Recommend me a watch

flanzer

Right folks I'm in the market for a watch. Something in the €300-€400 category. Currently have a Seiko Arctura (not chrono) and has never given me an ounce of trouble but am looking at getting a chrono watch, something with lots of clocks on the face!! Has to be a leather/rubber strap, metal ones are too heavy for my liking. I had this Raymond Weil W1 a number of years back, while a beautiful looking watch, gave me constant trouble

I have my eye on something like this, but like the look of some of the Russian chronos. What are they like? Are the movements like their Lada cars?

Looking forward to seeing some recommendations with that budget!


EDIT: Here's one of the Russian watches I was talking about
http://www.poljot24.de/en/pd-1986357293.htm?categoryId=1

peasant

flanzer wrote: »

like the look of some of the Russian chronos. What are they like? Are the movements like their Lada cars?

The variants of the Pljot 3133 movement that can be found in chronos in that price range are reported to be reliable, sturdy and reasonably accurate. They are all handwinds though, not auto.

as for choice ...knock yourself out:

http://www.poljot24.de/en/pi1305878045.htm?categoryId=1

examples you might like:

peasant

Here's something a bit left of field ...a love it or hate it kind of affair.

It's massive (47 mm) and by some obscure Russian designer (but with quality Poljot movement). Started off at 600 or so Euro but isn't selling that well ...now price offers are invited at 300.

I kinda like it ...but I'm still not convinced 47 mm is for me ...thought I'd throw it out there anyway ...it's certainly unique



http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Chronograph-UMNYASHOV-NIGHTHAWK-POLJOT-31681-47mm-/250763868111?pt=DE_Kleidung_Schmuck_Accessoires_Uhren_Armbanduhren&hash=item3a62b0f7cf

Anjobe

I've had a Poljot Aviator chronograph for a few years now (one of the "Fortis" ones that they're not allowed to make anymore!). The P3133 movement has not given any trouble and keeps good time, just loses a couple of seconds a day. As peasant mentioned it is hand wound rather than auto, but that does mean you can see the movement better through the glass case back as its not obscured by a winding rotor!

I should mention that there is no quick set on the date though, which is a pain if I don't wear it and forget to keep it wound.

flanzer

So it looks like I'm being steered towards our Russian friends then!

I found an interview with the maker of these watches and I must say, I'm impressed with his enthusiasm and knowledge:
http://www.russianwatchguide.com/poljot24-interview.htm

The only thing that has me slightly swayed slightly towards a Seiko, is the Japanese ethos that it will go forever...kind of like their cars!

EDIT: How would these compare to the Getat watches? I know they don't do a chrono option, but they look like a smart watch none the less
http://www.siswatch727.com/index.do

peasant

flanzer wrote: »

So it looks like I'm being steered towards our Russian friends then!

For the simple reason that for a mechanical chrono (apart from some Chinese products with dubious "german" names) going Russian is about your only option in your price range

flanzer wrote: »

The only thing that has me slightly swayed slightly towards a Seiko, is the Japanese ethos that it will go forever...kind of like their cars!

Ah well now ...a Russian Sturmanskie was the first watch in space and a Russian Strela chrono was the first watch on a spacewalk ...that's a bit more impressive than a Corolla, really


For more choice in russian chronos also look at this shop:
http://stores.ebay.ie/Juri-Levenberg/CHRONOGRAPHS-/_i.html?rt=nc&_fsub=1762498&_sid=18903076&_sticky=1&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14&_sop=2&_sc=1
(But keep in mind that "PILOT" is yer man's own brand and not to be confused with Poljot)