User Tag List

Page 2 of 23 FirstFirst 123456789101112 ... LastLast
Results 21 to 40 of 458

Thread: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

  1. #21
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    RVA
    Posts
    1,128
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    Is there a hierarchy of Seiko automatics? I've seen Grand Seikos, Seiko 5s, Automatics, 21 jewel, 23 jewel, yadda yadda. How do they all line up?


  2. #22
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Cannon County TN
    Posts
    5,700
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    Yes, there's a huge lineup, especially when vintage is included.

    As i recall the "5" is a mid-sized auto often equipped with transparent cover and goes for less than the full-sized auto- (stem at 3:45) currently using 7s26 actions. The Grand is top-of-the-block, lower production, etc. Best source of that info is the collector forums and sites. Those guys refer to most of the stuff by the action model number/name.

    Of course every extra hand on the face adds complexity and $ to the action.

    ...so i fixed the strap on my pepsi today...now i have two to rotate once again (and two bands about done).

    (wait, i heard richie say "own the thread". rummages around web and returns with:)

    Sport/5 (note crown @ 3 o'clock, and slightly smaller overall.)


    Sport/5 w/ picture window:




    )refer back in thread for 7s26 photos- that's the full-sized diver i brag about.(
    they go for ~200 street and 300 retail. the sport/5's are less.


    Here is (a version of) the Grand-most of which appear to be _not_ divers.





    Grand Seiko history: http://www.grand-seiko.com/features/design.html

    as a practical person it looks to me like you give up the day to get a spring tension indicator (and no self wind? whatupwitdat?). and at 7.500 we're way out of the "budget" category. i'd rather spend that sort of dough on domestic or euro-made. Here's an ebay sample (with good photos and free shipping) http://cgi.ebay.com/Grand-Seiko-Spri...item27bd016f7e
    Last edited by WadePatton; 07-30-2011 at 05:36 PM.






  3. #23
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Cannon County TN
    Posts
    5,700
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    also, the "le Grand" is a "sport/5" version or _budget_ model compared to the "Grand Seiko"

    the complexity and bps drives the value. bps/bpm determines accuracy, the more there are, the smoother the second hand sweeps the face. multiple dials/indicators complicate and drive collectors wild (grand complication yo).

    "jewels" are synthetic gemstone bushing/bearings. more is generally better as it reflects...again, the complexity/accuracy/durability of the innards.

    and that about exhausts what i remember about these watches-beyond the daily wear of one of two 7s26's for ~8 years.



    the mother of all 7s26 reviews: http://www.thepurists.com/watch/features/8ohms/7s26/

    (personal pics to come)

    get some.
    Last edited by WadePatton; 07-30-2011 at 05:56 PM.

  4. #24
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Cannon County TN
    Posts
    5,700
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    ...request to move...
    Last edited by WadePatton; 08-01-2011 at 01:23 PM.






  5. #25
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Cannon County TN
    Posts
    5,700
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    the top of the diver line: A concise history of Seiko Professional dive watches




    reference for all divers:
    Seiko Divers Reference





    Hey, where are the Citizen fans?

  6. #26
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    4,684
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    I had a citizen eco drive, that ended up giving to my dad. But the eco-drive is a great concept. A 20 year battery in a solar watch.



    The numbers on the bezel were to big for me, they kind of looked goofy.

    But Laura wears this diver from Citizen, she likes it but complains it weighs too much.



    -Joe

  7. #27
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Asheville, NC
    Posts
    3,462
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    Seiko divers rule. I think about the vintage 6306 [1979] that was passed on almost every day.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    laughter has no foreign accent.

  8. #28
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Kansas City, MO
    Posts
    692
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    Beautiful Seiko...admired it at the Baller's Ride.

  9. #29
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Asheville, NC
    Posts
    3,462
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    it couldn't have gone to a better man imho.

    On a similar note, if the seller had been a bit more reasonable, I'd have brought this one home last week.

    laughter has no foreign accent.

  10. #30
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Cannon County TN
    Posts
    5,700
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    Quote Originally Posted by musgravecycles View Post

    On a similar note, if the seller had been a bit more reasonable, I'd have brought this one home last week.

    what exactly is that? (i get lost in the seiko world, i know there are others)

    speaking of vintage. seems there are plenty of guys refurbishing with aftermarket faces/hands/bezels + polish and a strap. i just saw a lemon-face with a pepsi bezel! the horror!

  11. #31
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Asheville, NC
    Posts
    3,462
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    MKII Milsub homage.

    Bill Yao of MKII got his start producing parts for Seiko Diver mods. Nowadays he's only selling his own stuff (which is EXTREMELY hard to come by).

    Most folks in the know say his products are very under priced, though his pricing is going up up lately. His watches are all homages to famous military watches (benrus, Bund, Seamaster 300, Rolex Milsub, etc, etc). He has quite a following and I've been after one of these Milsub homages for quite some time. Some of his watches (like the Kingston which is a replica of the 'Bond Rolex') are already going for more used than new. There's also a new project in the works based on the Omega Seamaster 300 that should be fun. He's currently re-tooling everything so his site doesn't have much but here's the address:

    mkiiwatches.com

    Also lots of good info here:

    MK II

    P.S. This stuff isn't crazy $$$. Those Kingston's are going for about $1800. Some of the other stuff like MMTs and Sea Fighters can be had for ~$600
    laughter has no foreign accent.

  12. #32
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Cannon County TN
    Posts
    5,700
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    very cool---and exactly the sort of watch i'd pursue instead of spend big frn on a "Grand Seiko" or a "Professional Diver", if that time comes.

  13. #33
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Asheville, NC
    Posts
    3,462
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    Me too!

    Lots of his pieces in service in Iraq/Afganistan. Especially the Benrus homage - which was originally called the blackwater, then changed to MMT after certain events. Now there's an improved version called the paradive.
    laughter has no foreign accent.

  14. #34
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    DC
    Posts
    29,810
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    57 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    Quote Originally Posted by musgravecycles View Post
    Seiko divers rule. I think about the vintage 6306 [1979] that was passed on almost every day.
    Perpetual right of return bro. I swap that with my Omega. Love it but like I say if you Jones for the watch it's yours again NP I feel the same for an Speedmaster that I don't own!!!

    ***I'll move this thread W.P. Yep, I took a break. Focused on getting fast ;)
    Last edited by Too Tall; 08-01-2011 at 08:07 AM.

  15. #35
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Asheville, NC
    Posts
    3,462
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    Nah, it's yours till you pass it on to the next caretaker. I've gotta scratch this MKII itch before they get to expensive...
    laughter has no foreign accent.

  16. #36
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Alexandria, VA
    Posts
    1,393
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    Quote Originally Posted by musgravecycles View Post
    Especially the Benrus homage - which was originally called the blackwater, then changed to MMT after certain events. Now there's an improved version called the paradive.
    Any idea if the leadtime on the paradives is accurate (currently at 7 weeks)? I know people waited quite a while for some of his watches.

    But dollar for dollar, you can't beat a 6309/7002/7s26 watch.

  17. #37
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Cannon County TN
    Posts
    5,700
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    Quote Originally Posted by billrick View Post
    Is there a hierarchy of Seiko automatics? I've seen Grand Seikos, Seiko 5s, Automatics, 21 jewel, 23 jewel, yadda yadda. How do they all line up?

    short answer:

    Grand Seiko/Professional Diver (top line-limited production)
    7s26 is current "mid-line" full-sized with 21j _affordable_ dozens of variations.
    Seiko 5/Sport is budget end with multiple dozen variations.

    they're all automatic/self-winders or they don't count.

  18. #38
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Bentonville
    Posts
    1,940
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    3 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    I'm a Seiko-holic.

    Here's a 7s26 modified by Bill Yao. Will post a couple more later after I snap some pics.
    IMG_0356.jpg IMG_0355.jpg

  19. #39
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Bentonville
    Posts
    1,940
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    3 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    Couple of 6309's worked by Bob Thayer.

    refurbished
    IMG_1144.jpg

    modified
    IMG_1141.jpg

  20. #40
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Bentonville
    Posts
    1,940
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    3 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: automatic/mechanical watches on a budget.

    Quote Originally Posted by musgravecycles View Post
    Me too!

    Lots of his pieces in service in Iraq/Afganistan. Especially the Benrus homage - which was originally called the blackwater, then changed to MMT after certain events. Now there's an improved version called the paradive.
    I've got one of the Blackwaters from the first run. Awesome watch.

    The 7s26 of mine that he worked was one of his last Seiko modifications. I feel fortunate to have it.

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •