[pedrolourenco]

Originally Posted by sridhu

I am thinking of the Omega Speedmaster or Seamaster with the 3330 movement.

The Seamaster is on my list too. Already have the Speedmaster.

Or a Rolex

And that's a must have watch too. My wife wants me to buy a pair but that will mean skipping the Seamaster. Also heard that Rolex has a waiting list.

Grand Seiko.

Heard so much about these watches. Anyone have any idea on pricing and availability in India?

Originally Posted by arindambasu13

Tudor Black Bay 58. One of the hottest watches in the market today, and with good reason. Fantastic alternative to the insanely overpriced Submariner. Unfortunately, India does not have a sales channel for this and your best bet is to buy in the USA. Be prepared for wait times of a few months. I have been lusting after this watch for months, and will pick it up some day when budget permits. Its around 4000 USD currently, roughly INR 3 lakhs

Still quite expensive for what is called a Poor Mans Rolex. However what I hear is like a Rolex a Tudor also appreciates in value over time. So it's an investment.

Grand Seiko - lots of models to choose from in this budget. Superb value for money, and my personal choice would be the GS Snowflake. It is 41 mm though, but Seiko are masters when it comes to providing great fit for smaller wrists. This watch is a complete work of art, with blindingly good craftsmanship and quality, and highly respected by watch enthusiasts the world over.

I really need to have a look at this watch in a store.

As for Rolex, you will get mostly the Oyster Perpetual series in your budget,

If I do pick up a Rolex, it will be a Oyster Perpetual or a Date Just. Submariner will still be a distant dream.

Originally Posted by ringoism

1) SEIKO 5 - Picked up on a whim recently, and when I got home realized the original dial was missing its 11 o'clock figure... So took a "Guilloche"-style textured dial from what was apparently an early fake Seiko 5 junk-piece, hung the piece on a mesh strap, and Viola! - I've got my new daily driver! The 6119 movement is my favourite among Seiko's automatics, with its half-push (on the crown) date and full-push day advance. The 8430 cushion case has a highly-protected recessed crown, is big for a vintage piece, and so comfy I can wear it at night and forget it's on. Now I just have to figure out what custom figure to fill this one's 12-o'clock void!

Is the Seiko 5 a proper mechanical automatic? Asking because on Amazon, the specs say that it has a battery.

The "AK-47 of the horological world": the crude but effective Vostok from Russia. In this case a Komandirske from 1995 commemorating the victory that ended WWII. These are big, tough waterproof watches with screwdown crowns, deliberately wobbly stems, and horrible finishing that lately have caught quite a lot of attention from collectors / enthusiasts.

How did you manage to get one? Do they ship to India?

Originally Posted by Ithaca

My Watch
Longines Hydroconquest.

That's a nice watch.

Originally Posted by Turbojc

Got my hands on my first G-Shock, the beautiful GA-2100 'CasiOak'

The only reason I'd get one of these is to do the AP mod,

Originally Posted by Jeroen

Paul did a great job. He took the whole watch apart, all seals and some other small parts were replaced. The casing, face, handles etc are all still original. So they show the wear and tear during my dad’s lifetime. The total cost of the overhaul/service was Euro 250,--

I'm actually looking for someone like this. I have my Grandfathers old Rolex and Omega (Not sure of the models) which need restoration.

Originally Posted by gigy

Can anyone advise if this is an original old hmt pilot watch

The original would have "Made in India" instead of "India" on the dial. There is a YouTube Video on the differences between Franken and Original HMT's.

Originally Posted by navin_v8

That's a classic Bombay Redial aka Franken Watch. I don't think HMT ever came with a dial like this on their Pilot lineup. It is for sure a repainted dial and looks like a watch made out of salvaged HMT watch parts..

Why would people make Franken HMT watches. The originals are quite affordable.

Originally Posted by trammway

These are few watches from my Seiko stable

That's an amazing collection. I remember my brother used to have a Seiko Automatic (No clue what model) but it had a blue dial and steel bracelet. He bought it second hand from a watch shop. I know it was originally picked up in the middle east as the day/date had the option of either English or Arabic.

[navin_v8]

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

Why would people make Franken HMT watches. The originals are quite affordable.

You'd be surprised to know. Long story short there's a market for everyone and everything. Right from Rolex to HMT.

Makes an interesting read:
https://www.gearpatrol.com/watches/a...-vintge-watch/

Besides there are videos on YouTube comparing original HMT watches with Franken ones.

[shivshanker]

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

I have a very old Rolex and an Omega (Both hand wound) which my grandfather used. Planning to get them restored. Is it ok to give to them or get in done somewhere in Europe?

What make/model are the first 2 watches and the prices.

Hello pedrolourenco, apologies at the onset, though I am an IT literate, for the love of god haven't been able to figure out how to reply to multiple posts.

With regards to your first question on old vintage watches and having them serviced at Marcks and Co. I would trust them with my vintage watches too and I have no reason to doubt their workmanship.

On the second and third parts of your questions to me, I would say it depends on the type, (mechanical winding or Automatic) availability and the condition
of the watch.

I can PM you their numbers, you can always reach out to them and take it up from there.

[AVR]

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

If you don't mind sharing, where did you pick it up and what was the price?

I bought it from Ethos but GS has a website too:

https://grandseikoboutique.in/

[pedrolourenco]

Originally Posted by navin_v8

You'd be surprised to know. Long story short there's a market for everyone and everything. Right from Rolex to HMT.

I can understand that. What I don't is what is in it for these guys to make HMT fakes when the originals themselves are quite cheap.

Besides there are videos on YouTube comparing original HMT watches with Franken ones.

I've seen those.

Originally Posted by shivshanker

Hello pedrolourenco, apologies at the onset, though I am an IT literate, for the love of god haven't been able to figure out how to reply to multiple posts.

Just click on the "Quote +" tab of all the posts you want to reply to and then click on "New Reply" at the bottom

With regards to your first question on old vintage watches and having them serviced at Marcks and Co. I would trust them with my vintage watches too and I have no reason to doubt their workmanship.

Can you PM me the contact details.

I can PM you their numbers, you can always reach out to them and take it up from there.

Please do.

Originally Posted by AVR

I bought it from Ethos but GS has a website too:

https://grandseikoboutique.in/

Wow. Amazing watches. Not exactly cheap though.

[navin_v8]

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

I can understand that. What I don't is what is in it for these guys to make HMT fakes when the originals themselves are quite cheap.

Did you know "cheap" things like Tata Salt and Parle G biscuits that cost less than ₹10 too are faked. When it comes to products it doesn't matter if it's a watch or salt what matters is the "brand" and its recall among buyers/consumers. It's all about the economies of scale. For instance, how much does HMT spend in producing a brand new watch vis a vis someone sitting in a 6X6 dingy shop salvaging junk HMT's by putting together a Franken HMT watch? Besides an uninformed naive buyer/consumer would not even come to know the difference between an original brand new HMT watch and a Franken one.

There was a video somewhere on YouTube where some watch expert wasn't able to make out the difference between an original Omega Seamaster and a replica.

For someone used to buying Patek, JLC, VC, Rolex, etc. brands like Seiko, Citizen, Casio, Tissot, etc. are cheap but that doesn't mean nobody fakes Seiko, Citizen, Casio and Tissot. There's a market for everyone. It can be as simple as a buyer/consumer knows that expensive swiss brands can't be bought brand new for a few thousand ₹. They will know it's a fake/replica/first copy. Still they buy it for their own reasons. On the other hand there are buyers/consumers who think why will someone fake Seiko, Citizen, Casio, Tissot, etc. as they are relatively cheaper, but the fact is that they are faked and people buy them knowingly or unknowingly.

While doing research I came to know that even a $10 Casio F-91W is faked. Reason? As I mentioned above.

[amvj]

I just bought an Apple watch series 6 44mm GPS. I was initially tempted by Garmin watches such as the Instinct and Forerunner series. However, I just discovered that they are just too big for my small wrist. Also, I don't want hardcore tracking / athlete watches.

I thought the 44mm Apple watch would be too big, but that is not the case due to the square shape. To be honest, it is not an elegant watch. I am not a fan of square dials.



Also, I have changed the straps on a few of my HMT and Titan watches.
p.s some of the straps are not fitted properly.

[pedrolourenco]

Originally Posted by amvj

I have changed the straps on a few of my HMT and Titan watches.

The HMT Pilot and Janata look very similar. Any differences other than the dial?
Is the Titan a mechanical or quartz?

Where did you get the NATO Straps?

Originally Posted by PPS

Had bought this Fastrack 4-5 yrs back for 1.9k , today it costs 2.3k !
Attachment 509927

A watch always appreciates in value. It doesn't have to be a Rolex.

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

My humble watch collection (Including my wife's watches)

L = Ladies
G = Gents
A = Automatic
Q = Quartz
W = Winding

Pic 1
Top Row
1. Omega Speedmaster (GA)
2. Tissot PR50 (GA)
3. HMT Apoorva Deluxe (GA)
4. Titan Ceramic (LQ)
5. Tissot PR50 (LQ)
6. DKNY (LQ)

Middle Row
1. Tommy Hilfiger (GQ)
2. Tissot 1855 (GQ)
3. Timex Expedition (GQ)
4. Swatch Irony (LQ)
5. Casio (LQ)
6. Omega Constellation (LQ)

Bottom Row
1. Casio G Shock (GQ)
2. Casio Illuminator (GQ)
3. HMT Janata (GW)
4. Omega Speedmaster (Fake) (GA)
5. Timex (LQ)
6. HMT (LQ)

Pic 2
1. Fastrack (LQ)
2. Fastrack (LQ)
3. Foce (LQ)
4. Fastrack (LQ)
5. Casio (LQ)

Added a few to this:
- BMW M-Sport Quartz
- HMT Janata Deluxe
- A pair of some Hansen Quartz watches I bought on a domestic flight.

Planning to add the following shortly:
- A Rolex Oyster Perpetual or Date Just / Omega Seamaster / Tag Heuer Aquaracer (Probably a pair for me and my wife).
- A Vostok Amphibia (Asked a Russian friend to get one down).
- A modded Seiko.

[amvj]

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

The HMT Pilot and Janata look very similar. Any differences other than the dial?
Is the Titan a mechanical or quartz?

Where did you get the NATO Straps?

Except the dial and hands, HMT Pilot and Janata are same. The HMT Jawan watch I have also appear similar but the rear side it has is a glass (transparent).

The Titan is a cheap Quartz watch. I just liked the dial colour and hence bought it.

I buy the NATO straps from here: https://www.cheapestnatostraps.com/

The quality is good. However, it takes time to get as its shipped from Sweden. It takes 12 - 15 days.

[AZT]

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

- A Vostok Amphibia (Asked a Russian friend to get one down).

Are you going for the scuba dude one. There's a bunch of varaiants.

Originally Posted by arindambasu13

One of the best wearing chunky tool watches I have come across till date.

The Tuna looks good on you, how big is your wrist. It's a great tool watch.

[pedrolourenco]

Originally Posted by amvj

The Titan is a cheap Quartz watch. I just liked the dial colour and hence bought it.

Does Titan make any simple Mechanical Watches (HMT Janata / Pilot Types)? I have seen their range of Automatics. I till this day regret not picking up the Titan Ducati for 27K. I have already spent quite a bit on other watches so skipped it. Realised my mistake and came back the next day but it was sold. They never came back in stock.

Originally Posted by AZT

Are you going for the scuba dude one. There's a bunch of varaiants.

Yes. The green one with the 710 case.

[Sebring]

When the Janata bug bites Casio

[turbowhistle]

I always wanted to get a simple gold watch and what better than Seiko 5, here’s my SNXL72.

Love the clean look and how it can be a casual or dress watch depending on occasions and attire.

[arindambasu13]

Originally Posted by AZT

The Tuna looks good on you, how big is your wrist. It's a great tool watch.

That is exactly the magic of the Tuna - my wrist is average sized, around 6.75 inches. But, the 47 inch Tuna looks just like a 40-41 mm watch on my wrist The secret lies in the small lug to lug length of roughly 45mm. In fact, it wears almost as small as my Orient Mako II (which itself is a dive watch highly recommended for smaller wrists).

Seiko are absolute masters at making chunky dive watches eminently wearable on average sized wrists!

[ninjatalli]

A seemingly dumb question to those owning an array of watches - do you guys keep swapping watches (to wear) on every other day (or longer cycles)? Or do a majority of the watches remain inside, only taken out for extremely rare occasions.

I have now two main watches (and a host of older ones that lie untouched in the locker since ages) - a recently purchased Seiko, and a Citizen eco-drive that has been my main go-to watch since half a decade. Even now, I still invariably opt for the Citizen on most days.

One part of my mind wants to purchase new watches, but the other logical part points out that I am very used to and prefer the Citizen over any other choice I have got in the past 2-3 years.

---------------------------------------------

Also with respect to looking at new watches what's the view on Baume & Mercier?