Poor man's watch thread

[MrPogi]

Just swapped my bracelet for a leather strap. The strap looks tight but it’s not, it’s just stiff since it’s new.

 

[NakedYoga]

Old faithful. Still really need to get the movement serviced or replaced...

 

[FlithyButler]

Old faithful. Still really need to get the movement serviced or replaced...

This classic uses the same standard 7S26 workhorse movement as literally hundreds of different variations of the old Seiko 5 models. So finding a used one of those in good working order for very cheap might indeed be even more economical than a service/overhaul on the current one.

 

[NakedYoga]

This classic uses the same standard 7S26 workhorse movement as literally hundreds of different variations of the old Seiko 5 models. So finding a used one of those in good working order for very cheap might indeed be even more economical than a service/overhaul on the current one.

Yeah, I've just procrastinated doing it. Heard mixed reviews on service via the Seiko USA center in NJ. Could just get a new NH36 movement for $50 online and have a watchmaker swap it out. While I really do love this watch and bought it new ~15 years ago, it won't bother me if it no longer has an "authentic" or original movement.

 

[FlithyButler]

Yeah, I've just procrastinated doing it. Heard mixed reviews on service via the Seiko USA center in NJ. Could just get a new NH36 movement for $50 online and have a watchmaker swap it out. While I really do love this watch and bought it new ~15 years ago, it won't bother me if it no longer has an "authentic" or original movement.

Yeah, no need to be precious about the movement if that's not really important to you.

Opt for an independent watchmaker if feasible; if nothing else, it is always better to be able to personally interact with anyone doing work of any sort for you (applies to all areas of life). The impersonal nature and power imbalance of dealing with a megacorp is better to avoid.

 

[NakedYoga]

Agreed. There are several independent jewelers and estate sales places near my office, in the "antique district". I'll check with them and see if they have someone trained with watches.

Yeah, no need to be precious about the movement if that's not really important to you.

Opt for an independent watchmaker if feasible; if nothing else, it is always better to be able to personally interact with anyone doing work of any sort for you (applies to all areas of life). The impersonal nature and power imbalance of dealing with a megacorp is better to avoid.

 

[DorianGreen]

Yeah perhaps this is an aspect of the fact that there is just such a massive variety of styles in this thing we strap on our wrist with 12 indexes and two or more hands. We all have our preferences and the prerogative to not throw down the cash until we come across a variation that hits exactly all the points that we like. I still love the thread mind, and checking out all the combinations and permutations of that wide variety of options.

I see your point, and initially I had a similar approach, but during my horological journey I've learnt to appreciate diversity and variety. And yes, mostly there are details which I'd like to have in another form, but they don't prevent me to like the overall look.
So I have a small collection where different styles are represented in various designs and forms.

 

[Kingstonian]

Old Seiko tank watch

 

[shoewarma]

Admiring the view of unfolded laundry. There's a nice dial hidden somewhere in there.

Got this a few days ago because I was itching to wear an automatic after getting bored wearing my only other two working quartz watches. My Speedy has a broken mainspring and fixing it will make me a proper poor man.

 

[strider11]

hi watchpals, I don't clean bronze watches on any kind of schedule but wanted to start fresh with this one. This side by side contrast photo shows how a 2 minute vinegar bath removes the patina and brings back that warm coppery bronze. Happy I did it.

 

[DorianGreen]

hi watchpals, I don't clean bronze watches on any kind of schedule but wanted to start fresh with this one. This side by side contrast photo shows how a 2 minute vinegar bath removes the patina and brings back that warm coppery bronze. Happy I did it. View attachment 2025299

Somebody certainly will prefer the patina, but I find the watch much more attractive after the cleaning.

I really like the colour of bronze when new, but I'm not willing to deal with the oxidation it naturally undergoes.

Some brands have developped alloys more resistant: especially nice Omega's Bronze-Gold, containing effectively a part of gold (37,5%), thus quite expensive.

Omega Seamaster 300 in Bronze-Gold.

 

[DorianGreen]

Wearing the Yema Urban Field on the leather strap. The leather is supple and shows a very attractive grain, the colour matches perfectly the one on the dial.

 

[strider11]

New to bronze watches but they're quickly becoming favorites. There are videos showing people speeding up the patina process with all kinds of wacky (to me) methods, but it happens quick enough here if you swim in the ocean.

I do like that Omega! But the idea of resistant alloys defeats the purpose of bronze for me. I like the changes over time. And it is a nice surprise to see the post-cleaning look - quite sharp.

Somebody certainly will prefer the patina, but I find the watch much more attractive after the cleaning.

I really like the colour of bronze when new, but I'm not willing to deal with the oxidation it naturally undergoes.

Some brands have developped alloys more resistant: especially nice Omega's Bronze-Gold, containing effectively a part of gold (37,5%), thus quite expensive.

Omega Seamaster 300 in Bronze-Gold.

View attachment 2025485 View attachment 2025487

 

[Michigan Planner]

That bronze-gold Omega is absolutely gorgeous, but alas, well above any price I'd want to pay.

hi watchpals, I don't clean bronze watches on any kind of schedule but wanted to start fresh with this one. This side by side contrast photo shows how a 2 minute vinegar bath removes the patina and brings back that warm coppery bronze. Happy I did it. View attachment 2025299

I've never been a fan of most bronze watches because of the oxidation and patina but I can absolutely understand why that would appeal to others. And even though they aren't really for me, I do enjoy seeing the results of other people's experience with them. This is a pretty remarkable result for just a few minutes in some vinegar.

 

[DorianGreen]

That bronze-gold Omega is absolutely gorgeous, but alas, well above any price I'd want to pay.



I've never been a fan of most bronze watches because of the oxidation and patina but I can absolutely understand why that would appeal to others. And even though they aren't really for me, I do enjoy seeing the results of other people's experience with them. This is a pretty remarkable result for just a few minutes in some vinegar.

Yes, definitely not a poor man's watch.