The Under £200ish Watch and occasional Opera Thread! Vol2
Discussion
Barchettaman said:
It’s your money; if you fancy it, go for it.
I would suggest that if you’re looking for a space-related watch, and you can go a bit over thread budget, then the Bulova Lunar Pilot comes into view and that’s a proper watch, not a plastic fragile toy:
I don't know anything about these. In what way is it 'spacey' beyond the name, and how much is it? I'm tempted. I would suggest that if you’re looking for a space-related watch, and you can go a bit over thread budget, then the Bulova Lunar Pilot comes into view and that’s a proper watch, not a plastic fragile toy:
zedx19 said:
Really fancy a Omega Swatch Moonswatch, but they are a fraction over budget for this thread. Was hoping ebay would bring them under but people paying over the odds, presumably because they are only available to buy instore. Appreciate the controversy over the watch, I just like the way they look and as my 8 year old is space, the planet on the back is a nice thing. Think I need to keep an eye on ebay for one within thread budget.
At the risk of introducing controversy to this well mannered connoisseur's thread, I would suggest you try one in the flesh before you buy. They are, how can I put this politely, a bit s
t. They feel like they're made of licorice. Swatch make much better watches at 60% of the cost, so the other 40% is in the marketing / brand association. The Swatch x Blancpains are even nastier / worse value. All IMHO of course, but that's what Barchetta meant by "it's your money" I'm sure, he's just more cultivated than me 
Like Barchetta says, If you can stretch to the Bulova Lunar Pilot, that's a watch with real provenance. Some think it wears 'big', but it's pretty decent size and the new version is in any case a bit smaller.
Edited by redrabbit on Monday 29th April 20:39
CharlesdeGaulle said:
I don't know anything about these. In what way is it 'spacey' beyond the name, and how much is it? I'm tempted.
This should get you started:https://www.gearpatrol.com/watches/a724245/bulova-...
Barchettaman said:
CharlesdeGaulle said:
I don't know anything about these. In what way is it 'spacey' beyond the name, and how much is it? I'm tempted.
This should get you started:https://www.gearpatrol.com/watches/a724245/bulova-...
Pebbles167 said:
Thanks 
Strap ordered.
More watches will have to wait!
Bulova one does look nice, but I don't see how its space themed? Appreciate the comments on the cheap feeling of the Omega/Swatch though, something I have read about and need to feel for myself. I just like the way they look, how the Saturn one has rings, planets are on the back, they just look like a fun watch to my eyes, for not much money. I'm absolutely not expecting an Omega quality watch for Swatch money.
redrabbit said:
zedx19 said:
Really fancy a Omega Swatch Moonswatch, but they are a fraction over budget for this thread. Was hoping ebay would bring them under but people paying over the odds, presumably because they are only available to buy instore. Appreciate the controversy over the watch, I just like the way they look and as my 8 year old is space, the planet on the back is a nice thing. Think I need to keep an eye on ebay for one within thread budget.
At the risk of introducing controversy to this well mannered connoisseur's thread, I would suggest you try one in the flesh before you buy. They are, how can I put this politely, a bit st. They feel like they're made of licorice. Swatch make much better watches at 60% of the cost, so the other 40% is in the marketing / brand association. The Swatch x Blancpains are even nastier / worse value. All IMHO of course, but that's what Barchetta meant by "it's your money" I'm sure, he's just more cultivated than me Like Barchetta says, If you can stretch to the Bulova Lunar Pilot, that's a watch with real provenance. Some think it wears 'big', but it's pretty decent size and the new version is in any case a bit smaller.
Edited by redrabbit on Monday 29th April 20:39
I only wore mine a handful of times as i saw so many reports of pushers falling off and the crystal getting scratched, they feel pretty flimsy and all these issues kind of prove they are a disposable watch.
I now have a luminox made from recycled fishing nets so pure plastic and it feels massively more substantial than the bioceramic moonswatch. They were both roughly the same price, albeit the luminox was discounted but the build quality is worlds apart.
zedx19 said:
Bulova one does look nice, but I don't see how its space themed? Appreciate the comments on the cheap feeling of the Omega/Swatch though, something I have read about and need to feel for myself. I just like the way they look, how the Saturn one has rings, planets are on the back, they just look like a fun watch to my eyes, for not much money. I'm absolutely not expecting an Omega quality watch for Swatch money.
As mentioned up in the thread, one was worn on a spacewalk during the Apollo 15 mission when the wearer's NASA issued Omega Speedmaster failed. Real space credentials for under £500! zedx19 said:
Bulova one does look nice, but I don't see how its space themed?.
The backstory of how the Bulova came to be worn on the moon, who originally actually made it (Universal Geneve) and how some of the other prototypes resurfaced at auctions over the years is really interesting. There are some very clever people who have worked out what was going on with it:
https://wornandwound.com/bulova-used-universal-gen...
https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertanaas/2015/10/2...
Now, you can make a strong argument that the current Lunar Pilot has nothing but its looks in common with the Dave Scott original, and I wouldn’t disagree with you. However it’s a proper watch, well-made and coherent, nicely finished, decent materials etc, as opposed to the Swatch/Omega cereal-box moneygrab toy that has absolutely nothing going for it other than the Omega logo on the dial.
I had the Bulova but swapped it plus cash for a Longines Conquest automatic. The BLP wore a bit big for my tastes. It’s quite ‘slabby’ on wrist so try before you buy, unless you’re Bobberoo, in which case it’s probably too small LOL
Barchettaman said:
zedx19 said:
Bulova one does look nice, but I don't see how its space themed?.
The backstory of how the Bulova came to be worn on the moon, who originally actually made it (Universal Geneve) and how some of the other prototypes resurfaced at auctions over the years is really interesting. There are some very clever people who have worked out what was going on with it:
https://wornandwound.com/bulova-used-universal-gen...
https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertanaas/2015/10/2...
Now, you can make a strong argument that the current Lunar Pilot has nothing but its looks in common with the Dave Scott original, and I wouldn’t disagree with you. However it’s a proper watch, well-made and coherent, nicely finished, decent materials etc, as opposed to the Swatch/Omega cereal-box moneygrab toy that has absolutely nothing going for it other than the Omega logo on the dial.
I had the Bulova but swapped it plus cash for a Longines Conquest automatic. The BLP wore a bit big for my tastes. It’s quite ‘slabby’ on wrist so try before you buy, unless you’re Bobberoo, in which case it’s probably too small LOL
https://www.ablogtowatch.com/hands-on-debut-bulova...
Shame as I really like the look of the blue and white variant.
blue_haddock said:
redrabbit said:
zedx19 said:
Really fancy a Omega Swatch Moonswatch, but they are a fraction over budget for this thread. Was hoping ebay would bring them under but people paying over the odds, presumably because they are only available to buy instore. Appreciate the controversy over the watch, I just like the way they look and as my 8 year old is space, the planet on the back is a nice thing. Think I need to keep an eye on ebay for one within thread budget.
At the risk of introducing controversy to this well mannered connoisseur's thread, I would suggest you try one in the flesh before you buy. They are, how can I put this politely, a bit st. They feel like they're made of licorice. Swatch make much better watches at 60% of the cost, so the other 40% is in the marketing / brand association. The Swatch x Blancpains are even nastier / worse value. All IMHO of course, but that's what Barchetta meant by "it's your money" I'm sure, he's just more cultivated than me Like Barchetta says, If you can stretch to the Bulova Lunar Pilot, that's a watch with real provenance. Some think it wears 'big', but it's pretty decent size and the new version is in any case a bit smaller.
Edited by redrabbit on Monday 29th April 20:39
I only wore mine a handful of times as i saw so many reports of pushers falling off and the crystal getting scratched, they feel pretty flimsy and all these issues kind of prove they are a disposable watch.
I now have a luminox made from recycled fishing nets so pure plastic and it feels massively more substantial than the bioceramic moonswatch. They were both roughly the same price, albeit the luminox was discounted but the build quality is worlds apart.
Conversely I was with a group of friends who I hadn't seen in a little while on Friday and one of them was wearing a Moon, never seen him wear anything other than an apple watch before. I have friends and family who all like the ones they have.
If you want a Moonswatch you can't really go wrong if you buy one, worst case it will be easy to sell.
If you want a Moonswatch you can't really go wrong if you buy one, worst case it will be easy to sell.
Pebbles167 said:
Watch:
https://spinnaker-watches.com/collections/special-...
Strap:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EwnBLRN
As is often the case with Spinnaker it's worth checking Amazon for deals. Black/grey Bradner currently available for £140, which really is a bargain for a watch as nicely made as it is.
That is a great price….must resist…resistance fail…inbound!https://spinnaker-watches.com/collections/special-...
Strap:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EwnBLRN
As is often the case with Spinnaker it's worth checking Amazon for deals. Black/grey Bradner currently available for £140, which really is a bargain for a watch as nicely made as it is.
Will match my blue Bradner….
Settled on a Mission To Saturn one, man math justification because my 8 year old loves Saturn rings, because it feels cheap I can tell the wife it only cost 20 quid as well, as others have said, can sell it on easy enough if I don't like it.
Ebay is full of fakes though, easy to spot on the back of the watch or from the box, some people I think don't realise they have a fake either, so looks like I'll have to be careful, no Swatch store nearby either ( 2 hour drive to the nearest ).
Edit - found one within thread budget due to a 15% code working. Original strap + leather strap, worn once (apparently), looks genuine and comes with original Swatch shop receipt, easily justifiable!
Ebay is full of fakes though, easy to spot on the back of the watch or from the box, some people I think don't realise they have a fake either, so looks like I'll have to be careful, no Swatch store nearby either ( 2 hour drive to the nearest ).
Edit - found one within thread budget due to a 15% code working. Original strap + leather strap, worn once (apparently), looks genuine and comes with original Swatch shop receipt, easily justifiable!
Edited by zedx19 on Wednesday 1st May 11:50
Pebbles167 said:
For those of you wondering, Cestrian did refund me for the dodgy lume master series. Bit of back and forth, with a slow process, but I can vouch that they eventually get it done.
Replacement found in the form of another Spinnaker, the Fleuss this time. Found on Amazon for £160.
I've got one of these and like it very much..Replacement found in the form of another Spinnaker, the Fleuss this time. Found on Amazon for £160.
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