Watches [Archive] - M4Carbine.net Forums

M4arc

09-20-06, 20:38

Jon - I have one of these and I really like it: http://www.timex.com/bin/detail.tmx?item=753048134830

It gives me all the great digital features plus the analog display all in one. It's tough as nails and can be found on ebay or Target for around $60. My buddy works at a tri/running store so he hooked me up with one for cost. If you're intersted let me know and I'll see if I can snag another one.

K.L. Davis

09-20-06, 21:13

Let us know some more about what you are looking for? Analog, digital, both? Water resistance rating? Case material? Look?

A few people know that I took up making handmade watches (a long time passion of mine), but what I do is more highend stuff... the cheapest watch I have ever made (ss case, mineral crystal, ETA quartz movement) was still nearly two bills, and my newest field watch (Model Four!) is more than that.

But, I do have many, many watches in my personal collection and have worn several different models in what most would agree is pretty harsh environment... give me an idea of what you are looking for and I am sure I can make a few suggestions.

ETA my sales mark: "Your watch tells you what time it is... it tells everyone else who you are"

Jon G23

09-20-06, 21:26

I am leaning towards a G-shock type heavy duty work watch. Analog and digital both would be cool. I could live with one or the other though.

I am thinking of the "to $150" maximum range.

Let us know some more about what you are looking for? Analog, digital, both? Water resistance rating? Case material? Look?

A few people know that I took up making handmade watches (a long time passion of mine), but what I do is more highend stuff... the cheapest watch I have ever made (ss case, mineral crystal, ETA quartz movement) was still nearly two bills, and my newest field watch (Model Four!) is more than that.

But, I do have many, many watches in my personal collection and have worn several different models in what most would agree is pretty harsh environment... give me an idea of what you are looking for and I am sure I can make a few suggestions.

ETA my sales mark: "Your watch tells you what time it is... it tells everyone else who you are"

K.L. Davis

09-20-06, 21:46

I am leaning towards a G-shock type heavy duty work watch. Analog and digital both would be cool. I could live with one or the other though.

I am thinking of the "to $150" maximum range.
One real good watch is the Casio AW80, it offers analog and digital, chrono, date, world time, count down, phone/number memory and all of that. It comes is black, green and brown and costs about 20 bucks, decent water resistance and very durable.

The thing about it is that it is an analog that does NOT have a second hand, I recommend these actually to a lot of guys that I train, as analog second hands are the cause of "missing minute" mistakes -- under stress, a person that is marking 01 minute, 30 second with an analog stop watch, can often execute at exactly 02 minute, 30 second... due to time compression and not watching the steady track of the second hand. Simply, you look away for what you think was 10 seconds, but it was 40 or 50, and you miss one full sweep of the second hand.

Search for AW80V on eBay, this watch is not really that popular in the US, but I have seen them at the local WalMart before. You can get one of each color for less than a 100 bucks (the green is very sharp looking), the band is big and will fit over a glove cuff or dry suit if needed, and if you break it... no big loss.

ETA: If you want the Mac Daddy of G-Shocks, google GIEZ GS-1000J-1AJF, my personal favorite "G" -- Hard to get in the US and about 100 bucks more than your target, but maybe the best watch available, period.

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/3449/001mm4.jpg

rob_s

09-21-06, 05:36

C4IGrant

09-21-06, 08:41

C4IGrant

09-21-06, 08:44

A man should wear two forms of jewlry, a watch and a wedding rings. With that said, I have always liked the Omega brand so several years ago I bought a SeaMaster and absolutely love it!

C4

Aubrey

09-21-06, 11:28

Interesting/informative horoology links:

the Military Watch Resource (http://broadarrow.net/)

G-Peopleland (http://www.g-peopleland.com/)

Chronomaster (http://www.chronomaster.co.uk/)

Bill Yao's MkII Watches (http://www.mkiiwatches.com/)

Harry Tan's Watching Horology (http://harrytan.sg/per)

RLT Forums Picture Library (http://www.horology.info/pic_library/)

Mojo58

09-21-06, 11:38

My favorite watch right now is my Citizen 300 Meter Pro Diver. It's a tad pricey for what you're looking for but I love the second hand and it's built like a tank. About as big as one too. http://www.citizenwatch.com/COC/English/detail.asp?Country=COC&Language=English&ModelNumber=BJ8050-08E

It's eco-drive so you never need a battery. My slimmer watch is a TAG Heuer 1000 Pro (no longer made) but it's been good to me for the past 16 years.

For less expensive watches (under $100), I've found the G-Shoks and the Arnettes to be the ticket. I also like but don't own the Timex models.

DrMark

09-21-06, 12:30

My slimmer watch is a TAG Heuer 1000 Pro (no longer made) but it's been good to me for the past 16 years.

I've been wearing one of those TAGs since my wife gave it to me 14+ years ago.

However, over the past couple of weeks, I've started wearing a couple of other watches sometimes. One is an Omega SeaMaster (from the 1960s) that I inherited from my dad. The other is an even older gold Omega automatic that I inherited from my dad and he had inherited from his dad.

Timex and Casio make great watches (especially for hard work and play) but these watches I typically wear have sentimental value.

Voodoochild

09-21-06, 12:33

A man should wear two forms of jewlry, a watch and a wedding rings. With that said, I have always liked the Omega brand so several years ago I bought a SeaMaster and absolutely love it!

C4

I believe that the Omega brand would break the 150 dollar budget he has set. But yes they are nice watches and are the brand of 007.

dubb-1

09-21-06, 12:38

Both of my Eco-Drives went back to the factory after they went TU. Diagnosis...Compressor failure...for both! Not a happy camper, am I.

Mojo58

09-21-06, 12:40

I believe that the Omega brand would break the 150 dollar budget he has set. But yes they are nice watches and are the brand of 007.

I picked up an Omega knockoff that is so well done that I'm constantly getting compliments about it. I have to tell them it's a fake but I like wearing it and not worrying about scratching it. Now the genuine Omega would be very nice. I love the "Seamaster" model. I had a Timex Ironman back in the '80s that I dragged through basic and it held up well but it was no longer aesthetically attractive -- lots of scars:D .

Wow! Thanks for the heads up on the Eco-Drives. I'll have to keep an eye on it. Did Citizen warranty them?

Voodoochild

09-21-06, 13:38

How about this one.

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6919/gw1600tdj8ajfaak1.jpg

Policetacteam

09-21-06, 14:44

Hardgear, LLC

09-21-06, 22:19

I gotta go with the Luminox. I've had a couple and they all work great. No bells and whistles, it just tells time and holds up well. It's a little cliche now among the shooting community, but it's still a good product.

I've been wearing one every day for over 2 years. When (if) it croaks, I'll get another one.

Bomber

-Wes-

09-22-06, 01:22

My Seiko has been ticking away for 5 years now. It's seen two deployment cruises as an aircraft mechanic, poly and epoxy paint overspray, then thinner or citrus based solvents to clean it, the beach every summer, and the occasional lobster dive between 30-50 feet.

I've had to replace the band pins due to being bent while using my punching bag. One replacement battery, and I had to have the day hand re-mounted. I think that one was an act of God though. I was teasing my shopmates that I was flying off the boat in 10, 9, 8, days...every morning. So I woke up one morning and the day hand fell off! They never let me live that one down.

So in my opinion, Seiko is good to go.

dubb-1

09-22-06, 07:06

So in my opinion, Seiko is good to go.

Indeed. I have four Seiko Automatic Diver's watches.:D

Mojo58

09-22-06, 12:42

Yes, I forgot to mention Seiko. I had a Seiko that I purchased in 1982, the all titanium chronograph model, all black. I gave it to my father as a gift and he still wears it today. Seiko gets my nod.

cohiba

09-22-06, 18:23

Jon,

I have found the Victorinox Swiss Army watches to be very durable. Their classic line is about $150 although you can always find them for less. Victorinox USA is in Shelton, CT and once a year they would have a sale where the watches would be less than 1/2 price. Even at near 150, they are very good. Lots of malls have Victorinox stores, even Macys sells them.

cohiba

09-22-06, 18:25

A man should wear two forms of jewlry, a watch and a wedding rings.
C4

Ah, further proof we were separated at birth. ;)

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/breitling01.jpg

Wayne Dobbs

09-23-06, 00:59

Grant,

I'm in total agreement: a man should wear ONLY a watch and wedding ring. I start having some serious questions when I see a guy wearing "bling"...

Cohiba,

That's a gorgeous Breitling and wedding ring! Which model Breitling is it? And, given the good looks of the ring, I'd say there was a woman involved in the design and/or acquistion of same...

Wayne

Erick Gelhaus

09-23-06, 06:37

Started with a PX bought Seiko dive watch nearly 20 years ago. For work now, I alternate between a Luminox and Wegner. Away from work I go a little higher up the scale.

... and ... there is acceptable "jewelry" beyond watch and ring for men. POW-MIA / KIA bracelets are not nor will they ever be bling.

cohiba

09-23-06, 10:12

Wayne,

Thanks. The Breitling is a Navitimer but a variation that has been discontinued. 18kt bezel and band links. It was my wife's wedding gift to me three years ago. I haven't worn it out of the house yet. Big wimp I am.

I picked out the ring. 18kt yellow, green and rose gold. Not a ring guy so I made it count. Made by a local guy for a CT jewelry store chain. Very reasonable. I think it was less than $600. Ceratinly more reasonable than my wife's engagement ring. What the hell was I thinking? :eek:

Erick,

Speaking just for me, I would never even use the term jewelry for those bracelets. They are a sign of respect. Nor would I consider class rings from the military academies "bling" They are a sign of great accomplishment. There are other exceptions too. Excess jewelry to me would refer to pinky rings, gold bracelets the size of Abrams tracks and Mercedes Benz hood ornaments encrusted in diamonds. ;)

Wayne Dobbs

09-23-06, 13:24

Erick,

I wasn't including something like those POW/MIA bracelets. I would not consider that jewelry anymore than dog tags are a "necklace"....

Erick Gelhaus

09-23-06, 21:47

Likely I read into it something that weren't there. Early hour, insufficient caffine, "anniversary" week of three events. My apologies.

Erick

Wayne Dobbs

09-25-06, 07:48

Erick,

No problem, brother! Always enjoy your posts, both here and on 10-8. Take care and hope things even out for you.

Wayne

madryan

10-06-06, 12:02

I have a Titanium watch from the first run of Citizen Eco-drive watches. It's been bombproof for nearly 10 years.

I also have one of these and it's an awesome watch.

http://www.creativewatch.co.uk/calibre-2100-watch-av0031-59a-large.jpg

yasnevo

10-28-06, 19:05

Damit, why did you guys show me that metal body G-Shock? I swear, if I buy another friggin' watch my wife will shit.

Funny thing is...guns are okay... but, a watch sends her over the edge... go figure that one.

I like the Suunto watches... but, they don't have the sweep hands like what you want. I also like Rolex's and Breitlings which can explain my wife's phobia of me buying more watches :)

Y-

Kisara

11-09-06, 22:15

http://i13.tinypic.com/29p21s4.jpg

cohiba

11-09-06, 22:35

http://i13.tinypic.com/29p21s4.jpg

Ah, son of a bi%$h. I lust after that watch. The hottest thing going right now. Hopefully Santa is paying attention as I have left several, not-to-subtle hints. Awesome watch bro.

K.L. Davis

11-09-06, 22:51

I can not believe I brain farted this watch, I just took it off and realized may be what you are interested in. Sekio titanium case and band, 7T62 movement, alarm, chrono and a really clean look -- they were kinda hard to find in the US, my cost was under a hundred bucks on them though.

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/5007/dscn0192ob0.jpg

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/2933/dscn0193ep3.jpg

d00dz! i got mad camera skillz huh :/

JAYTEAM

11-12-06, 19:21

I gotta go with the Luminox. I've had a couple and they all work great. No bells and whistles, it just tells time and holds up well. It's a little cliche now among the shooting community, but it's still a good product.

I wear a Luminox Dress Field watch every day. I am very satisfied with it. I would recommend Luminox to anyone.

Jay

BSHNT2015

11-18-06, 11:43

All things considered, the Casio works fine and doesn't cost an arm & leg, they keep working.:)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/bshnt2015/IMG_1064.jpg

Mojo58

11-18-06, 15:43

All things considered, the Casio works fine and doesn't cost an arm & leg, they keep working.:)

Which model Casio is that and is it available in North America?

AR-15A3

11-18-06, 20:49

I've had good luck with Seiko-Pulsar which in my opinion a good value.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/Alpha-Romeo3/Hunting/ChronosportUDTSeaQuartzBreitlingwat.jpg
This was the longest watch that I used, Chronosport UDT made by Breitling in the mid 80s, it was the same as Rambo's watch he used in his movies.

mcgrubbs

11-19-06, 11:28

I know $1,200 is probably slightly above your listed price range...but WOW!! I think this thing is made from depleted uranium and some Abrahams M1 tank tread. http://mi.oakley.com/site/media/cache/447200ce419d4.png_0_0_0.jpg

I wore that watch for about ten minutes one afternoon before it was offered by Oakley. Two considerations here:

It is extremely heavy. As in grossly heavy.

It is very over-sized. It was so big, the Oakley rep could barely keep it on his wrist. I asked why he didn't remove some links and he stated that it was not a simple process. (?)

VA_Dinger

11-19-06, 12:45

Anybody own of the MaraTac AQC Compass Watches?

http://www.countycomm.com/compassmaratac.htm

I've been thinking about buying one for a month or so.

boatclyde

11-19-06, 13:22

I recently picked up a titainiun Bertucci to give my beat to hell S.S. Luminox a break. Light, looks old school, and just over a $100
The band is what sold me. it has grommeted adjustment holes that keep it tight when wet.

http://www.mhbertucci.com/

boatclyde

Cold Zero

12-03-06, 14:56

The Breitlings are very nice.

ISHOT

12-09-06, 21:56

Well, the original Q was posted almost 2 months ago but thot I'd chime in anyway...

I think we all have that one watch that can take the abuse, never have to change the batteries and doesn't break the bank. Changes are, it's a Casio G-Shock. You put it on and forget about it. One such watch I've had for eons and has literally seen hundreds of thousands of flight miles into 3rd world countries is the Frogman:

http://www.princetonwatches.com/shop/GW200TC-2V.asp

Hard to come by but I've never had to worry about batteries 'cos these run on solar. Military tuff and diver friendly.

Sam

12-10-06, 15:20

http://www.princetonwatches.com/shop/GW200TC-2V.asp

.

Appeared that the watch is discontinued and out of stock at Princeton. BTW, I've bought from Princeton and they have excellent service.

ISHOT

12-10-06, 18:28

Hey Sam,

I have never done business with Princeton before but that is very good to know. They appear to have a very decent collection.

At one time, Frogmen were not available in the US, only in Asia and Europe. I've always had one version or another throughout the years, going back to the early 90s when I was working as a Dive Master. I always keep one as an 'entry level' watch for basic grunt work and training. Hate to see an Omega, Panerai, IWC, etc beat-up 'cos maintenance at the dealer is pretty hefty. Had to 'refurbish' a beat-up Speedmaster once and ended up with sticker shock.

Jarhead0331

12-14-06, 18:42

I like my Seiko Dive watch, that I got about 14 years ago. The one I got does not have to be wound and no battery. It is self-winding.

dwenslen

12-20-06, 21:55

I just picked up another g shock as a beater from sears for $59. it is unique that it has an alarm function that is silent and vibrates, which is nice if you use the alarm and sleep in a watch, but don't want to wake up the wife when you get up at 0 dark hundred.
i think it is the model 7500.
cheers,
Derek