Which Watch?!
Author
Discussion

Revs_Addiction

Original Poster:

2,090 posts

262 months

Wednesday 4th July 2012
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So, when I see other threads like these, I always think, 'just buy the one that you like best', because really, the only opinion that ultimately matters is the one of the wearer! Therefore I feel a little hypocritical posting one myself!

I'm not after opinions on which I should buy, more seeking info to help me make my own mind up...

One of the main problems is that both are sold via the internet only. I find handling a watch and seeing how it wears very important, this is making the decision that much harder.

Both are very different watches, yet cost roughly the same. Neither fills a particular void in my collection, although I do have less chronographs than divers!

The two contenders are:

Steinhart Triton 30ATM (ETA 2824-2 movt):





Magrette Moana Pacific Chrono PVD (ST-1901 movt):



I know they can't be compared, but does anyone own either of them, or have any experience of them?

I know the Steinhart, 'Rolex-a-like', watches have a mostly good reputation on here, (for quality at least), do the rest of their watches have a similar good reputation? Is the Triton a looky-likey of another watch I'm not aware of?

Magrette are a complete unknown to me, I know the Seagull movement isn't the most revered, but is it a good workhorse? Does it keep reasonable time? Is it easy to get serviced here?

Lots of questions I know, but many thanks in advice for any insights offered!

Ikemi

8,611 posts

236 months

Wednesday 4th July 2012
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Revs_Addiction said:
I know the Steinhart, 'Rolex-a-like', watches have a mostly good reputation on here, (for quality at least), do the rest of their watches have a similar good reputation? Is the Triton a looky-likey of another watch I'm not aware of?

Magrette are a complete unknown to me, I know the Seagull movement isn't the most revered, but is it a good workhorse? Does it keep reasonable time? Is it easy to get serviced here?

Lots of questions I know, but many thanks in advice for any insights offered!
I haven't handled either, but I've only read positive reviews when it comes to Magrette pieces. For a small company based in New Zealand, they have quite a following! The Sea-Gull movement is Chinese, so relatively cheap, but it's a good movement and pretty accurate. It might not be COSC standard, but it's not going to be more than -/+30s a day. It's also a rather nice looking movement, which is why the Magrette has a display back smile

The Triton is not based on any particular watch and is one of Steinhart's own creations. It's also powered by a Swiss ETA 2824 movement.

Out of the two, I'd go for the Magrette ... It's a bargain ... Auto chronograph with display back and ceramic bezel smile

Toathus

32 posts

176 months

Wednesday 4th July 2012
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I've been waiting for my Magrette since I ordered it on Friday. It arrived today and I absolutely love it. The fit and finish are fantastic, such a beautiful yet unique watch. The pictures on the internet do not do it justice.

The movement for many is a deal breaker. However it didn't deter me as there's no reason why a properly assembled and packaged movement in this watch would fail prematurely.

The Steinhart is a great watch too, but the Magrette is the one to have at this price point.


tertius

6,914 posts

261 months

Wednesday 4th July 2012
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Well, I'm sorry to say that the Steinhart looks like it is trying to be a Chopard and the Magrette a Panerai.

bigrich4

713 posts

188 months

Thursday 5th July 2012
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Toathus said:
I've been waiting for my Magrette since I ordered it on Friday. It arrived today and I absolutely love it. The fit and finish are fantastic, such a beautiful yet unique watch. The pictures on the internet do not do it justice.

The movement for many is a deal breaker. However it didn't deter me as there's no reason why a properly assembled and packaged movement in this watch would fail prematurely.

The Steinhart is a great watch too, but the Magrette is the one to have at this price point.
Any chance of some wrist shots Toathus? I've been looking at this watch myself since it was discussed on another thread a while ago. Where did you buy it from and, if you don't mind me asking, how much?

obob

4,193 posts

225 months

Thursday 5th July 2012
quotequote all
tertius said:
Well, I'm sorry to say that the Steinhart looks like it is trying to be a Chopard and the Magrette a Panerai.
Maybe Chophard are trying to look like a Steinhart!

Ikemi

8,611 posts

236 months

Thursday 5th July 2012
quotequote all
bigrich4 said:
Any chance of some wrist shots Toathus? I've been looking at this watch myself since it was discussed on another thread a while ago. Where did you buy it from and, if you don't mind me asking, how much?
I'd be interested in some wrist shots too ... I had one on pre-order, but cancelled after picking up a TAG F1 Gulf.

BigRich4, you have to order through Magrette direct. Their website is: www.magrette.com

Price is $575 (~£370), which includes shipping. However you'll also need to factor in import tax (+20%) and handling fees of around £20.

bigrich4

713 posts

188 months

Thursday 5th July 2012
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Ikemi, I believe there's also a European supplier for them after a little research the other week. The Gulf F1 is a nice watch though, how you getting on with it?

Ikemi

8,611 posts

236 months

Thursday 5th July 2012
quotequote all
bigrich4 said:
Ikemi, I believe there's also a European supplier for them after a little research the other week.
Ah! There is indeed! Didn't know about that!

http://www.magrette.eu/web-store/100219--regattare...

bigrich4 said:
The Gulf F1 is a nice watch though, how you getting on with it?
I've sold it hehe It was a fantastic watch though for the price; well built, decent specs and it had a good weight to it too. I just didn't seem to ever wear it, so sold it onto another PHer smile

Toathus

32 posts

176 months

Thursday 5th July 2012
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I purchased through the european website and it came to £399 after VAT and shipping.
I'll get some wrist shots up tonight but you'll have to put up with iPhone quality photos

bigrich4

713 posts

188 months

Thursday 5th July 2012
quotequote all
Toathus said:
I purchased through the european website and it came to £399 after VAT and shipping.
I'll get some wrist shots up tonight but you'll have to put up with iPhone quality photos
Good man, and a good price too!

Toathus

32 posts

176 months

Saturday 7th July 2012
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Finally got round to getting a couple of wrist shots. This watch extremely difficult to photo mainly due to the polished bezel, I suppose the Iphone camera doesn't help much.
I have fairly small wrists at 7 inch but it wears well and looks great.

Bit of a fingerprint magnet though so be prepared for wiping the face everytime you touch it

Enjoy.



bigrich4

713 posts

188 months

Saturday 7th July 2012
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I'm liking that Toathus! Dunno if the black and red strap would suit it better though? Is it quite a thick watch?

Toathus

32 posts

176 months

Saturday 7th July 2012
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Yeah I think the black and red strap or the plain black strap are the ones to go for. I went for the brown as I'm going to switch between a Toshi and a rubber strap anyway and I wanted the PVD buckle that comes exclusively with the brown strap.

The brown strap is around 5mm thick, 1mm or so thicker than the other two available straps which are 4mm IIRC.

I wouldn't say it's a thick watch. It has presence but it hides its size very well if that makes sense

Edited by Toathus on Saturday 7th July 15:03