[Tapish]

Originally Posted by somspaple

Though I got the watch delivered long back, was waiting for right bracelet/strap.

The bracelet is lovely. Is that for this particular watch or a generic one? Where did you source it from?

Originally Posted by AZT

I've heard of Stowa, this one sounds good. Does the 36 mean it's 36mm. I've started to appreciate smaller dials recently and think they are more classy.

From what I gather, this one wears larger on the wrist due to the thin dial and white background. Rest I will post a few wrist shots when I get it. I have worn mostly 38-39 watches till date and this will be my first 36.

[AZT]

Originally Posted by Tapish

From what I gather, this one wears larger on the wrist due to the thin dial and white background. Rest I will post a few wrist shots when I get it. I have worn mostly 38-39 watches till date and this will be my first 36.

36 is now in. I know people still pick up the 114270 explorer over the 214270 for the size, OP 36mm is also the rage.

[somspaple]

Originally Posted by Tapish

The bracelet is lovely. Is that for this particular watch or a generic one? Where did you source it from?
....

Yep it looks good specially with contoured end links. Quality is not that great - it's made from folded metal sheet. I got it from a FB HMT Watch group.

[Tapish]

Originally Posted by AZT

36 is now in. I know people still pick up the 114270 explorer over the 214270 for the size, OP 36mm is also the rage.

If someone gets the OP that is. I heard it's out of stock everywhere.

[sanmish]

Finally managed to order a HMT Karna white dial. Although I wanted a leather strap, only the version with a steel strap is available on their website. Any reliable online stores where we can order good quality leather straps? Thanks in advance.

[arindambasu13]

Originally Posted by Tapish

If someone gets the OP that is. I heard it's out of stock everywhere.

Hahaha..getting a sports Rolex from an AD is like spotting a blue moon. I have been after the 214270 Explorer for more than a year and Indian stores pretty much made it clear that they have no supply. I suspect that whatever limited supply they have is reserved for their "high end" customers and not regular walk in customers/ first time buyers like us. It is the case the world over, and the Rolex supply chain for India is among the worst.

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by arindambasu13

I have been after the 214270 Explorer for more than a year and Indian stores pretty much made it clear that they have no supply....

Hi Arindam,

I am looking to buy a daily wear budget quartz watch, and have shortlisted the 2 below. What's your opinion on Alba (subsidiary of Seiko Corp.)? Are they reliable, sturdy and worth the asking price?

https://alba-watches.co.in/collectio...ducts/as9l37x1

https://alba-watches.co.in/collectio...ducts/as9l39x1

[arindambasu13]

Originally Posted by comfortablynumb

Hi Arindam,

I am looking to buy a daily wear budget quartz watch, and have shortlisted the 2 below. What's your opinion on Alba (subsidiary of Seiko Corp.)? Are they reliable, sturdy and worth the asking price?

https://alba-watches.co.in/collectio...ducts/as9l37x1

https://alba-watches.co.in/collectio...ducts/as9l39x1

Unfortunately, I do not have personal experience of having handled these watches, so it would be unfair of me to comment. Having said that, since it is a relatively simple quartz watch, I would not sweat too much because internals are typically simple with just a batter change being required from time to time. If you are happy with the look and feel of the watch, you could consider it. Just check the return policy in case you are not happy with the actual product in hand. INR 5000-6000 is not an unreasonable price if the build quality is decent.

Looks like there is a Boats wireless earpod also bundled as part of the offer! Not bad then

[curiosity]

Originally Posted by curiosity

I need to get an old HMT Janata repaired. It's not in working condition and I would prefer to give it to some reliable watch repair guy only. Can someone here please guide me to one? Location: Mumbai

Adding an image here for reference. Its my grandfather's watch so would be 40+ years old I am assuming, is there any way to find out when this would have been made? Also any heads-up would be helpful in terms of reliable repair guy in Mumbai. Although I know the condition does not look good, whatever best possible would help.


Meanwhile, also got hold of these two from the HMT website. The White Janata with Devanagari script is just soo unique! Although not really happy that a brand new watch has scratches on the glass. Will get them replaced with better quality ones.

[shivshanker]

Originally Posted by curiosity

Adding an image here for reference. Its my grandfather's watch so would be 40+ years old I am assuming, is there any way to find out when this would have been made? Also any heads-up would be helpful in terms of reliable repair guy in Mumbai. Although I know the condition does not look good, whatever best possible would help.

There are a few people in Mumbai whom I regularly get "re-worked" watches from, one is in Bandra area, who prefers interactions only through couriers, safety in COVID times. New dial and case polishing etc. can cost you around 2500/-. This person does a fantastic job. He is more of a passionate watch maker cum hobbyist.

The second has a shop in Fort Area and lives in Andheri, talks too much, does a decent job, would cost you around 1500 for servicing only, including parts. This guy is the regular joe, if you can call him, as he does this for a living.

On a lighter note, depending on how fond your memories are of your grandfather, you can choose either of the two.

Cheers!

[Bagheera]

Originally Posted by curiosity

Meanwhile, also got hold of these two from the HMT website. The White Janata with Devanagari script is just soo unique! Although not really happy that a brand new watch has scratches on the glass. Will get them replaced with better quality ones.
Attachment 2137424

I have been religiously checking their website for the pilot to be back in stock even after registering for notification. Can you share what voodoo magic was performed for you to be able to acquire one?

[curiosity]

Originally Posted by shivshanker

There are a few people in Mumbai whom I regularly get "re-worked" watches from, one is in Bandra area, who prefers interactions only through couriers, safety in COVID times. New dial and case polishing etc. can cost you around 2500/-. This person does a fantastic job. He is more of a passionate watch maker cum hobbyist.

Cheers!

Thanks for your revert Shivshanker, can you please provide me with the details of this person in the Bandra area. I am in no rush and would hold on till the covid cases subsides but would like to understand in detail what all can be done with the Watch.

Originally Posted by Bagheera

I have been religiously checking their website for the pilot to be back in stock even after registering for notification. Can you share what voodoo magic was performed for you to be able to acquire one?

Hi Bagheera, I would put it as pure luck! I was at the right place at the right time just a few post back BHP'ian somspaple posted a photo of his HMT Pilot, which I believe prompted BHP'ian LonleyPlanet to pick one from HMT website and he posted that on this thread. After seeing the post, I visited the website, found it to be in stock...loved the Janata as well so picked up both. Now waiting for the Kohinoor. I spoke with the HMT folks at Bangalore and I believe the next lot is expected to come by the 2nd week of April, now I am not sure how reliable can this information be as it was just told to me when I was enquiring about new stock. I had called them to figure out the tracking details for the Pilot & Janata since I did not receive any confirmation from HMT.

[girishv]

Just now bought three on the right

[curiosity]

Originally Posted by Bagheera

I have been religiously checking their website for the pilot to be back in stock even after registering for notification. Can you share what voodoo magic was performed for you to be able to acquire one?

Quick update: Some new versions of the Pilot are in stock on the HMT website as I write this, although not the traditionally famous ones.

[amvj]

Originally Posted by girishv

Just now bought three on the right

Originally Posted by curiosity

Quick update: Some new versions of the Pilot are in stock on the HMT website as I write this, although not the traditionally famous ones.

Damn, I cannot believe this. Thank you for your posts guys. I just ordered the White dial pilot with Blue hands. It looks exactly same as the limited edition White dial pilot, which I was looking for years.

I checked second hand of the same watch many months ago and sellers were selling them for Rs: 10K - 20K.