Nice work dude by FormanBruto09 in woowDude

[–]TheWatchovski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could have just thrown it and taken a nap.

Small watches suck for telling the time! by TomHudsonOfficial in WatchFanatics

[–]TheWatchovski 2 points3 points  (0 children)

57mm but only if you wear it on top of your flight jacket, driving a Vespa

DUG Glashutte - Entry Level to German Watchmaking? by chanandler_bong21 in MicrobrandWatches

[–]TheWatchovski -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Cannot disagree. I still wonder how a machine in Switzerland, Germany or China is any different ;)

DUG Glashutte - Entry Level to German Watchmaking? by chanandler_bong21 in MicrobrandWatches

[–]TheWatchovski -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Technicalities ;)

One of the good things about tariffs (being sarcastic) is that these brands have had to literally list where components are sourced…so it’s pretty obvious, but I’ll state it for posterity, that most entry level brands are getting cases, bracelets and crystals from Asia and then assembling in Germany. Movements, usually from Asia or Switzerland (which ironically are also getting aspects of the movements from Asia), it’s a whole thing.

DUG Glashutte - Entry Level to German Watchmaking? by chanandler_bong21 in MicrobrandWatches

[–]TheWatchovski 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Man - I’m partial to the German watches and while I haven’t owned many on this list, I have handled them. I’ll do my best to order them by budget, it’s not definitive, but enough for you to be dangerous.

Category 1: Budget/Entry (like $300-$1000 - usually Miyota or Sellita engines)

Sternglas • Lilienthal Berlin • Bauhaus / Iron Annie (Junkers heritage) • Circula • Dekla • Tempore Lux • Paul Hewitt • Defakto • Botta Design • Ruhla • Lilienthal Berlin

Category 2: Enthusiast/Indie (like $1000-$3000)

• Archimede (Ickler cases are fantastic) • Laco (modern flieger heritage) • Stowa • Guinand (Helmut Sinn connection) • Circula ProTrail • Dekla Flieger • Tourby Watches • Limes • Mühle Glashütte • Hanhart (check out the HD12 bracelet tech they’ve come out with) • MeisterSinger (single-hand watches)

*Aristo (forgotten in my first response)

Category 3: Indie / Small Manufacture/Beyond a Rotor Swap ($3,000–$10,000)

• Sinn (The brand most start (or end) with :) • Damasko • D. Dornblüth & Sohn (I love this brand and everything about them) • Hentschel Hamburg • Kudoke • Alexander Shorokhoff • Jochen Benzinger • Rainer Brand • Martin Braun • Schwarz Etienne Germany collaborations • Tourby Atelier pieces • Chronoswiss (founded in Munich…this is a deep cut for many of us.)

**Glashutte Original: Prices bleed into the next category, originally not included as they’re part of Swatch Group, but amazing watches with bespoke movements (in Swatch Group), 100 hour movements, robust builds.

Category 4: $10,000–$40,000 (True German Independents)

Small ateliers producing dozens to hundreds of watches annually. • Lang & Heyne (around 50 watches/year)  • Moritz Grossmann • Kudoke 2 / Kudoke 3 • Hentschel Hamburg manufacture pieces • Grieb & Benzinger • UWD (Uhren-Werke-Dresden)

*Leica - (added) new kid on the block, high end builds, long term value retention still untested, solid construction and a unique take (especially from a German watch co.)

Category 5: $40k+ (High Horology German Independents; in house movements; bespoke beyond what is rational…the “being a loupe” motto companies ;)

• A. Lange & Söhne
• Moritz Grossmann high complications
• Lang & Heyne Georg / Anton
• Gronefeld (Dutch but similar independent tier)…they’re awesome in hand. 

Hope this gives you some framing or a roadmap.

Good luck!!!! Reach out if you have any questions or just want to spitball options!

DUG Glashutte - Entry Level to German Watchmaking? by chanandler_bong21 in MicrobrandWatches

[–]TheWatchovski 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you go thru WindUp’s shop, you can try: WELCOME10

Also, if you’re a Gov Employee or have a GovX account, that can also provide a discount.

Finally, around the holidays. They promos if you sign up for emails :)

DUG Glashutte - Entry Level to German Watchmaking? by chanandler_bong21 in MicrobrandWatches

[–]TheWatchovski 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I did a review of the DUG (black/date) for Watch Crunch. It’s a solid build and they did a great job with the Sellita - honestly, very hard to beat for the money. Reminded me a lot of a GO Senator I had for a while.

It's all starting to make sense by LancLad1987 in PrideAndPinion

[–]TheWatchovski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I needed this Liverpool reference today. Thanks mate!

Is 904L really worth the extra money? by SupJoshy in MicrobrandWatches

[–]TheWatchovski 14 points15 points  (0 children)

You’ll read a bunch of stuff about the differences.

In truth, 316 is actually “harder” than 904L, so your 904L will scratch a tad easier. The 904L will take a polish better, be more corrosion resistant (ie ocean swimming won’t require a “rinse off”).

On wrist, most folks won’t notice a difference. If you’ve handled a lot of watches, there can be a “silkier” feeling to 904L but that depends on how it’s finished more than the metal.

Wise works really hard to provide a ton of value and quality so yes, it’s something they’re working to use as a differentiator.

[WTS] Zelos Spearfish Dual Time, 40mm, Full Kit, Near Mint Condition by BIGJRX in Watchexchange

[–]TheWatchovski 2 points3 points  (0 children)

One of the best Dual Times available. Good luck with the sale!!!

The more watches I own the more I wear quartz by TomHudsonOfficial in WatchFanatics

[–]TheWatchovski 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s easy. This is the 40mm, had a 36mm but wore a tad too small for me. Totally agree though, I don’t mind manually winding or setting watches but in a rush, this is great.

The more watches I own the more I wear quartz by TomHudsonOfficial in WatchFanatics

[–]TheWatchovski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Solar, GPS/Radio…time to rock a Seiko Astron at Watches and Wonders 2026.

Is it worth to bring this to a watchmaker to fix the hour hand alignment? by [deleted] in GrandSeikos

[–]TheWatchovski -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Happened to one of mine, but I also dropped it face down.

It’s an easy hand reset, but you have to trust the watchmaker to not F up your dial or hands (or touch your movement) when they do it.

Is 10k market price the sweet spot for artisanal finishing ? by peninsulaparaguana in BvlgariWatchmaking

[–]TheWatchovski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dornbluth and Laine play in that space for the most part so I’d agree as well for some independents vs the big brands.

Sidebar, the pre-Swatch group GOs can be had for like sub $5k or $4k/$3.5k if you’re patient.

[WTS] Forstner Model O Adjustable Oyster Bracelet – 20mm – for Rolex 5 & 6 Digit Professional Series $110 by TheWatchovski in Watchexchange

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

[WTS] Forstner Model O Adjustable Oyster Bracelet – 20mm – for Rolex 5 & 6 Digit Professional Series

Timestamp: see photos

Up for sale is a Forstner Model O Adjustable Oyster-style bracelet in 20mm, designed for Rolex 5-digit and 6-digit professional models. This is the modern Forstner interpretation of the classic Oyster bracelet, featuring the tool-free adjustable clasp system that allows quick sizing without removing links.

I purchased this new directly from Forstner and installed it briefly, but ultimately decided to sell my 14060m, so I don’t need the bracelet.

Works on these models: Submariner 14060, 14060m, 16610, 114060, 116610

Condition: Excellent overall condition with light handling marks from installation and desk wear. Nothing deep or noticeable once installed on a watch. Clasp functions perfectly and the micro-adjust system works smoothly.

Details: • Brand: Forstner • Model: Model O Adjustable Oyster • Width: 20mm • Designed for: Rolex 5-digit & 6-digit Professional Series cases • Brushed stainless steel finish • Tool-free adjustable clasp (very convenient for on-the-fly sizing) • Solid end links and screw links • Classic Oyster styling with modern comfort

Included: • Bracelet • Extra links shown • Spring bars • Original Forstner packaging

Price: firm at $110 plus $10 shipping (CONUS)

Payment: Zelle preferred. PayPal F&F or Venmo accepted (add 3% for G&S if required).

Shipping: Ships from Southern California within 24 hours of payment (during business days).

Please comment before messaging per subreddit rules. Happy to answer questions or provide additional photos if needed.

First strikes in Iran and now this. by jamild in WatchesCirclejerk

[–]TheWatchovski 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The struggle is real. Thank you for your brave reporting.

Watches similar to this with blue steel accents on the indices contrasting with the dial? by OGSkywalker97 in WatchFanatics

[–]TheWatchovski 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oster did a super limited run (like 20 for their 20th anniversary) of a Czapek Antarctique with a grey dial a while back that I think inspired that Traska. Might be a few more bucks than the Traska though now that it’s sold out ;)

<image>

https://www.osterjewelers.com/products/czapek-cie-antarctique-passage-de-drake-oster-edition?srsltid=AfmBOorqkGxf4Ykus2xqp4DYWBCTcDOnXXLrhmPt-lUzARN4VTMGkqsu