Timepieces

[burgess1108]

1994 Explorer II (40mm)
2009 DateJust (36mm)
2018 Submariner Date (40mm)

I like that Explorer, but congrats on picking up that Sub.

[NYCfixie]

I like that Explorer, but congrats on picking up that Sub.

Thanks.

I have owned the Explorer II since new and it's a keeper. It was my only watch and daily wear from 1994-2009. A lot of parts were replaced in 2017 so it looks almost new.

I was on three different wait lists for the SubDate. It took some time, was available much quicker than I expected, and is a very early present for a significant birthday.

The DateJust also purchased new is good for fitting under a suit or tux for more formal occasions. My father and uncles all have similar ones but with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet (it's a generational difference).

At some point, they will all be given/gifted/left to nephews (nieces are getting my wife's jewelry)

[Jonathan]

Alright watch nerds. Sapphire crystals...worth the upgrade? And exactly how much more do you need to spend?

I'm looking to get a quartz (preferably solar powered) watch with a simple aestetic, and not a lot of money. Currently this is my top pic, but I'll swap out the band for something grey or black. This is about ~$120 (give or take) watch...how much are you looking at to get into sapphire?

I own this and have for a bunch of years. It was on my wrist for every frame I built. It’s beat to hell and keeps near perfect time.

[Jonathan]

This was a gift from a friend. She found it used but in excellent condition.

[72gmc]

^^^ I like that!

[dgaddis]

I own this and have for a bunch of years. It was on my wrist for every frame I built. It’s beat to hell and keeps near perfect time.

Well, just ordered one! I almost ordered a very similar Seiko instead, I like the looks of it just a tiny, tiny, tiny bit better, both can be currently had for under $90, but the recent reviews on Amazon are not good, looks like they had a bad batch or something, and it's no longer on the Seiko website. The Citizen gets universally great reviews, and folks seem to wear them for 10+ years. It's not a sapphire crystal, but, for $90 shipped, I think it's a fair deal.

[Jonathan]

Well, just ordered one! I almost ordered a very similar Seiko instead, I like the looks of it just a tiny, tiny, tiny bit better, both can be currently had for under $90, but the recent reviews on Amazon are not good, looks like they had a bad batch or something, and it's no longer on the Seiko website. The Citizen gets universally great reviews, and folks seem to wear them for 10+ years. It's not a sapphire crystal, but, for $90 shipped, I think it's a fair deal.

I just dug it out. It had stopped because it’s been in a drawer for months. A few minutes next to the window and it’s running again. This is the 6th or 7th strap. Leather nato.

[NYCfixie]

This Casio DW5035D-1B 35th Anniversary G-Shock showed up yesterday. It's based on the original 1983 version.

I have only worn metal watches with bracelets for the past 30ish years so this is a nice change; it wears well. Apparently the nicer g-shocks have straps that are more "supple" due to the higher quality "resins" used. This model was made in Japan and includes a metal screw-in back as well as a metal case (covered by resin) for the "digital" movement.

[dgaddis]

Well, just ordered one! I almost ordered a very similar Seiko instead, I like the looks of it just a tiny, tiny, tiny bit better, both can be currently had for under $90, but the recent reviews on Amazon are not good, looks like they had a bad batch or something, and it's no longer on the Seiko website. The Citizen gets universally great reviews, and folks seem to wear them for 10+ years. It's not a sapphire crystal, but, for $90 shipped, I think it's a fair deal.

UPDATE. Had to reorder this watch...the place I originally ordered from (JomaShop), it was out of stock. They e-mailed me and said 4-6 weeks. Okay. Today, they e-mailed me again and said 8-12 weeks. So I canceled the order and ordered it from Amazon, supposed to be here Wednesday.

[dgaddis]

Got it. Swapped the bad for a green NATO strap. Dig it.

[j44ke]

That's a nice looking watch. I really like these Citizen Eco-Drives. My diver needs a new battery once every 3-4 years, but otherwise I don't have to do anything to it except reset the date.

[72gmc]

I agree--that's a good looking Citizen.

[rcunnane]

Decided to get this to scratch the diver itch and continue to save for a while.

IMG_1412.jpg


Seiko SKX007j - Black nato from Crown and Buckle

[Jason Musgrave]

Those SKX's are one hellova gateway drug...

It's a real world-beater of a watch and can take a beating. Mod with a Murphy bezel and Sapphire (or however you like - there are literally thousands of parts for them) and it'll go toe-toe with ~$1k watches.

[Jonathan]

The are some really great Instagram accounts of SKX mods. You can get as many fathoms deep as you want, cover the planet or ocean. The world is your oyster.

[dashDustin]

one of these days i'm gonna get around get replacing the bezel on my SKX. really don't like the polished look. or maybe it's just the chunky serrations. i don't know. regardless, it's distracting. to me.

[choke]

I don't think I've ever shown my modded SKX here. It was done by Bill Yao when he first started out. The case was bead blasted and the crystal is sapphire. I added the PVD bezel later (from Jack at IWW). It's on the left in the pic...

[Jason Musgrave]

one of these days i'm gonna get around get replacing the bezel on my SKX. really don't like the polished look. or maybe it's just the chunky serrations. i don't know. regardless, it's distracting. to me.

If you decide you want a Murphy bezel drop me a note. I ordered a couple extras last time and will gladly pass one along at cost without the 6-8 month wait. ;-)

[dashDustin]

Can you post a picture? That’s the one I like, but it’s hard to get a feel for the size from the picture on their website.

If you decide you want a Murphy bezel drop me a note. I ordered a couple extras last time and will gladly pass one along at cost without the 6-8 month wait. ;-)

[NYCfixie]

I worry I started on step 4 and might be going backwards (or jumping ahead to step 9).