The Under £200ish Watch and occasional Opera Thread! Vol2
Discussion
Barchettaman said:
I do. I’m very much a fan of it in a budget chronograph, much more so than a mechanical hand wind or automatic chronograph movement.
They’re little marvels.
What is it that makes you say that?They’re little marvels.
For me I do like the idea of having a pick-up-and-go quartz watch and I gather the chrono hand has a mechanical movement (of sorts?) but there is no running seconds hand and the RHS sub-dial is a 24hr clock which seems less useful than a counter for the chrono...
Edited by WhisperingWasp on Tuesday 26th April 22:43
Drooles said:
I’m very impressed with it. As far as I’m aware, the Field Medic is a meca-quartz, mine is an auto. I’m sure it’s Barchettaman that speaks highly of the meca-quartz movement but I’m afraid I have no knowledge.
Mine keeps good time. The case is really well finished and the dial and hands are good too. It is really easy to read and the lume is good. It wears well, feels nice on the wrist - being titanium it’s very light, probably the lightest mechanical watch I have. I worried that it might be a little small, as I’m used to divers, but it is absolutely spot on in terms of size (for me anyway). The crown is fantastic - looks like a mini-hand grenade and really suits the field watch aesthetic.
It came in a great case, really nice. I know that doesn’t really matter but it’s just another nice touch. Mine came on a NATO that seems good quality but, though I keep trying, I just can’t get on with this type of strap. I’ve changed to a Barton canvas and I’m really happy with it.
So, overall, I think it’s a great watch. I’d happily recommend (though no experience of the chrono) and I must say that it stacks up well against other watches I have in a similar price bracket.
I hope this is helpful. If you want any more info, just ask and I’ll try and help
Great info, thank you Mine keeps good time. The case is really well finished and the dial and hands are good too. It is really easy to read and the lume is good. It wears well, feels nice on the wrist - being titanium it’s very light, probably the lightest mechanical watch I have. I worried that it might be a little small, as I’m used to divers, but it is absolutely spot on in terms of size (for me anyway). The crown is fantastic - looks like a mini-hand grenade and really suits the field watch aesthetic.
It came in a great case, really nice. I know that doesn’t really matter but it’s just another nice touch. Mine came on a NATO that seems good quality but, though I keep trying, I just can’t get on with this type of strap. I’ve changed to a Barton canvas and I’m really happy with it.
So, overall, I think it’s a great watch. I’d happily recommend (though no experience of the chrono) and I must say that it stacks up well against other watches I have in a similar price bracket.
I hope this is helpful. If you want any more info, just ask and I’ll try and help
No doubt I will uhmm and ahh about it until I miss out on it like I do everything else!
Edited by WhisperingWasp on Tuesday 26th April 22:44
WhisperingWasp said:
What is it that makes you say that [about the Seiko Mecaquartz]?
Hi Wasp,-movement size. Automatic chronograph movements are proper hockey pucks and I much prefer a slimmer watch. Hence the Glycine Combat Sub that I wear as a daily (10.6mm dive watch)
-cost and availability. Seiko will sell the VK63 to any third party manufacturer and it means that at or around thread budget we get some very tasty wearable and affordable pieces. Similarly, the availability of NH35/36 movements from Seiko has transformed the budget/micro brand sector of the market, for the good IMO.
-mechanical chronograph module. The VK63 does have a running chronograph second hand, it’s mounted on the central pinion. The watch module second hand is the subdial at 6 o’clock. The chronograph second hand ‘flies back” to 12 when you reset the timer and the pushers have a satisfactory mechanical ‘click’ in operation.
-reliability. The Chinese manual chronograph movements don’t seem to have the best reputation for timekeeping and/or reliability, although I don’t have any hard data to back this up, just internet forum anecdotes (haha)
-servicing. What are we going to get in a mechanical chronograph at or around thread budget? Maybe a knackered old Valjoux 7750 in a battered case, that needs a service? Well, servicing an automatic chronograph movement is pretty expensive and an unwelcome surprise after a used purchase.
I would 100% agree that the 24hr subdial is utterly pointless.
I write, however, as an enthusiast rather than an expert, so please bear that in mind!
WhisperingWasp said:
Drooles said:
Drooles can I ask for your latest thoughts on this brand? Got my eye on a Field Medic that has taken my fancy. How is it now you've had it for a while?
Cheers,
Dan
Ninjin said:
Barchettaman said:
^ one of the unexpected joys of this corner of the site is when people post their own creations. I’m in awe.
It's very easy! Just like putting together an Airfix kit! 
I'm exactly the same!!!Barchettaman said:
WhisperingWasp said:
What is it that makes you say that [about the Seiko Mecaquartz]?
Hi Wasp,-movement size. Automatic chronograph movements are proper hockey pucks and I much prefer a slimmer watch. Hence the Glycine Combat Sub that I wear as a daily (10.6mm dive watch)
-cost and availability. Seiko will sell the VK63 to any third party manufacturer and it means that at or around thread budget we get some very tasty wearable and affordable pieces. Similarly, the availability of NH35/36 movements from Seiko has transformed the budget/micro brand sector of the market, for the good IMO.
-mechanical chronograph module. The VK63 does have a running chronograph second hand, it’s mounted on the central pinion. The watch module second hand is the subdial at 6 o’clock. The chronograph second hand ‘flies back” to 12 when you reset the timer and the pushers have a satisfactory mechanical ‘click’ in operation.
-reliability. The Chinese manual chronograph movements don’t seem to have the best reputation for timekeeping and/or reliability, although I don’t have any hard data to back this up, just internet forum anecdotes (haha)
-servicing. What are we going to get in a mechanical chronograph at or around thread budget? Maybe a knackered old Valjoux 7750 in a battered case, that needs a service? Well, servicing an automatic chronograph movement is pretty expensive and an unwelcome surprise after a used purchase.
I would 100% agree that the 24hr subdial is utterly pointless.
I write, however, as an enthusiast rather than an expert, so please bear that in mind!
Drooles said:
Agreed, that looks fantastic. Always think I'd love to give this a go.There was a guy on here that made & sold modded watches. I know it's not you that I'm thinking of but do you do that or just for yourself?
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