Well I think I've narrowed it down to three...
Discussion
Big four-oh very soon and the other half and family etc want to get me a watch to mark the occasion (insert relentless passage of time joke here). I'd been looking for a birth year '74 watch for some time, but have come to the conclusion that there's nothing out there that I really like that's within budget, so I'll probably go new. In terms of taste, I prefer bigger, functional, chunkier watches to dressy ones, daily wearer is a black faced Omega SMP, but nothing stupidly big or bling. I have a 7.25" wrist, and a preference for a mechanical movement, although I wouldn't class myself as a movement snob.
I don't mind a homage (have a couple of Chinese PAM clones) but I'd prefer something that wasn't a blatant copy in this case. I was looking at the CW range, perhaps an "orange" Trident but IMHO they are just too much of a PO copy for my liking, and realistically I'm going to reach for my SMP every time between those two. Also tempted by some of the Smith's pieces from Timefactors, but I think I have narrowed it down to these three...
1. Autodromo Prototipo
I really like this...very "driving" oriented, and reminds me of those really cool '70s pre-TAG Heuers. Torn between the different dial colours...the only thing is that at the end of the day it's a Seiko quartz movement (albeit with clever flyback features). But very different to anything else I have.
2. Squale Tiger
Really liking the fact that the watch is in effect NOS retro, with a new movement...it may even be '74! Love the chunky looks and the ploprof-esque features. Not too sure on the strap, the shiny finish, and the fact that I have read some of the lume is a bit dull, and some buyers have not been that impressed with quality. But a very cool "proper" watersports watch which fits well with my lifestyle, that the odd scratch or war wound would quite possibly even improve!
3. Steinhart Ocean One Vintage
Love the retro looks...especially on the brown strap. Like the way it kinda rolls my SMP and my Omega Dynamic into one watch. Impressed with Yeti's review. I would prefer it to have a date window but it does seem a bit of a case of "what's not to like" with this.
Sooooo...which to go for? Or is there something that I've missed in a similar price bracket? Thoughts/experiences of any of these pieces much appreciated!
I don't mind a homage (have a couple of Chinese PAM clones) but I'd prefer something that wasn't a blatant copy in this case. I was looking at the CW range, perhaps an "orange" Trident but IMHO they are just too much of a PO copy for my liking, and realistically I'm going to reach for my SMP every time between those two. Also tempted by some of the Smith's pieces from Timefactors, but I think I have narrowed it down to these three...
1. Autodromo Prototipo
I really like this...very "driving" oriented, and reminds me of those really cool '70s pre-TAG Heuers. Torn between the different dial colours...the only thing is that at the end of the day it's a Seiko quartz movement (albeit with clever flyback features). But very different to anything else I have.
2. Squale Tiger
Really liking the fact that the watch is in effect NOS retro, with a new movement...it may even be '74! Love the chunky looks and the ploprof-esque features. Not too sure on the strap, the shiny finish, and the fact that I have read some of the lume is a bit dull, and some buyers have not been that impressed with quality. But a very cool "proper" watersports watch which fits well with my lifestyle, that the odd scratch or war wound would quite possibly even improve!
3. Steinhart Ocean One Vintage
Love the retro looks...especially on the brown strap. Like the way it kinda rolls my SMP and my Omega Dynamic into one watch. Impressed with Yeti's review. I would prefer it to have a date window but it does seem a bit of a case of "what's not to like" with this.
Sooooo...which to go for? Or is there something that I've missed in a similar price bracket? Thoughts/experiences of any of these pieces much appreciated!
The Autodromo Prototipo 
I'm not familiar with the brand, but that is lovely. Not sure if I like the white dial version with the blue hands better.
Have you seen the meca-quartz movement in action on youtube? Quartz regulated, but moves like a mechanical watch. Very interesting. The downside is that if it breaks in 20 years time it may be impossible to repair.
I'm not familiar with the brand, but that is lovely. Not sure if I like the white dial version with the blue hands better.
Have you seen the meca-quartz movement in action on youtube? Quartz regulated, but moves like a mechanical watch. Very interesting. The downside is that if it breaks in 20 years time it may be impossible to repair.
For me its the Autodromo Prototipo closely followed by the Steinhart. I normally don't like them because like CW they just come across as ripping off other brand's designs but I can forgive that one. It's a lovely looking watch.
Enjoy whatever you choose and many happy returns of the day when it arrives.
Enjoy whatever you choose and many happy returns of the day when it arrives.
I do love the prototipo, however without the chrono running, nothing is moving on the dial...there's no second hand. There is on the Vic Elford edition, however they are all sold out. For me, I like to glance at a watch and see it doing something. If it had a second hand, it would probably be a no-brainer...
Have you seen the Helson Skindiver?
Recent thread here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Recent thread here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Helson...look ok, however too close to my SMP really. I do think the ploprof copy is quite cool, but again it's just a blatant rip-off of the genuine article, where the Squale is at least a proper dive watch with heritage in its own right.
WRT running the chrono on the Prototipo all the time...isn't that going to cane the battery sharpish?
WRT running the chrono on the Prototipo all the time...isn't that going to cane the battery sharpish?
Hard-Drive said:
Helson...look ok, however too close to my SMP really. I do think the ploprof copy is quite cool, but again it's just a blatant rip-off of the genuine article
So is the Steinhart you are considering...
(googled image)
If you can't decide maybe none of them are the right one. A tough decision to make, but a fun one all the same.
Sometimes I see a watch and instantly think "OMG I must ownz it!!!"
Just to confuse you more, googling other images of the Squale suggests it has a big shiny bezel. I had another watch with a very shiny fat bezel and I decided it looked a bit too flash for me.
Having said that, don't let us influence you. Only you know what you like.
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