Sensible options for a daily-use wrist watch
- Thread starter flez007
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i bought a Breitling Aerospace in 1991 and it still works perfectly today. 20 years and no repair work (fingers crossed)...just battery replacement every 3-4 years. (NB: i also own my late Grandfather's 1959 Omega Constellation...it has had no maintenance since 1989...it is an automatic and still keeps accurate time.)
My TAG is my knock around watch
Agreed, their old S/el makes a nice weekend watch. I like their other designs less. The new Link is a big step back from the S/el, IMO.
Here are my two, both medium-sized face.
My workday watch is this JLC Reverso Grande Taille (stainless and brown croc):
The Reverso works for everything except black-tie really - one really needs a simple round watch with a black croc strap for black tie. Like this vintage JLC I inherited from my father.
Here is a pic if the Calatrava, a very elegant design....
For some reason I think this thread took another direction
This is just stunning to these eyes. I've been using the similar Calatrava 3919g - now available as the 5116g - for over a decade; it has proven to be just right for any type of attire; very understated, very elegant.
Here's what I wear every day
Nice watch Steve, just a question:
Is this your definition of simple/unpretentious/daily use?
Instead, I'd feel naked without a watch
. My everyday one is an IWC GST chrono automatic (now out of production).
Thanks, but think twice about getting a manually winding watch -- expensive maintenance...
I'm a big fan of Luminox watches. I am currently wearing a Luminox 6402. It's 13mm thick and 45mm wide, it has the style and the durability I need - perfect for everyday use.
This one is now my daily wear. Built like a tank, and rather plain Jane looking, I love the heavy feel. I've since let go of most my collection and focused on just a few pieces.
And de-magnetize.
I don't know how much it costs here in the US, but I used to have to pay over $2000 a year to keep all my mechanical watches in good running order. I've trimmed the collection hugely since $2000 buys a hundred CDs. How often do you have your mechanical watches serviced - if they are 24/7 on a watch winder?
Next time I go to MikeL's I'll bring my watch to put on his LP de-magnetizer..... and see if it improves its timekeeping
I have spoken with a few serious collectors (the guys who get first call on a limited edition of 50 Vacherons and invitation to the factory, etc...), a manufacturer and a few retailers. They have all said the every 5 years rule is just to make money. Using modern lubricants which tend not to break down so easily, you could well go further than that before any work needs to be done. My 1962 Omega Constellation from my Grandfather keeps perfect time and have not had it serviced since 1989. Serously. That said, one of my other watches (breguet) needed work after (you guessed it)...5 years. The point is dont just send it in, get them to look at it, pay big fees. If it is keeping good time, leave it for a bit longer...maybe 10.
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