On the cooler side of watch: Vizux Wrap 310 video eyewear

Author: Samuel /

It's the least weird looking video eyewear in the market today. Vuzix has brought great gadgets for us to enjoy and the Vuzix Wrap 310 video eyewear is the latest release for virtual big screen lovers.

It’s out of the futuristic visor look and in with the smooth and save look; Wrap 310 is stylish way to enjoy your fave DVD movies as you watch them it's sunglass-style 55-inch screen widescreen. Since its zero heinous looking, it will definitely not attract stares.

This gadget supports all common formats of 3D videos with maximum compatibility. another plus factor for this is it's compatibility to work with different gadgets like iPhones and iPods, most portable DVD players and even mobile phones that have video output to Laptops, TV, and PMPs. One may take it as total geekiness but its undeniably total coolness as well.

Counter Clockwise Watches & Clocks

Author: Samuel /

One of our Twitter followers mentioned a Goofy counterclockwise watch they once had and how they wished they could find a nicer counterclockwise watch.

john_lafemina@PrecisionTime thanks 4 the follow - my favorite watch ever - a goofy watch ran counterclockwise! wish I could find a nice one that did that.
I had never actually heard of a counterclockwise watch and thought that would make a perfect "Weird Watch" post. So I did a little research and here's what I found. If you know of any other counterclockwise watches or clocks, add a link in the comment box below.

Counterclockwise Watches







elan watch by spali.


Counterclockwise Clocks
Clockwise.
http://www.ledindon.com/photos/8108/P1010006.JPG

Counterclockwise clock (black & white)
http://www.guarcraft.com/images/productos/1ii.jpg

If you know of any other "Counterclockwise" watches or clocks, add a link in the comments section below.


If you like the post, feel free to add comments below or create a link to our blog. Thanks from "The Watch Experts."

Source : http://precisiontimewatchdeals.blogspot.com/2009/09/counter-clockwise-watches-clocks.html

Casio G-Shock G8000 Watch

Author: Samuel /

This watch was a impulse buy and I would have to say that the design kind of won me over when it arrived. The design is not sporty at all unlike most of the G-Shock models. I would say this is more techy/ geek. I like the blue tinted display. Besides the basic functions it has world time as well. The strap design however feels a bit awkward at nearer to the lugs. I like the watch but not the color, silver on rubber just seems weird on the wrist.

Seiko Men's Chronograph Black

Author: Samuel /


Seiko Men's Chronograph Black Ion Watch #SNA765

Order now? here

Timex Unisex Ironman Triathlon Sleek 5/1 Resin Strap Watch #T54281

Author: Samuel /


Timex Unisex Ironman Triathlon Sleek 5/1 Resin Strap Watch #T54281
For more info here

Grand Seiko Cal. 4522-7010 Ca.70's

Author: Samuel /



Finally after wait for 2 weeks more or less, my dream watch came true today in the morning about 10 o'clock delivery service from pos indonesia came to my office.

My GS has caliber 4522 model 7010, April 1970 editon, with calendar function, handwound movement, white satin dial, genuine gs crown and furnished with genuine vintage gs buckle and new black genuine seiko strap croco style, gold GS 18K emblem with mint condition and unpolish case

one of many best movement has ever made by Daini Seikosha in 1968 with 25 jewels, the last series of handwound movement used in GS more stable and reliable than caliber 44 and GS standard approved, high beat with 10 bps, running strong and keeping excellent time, quick set date

i think it's so simple, minimalis and formal style, "simply is the best", everlasting classic model, too hard to boring and forever young

The opinions from lots of watch collectors and fans of GS, they would like to choose manual wind watch rather than automatic one, no calendar rather than has calendar.

For the vintage GS watches, the complexity of maintenance is what we care about. So "easy is the best"!. What is your opinion ?


enjoy pics please... HERE





Omega Seamaster 300M LIMITED EDITION OLYMPIC VANCOUVER 2010 Mens Watch

Author: Samuel /



Product Specifications

Watch Information
Brand Name:Omega
Part Number:212.30.41.20.04.001
Dial window material type:Sapphire
Clasp:push-botton-foldover-clasp
Case material:stainless-steel
Case diameter:41 millimeters
Band material:stainless-steel
Band length:mens-standard
Dial color:White Dial
Bezel material:Stainless Steel
Calendar:Date
Movement:Automatic
Water resistant depth:1000 Feet
Warranty Type:3 year warranty






Source : http://omega-swisswatches.blogspot.com/2010/01/omega-seamaster-300m-limited-edition.html

Mega Rare Seiko SpeedTimer 5 Sports

Author: Samuel /

This is it, after wait almost 2 weeks finally become my next collection of seiko's, it is a seiko chronograph one register sub dial with black dial and arabic number as marker, military style so minty, with black plate day/date in English/Kanji, so minty black inner bezel of tachymeter, February 1970 edition, diameter 41mm

esspecially for movement the rarest one caliber 6139A with 21 Jewels, ussually only 17 jewels for this kind of movement

if we look on dial every tags write down, named it like logo five (5), SpeedTimer, Sports, Water70mProof so if we combine all of them became mega rare "Seiko SpeedTimer 5 Sports Water70mProof" it's so hard to find in mint condition

all components are original, and hands for chronograph reset to 12 as they should

please enjoy pics

Sold on hold






Source : http://vintagewatch-jamtuwir.blogspot.com/2010/01/mega-rare-seiko-speedtimer-5-sports.html

For sports watches Donna Moderna

Author: Samuel /

Several GPS watches for women are designed to provide comfort and needs of users. In addition to offering the benefits of the Global Positioning System, was found to be particularly useful for women who are always on the move. GPS clock for most of the women were designed for sporting activities such as hiking, final, running and training fitness. However, some women want GPS watches, for a non-athletic women, while others continue to search for GPS> watches ideal for non-athlete men and women.

Here are some guidelines to choose the best GPS watches for women:
In general, you must:
• Lightweight
• Water-resistant and waterproof to 100m
• Highly readable display on a large
• With high doses, or a record of altimeter height
• Bundled with a barometer, or may contain information about temperature and weather forecasts to present
• With a digital compass
• Bundled with route planningby Personal Computer
• able to measure the speed
• Capable of measuring the distance
• resistant to scratches
• Comfortable, ergonomic design hugs the wrist
• Integration with easy to press buttons
• Equipped with alarm, timer, calendar, stopwatch
• Incorporated with long battery life
• Bundled with a USB-pay functions and full factory warranty

Particularly if the woman is a competitive runner or trains, wouldthe following characteristics:
• Sufficient memory tour
• Virtual Trainer allows users to achieve the educational objectives
• Candidates virtual runners, allows the user to race
• pulse

Other useful if only occasionally runners who aspire to do to use it for fitness:
• measure calories burned or consumption
Today, women with the technology, unless they are taking, including possible while on the road. Cited as an officer of Tech Tool, women are buying all these devices, asThese devices are functional. Also cited the fact that nearly half of the customers of GPS devices are women. Several GPS can be seen dealers Casio, Garmin, Nike, Magellan, Timex, Silva and Suunto. Other features include an MP3 player, compatible with network adapters, and multi-display.

• Tech4o Silva Accelerator Women's Runner Pedometer Watch
It features speed, distance and calories burned foot pod less. It also contains two time zones, daily timer and backlight. Occurredwith a clock pink, dense enough to justify walking or running. Counts steps with a pedometer function.

• Tech4o Silva Accelerator Women's Hiker Pedometer Watch
It has speed and distance performance on the track. Similar to the above, the timer every day, and includes a backlight function pedometer.

• Tech4o Silva Accelerator Women's Trail Runner Pedometer Watch
For travelers over the series, has better acceleration and can be used, andPool. It 'also features a highly accurate pedometer, personal profile, and change the functions of the time zone chronograph.

• Women's Suunto Lumi Wristop Computer Watch
This watch is designed for use versatile open. This is a record of all outdoor activities. It also includes a 4-function language: Spanish, French, German and English. E 'adaptable to different colors and carry a bag as an accessory. The bracelet is perfect for women elastomerSize.

• TIMEX Women's Ironman Triathlon Sleek 50-Lap Watch, Navy Blue
This watch is slim and elegant design for women. Has a memory of 50 laps and 100-hours stopwatch. Save all training sessions with two time zones. E 'night mode function and a night light. Pesa, 9 ounces and take advantage of the resin.


Source : http://seamaster300mjamesbondwatch.blogspot.com/2010/01/for-sports-watches-donna-moderna.html

TAG Heuer Men's 2000 Exclusive Aquagraph Watch #CN211A.FT8001 (Watch)

Author: Samuel /



TAG Heuer Men's 2000 Exclusive Aquagraph Watch #CN211A.FT8001 (Watch)
By TAG Heuer

First tagged by M. Orton
Customer tags: rolex, tag hauer, sea dweller, aquagraph

Review & Description

Created with professional divers in mind--thanks to its water resistance to 500 meters (1,640 feet)--the high-tech TAG Heuer Aquagraph Swiss automatic chronograph (model CN211A.FT8001) from TAG Heuer was designed as a constant point of reference, the last operational indicator when all other instruments have stopped. It includes an autolock turning bezel, oversized chronograph minute hand, screw-in crown security indicator, and an automatic helium valve. The large stainless steel watch case measures 42mm wide (1.65 inches) and it's matched to a sporty black rubber strap. The black dial includes three tonal chrono subdials, luminous dotted hour markers, and luminous baton hands. Other features include a TAG Heuer Caliber 60 automatic movement and an anti-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Read more

Nina Ricci Women's N024 Quartz Watch Review

Author: Samuel /


  • Sapphire crystal protects dial
  • Simple dial with gold markers
  • Leather band
  • Uniquely shaped bezel with diamonds
  • Water-resistant to 99 feet (30 M)

Nina Ricci Women's N024 Quartz Watch Specifications

Case material:gold-tone-stainless-steel
Case diameter:36 millimeters
Case Thickness:8 millimeters
Band material:Leather
Band length:womens
Band width:19 millimeters
Dial color:mother-of-pearl
Bezel material:gold-tone-stainless-steel
Bezel Function:stationary
Movement:Quartz
Water resistant depth:99 Feet
Warranty Type:Manufacturer

Women's Datejust Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel and 18k Gold (Watch)

Author: Samuel /



First tagged by Charles S. Chiu
Customer tags: rolex

Review & Description

Rolex is considered to be one of the most prolific Swiss wristwatch manufacturing companies in the world. With their sheer elegance and uncompromising attention to detail, Rolex is the largest luxury watch brand worldwide. An exceptional investment, the Rolex watch is a pathway to a timeless tradition. Read more

Source : http://watchesluxury.blogspot.com/2009/12/women-datejust-oyster-perpetual_23.html

Le Chateau Women's La Serenada Collection All Ceramic with Zirconia Bezel Watch Review

Author: Samuel /



Le Chateau Women's La Serenada Collection All Ceramic with Zirconia Bezel Watch Overview


Le Chateau "Serenada" is the latest addition to the well reputed LE CHATEAU Line. This masterful creation has the look and feel of pure luxury! This elegant timepiece features a white ceramic case and band with rose gold accents, zirconia studded bezel, curved case for superior fit, sapphire crystal, Japanese movement, three subdials with day, date and second hand, luminescent hands and hour markers, and double fold-over clasp. The watch is 5 ATM water resistant and includes a three year manufacturer's warranty.

Le Chateau Women's La Serenada Collection All Ceramic with Zirconia Bezel Watch Specifications

Case material:Ceramic
Case diameter:43 millimeters
Case Thickness:10 millimeters
Band material:Ceramic
Band length:womens
Band width:22 millimeters
Band Color:White
Dial color:white
Bezel material:stainless-steel
Bezel Function:stationary
Calendar:day-and-date
Movement:japanese-quartz
Water resistant depth:99 Feet
Warranty Type:Manufacturer

Zenith Men's Defy Xtreme Tourbillon Titanium Chronograph Watch #96.0529.4035/51.M (Watch)

Author: Samuel /


Review & Description

Black microblasted titanium case, Black titanium bracelet with blue lateral inserts, Deployant buckle, Unidirectional rotating black carbon fiber bezel, Screw down crown and push buttons, Black dial with silver carbon fiber in center, Luminous hands, Small seconds subdial, Chronograph feature (Seconds, Minutes, Hours), Magnified date at the 12 o'clock, Tourbillon visible at the 11 o'clock, Scratch resistant sapphire crystal, Automatic mechanical movement, Water resistant to 1000 meters/ 3330 feet. Shock and high pressure resistant. Limited Edition of 25 pieces. Read more


Source : http://watchesluxury.blogspot.com/2009/12/zenith-men-defy-xtreme-tourbillon.html

Omega Men's Seamaster 300M Quartz "James Bond" Blue Dial Watch #2221.80.00

Author: Samuel /


Review & Description

The Omega Men's Seamaster Blue Dial Watch makes its statement with a sporty deep blue dial with luminous hands and hour markers, and a calendar window that sits at the 3 o'clock. This timepiece also features quartz precision movement with rhodium-plated finish for greater precision, stability, and durability of the movement, a stainless steel case and bezel, and a stainless steel band. The blue bezel is offset with white markers and Arabic numerals. The watch also features a domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal coated on the inside with anti-reflective treatment, and a calendar window at the 3 o'clock. Designed for skin diving and other water sports, the Seamaster is water resistant to 1,000 feet. Read more


sources : http://watchesluxury.blogspot.com/2009/12/omega-men-seamaster-300m-quartz-bond.html

Nina Ricci Women's N025 Quartz Watch Review

Author: Samuel /



Nina Ricci Women's N025 Quartz Watch Features

  • Sapphire crystal protects dial
  • Classy simple dial
  • Elegant expandable band
  • Diamonds on bezel
  • Water-resistant to 99 feet (30 M)

Nina Ricci Women's N025 Quartz Watch Specifications

Case material:stainless-steel
Case diameter:28 millimeters
Case Thickness:7 millimeters
Band material:mesh
Band length:womens
Band width:19 millimeters
Dial color:white
Bezel material:diamonds-and-stainless-steel
Bezel Function:stationary
Movement:Quartz
Water resistant depth:99 Feet
Warranty Type:Manufacturer


http://watches-all.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=16

Swiss Legend Women's Colosso Collection Diamond Stainless Steel Watch Review

Author: Samuel /



Swiss Legend Women's Colosso Collection Diamond Stainless Steel Watch
Feature
Swiss Quartz movement

Sappire crystal; Polished stainless steel case and bracelet
Date function
Black mother of pearl dial with rose gold tone hands and roman numerals; Screw down crown; 172 white diamonds accent bezel and lugs, 0.85 ctw
Water-resistant to 165 feet (50 M)

Swiss Legend Women's Colosso Collection Diamond Stainless Steel Watch
Overview
Beauty instilled in time. This Swiss Legend timepiece glistens with its cool design accented by diamonds along its bezel, making it a unique selection to add to a lady's ensemble.

The Swiss Legend Story

The word "Legend" was first used in the English language in the 14th Century and has its origins in the medieval Latin language. A legend is a story about mythical events whose heros and heroins product extraordinary results that inspire. For over a quarter of a century the makers of Swiss Legend have created their own legendary by bringing their loyal customers timepieces in tradition, design, and versatility.


Swiss Legend is a brand unlike any other... It is dynamic. It is modern. It is alive.


At the very core of the Swiss Legend design philosophy rests our commitment to stylish, distinctive timepieces that harmoniously balance cutting edge style with old world precision and accuracy.


The Swiss Legend watches are meticulously crafted to exacting standards and feature the highest quality Swiss Quartz Movements. Combine the with over 2,000 combinations of styles, materials and functions, and you have a watch collection that offers unparalleled quality, variety, style and functionality.


Watches tick. Legends inspire.

Swiss Legend Women's Colosso Collection Diamond Stainless Steel Watch
Specification

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

Original Post : http://watches-all.blogspot.com/2009/10/swiss-legend-womens-colosso-collection.html

The New Rolex Yacht-Master II

Author: Samuel /


At BaselWorld 2007, Rolex announced a new sports watch for yachtsmen: the Rolex Yacht-Master II. When Rolex releases a sequel to an existing model, you can always expect to see impressive new functionality. Rolex made significant changes to the GMT Master movement between the original GMT Master, and the GMT Master II, the latter allowing the hour hand and the 24-hour hand to be set independently. Likewise, the Explorer II changed dramatically from the original Explorer, adopting the same movement as the GMT Master II which added a 24-hour hand and date. And now the Yacht-Master II represents another extremely important step in Rolex evolution.

I'm not a boater myself, but in my opinion, the original Yacht-Master doesn't really do much more for yachtsmen than a standard dive watch can do. The bi-directional rotating bezel can be used to track the start sequence of a regatta (fancy word for boat race), and the Triplock crown keeps the case impervious to sea spray, but that's about it. Nothing else except the name, and possibly the watch's exorbitant price, really has much to do with yacht racing.

Not so, with the Yacht-Master II. The new version has an extremely complex and innovative new movement with a countdown timer which can be programmed to start between one and ten minutes in order to accommodate regattas with varying start sequences. I use the term "program" rather than simply "set" because the value is actually remembered, and when the countdown timer is reset, the countdown hand will return to the last programmed value. For a mechanical watch, this is an extremely impressive feat. There is a tradeoff, however: the date which was present in the initial Yacht-Master had to go to make room on the dial, and no doubt to allow for the additional complication of the movement.

The other tradeoff is that the Yacht-Master II is a tad complicated to operate. For watch aficionados, a single demonstration will probably be a sufficient lesson, but I'm sure the Yacht-Master II will be worn by plenty of yachting types who appreciate the aesthetics much more than the functionality, and for whom it will be enough of a challenge to keep the time set correctly. For a very good demonstration of how the Yacht-Master II works, check out the Yacht-Master II home page on Rolex's site, and specifically, the operational tutorial.

I found the reaction from the hardcore Rolex fans out there to be mixed. I think most of them were so accustomed to looking at more or less the same Rolex styles for so many years that the new Yacht-Master II really caught them off-guard. The two biggest complaints I heard focused on the surprisingly prominent "YACHT-MASTER II" branding on the bezel (for better or for worse, the new generation of Rolex watches are much more heavily branded), and the fact that you have to unscrew the crown in order to set the countdown timer, leaving the watch more vulnerable to moisture, of which there tends to be plenty around yachts.

Whether you like the new Yacht-Master II or not, there is no denying that it represents a major new innovation in the world of watchmaking. In many ways, Rolex is the Apple (as in computers) of the Swiss watch world. They are arrogant and secretive, they end up setting most of the trends, and they command an extremely loyal following who sometimes complains, but in the end, always comes around.

The new Rolex Yacht-Master II is rumored to start appearing this summer. It will be available in yellow or white gold, and is expected to retail somewhere around $30,000 (no, that's not a typo -- the theory is that if you can afford a yacht, you can afford a Yacht-Master II).

Posted By Christian Cantrell
Original Post : http://www.watchreport.com/2007/04/the_new_rolex_y.html

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Mens Watch 115234-WRO (Watch)

Author: Samuel /


Review & Description

Polished stainless steel case. White dial with black Roman numerals and silver index hour markers. 18K white gold fluted bezel. Oyster bracelet with brushed outer links and polished center links. (updated design - launched May 2007). Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Mens Watch 115234-WRO Read more



Original post : http://watchesluxury.blogspot.com/2009/12/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-mens-watch.html

Omega Seamaster Diver 300m "Vancouver 2010" Limited Edition

Author: Samuel /

Omega Seamaster Diver 300m “Vancouver 2010” Limited Edition
Omega Seamaster Diver 300m “Vancouver 2010” Limited Edition

Omega Seamaster Diver 300m “Vancouver 2010” Limited Edition

While some have hinted at parsimony when referring to the meagre Omega offerings for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics (particularly compared with the treasure trove of models released during the Beijing extravaganza), this may well be a bonus for serious collectors. A run of 2010 pieces for each of the 41mm and 36.25mm versions points to genuine future collectibility. It’s a watch to pass on to the next generation, so if you purchase one do make sure you keep the boxes and papers!

The Seamaster Vancouver is a thoughtfully designed collectors' piece that is quintessentially Canadian in its colour palette and evocative of the Winter Olympics program. Its colours are taken from the Canadian national flag: a snow white lacquer dial with a red embossed Seamaster logo, black Omega symbol and lettering set against an anodised red bezel with silver index and numbers. The bezel sits strikingly within the classic scalloped case rim and signature Seamaster beveled lugs.

The hands are also part of the Seamaster Professional livery, skeletonised and coated with super LumiNova. The centre sweep is nothing short of dinky, featuring coloured Olympic Rings as a counterweight to the red-tipped “business side” of the sweep. Simple round hour indices coated with Super LumiNova mark each hour.

One or two commentators have questioned the choice of a Seamaster as a commemorative Olympic watch, hinting that a chronograph of some sort is more proper. To me, it’s refreshing to see a configuration with a simple date window do the honours, and aren’t we getting a tad weary of all those big tool watches, the functions of which people rarely ever use, commanding all the attention? In my opinion, the uncluttered snow white dial is infinitely more suggestive of the conditions in which this Olympic competition will be held.

The Seamaster Vancouver case houses a chronometer certified Omega coaxial calibre 2500, reviews of which appear in other posts below. It’s a proven workhorse that matches up to any Rolex calibre you care to mention. The caseback design continues the Canadian theme, showing the Winter Games logo and “Ilanaak”, an abstract sculpture that denotes “friend”.

This Seamaster carries all the fruit of the Seamaster Professional series and retails at around the USD $3800.00 mark, probably a few hundred less after a bit of spirited bargaining. As a collectors piece, particularly for Canadians wishing to commemorate the games, it represents good value. For me, an eminently collectible one of two thousand and ten (for each case size) that screams “out of the ordinary”.

Original Posted : http://new-omega-watch-reviews.blogspot.com/2009/09/omega-seamaster-diver-300m-vancouver.html

Timex Ironman Triathlon Sleek 50 Lap Watch Review

Author: Samuel /


Many runners find that a good pair of shoes and a good watch are their constant companions. There is a lot of information on picking those good shoes (see How To Shop For Running Shoes for a start). But there isn't very much information out there about good watches for runners. This watch review (of the Timex Ironman Triathlon Sleek 50 Lap Watch) tries to get that information out to all my running buddies out there.

Features

The Timex Ironman Triathlon Sleek 50 Lap Watch has some good features that really drew it to me. For instance, some of its most useful features (to me), include:
  • Indiglo Night-light with Night modewhich means you can either hold the button down while you look or set the button to keep the light on for a few seconds every time you push it.
  • 2 interval timers which allows runners to have timers that, for example, beep for your 3 minute run and then your 1 minute walk and then repeat. This feature is a must have for run/walk or walk/run runners.
  • 100 hour Chronograph with 1/100 second resolution so you know how long your run was down to the 1/100th second.
  • 3 Alarms: Daily, Weekend, Weekday which allows you a wide variety of alarm settings.
  • and much, much more. (Seriously!)
The only negative aspect to the features of the Timex Ironman Triathlon Sleek 50 Lap Watch is that I didn't use nearly as many as I paid for.

Comfort

This watch is seriously comfortable. At least, it was for me and several of my running buddies. I wore it 24 hours a day for well over a year with no problems. (Since then I've stopped wearing a watch except during races and the occasional run where I need the interval timers.) When I wore this watch, I really got used to it quickly and, then it felt like I wasn't wearing a watch at all. This is apparently because it's resin strap is very flexible.

Lasting Power

The Timex Ironman Triathlon Sleek 50 Lap Watch lasted perfectly (for me) for about 2 1/2 years. At that point it started fogging up (so that you couldn't see the numbers anymore). This seems to have been triggered by jumping off a cliff into a lake (even though the depth of the lake was within the 100 meters of water resistance the watch claims to have). However, before it broke, I had taken it swimming, canoeing, snowboarding, and more with no problems. I can still use the watch, but it can be difficult to read now. Of course, after 2 1/2 years without any problems I bought another one, but have since had the same problem with it. However, I still believe this to be one of the best watches available to runners for a reasonable price.

Cost

That leads us right into price, doesn't it? For me, price was the most important part when I am buying a watch. (Basically, I want a comfortable, low-priced watch with interval timers and some water resistance.) This Timex watch fulfilled those needs, including the low price. I've seen it around the internet in the $40 price range and the Timex watch homepage is selling them for $55-60. I bought mine at a chain sports store in the area for $25. In fact, I got that price both time that I bought one. So, be sure to comparison shop before you buy. The "Compare Prices" link on this webpage is a good place to start. I've seen it from $25-55 on there, so it's definitely worth a shot.

Original Post : http://running.about.com/od/gearreviews/fr/snowpack.htm

To Better Know a Movement: The Seiko Classics

Author: Samuel /

foursome.jpg

There is no better way to jump into classic watch collecting than with the Seiko classics. These movements – and watches – come in multiple forms and flavors with different complications and cases. Based on Seiko’s workhorse base movement, these watches have been running consistently and constantly since the the 1960s and are still available online for a pittance.

6309.jpg
The first movement we’ll discuss is the 6309 line. This is a basic movement and was launched in 1976 and discontinued in 1988. It was designed to fit inside the cushion case of the 6309 line of divers but also appeared in the Seiko Sport 5 line that was less water resistant. The movement has 17 jewels and is completely automatic with a half rotor taking up most of the visible surface and a non-hacking day/date movement.

Whoa, you’re saying. What the hell are you talking about? Here’s a quick explanation. The 6309 movement is a base movement with a rotor, the little thing that spins when the watch is in motion. It drives the mainspring which in turn drives the balance wheel. This drives the hands and the day/date mechanism. This movement has 17 jewels, tiny rubies that reduce friction within the system. Because this is a mass-market movement, Seiko focused on durability and not on aesthetics. This movement is so plain as to be boring, but up close, if you dare open the case, it’s quite striking. I won’t open the cases on these because you’re essentially seeing what’s going on via the face and I’m definitely not qualified to dig into these guys any further.

6309side.jpgIn short, the 6309 is the Honda Civic or old Volvo of the watch world – no matter when you buy it, it will always work. The 6309 you see here is my father’s and it stopped a bit when I first pulled it out of the drawer and then I tried to “repair” it myself, leading to quite a bit of heartache. Actually, what you see here is a frankenSeiko with new movement, face, and hands that I purchased on eBay. The case and movement themselves are fairly thin. The 6309 is a direct ancestor of the the modern Orange Monster

6139.jpg

The next movement is the ubiquitous 6139 chrono movement with day/date and a single thirty minute register at 6 o’clock. This is probably the second most popular Seiko model in existence, after the 6309 and her newer successors. Unfortunately, Seiko completely stopped making automatic chrono movements – except for a few rare exceptions – and this series is now fairly collectable if kind of silly.

6139side.jpgThe 6139 is essentially a single register chrono that lets you measure increments of a half-hour with any accuracy. They came in multiple casings, from the waterproof Seiko Sport 5 and Speed-Timer series to that plain old “Automatic” series that came out at the end of its run. The 6139 is one of the first automatic chronograph movements ever created and ranks up there with the El Primero movement by Zentith/Movado. Like Swatch, Seiko stuffed their movements into multiple oddly-colored case and face permutations, leading to a plethora of odd shapes and sizes including models with an internal rotating bezel. It does not have an independent constant seconds hand and the only time the face is ever moving – aside from the hour and minute hands – is when the chrono is engaged.

The model you see here is a 6139-8029 from about 1975. The chrono movement is integrated into the main power train so it is about as thick as the 6309. The top button starts and pauses the chrono and the bottom button resets it. This particular movement had a catch in the minutes register which would stop the movement completely when it tried to advance one minute. I had to send it into the Seiko service shop where they cleaned it up considerably.

One strange aspect of this movement is the quickset date. To set the day, you push the crown in all the way until it flips. Then, to set the day, you press it a bit more gently. The best way to set this movement is to advance to the day before the current date and then swing the hands around once to have the entire movement advance by one day. This particular model has a miniscule crown that is actually quite a pain to handle, but since you rarely need to reset the date or the time, it’s acceptable.

6138.jpg

The 6139 is a historical movement and available almost everywhere. The 6138 is its rare younger brother, an oddly named chrono movement – the 6139 came out before the 6138, right? – that also features an hours register and an improved quick-set day date.

6138side.jpgThe first thing you’ll notice is the thickness of this movement, even in a non-waterproof case. This guy is a monster. It has two registers, hours and minutes, and is almost a half-inch thick. This particular model is a 6138-8030 and has a handwind feature which means you can wind it independently of the automatic movement as well as an improved day/date setting mechanism. The crown does not push in on this model. Instead, you pull it out halfway and turn it up to set the date and down to set the day. This method is considerably more common in today’s watches but was quite a departure when this movement first hit the market in the 1970s. Size aside, I prefer this movement over the 6139, but it is quite rare and quite hefty. Finding a piece in good working condition is fairly hard, but not impossible.

6117.jpg

The last classic we’ll discuss is the odd 6117-6410. This is a similar movement to the 6309 except that it has a date register and a third 24-hour hand calibrated to the main hour hand and an inner bezel. The inner bezel is if or setting the time zone and is turnable when the crown is closed. At halfway, the crown controls the date register and at full extension it controls the time.

6117side.jpgClearly, this is a one-off movement of some import. Seiko has not been big on GMT pieces until recently and most of those have been quartz. This is an automatic GMT, called the Navigator Timer, that can show two timezones simultaneously. This is an extremely rare bird and the model I found is just barely running. It is an oddity in this cavalcade of classics and comes from the 1970s.

Clearly this is a just a brief overview on the majesty of Seiko classics, but I felt it was important enough to share with you all. I collected all of these auto movements over the past year or so and wanted to really get in depth with each one, but that’s for another day when I’m not swamped. Until then, happy watch hunting.


Original post : http://www.wristwatchreview.com/2006/10/03/to-better-know-a-movement-the-seiko-classics/

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