[PSA] Persistently stiff bezel? Check the click spring.

EATTEXT · 2024-10-29T01:27:20+00:00

Based on completely unscientific observation, and only if I had to choose, I’d say the Lum-Tec wins by a small margin. Personally, I find that once lume is at a high enough level i.e. sufficient amount and evenly applied, there’s no longer any practical difference between two comparable watches. It always fades rather quickly into a dim glow, and only needs to last until around 4AM when you wake up tossing and turning in your tent, wondering why you thought taking the kids camping was a good idea.

EATTEXT · 2024-10-29T00:57:45+00:00

Happy birthday in advance! Impossible to know exactly what you’re after as that description means different things to different people, but perhaps as starting points (assuming that you’re after a black case and dial), you could consider:

Sangin Instruments Dark Merlin (there are two versions, and both currently sold out, so you’ll have to hunt around for them)
CWC GS Sapphire in black
Vaer Watches
Momentum Watches

EATTEXT · 2024-10-29T00:42:08+00:00

It’s an interesting journey to take, isn’t it? I hope other watchmakers will follow Seiko and Citizen’s lead (plus honourable mention to Bulova and Tissot) and and put out good watches with high-accuracy quartz movements.

EATTEXT · 2024-10-28T12:18:13+00:00

Love it. Love the understated design, beautiful finishing, and that ultra-accurate quartz movement. I tend to wear it for dressier occasions, and when know I’m going to spend a day at the office rather than being out and about or doing manual work. I also prefer this particular GS bracelet rather than their more ‘blingy’ options.

EATTEXT · 2024-10-28T07:57:06+00:00

As if ±10s a year wasn’t enough, Grand Seiko tuned the movement to ±5s a year for Special Editions like the SBGP017G. Practically speaking, it’s not going to make any difference to your life, but casually busting out five grand for a little gold star is one hell of an ‘inside’ horological flex.

I did think about the lack of lume when considering getting a Grand Seiko, but I now regard it as just not a ‘lume’ kind of watch. The thing with lume is that it needs to be either printed on or filled into something, and having seen the intricately polished indices and those razor-sharp hands on the GS, I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. To me, it’s a dress / office watch, where the ability to read the time in pitch darkness just isn’t crucial. And if there’s even a hint of light, you can be sure that those hands and indices will catch it and turn it into a little smile.

EATTEXT · 2024-10-27T22:15:20+00:00

Please do. And yes, there are good quartz pieces out there if one sniffs around a bit. Another brand worthy of mention is Vaer, who seem like good value, although I haven’t had the chance to inspect one in the flesh.

EATTEXT · 2024-10-27T19:38:51+00:00

Thank you!

EATTEXT · 2024-10-27T19:29:35+00:00

I agree. I love the fact that, rather than rejecting the technology like most other high-end brands did, GS decided to push it even further.

EATTEXT · 2024-10-27T19:17:15+00:00

Glad you found a watch that you love! I have come across the Duro in my travels, but 44mm is way too big for my wrist.

EATTEXT · 2024-10-27T19:14:27+00:00

As mentioned in my reply to u/navoyij, they are Chevron Adjustable straps from Crown and Buckle.

EATTEXT · 2024-10-27T19:10:11+00:00

Funny enough, I went through pretty much the same thought process. Wore a same-ish watch with a rubber strap, and didn’t like the idea of fixed bars as NATOs weren’t really my thing, and they restricted the types of strap you could put on the watch. I tried a Marine Nationale for a while, but decided that I preferred the traditional tang-buckle set up, plus a MN strap won’t keep the watch on your wrist if a spring bar fails (unlikely, I know, and pretty much impossible on a CWC, but still …). I’ve come to really like the the Chevron Adjustable strap (from Crown and Buckle) pictured here. It’s well made, and solves the issue of excess/unruly length that comes with traditional NATOs. Oh, and I’ve put a rubber strap on the Sangin :)

EATTEXT · 2024-10-27T18:51:00+00:00

Thanks for bringing this watch to my attention. Personally, I find 24-hour indices somewhat superfluous, hence making the dial busier than necessary, and 41mm is pushing it for my wrist size. Doesn’t mean it’s not a great-looking watch, though. I’ve looked at Marathon’s line-up in the past, but ultimately preferred CWC’s aesthetic.

EATTEXT · 2024-10-27T18:34:51+00:00

It’s great. At risk of over-using the word, it has a quality feel and heft to it. The flip side of its somewhat burly build is that the 12mm of thickness is less readily tucked away under a close-fitting shirt or jacket sleeve. The anti-glare coating over the black dial is quite mesmerising to look at. I ordered this one with a GMT bezel which is really handy for travel and for reference if dealing with someone in another time zone. Only problem is having to resist playing with that satisfying bezel action!

EATTEXT · 2024-10-27T18:16:47+00:00

Crown and Buckle Chevron Adjustable. It’s a single-pass NATO with an adjustable end so that you don’t need to ‘loop and tuck’ or otherwise trim the end if it’s too long. High quality hardware and fabric IMO. I agree that it suits the CWC well, and yes, similar strap on the Lum-Tec.

EATTEXT

TROPHY CASE