options, I found the Seiko OEM strap from the BFK diver was the best option for the watch. Looked great and very comfortable. The reasons it looks so well on the MM300 are, I think, it's notched and tapered (MM300 has 20mm lugs and a straight strap can look too narow) and it fills the lug space well (I personally hate a big gap between strap and lugs).

The only criticisms I had had were that the buckle was a bit cheap feeling - in fairness the strap costs a bit 30 yoyos - and the strap picks up dust in its crevices and was hard to clean. But I wore it on this strap for a few years.

Until this came along, made by Crafter Blue. They make a range of straps for various popular Seiko divers. They are also great to deal with. Some of theiir first release of the MM300 strap had an issue and they replaced each and everyone no questions asked, for free. A great example of how to generate customer loyalty from a potentially difficult scenario.

I really like the way this strap integrates with the lugs, and allows you to mount the MM300 clasp. It's very comfortable and the taper suits the watches well. It really does highlight the very handsome lugs of this watch.

Wibbs

Been trying out a bit of regulation for accuracy over the weekend.



The Borgel on the left needs more professional work than I can muster. Defo needs a clean, the Longines in the middle is OK at under 30 seconds per day, would also benefit from a service, the Wagner on the right is COSC chronometer accurate. The Glashutte Urofa movement is also crazily free moving in the balance. With no wind at all on it, the barest movement at all will set it off ticking for a ten seconds or so. Which makes it a pain for installing hands. If you breathe funny the fecker starts ticking.

This is it last night against a quartz after being set on Wednesday and wound once every morning.


Been working on the Wagner for a few weeks now. Have three such RLM watches I've picked up down the years, two Wagners and a NILA(rarely see those) got a better handset from one and a better dial and an original caseback gasket. The dials are dated on the back, all from 1942, printed by some crowd called W+B.

blindsider

Fab watches, Wibbs! Especially like the Longines!

[Envy OFF]

Wibbs

blindsider wrote: »

Fab watches, Wibbs! Especially like the Longines!

[Envy OFF]

Thanks B, oldest watch I have from 1912. Got it in Italy. Given watches back then and many well into the 40's didn't have shock protection it's amazing they survived and still running. The Wagner, issued to German paratroopers doesn't have shock protection. Talk about confidence in their parachutes. Then again German navy issued watches weren't waterproof so...

njburke

Today's choice, a Bulova snorkel high frequency quartz. The second hand sweep is at 16 steps per second, not enough to fool the eye into thinking it's in continuous motion like a movie projector. It seems very accurate on watch check, battery has lasted a year so far.

Wibbs

Wibbs wrote: »

the Wagner on the right is COSC chronometer accurate.

Just now I thought I'd have a look against interwebs atomic time and that...

Apologies for the crappy phone pic.



It's only a second out and actually so is the quartz I set it by on Wednesday, so that was out already, so it's still true to that, and I've been wearing it since. A basic enough 15 jewel 77 years old movement :eek: Vorsprung durch Technik indeed.

As good an indicator as anything for you vintage guys and gals out there when you read ebay or dealers tell you; "old watch so within five minutes per day is acceptable". Eh... nope.

ecoli3136

ecoli3136 wrote: »

Here is what I am wearing today. I really love the SBDX001/MM300 without reservation, except for it's bracket, which looks pretty good but overall does the watch no favours in terms of fit and comfort.

Thanks for showing my pic Mr Wibbs. edit: for some reason this one showed up for me without you waving your magic wand? I hope I havn't broken something.


Anyway here is what I have on today. Seiko 015 Tuna. My Summer and general beater. It's a quartz so it's pretty much always good to go and it's not the kind of watch you'd worry about picking up a scratch or three - although despite my abusing it since I had it, it is without a mark to date.

The watch is a good example of how important specific dimensions are in terms of how big a watch may wear. This is 48mm wide across the dial does not look or feel like that, especially on the strap versus the bracelet. I really like smaller watches, or at least smaller relative to modern sizes. I don't mind 42/44mm in a divers watch but I prefer around 40mm and ideally a little less in a dressier watch. The very short lugs work here to reduce the overall perception of the size on the wrist.

It has some great work on the finishes. The shroud is brushed really nicely. The outer-bezel is not brushed but dull steel and the ring around the bezel insert has a high polish finish that will catch the light really nicely and give a very subtle highlight effect. The short lugs are polished, which works well with the bracelet (mix of polish/brushed finish), albeit I rarely wear it on bracelet (too heavy for an activity/beater watch and too blingy for my taste). The hex nuts that secure the shroud are also polished. A lot of thought went into all these little elements, which are subtle, but the work really shows.

I also really like the mineral crystal. The dome is perfectly proportioned for the dial/bezel/shroud dimensions.

The bezel is an absolute delight to use. Just the right amount of resistance, silky smooth. The crown is also really solid.

Lume is absolutely great, as you would expect from a decent Seiko diver. The seconds hand fulfils ISO requirements by looming it on the back end.

The strap is an upgrade. It's still Seiko, but Silicone, comes with one of the 1000m Tunas, incredibly pliable and comfortable, really fits to your wrist but retains its shape perfectly. This one is almost 4 years old and has been worn in the sea regularly. Not a sign of wear on it.


This has the Quartz 7c46 movement, rated for =/- 15 seconds per month. It's not thermo-compensated and would not therefore rate as a HAQ ('high accuracy quartz) but it's incredibly robust and I find mine will easily hold to specifications off my wrist, and achieves even better accuracy if I wear it continuously.

micks_address

Re pics - i use a site called tinypic.com - it allows you to upload from your phone etc - you might have to enter one of those capta things.. when uploaded it gives you a number of link - like a direct http link to the picture - but also an image link for use in forums etc.. i always use this link and paste it in here and pictures show up well.. saves storage of pictures on boards and the headaches of getting picture to big etc..

just a tip for anyone who might find it useful.. apologies if everyone knows how to do this already

unkel

Love the Tuna, ecoli3136

A blue Tuna quartz SBBN037 is still top of my wish list, but I have developed feelings for an Explorer 1 214270 too even though it's not even blue :eek:

Blanchy90

Went for my vintage vostok today, last night I swapped the bezel, strap and reset the hands

funkyouup

Finally popped on new hands on my Komandirskie. Is it normal for the second hand to just slide into place?

It almost feels like it will fall out even though its had a good shake test.

Wibbs

funkyouup wrote: »

Is it normal for the second hand to just slide into place?

It almost feels like it will fall out even though its had a good shake test.

Been there F and yeah some do just pop into place and stay there.

Recurve360

Finally got my hands on my new Orient Bambino today. I must say for €150 its a solid little automatic and looks even better than the pictures can show. I love the domed crystal on it! Thoughts?

Ruraldweller56

Looks the part from here.

micks_address

Aqua Terra on martu navy leather.. feels great but the colour is a little towards purple. Bought the Omega buckle separately.

unkel

Her craftsmanship is excellent and we can't complain about the prices or her customer service. But colour wise she seems a bit off now and then. Remember my tan strap? She sent a replacement free of charge, but it was still quite dark brown and nowhere near the tan coloured one I ordered from her website.

micks_address

unkel wrote: »

Her craftsmanship is excellent and we can't complain about the prices or her customer service. But colour wise she seems a bit off now and then. Remember my tan strap? She sent a replacement free of charge, but it was still quite dark brown and nowhere near the tan coloured one I ordered from her website.

Thanks yeah I've already put it back on bracelet. I emailed her before order and she said it would be a close match. I might email her and see what she thinks.. I'd really like it a closer match to the dial. I sent a picture of the watch to her

Eoin

micks_address wrote: »

Aqua Terra on martu navy leather.. feels great but the colour is a little towards purple

If your photos are true to life, I'd be a bit put out by that - that is not navy. I'm sure that the nature of the work means that colours will vary, but that looks way off.

micks_address

Eoin wrote: »

If your photos are true to life, I'd be a bit put out by that - that is not navy. I'm sure that the nature of the work means that colours will vary, but that looks way off.

Yeah i won't be keeping it. I've dropped her an email. The quality and smell is amazing though

I got this to for my steinhart ocean vintage gmt which I'd say will be almost perfect

micks_address

I might just bite the bullet and order an Omega strap but it's 500 dollars I'd rather not spend.. I've no issues with the bracelet so maybe I should just sit tight with it

Eoin

I don't think I'd ever spent that kind of money on an OEM strap. I am certain that most brands just outsource it to the likes of Hirsch and add a whopping margin. They charge nearly 200 quid for a nylon NATO which I think is sheer lunacy.

micks_address

Eoin wrote: »

I don't think I'd ever spent that kind of money on an OEM strap. I am certain that most brands just outsource it to the likes of Hirsch and add a whopping margin. They charge nearly 200 quid for a nylon NATO which I think is sheer lunacy.

If Hirsch do a 19mm might check that out

unkel

Eoin wrote: »

I don't think I'd ever spent that kind of money on an OEM strap. I am certain that most brands just outsource it to the likes of Hirsch and add a whopping margin. They charge nearly 200 quid for a nylon NATO which I think is sheer lunacy.

+1

Original Isofrane rubber straps (so not even OEM for most watches, some are) are USD180

My ideal one was in as new condition on eBay for many weeks from an Irish seller in Cork for EUR81 + EUR10 shipping. I couldn't even go that far. The seller eventually relented and let it go to me for EUR81 with free shipping. Going rate for the common black ones in the USA are starting at USD80 (on watch forums, much higher on eBay)

An OEM rubber for Omega is made by Isofrane, always was. And it would cost USD500 alright. And vintage damaged patina ones go for way more than that again. Sorry this almost sounds like a rant

micks_address

unkel wrote: »

+1

Original Isofrane rubber straps (so not even OEM for most watches, some are) are USD180

My ideal one was in as new condition on eBay for many weeks from an Irish seller in Cork for EUR81 + EUR10 shipping. I couldn't even go that far. The seller eventually relented and let it go to me for EUR81 with free shipping. Going rate for the common black ones in the USA are starting at USD80 (on watch forums, much higher on eBay)

An OEM rubber for Omega is made by Isofrane, always was. And it would cost USD500 alright. And vintage damaged patina ones go for way more than that again. Sorry this almost sounds like a rant

This looks nice...

https://www.hirschstraps.com/collections/19mm-width-straps/products/hirsch-earl-genuine-alligator-watch-strap-in-blue?variant=21787964702803

I'll check out isofrane.
Thanks,
Mick

Eoin

Still too rich for me! This could be worth a punt:
https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/collections/blue-watch-straps/products/iwc-style-alligator-watch-strap-blue

more here
https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/collections/blue-watch-straps/19mm

micks_address

Eoin wrote: »

Still too rich for me! This could be worth a punt:
https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/collections/blue-watch-straps/products/iwc-style-alligator-watch-strap-blue

more here
https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/collections/blue-watch-straps/19mm

Thanks,
This looks ok


https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/davenport-watch-strap-in-blue?variant=48417557199&currency=USD&utm_source=shopping-ads&utm_medium=google-pla&utm_campaign=pla-strap&gclid=Cj0KEQjw8-LnBRCyxtfMl-Cbu48BEiQA6eUMGrUVbIqNkreJ9fkL7YQNLbkH5FEob4BtmpTCk7zwICUaAtkd8P8HAQ

Isofrane don't do 19mm...

micks_address

micks_address wrote: »

Thanks,
This looks ok


https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/davenport-watch-strap-in-blue?variant=48417557199&currency=USD&utm_source=shopping-ads&utm_medium=google-pla&utm_campaign=pla-strap&gclid=Cj0KEQjw8-LnBRCyxtfMl-Cbu48BEiQA6eUMGrUVbIqNkreJ9fkL7YQNLbkH5FEob4BtmpTCk7zwICUaAtkd8P8HAQ

Isofrane don't do 19mm...

I wonder what logines alligator straps are like?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Longines-19mm-x-18mm-Blue-Alligator-Leather-Watch-Band-Strap-L682113401/192896167983

Seems right size are least

micks_address

I like isofrane a lot for divers. I probably wouldn't wear them on anything else but that's just me.

I still have a 20mm and I've also had the 22mm which I used to wear on a Seiko Shogun before I sold that watch. The 20mm is great with my Seiko SBDX001 MM300. It's amazing how it holds thathefty watch head on the wrist so well, despite the fact that the 20mm lugs on that watch are borderline too small for it when worn on rubber/silicone.

These would be the new isofranes. They are expensive but I think they are worth it on the wrist. That said, they don't suit all watches. First, they are obviously quite chunky, that's the look. Secondly, they are straight-line straps, no taper. The proportions don't suit every watch head. Thirdly, you can't use fat spring bars with them as they distort the strap slightly.

Something to be aware of however, the black ones have the wonderful suppleness and comfort that you're looking for. I've also owned navy and green and I let them go - they are noticeably less supple (but still very soft). The black one will form to your wrist out of the box, and retain its shape off your wrist. It's a really quality strap. The other colours I have had don't form to your wrist quite as well. You need to wear them a lot snugger or tolerate a loose strap. The beauty of the isofane is supposed to be that it can be worn to a comfortable fit and still mold/form to your wrist.

If you had never owned a black one you would probably be happy with the other products. But if you experienced the black one first you'd be very disappointed. Something to do with the dye/dye process they are using to get the other colours they are using perhaps?

micks_address wrote: »

Aqua Terra on martu navy leather.. feels great but the colour is a little towards purple. Bought the Omega buckle separately.

That looks like great work. I really like the way it fills the lug space (no notable gap between watch and strap). The style of the strap is also perfect for dressing the watch down ever so slightly. Lovely casual look, but still very versatile.



I do agree that the colour is off however based on your pictures.

Well wear on the watch again - quality.

Blanchy90

OmegaGene

That’s a purple strap no doubt about it, I even thought that from the original pic that was posted a few days back
893bet has a nice strap on his aqua terra you could try

Thirdfox

Here's a speedmaster professional you don't see often

After the full service it got it's running pretty well - 30 seconds off atomic time after around a year.

micks_address

OmegaGene wrote: »

That’s a purple strap no doubt about it, I even thought that from the original pic that was posted a few days back
893bet has a nice strap on his aqua terra you could try

Yep thats why i emailed her the watch before ordering.. even the one i got is slightly different colour to what was on the website.. she's refunding me so no harm done..

anyone have a view on the logines aligator strap? its cheaper than the hirsch.. and i have the omega buckle.. maybe i should should forget it as im enjoying the watch on the bracelet

Mitch Buchannon

micks_address wrote: »

I might just bite the bullet and order an Omega strap but it's 500 dollars I'd rather not spend.. I've no issues with the bracelet so maybe I should just sit tight with it

$500 is very expensive. Does that include the deployant buckle ? Sure today I collected a new Omega strap for my Planet Ocean and it cost £185 without the tang buckle. I used the buckle from my old Planet Ocean strap.
I got an Omega deployant buckle on TZ-UK a few years ago for significantly less than the new price. Maybe get a cheap runner strap now and put up a WTB on TZ-UK for the deployant amd once you have that maybe buy the OEM rubber strap.

micks_address

Mitch Buchannon wrote: »

$500 is very expensive. Does that include the deployant buckle ? Sure today I collected a new Omega strap for my Planet Ocean and it cost £185 without the tang buckle. I used the buckle from my old Planet Ocean strap.
I got an Omega deployant buckle on TZ-UK a few years ago for significantly less than the new price. Maybe get a cheap runner strap now and put up a WTB on TZ-UK for the deployant amd once you have that maybe buy the OEM rubber strap.

Where did you buy the omega strap? The straps seem about 250is and another 250 for the deployant.. keep in mind its dollars so bit less

Mitch Buchannon

micks_address wrote: »

Where did you buy the omega strap? The straps seem about 250is and another 250 for the deployant.. keep in mind its dollars so bit less

Mercer’s in Enniskillen. I have bought a number of watches from them. They are very helpful.
+44 28 6632 2119

Edit to add: there was a thread on TZ-UK recently about the price of omega straps possibly going up. I ordered this on the 26 April but only collected it today.

893bet

Mitch Buchannon wrote: »

$500 is very expensive. Does that include the deployant buckle ? Sure today I collected a new Omega strap for my Planet Ocean and it cost £185 without the tang buckle. I used the buckle from my old Planet Ocean strap.
I got an Omega deployant buckle on TZ-UK a few years ago for significantly less than the new price. Maybe get a cheap runner strap now and put up a WTB on TZ-UK for the deployant amd once you have that maybe buy the OEM rubber strap.

I picked up deployant and strap second hand but new for around 200. Will get you part numbers when get a chance.

Patience!

Deployants come up regular for around 120 sterling on TZ.

Funny enough a skyfall appeared the other day on TZ asking 2.8 sterling.

https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?451414-FS-Omega-Seamaster-Aqua-Terra-Blue-Skyfall-38-5-(2015)-B-amp-P

micks_address

893bet wrote: »

I picked up deployant and strap second hand but new for around 200. Will get you part numbers when get a chance.

Patience!

Deployants come up regular for around 120 sterling on TZ.

Funny enough a skyfall appeared the other day on TZ asking 2.8 sterling.

https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?451414-FS-Omega-Seamaster-Aqua-Terra-Blue-Skyfall-38-5-(2015)-B-amp-P

Yes seems to be appreciating in value... I don't know if I'll ever part with it... Famous last words

Eoin

micks_address wrote: »

anyone have a view on the logines aligator strap? its cheaper than the hirsch.. and i have the omega buckle.. maybe i should should forget it as im enjoying the watch on the bracelet

Again, I think you are paying an unnecessary premium to have a branded strap (from a different brand to your own watch). Unless Longines straps are known for being particularly good, I wouldn't bother. And I know that some of their bracelets are nothing to write home about anyway.

I'd just spend a bit of time looking into strap makers, rather than watchmakers.

OmegaGene

Eoin wrote: »

Again, I think you are paying an unnecessary premium to have a branded strap (from a different brand to your own watch). Unless Longines straps are known for being particularly good, I wouldn't bother. And I know that some of their bracelets are nothing to write home about anyway.

I'd just spend a bit of time looking into strap makers, rather than watchmakers.

Good point about the longines strap it’s dead money
I always go with hirsch myself

893bet

micks_address wrote: »

Yes seems to be appreciating in value... I don't know if I'll ever part with it... Famous last words

Overall market has risen a bit so all boats have risen I guess.

Don’t spend 500 notes on a strap!

I think I paid 90 for my omega branded 19mm blue strap.

There are always omega deployants on TZ.

Thirdfox

Thirdfox wrote: »

Here's a speedmaster professional you don't see often

After the full service it got it's running pretty well - 30 seconds off atomic time after around a year.

Biiiiiiig digital fan here. I love that.

micks_address

OmegaGene wrote: »

Good point about the longines strap it’s dead money
I always go with hirsch myself

if you look at the pictures of the hirsch and logines straps they are almost identical... not saying they are the same.. im in no panic anway as its not like im stuck for a strap!

Apologies if ive derailed the thread a bit with all the strap posts

OmegaGene

micks_address wrote: »

if you look at the pictures of the hirsch and logines straps they are almost identical... not saying they are the same.. im in no panic anway as its not like im stuck for a strap!

Apologies if ive derailed the thread a bit with all the strap posts

Hirsch make straps for plenty of companies like longines but a hirsch one can be picked up cheaper if you take your time and shop around, no rush with a strap it’s perfect on the bracelet

micks_address

micks_address wrote: »

Yep thats why i emailed her the watch before ordering.. even the one i got is slightly different colour to what was on the website.. she's refunding me so no harm done..

anyone have a view on the logines aligator strap? its cheaper than the hirsch.. and i have the omega buckle.. maybe i should should forget it as im enjoying the watch on the bracelet

For me, that watch is always going to look and feel best on the bracelet.


The only reason I'd look to get a leather strap for it would be to dress it up, but it is already so versatile that you don't even 'need' to do that - a watch like that is good to go for all occasions up to and including black tie if you worry about such things.

Also, I think the watch is too chunky to sit well on a slimline dressy strap, so I myself wouldn't be bothered with anything but the bracelet.


But if you are going down the road of fitting a strap to it (and why not) I really liked the style of the one you ordered but are returning - if that had been as expected in terms of the colour I think it would have been perfect.


The other colour I would put it with would be a dark brown. I think that would look great with the dial.



But it's going to look great on almost any colour (would probably avoid purple :pac:)

Omega Planet Ocean 2500 42mm for me today. I've never been crazy about the second crown but there are so many good points to this watch it's not a big deal.

micks_address

So different to my Omega.. in the drawer all week, pop it on the wrist and give it some light and it's back to life...

893bet

micks_address wrote: »

If Hirsch do a might check that out

Suggest the below part number strap from Omega (second hand....buying new would be a lot of €€€).

Strap CWZ003833
Depolyant- 94521613 (there are a few more numbers aswell from Omega. I might even have an extra one I will sell as I have a feeling a bought an extra one at some stage.)

893bet

I have tried to get one curved fitted lugs with no success.

Looks great on blue NATO’s also!

For the first time in too long I wore my Omega AT 2500 today. This was my first decent watch and I do occasionally regret going down the rabbit hole afterwards, as there's not doubt this is versatile enough for every occasion and would see you out nicely.

Something I really like about Omega is their continuity of design. This one is badged as a Seamaster and you can see in this pic and the one of my Planet Ocean above a similar approach to the case/lugs. The profiling of the case goes right back to the '60s and is very evident in vintage Omegas of that era and right through to the 8500 today (albeit the 8500 are noticeably thicker to accommodate the new movements).



edit: I think my lens was a bit smudged - I might replace the pic if I get a chance later.

Always Tired

micks_address wrote: »

Yep thats why i emailed her the watch before ordering.. even the one i got is slightly different colour to what was on the website.. she's refunding me so no harm done..

Fwiw I think the colour looks great, adds a nice pop of colour. if it matched the dial totally it would look very samey-samey. It's not navy but it's a deep warm purple which actually looks more natural than navy leather tends to. But I tend to like unexpected colour straps on dress watches because it makes them a bit less stuffy whereas some people prefer a more classic/conservative.