Entries by Maverick

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G Shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 vs GWG 2000: What’s Best?

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By the Best Watch Advice Team, 12th of October 2022

Casio is a reputable Japanese watch brand popular for its G-shock collection. In particular, the G-shock Mudmaster is one of the brand’s most sought-after outdoor watches. The term “Mudmaster” reflects the watch’s uncompromising toughness and unmatched reliability to survive the harshest conditions. Under this sub-series, the Casio G-shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 and GWG 2000 are the two most coveted timekeepers.

Both the G shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 and the GWG 2000 are high-end outdoor watches. They’re equipped with some incredible features like mud resistance, which you can expect from serious field watches. Today, let us find out more about what the Casio G-shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 and GWG 2000 can do, along with how they compare against each other.

The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster: An Overview

The Casio G-shock Mudmaster was unveiled to the world in 2015. This sub-series became known right away as one of the best watches Casio has ever made. It has a great mud resistance feature that lets it stand up to debris, dirt, and mud.

On top of that, the G-shock Mudmaster is equipped with cutting-edge technical and tactical features to ensure its survival in the harshest environments. As mentioned, the G-shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 and the GWG 2000 are two of the best timepieces available from that series. Now, let’s examine each timepiece’s amazing functions and features in detail.

Anatomy of the G-shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 and GWG 2000 

 

The GWG 1000 

GWG 1000-1A1

At first glance, you can tell the G shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 means business. It has a rugged and robust build meant to be a dependable outdoor watch. The hefty 59.5mm case only weighs around 100 grams and is made out of resin and stainless steel. Affixed on top of the large case is a fixed black resin bezel that enhances the watch’s durability and sturdy features. The large buttons around the case are screwed in tightly, and each has different functions.

The G-shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 is presented in both an analog and a digital LCD style. It displays all of the information and data you need. It is also furnished with a double LED backlight for easy reading time. In addition to that, the hands and large Arabic numeral indices at 3, 6, 9, and 12 are all coated with luminous material for optimal legibility. What completes the rugged yet subtle appearance of the watch is a comfortable resin strap with a steel pin buckle to securely keep it on your wrist.

 

The G Shock Mudmaster GWG 1000

 

Driving this watch is a tough solar-quartz movement that delivers an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month. This implies that the watch has the ability to convert any light source to electrical energy to power the watch, thus eliminating the need to change the battery from time to time. The solar panel is quite invisible and seamlessly integrated into the dial.

The G-shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 can withstand all sorts of harsh conditions being jam-packed with advanced technical features.

These features include: ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass), 5 daily alarms, auto-calendar, low-temperature resistance to -10°C or 14°F, world time, shock resistance and water resistance of up to 200 meters in depth.

The Casio G-shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 sells for around $800 USD currently on Casio’s website.

 

The GWG 2000

GWG 2000-1A1

Next, we have the Casio G-shock Mudmaster GWG 2000, which is the latest model of the Mudmaster sub-series. Released in 2021, the Mudmaster GWG 2000 is now equipped with more cutting-edge features. It is now one of the most highly coveted field watches in the entire Casio catalog. 

The G-shock Mudmaster GWG 2000 is presented in a chunky 54.4mm Carbon Core Guard case. It comes with carbon fiber that enhances the watch’s toughness without increasing its weight. It also has a hollow structure that protects the case from strong impacts and vibrations. The lugs, internal casing, and shock absorbers of the GWG 2000 are also furnished with carbon fiber elements. Its push buttons have also been changed. They now have steel button pipes and a silicone buffer to protect them better from mud and dirt.

 

The Mudmaster GWG 2000

 

Like the previous G-shock Mudmaster model, the Mudmaster GWG 2000 still has a display with an analog-digital face. The chunky hands and Arabic numeral indices are brimming with a Neobrite luminous coating for the best reading experience. The eye-catching analog-digital is outfitted with a LED blacklight with 1.5 or 3 duration options, a world time function, a 60-minute countdown timer, an alarm function, a 24-hour stopwatch, and many other features. The watch is paired with a robust resin strap that is comfortable on the wrist and highly resistant to tear and wear.

Since the G-shock GWG 2000 is meant to be used for outdoor adventures, it is still equipped with all tactical and technical features. It is jam-packed with a triple sensor function, namely altimeter, barometer, and compass. You can also do temperature readings with this timekeeper. Furthermore, the Mudmaster GWG 2000 is integrated with mud resistance, shock resistance, and a water-resistance capacity of 200 meters. 

In terms of timekeeping, the Casio G-shock Mudmaster GWG 2000 is driven by a first-class solar quartz movement. It eliminates the hassle of changing batteries when necessary, as this tough solar-quartz movement is capable of powering itself. Plus, it delivers an accuracy of ±15 seconds monthly, which makes it super ideal as a field watch device for any outdoor activity.

The price a G-shock Mudmaster GWG 2000 is also currently $800 USD on Casio’s website.

Casio G-shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 vs. GWG 2000: A Quick Comparison

In terms of build and design, there are some subtle differences between the Casio G-shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 and the GWG 2000. First of all, the G-shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 is slightly larger. It utilizes a beefy 59.5mm case, while the Mudmaster GWG 2000 weighs in at just 54.4mm. The Mudmaster GWG 1000 weighs a little heavier on the wrist over the GWG 2000.

The case, lugs, and shock absorbers of the Mudmaster GWG 2000 are now integrated with carbon fiber elements. The GWG 200 has a Carbon Core Guard structure making it smaller and thinner than the GWG 1000. Plus, this material has also tripled the watch’s capacity to withstand mud and shock.

When it comes to bezels, these two watches are also slightly different. The Casio Mudmaster GWG 1000 is equipped with a fixed resin bezel, while the Mudmaster GWG 2000 features a large metal bezel paired with forged carbon bumper lugs and guards.

Performance-wise, both the Casio G-shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 and the GWG 2000 are driven by a tough solar-powered quartz movement. This has a solar panel attached to the dial and converts any light into electrical energy to power the watch. It has an impressive accuracy of ±15 seconds per month.

Finally, the Casio Mudmaster GWG 1000 and GWG 2000 have mud, shocks, and a 200-meter water resistance capacity. Both watches are also packed with full auto, double LED backlight, triple-sensor functions, five daily alarms, a world timer, a 1/100-second stopwatch, and other practical features. On the whole, you can use either the GWG 1000 and the GWG 2000 for your next outdoor adventure.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Casio G shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 and the GWG 2000 are two of the toughest and most robust outdoor watches. They are able to survive in the harshest conditions thanks to having arguably some of the best features in the industry. So, if you’re looking for a tough, dependable, and authentic field watch for your next outdoor adventure, make sure to check out either the Casio G-shock Mudmaster GWG 1000 or GWG 2000.

 

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Our 7 Favorite German Watch Brands of 2022

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By the Best Watch Advice Team, 10th of October 2022

When talking about high-end luxury watches, chances are Swiss watches are the ones that come to mind, but what about German watch brands? While the Swiss have certainly earned a reputable status, we should not forget or overlook the many other countries that create excellent timepieces.

In particular, watches crafted in Germany are widely recognized as exemplary models of high-quality watchmaking. In fact, German watch brands like A. Lange & Söhne, Nomos, and Junghans are well-known for their top-grade, quintessential watches. As such, these brands certainly deserve recognition and should be added to your ever-growing collection.

Today we’ll delve deeper into some of the high-end and our top favourite German watch brands that you need to know. This will also cover the top-tier German watches available in the horology market…

Nomos 🔗

Nomos is one of the prestigious German watch brands that offers a wide-ranging catalog of modern watches with understated style and aesthetics. Despite being freshly minted in the watchmaking scene, Nomos remains the leading producer of cutting-edge mechanical watches. 

This brand was officially founded back in 1990 and was situated in Glashutte. 

Well-known for its Bauhaus-inspired watches, Nomos has exceptionally crafted automatic and manual-winding watches that are coveted for their minimalistic style and top-of-the-line features. 

Among the brand’s best offerings are the Nomos Metro and Nomos Tangente.

The overall cost of Nomos watches starts as low as $1,000 for basic models. Nomos’ premium models can be up to $25,000 or more.

Junghans 🔗

Another German watch brand distinguished for its minimalist watches that provide timeless accuracy in timekeeping is Junghans. Junghans began its horological journey back in 1861 and has an established a reputable name for itself.

Over the years, Junghans has been a pioneer of Bauhaus-inspired designs, displaying elegance in each timepiece they release to the market. One of the most notable collections of the brand is none other than the Junghans Max Bill. This timepiece is extremely in demand for its high-class, exquisite style packed with modern features. 

To this day, Junghans remains a hub of minimalist watches to showcase its classic watchmaking. If you want to get your hands on the high-caliber timepiece by Junghans, expect to pay around $600 USD for a simple model. On the other hand, if you opt for a premium model, then prepare to shell out at least $2,000.

Glashütte Original 🔗

Glashutte Original is a fairly young brand, founded in 1994, relative to the rest of the list. But don’t let that fool you. They’re already known and praised for keeping traditional watchmaking and excellent craftsmanship alive and kicking. In terms of quality and function, Glashutte Original watches are undeniably top-tier and one-of-a-kind. 

With this German watch brand’s meticulous standards, innovative concepts, and top-notch engineering, you can always expect nothing less than superb quality and sophistication from Glashutte Original. Some of the brand’s best offerings include the Glashutte Original Senator for its classic and elegant vibe. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a contemporary and striking timepiece, you can browse the Glashütte Original Pano collection.

The high-end watches by Glashutte Original retail from $8,000. They can reach up to $25,000 or more for the best, premium models.

Sinn 🔗

Sinn began its watchmaking journey exactly in the year 1961. This German watchmaker caters to extremely robust, highly functional, and dependable timekeepers. They are very popular among professionals who work in the toughest environments, like rescue workers, firefighters, and Special Forces. This is because their watches are made of high-quality, premium materials and equipped with many top-grade features.

Established by Helmut Sinn, a former World War I pilot and flight instructor, Sinn began its horological journey with the release of navigational clocks and pilot chronographs. At present, the brand still makes some of the best watches with an aviation theme. Its Instrument Watches series is especially well-known.

Other than that, Sinn is also reputable for its top-tier Classic and Diving Watches collections. As such, it implies how versatile the brand is in manufacturing many different robust timekeepers. You can purchase a simple Sinn model for just $1,956, but you should pay at least $6,779 or more for its first-class models.

Laco 🔗

Officially established in 1925, Laco, otherwise called Lacher & Co., is a prominent German watchmaker coveted for its authentic lineup of top-grade Flieger watches. They have a highly-esteemed reputation as one of the watchmakers that produced the B-Uhr timekeepers used by German pilots during World War II.

Throughout the years, Laco has accomplished several milestones ever since its inception. Perhaps one of the most impressive achievements of Laco is the invention of the first electronic wristwatch in Germany. Today, the German brand remains the hub of the most robust, reliable, and great-quality pilot watches. You can browse its most in-demand timekeeper, the Laco Flieger, which is a collection of top-notch aviation watches.

The price of Laco watches starts at $200 and can go up to $2,500 or higher depending on the type of model and material used.

A. Lange & Söhne 🔗

As one of the oldest German watch brands, A. Lange & Söhne has indeed established a great reputation for itself. They are famous for an extensive lineup of luxury watches made from high-grade materials and superior craftsmanship. Even though the initial brand was publicly owned by the Soviet Union, A. Lange & Söhne was relaunched back in 1990 by Walter Lange, the great-grandson of the original founder. 

At present, A. Lange & Söhne has consistently designed and created Glashutte-style exquisite and luxury German watches. One of the brand’s best offerings is the A Lange & Söhne Lange 1, which is a series of elegant and quintessential dress watches that are the perfect accessory for your expensive suits or any formal outfit.

With its prestige reputation, it is not surprising why A Lange & Söhne costs around $16,000 for the basic model and $500,000 or more for the deluxe model.

Mühle Glashütte 🔗

Founded in 1869, Mühle Glashütte takes pride in itself as being the only German watch brand solely owned by an ancestral German family. This brand is known for making high-quality nautical time pieces. These time pieces are built to last and provide unrivaled accuracy in timekeeping.

To this day, Muhle Glashutte has remained the manufacturer of some of the best-value-for-money sports watches. They also offer a wide variety of highly durable and stylish timepieces that can survive even in the harshest conditions outdoors. 

In addition, the Mühle Glashütte Terrasport and ProMare are among the brand’s most sought-after collections.

You can own a basic model of Mühle Glashütte for as little as $320. If, on the other hand, you prefer its premium models, then expect to pay at least $3,500 or more.

Final Thoughts

 it is no surprise that these German watch brands are capable of producing high-quality watches. They all have their own solid reputation in the watch world for meticulous and excellent watchmaking with cutting-edge features. Some of these watchmakers have been in the watch industry for decades and others are beginning to acquire the recognition and popularity they deserve.

If you’re looking for a new brand to buy a new high-end, sophisticated, and highly durable watch, these brands should be on your list.

 

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The Breitling Navitimer 👨‍✈️ Could this be a Pilot’s Best Friend?

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By the Best Watch Advice Team, 6th of October 2022

Most pilots agree that a durable and reliable aviation watch is essential when it comes to flight missions. One such high-end and prestigious Swiss watch that’s often recommended is the Breitling Navitimer. The brand has a long history of producing high-quality pilot timepieces jam-packed with avant-garde features.

In particular, the Breitling Navitimer is the brand’s flagship watch. They’re a series of top-tier pilot watches sought-after for its classic design, practical features, and precise timekeeping. The words “navigation” and “timer” were combined to create the name Navitimer. As a result, the name emphasizes the watch’s exceptional functionality, notably in the field of aviation.

So, without further ado, let us delve deeper into the incredible features of the Breitling Navitimer and why it deserves to be on your radar.

3 different watches from the collection

Up Close with the Navitimer Collection

Launched in 1952, the Breitling Navitimer is arguably one of the most classic and coveted watches in Breitling’s ever-growing catalog. To this day, the Navitimer has gone through more than 100 iterations, each with a unique, classic design, movement, case, or bracelet. 

Case and Crown of the Navitimer

The sturdy case of the Navitimer is presented in 18k red gold, 18k pure gold, steel, or a mix of steel and 18k gold. Each casing is treated with a sleek polished finish that makes it look beautiful from all angles. It is offered in between 38mm and 46mm case sizes, which highlights the fact that the pilot watches are a little chunkier than regular timekeepers.

Like the other Breitling watches, the Breitling Navitimer is equipped with a dual gasket, non-screw-locked crowns. It is placed on the right side of the watch’s case for any wearer to easily operate and maneuver it. The steel crown has a shiny finish that goes well with the watch’s overall stunning look.

A Navitimer watch

The Breitling Navitimer’s Caseback

The Breitling Navitimer is furnished with a transparent sapphire crystal caseback. It protects the powerful in-house movement that powers the watch inside. Not only that, but it also lets anyone who wears it see the beautiful mechanism in all its glory.

Meanwhile, some models of the Navitimer have a robust screw-in stainless steel caseback. While mainly protecting the mechanism inside, the caseback also displays some important details about the watch, such as its serial number, Breitling’s logo, the movement used, and so on.

The Eye-Catching Dial 

One of the most glamorous features of the Breitling Navitimer is definitely its eye-catching dial. The latest iterations of the Navitimer Automatic are designed in a lovely range of styles and colors, where you can choose from black, silver, gray, blue, etc. The hands and indices are coated with luminous material for greater legibility. Some of the models also have three useful sub-dials that can be used as 60-second, 30-minute, or 12-hour chronographs.

On the other hand, the Breitling Navitimer Chronograph models exhibit a captivating three-register Panda-style contrast dial. For instance, it depicts a pretty contrast between the white and black dial for the Navitimer BO3 Chronograph 45. And the white and green dial for the Navitimer BO1 Chronograph 41. In addition, the watch is also furnished with luminous hands and indices for easy reading time, even if it’s exposed in dimly lit places. The dial of the Navitimer Chronograph also comes with three utilitarian sub-dials that show the time to 60 seconds, 30 minutes, and 12 hours.

A man wearing a watch

The Breitling Navitimer’s Slide-Rule Bezel

The major selling point of the Breitling Navitimer is perhaps its slide-rule bezel attached on top of the case. It’s a great feature for pilots, or anyone wearing it, to be able to do quick mental math while on the go. With the help of the slide-rule bezel, they can divide, multiply, convert temperature, and perform cross-multiplication using the “rule of three.”

The Movements of the Navitimer

Over the years, Breitling has used various robust movements to power the Navitimer. The first Breitling Navitimer, which was released in 1952, was driven by a Venus caliber 178. It possesses a 45-hour power reserve and beats at 28,800 vph.

In the mid-1950s, the Breitling Navitimer was powered by a famous mechanism like the Valjoux 72 and the 7740. The former mechanism delivered a 42-hour power reserve, while the latter offered an impressive 45-hour power reserve. According to Breitling, these mechanisms deliver unrivaled accuracy and precision in timekeeping.

In the 1990s, Breitling decided to upgrade its movement used for the Navitimer with the unlocked Valjoux 7750. This automatic chronograph movement has a large power reserve of 48 hours and beats at a speed of 28,800 vph.

Starting in 2009, the brand ventured out to develop its own movement. Breitling presented its first-ever mechanism, which the brand labeled as the caliber BO1. Then, the Swiss brand released other first-class movements, such as the caliber BO2, caliber BO4 (GMT function), caliber BO5 (world time function), and caliber BO9. All of these superior movements were used to power the Breitling Navitimer.

In addition, these state-of-the-art mechanisms deliver a superior 70-hour power reserve and receive chronometer certification from COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres).

Automatic and manual movements

Strap Variations

The Breitling Navitimer is available in a wide variety of strap options. Depending on the type of model, the Navitimer is offered in leather, croc-style, or nubuck straps. These straps ensure they offer optimum comfort on your wrist while at the same time allowing you to achieve a casual and classic look. It is also paired with a steel buckle clasp to securely fasten around your wrist.

Alternatively, for a more formal look, you can also opt for the stainless steel strap. It comes with a well-polished deployment buckle inscribed with a striking winged “B” emblem in the center.

What could you expect to pay for the Navitimer?

The Breitling Navitimer retails for around $3,500 for basic models and can go higher, up to $45,000 or more for its premium models.

Navitimer case

Final Thoughts on the Breitling Navitimer

The Breitling Navitimer, with its timeless design and cutting-edge technology, has consistently dominated the pilot watch industry. This series of high-caliber pilot watches offers superior functionality and reliability in timekeeping, making it a must-have watch tool for aviators and watch aficionados alike. 

If you’re searching for a sophisticated pilot’s watch equipped with excellent features, you should consider checking out the Navitimer.

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These Retro-Inspired Tissot PRX 35mm Watches are Real Groovy

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By the Best Watch Advice Team, 28th of September 2022

Tissot is a reputable Swiss watch brand with a wide range of classic and stylish watches at reasonable prices. One of the brand’s lastest offerings is the Tissot PRX 35mm watches. With the ongoing trend of retro styling, Tissot decided it was time to revisit these iconic watches and relaunched the PRX collection. Today we’ll be specifically looking at the PRX 35mm watches.

Originally launched in the 1970s, this particular lineup of high-caliber watches became a massive hit right after its release, serving as a testament to Tissot’s expertise in watchmaking. The modern Tissot PRX 35mm has an evocative style reminiscent of the original ’70s PRX models and is now equipped with a plethora of cutting-edge features. Available in five classic versions, the PRX 35mm became a big hit with the distinctive retro design.

So, without further ado, let us have a closer look at the top-grade and impressive features of the Tissot PRX 35mm watches.

PRX 35mm green dial variant

Anatomy of the Tissot PRX 35mm

In 2021, Tissot presented a 40mm reissue version of its iconic PRX watches from the 1970s. As it received significant positive feedback from Swiss watch fans, the brand took it as an avenue to once again produce a version in a delicate size.

Just this year, Tissot introduced the Tissot PRX 35 to the world as a new part of its ever-growing catalog. The Tissot PRX 35mm has a retro style with a mix of cutting-edge features to cater to the demands of younger patrons and aficionados.

Tissot PRX case design

Case and Caseback

Even at first glance, you can tell how classic the new Tissot PRX 35mm variants are. The petite 35mm case is made out of 316l stainless steel and has a well-defined and polished finish. Designed in a sleek tonneau shape, the 35mm case has a timeless retro style but with a sophisticated, modern twist. Among the five versions, one particular slick model that stands out is the stainless steel with gold PVD-plated, a nostalgic nod to the 1978 flared-overall disco fashion. In addition, the case has a robust build and is enhanced with an impressive 100-meter water resistance. This rating is more than enough for the watch to withstand accidental splashes and shower drops.

Apart from that, a tightly screwed-down crown can be found on the right side of the watch’s case. This positioning makes the watch much easier to use and maneuver for any wearer. It is inscribed with the letter “T,” which stands for the brand Tissot.

On the underside of the Tissot PRX 35mm, you will find a sturdy screw-in stainless steel caseback. It optimally protects the superior mechanism that drives the watch. You can also find other details about the watch on the caseback, including its serial number, the brand’s name, materials used, and so on.

The 5 Tissot PRX 35mm watches

Dial and Bezel

One of the most captivating aspects of the PRX 35mm is its dial with a simple refined appearance. It is available in five exquisite colors, where you can choose from green, blue, gray, gold, and navy blue. By enhancing the sunray pattern on all dials, the brand neatly preserves the original 1978 design. This sunray brush treatment makes the watch look stunning from any angle.

The dial’s hands and indices also have Super-LumiNova, allowing wearers to spot and read the time easily in low-light conditions. On top of the dial, a slim stainless steel bezel is attached, which enhances the watch’s durability and robust build. It also comes with a flat, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that protects the dial from any scratches or damage. 

Furthermore, you can spot a date window at the usual 3 o’clock marker, which is outlined in a black hue with a white background. It also adds a charming flavor to the overall suave appearance of the watch.

Movement

When it comes to performance, the Tissot PRX 35mm is powered by a first-class caliber ETA F05.115 movement. This quartz mechanism delivers unmatched accuracy and precision in timekeeping. Held together by 3 jewels, this Swiss quartz movement has a battery life of up to 94 months. With approximately 7 years of battery life, you won’t have the hassle of changing the battery from time to time.

Not to mention that the cost of replacing the ETA caliber F05.111 is very affordable. It will only cost you around $15 to $25, which makes it even more appealing to the general public.

The PRX bracelet

Bracelet

The Tissot PRX 35 is paired with a smooth and graceful stainless steel bracelet. It is fastened to your wrist with a butterfly clasp and push buttons. For the full yellow gold PVD version, of course, its steel bracelet is treated with yellow gold 1N14 for a sophisticated finish.

What’s even more impressive is that, like other Tissot watches, the Tissot PRX 35mm comes with an interchangeable strap system. This system makes use of an animated release spring bar to allow you to change the strap easily and smoothly without the use of a tool. Simply put, you can change and personalize the color of your strap based on your personal taste and style.

Price

Another major selling point of the Tissot PRX 35mm is its affordable price. You can get your hand on the Tissot PRX 35 by spending at least $375, which we think is a good deal, considering how it’s on par with some luxury watches on the market in terms of great quality and refinement. If, on the other hand, you prefer to wear the gold-plated version, expect to pay around $450.

Tissot PRX 35mm Final Thoughts

On the whole, the Tissot PRX 35mm is certainly a quintessential timepiece equipped with state-of-the-art features. It feels nostalgic about the ’70s PRX model while at the same time exuding a modern appeal. To meet the demands of the younger patrons and watch enthusiasts, Tissot packed the watch with up-to-date materials and functions. 

If you’re searching for a slim, classic watch with a touch of ’70s flair, the PRX 35mm is definitely a worthy pick. 

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The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 🌊 Diving into the Collection

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By the Best Watch Advice Team, 27th of September 2022

Omega has been active in the watchmaking industry for hundreds of years. With almost two centuries worth of experience, it is hardly surprising that this Swiss watchmaker has mastered the craft of designing well-refined watches. Among the brand’s highly coveted pieces is the Omega Aqua Terra, a sub-series of the famous Seamaster collection.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra has an extensive lineup of sporty, elegant dive watches equipped with many top-of-the-line features. One particular diver’s watch that stands out is the Aqua Terra 150m, available in various classic models. Equipped with top-tier features, the Aqua Terra is indeed a must-have timepiece among both professional and novice divers.

Without further ado, let us have a closer look at the amazing features of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m and why you should consider getting one.

Anatomy of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m

The Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M is a relatively newly-minted collection that was introduced to the world in 2002. Designed as the ultimate dive watch tool, the Omega Aqua Terra is expected to deliver superior functions and reliability. It has the authentic look of a strong dive watch while also exuding a suave appeal that allows it to be worn on both casual and formal occasions.

Aqua Terra case

Case and Caseback

Right off the bat, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra has a classic and dressy appearance, catering to those who enjoy a casual-style dive watch. It is offered in two different case sizes: 38mm and 41mm, which fit well on someone with an average-sized wrist.

The robust case of the Omega Aqua Terra is made out of stainless steel and gold, which is treated with a lustrous polished finish. It has a sturdy build that is meant to withstand the harshest conditions underwater. Perhaps, the only drawback of the Seamaster Aqua Terra is that, unlike other models, it’s not equipped with a diving bezel. Instead, it’s adorned with a narrow and streamlined ring around the edge of the dial.

Flipping over the Aqua Terra, you can find an open caseback, showing off the beautiful automatic movement that powers it. Other details about the watch are also engraved on the caseback, which include the type of movement it uses, the serial number, and more.

The Aqua terra's dial

Dial

If there’s one thing to commend about the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m, it’s certainly the dial. It has a clean and minimalist design with the primary goal of telling you what time it is right now. Some of the available dial colors of your choice include black, white, gray, brown, bay green, Atlantic blue, and so on.

The striking dial is furnished with rhodium-plated hands and indices, which are both coated with Super-LumiNova. This enhances the watch’s superior legibility for easy reading time, even if the watch is exposed to low-light conditions. In addition, the watch is also fitted with a date function at the 6 o’clock and a sapphire crystal.

Caseback of the Aqua Terra with the 8800 movement

Movement

Over the years, the brand has utilized a number of different movements to power the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m. The first Aqua Terra model, which was released in 2002, was powered by a robust caliber 2500 automatic movement. Held together by 27 jewels, this mechanism beats at 25,500 vph and offers a compelling 48-hour power reserve.

In 2008, Omega decided to upgrade the movement used in the Aqua Terra. This was the caliber 8500 automatic movement, which consisted of 39 jewels. Although it still beats at the same 25,500 vph, the Omega caliber 8500 is now delivered with a 60-hour power reserve. It is also a COSC-certified mechanism.

Most recently, Omega has used the state-of-the-art in-house caliber 8800 automatic movement. This movement, which was presented in 2018, has 35 jewels, beats at 25,500 vph and offers a 55-hour power reserve. What’s impressive about it is that it has an anti-magnetic resistance of up to 15,000 gausses.

In addition, the Omega Caliber 8800 comes with many improvements compared to the two previous movements. It is now integrated with a free-sprung balance that comes with a silicon balance spring, which enhances its durability and ruggedness. Not to mention, it has already achieved Master Chronometer status, with an accuracy of 0/+5 seconds per day.

As for the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m chronograph models, the brand used a powerful in-house caliber 8900 automatic movement. It still beats at 25,500 vph and offers an extensive 60-hour power reserve. It is also equipped with a free-sprung balance, a silicon balance spring, and anti-magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gausses.

Strap options

Bracelets/Straps

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is available in lots of strap options. For a more formal look, you can choose between stainless steel, yellow or rose gold, or two-tone bracelets.

On the other hand, if you prefer a casual or sporty look, then a rubber or nylon strap is a great choice. The colors available depend on the type of watch model you want, but include black, blue, brown, gray, and more.

 

Water Resistance

Considering that the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m is meant to be a diver’s watch, it is expected that the watch is waterproof with enough water resistance. As its name suggests, the Omega Aqua Terra is packed with a 150-meter water resistance capacity. This resistance is fair enough for most people who don’t go diving. Although generally we’d like to see at least 200 meters of water resistance.

Price

The price of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra roughly ranges from $5,400 for stainless steel models and can go as high as $55,000 or more for rose gold and two-tone versions.

Seamaster Aqua Terra watch

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Final Thoughts

Without a doubt, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m is an impressive lineup of classic, robust, and dependable dive watches. This is a versatile timepiece jam-packed with top-grade features, superior movements, and a striking appearance. If you’re in the market for an all-around dive watch that can also be worn on casual days, you should consider checking out the Aqua Terra watches.

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Swiss Watch Brands List 🇨🇭 Our 19 Favorites

By Maverick, 22nd of September 2022

Swiss watch brands such as Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe are well-known among watch enthusiasts and the general public. And this is not actually something to be surprised about, considering how the Swiss watchmaking industry has remained a hub of sophisticated luxury watches over the years.

In today’s article, we will delve into some of our favorite and highly coveted Swiss watch brands. These brands offer a plethora of exquisite and high-caliber timepieces that every watch collector should be familiar with.

Tissot 🔗

Tissot, despite being considered a mid-range brand, has always been at the top of its watchmaking game since its inception in 1853. This is a well-known Swiss watch brand for producing a diverse collection of classic and stylish watches. 

To this day, Tissot still stands out with its impressive selection of high-end automatic and sports watches. In particular, the Tissot T-classic is one of its popular timepieces whose price is below $1,000 USD. For premium models, expect to shell out around $8,000.

Oris 🔗

Oris began its horological journey in 1904. The company takes pride in the fact that they are one of the few remaining independent brands of today. Oris is constantly striving to manufacture mechanical watches packed with superb features. Sticking true to its philosophy, “Things must make sense,” Oris has never failed to surprise the watchmaking industry with its timeless, reliable, and extremely functional timepieces.

Among a sea of dapper Oris watches, there is two that stand out for us. They are the Oris Aquis and Oris Diver watches. These utilitarian dive watches are famous among both novice and professional divers. In addition, Oris watches are retailed as relatively budget-friendly as $1,000 USD and increase up to $4,000 USD depending on the type of watch model.

Doxa 🔗

Doxa is another Swiss watch brand that has an incredibly broad catalog of luxury watches for every watch enthusiast out there. Ever since its existence in the watch industry, Doxa has always been associated with its classic, sturdy dive watches. 

In fact, Doxa is a go-to brand for many professional divers. One particularly slick diver watch from the brand is the Doxa Sub 1200T. The Sub 1200T is an all-out timepiece that boasts classic styling and has a robust, sturdy build. It is integrated with a whopping 1,200-meter water resistance capacity. What’s more impressive is that Doxa watches are just being sold for under $ 5,000, making them truly in demand by the general public.

Tudor 🔗

Often branded as a sister company of Rolex, Tudor, which was established in 1946, has made a reputable name for itself as as a producer of luxury timepieces with affordable tags. Some of the brand’s best offerings include the Tudor North Flag and Tudor Black Bay. These watches have become must-have timepieces among many watch collectors. 

Today, Tudor has an extensive catalog of well-refined timepieces, which finally frees itself from the notion that it’s just a “poor man’s Rolex.” The price range of luxury Tudor watches starts at $1,000 and can go up to $11,500.

Swatch 🔗

Swatch, without a doubt, will never be missed among the list of some of the biggest Swiss watch brands. Their watches immediately gained a favorable response from the general public after their release in 1983. This is because of its eccentric, casual aesthetic that can reverberate with both the young and the old.

In particular, Swatch is sought-after for its immense lineup of top-notch watches at affordable prices. These watches are equipped with avant-garde designs, a particular trait that cannot be found in the rest of its competitors. All Swatch watches are reasonably priced, typically retailing from $70 to $500. As a result they consistently appeal to a broad market and not just avid collectors. If there’s one striking offering from the brand, it is indeed the Swatch Irony, which exhibits a classic style perfect for everyday use.

Zodiac 🔗

Zodiac is one of the well-respected Swiss watch brands that existed as early as 1882. Their watches are always appreciated for their catalog of best-value-for-money watches, with price ranges from $500 to about $2,000.

In particular, the brand focuses on crafting reliable dive timepieces through its Super Sea Wolf collection. Its first model was released back in 1953, a period when the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and Rolex Submariner were also introduced to the market.

Breitling 🔗

Highly notable for its winged B logo, Breitling is a Swiss watch brand where you would expect to find cutting-edge aviation watches. This Swiss luxury brand started releasing the quintessential timekeeper way back in 1882. It is primarily focused on aviator watches, which is why it is no surprise the brand is popular among pilots.

Not long after its existence, Breitling began creating very precise watches for the pilots of the British Royal Air Force. The watch brand is widely known for its Breitling Navitimer, a precision-made pilot chronometer jam-packed with revolutionary features. Breitling watches start around $1,800 for basic models and the price can go up to $40,000 for premium models.

Longines 🔗

As early as 1832, Longines started crafting suave and sophisticated watches that delivered unrivaled accuracy. Longines has indeed already established a reputable name for itself as one of the oldest Swiss watchmakers worldwide. This Swiss watch brand caters to almost essential timekeepers used for diving, flying, and navigating. 

The Longines Equestrian is the brand’s most in-demand watch, which showcases the brand’s strong ties and support for equestrian sports. Watches from Longines can be purchased for as budget-friendly as under $1,000 and can increase up to $ 5,000 USD.

Zenith 🔗

Among the world’s best Swiss watch brands, Zenith remains celebrated as home to some of the best movements that offer unmatched accuracy and precision in timekeeping. With more than 150 years of heritage, Zenith has contributed a lot of innovation to the horological industry.

This Swiss watchmaker is highly acclaimed for its Zenith El Primero, the very first fully-integrated automatic chronograph movement in the world. No other movement can measure 1/10th of a second better than the El Primero, which is why watch enthusiasts still acknowledge it as the most accurate series-made caliber even up to this day. The price of Zenith watches ranges from around $4,700 to $ 12,000.

Hamilton 🔗

Hamilton is one of the most well-established Swiss watch brands today. Since entering the horology industry in 1892, Hamilton has catered to wide-ranging pilot and field watches marketed for their robust features, superb accuracy, and dependability in timekeeping. Some of the brand’s one-of-a-kind watches include the Hamilton Khaki Field and Hamilton Jazzmaster.

The price bracket of Hamilton watches can vary depending on the watch’s model, but it typically ranges from $350 to $3,000.

IWC 🔗

The origin of the horological journey of IWC began in 1868. Since then, IWC has met with unwavering success as the ultimate powerhouse of first-class pilot watches. On top of that, this Swiss watchmaker is highly relevant for inventing the Pellaton winding system. This is a cutting-edge technology that makes winding more potent for the rest of their watches.

One of the most coveted IWC watches is the first-class IWC Portugieser. It is relatively in-demand among watch enthusiasts due to its chunky size, sophisticated design, and top-grade features. As a matter of fact, some watch aficionados believe that this particular model began the movement of bigger-sized chronographs. IWC watches retail from around $4,100 for a basic model and go higher, up to $46,500 for premium ones.

Jaeger-LeCoultre 🔗

Having bagged the title of “the watchmaker’s watchmaker,” Jaeger-LeCoultre has been so excellent with its craftsmanship, inventing the best avant-garde and complicated mechanisms that the world has ever seen. Throughout the years, Jaeger-LeCoultre has been a prime manufacturer of compelling movements for other striking brands like Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe. 

Apart from that, Jaeger-LeCoultre is also respected for its ever-growing catalog of luxury watches. Some of its best offerings include the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin, sought-after for its well-refined and thick design meant to be worn as a dress watch. Its watches retail from $5,000 to $100,000 for a more complicated timepiece.

Omega 🔗

Since 1848, Omega has been at the vanguard of producing iconic timepieces. This Swiss watchmaker has conquered almost all industries, starting from being the first-ever watch used for space missions to dominating the silver screen as James Bond’s favored timekeeper. Indeed, Omega always has something unique to offer on the table.

The Omega Speedmaster and Seamaster are among the brand’s most in-demand watches. Click here to read our review on the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra collection. These are a series of high-grade watches jam-packed with top-of-the-line features. The cost of Omega watches ranges from $2,000 (basic model) up to $60,000 (premium model).

Rolex 🔗

Rolex has always been associated with luxury and achievement, which is why it is not surprising that people, even outside the horological community, are familiar with the Swiss brand. Incepted in 1905, Rolex has a plethora of deluxe and fancy timepieces that stand out from the crowd.

This Swiss watch brand is also regarded for its numerous innovations and patents. For instance, Rolex was the first watchmaker to craft a waterproof and dustproof chronograph. Along with that, Rolex is known for its Daytona and Submariner, which are must-have timepieces among many watch collectors and aficionados. The basic Rolex model costs around $5,680. For high-end Rolex watches, the price can go as high as $780,000.

Audemars Piguet 🔗

As part of the “Big 3” in the Swiss horology industry, along with Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet has been at the forefront of the watchmaking game. AP crafts some of the most revolutionary watches driven by the most precise movements in the world. Launched in 1875, this Swiss watchmaker has been tied to some luxury and revolutionary sports watches driven by the most accurate movements in the world. In particular, they are coveted for their Royal Oak watches, a sports watch designed by the famous watch designer Gerald Genta himself.

They are the brand behind the existence of the first-ever minute-repeating movement found in wristwatches. Other than that, Audemars Piguet was also the first manufacturer of skeleton watches. The overall cost of Audemars Piguet watches ranges from $10,000 up to $412,930.

Tag Heuer 🔗

TAG Heuer is one of the long-standing Swiss watch brands, renowned as the prime creator of some of the best chronographs in the watch market. In fact, TAG Heuer became a certified timekeeper of the 1920s Olympic events due to its great art and innovativeness.

The brand is known for its TAG Heuer Carrera, a collection exclusively made for race car drivers. They also got the hype from the watch community after the release of their Monaco watch, the first-ever automatic chronograph in a square-cased design. You can purchase a piece of TAG Heuer by shelling out at least $1,200 for the basic model and more than $70,000 for the deluxe model. 

Patek Philippe 🔗

Throughout the years, Patek Philippe has remained a top Swiss watchmaker in the industry. Founded in 1902, Patek Philippe has numerous grand timekeepers widely famed for their ultra-precision and excellent quality. Truth be told, many people have conserved their Patek Philippe watches to pass on as an heirloom to their descendants. 

Some of Patek Philippe’s best models include the Aquanaut, Nautilus, and Calatrava. The sweeping catalog of Patek Philippe is retailed at prices anywhere between $21,000 and $600,000.

Vacheron Constantin 🔗

Vacheron Constantin has a very long and rich history in the watchmaking world. Being one of the oldest Swiss watch brands, Vacheron Constantin, which was founded in 1755, takes pride in itself as a producer of some complicated wristwatches in the market. They invented the pocket watch 57260, which gained the title of the most complicated timekeeper with a sum of 57 horological complications.

One of the brand’s best models is the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony, an elegant and minimalist dress watch with an incredible number of supreme features. The price range of Vacheron Constantin watches roughly starts from $22,000 up to $650,000.

Swiss Watch Brands Final Thoughts

On the whole, the Swiss watchmaking community has consistently been dominating the horology industry worldwide. The list is extensive, with prestigious and refined watchmakers that deliver quality luxury pieces. Each Swiss watch brand offers classic, luxury, and reliable watches that are only made out of premium materials. Indeed, the Swiss watch market is a great place to find exquisite and best-value watches for investment.

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Our Favorite 7 Automatic Watches for Men in 2022

By Maverick, 20th of September 2022

Being mechanical watch lovers here at Best Watch Advice, we though it was high time we put together a list of our favorite automatic watches for men.

The Automatic Watch is a mechanism beloved by the watch community for its classic design, high power reserve and that smooth moving second hand. And don’t start me on the years of watchmaking these watches represent.

These gorgeously aesthetic-looking devices have been around since 1923 when John Hardwood to the self-winding mechanism to another level. That other level is of course the automatic watch we all know and love so well almost one hundred years later in 2022.

Even after facing such stiff competition from the quartz watch movement, the automatic watch continues to be a popular choice among watch enthusiasts today.

So let us take a little deep dive into some of these sweeping beauties in our favourite 7 automatic watches for men in 2022.

Features to consider when buying an Automatic Watch for men

Before we part with our hard earned cash and give our wrist the love it deserves with a classy-looking automatic watch, there are a few important points to consider.

Much like any product on the market the prices and quality of automatic watches can vary greatly. This can be down to several factors. What is essential, is you get your hands on a watch that is made with quality materials and tells the time accurately.

Here are some points to consider before you buy an automatic watch for men.

Check the Crystal

Firstly and the most obvious feature to check on any watch is the watch face casing that will be staring back at you. All watches have a clear watch face so we can tell the time, however, the material used can differ from time to time.

Most modern watches will use sapphire glass as the material for the watch face. This sapphire is the gold standard in watching making and is used by many of the world’s most famous brands.

This is due to the extremely durable nature of this material as well as the fact sapphire is almost scratch-proof. This is in stark contrast to other mineral crystal casings which if scratched will leave permanent damage.

If the watch you are buying an automatic watch with a sapphire crystal casing you know you’ve got a watch built to last anything from a dinner party to a zombie apocalypse.

Automatic Watch Accuracy

So the main function of a watch after all is to tell the time. Any high-quality watches are designed to have an accuracy of +6 / -4 seconds per day.

This is something we cannot check there and then in the shop, unfortunately. However, one sure-fire way to know if an automatic watch tells the time accurately is if the timepiece comes with a COSC Certificate.

Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres certificate means the watch has passed many tests and you can be certain that the watch in question keeps time extremely accurately.

While mainly Swiss watch brands come with this certificate, some watches outside the country also now come with COSC Certificates.

Check the Movement

This is a feature that is unique to automatic watches but essential to check while buying. Many automatic watches will use high-quality parts to complete the watch’s inner workings.

The million-dollar question is are these parts made from in-house movements or third-party movements? As to which is better is an issue that has been a hot topic of the watch community for many years now.

But some believe in-house movements perform better and add to the watch’s authenticity. Others debate that there is no difference in performance and third-party movements even keep the cost down on luxury watches.

When it comes to servicing in-house movements tend to be a little more pricey in the long run as they must be sourced from the watch manufacturer anytime a replacement is needed.

The List of 7 Automatic Watches for Men

So now you know what to look for in a good automatic watch for men. Let us take a deeper look at some of the best automatic watches on the market today. Here are 7 automatic watches for men, we love them and have no doubt you will love them too…

A man wearing a Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Watch

1. Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic

The first automatic watch for men on our list, the Hamilton Khaki Field is a great looking military style automatic watch made using quality materials.

The casing is made with sapphire crystal and the strap is made from beautiful brown calfskin leather.

The more simple-looking stainless steel gives this watch a finish that makes it perfect for everyday use, both around the office and at home.

Pros:
Great entry-level Swiss automatic watch
Reliable military style everyday watch
A big 80 hour power reserve
An open display caseback showing off the H-10 movement (based on the ETA 2824-2).

Cons:
The lume is not the brightest

Specifications

Reference: H70455533
Movement: Automatic H-10
Case size: 38mm
Case Thickness: 10.5mm
Lug width: 22mm
Lug-to-Lug: 47mm
Case material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Dial color: Black
Hacking: Yes
Hand winding: Yes
Power reserve: 80 hours
Water Resistance: 10 bar (100m)
Open Case Back: Yes

A man wearing a Seiko5 SRPD55, an automatic watch for men

2. Seiko 5

The Seiko 5 watches are an automatic watch collection created by one of watchmaking’s most established brands.

The collection was released in 2019 and is broken down into 5 different styles: dress, sports, street, specialist and sense. Meaning there is a style to suit everyone regardless of lifestyle. The Seiko below is reference number SRPD55.

Pros:
Many different styles and colour variations
Great entry level automatic watches
Quality at an affordable price range
An open display caseback

Cons:
Might not be for Seiko SKX lovers

Specifications

Reference: SRPD55
Movement: Automatic 4R36
Case size: 42.5mm
Case Thickness: 13.4mm
Lug width: 22mm
Lug-to-Lug: 46mm
Case material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Hardlex mineral
Dial color: Black
Hacking: Yes
Hand winding: Yes
Power reserve:  41hours
Water Resistance: 10 bar (100m)
Open Case Back: Yes

A man wearing an Orient Bambino Small Seconds automatic watch

3. Orient Bambino Small Seconds Automatic Watch

Another great automatic watch for men, the Orient Bambino Small Seconds is possibly the most timeless piece on this list. The Bambino SS comes in 5 different variations, a black dial, champagne dial, and a White dial with a stainless steel case, rose gold case and a yellow gold case (below).

It features a small seconds sub dial at the 6 o’clock, applied Arabic numeral hour markers and an open case back to look at the F6222 movement. The Orient Bambino Small Seconds is an automatic watch lover’s dream and could be considered the best affordable vintage looking dress watch on the market.

Pros:
Elegant vintage styled dress watch
Can’t beat the quality for the price
Small second-hand sub dial
An open display caseback

Cons:
The 40.5mm case size is slightly bigger than the typical 36-38mm for a dress watch
Cheaper strap that some people will want to upgrade

Specifications

Reference: RA-AP0004S
Movement: Automatic F6222
Case size: 40.5mm
Case Thickness: 12mm
Lug width: 21mm
Lug-to-Lug: 46mm
Case material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Domed Mineral
Dial color: White
Hacking: Yes
Hand winding: Yes
Power reserve:  40 hours
Water Resistance: 3 bar (30m)
Open Case Back: Yes

The Tissot PRX, one of our favorite automatic watches for men

4. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

This gorgeous dress watch comes from the Swiss watchmaking powerhouse, Tissot. This design is a staple of the brand’s watch range first designed back in the 1970s. The PRX Powermatic comes in a few different color options including a blue dial, a black dial and a silver dial with gold accents.

The attention to detail of the PRX is very impressive with a mixture of brushed and polished surfaces making this watch definitely one to consider.

Pros:
A retro look and feel and textured dial
Beautiful Integrated bracelet
On open case back showing off the Powermatic 80 movement
A big 80 hour power reserve

Cons:
Lume not very bright

Specifications

Reference: T1374071104100
Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80 (ETA C07.111)
Case size: 40mm
Case Thickness: 11mm
Lug width: 12mm
Lug-to-Lug: 44.5mm
Case material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Dial color: Blue
Hacking: Yes
Hand winding: Yes
Power reserve:  80 hours
Water Resistance: 10 bar (100m)
Open Case Back: Yes

A man wearing a Nomos Orion Neomatik 41 Date

5. Nomos Orion Neomatik 41 Date

Nomos Orion Neomatik 41 Date is a standout among watch enthusiasts, particularly the white colourway with its bright blue hands. While this watch has features commonly associated with everyday watches, it looks so good many love the Nomos Orion Neomatik 41 Date. Put this bad boy in a grey suit and even James Bond will be asking you for fashion advice.

Pros:
Elegant minimalist design
Small second-hand textured sub dial
A bi-directional quick set date function
An open case back showing off the in-house Automatic DUW 6101

Cons:
Lug-to-lug distance is quite long so it will wear relatively bigger than a typical dress watch
Design may not be for some people

Specifications

Reference: 360
Movement: Automatic DUW 6101
Case size: 40.5mm
Case Thickness: 9.4mm
Lug width: 20mm
Lug-to-Lug: 50.5mm
Case material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Domed Sapphire
Dial color: White
Hacking: Yes
Hand winding: Yes
Power reserve: 42 hours
Water Resistance: 5 bar (50m)
Open Case Back: Yes

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, an automatic watch for men

6. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra

This sports watch looks not only sporty but adventurous. You will be able to take on almost anything the world has to throw at you in record time with this on your wrist. And when I say precision I mean it. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is COSC certified, 150m water resistant and highly anti-magnetic.

Also like some of the other watches on this list, the Aqua Terra collection comes in a variety of different colors and different strap options suitable for anyone’s taste.

With sapphire glass on the front and back casing and a beautiful textured dial inspired by wooden decks on luxury sailboats this beauty is tough as they come.

Pros:
Great for a first luxury watch
A beautiful textured dial and applied hour markers
Certified Master Chronometer by the industry’s highest standard, the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS)
Isolated hour hand function great for travelling
Open case back to view the Omega 8900 movement
Solid 60 hour power reserve

Cons:
Seems to be more expensive buying directly from Omega rather than buying from a third-party watch company, so look at few places to find the right price for you.

Specifications

Reference: 220.12.41.21.03.001
Movement: Automatic Omega 8900
Case size: 41mm
Case Thickness: 13.2mm
Lug width: 20mm
Lug-to-Lug: 47.5mm
Case material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Domed Sapphire
Dial color: Blue
Hacking: Yes
Hand winding: Yes
Power reserve: 60 hours
Water Resistance: 15 bar (150m)
Open Case Back: Yes

Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT

7. Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT

The last watch on our list of favorite automatic watches for men is the Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT.

When you think of pilot watches, no doubt the Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT is one that certainly comes to mind. The design on this is classic yet very modern and also comes in a variety of colors and options.

This is the crème de la crème of watchmaking made from only the best materials and is COSC. With that comes a big price point but with this Swiss-made watch, you are paying for one of the best in the business.

Pros:
Modern day classic design
Chronometer certified by the COSC
GMT function great for travelling
Bi-directional rotating bezel
A big 72 hour power reserve

Cons:
Lume no that bright

Specifications

Reference: L3.812.4.93.2
Movement: Automatic L844.4 (ETA 31.L411)
Case size: 42mm
Case Thickness: 13.9mm
Lug width: 22mm
Lug-to-Lug: 49.3mm
Case material: Stainless steel and ceramic bezel
Crystal: Sapphire
Dial color: Blue
Hacking: Yes
Hand winding: Yes
Power reserve: 72 hours
Water Resistance: 10 bar (100m)
Open Case Back: No

Summing Up our 7 Favorite Automatic Watches for Men

Automatic watches really are a thing of beauty. These watches are almost like a double facing window into the history of watchmaking.

It is no wonder why so many of us love our automatic watches. However, there you have our favourite 7 automatic watches for men in 2022. But these are just a few that are out there right now.

What are some of your favourites out right now? And more importantly which watch will you be buying next?

How Do Mechanical Watches Work?

Best Watch Advice logo (black)
By the Best Watch Advice Team, 1st of September 2022

The rap game has many OGs. Dr Dre, Ice Cube, Ice T. However, the watch game only has one OG and that is the mechanical watch. The mechanism used in mechanical watches is one of the first-ever mechanisms invented to keep time. Answering the question of how do mechanical watches work is a simple enough answer.

They work beautifully. Many watch enthusiasts love them for that very reason. The engineering involved in creating these timepieces is truly spectacular. So today let us delve into how does a mechanical watch work?

What is a Mechanical Watch?

Owning a mechanical watch is like owning a piece of watch history. They take things back a step or two from the modern phenomenon of quartz battery-powered watches.

The mechanical watch’s complex inner workings are the result of over 600 years of expert craftsmanship. This watch design has stood the test of time and is just as loved as they were all those years ago.

Perhaps another reason these watches are still around is that mechanical watches are also extremely durable. A good mechanical watch can last a lifetime if they are looked after correctly. They are often kept as family heirlooms and are passed down from generation to generation.

Mechanical watches do require a considerable amount of upkeep, however, this upkeep and if necessary repair extends their longevity.

SO with that said, let’s answer the main question, how do mechanical watches work?…
 

How do Mechanical Watches work?

I think it’s fair to call the mechanical watch the forefather of automatic and quartz movements. It is also fair to call the mechanical watch movement the oldest, most elaborate and intricate of all watch movements.

So, how do mechanical watches work? Well, unlike the automatic watch’s self-winding mechanism, the mechanical watch requires it to be self-wound regularly. 

Once the watch has been wound using the crown it loads up the mainspring. This mainspring slowly unwinds to move the tiny gears. These gears then in turn power the balance wheel which oscillates back and forth at a constant rate to keep the watch turning for anywhere between 40-50 hours.

The second hand on a mechanical watch sweeps across the watch face just like the automatic watch. However, some people mistakenly say manual watches tick. Mechanical watches tick due to a click inside the escapement every time the pin that the escape wheel catches the teeth of the wheel.

Key components of a Mechanical Watch

Many of the key components that make up the mechanical watch movement are very similar and sometimes also feature in the automatic watch design. If you’ve read checked out our website before you will no doubt have a good idea of some of the components key to making a mechanical watch work. 

 

Mainspring – This is a small strip that is made of metal. The mainspring can be wound to slowly release energy that powers the wheel train and escapement. Arguably the mainspring is one of the most important components of a mechanical watch.

 

Wheel train – This is a set of interconnected gears. The wheel train turns in regular increments. The timing of these precise increments is regulated by the escapement.

 

Escapement – The escapement is a combination of some of the most delicate parts of the watch. The balance wheel, regulator, and hairspring are just some of the parts that make up the escapement. These work together to maintain the watch’s rate of released energy from the mainspring. The escapement is essential to keep the watch moving accurately. 

 

Balance wheel – Also known as the balance spring or hairspring. The balance wheel is a weighted wheel that rotates back and forth.

 

Crown – Another very important factor with mechanical watches is the crown. This is a little button just outside of the watch’s face. The crown on a mechanical watch is not just for setting the hands but winding the watch also.

 

Jewels – A mechanically unique feature is jewels. A manual watch will almost always feature red jewels such as ruby, sapphire, or garnet. They help reduce friction in the movement and help to tell time more accurately. 

 

How to tell if a Mechanical Watch is quality made?

Now that we’ve answered the question, ‘how do mechanical watches work?’, the next obvious question is, ‘how do you tell if a mechanical watch is quality made?’

When checking to see if a mechanical watch is a quality made, there are a couple of important factors worth considering before buying. Some important factors when it comes to how good a mechanical watch is made are on the list below.

 

Accuracy – While we may love our watches for how good they look, at the end of the day a watch has one job. To keep track of time. An accurate mechanical watch should be within +6/-4 seconds per day regardless of the mechanism.

 

Certification – Almost in conjunction with the above point does the watch have a COSC certification? This cert is given to any watch that has gone through the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres testing programme and passed. If a watch is accompanied by this cert, the timekeeping ability of the watch cannot be questioned. 

 

Weight – The weight of a mechanical watch can be important to its quality. As we have seen, the mechanical watch has a ton of parts. This means it tends to be a little heavier. However, if you pick up a mechanical watch and it feels a little too light, it could mean the watch manufacturer could have skipped on using quality parts. 

 

Pros and Cons of Mechanical Watches

As with any watch design, Mechanical watches come with a long list of pros and cons. These are just a few that may even help you if you are in the market for a mechanical watch. 

Pro: All of that Detail – Mechanical watches truly are a piece of engineering that has left many people speechless over the years. Every detail, gear, spring and screw must fit together perfectly so they can all be used in sync to tell the time. Some watch companies even make their very own in-house materials, which means the parts are unique to that watch type adding another layer of detail. 

Con: Cost – Due to all the effort required to make a mechanical watch it is no wonder they will leave your wrist a little heavier but your wallet a little lighter. However, with this said you get what you pay for and if you have the extra cash to splash, you are often guaranteed a high-quality watch that will last a lifetime. 

Pro: No Battery No Problem – The lack of battery means it doesn’t have to be replaced every couple of years. So long as you take good care, all you have got to do is wind it up and watch it sweep away. 

Con: Maintenance – Mechanical watches with their amazing detail can come at a cost as they are sensitive to the elements and not as hard wearing as other watch types. They also require servicing every 3-5 years to ensure they are running smoothly. On the topic of in-house movements, this can make them difficult to service as you could be left waiting for specific parts. These in-house parts tend to be much more expensive too. 

 

Summing up How do Mechanical Watches Work

So I hope that clears up the question how do mechanical watches work. Mechanical watch lovers truly love their watches.

People who own these styles of watches have to take an extra little bit of time to love and care for their watches. The movements are complicated as they are 100% driven by engineering and mechanics.

But this is the mechanical watch’s USP, all that history, culture and heritage wrapped around the wearer’s wrist. 

 

How Do Quartz Watches Work?

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By the Best Watch Advice Team, 29th of August 2022

If you’re just getting into watches and you, like me, want to know how things work, then of course you’ll want to know how do quartz watches work.

Watch movements, the interior of a watch, are a technical business, to say the least. As we have discussed before, mechanical watches in particular can be phenomenally intricate and complex.

However, what if I told you there was a simpler way? What if I told you there was a watch movement that was not only easier on your wallet, but was even more accurate at keeping track of time?

Well, this is where the quartz watch shows up front and center…

 

What is a Quartz Watch?

So before we get into how do quartz watches work, I think we better get into answering what exactly is a quartz watch. 

The quartz watches are very different from their mechanical cousins. The biggest difference and what makes the quartz watch stand out is the fact quartz watches are battery-powered watches.

As the name hints at, the quartz watch relies on a quartz crystal in combination with a battery to get those hands ticking. Another major difference is the second-hand ticks for accurate timekeeping. 

This electricity-driven watch would have no doubt been Nicola Tesla’s watch of choice if he was alive today. While we may have Tesla to thank for electricity, it is the Japanese watch brand Seiko that is credited for the first quartz watches.

On December 25 1969 the watch world would be turned on its head when Seiko released the Seiko Quartz Astron 35SQ. And I mean Quartz Crisis kind of turned on its head.

The watchmaking industry was working away quite nicely with their precise and intricate gears and springs. That was of course until the introduction of the quartz watch in the 1970s.

It disrupted the whole industry as the only alternative to mechanical watches. The quartz watches outsold their mechanical counterparts to the point where watch companies who only made watches with mechanical movements had to begin releasing quartz watches to keep up.

Quartz watches are still hugely popular today. The next time you see someone wearing a watch on the street it is probably a quartz watch. Unless you come across Jay Z because everyone knows his “rollie don’t tick tock”. 

 

How Does a Quartz Watch Work?

So now that we know what a quartz watch is. It’s time to get technical and answer the question of how do quartz watches work. Thanks to the more electronic streamlined interior design of quartz watches they are not quite as complex (or aesthetic some would argue) when compared to other watch movements.

Firstly the battery transfers an electronic current to the microchip. This is what causes the quartz crystal to oscillate or swing. The crystal in a quartz watch will oscillate 32,728 times per second.

Once that magic number of oscillations is hit, an electronic pulse is released. This pulse is released every second to the steeping motor which converts all this electronic energy to mechanical energy.

This newly powered stepping motor turns the gears and the hands begin to move. 

 

Key Components that make Quartz Watches Work

Now while you may be reading this thinking ‘I’ve heard more technical things over the years. I would say you would be correct, I mean have you tried to fix a dishwasher?

Anyway back to the subject at hand, as we continue our journey deep into the inner working of how do quartz watches work, by looking at some of those key components under the microscope… 

Microchip – The first component to get the microscope treatment is the microchip. And not just because both words have ‘micro’ in them. The Microchip circuit detects the crystal oscillations. The microchip then emits electric pulses every second to power the stepping motor.

Electric Stepping Motor – The stepping motor is responsible for turning the gears. The electric currents power the stepping motor and then are converted into mechanical energy. The energy goes in electric and comes out mechanical. 

Battery – This is an essential component of the quartz movement as the battery sends electricity to the quartz crystal. This is the first and base step in powering any quartz watch. 

Quartz Crystal Oscillator – The quartz crystal serves as a generator for the electric currents released by the battery. Quartz crystals are perfect for timekeeping as they naturally vibrate at the exact frequency needed to conduct the electronic voltages needed. 

Gears – The gears are similar to that of a mechanical watch and serve the same function in moving the watch faces hour, minute, and second hands. 

 

How to tell if a Quartz Watch is Quality made?

As far as watches go, quartz watches are definitely on the more affordable side of the watch market. The fact the watch has fewer parts and battery powered means a quartz watch requires a little less maintenance, so long as the battery is changed every couple of years. It is however important to look outside of the mechanism when buying a quartz watch. 

 

Case Material

At the very least the case material should be made from stainless steel. This material is less affected by moisture and also it is much less common for stainless steel watches to cause skin irritation.

A PVD coating is essential for watches in gold, rose gold, silver, or black in order not to lose color. A top tip is to check the back of the watch when checking to see what material is the watch made from. 

Of course there are exceptions to this rule, for example the case for the G-Shock 5600 watches are made from a resin material with a stainless steel back. And G-Shock make some seriously tough, quality watches!

Crystal Material

The crystal (the glass that protects the dial) can be made from a few different materials: sapphire, mineral or acrylic. Depending on the watch and the function, we would recommend going for either the sapphire or the mineral crystal as they are both high-quality options.

Sapphire is going to be the more expensive option. It is scratch resistant and extremely strong. Sapphire is commonly seen in high-end watches.

Mineral crystal, also a fine choice, has been chemically treated to withstand scratches. It won’t be as expensive as sapphire, but also not as scratch resistant as sapphire. None the less it is a very durable option seen in a lot of mid-range watches.

On the other hand, Acrylic crystals will only be found in cheap watches as these are not very durable and can be damaged easily.

Watch Strap Material

Watch straps can be made from a variety of different materials including leather, rubber, nylon, canvas and metal. To get into all the different upsides and downsides of each material would be a whole other topic but leather is a common one that can fool consumers from time to time.

If your watch strap is made from full grain or top grain leather you know you have got a good quality leather watch strap on your hands. Full grain is the top layer of the animals hide, while top grain has the outer most surface of the hide removed.

Surprisingly for most, genuine leather is actually the least quality of the bunch and is derived from lowest part of the hide. ‘Genuine’ leather is more of a clever marketing term from lower end manufactures. 

 

Pros and Cons of Quartz Watches

Pro: Cheaper
A major plus of the quartz watch is that is much easier and cheaper to produce in comparison to mechanical movements. This simpler design has fewer parts and is far less complicated.

Meaning quartz watches can be produced on a mass scale. From a business perspective, this is very advantageous, and as a knock-on effect, consumers can get a high-quality quartz watch for a much better price than mechanical watches.

Con: Doesn’t have that ‘je ne sais quoi’
Many watch purists would argue strongly against this previous agreement. People who apprentice a more mechanical design believe the beauty and craftsmanship of watchmaking are lost in this mass production. 

Pro: More Accurate Time Keeping
When it comes to reliability and timekeeping, quartz watches are by far the best choice on the market today. The use of the quartz crystal guarantees the wearer at least 100 times more accurate than the older mechanism.

Not only does the quartz watch triumph in the timekeeping department but they last for a very long time. On average a quartz watch can last for anywhere between 20-30 years. 

 

Summing Up Quartz Watches

All and all, hopefully now you have a general understanding of how do quartz watches work. The quartz watch can be a controversial mechanism in the watch world. People tend to downplay the quartz watch as a more simplistic, unsophisticated design. Some watch lovers want a little more history and backstory to their timepieces.

However, this is 2022 and watchmaking has taken leaps and bounds forward. The quartz watch tells the story of the ever-evolving watchmakers through accurate timekeeping and excellent electronic design. I can’t wait to see what the watch world will do next.

How Does an Automatic Watch Work?

By Maverick, 25th of August 2022

The automatic watch has been around for many centuries, but how does an automatic watch work exactly?

These watches are not only beloved by timepiece enthusiasts the world over but automatic watches represent hundreds of years of watchmaking.

Who exactly invented the first ever automatic watch may be a little unclear with some believing Abraham Louis Perrelet to be the father of the automatic watch. Others give credit to Hubert Sarton.

However, one name that is always synonymous with automatic watches is John Harwood. The British watchmaker and watch repair specialist would develop the modern-day automatic watch that we are more familiar with today. Harwood even patented the automatic wristwatch in 1923.

Harwood’s automatic wristwatch took off after World War 1 in favor of pocket watches due to their slimline design and reliable time telling.

 

A Union Glashütte Automatic movement

What is an Automatic Watch?

Now while that is a fun little history lesson, it still doesn’t answer the question of how does an automatic watch work.

Simply put, an automatic watch is a type of watch made up of many tiny gears and springs that power the watch so it can tell the time as accurately as possible.

Unlike other watch designs, the automatic watch is self-winding. This means it doesn’t run on a battery or it doesn’t have to be wound by hand every day.

An automatic watch’s most defining characteristic is the fact the watch stores kinetic energy when worn and this is then released to power the watch’s intricate mechanism.

Another stand-out feature of the automatic watch is the movement of the second hand. Automatic watch second hand smoothly sweep by the seconds.

How does an Automatic Watch work?

All these little gears and springs and coils sound amazing. But how they all work together is even more mind-blowing.

Wearing the watch has a knock effect of causing a weighted rotor to turn. The energy is all stored in the mainspring.

This begins to power the watch through the gears. The gear train transfers the energy to the escapement. This escapement distributes energy to the balance wheel in perfectly timed intervals.

This in turn pushes the balance wheel back and forth. Every swing of the balance wheel pushes the gear train which then, in turn, moves the watch’s hands.

Key Components of an Automatic Watch

Phew! That all got a bit technical just now and I hope that answers the question how does an automatic watch work.

Let’s break things down even further and get into the parts that make an automatic watch tick…

Rotor

The rotor is a semi-circular, 360-degree moving weight that kicks off the watch’s movements. Some refer to the rotor as the oscillating weight. No matter what you call it, the rotor moves freely when worn. This winds the mainspring which supplies the watch with mechanical energy. 

Mainspring

This is a coiled metal strip. The mainspring is key to the automatic watch as it stores and slowly releases the energy.

Gear Train

The energy that is released by the mainspring gets the series of gears, known as the gear train, moving. The gear train runs the energy from the mainspring to the escape wheel. 

Crown

The crown will be one of the more recognizable pieces on this list. The crown is a little button or wheel outside of the case. When this button is pushed in the automatic watch can be manually wound. When the crown is pulled out the hands on the watch face can be adjusted. 

Escapement

The escapement is like a watch’s internal braking system. By being designed in two equal parts, the escapement makes sure the energy from the mainspring is released equally.

Balance Wheel

The balance wheel or more affectionately known as the heart of the movement beats in a circular motion to power the watch. It can beat anywhere between 5 and 10 times a second. 

How to Tell if an Automatic Watch is Quality made?


1. Check the Crystal

All watches have a clear casing to show the watch’s face. I mean it would be pretty hard to tell the time otherwise. But not all of these casings are made from the same material.

Most modern watches use either watch faces made from mineral crystal or sapphire. A watch with a sapphire casing usually means the watch is of high quality. Sapphire is extremely durable and almost scratch-proof. 

Unlike mineral crystals, which if scratched will leave permanent damage.  Sapphire casings are the gold standard when it comes to watchmaking and is used almost exclusively by trusted brands.

2. Check the Movement

When it comes to automatic watches, many are made with a clear back. This not only looks amazing as you get to see the inner workings of your watch but it is perfect for inspection when buying the watch.

The likes of Germany, Japan, and Switzerland are all revered for their high-quality automatic watch movements. However, as with any product, there are good and bad suppliers in all countries. It is essential to research the watch supplier and get an idea of their quality. 

3. Does the watch have a COSC Certificate?

COSC stands for Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres. This is the body that certifies the accuracy of watches. These more often come with luxury Swiss watches.

If a watch has a COSC cert you can rest assured your watch has passed many tests and tells time extremely accurately. High-quality watches are designed to have an accuracy of +6 / -4 seconds per day.

Pros and Cons of Automatic Watches

Automatics watches are truly a work of art both in their mechanical movement and amazing design. There are many upsides to being the proud owner of a beautiful automatic watch.

However, there are some downsides too. Let us have a look at some pros and cons of these mechanical masterpieces when compared to other wrist watches.

✅ Pro — Aesthetics: This is possibly the biggest pro when it comes to automatic watches depending on whom you ask. All those gears and springs look amazing, especially on an open back casing. It is hard to argue against this one!

Pro — No battery needed/no hand winding: The self-winding mechanism of automatic watches makes them somewhat low maintenance. While all watches need general care and servicing, as long as the automatic watch is worn regularly it should continue working with few problems. 

⛔️ Con — Not the most accurate: The automatic wristwatch is no slouch in the time-telling department. However, as far as watch movement goes automatic watches aren’t the most accurate on the market. The quartz watch is considered a little more accurate compared to automatic watches. 

⛔️ Con — A little Pricey: Due to the amount of time and labor it takes to create automatic watches,  they tend to lean on the pricier side of the watch market.  

The Verdict on Automatic Watches

The automatic watch is a watch design that is beloved by the watch community as a whole, and for good reason. The craftsmanship alone is reason enough to own an automatic watch. The self-winding feature literally asks the owner to place it on their wrist as much as possible.

While there are ups and downs when it comes to this classic watch design, the automatic watch is undeniably an amazing feat of engineering and truly mesmerizing.

Top 10 Timex Watches for Men that are Insanely Affordable

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By the Best Watch Advice Team, 24th of August 2022

The below no nonsense, functional and affordable Timex watches for men are our favorites…

The brand needs no introduction, because if you’ve never heard “Takes a licking and keeps on ticking”, then you must have been hiding under a rock!

Timex has certainly been around the block. You probably have an old Timex kicking around your home, probably even 2.

These 10 Affordable Timex Watches for Men are your go-to if you’re on the lookout for a simple, classic watch with a timeless design at an affordable price.

The best news is, with these 10 watches, you won’t need to empty out your bank account to get a quality watch.

As always, we’ve pulled together our knowledge, expertise, feedback, Timex data and customer reviews to give you a complete buying guide of Timex watches for men and their price.

The 10 Timex Watches for Men

1. The Timex Men’s Classic

Timex Men's Classic Digital Watch

Timex Watches Price ~ $30

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It is a water-resistant silver tone digital wristwatch composed of a 34mm resin case material with an acrylic lens, and a silver-tone 18mm stainless steel expansion band.

It also comprises of a green digital display which also features the famous INDIGLO light-up watch dial. This Timex gives you a retro style best suited for almost any occasion. 

Pros: 

  • Cost-effective 
  • Highly durable 
  • Comfortable and easy to wear 

Cons:

  • Limited water resistance- cannot be used to bathe or swim
  • Display may be difficult for someone with poor vision to read

     

2. Timex Weekender 38mm

Timex Weekender 38mm - Timex Watches Price ~ $35

Timex Watches Price ~ $35

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This watch comes in a silver tone 38mm brass casing with an analog display and a mineral glass crystal.

This watch comprises of an adjustable olive green 20mm slip-through strap with an INDIGLO light-up green dial.

Additional features include a cream dial with full Arabic numerals. It is the perfect men’s watch best suited for the weekend.

Pros: 

  1. Very affordable 
  2. INDIGLO light-up feature to check the time in the dark
  3. Easy-to-change slip-through straps provide an endless options to choose from.

Cons:

  1. Limited durability 
  2. Limited water resistance- cannot be used to bathe or swim

     

3. Timex Weekender 40mm

Timex Weekender 40mm

Timex Watches Price ~ $45

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This watch shares similarities with the Weekender 38mm.

Comes with a case diameter of 40mm, an adjustable tan genuine leather strap and quick-release spring bars.

Additional features include a blue dial with full Arabic numerals and a 24hr military time. A timeless piece suited for casual outings.

Pros: 

  1. Highly durable
  2. Cost-effective 
  3. Simple and classic approach to time telling 

Cons: 

  1. Limited water resistance- cannot be used to bathe or swim

     

4. Timex Men’s Expedition Scout

The Expedition Scout

Timex Watches Price ~ $40

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This is a classic piece that consists of a black 40mm brass case with an adjustable green 20mm nylon strap.

It also consists of the INDIGLO light-up watch dial with luminous hands.

Additional features include a black dial with a date window at 3’o clock and full Arabic numerals

 The perfect timeless piece suited for outdoor activities and short periods of swimming.

Pros: 

  1. Easy to read classic design
  2. Reliable
  3. Reasonably priced

Cons: 

  1. Water resistant to only 50m (swimming but not snorkeling or diving)
  2. Ticking could be a little loud

5. Timex Men’s Easy Reader Date

Easy Reader Date - Timex Watches Price ~ $35

Timex Watches Price ~ $35

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True to its name this watch is characterized by a clean dial design, comprising of a 35mm brass case and an adjustable black 18mm genuine black leather strap fit.

It also consists of an INDIGLO light-up watch dial and a white easy-to-read dial with a date window at 3 o’clock.

Pros: 

  1. Easy to read dial
  2. Date window at the 3 o’clock
  3. Can swap out the strap for a new look
  4. 35mm size great for smaller wrists

Cons: 

  1. Leather strap not the best quality

Not convinced Timex is the brand for you this time? Then make sure you check out this tough as nails watch that even survived being run over by a 24 tonne truck!

6. Timex Men’s Easy Reader Day-Date

Easy Reader Day-Date Expansion Band

Timex Watches Price ~ $60

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The Easy Reader Day-Date is as durable as it is classic.

It’s case is a 35mm Silver-tone brass material with a brushed stainless steel silver-tone expansion band.

The movement again is a quartz for accurate time telling and the dial consists of black hour and minute hands and Easy-to-read Arabic numerals with a day-date complication.

Pros: 

  1. Easy to read the time with big numerals
  2. Date and day complication
  3. Can survive a bit of a beating

Con:

  1. May need to remove some links on the bracelet for smaller wrists

7. Timex Men’s South Street Sport

South Street Sport

Timex Watches Price ~ $40

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The Timex Men’s South Street Sport comes with a silver tone 36mm brass case and a silver tone 18mm stainless steel expansion bracelet.

It also consists of an INDIGLO backlight and a blue dial.

A durable mineral window confers protection to the Arabic numeral hour markers. It’s a timeless piece crafted for the perfect gentleman. 

Pros: 

  1. Great everyday watch
  2. Highly durable
  3. Comes with an expansion Bracelet

Cons: 

  1. Bracelet may pinch and pull hair

8. Timex Expedition Digital Chronograph

Expedition Digital Chrono - Timex Watches Price ~ $50

Timex Watches Price ~ $50

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This Timex has a 41mm resin case with a gray digital display and an acrylic lens.

The adjustable 20mm nylon fast wrap strap with a hook and look closure can fit a wrist circumference of up to 8-inches.

Additional features include a 100 hour-chronograph with lap and split times, 24hour-countdown timer with a calendar that tells the month, day & date. 

It’s a classic outdoor piece most suited for the rigors of everyday activities. 

Pros: 

  1. Chronograph feature
  2. Fits almost all wrist sizes
  3. Large, simple display
  4. Comfortable and light-weight 

Cons:

  1. Strap may need to be replaced

 

9. Timex Ironman Classic 30

Ironman Classic 30 - Timex Watches Price ~ $39

Timex Watches Price ~ $39

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This Timex digital piece comes in a gray and black 38mm resin case with an acrylic lens and gray digital display.

It also comprises of an adjustable black 16mm resin strap that fits up to a wrist circumference of 8-inches with an Indiglo light-up watch dial.

Additional features include 30-lap memory, customizable alarm & countdown timer. A highly functional piece suited for sporting activities. 

Pros: 

  1. Simple and easy to read
  2. Tough and reliable
  3. Great functionality: stopwatch, timer and alarms

Cons: 

  1. Strap may need to be replaced
  2. Cant change battery easily

 

10. Timex men’s Expedition Field Chronograph

Expedition Field Chronograph - Timex Watches Price ~ $57

Timex Watches Price ~ $57

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Finish off your look with the military-inspired Expedition Field Chronograph.

This Timex piece has a durable and lightweight 43mm resin case, a quartz analog movement and genuine leather band.

Additional features include a date time and chronograph that measures up to 1/20th of a second. An adventure piece well suited for outdoor Elements.

Pros: 

  1. Rugged outdoors military design
  2. Chronograph functionality
  3. Good value for money

Con:

  1. Markings may be considered small and hard to read
  2. Might be too large for smaller wrists

The Quick Backstory of Timex Watches 

Few watch brands can boast of a timeless mechanical superiority with a completely horological and utilitarian design. Timex was founded in Connecticut, in 1854 as the “Waterbury Clock Company”. 

They revolutionized a three hundred years old industry by combining European clockmaking craftsmanship and American innovation to Produce a masterpiece that has not only stood the test of time but also survived 2 world wars. 

Since it came into existence, the iconic brand has sold over 100 million timex watches for men and women around the world. They’re known as solid value, rugged everyday watches (aka ‘beater’ watches) that won’t break on you if you knock it around.

5 Top Reasons to Buy a Timex Watch

Timex is pretty impressive. Since 1854 they have been providing great quality cost-effective watches. So whether you’re searching for a Timex to run in your next Ironman or just need one for the office, here are our 5 top reasons to own a Timex…

  1. Well-designed: Timex have well-designed simple watches in a range of colors and options that look great
  2. Affordable: Timex watches prices are very affordable, they range between $45 to $500. The majority of Timex watches are less than $150
  3. Functionality: Highly functional with features like their patented backlight, long battery life and scratch resistant glass.
  4. Accuracy: Timex’s are precise using mostly Quartz for the movements
  5. Reliability: They are highly durable and Timex is known for rigorously testing their timepieces

Timex Watches for Men Wrap Up 

So, if you’re on the lookout for a simple, classic watch with a timeless design at an affordable price then Timex is a brand not to go past.

They are actively involved in continuous learning and constantly adapting their watches to modern-day trends.

Although their collections comprise of varying watches that differ in terms of material make-up, dials, straps, hands etcetera, their quality stays the same.

So be rest assured that you will always find plenty of Timex watches for men that will be best suited for any occasion, be it an everyday watch, taking a hike or even climbing a mountain.

The Different Watch Types Explained ⏱ Our Definitive List

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By the Best Watch Advice Team, 22nd of August 2022

If you aren’t a watch enthusiast (yet) or you’re just getting into watches for the first time then you’ve probably just realized how many different watch types there is.

And you might be thinking, especially if you’re brand new to the watch world, “I got a phone that tells the time, what’s the point of all these watches?”

Yeah, ok buddy, you have a point.

Just not a very good one.

I must confess though, now with technology and everyone glued to their phones these days, you don’t really need a watch.

Not until at least, you start to understand the art and craft of watchmaking.

Once you realise the precision, the craftsmanship and beauty that goes into each and every timepiece (except those fashion brands that shall not be named), then it’s game over.

And then you’re hooked like there’s no tomorrow.

Turns out watches can be a lifelong addiction 🙂

Very difficult to give up.

And there’s plenty of different watches for that addiction thankfully.

Watches for different purposes, watches for different occasions, watches for days.

From simple and elegant dress watches the next time you need to don a suit…

To the rugged and tough field watches that you can wear when you’re out on your next adventure…

And even to the practicality of a great chronograph, a neat choice for an everyday watch, just maybe not with that suit.

So with all that said, sit back and relax as I take you on an adventure through the world of different watch types…

How many different watch types are there?

It depends on how you classify them. By movement there are 3 individual watch types:

  1. Manual (Mechanical)
  2. Automatic (Mechanical)
  3. Quartz (Quartz)

If you classify them by Style, there is 9:

  1. Casual
  2. Field
  3. Pilot
  4. Racing
  5. Dive
  6. Dress
  7. Digital
  8. Chronograph
  9. GMT

 

Different Watch Types: By Movement

The first classification of our different types of watches is according to their movement. The movement is the engine that powers a watch.

Just like there’s a difference in an Aston Martin’s engine compared to a Toyota’s, there are also differences in the watches engine, known as the movement.

Some watch movements work mechanically and others work with a combo of electronic and mechanical parts.

While some people base buying a watch solely on the look of the exterior of a watch, the true enthusiast will likely give more weight to the movement.

After all, you wouldn’t want to pay full price for an Aston, drive it home and realize the engine is actually closer to a Toyota.

And I’m not bagging out Toyota here, Toyota are one of my favorite cars, but I think you get my point.

There are 3 individual types that fall under 2 categories and it’s important to know all 3 types so you can know what watches your getting your hands on…

The different watch movements: Manual, Automatic and Quartz

 

Mechanical – Manual (Hand-Wound)

The first individual watch type (and the oldest) in the mechanical category is Manual or Hand-Wound and are as fascinating as they are complex.

Mechanical watches date all the way back to 16th century Europe, where clockmaker Peter Henlein invented the very first pocket watch.

Mechanical watches work by stored energy in the mainspring.

The mainspring is wound up regularly by winding the crown on the side of the watch (hence the name Manual / Hand-Wound).

Then, as the mainspring is unwound, it releases the stored energy through all the gears, springs and small intricate parts which move the hands on the dial.

The craftsmanship in these watches are truly astonishing.

 

Mechanical – Automatic

The second individual watch type in the mechanical category is Automatic.

Automatic movements can be dated back to the 1700s with the attempt of automatic pocket watches.

The problem?

An automatic pocket watch doesn’t create a lot of energy in a pocket.

They were unreliable and fizzled out.

The real story here kicks off after WWI, when the military started using wristwatches to synchronize maneuvers during battle.

This completely shifted the public’s perception of  wristwatches and sales took off.

As watches worn on one’s wrist started gaining traction and combined with the advances in manufacturing, self-winding mechanisms became a hot topic once more.

And in 1923, John Harwood, an everyday watch repairer from sunny England pulled off the very first automatic watch.

Automatic watches are similar to manual watches and possess all the same components, but with an added weighted rotor that spins while the user’s hand is moving.

This weighted rotor winds up the mainspring using the natural motions of the wearer’s wrist and eliminates the need for you to do so manually, hence the name Automatic, also know as “self-winding mechanical watches.”

 

Quartz

Quartz watches are our third different watch type and in a category all by themselves.

They are in a category by themselves because their movement is completely different to that of their mechanical brothers.

Quartz watches are the youngest of the 3 and almost destroyed the mechanical watchmaking business in the Quartz Crisis of the 70s and 80s.

The reason for this was Quartz watches were more accurate and cheaper to produce.

Those were dark days for the Swiss watchmaking industry.

These watches are powered by a battery that sends an electrical current through a circuit that charges a quartz crystal.

The charge vibrates the quartz at a very precise frequency (32,768hz to be precise).

This frequency is sent back into the circuit and transformed by a stepper motor that moves the hands on the dial

After becoming popular the 70s and 80s, quartz have become the world’s most widely used watch taking over the majority of the market.

Different Watch Types: By Style

With movement out of the way, we then classify watches is by their style.

And there is a different style for every day of the week if you wish.

Are you heading out on a jungle adventure? There’s a style for that.

Doing a little bit of deep sea diving? There’s a style for that.

Travelling around the globe through multiple cities and timezones? There’s a style for that.

Yeah you guessed it, there’s a style of watch for every occasion.

Because it wouldn’t be a good look if you rocked up at your next black tie event sporting a watch that looks like you’ve been on an African safari.

So, let’s make sure you’re wearing the right watch for the right occasion by reading up on the styles below…

Casual

The Casual Style: Tudor Black Bay M79230B-0008

If you are the “one-size-fits-all” type of guy, the other different types of watches may not seem as important as the casual watch.

Casual watches are pretty straightforward.

They come clean, solid, and subtle.

If you’re not planning to explore the depth of The Atlantic or fly a 737 down to Antarctica, then a casual watch may just be all you need for any occasion.

Go casual, stay subtle.

Field

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical h69439931

If a field watch is a style of watch made to survive out in battle. Yes, they are designed with the military in mind.

These watches are to accurately tell the time without all the other features on other watches.

They come simple, rugged, and robust with every field watch being distinct in its own way.

Ooh rah.

 

Pilot

Pilot style watch Orient RA-AC0H04Y

No matter what the conditions are up in the sky, beautiful blue or stormy as hell, a pilot needs to be able to quickly tell the time.

Enter the Pilot watch, characterized by large legible dials and contrasting colors.

Pilots back in the day also wore gloves during their flights so there’s nothing better than a big crown to easily use.

But you don’t need to be a pilot to wear one of these popular watches that’s for sure.

Chronograph

A Seagull 1963 38mm Chronograph

Chronograph watches are another different watch type.

These types of watches feature a stopwatch with the regular watch it was meant to be.

If you’ve ever seen a watch that had two extra dials inside of it, chances are you were staring at a chronograph watch.

These extra dials tick when you choose to use the stopwatch feature.

Dive

Dive watch omega-seamaster-diver-300m-210.32.42.20.03.001

Divers watches were manufactured to allow divers to take them into the ocean.

Today, among the different watch types, the dive watch is becoming a staple in collections.

Any watch with a water resistance rating of 200 and above can be considered a dive watch.

These types of watches are naturally bigger and can be read in darker environments.

These features make them perfect for ocean trips.

Dress

Dress watch Junghans max bill Automatic Bauhaus 27_4009.02

You can probably wear whatever watch you desire to that dinner date.

I mean your wrist wouldn’t care if you’re sporting that awesome dive watch you just bought.

Nevertheless, a dress watch might just be what you need to bring your elegant look home.

This was why dress watches were made. Perhaps, if a diver needs a dive watch, then a sharp dressed man needs a dress watch.

Racing

Racing watch Tissot T125.617.17.051.02

It does feel like there is a watch for everyone irrespective of their works of life.

Racers aren’t left behind. As you can tell, a race watch is made for racers!

For racers, tracking time is an important part of the race. With race watches, racers can track time thus tracking their distance and speed.

Racing watches usually come sporting both a chronograph and a tachymeter combination.

And you guessed it, it doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to wear these if you’ve never been on the track.

Digital

Digital Watch G-Shock DW-5600BB-1

Remember the crystals and vibrations we talked about under quartz watches?

Well, this is where you get the full story.

Digital watches keep time by an oscillator that is regulated by the vibrations of quartz crystals.

Now, these crystals don’t just vibrate.

They need electric current from a battery also coupled into that little piece on your wrist.

Digital watches indicate the hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds by digits

Digital watches are one popular different watch type.

GMT

GMT watches can be pretty neat.

This different types of watch is our last and allows you to read the time for two different time zones.

They have an extra hour hand for that extra time zone.

Pretty cool right?

The GMT watches were Rolex’s response to the problem pilots faced when flying across two time zones back when the Jet Age officially began.

Summing up the Different Watch Types

Perhaps, you never knew what category that little beauty on your wrist falls in.

Perhaps you’ve just started tipping your toes into the world world and everything is brand new to you.

Whatever the case, once you realise the precision, the craftsmanship and beauty that goes into each and every timepiece, you’ll be hooked.

And most likely want a watch from every category!

Just make sure you forget that dress watch while trying to climb Everest.

Get out there today with your new found watch knowledge and get a watch that will serve its purpose.

The 11 Best Affordable Watch Brands Worth More Than Their Price

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By The Best Watch Advice Team, 21st of August 2022

If you’re trying to figure out the best affordable watch brands before you buy your next watch, we know how it feels.

There is an infinite number of brands and even more models, designs and functions.

All as tempting as the last!

So much to choose from it could drive you insane.

Unless you’re a watch lover and collector of course!

In this article, we’ll explore the most well-known affordable watch brands that are worth more than the price you’ll pay.

Firstly, is our List of the Best Affordable Watch Brands Also Quality?

There’s no denying that a lot of watch lovers aspire to high-end watches.

You name it; the modern gentleman will have his eye on Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Omega amongst others.

However, most new watch enthusiasts don’t really want to break the bank just yet.

And because of this, they’ll lean towards more affordable choices when they first enter the vast world of watches.

In the watch market, few individuals have the means to purchase a watch for $100,000 or more.

However, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find a quality watch for your budget.

It may not be made out of gold or have a high-precision handcrafted movement, but it will still do what a watch is meant to do: tell the time.

But here’s the best news, there are many excellent affordable watch brands that produce high quality watches

In the end, all watch lovers respect quality no matter what the price point is.

I’ve seen multi-millionaires lust over watches that are less than a thousand dollars.

Whether you wear a $50 Swatch or a $50,000 Audemars Piguet, you share in a passion for watches.

Before you Buy an Affordable Watch…

Before you pull the trigger on that new watch, there are a few important things to consider…

Can affordable watches be considered an investment?

That depends.

An investment in a quality product. Absolutely.

And you can definitely get your money’s worth 10 times over with many watch lovers having watches in their collection for decades.

An investment to make a few bucks on the resale. Nope.

In fact, even expensive watches shouldn’t really be considered investments, as the vast majority will only ever retain their value.

It’s the select few that go way up in value and they unfortunately don’t make it onto our list of affordable watches.

Even though a watch is affordable, it shouldn’t be considered if it’s poor quality.

There is a wide range of reputed watch brands that make well-crafted timepieces at every price-point: $50, $100, $200, $500, $1,000 and $2,000.

So this is our most important tip when you buy your next watch…. avoid brands that spend more on social media than on making quality watches.

They spend their money on marketing to sell you a watch that’s made up of really cheap parts from China.

These brands won’t be making our list of course.

So, there’s a lot to consider.

And with our knowledge of the watch market we have compiled a list of the most relatively affordable and quality watch brands for you.

Here are the 11 best affordable watch brands that you should definitely pay attention to…

Citizen 🔗

The company was founded in 1930 by Japanese and Swiss investors (we do like brands that have a long and rich history).

Despite the fact that Citizen is a Japanese company, many people are unaware that Schmid, a man who sold timepieces in Japan, founded Citizen in Switzerland in 1918.

Citizen is credited with a number of technological innovations.

These include developing a solar-powered quartz mechanism and the 1993 release of the world’s first multi-band atomic time-tracking watch.

Although there is a model for everyone, Citizen watches typically emphasize durability and efficiency. The favorite aspect is that they deliver excellent performance while remaining relatively affordable.

Casio 🔗

Given its widespread recognition, the name Casio needs little introduction.

The 1956-founded business is known for its musical instruments and calculators and is credited with many technological innovations.

Because it is primarily an engineering company, Casio focuses on digital and analog quartz timepieces rather than mechanical watches.

Therefore, Casio is one of the best affordable watch brands to pick from if you’re seeking a great quartz watch because it can keep the price low while maintaining quality.

Even the snobbish collectors can appreciate Casio’s designs in some of the most best affordable watches that won’t be derided.

They offer dive watches, dressy watches, and a variety of other analog watch brands.

Timex 🔗

Never disregard a Timex. Few watch brands can lay claim to the American horological renown of Timex.

Timex was founded in Connecticut, USA, in 1845 as the “Waterbury Clock Company,” focusing on premium design and widespread accessibility.

Since the dawn of the 20th century, Timex has witnessed two World Wars, a bewildering array of technological developments, changes in fashion, and much more.

I frequently tell people that if all you want is an affordable watch, that tells the time…

Then Timex could certainly be the brand for you.

And you’d be content with simple, reliable, quality watches…

Without all the fancy add ons and designs.

Tissot 🔗

As a watchmaker with a lengthy history, Tissot was founded in Le Locle, Switzerland, in 1853. It is more correctly described as a manufacturer of upscale, affordably priced Swiss watches.

Despite this fact, some people may only mistake it for a luxury brand, when in fact can be considered an entry level luxury brand.

Whatever the case, the quality of Tissot’s timepieces’ craftsmanship is no question.

The company must be considered while ranking the best affordable watch brands, and two things set it apart from the competition. The first is its lengthy history, which we’ve already discussed. The second is that it is a conventional Swiss company rather than a Japanese one.

Some of you might not care where your watch came from, while others will value sporting a piece of Swiss history. People in the latter group ought to think about Tissot. The brand currently belongs to the Swatch group and other brands, including Omega, Longines, Hamilton, and Mido.

Swatch 🔗

Swatch is another quality affordable watch brand coming from Switzerland.

It was founded during the quartz crisis in 1983 as a reaction to the strong competition from Japanese quartz watches. 

Swatch’s major objective was to revive interest in mechanical watches and increase sales in a time where quartz products were dominating.

The name “Swatch” is taken from the idea of a “second watch”.

By this Swatch is indicating that these watches are meant to be uncomplicated, replaceable, affordable and useful.

Although Swatch now produces a wide range of watches including both mechanical and quartz watches

Swatch is certainly one way to go, thanks to its intriguing and cutting-edge technology if you want to enter the world of Swiss mechanical watches on a budget.

Seiko 🔗

Since the Japanese business, founded in Tokyo in 1881, has developed such a cult following over the years, it would be obvious to conclude this ranking with any name other than Seiko.

Additionally, Seiko, which formerly specialized in producing affordable watches, is now one of the best watch brands in the world. It offers a wide selection of models at rising price points with commensurately improved levels of precision and workmanship.

As a result, whether you spend $250 on a basic watch or $1,000 on a more costly one, you will be aware that you are getting one of the best deals available. Seiko is even more attractive because it was instrumental in the growth of horology. The company is well known for being the first to introduce quartz wristwatches to the world.

Even though Seiko makes a lot of quartz watches, watch enthusiasts adore the Seiko 5 series of high-end mechanical timepieces. Owning one of these is like having a newborn baby, thus giving access to one of the most powerful and passionate collector networks.

Junghans 🔗

A company was established in Schramberg in 1861 and soon became one of the most prosperous ventures in the German timepiece market. In 1903, Junghans was the largest watch manufacturer in the world, with over 3000 employees. Still, it wasn’t until 1927 that the business started making wristwatches.

Junghans is probably most known as a watch company for its minimalist, Bauhaus-inspired art style, which has helped the company stand out. The mentality of Junghans has not changed over time, despite changes in watch standards.

The name has long been associated with quality, dependability, precision, and zeal. A Junghans watch is therefore characterized by meticulous attention to detail, expert craftsmanship, and aesthetic nuance.

Bulova 🔗

American watchmaker Bulova was established in 1875, and Citizen Watch Co. acquired it in 2008. The company is situated in New York City and currently produces watches, clocks, and accessories. Joseph Bulova, a Bohemian immigrant, created it; in 1923, it adopted the name Bulova Watch Company.

Bulova is renowned for producing high-quality, relatively affordable watches in various styles, from dressy to sporty. With a rich and long history, it has developed strong expertise in watchmaking. It produces both contemporary clocks and some with more traditional, vintage-inspired designs.

G-Shock 🔗

The G-Shock might just be arguably the most famous affordable watch brand on this list.

When it comes to watches, G-Shock has always risen above the competition and attained serious notoriety levels.

G-Shock is essentially a brand that belongs to the Casio company and whose name is an acronym for gravitational shock.

These watches are made tough, easily surviving all kinds of conditions, drops, collisions and severe weather.

It’s also more than just a tough watch for outdoor and sports fans…

G-Shocks are loved by military, emergency services, athletes and by astronauts who take them up to space!

If you want to know more about the epic story behind G-Shock and check out the DW5600 series then make sure you check out our review by clicking here.

Orient 🔗

As a wholesaler of imported pocket watches, Orient Watch can trace its horological roots back to in the early 1900s.

Beginning in the early 1900s, the company began making its own watches. The facility was finally shut down because manufacturing slowed during and after World War 2. The brand didn’t resurface until around 1950 when it was redesigned to resemble Orient Watches more closely.

Although the product lines of Orient and Seiko are sometimes confused, the two manufacturers have distinct design aesthetics. While Orient tends to take more original chances with some design decisions, Seiko generally tries to operate on traditional balance in some (definitely not all) of its designs.

Hamilton 🔗

Hamilton, a Swiss watchmaker, has a long and illustrious history.

Today, the company focuses mostly on mechanical watches. 

Their watches are inspired by vintage designs, particularly those from World War II, when the company produced military clocks.

Hamilton may be characterized as a Swiss company with American roots that specializes in creating mechanical watches of the highest caliber at costs that offer outstanding value.

One of our favorite collections from Hamilton is their Khaki Field collection. Check out our review by clicking here.

Even though Hamilton’s watches are more expensive than their Japanese rivals, they are one of the best choices if you want Swiss brilliance and dependability.

Summing up the Best Affordable Watch Brands

So, now you’ll know a good quality watch doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

And there is plenty of great brands to choose from.

Whether you’ve got your eye on an American Hamilton, a Japanese Seiko, a Swiss Tissot or any other the others…

If you stick to this list you can’t really go wrong.

Obviously this isn’t an exhaustive list as there are tonnes of watch brands out there, including many micro-brands.

And if you are just getting into watches it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices out there.

So, in saying that, these are our favorites because of their quality at a great price.

Not to mention there is an affordable watch for every budget.

So, enjoy your next watch, no matter which one catches your eye.

If you stick to the 11 brands we’ve mentioned here you definitely won’t be let down!

The Mechanical Vs Automatic Watches Showdown 🥊

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By the Best Watch Advice Team, 20th of August 2022

It’s a tough choice for watch lovers and connoisseur when is start talking Mechanical VS Automatic watches…

Both designs are timeless and meet at the crossroads of art and science.

The invention of the early mechanical mechanism would not only stand the test of time but be improved on for years to come. 

Mechanical watches have jumped forward leaps and bounds in their design and technology. 

Today, automatic watches are the most common and popular form of mechanical watch design. 

However, while all automatic watches are mechanical not all mechanical watches are automatic. 

As we weigh up mechanical vs automatic watches, it is important to get a few things straight!

Technically speaking any watch that tells time using a mechanical movement is a mechanical watch.

But for this debate, we will be looking at two subcategories of mechanical watches… 

What is a Manual Mechanical Watch?

A manual mechanical watch is possibly the most traditional and oldest type of watch movement.

The vintage design is beloved by watch enthusiasts and horologists alike due to its classic design and impressive intrinsic craftsmanship.

The manual watch is defined by its mechanical watch movement that requires the owner to wind the watch for it to work.

Once the wearer winds this clockwork mechanism by hand the watch will continue to tell time by the force that is held in the mainspring.

The mainspring releases this force to power the balance wheel which gets all the gears in motion to get the second hand sweeping the seconds away. 

A manual watch will almost always feature beautiful red jewels such as ruby, sapphire, or garnet.

These jewels aren’t just there to add some extra bling.

They help reduce friction in the movement to tell time more accurately.

The manual watch is an old, sturdy vet that has plenty of experience in the watch game and is sure to give any up and comers a tough test. 

Looking for your next mechanical watch that will exceed your needs on your next adventure?

Make sure you check out these epic mechanical and automatic field watches…

What is an Automatic Watch?

Speaking of up and comers, the automatic watch is almost like a fresh new mechanical watch ready to challenge the old manual veteran of the watch game.

An automatic watch movement is extremely similar to that of a manual watch.

However, there are a couple of differences. The main one is that an automatic watch winds itself by using kinetic energy when worn on the user’s wrist.

While an automatic watch can be wound by hand just like its older manual counterpart, automatic watches should keep that second hand sweeping so long as it is worn regularly.

Just like the manual watch, automatic watches also store up this energy in the mainspring which then keeps the gear moving to keep track of time.

Mechanical vs Automatic Watches

These two classic designs have been mainstays in the watch game for decades.

There would be no automatic watches if it wasn’t for the manual watch.

But we all know the young hungry, up-and-comer would love to take the old dog out in this battle of the mechanical watches.

So without further ado, let us take a closer look…

Mechanical vs Automatic Watches: Winding

Both watches have quite a few similarities. Both use mechanical movements made up of an intricate series of springs and gears to keep the watch operating as accurately as possible.

However, how this series of gears gets to work differs in both watch models. Thanks to British watchmaker John Harwood’s advancements in 1923, automatic watches are self-winding.

This means just by wearing the watch it will wind and power itself. In comparison, the manual watch must always be wound by hand.

Mechanical vs Automatic Watches: Maintenance

This lends itself to the next comparison which is maintenance. As both watches do utilize mechanical movements, there will be a considerable amount of care required for owners of manual and automatic watches.

However manual watches are considered one of the oldest clockwork designs and have been around since the early 16th Century.

The mechanical design that is used in today’s manual watches was used even for the early pocket watches. This means getting replacement parts and repairs for a manual watch can be quite difficult.

This fact only becomes twice as difficult if the watch is a vintage manual watch as many parts that feature in some vintage designs are no longer in production. 

Mechanical vs Automatic Watches: History

With the previous point in mind, owning a manual watch is essentially owning a piece of timepiece history. As the oldest watch design, many manual watch owners love their watches for that exact reason.

The movement is far more than just the engine of a watch. For true watch lovers, this mechanical design is art.

Even people who just like watches for fashion have to admit there is a certain beauty and elegance to the inner workings of the old watch mechanism. 

Mechanical vs Automatic Watches: Accuracy

When it comes to time telling accuracy the younger mechanical design trumpets the hands-on vet by a hair.

Automatic watches are slightly more reliable when it comes to keeping track of time. This is mainly due to the fact they are self-winding and don’t have to be wound by hand.

Mechanical vs Automatic Watches: Power reserve

The last big difference between these two generational rivals is their power reserve when being manually wound.

Usually, a fully wound automatic watch will power itself for between 36 – 42 hours.

While a manual watch that has been wound to capacity will last for a minimum of 48 hours and some models can last for over two weeks. 

Summing it all up

So which is better when it comes to automatic vs mechanical watches?

As with many debates on what is the superior watch, the answer can only be answered by you.

If you are someone who truly appreciates watch design and history and also has plenty of time to care for their watch, then you would like your manual watch design are old school.

Or maybe you are regularly on the move which is perfect for powering your automatic watch up.

If you still want to have a slice of watch history without the daily hassle of winding your timepiece up then automatic watches are the way to go.

Regardless of what mechanical design you prefer, everyone can agree these feats of engineering are some of the most impressive on the plant.

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The Quartz vs Automatic Watches Showdown 🥊

By Maverick, 15th of August 2022

The showdown of the Watch World: Quartz VS Automatic watches.

The fight amongst watch collectors and enthusiasts has been brewing since a young contender came onto the scene in the 1960s.

Whether your reasons for owning / collecting watches is because you love the craftsmanship, precision and design of automatic watches…

Or you love the accuracy, practicality and the durability of quartz watches…

There is plenty of arguments for both types of watches.

So of course, we’re going to dive deep into these arguments here, but first we need to discuss how these different watches actually work.

We better put on our gloves and jump into the ring, as this fight of Quartz Vs Automatic could get very interesting…

What’s a Quartz Watch?

The Tissot Supersport Gent, powered by a Swiss quartz movement: ETA F06.115 (source: tissotwatches.com)

To start this Quartz vs Automatic Watches Showdown, first we look to the red corner, weighing in is our young, good-looking and accurate challenger, the quartz watch.

Quartz watches are very recognizable because of their ticking sound.

Tick, tick, tick. Once per second.

This ticking sound is powered by a battery that charges a quartz crystal with an electrical current.

This causes a vibration that drives the stepping motor and allows for very accurate timekeeping.

For example, the ETA F06.115 above is an an affordable Swiss quartz movement.

The F06.115 powers the stylish Tissot Supersport Gent (amongst many other Tissot watches) and has an accuracy of -0.5 to +0.7 seconds per day.

That’s pretty damn accurate.

Now, if you are keen on all the intricate technical inner workings of a quartz watch, then I’d definitely recommend watching the video below from our friend Steve Mould.

It’s a no BS, clear and concise explanation of exactly how quartz watches work.

He even chains a bunch of flip flops together to show you how the signal from the quartz crystal is translated into the seconds hand for accurate timekeeping…

How a Quartz Watch Works

by Steve Mould (17:34 minutes)

What’s an Automatic Watch?

Seiko Prospex Sea SPB297 and caliber 6R35
The Seiko Prospex Sea SPB297, powered by their in-house automatic movement 6R35 (source: seikowatches.com)

And in the blue corner of our Quartz vs Automatic Watches Showdown, is the smooth, calculated and experienced champion looking to retain his title, the automatic watch.

The automatic watch is powered by the motion of the wearer’s wrist.

By gathering energy from the mainspring through to the barrel to the gear trains, it powers the second hand to create the distinctly smooth, sweeping motion automatic watches are so famous for.

Just as the quartz watch ticks once per second, the sweeping motion of the automatic watch will tick 4-6 times per second.

Unlike the quartz watch, an automatic watch is powered by a weighted rotor and not a battery.

As a result, the weighted rotor stores up power and the watch continues to run through the night when taken off.

The example above is an Automatic 6R35, bringing to life the striking Seiko‘s Diver SPB297 watch from their Prospex collection.

The high performing Auto 6R35 has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours and an accuracy of +25 to -15 seconds per day

Now again, if you’d like a more technical explanation of how an automatic watch works, with a skeletonized Patek Philippe Calatrava 5180, make sure you check out the below video from Watchfinder & Co.

Watching the stripped away mechanism… is completely fascinating.

How an Automatic Watch Works

by Watchfinder & Co (9:35 minutes)

The Showdown: Quartz Vs Automatic Watches

As you can probably imagine from reading just the descriptions of both watches there are quite a few differences between quartz vs automatic watches.

So let’s start this showdown for the ages and look at some comparisons and differences between the two…

Quartz Vs Automatic Watches Round #1: The Seconds Hand’s Motion

Firstly and possibly the most obvious difference between the quartz and automatic watches is the motion of the second hand.

A quartz watches’ second hand moves with small individual ticks at one per second.

Conversely, the mechanical movement of the automatic watch is a sweeping motion and will tick 4-6 times per second.

We’ll call this round a tie… personal preference.

One point each.

The quarts vs automatic watches showdown

The Quartz Vs Automatic Watches Showdown

Quartz  1  :  1  Automatic

Quartz Vs Automatic Watches Round #2: Accuracy

Now, these movements result in more than just aesthetics.

In the case of the ticking movement of the quartz watch, this is considered to be the most accurate vs the automatic when it comes to timekeeping.

And let’s be honest here, is that not the original function of a wristwatch?

For example, Citizen debuted the Eco-Drive Caliber 0100 in 2019. This technological marvel of quartz accuracy is considered to be the most accurate ever designed.

How accurate? Accurate to just ±1 second per year!

Check out the incredible feat below…

The Caliber 0100

by Citizen (5:35 minutes)

Well, could this be the future of watchmaking?

Hard to argue isn’t it… certainly a big contender.

And I must say, there is still spectacular craftsmanship in quartz watches, which brings us to the next point of contention…

Oh, and this round has to go to quartz…

The quarts vs automatic watches showdown

The Quartz Vs Automatic Watches Showdown

Quartz  2  :  1  Automatic

Quartz Vs Automatic Watches Round #3: Craftsmanship

Of course, automatic watch enthusiasts love the high level of craftsmanship and impressive engineering that come with the mechanical movements of automatic watches.

These small, complex, high precision machines that fit on your wrist are one part art, one part science, with every single component fitting perfectly into place.

No wonder watch collectors love automatic movements.

A lot of the time they also come with a clear open display case back so the wearer can see all the beautiful intrinsic details of the gears in motion. 

To make the argument for precision performance and craftsmanship, just take a look at the Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer with their automatic caliber below….

The Co-Axial Master Chronometer

by Omega (1:30 minutes)

Now if that doesn’t that get you emotional…

What a beauty to behold.

Art meets science… every small intricate part working in synchronised harmony.

Sorry quartz, Automatic wins this round. We are neck and neck…

The quarts vs automatic watches showdown

The Quartz Vs Automatic Watches Showdown

Quartz  2  :  2  Automatic

Quartz Vs Automatic Watches Round #4: Maintenance

While many do look at automatic watches as superior due to their attention to detail, they do require a little more TLC when compared to the quartz watch.

As I said above, automatic watches are powered by the motion of the wearer’s wrist, so generally you want to wear them regularly.

If you don’t wear them regularly, they will either  need to be kept in a watch winder or you’ll have to manually wind it every few days.

Automatic watch owners also need to be a little more mindful as they must service their watch every 3-5 years.

Quartz watches on the other hand, require much less maintenance due to their battery power design.

The battery will continue to power the watch even if the owner does not wear the watch regularly. 

And the battery should last a couple of years.  

Quartz nails automatic in this round and inches ahead ever so slightly…

The quarts vs automatic watches showdown

The Quartz Vs Automatic Watches Showdown

Quartz  3  :  2  Automatic

Quartz Vs Automatic Watches Round #5: The History

Another point automatic watch collectors love talking about is of course the history and heritage associated with automatic watches.

For the uninitiated, Hubert Sarton was the French inventor who is credited with one of the earliest automatic watch designs in 1778.

From this moment many would add to the design and innovation of automatic watches.

In 1926, John Harwood would then create the first automatic wristwatch with the winding rotor we use today.

I’ve barely scratched the surface of the history and classic innovation of these watches.

A quick search online will show you just how deep and rich the history of automatic watches is.

The quartz watch however, is a much more new school design.

While the first idea and invention of the quartz watch date back years, the quartz watch design took off around the 1970s.

Swiss watchmakers dominated the watch world with their skillful automatic watch design.

However after Seiko released the Quartz Astron 35SQ in 1969 it would kick off what was known as the “quartz crisis”.

And it was this release of the Astron that changed the commercial wristwatch market forever.

Quartz watches simplified watchmaking and production. Not only are they more accurate but they are easier and cheaper to produce. 

Last round and Automatic smacks quartz down…

The quarts vs automatic watches showdown

The Quartz Vs Automatic Watches Showdown

Quartz  3  :  3  Automatic

 

It’s a Tie Ladies and Gentlemen!

Damn… what a fight.

But this leaves us with the biggest question of all yet to be answered.

Which watch is better when it comes to Quartz VS Automatic watches?

The answer to that question is it’s a personal preference.

Both automatic and quartz watch designs are

So at the end of the day, it is about what you want to get out of your watch.

If you’re someone that wants:

  • A simple low-maintenance watch
  • A watch you can rely on for accurate time
  • Not fussed with the history and craftsmanship…

Then quartz watches are for you.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who:

  • Enjoys caring for your watches
  • Loves the mechanical craftsmanship and precision
  • Has an urge to tell friends the backstory to their timepiece…

Then you’re an automatic watch person. 

So, we’d better wrap this fight up.

And with all this in mind we’ll finish with a more obvious common trait both of these watch types share…

Whether it’s quartz or an automatic, a watch looks undeniably good on a wrist!

And hey, if you’re a watch lover, I’m sure there’s enough room in your watch collection for both.

Living on borrowed time,

– Mav

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The G Shock DW5600 Series ⚡ Pursuing Absolute Toughness

By Maverick, 10th of August 2022

Today we’re going to have some fun and take a look at a cult classic in the watch world. And that classic, is the Casio G Shock DW5600 series.

Since the early 80s, G-Shock has been an unstoppable force in the watch world… and it’s easy to see why:

Tough, reliable, practically indestructible.

Used by military, law enforcement, firefighters, athletes and astronauts…

And in 2017, the company celebrated 100 million watches shipped.

100 million!

As a result of all that combined, Casio G-Shock earns Legendary status.

So with all that said, we’re going to take a look at the 5600 series, specifically the G Shock DW5600 watches, and what makes them so legendary.

Roll the G-Shock intro video…

[Already know about the history of Casio and G-Shock and just want to skip ahead to the DW5600 watches… Click here to skip down the page]

But First: G-Shock the Watches  — Casio the Company

Without Casio, there would be no G-Shock and there would be no G Shock DW5600 watches. So that’s why we’re going tell the epic tale that starts all the way back in 1946 Tokyo, Japan.

In the aftermath of World War II, an engineer named Tadao Kashio whose speciality was fabricating new technology, started up a company called Kashio Seisakujo.

Kashio’s first success was a finger ring that held a cigarette, letting the wearer of said ring to smoke the whole cigarette hands -free to the very end.

This was in a time in Japan where cigarettes were a valuable commodity.

Sssssssmokin’!

After the success of his cigarette ring, Tadao and his younger brothers Toshio, Kazuo, and Yukio, took the profits and turned to developing calculators.

The four Casio brothers Tadao, Toshio, Kazuo, and Yukio
The four Casio brothers Tadao, Toshio, Kazuo, and Yukio (source: casio.com)

In June of 1957, the 4 brothers rebranded and formed Casio Computer Co., Ltd. During that same year they released the world’s first all-electric compact calculator.

From there the company grew by leaps and bounds, with each of the 4 brothers bringing their own unique skillset to the table:

— Finance: Tadao
— Development: Toshio
— Sales: Kazuo
— Production: Yukio

Casio was certainly becoming known for making quality electronic products. 

Some of these products included calculators,  electronic keyboards and of course, digital wristwatches, which were the world’s first successful electronic watches…

The Casiotron QW02
The Casiotron QW02, the very first watch released by Casio (source: casio.com)

This was groundbreaking stuff.

Casio basically pioneered digital quartz watches.

But then, in the early 1980’s, Casio hit it out of the park again. This time though, the breakthrough came from a young Casio engineer named Kikuo Ibe.

An Epiphany from a young Casio Engineer

G-Shock (and the G Shock DW5600 series), one of the most iconic watches ever made, was initially conceptualised from a moment of despair.

As the legend goes, a young Casio engineer, Kikuo Ibe, had been given a wristwatch from his father.

Kikuo Ibe, inventor of G Shock
Kikuo Ibe, the cretor of G-Shock watches

Kikuo cherished this watch from his father, but one day at work he dropped it in the hallway and it shattered into a million pieces.

Although upset, Kikuo had an epiphany…

You see, back then watches were high precision instruments and it was common knowledge that if you dropped it, it was going to break.

Well, Kikuo’s epiphany, was the world needed an unbreakable watch.

But what Kikuo didn’t know back then, was his epiphany, began a revolution in the timepiece industry.

Looking for a classic dive watch that’ll look good on land and in the sea?

This modern dive watch collection has a vintage look you won’t be able to swim past…

The Unbreakable Watch: Casio G-Shock

After that fateful day, Kikuo Ibe went to work and devised the criteria for the unbreakable watch which he called ‘absolute toughness‘.

The criteria became known as the ‘Triple 10’, which consisted of 3 important factors:

    1. 10-bar water resistance
    2. 10-year battery life;
    3. And most importantly: 10-meter dropping shock resistance.

So with the approval from the big wigs at Casio, in 1981, Kikuo formed a small crew called ‘Team Tough‘ and they started bringing the unconventional G-Shock concept to life.

But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows as the next 2 years was tough… literally.

An early G Shock prototype
An early G-Shock DW 5000 prototype

The first prototypes they built they assumed the watch module needed to be covered with a shock-absorbent rubber to prevent breakage.

And each prototype was flung from a third-floor window down to the ground 10m below.

Prototype after prototype failed.

Iteration after iteration failed.

For over 2 years, Team Tough would analyse each of their experiments, improve the prototype go again.

But they just couldn’t crack the code.

At this point they had flung 200 prototypes out that 3rd story window and not one watch module survived.

Kikuo was about to give up, but just as he was about to pack it up and admit defeat, he had a eureka moment.

About to abandon his search for the unbreakable watch, at lunch Kikuo went to the park.

While at the park he saw some kids, bouncing a rubber ball, a rubber ball that did not break when it bounced on the ground…

“What if the watch module, all the important components of the watch was somehow suspended inside the middle of that ball?”

G Shock structure
The G-Shock structure compared to the conventional structure

Bingo! It was the breakthrough Kikuo Ibe needed… and that breakthrough, started a revolution.

In April 1983, two years after that fateful day Kikuo dropped his fathers watch, the very first G-Shock was launched… the G Shock DW 5000 (below).

The first G Shock: the DW 5000

The watch was so big and tough it hardly even sold when it came out, but just as if it was fate, the watch made itself to the U.S. and became an instant hit.

The young skaters and surfers of the 80s and 90s fell in love with the watch for its toughness and bold style.

It became part of street fashion and the G-Shock inserted itself into to pop culture.

Since then, the G-Shock has become a legendary watch that made history, still popular to this very day.

You could almost be airdropped into any city in the world and you’ll see someone wearing a G-Shock.

Today, when people think G-Shock, they are usually thinking of the iconic DW5600 series.

The G Shock DW5600 watches really challenged the limits, just check out the short video below to see the epic tests Casio put these watches through…

Pretty damn impressive if you ask me.

This is one of the reasons why the G-Shock has been in a category of its own.

So with that said, let’s get into the G Shock DW5600 series…

The G Shock DW5600 Series

First, let’s take a quick look at the impressive specs of the series…

  • Case size: 43mm
  • Case height: 13.4mm
  • Lug-to-lug: 48mm
  • Crystal: Mineral
  • Band Material: Resin
  • Bezel Material: Resin
  • Construction: Shock Resistant
  • Water resistance: 200m / 20 bar
  • Stopwatch: 1/100 second stopwatch
  • Countdown timer: 24hr & auto-repeat
  • Light: Electro-luminescent Afterglow
  • Battery Life: 2 years – CR2016
  • Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
  • Weight: 53g

Oh and by the way I forgot to mention, the G Shock DW5600 is so tough, it even broke the Guinness World Record title for the heaviest vehicle to drive over a watch…

The G-SHOCK DW-5600E-1 was run over by a truck weighing in at 24.97 tonnes and it still survived!

If you ask me, the truck is lucky it survived.

Alright, we better get into the individual DW5600 watches hey?…

G Shock DW5600 Series

1. The DW5600E-1V

The DW5600E-1V is tough and capable of handling anything you throw at it.

Forget about scratching or damaging it, as it’s insanely robust and practical.

A slap shot by a pro hockey player was all it took to send this G-Shock into history…

G Shock DW5600 Series

2. The DW5600BB-1

The DW5600BB-1 is an all-black matte design which gives it a wicked look and gives its owner some street cred.

This best seller is anti-magnetic, shock resistant, and super tough just like all the others.

With its distinctive entirely black design, this watch is a serious statement…

G Shock DW5600 Series

3. The DW5600NN-1

The DW5600NN-1 is a watch that can electrify your style.

The new design in iridescent, digital glitch blazing, multi-angle pattern printing, and translucent resin is a crazy mix.

Are you Ready Player One?

G Shock DW5600 Series

4. The DW5600BWP-2

The DW5600BWP-2 is an epic blue and white combo.

The design celebrates familiar Chinese porcelain patterns while the case back has an engraving of the Chinese dragon

This G-Shock beast can not be tamed…

G Shock DW5600 Series

5. The DW5600SR-1

If you want to immerse yourself with an extravagant iridescent color, then the DW5600SR-1 may be the perfect choice for you.

This G-Shock is the one of the first ever with a full surface gradated crystal finish that evokes reflected sunlight.

Time to soak up some rays with this beauty…

G Shock DW5600 Series

6. The DW5600SRS-7

The DW5600SRS-7 also comes with a brilliant iridescent color and a full surface gradated crystal finish.

Its rainbow vapor deposition reproduces the midsummer sky at dusk.

This transparent G-Shock gleams with a singular radiance and proves to be one-of-a-kind…

G Shock DW5600 Series

7. The DW5600CA-8

The DW5600CA-8 is the perfect watch for any adventure, whether it’s the wild and wonderful outdoors or the urban jungle.

The dial features an original camouflage design from G-Shock that will fit in wherever you go

This one is great for blending in and staying out of trouble…

G Shock DW5600 Series

8. The DW5600CA-2

Another epic G-Shock for the great outdoors, the DW5600CA-2 watch will withstand anything you throw at it.

Its camouflage blue and gray design will be your companion in the good times and bad.

What say you, ready for your next adventure?

G Shock DW5600 Series

9. The DW5600WS-1

Whether out and about or relaxing on the beach, the DW5600WS-1 will complete your summer style.

This G-Shock is patterned in ocean waves, blending different hues together to create a unique design.

You’ll be the stud on the beach with this superb specimen of a G-Shock…

G Shock DW5600 Series

10. The DW5600SKE-7

The DW5600SKE-7 is among the Skeleton Series and made up of transparent resin parts.

Perfect for enthusiasts as it symbolizes G-Shock’s relentless pursuit of toughness.

Could this watch be your next bold statement?

G Shock DW5600 Series

11. The DW5600HR-1

Here’s the DW5600HR-1, a black & red mix that’s tough and capable of anything.

The main G-Shock brand colors are used on the case and band in a simple and striking design.

This G-Shock screams tough, everyone will know not to mess with you…

 

Summing it Up

Honestly, how could anyone go past G-Shock?

Especially the G Shock DW5600 series.

The toughness… the reliability… and the story of one man’s persistence to make the unbreakable watch.

I think a G-Shock should be in everyone’s collection, bold statement I know and I don’t say that very often.

Now, is the G Shock DW5600 series for everyone?

No and here’s a 2 reasons why:

  1. Casio on their website measure the case size at 48.9mm × 42.8mm × 13.4mm (L× W× H), which is a little confusing and you might think it’s a big watch.

    The actual case size is 42.8mm and the lug-to-lug measurement is 48.9mm. So this watch works well for smaller wrists as the band wraps around.

  2. The four buttons to get around the watch and use all its functionality are quite small, so it can be slightly difficult to operate if you don’t have skinny fingers.

However, those reasons don’t change my opinion, these watches are certainly great everyday watches.

They’re tough, reliable and practically indestructible.

And if it’s good enough for military, law enforcement, firefighters, athletes and even astronauts, then it should be good enough for anyone…

The one that’s in my collection? That’d be the DW5600BB-1.

The all black matte is a wicked look in my opinion. It’s my beater watch that I use when I’m out and about and at the gym (using the stopwatch function for breaks between sets).

So, there you go, G-Shock certainly earn the status of Legendary.

Do you have a G-Shock in your collection?

Living on borrowed time,

– Mav

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The Oris Diver 65 🌊 A Classic Divers Watch You Can’t Swim Past

By Maverick, 9th of August 2022

One of the most popular categories in anyone’s watch collection are the dive watches. They’re a style that has broad appeal as they look good on land or in the sea.

Well, one particularly unique and iconic collection of dive watches is the Oris Diver 65 collection (Oris Divers Sixty-Five).

These vintage-styled watches pay tribute to Oris’ first dive watches, in particularly an iconic 1965 model. Hence the name “Sixty-Five”.

Today we’re going to take a look at these timepieces that are engineering marvels…

The Oris Story

Oris was founded in 1904 by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian in the Swiss town of Hölstein. Their watch company Oris, was named after a nearby brook.

By 1911, Oris became the largest employer of labor in the town. Oris has stood through the challenges that come with time.

One of such is during the Second World War when Oris had to start the production of alarm clocks to keep the company alive.

By the end of the 1960s, Oris became one of the ten largest watch companies in the world making 1.2 million products in one year.

Oris' dial factory in Biel/Bienne
Oris' dial factory in Biel/Bienne 1936 (source: oris.ch)

The Collection…

In 1965, the company launches a state-of-the-art diver’s watch. The watch was water resistant up to 100m, had a unidirectional rotating bezel with timer scale and bold, luminescent numerals, and water resistance to 100m.

This was the beginning of the Oris Diver 65 collection… the legend as we know it today.

A man wear an Oris Divers 65

Looking for your next dress watch? Make sure you check out our article reviewing the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time collection. These dials will knock your socks off…

Released in 2015, 50 years later, the modern-day Divers 65’s certainly still have that vintage look of a classic divers watch. 

Under the hood they are powered with a Caliber 733, the company’s code name for their Swiss Made Sellita Caliber SW200.

They feature a 120 click bezel, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that is domed on both sides, Superluminova hour markers similar to what you find on the classic diver’s watch and a crown void of guards.

With all that said, let’s check some of the iconic watches from the collection…


Oris Divers 65 40mm

Ref: 01 733 7707 4055-07 8 20 18

Specifications:

  • Movement: Automatic SW200
  • Case size: 40mm
  • Case height: 12.8mm
  • Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
  • Lug width: 20mm
  • Dial color: Blue
  • Case material: Stainless steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Power reserve: 38 hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 bar (100m)

This Oris Diver 65 has a case size of 40.00mm. It is made of of stainless steel and has a vintage inspired curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inside.

The movement is an automatic SW200 that has hacking and handwinding. It has a power reserve of 38 hours and vibrations of 28,800 vph at a frequency of 4 Hz. It has a deep blue dial, a stainless steel metal bracelet and a folding clasp.


Oris Divers 65 40mm

Ref: 01 733 7707 4354-07 5 20 55

Specifications:

  • Movement: Automatic SW200
  • Case size: 40mm
  • Case height: 12.8mm
  • Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
  • Lug width: 20mm
  • Dial color: Black
  • Case material: Stainless steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Power reserve: 38 hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 bar (100m)

Here is another classic watch with the vintage look from the collection. This Oris Diver 65 40mm watch also comes with a sapphire top glass with an internal anti-reflective coating.

It has a striking black dial, and a dark brown leather strap with a stainless steel buckle. The stainless steel back case is decorated with special engravings and screwed in place and it also has a date window at the 6 o’clock.


Oris Divers 65 40mm

Ref: 01 733 7707 4356-07 5 20 45

Specifications:

  • Movement: Automatic SW200
  • Case size: 40mm
  • Case height: 12.8mm
  • Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
  • Lug width: 20mm
  • Dial color: Brown
  • Case material: Bronze
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Power reserve: 38 hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 bar (100m)

This watch in the collection has a stunning bronze dial that matches the bronze bezel. It comes with a dark brown leather strap and a stainless steel buckle which gives this Oris a look that’s different from those with a stainless steel bracelet.

Just like the previous watches, this one has the automatic SW200 movement, a domed sapphire crystal, date complication at 6 o’clock, a power reserve of 38 hours and 100m of water resistance.


Oris Divers 65 40mm

Ref: 01 733 7707 4357-07 8 20 18

Specifications:

  • Movement: Automatic SW200
  • Case size: 40mm
  • Case height: 12.8mm
  • Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
  • Lug width: 20mm
  • Dial color: Green
  • Case material: Stainless steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Power reserve: 38 hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 bar (100m)

The green dial certainly makes this a special piece for almost any occasion. Again, a case size of 40mm with a lug-to-lug distance of 48mm that comes with a stainless steel bracelet and the outer silver time markings.

Like other members of the Oris Divers 65 family, this watch also has a sapphire top glass with an anti-reflective coating. It has an automatic winding movement, hacking, handwinding, a power reserve of 38 hours and 100m of water resistance.


Oris Divers 65 40mm

Ref 01 733 7707 4053-07 8 20 18

Specifications:

  • Movement: Automatic SW200
  • Case size: 40mm
  • Case height: 12.8mm
  • Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
  • Lug width: 20mm
  • Dial color: Grey
  • Case material: Stainless steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Power reserve: 38 hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 bar (100m)

The last of the Oris Divers 65’s we’ll look at today is another 40mm that comes with a sleek grey dial, superluminova marking the hours and luminous hour, minute and seconds hands.

This watch also has the vintage inspired curved sapphire crystal, with an automatic self-winding SW200, a uni-directional time-lapse bezel, no crown guards and a stainless steel metal bracelet with folding clasp.


Final Verdict

The Oris Diver 65 collection is certainly iconic. With their vintage style dive look and modern performance, the 65’s are certainly a dive watch you can’t go past.

And depending on your own style and preferences there should be a 65 for everyone, with many different dial colors, straps and options.

A few downsides… one is that 100m water resistance for a dive watch may be seen as not so much, but I don’t think most people will mind as they are not going scuba diving.

Second, the fact that Oris has reference numbers that are 20 digits long is pretty ridiculous. They definitely need to fix that.

So, with that said, if you can get over the long reference numbers, Oris has certainly created a very nice collect of classic dive watches here.

Which one does it for me?

Ridiculous reference number: 01 733 7707 4356-07 5 20 45

The brown dial, bronze case and the leather strap is a striking combo that nails it for me.

It definitely encapsulates the classic vintage look Oris was going for.

So, what Oris Divers 65 have you got your eye on?

Living on borrowed time,

– Mav

,

The Hamilton Khaki Field Watches🎖️ A Piece of American History

By Maverick, 4th of August 2022

Practical and precise, Hamilton Khaki Field watches compete with the best military watches out there.

You see, wearing a Hamilton could turn almost any watch collector into a rugged, robust and resilient guy or gal.

So, in this article we’ll be talking everything Hamilton; Hamilton history, Hamilton watches, military, aviation, American spirit and Swiss Precision… so let’s get into it…

Hamilton: An American Success Story

Hamilton‘s rich heritage dates back to 1892 starting in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where it was based for the first 111 years of operations.

The company first made its name during the early days of the American railroads, where they supplied accurate watches.

As a result helping to reduce accidents by synchronizing timing on the rails.

They then turned to helping the US military in WWI and WWII and produced watches for the American defenders of freedom.

Because importantly, the  US soldiers needed a watch they could depend upon while fighting the enemy on the battlefield.

Meanwhile in 1918, Hamilton took to the skies helping the coast to coast U.S. Airmail service.

Consequently they helped the air man be on time, not matter what storm was coming their way.

Hamilton aviation vintage watch advertisement
Source: hamiltonwatches.com

“Buffeted by blustery guts…
blinded by swirls of white from snow-filled skies…
the air mail man flies on.
There is a port to be made – and made on time.”
– Hamilton Advertisement

After that, Hamilton gave rise to the world’s first electrical watch in 1957, powered by a battery.

And to top it off, the Hamilton watches are stars in Hollywood….

Appearing in more than 450 movies over the years. For example Christopher Nolan’s latest masterpieces, TENET…

As a side note, if you haven’t seen Tenet, do yourself a favor and go watch it tonight…

Oh and you may want to watch it twice, the first time round you’ll be scratching your head thinking, “What the **** is going on!?”

Moving right along and in 2003, Hamilton earned the Swiss made label, moving their headquarters and production to Switzerland, the center of watchmaking, but they still claim to be American at heart...

“From the railroads to the skies, the depths of the ocean to the urban jungle, with automatic or quartz movements, Hamilton watches represent the perfect balance of American Spirit and Swiss Precision”
– Hamilton Watches

 

With a military and aviation heritage, Hamilton’s watch collections include the Khaki Navy, Khaki Aviation, Khaki Field, the Jazzmaster and the Ventura.

So, with many great watches from the company, more watches for one article to handle, we’ll be talking  the Khaki Field collection in this one.

And we’ll save the other collections for another time and day.

3 Hamilton Khaki Watches in a row
Source: hamiltonwatches.com

The Hamilton Khaki Field Collection

The Hamilton Khaki Field is a military-style field watch that evolved way back from their early beginnings.

You could say, wearing a Khaki Field is like wearing a piece of American history.

Because these watches are robust, rugged, and resilient, great for the outdoors and any adventure life throws at you.

Looking for your next dress watch? Make sure you check out our article reviewing the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time collection. These dials will knock your socks off…

Mainly focusing on the classic army-style and a slight vintage look of its watches, the collection contains unique personality and design that’ll exceed your needs out in the field…

Whether you are trekking through the jungle, climbing mountains  or negotiating the urban streets.

And there is a lot to choose from with the Hamilton Khaki Field watch collection including mechanical, automatic, and quartz watches…

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Watches

First off the bat, we’ll start with the Khaki Field Mechanical watches…

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