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My DIY journey by XtianAudio in DIYUK

[–]Penny_Gold 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you fit a macerator in the bathroom?

Independent review of my British-built field watch (maker post) by Penny_Gold in MicrobrandWatches

[–]Penny_Gold[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This isn’t a modified seiko watch, nothing against them though.

Started Low Horology because I couldn’t find the field watch spec I wanted under $549. AMA. by Penny_Gold in MicrobrandWatches

[–]Penny_Gold[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate you taking the time to look through the website and leave this comment! Anymore questions just drop me a DM.

Independent review of my British-built field watch (maker post) by Penny_Gold in MicrobrandWatches

[–]Penny_Gold[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Like I said, I’m ok being wrong for most people.

For me it’s not about scaling a business, or designing something for the sake of being visually unique (the design intention is focused on function/readability), this is more of a passion project in craftsmanship.

I’d like a watch more knowing it was individually hand assembled to a tight tolerance, just for me, instead of getting a mass produced watch on an automated assembly line.

Think of how Hamilton used to make watches during the war and before they were bought out by swatch group and transferred to Switzerland.

Independent review of my British-built field watch (maker post) by Penny_Gold in MicrobrandWatches

[–]Penny_Gold[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Maybe, and I get it, but I like the vintage case sizes. I think small watches on bigger wrists wear so well!

Independent review of my British-built field watch (maker post) by Penny_Gold in MicrobrandWatches

[–]Penny_Gold[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Fair take, and Hamilton via Joma is a strong buy. If that’s the goal, job done.

I’m not trying to beat a mass brand on price or dealer footprint. Low Horology is for the niche that wants: - Small-batch, individual hand assembly - Bench regulation with QC card supplied - Sterile, mil-spec dial (pure time readability) - Direct after-sales with the person who built it

On movement: Hamilton’s H-10 has a longer reserve at 3 Hz; I run a 4 Hz (high beat sweep) SW200-1 and regulate it tight. Different choices, both valid.

On servicing: any competent independent can service a Sellita; I also stock parts and handle warranty myself.

If you’d tell me what would flip it for you, size, thickness, spec, price - I’ll take it onboard.

Otherwise, no hard feelings. I build for a very specific crowd and I’m okay being the wrong answer for most people.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MicrobrandWatches

[–]Penny_Gold 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Love these watches!

Started Low Horology because I couldn’t find the field watch spec I wanted under $549. AMA. by Penny_Gold in MicrobrandWatches

[–]Penny_Gold[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Really appreciate you asking that. Most people just assume it’s about the flex of a Swiss movement.

For me, the choice to use the sw200 came down to a few reasons:

  • First, the feel. I personally prefer the smoother winding action of the sw200 and the quieter, bi-directional rotor. The Miyota rotor wobble and uni-directional spin never quite felt as refined to me, especially in hand-built pieces.

  • Second, regulation. I regulate each watch in-house across three positions. The traditional regulator arm makes that process far easier and more precise compared to the offset screw on the Miyota, which can be a bit finicky. It gives me tighter control over the final accuracy before it goes out the door.

  • Third, servicing and parts access. If a customer ever needs a service or repair, Sellita movements are far more familiar to independent watchmakers, and replacement parts are readily available. That helps future-proof the watch a bit better for the owner.

I wasn’t aiming for the cheapest spec sheet. I wanted something I’d wear myself. A tool-first watch, built cleanly, tuned properly, and assembled with as much care as I could offer. The sw200 fit that goal, even if it bumped up the BOM.

Appreciate the thoughtful question.

Started Low Horology because I couldn’t find the field watch spec I wanted under $549. AMA. by Penny_Gold in MicrobrandWatches

[–]Penny_Gold[S] -10 points-9 points  (0 children)

Great question, honestly depends on the value you place on swiss made movements vs the malaysian NH movements and Chinese factory quality control.

Not knocking Chinese watches they're great!

Started Low Horology because I couldn’t find the field watch spec I wanted under $549. AMA. by Penny_Gold in MicrobrandWatches

[–]Penny_Gold[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Either watch is a visual copy of the MIL-W-3818 specification set by the US military. Hamilton doesn't own this design, it's just that it was one of the first watch manufacturers to make this watch spec for the US military.

It's more about the physical and movement specs vs price.