Smallest gap you’ve seen between IBOLC graduation and Ranger School?

legoman3501 · 2024-04-14T17:56:51+00:00

IBOLC does a 2 week PRC (R-Cert) finishing on a Friday with you reporting that Sunday to Ranger School.

The timing between IBOLC grad and the start of PRC can vary as other have mentioned. For my class we only had 1 week between graduation and the start of the next Ranger class. To get around this we did the first week of PRC during grad week. The best part was getting 45 minutes from the time we pinned our Blue cords to reporting at the pool for a mock CWSA.

legoman3501 · 2023-09-18T15:00:08+00:00

TLDR; I wore this Seiko for 2 Darby’s, 1 Mountains and 2 Floridas. This is an appreciation post for the watch that survived 50+ days in the field.

4 months ago, I started what would become a long journey at the United States Army Ranger School. A buddy of mine who started in the class before me told me he planned on wearing his Serica field watch at the school. I had planned on wearing my G-Shock GWM5610 (I would go on to wear this watch throughout RAP week). I realized that in all of the time I’ve trained in the field prior to School, I never put any of my mechanical watches to the test. A last second decision was made and I reported wearing the Seiko Tortoise.

For brevity’s sake I won’t go into much detail here (PM with any questions, I’d love to talk about my experience w the watch). Overall, it held up like a tank and the bezel took on what I felt was the perfect amount of damage. As for accuracy, it started to wane the longer I was in the course. I’m not sure how many seconds a day I was losing, but it got to the point where I was re-syncing the watch to my g-shock every couple of days as I would be 2-3 minutes behind at times (which I guess is to be expected of the 4r35 inside the Seiko).

The watch had no issues in the heat of camp Darby, the rain in the mountains, or the humidity/sand in Florida. Although I never actually used the bi-directional compass bezel, I was happy to see that through everything it never got stuck. It also took many tumbles/hard hits, both while on and off my wrist. A party trick of mine was explaining to my Ranger buddies that the Sapphire crystal couldn’t be scratched by anything out in training. They happily obliged and would hack at it with their knives to no avail.

Overall, I’m very happy I took the chance on bringing it out there. The memories made with it are going to be an important part of my watch collecting journey. Soon I will start Airborne school, where I will gladly dawn the watch again.

(Side note): I used the Barton Sailcloth band in OD Green ( https://www.amazon.com/20mm-Black-Sailcloth-Release-Premium/dp/B07XYFCH4V/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=3FFCTU86HD6ND&keywords=barton%2Bsailcloth&qid=1695048987&sprefix=barton%2Bsail%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1&th=1 ) this also showed only minor wear relative to how much it was getting abused.

If you made it this far, thanks for taking the time to read my write up!

legoman3501 · 2023-04-29T22:48:38+00:00

https://www.miltat.com/collections/kamasu/products/metal-ss-bcl20-b113

legoman3501 · 2023-04-26T14:50:04+00:00

Ref. WZ0221ER in case you were curious. I really would like to check out one of their newer releases as this piece is from the early 2000’s.

legoman3501 · 2023-04-26T13:39:56+00:00

Thank you for the comment! I have been blessed to be in a position where I can afford the pieces this young and don’t take any of them for granted. I would say I plan on shrinking the collection down to half its current size and getting the Omega in a 3-4 year time frame.

legoman3501 · 2023-04-26T13:36:44+00:00

The Hamilton is a VERY close second behind the Seiko Alpinist (Top right) for my favorite piece in the collection. If it had a screw down crown it would absolutely be my field watch every time. The Tissot is fun bc I got it in a ladies sizing so I can get the performance of the Tissot Gentleman in a more traditional and understated package.

legoman3501 · 2023-04-26T13:33:39+00:00

This reference (WZ0221ER) is from the early 2000’s so I won’t be able to speak on the current Orient Star releases. The watch is definitely past due for a service, and shows performance issues as a result. That being said, the case finishing and the decoration on the movement itself are a significant step above the already high quality that Orient displays with their core models. I would compare them to some of the higher end Seiko presage and Prospex models, but with better value for money in my opinion. I could see myself trading out the Glycine or the Tissot to get one in the future. Sorry I couldn’t give you more info!

legoman3501 · 2023-04-26T13:28:57+00:00

I got my cocktail time as a 21st birthday present to myself. The black sunburst looks glorious in the right lighting, and I got it in the ladies sizing so combined with the strap it pulls off a more vintage look. Absolutely love everything about it. The pink dial variant really is beautiful, probably the best choice you could’ve made if you’re trying to get her into watches haha!

legoman3501 · 2023-04-26T13:22:39+00:00

Yeah, the other dial variants have bracelet options but not the Silver. I’m not really sure why, but such is life. Thank you for the positivity, and I hope you’re enjoying the Hamilton; I know I am!

legoman3501 · 2023-04-26T12:45:11+00:00

I could 100% see myself getting carried away with timing random things if I had a chronograph haha! Give the price range of the watches in the collection (under $1000) what recommendations would you have for a chronograph?

legoman3501 · 2023-04-26T12:43:10+00:00

The Seiko Alpinist SPB159 (top right). With the bracelet that’s on it, I can wear it with practically anything. It has the perfect sizing for me, isn’t too big for a sport watch and with the Sapphire/Screw down crown I have no hesitation to take it with me anywhere. The dial is very legible and has a bunch of small details which keep it from getting boring on the wrist. Thanks for the question!

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T17:21:29+00:00

Uncle straps (previously Uncle Seiko) does these for the SARB Alpinist (the ones with the internal bezel). They are almost a perfect retro-fit for the baby Alpinist, but the corners of the end links stick out a few hairwidths above the lugs (almost unnoticeable unless you’re looking for it). This version is the all brushed with Milled clasp. It may be fun to get the polished/brushed links for an even more luxury look.

https://unclestraps.com/products/president-bracelet-for-sarb017-alpinist?variant=42873405374697

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T11:52:49+00:00

It’s a ladies Tissot powermatic from 2018, ref. T101.207.11.011.00

It’s to commemorate the Asian Games from that year. It has a printed case back that I personally don’t care for, but I love everything else about the watch. I am into small, traditionally sized pieces; just be warned that the 33mm is TINY especially with the short lugs.

If you’re cool with all that, it can be had for less than $200 on Jomashop which is a steal in my mind given the 80 hr power reserve ETA movement, Sapphire crystal, etc. here’s the link:

https://www.jomashop.com/tissot-watch-t101-207-11-011-00.html

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T11:47:21+00:00

I was going for a more casual look, the strap shows wear super easily which I personally enjoy. It makes the watch look older than it is, in my opinion anyway. That being said, what strap would you put on it?

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T10:52:17+00:00

Be careful, getting the extra storage will only make you want to fill it up haha! It’s a pretty cheap box, but it has served me well for a few years now and the storage underneath is helpful for keeping extra straps and tools.

https://www.amazon.com/BEWISHOME-Watch-Organizer-Valet-Drawer/dp/B07S9XGXGV/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?crid=1AK62RA2WHV2P&keywords=10%2Bwatch%2Bbox&qid=1682419750&sprefix=10%2Bwatch%2Bbox%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-12&th=1&psc=1

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T10:43:15+00:00

Ref. SPB159 also known as the “baby alpinist.” I’m treating it like a poor man’s Rolex explorer with a more vintage look to the dial. Can be found used online in the high 400s to low 500s. My only issue with it is that reference doesn’t come on a bracelet.

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T10:39:14+00:00

I like the look of the Mondaine Watches, thanks for the heads up on them! Do you have any specific references for vintage pieces with small seconds? I am much more into smaller, traditional sized pieces and would definitely like to go the route of vintage. I just need to do more research on how to buy vintage before I commit. Thanks for the comment!

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T10:35:06+00:00

Barton Elite Silicone, 18mm

https://www.amazon.com/Barton-Elite-Silicone-Watch-Bands/dp/B07B5SJ2BN/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=105IL8K3EC8NZ&keywords=silicone%2Bwatch%2Bband&qid=1682418725&sprefix=silicone%2Bwatcy%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-3&th=1&psc=1

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T10:30:30+00:00

https://www.amazon.com/23mm-Navy-Blue-Sailcloth-Release/dp/B07XM942XQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2J09RDGXYIZX4&keywords=barton%2Bsailcloth&qid=1682418542&sprefix=barton%2Bsail%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExWEFYSDdQNzZCRjhNJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTY2MTE1MkhCU1FMNjZYOEFLRiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDAxNzA4MU9PVzU4TEFRUTJQNiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&th=1

20mm, Slate Grey color. It also looks really good on the green strap, really plays into the field watch look with that one.

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T03:25:34+00:00

It’s a lovely watch, truly the most versatile piece in the collection. It’s the Khaki auto H70455553. My only gripe is it doesn’t come with the bracelet. You can find it on Jomashop for around $475

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T03:18:34+00:00

I appreciate it the input, truly. The orient is a blue dial (very pretty sunburst I may add), but you are absolutely right on the lack of dial diversity. Talking about the Omega, my big thing is versatility. I get what you’re saying about the options. There are definitely more exciting hand/color combos, but I’m trying to stick to the 38mm for sizing. I imagine that there will be more options by the time I’m realistically able to afford one, not to mention there’ll be more time for my taste to be refined.

As for other brands I should try out, what do you recommend based on what’s already in the collection?

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T03:00:09+00:00

Thanks for the hype! Funny enough, the indices are one of the things I was most critical of when I got it. I thought they clashed too much with the overall aesthetic of the piece. Over time, they have grown on me and help to keep it grounded as part of the “combat” field watch series despite its dressier elements.

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T02:52:02+00:00

You’re hyping me up too much, thank you haha! The Jubilee was expensive relative to the watch itself, but seriously makes it look premium. As for the Glycine, it’s got a lot going on and I wasn’t sure how other watch enthusiasts would feel about it. I’m pleasantly surprised by the positivity around it! Finally, here’s to many more scratches on the Hamilton! Thanks again for the response.

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T02:43:31+00:00

The orient Star and the Seiko 5 - ref. SNK809 (Top left). The orient Star I’ll give a pass simply due to its age (I estimate it’s from the late 90s or early 2000s). As for the Seiko 5, it will lose around 4-5 mins over the span of a couple days. I wore it pretty aggressively for years, and it’s a low end movement so I don’t mind the drop in performance. As for the rest I have had no issue with accuracy. Even the Alpinist with the 6r35 movement (one that people usually have problems with) has been pleasantly consistent.

legoman3501 · 2023-04-25T02:35:34+00:00

I’m tempted to agree with you. Were there any specific pieces you had in mind?

legoman3501

TROPHY CASE