Watches Other Than Oakley

[ItnStln]

Grand Seiko SBGR317

When I was scratching the surface of entering the space of timepieces a few years ago, one piece of advice I was given was to get a relatively basic pre-owned Grand Seiko like this. Past generation, not a higher end model in the brand, no Spring Drive, no intricacies with the dial or upfront draws, no retailer experience in buying brand new. I can make sense of what goes into that, but I don't know how that would've affected my other acquisitions, had I started with something like this watch first.


View attachment 1323194

Nice! I’ve only heard great things about Grand Seiko.

 

[Ventruck]

Tudor Black Bay 58

The lessons that came with this for me is bigger than the pickup. This replaces my 41mm Black Bay that had the Burgundy bezel/5-link/on-the-fly adjustable clasp/Master Chronometer certification.

At the time when both were in front of me as options, the value proposition for the 41mm was a way better package on paper, and I much prefer that clasp and bracelet over that found on this BB58. Arguably I downgraded in a variety of ways, and took a loss because of course these things depreciate. It's not a limited/high end luxury item in this space to warrant stronger value retention, let alone appreciation.

But I came to realize how much just color preference and the aesthetic of size here can outweigh those other aspects. Bottom line this is the (version of the) watch I'd rather wear. That was something I needed to put in time to see through, because otherwise the 41mm was functionally fine to wear comfortably, and I had to experience other watches along the way to understand where my tastes ultimately align (well, at least currently).

 

[stuss]

I have a Tudor Black Bay Ceramic - Black -79210CNU - 41mm ..
Used regularly, was very apprehensive about purchase as much as I liked the watch i was bothered regarding pvd finish..needn't have been concerned..

 

[Ventruck]

Picked up the adjustable OEM bracelet for my Sinn 104

Up until ~midway of last year, the 104 has lived on my wrist with a NATO strap as my everyday carry. This earlier stage of getting into this collection space came with the mentality of trying to find confidence in wearing a watch daily — would I hate it, would it get in the way, would it get ruined, would it be more fragile than I expected, etc. I skipped the bracelet because I figured the NATO strap would be more robust and versatile. My previous experience with cheaper bracelets was also so-so.

Fast forward to now, almost every watch I acquired afterwards has been on a bracelet, and I've worn my 104 less (borderline never) as I was trying new things. Decided to have this follow suit with having a bracelet so I can revisit the internal comparisons against the rest of my collection.

I've actually never really experienced having this case sit directly on my wrist apart from the initial try-on with the Alcantara strap that came with the watch. This wears smaller than I previously understood, and maybe of my more proper fits. The bracelet itself is perhaps the most comfortable of what I currently got. While on-the-fly adjustment is a bit cumbersome vs. other designs I've experienced, it's solid.

I've definitely been more into aesthetic intricacies of case shapes, but seeing this as a pure tool watch keeps it out of scrutiny. The countdown bezel is still my preferred format. The dial markers and needle hands are as practical as can be for visual clarity.

Maybe the only thing that wanes on me is the SW220-1 movement. Winding and setting have always felt rather crude, even against other watches I've had at similar/lesser value. Doesn't help that I heard the SW200 generally doesn't take well to hand winding either.
It takes away from the watch from actually being exceptional as a whole.

But that being said, this is likely always going to be one of my personal keepers.

 

[lloydrose]

I've been doing some watch building as of late. Buy parts off Ali Express and put them together. Here is one I built this past weekend

 

[stuss]

I've been doing some watch building as of late. Buy parts off Ali Express and put them together. Here is one I built this past weekend

View attachment 1332980

Not even gonna call that a Frankenwatch..it looks superb...

 

[lloydrose]

Thanks!

 

[stuss]

Thanks!

I have a factory seiko sports 5..
Yours looks better

 

[lloydrose]

Here is a fun dial I did. First time I used an NH36 movement.

 

[stuss]

Ladies (Mrs stuss) Tag

Tag Heuer Formula F1 Watch Ref WAH1312..