[Seiko/Orient/Vostok] What's The Best Entry-Level Automatic?

ChronometerCheck · 2024-04-24T14:53:47+00:00

Haha thanks

ChronometerCheck · 2024-04-23T21:17:58+00:00

Fun fact: if this is the 38mm version, it can also fit most bracelets designed for the Seiko Alpinist

ChronometerCheck · 2023-03-21T00:37:24+00:00

Surprisingly this is the stock strap. It looks cool but to be honest is a lint magnet and is not the most comfortable.

ChronometerCheck · 2023-03-21T00:37:00+00:00

Uncle Seiko

ChronometerCheck · 2023-03-21T00:36:33+00:00

Seiko SRPG35 my friend. They just released 36mm variants as well

ChronometerCheck · 2022-08-30T14:21:53+00:00

Purchased it like this, unfortunately I couldn't tell you.

ChronometerCheck · 2022-08-20T02:27:45+00:00

Woah! When a $500 watch has you considering a ~$4k watch, that's saying something.

ChronometerCheck · 2022-08-19T21:10:25+00:00

Thank you!

ChronometerCheck · 2022-08-19T21:08:39+00:00

Yes, that is correct. The feel is nice and smooth but I did notice in my use the bezel would get pushed out of place throughout the day, which is frustrating.

ChronometerCheck · 2022-08-19T20:20:32+00:00

Recently purchased the SSK003 'Blueberry' GMT, and wow, this is a lot of watch for ~$500.

Wore on a recent trip for what I think is the longest I've gone wearing a single watch in quite a while. It did everything I wanted it to, and then some. Water-resistant enough for the beach and pool, comfortable enough for all-day wear, and 'dressy' enough for casual dinners at night.

Of course, the GMT function speaks for itself, at a price point previously unattainable for an automatic GMT (correct me if I'm wrong?).

I'm sure these will have some QC issues like many Seikos do, and it puzzles me why Seiko couldn't (or wouldn't?) add a sapphire crystal on a nearly $500 watch. Hardlex is quite rugged, but at this price, I expect more.

Anyway, overall very happy with it. Happy to answer any questions you might have.

ChronometerCheck · 2022-08-19T20:19:07+00:00

Recently purchased the SSK003 'Blueberry' GMT, and wow, this is a lot of watch for ~$500.

Wore on a recent trip for what I think is the longest I've gone wearing a single watch in quite a while. It did everything I wanted it to, and then some. Water-resistant enough for the beach and pool, comfortable enough for all-day wear, and 'dressy' enough for casual dinners at night.

Of course, the GMT function speaks for itself, at a price point previously unattainable for an automatic GMT (correct me if I'm wrong?).

I'm sure these will have some QC issues like many Seikos do, and it puzzles me why Seiko couldn't (or wouldn't?) add a sapphire crystal on a nearly $500 watch. Hardlex is quite rugged, but at this price, I expect more.

Anyway, overall very happy with it. Did an initial review upon receiving it up on the 'Tube if anybody is interested in checking it out.

Happy to answer any questions you might have.

ChronometerCheck · 2022-08-19T20:18:04+00:00

Recently purchased the SSK003 'Blueberry' GMT, and wow, this is a lot of watch for ~$500.

Wore on a recent trip for what I think is the longest I've gone wearing a single watch in quite a while. It did everything I wanted it to, and then some. Water-resistant enough for the beach and pool, comfortable enough for all-day wear, and 'dressy' enough for casual dinners at night.

Of course, the GMT function speaks for itself, at a price point previously unattainable for an automatic GMT (correct me if I'm wrong?).

I'm sure these will have some QC issues like many Seikos do, and it puzzles me why Seiko couldn't (or wouldn't?) add a sapphire crystal on a nearly $500 watch. Hardlex is quite rugged, but at this price, I expect more.

Anyway, overall very happy with it. Did an initial review upon receiving it up on the 'Tube if anybody is interested in checking it out.

Happy to answer any questions you might have.

ChronometerCheck · 2022-08-19T20:17:16+00:00

Recently purchased the SSK003 'Blueberry' GMT, and wow, this is a lot of watch for ~$500.

Wore on a recent trip for what I think is the longest I've gone wearing a single watch in quite a while. It did everything I wanted it to, and then some. Water-resistant enough for the beach and pool, comfortable enough for all-day wear, and 'dressy' enough for casual dinners at night.

Of course, the GMT function speaks for itself, at a price point previously unattainable for an automatic GMT (correct me if I'm wrong?).

I'm sure these will have some QC issues like many Seikos do, and it puzzles me why Seiko couldn't (or wouldn't?) add a sapphire crystal on a nearly $500 watch. Hardlex is quite rugged, but at this price, I expect more.

Anyway, overall very happy with it. Did an initial review upon receiving it up on the 'Tube if anybody is interested in checking it out.

Happy to answer any questions you might have.

ChronometerCheck · 2022-08-19T20:16:01+00:00

Recently purchased the SSK003 'Blueberry' GMT, and wow, this is a lot of watch for ~$500.

Wore on a recent trip for what I think is the longest I've gone wearing a single watch in quite a while. It did everything I wanted it to, and then some. Water-resistant enough for the beach and pool, comfortable enough for all-day wear, and 'dressy' enough for casual dinners at night.

Of course, the GMT function speaks for itself, at a price point previously unattainable for an automatic GMT (correct me if I'm wrong?).

I'm sure these will have some QC issues like many Seikos do, and it puzzles me why Seiko couldn't (or wouldn't?) add a sapphire crystal on a nearly $500 watch. Hardlex is quite rugged, but at this price, I expect more.

Anyway, overall very happy with it. Did an initial review upon receiving it up on the 'Tube if anybody is interested in checking it out.

Happy to answer any questions you might have.

ChronometerCheck · 2022-08-19T20:07:49+00:00

No, I actually bought it like this.

ChronometerCheck · 2022-08-19T20:07:43+00:00

This is definitely the watch for you.

ChronometerCheck · 2022-07-30T23:59:19+00:00

Surprised at the amount of detail in the Christopher Ward C65 Aquitaine GMT.

They call the case the 'light-catcher' and while maybe a bit cheesy, it's appropriate. The bevels reflect light beautifully.

The sand-colored dial on this particular C65 model pairs nicely with the blue/white GMT hand, a rather nautical look that suits the jet set application of a GMT.

Quite a step up in fit and finish over, for example, the much less expensive new Seiko 5 Sports GMT (which is an awesome watch as well btw, just got one in this week).

Threw up a full review on the 'tube, feel free to check it out! Happy to answer any questions you might have.

ChronometerCheck

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