But you have to have an iPhone to use it...

9/11/2014 11:10:00 AM

honestly they're pretty 'meh' to me right now. I agree I may change my mind in a few generations but right now for me personally the functionality of it is just not needed and like most electronic gadgets it will become dated and potentially useless a couple years into its life which is not the case with a normal watch. For a tech watch some of the options look pretty nice, but as of now I would still prefer a non-digital option when I wear a watch.

They are comparing it to watches at the $350 price point and saying "omg nothing else competes digital or analog at this price point" but who wouldn't be a little upset if they were constantly buying and replacing a $350 watch every couple years like Apple would ideally want their users to do like they do their phones. Additionally, not only is it a $350 watch with a shorter shelf life than a watch-watch, it also requires a $700+ device to pair with it for it to be worth anything. That's the difference between a watch-watch and a tech-watch like this.

At one point, he also states "The overall level of design in the Apple Watch simply blows away anything – digital or analog – in the watch space at $350" which is just a facepalm for me. He makes over the 'milanese' stainless steel mesh band and lauds them for being brilliant/bold for bringing back this "admittedly outdated looking option". That's actually the watch band style I prefer if I wear a watch, and it is readily available among any bauhaus or minimalist watch companies out there. The Dieter Rams designed watch that I bought last year had that same exact style band and that is exactly why I bought it. So yes, those watch bands are awesome, but no they are not "out-dated". They are actually one of the most classic modernist band styles around imo.

So yes, some of them look cool, and who knows in the future I may decide they have advanced enough where I like them, but for now, that article is dripping with hyperbole and fanboyism (or I'm just a negative nancy today). I can't blame them though; they're just trying to find a new product to sell since the smartphone marketplace for new users isn't as wide-open as it once was, and the innovation on that side is a little more incremental now.

9/11/2014 11:25:49 AM

The fit, finish, and thought that went into design, of the Apple watch, along with overall precision in everything, are incredible, and especially at that price level. These are all the main qualities that traditional watches are judged by. Putting "status statement" argument aside, why do people pay hundreds of thousands of dollars extra for having a turbillion (or two or three)? Does that level of precision in time really matters in real life? It's the thought that went into the design that counts. And as far as finish, there is a reason why nice watches are considered "jewelry" and not "gadgets". The only thing going against the apple watch in that regard is that it's not hand-assembled by a swiss watchmaker, but what $350 watch is?

9/11/2014 11:27:29 AM

One other thing to consider is that some of the nice watches appreciate in time, or can be used as heirlooms. Apple watch will probably feel outdated on the processor side at some point. As far as heirloom value, your grandkids are more likely to appreciate "first Apple watch" more in the same way we appreciate Super Nintendos, as opposed to a nice mechanical watch with outdated look. I have some jewelry left over from my grandfather as heirlooms, including a pocket watch, cufflinks, and silver bracelet, and all of those look so dated, no way in hell I'd actually wear them.

9/11/2014 11:32:49 AM

Often just depends on the style you like more than it being generally 'dated'. If you don't have the same style as your parents or grandparents then their stuff looks dated (which is the most common). I would kill to have some of the furniture my grandparents got rid of when it became 'dated' in the 80s. Additionally, I would love if my grandfather had some German watches from the middle 1900s that he could have given to me.

[Edited on September 11, 2014 at 11:37 AM. Reason : ]

9/11/2014 11:36:49 AM

I just fear our youth will not learn how to communicate verbally with those around them. We're raising a generation of electronic zombies.

9/11/2014 11:43:53 AM

I agree that some things have more timeless design that others. I have a couple of old cameras left over from same grandpa that I can appreciate, and I can rock them out in a very hipster fashion. Some of the mid-century furniture from my grandparent's place would fit in my house with just light refinishing. However, none of the stuff my parents own I would consider "timeless". The design and the build of it is just not exceptional in any way, shape, or form. I guess the consumerism of the last quarter of the 20th century were not good for design and craftsmanship. Or maybe my parents were cheapskates (can't blame them, as they came here broke)

I think the external appearance of the Apple watch is minimalistic enough to where it will look good perpetually. Yes, maybe it will look more dated as never versions come out, but look at the first iPhone and you will still find it attractive and "not dated". Blackberry, or better yet an older Vertu phone, on the other hand, will look dated even today. Will that style come back periodically? Maybe. Look at vintage typewriter pricing. Some go for hundreds of dollars, some you can't give away for free.

9/11/2014 11:54:58 AM

Quote :

"The fit, finish, and thought that went into design, of the Apple watch, along with overall precision in everything, are incredible, and especially at that price level."

Is it really incredible though? It doesn't look bad, especially if you ignore the thickness, but is it really incredible? Or are you including all of the function of the watch as well. It's really not fair to compare this watch to a watch-watch in terms of features etc. If you are including all of those features as well then yes the 'attention to detail' is higher than a watch being made just to be a fashion piece that tells time. I'm not really sure what that analysis gives us.

If you are just comparing it on style (fit and finish) alone then that will be subjective. On that standpoint it looks OK to me. The bands are standard bands you can find on hundreds of other watches. Some I (and others will like) and some I (and other's won't) like. The body is going to be split. The body looks like what I'd expect - nothing that shocking there. I don't plan to get either and am not a huge fan of either but the 360 body looks a lot better than apples, just my personal opinion.

Don't get me wrong - I think it looks nice. The 360 also looks nice. I just don't know that either is blowing anyone away in terms of what they expected it to look like. It's minimal and sleek (ignoring thickness for now) as I expected the apple watch to be. In the future as these watches get smaller and potentially do not need to be paired with a phone they could be pretty cool. I like the thought but not the available product yet.

Quote :

" agree that some things have more timeless design that others. I have a couple of old cameras left over from same grandpa that I can appreciate, and I can rock them out in a very hipster fashion. Some of the mid-century furniture from my grandparent's place would fit in my house with just light refinishing. However, none of the stuff my parents own I would consider "timeless". The design and the build of it is just not exceptional in any way, shape, or form. I guess the consumerism of the last quarter of the 20th century were not good for design and craftsmanship. Or maybe my parents were cheapskates (can't blame them, as they came here broke)"

That is very, very true. A lot of that has been lost. It still exists but not within the masses. For something like furniture you really have to go with smaller local or very high end places to get anything quality comparable to older pieces. Sad really.


[Edited on September 11, 2014 at 12:11 PM. Reason : ]

9/11/2014 11:58:14 AM

Not counting the functionality, just attention to detail that went into design. Let's starts at the bands, since you mentioned them. None of them are are "the same standard bands you find on every other watch". Even the "classic leather band" which uses transitional cuff is more secure than a traditional leather band, because it doesn't rely on the same legacy pin design that is used for just about every other watch on the planet. Apple looked at the existing implementation and coming up with a better system, something more secure and that could also accommodate every band style in a way that the band looks like a natural extension of the watch. Bands are adjustable and replaceable without use of any tools. Magnetic clasp instantly make a classic style band feel innovative (and easily adjustable), same with "modern buckle". Are these small details? Yes, but so are turbillions.

Next, sapphire glass and unibody construction with special alloys/coating (even the gold version is a gold alloy designed for extra hardness), sealed one-piece circuit board, rounded surfaces (bevels are often the weakest part of the surface in terms of gauging - this watch is designed to last, as all timepieces should. For comparison, look at the Motorola 360 watch that you mentioned (which is a very good, clean-looking watch IMO) - that one is made of many more layers and many more individual parts, and several sharp bevels, and uses Gorilla glass, which is good, but not as good as sapphire.

The mechanism - custom designed circuit, sealed airtight as one piece (I know you can't really see it, but you "know it").

Gap tolerances on the outside of the body look pretty tight from the photos I saw.

All of this adds up to a watch that would cost more than $350 if it had a quartz movement inside and came from a small-name designer. This thing has a computer with sensors, is associated with a "hip" company, and is guaranteed to have the largest app ecosystem out of all wearable watches.

I think all around it's pretty incredible. I haven't bought a watch since college because I didn't see anything that I actually looked at and said "i want this" (that was in my price range), but this one may be the one.

9/11/2014 1:01:54 PM

Quote :

"I just fear our youth will not learn how to communicate verbally with those around them. We're raising a generation of electronic zombies"

This too. But in some form this was the sentiment with TV and video games. Both eventually acquired some sort of a social form, and in some ways they help with communication is much as they hurt in other ways. But we are digressing off topic.

By the way, because of watches, people forgot how to tell time by looking in the sun and how to tell the date by looking at the moon and the stars Damn technology!

9/11/2014 2:31:38 PM

Some crazy sales going on at Watchismo on some of the craziest brands they carry!

http://www.watchismo.com

Wish I had the disposable income to buy a few!

9/21/2014 11:14:09 PM

anybody know anything about the 32 Degrees Men's Tundra Chronograph Watch? It's on Groupon for $39 and Groupon is saying retail is $989. Seems gimicky but hard to pass up at the same time.



http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-32-degrees-mens-tundra-chronograph-watches-1?p=1&utm_source=pc_goods&utm_medium=email&sid=645ce63c-d480-414a-9eb6-ae5353d7399b&division=houston&user=35c97fb5ff8a2849fcf1f51aa87fc7ebdf52e65ae3018bbdb0ba64953afb186e&date=20141024&s=body&c=button&d=Goods-PN-Hero&utm_campaign=645ce63c-d480-414a-9eb6-ae5353d7399b

10/24/2014 2:20:21 PM

Hmm seems fishy.

10/24/2014 4:52:11 PM

$5 off Weekenders till 11/20

http://www.amazon.com/b?t=slicinc-20&tag=slicinc-20&ascsubtag=710c8365aeba4cb8a9e07cb988243c63&ie=UTF8&node=10151822011

11/8/2014 8:51:12 AM

wait... people still wear dumb-watches?

11/8/2014 2:51:40 PM

I prefer dumb watches. They don't tell me who's trying to text me, email me, or tweet me. I can relax after work and not have to worry about the world having access to my wrist.

11/8/2014 3:04:52 PM

Does anyone know anything about Cross Switzerland? I got one of their watches as a gift recently and don't know anything about them (I'm a complete watch novice).

11/8/2014 6:00:51 PM

"Cross Switzerland" is the brand? Couldn't Google that. Do you mean Victorinox?

11/9/2014 6:32:11 PM

My bad, I meant 'Cover Switzerland' not cross

11/12/2014 2:40:47 PM

^ It is a mid-priced brand, mostly in the $200-400 range, which is rare for Swiss watches. I do not know about quality or durability, but I am assuming being Swiss should lend them some minimum durability.

Massive sale here on different brands:

http://www.creationwatches.com/products/holiday-deals-275/

12/11/2014 4:31:20 AM

Anybody got a Moto 360? It's the first wearable that actually intrigued me.

12/12/2014 8:52:17 AM

I had a citizen eco drive. LOVED that watch, then someone stole it.

Want another soon!

12/12/2014 11:02:48 PM

I love mine!!!

12/12/2014 11:08:48 PM

I want the gold and silver ECO DRIVE.

12/13/2014 8:06:29 PM

my everyday watch has been an ecodrive nighthawk for like the last 3 years...they are very high on my list

12/13/2014 9:55:44 PM

12/14/2014 3:52:08 PM

I like the World AT series. It's always accurate to the second and it's really easy to change time zones.

12/14/2014 9:25:46 PM

I have this one, it comes in other colors also

12/15/2014 12:13:20 AM

Got this for Christmas. Totally Love It!

1/3/2015 1:52:17 AM

I've had 2 eco-drives stop working on me, so I think I'm done with the solar gimmick. I'll probably try an automatic next...

3/5/2015 11:27:17 PM

^It's pretty easy to get them serviced I think. I've had one for a couple years and it's been great. Typically they're pretty reliable. I wouldn't really call it a gimmick as they're quite popular and reliable. I'd take an automatic with an atomic ratio like my Citizen but I don't know if that exists.

3/5/2015 11:43:22 PM

See videos within

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-31966690

Quote :

"Astronomia watch costs $500,000+ 20 March 2015 Last updated at 18:16 GMT Inside the Astronomia Tourbillon domed sapphire case, a spinning 288-sided diamond represents the moon, which orbits around a hand-painted model of the earth as they both rotate around the centre once every 20 minutes. Meanwhile, the brains of the watch - a part known as the tourbillon - projects out in another direction, spinning across three axes simultaneously, while a revolving watch face on a fourth arm completes the celestial choreography."

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-31957143

Quote :

"Hands on with Kairos see-though hybrid smartwatch 19 March 2015 Last updated at 02:30 GMT US-South Korean start-up Kairos is showing off a smartwatch that superimposes notifications and other graphics over its mechanical parts. The design means that even if the transparent OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screen's battery runs out, the device will still continue to function as a normal watch. It is, however, more heavy and bulky than typical timepieces. The starting price is $1,190 for the basic edition, and can go higher if the user wants more accurate internal Swiss-made mechanical parts. The BBC's Leo Kelion met with Kairos chief executive Sam Yang at the Baselworld trade fair in Switzerland, where the watch is on display, to see how it works."

Hmmm... interesting!


[Edited on March 22, 2015 at 2:20 AM. Reason : ]

3/22/2015 1:56:35 AM

So...for a poor bastard like me, do you guys have any suggestions? I haven't worn a watch since high school when I had a Fossil, been wanting to up my game recently. I really like the Eco Drives from above, but I'm not trying to spend over $100 on a watch right now.

3/31/2015 9:39:30 PM

^ Maybe look into Relic. Amazon has quite a few under $100.

4/1/2015 5:49:12 AM

^ why would you recommend some cheap chinese unknown no-brand?

^^ if you can't afford a citizen eco-drive, go for a Seiko 5 automatic, plenty are under $100:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=seiko%205

if you can splurge upto $120, i would recommend an Orient automatic, though a few are under $100:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_i_9?rh=k%3Aorient+automatic%2Ci%3Afashion

both are highly durable japanese automatics, and Orient has a cult following among watch collectors. they are powered by your wrist movements, and come with a 40 hour power reserve (return if a lot less than 40 hours), so you can easily take it off in the evening and it will still will be running the next next morning (even the next next morning).

this post of mine from page 9 will help you, if you want lower than amazon prices:

cheap online retailers:

http://www.creationwatches.com/
http://www.princetonwatches.com/
http://www.skywatches.com.sg/ amazing selection of japanese that are not found in US
http://www.watches88.com/ also wow with regards to japanese selection
http://www.newatch.com/
http://www.watchismo.com/ god damn!
http://www.nywatchstore.com/
http://www.worldofwatches.com/ some of the lowest prices anywhere
http://www.wristzonewatches.com/
http://www.thetimezone.us/
http://www.ashford.com/
http://www.jomashop.com/
http://www.uniquemechanics.com/
http://monterojoyeros.com/
http://www.azfinetime.com/


make sure to check out http://www.watchismo.com/ if you want a watch that guaranteed no one else will have within a 1,000 miles of you! they always have a sale on certain brands as well.

here you go:
http://www.watchismo.com/search.aspx?low=0.00&high=99.99
http://www.watchismo.com/search.aspx?low=100.00&high=249.99&page=1&sort=1


[Edited on April 1, 2015 at 7:03 AM. Reason : ]

4/1/2015 6:49:50 AM

^ jomashop.com is good. Ive found some great deals there.

4/1/2015 7:12:25 AM

p.s. i would def recommend automatic, but if for whatever reason you want a quartz (battery operated), you have lots of options from Seiko, Citizen, and Casio, perhaps Orient as well, but Orient makes mostly automatics. stick to those brands.

if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

4/1/2015 7:30:50 AM

Wow, thanks guys. I wasn't expecting such helpful responses so soon. Guess I spend too much time in Chit Chat.

4/1/2015 10:53:14 AM

I ordered this one.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XGQMRI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2L77EE7U53NWQ

I checked the other sites you listed, but for my low price point, the price difference from Amazon was none or negligible. And I had a gift card.

4/1/2015 11:38:42 AM

Relic is made by Fossil

Quote :

"^ why would you recommend some cheap chinese unknown no-brand?"

4/1/2015 10:47:37 PM

I have a 5 automatic, wearing it right now. Got it for something like $60 IIRC and I've been very happy with it. I just need to get a winder box for it at some point as I don't wear it often enough to keep it from running down...

4/2/2015 12:13:07 AM

I cannot wait to get a watch again!

Damn thieves.

4/2/2015 1:13:08 AM

Quote :

"I ordered this one. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XGQMRI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2L77EE7U53NWQ I checked the other sites you listed, but for my low price point, the price difference from Amazon was none or negligible. And I had a gift card."

Hey... check these out, they are very similar to the one you ordered, but with attractive dial colors, one light metallic blue, 2 light metallic gray, and one dark blue:

http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-automatic-sports-89/seiko-5-automatic-blue-dial-snxa05k1-snxa05k-mens-watch-6259.html
http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-automatic-sports-89/seiko-5-automatic-grey-dial-snxa03k1-snxa03k-mens-watch-6258.html
http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-automatic-sports-89/seiko-5-automatic-snk125k1-snk125k-mens-watch-6211.html
http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNKK27-Stainless-Steel-Automatic/dp/B004MAZN3I

If you like one of those better, you can always return the one you ordered. Of course if you prefer the black dial, that's totally up to you!

And you are welcome.

P.S. The watch you ordered, the ones I posted, and hundreds of other similarly priced Seiko 5s comes with their "7S26" automatic movement which has a 40 hour power reserve. What that means is that once it is fully charged up with your wrist movements and is storing max potential energy, it will run for 40 hours once you take it off your wrist.

Here is what I recommend:

When you get it, don't remove the plastic film covering the watch band and case. Hold it with your hand and gently move it left and right keeping your wrist steady (fan left and right at elbow), moving 2-3 inches to either side. Stop after 15 seconds and make sure it has started ticking. Continue the motion for 15-20 minutes, and that should be enough to store full charge in it. If you want to be sure, do it for 30 minutes. A less boring way to do it is to wrap it up tightly in a paper towel, drop it in your pocket (preferably a thigh pocket), and go for up to a 30 minute walk.

Once finished charging, put it back in its box and keep the box where it is easy to see it without having to touch/move the box but at the same time where it will not get disturbed, so like a tv shelf/stand.

Do this at a time that works well in terms of both am and pm, as you will need to check the watch at the same time at am and pm everyday for 2 days. So for example if you do it at 9 pm Friday, check to see if it is running at 9 am Saturday, 9 pm Saturday, 9 am Sunday, and 9 pm Sunday. If it works as it should, it should stop between noon and 3 pm Sunday.

If you get anything less than 37 or so hours, try the test a second time, and if still the same, return it. The two Seiko 5s that I have, run for ~41 hours on a full charge.

(sorry for the excruciating detail, but I don't know how much you know about automatics!)

4/2/2015 1:47:50 PM

those discount ones look fake

4/2/2015 2:58:05 PM

They are not fake. I can vouchsafe for all the sites I posted to get authentic watches at deep discounts.

4/3/2015 1:56:58 AM

I know nothing about watches, but I've had my old Citizen Eco Drive Titanium since around 1999 or so. It's still kicking, but I think it's time for a change.

I really really want this Oris Artelier


On a much cheaper note, I like the Tissot Le Locle and the Mido Multifort. The Le Locle may be a bit too dressy, but I generally dress nicely for work (slacks, dress shirt)

Multifort:
http://www.jomashop.com/mido-watch-m005-430-11-032-00.html

Le Locle
http://www.watchshop.com/mens-tissot-le-locle-automatic-watch-t41142333-p99933487.html

Those are all fairly popular amongst watch enthusiasts but rather unique to the general public. I also think they're all great looking.

I love that Artelier...so expensive

I'm just starting my wishing/searching/learning process on what I want down the road, but I'll probably end up spending around $400-$500 and end up with a Multifort or similar. Tell me how stupid that would be, TWW!




[Edited on April 3, 2015 at 11:52 PM. Reason : afasd]

4/3/2015 11:38:37 PM

At the Oris' price point, do yourself a favor and buy a used Omega Seamaster Professional. If you can get a right deal, you'll actually make money when you sell it later on.

4/5/2015 10:10:04 AM

^ Is it possible to get a Seamaster for a grand?

^^ Isn't that Oris for a grand? That's very cheap for a quality Swiss automatic! Also, in my opinion, that's not even the best looking one... see http://www.oris.ch/en/collections/oris-artelier for some of the much better looking ones. IMO, that one looks too plain because there isn't much contrast in the watch as a whole. I prefer strong contrasts, such as leather and steel, or if all steel, then a black (or another color) dial to differentiate it from the steel band, or different colored chronograph (or date, day, GMT/second) dials.

No, it would not be stupid... get the watch you like! I have my eyes on some watches that cost from 50-100K... but that's probably never going to happen, unless I can get a used one for 20k or so (look up HYT and Harry Winston Opus series) . More realistically, there are some 5-10k watches I would like to get one day, and I know I will, at least one. Until then, I am thoroughly enjoying my collection of 'cheap' -- but quality -- watches.

4/6/2015 5:28:18 AM

Is that Oris only a grand? I thought it's going around $2K. I used to be able to buy Seamaster Pro with 1120 movement for around a grand few years ago. Not anymore though That's why I said if you can find a good deal, you're not gonna lose any money.

4/9/2015 11:58:27 AM

^ yup a grand for the cheapest model

4/9/2015 3:47:58 PM