Recommend me a mechanical watch for under a monkey

[pistonheadforum]

Hi,

Okay, so I would really like an Omega Speedmaster 57 but funds mean the search is actually for a max £500 mechanical watch that has clean design and is waterproof. Automatic winding a strong positive but not completely essential. Size should be non-chunky max of around 42mm. I would like it to have good visibility in the night (superluminova dials?)

I have looked at Hamilton Jazzmaster and some of the other Hamilton range (the Khaki Field a little bit busy on the dial so not convinced).

I have looked at Oris and Tissot but not keen on their styling.

What is the general feeling around Hamilton and what other brands are worth looking at for this price range?

Many thanks,

[pistonheadforum]

Hi, thanks for assistance

Apparently something to do with the 500 rupee note having a picture of a monkey on it and this being transfered back to pounds by returning soldiers stationed in India.

Maybe ... maybe not ...

Anyhoo, back on topic:

It does not need to be 100m waterproof, but should be able to survive showering so I don't need to worry too much about splashes/rain etc.

I would like to try a leather strap (always had metal bracelets so fancy a change)

It will not be abused (I have a Casio M5610-1ER for that!) but it should not be too dresy (super thin/elegant) but also not the size of a small planet.

If it helps in style I like the following styles (appreciate I'm not shopping in that league)

-Rolex Explorer 38mm
-Brietling Aerospace Advantage (not the latest model)
-Omega Speedmaster (but moonwatch is too large)
-Omega Aqua Terra

Not keen on the Tisso and Seiko and pretty much all the Casio - too blingy or large.

Citizen and Sekonda range not really my style.

Does not need to be new but I feel I would need to know more about what I was doing to go for that option.

Had a look at some of the suggestion and currently browsing through the Sinn range.

Really just looking for good niche models and manufacturers that I might not have heard of.

Many thanks,

[pistonheadforum]

Hi,

So, here's a question for a skilled craftsman like yourself...

If I find a watch I like, can I increase the lumen glow of the hands fairly easily? As I work my way through the fine suggestions I am still liking the Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic Auto the most and wonder if I can beef up the nightglow of the face fairly easily?

Seems like there is plenty of space to slap on the paint:

http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/collection/american-c...

Is this a something that skilled watchrepair establishments would tackle, or are there complications with such an idea?

Thanks,

Edited by pistonheadforum on Monday 23 November 22:17

[pistonheadforum]

What's the chances of a Hamilton appearing in the January sales?

Keeping my eye but not seen anything yet - all appears to be Seiko or Citizen with the discounts.

Or do the sales take a bit longer to start during the holidays?

[pistonheadforum]

Hi, sorry I meant to update this earlier...

In the end went for Hamilton Field Officer Mechanical Handwinding

http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/collection/khaki/fiel...

Not from these guys, but best video online:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSzPwxEk7jY

Quite small at 38mm but wears very light on the wrist (important for me), plus nice dial and decent movement. The strap is a bit of a disaster so looking for something better (or maybe a way to darken it with die that won't come out?). Lume is pretty rubbish for that kind of money thining of luming it myself if I can get hold of the paint.

In the end cost was around half a monkey which I thought was reasonable and leaves room for something else so still in the market for suggestions as there still money in the kitty!

[pistonheadforum]

aberdeeneuan said:

I had a new strap made for my Hamilton (GMT 3t with red on the face) by Toshi. The guy makes them by hand to your spec. It's quite chunky which if you like the watch slim may not be for you, but suits the watch perfectly and Rich was great to deal with. Not cheap but changed my view on the watch from one I'd wear occasionally to one I wear nearly every day. (Mine is papaya with brown stitching).

Any pictures you can post? Thanks.

[pistonheadforum]

Very nice.

[pistonheadforum]

Variomatic said:

So lots of people buying happily from creation only means that the makers are doing it right and they're good at posting stuff. On the other hand, if every case needing guarantee repair is a struggle then that shows a problem with the company even if it's only 1 in a thousand customers. I'm not suggesting they're that bad, although I can't find any comments online about how they "dealt with a problem well".

My point was simply that, if you choose to deal internationally for the sake of price, then you really need to be aware that you're basically at their mercy if things go wrong.

Indeed. I am also interested in how this works out as I have a bit left over from the original budget and am now looking at putting a bit extra and sourcing a Seiko SARX015.

Unfortunately, this model appears to be import only (unless others here know of a UK source?). The above mentioned retailer was a possible option. To have it arrive in a box with bits rattling around and then be subject to poor customer service via email are holding me back.

Edited by pistonheadforum on Monday 4th January 20:55