tiny-fx
Hello, again fellow geeks!
by now, you know a few things about me, and here is a new one: I really appreciate watches!
Anyway, I wanted to see what the average geek's opinion on watches in general is, as opposed to the average joe.
Does the idea of paying a premium for a living,beating mechanical engine powering a wrist watch that may be one day passed on to your loved ones as an heirloom appeal to you? or is a 50$ quartz job more than enough for the job? do you even wear a watch?
What about smart watches? Personally I am not the biggest fan. Everyone went crazy for big screen phones and dissed apple for keeping the iphone small for so long, and now everyone seems excited to use a watch sized screen. WTF?
Not to mention that it cant do anything my phone (that is on me all the time) cant,and that I got enough devices that need daily charging.
I'm interested to be proven otherwise or convinced to buy one!
So yea, just wanted your opinion on this whole subject matter! I'd appreciate any feedback regardless of your knowledge about watches.
ironman
Well, whenever i pass by those stores that sell premium watches, i wish i wore watches, it really bothers me to wear it, especially that i wear a suit daily,,,, and a tie ,,, daily, so no need to more "gadgets"
and smart watches, well, they are still in those 'beta' phases, at least for me.
Salloum
Smartwatches are only good for notifications. Ideally, I'd just want my high-end regular watch to have a haptic engine that would let me know when my phone buzzes.
vegetaleb
I use big names te2lid watches, but only the good copies, you have at 100$ which look pretty much copies and other at 300-450$ that need a real expert to differentiate with the original ones, of course choose the 300-450$, they are long lasting Automatic watches and are 99% like original.
For smart watches I was very tempted, specially for music functions but given I have to get +5.2'' screen with big fonts mobile phones to read without glasses, I would not be able to use a smart phone unless they update the screen to a razor sharp resolution and allow people to use bigger fonts. This is a problem of astigmatism and LCD screens
LifeEngineer
I can only comment about the smartwatches! I like it a lot!
It is useful in my opinion/usage and not useless!
I had a 1st gen moto360 and now looking for a good used 2ng gen moto360 (coz it's expensive).
1-It provides vibration to your arm in case your phone is on low volume/silent. So you'll miss notifications/calls less.
2-You can have a glance on the notifications and filter directly which should be swiped away directly (like useless spam sms) or worth checking.
Even if it is worth checking, you can read it on the watch and proceed. Sometimes you can even reply, and sometimes you have to reach your phone to do so.
3-It is great looking and you can change the watch faces each day, which is great for me because i get bored fast.
4-It tracks your motion/fitness. And although i'm not a fitness guy, it was nice seeing how much activity i'm doing and it pushed me to go even further.
5-Hey, you can check the time and date too!
elchebib
I don't wear a watch except on occasions and even with some of those I don't bother.
A smartphone is more than enough for your daily activities and comms and I don't need another gadget to keep buzzing around for notifications. In addition, these things are expensive and I'd rather pay the same amount of money for a new phone than get such a watch.
Until they become an integral part of my daily activities, I see them as a novelty that some people like to have. So I'm in you with this that a watch is not as needed these days as they used to.
NuclearVision
My experience with watches is the following.
Buy watches that are the most expensive in their league, but look in a cheaper league.
You'll eventually have a watch of good quality.
The problem with quartz watches is that they get scratched when replacing the battery.
Automatic watches need resetting every now and then, but they are appealing if you have the transparent back with colorful stones. Kind of cool. And if you wear it regularly no problem, perhaps only the date window which never seems to keep consistent timing/precision.
One more thing, phone isn't really a substitute to watch.
When driving for example or eating or while in a lecture/exam, my phone is in my pocket, you know how much hassle is to remove my phone from my front pocket while sitting, or with dirty hands.
tiny-fx
I must say I am pleasantly surprised with the answers!!! I was expecting everyone to say smart watch. It is good to see that even in a geek crowd people can still appreciate a traditional watch! Seems watches will live for a long time. Especially automatic watches, I was not expecting to get any support for those at all! looks like almost everyone enjoys the idea of a tiny steam punk engine on their wrists !
TrollFatGuy
@tiny fx Dude, I am studying to become a computer engineer, or at least I was; now I want to become a horologist (watch-maker/ cleaner/ fixer). I am even downloading some books and ready to get some tutorial videos. I want a Skagen Automatic... NOW.
nas93
vegetaleb wroteI use big names te2lid watches, but only the good copies, you have at 100$ which look pretty much copies and other at 300-450$ that need a real expert to differentiate with the original ones, of course choose the 300-450$, they are long lasting Automatic watches and are 99% like original.
For smart watches I was very tempted, specially for music functions but given I have to get +5.2'' screen with big fonts mobile phones to read without glasses, I would not be able to use a smart phone unless they update the screen to a razor sharp resolution and allow people to use bigger fonts. This is a problem of astigmatism and LCD screens
Real expert? One look at the movement a watch collector/enthusiast can call your bluff there's a reason why mechanical watches are expensive.
On to the topic at hand, I'd recommend a quartz to a beginner because It's far superior in terms of accuracy and power reserve to a mechanical movement. Not to mention the pain at servicing especially if it was a high end chrono movement Omega for example.
There's a Swatch Sistem51 that retails to about $150 in Lebanon it's automatic and has a pretty decent power reserve (I've owned one for about 2 years) The movement is machine made and not human made so less errors but lacks the "human touch".
In terms of buying a high end for it to become a family heirloom it needs to be on the expensive side (+$8,000) and I would think I'd like to leave one to my loved ones someday (maybe a Patek to the watch enthusiasts out there ;)
tiny-fx
nas93 wrotevegetaleb wroteI use big names te2lid watches, but only the good copies, you have at 100$ which look pretty much copies and other at 300-450$ that need a real expert to differentiate with the original ones, of course choose the 300-450$, they are long lasting Automatic watches and are 99% like original.
For smart watches I was very tempted, specially for music functions but given I have to get +5.2'' screen with big fonts mobile phones to read without glasses, I would not be able to use a smart phone unless they update the screen to a razor sharp resolution and allow people to use bigger fonts. This is a problem of astigmatism and LCD screens
Real expert? One look at the movement a watch collector/enthusiast can call your bluff there's a reason why mechanical watches are expensive.
On to the topic at hand, I'd recommend a quartz to a beginner because It's far superior in terms of accuracy and power reserve to a mechanical movement. Not to mention the pain at servicing especially if it was a high end chrono movement Omega for example.
There's a Swatch Sistem51 that retails to about $150 in Lebanon it's automatic and has a pretty decent power reserve (I've owned one for about 2 years) The movement is machine made and not human made so less errors but lacks the "human touch".
In terms of buying a high end for it to become a family heirloom it needs to be on the expensive side (+$8,000) and I would think I'd like to leave one to my loved ones someday (maybe a Patek to the watch enthusiasts out there ;)
I agree with you 100%. any enthusiast can tell a fake with ease.
quartz is superior yes...but its not "alive" per se.
I don't think a quartz watch cant be good. there are a lot of classy, dressy and expensive quartz watches, some of which i hope to own sometime.
I disagree about the 8000$+ though. there are some watches that are classics and cost less. take for example:
the omega speedmaster a.k.a"moon watch" its the same watch that was worn on the moon and regularly issued to astronauts and race car drivers. I think its very versatile and will appeal to every geek because of its long and proven history. at 4500$ its not cheap but it is certainly something you can pass on. Just stay away from rolex(others may disagree with me on this)...too many fakes and gives off the i have money but know nothing about watches impression, even though it is a great watch.
As for patek philippe, well a man can dream right?
I guess what I'm trying to say is that even a few 100$ can buy a very classy and long lasting watch. It doesn't have to be an investment worth 1000's and watches may be the only items where I am against cutting edge technology. No smart watches for me!!
https://www.omegawatches.com/images/Teasers/SP_Moonwatch_Prof_960x720.jpg
http://s556.photobucket.com/user/caramon76/media/omega.jpg.html
nas93
tiny fx wrotenas93 wrotevegetaleb wroteI use big names te2lid watches, but only the good copies, you have at 100$ which look pretty much copies and other at 300-450$ that need a real expert to differentiate with the original ones, of course choose the 300-450$, they are long lasting Automatic watches and are 99% like original.
For smart watches I was very tempted, specially for music functions but given I have to get +5.2'' screen with big fonts mobile phones to read without glasses, I would not be able to use a smart phone unless they update the screen to a razor sharp resolution and allow people to use bigger fonts. This is a problem of astigmatism and LCD screens
Real expert? One look at the movement a watch collector/enthusiast can call your bluff there's a reason why mechanical watches are expensive.
On to the topic at hand, I'd recommend a quartz to a beginner because It's far superior in terms of accuracy and power reserve to a mechanical movement. Not to mention the pain at servicing especially if it was a high end chrono movement Omega for example.
There's a Swatch Sistem51 that retails to about $150 in Lebanon it's automatic and has a pretty decent power reserve (I've owned one for about 2 years) The movement is machine made and not human made so less errors but lacks the "human touch".
In terms of buying a high end for it to become a family heirloom it needs to be on the expensive side (+$8,000) and I would think I'd like to leave one to my loved ones someday (maybe a Patek to the watch enthusiasts out there ;)
I agree with you 100%. any enthusiast can tell a fake with ease.
quartz is superior yes...but its not "alive" per se.
I don't think a quartz watch cant be good. there are a lot of classy, dressy and expensive quartz watches, some of which i hope to own sometime.
I disagree about the 8000$+ though. there are some watches that are classics and cost less. take for example:
the omega speedmaster a.k.a"moon watch" its the same watch that was worn on the moon and regularly issued to astronauts and race car drivers. I think its very versatile and will appeal to every geek because of its long and proven history. at 4500$ its not cheap but it is certainly something you can pass on. Just stay away from rolex(others may disagree with me on this)...too many fakes and gives off the i have money but know nothing about watches impression, even though it is a great watch.
As for patek philippe, well a man can dream right?
I guess what I'm trying to say is that even a few 100$ can buy a very classy and long lasting watch. It doesn't have to be an investment worth 1000's and watches may be the only items where I am against cutting edge technology. No smart watches for me!!
https://www.omegawatches.com/images/Teasers/SP_Moonwatch_Prof_960x720.jpg
http://s556.photobucket.com/user/caramon76/media/omega.jpg.html
There are different variants of the Speedmaster "Moonwatch" and some might cost you as less as $2,000 but the real one that was worn on the moon was a 145.012 they have high costs of $7000+ depends on the movements condition, whether it was service or not.
NuclearVision
I will be generous and share this one
Google "blanc pain fifty fathoms"
tech-guru
I purchased the Samsung Gear S2 Classic with an Extra Band end of July sold it 2 weeks ago (I was lucky that I did not lose a lot with its value since the Classic Gear S3 just pooped out) and I switched back to my regular watch , and I regret spending 450 USD on a smart watch (it becomes boring , regular each day charging , increasing the brightness will make battery consumption worse, and it is tolerable for accidental damages on the covering glass being hit by a wall or any thing (very fragile), S3 is coming but overall to me smart watches are still pre-mature choices and has a negative ROI on the log run. Not RECOMMENDED !
tiny-fx
nas93 wrotetiny fx wrotenas93 wrote
Real expert? One look at the movement a watch collector/enthusiast can call your bluff there's a reason why mechanical watches are expensive.
On to the topic at hand, I'd recommend a quartz to a beginner because It's far superior in terms of accuracy and power reserve to a mechanical movement. Not to mention the pain at servicing especially if it was a high end chrono movement Omega for example.
There's a Swatch Sistem51 that retails to about $150 in Lebanon it's automatic and has a pretty decent power reserve (I've owned one for about 2 years) The movement is machine made and not human made so less errors but lacks the "human touch".
In terms of buying a high end for it to become a family heirloom it needs to be on the expensive side (+$8,000) and I would think I'd like to leave one to my loved ones someday (maybe a Patek to the watch enthusiasts out there ;)
I agree with you 100%. any enthusiast can tell a fake with ease.
quartz is superior yes...but its not "alive" per se.
I don't think a quartz watch cant be good. there are a lot of classy, dressy and expensive quartz watches, some of which i hope to own sometime.
I disagree about the 8000$+ though. there are some watches that are classics and cost less. take for example:
the omega speedmaster a.k.a"moon watch" its the same watch that was worn on the moon and regularly issued to astronauts and race car drivers. I think its very versatile and will appeal to every geek because of its long and proven history. at 4500$ its not cheap but it is certainly something you can pass on. Just stay away from rolex(others may disagree with me on this)...too many fakes and gives off the i have money but know nothing about watches impression, even though it is a great watch.
As for patek philippe, well a man can dream right?
I guess what I'm trying to say is that even a few 100$ can buy a very classy and long lasting watch. It doesn't have to be an investment worth 1000's and watches may be the only items where I am against cutting edge technology. No smart watches for me!!
https://www.omegawatches.com/images/Teasers/SP_Moonwatch_Prof_960x720.jpg
http://s556.photobucket.com/user/caramon76/media/omega.jpg.html
There are different variants of the Speedmaster "Moonwatch" and some might cost you as less as $2,000 but the real one that was worn on the moon was a 145.012 they have high costs of $7000+ depends on the movements condition, whether it was service or not.
nah you can find it for less, atamian was selling one of the original ones with the hessalite crystal for around 5k.
if you buy the same watch new(regular version) you are looking at 4.5k in lebanon. It is surprising but in lebanon you can find great omega prices.
the 45th anniversary moonwatch retails for 7.5-8k in the usa, you can find it here for 6.2k from atamian.
This is just one example, but I always find watches here at the same price or even less than the U.S!
Even watches that are more affordable like tissot, victorinox and hamilton. Same story
tiny-fx
NuclearVision wroteI will be generous and share this one
Google "blanc pain fifty fathoms"
The first diver! yea that's one hell of a watch.
Although I will not buy a diver unless I already have a dressy watch at that price range.(at least that is my opinion for now, other days I feel divers are the best, too bad I can't afford either haha)
tiny-fx
Tech Guru wroteI purchased the Samsung Gear S2 Classic with an Extra Band end of July sold it 2 weeks ago (I was lucky that I did not lose a lot with its value since the Classic Gear S3 just pooped out) and I switched back to my regular watch , and I regret spending 450 USD on a smart watch (it becomes boring , regular each day charging , increasing the brightness will make battery consumption worse, and it is tolerable for accidental damages on the covering glass being hit by a wall or any thing (very fragile), S3 is coming but overall to me smart watches are still pre-mature choices and has a negative ROI on the log run. Not RECOMMENDED !
\
Agreed!
tiny-fx
TrollFatGuy wrote@tiny fx Dude, I am studying to become a computer engineer, or at least I was; now I want to become a horologist (watch-maker/ cleaner/ fixer). I am even downloading some books and ready to get some tutorial videos. I want a Skagen Automatic... NOW.
I love their minimalist style! I also suggest you look at orient watches in this price range, in particular the bambino collection.
TrollFatGuy
TrollFatGuy wrote@tiny fx Dude, I am studying to become a computer engineer, or at least I was; now I want to become a horologist.
UPDATE: I am almost done becoming a computer engineer. Too bad.
I still love watches and reading about them. My internship is almost over and I have a budget of around 500 dollars to get a watch. I am searching for an automatic for sure, however I am discouraged from getting a SEIKO due to complications in their production. Sorry to bump this thread like this, but if you guys have any recommendation I would be extremely grateful. The budget is 500 dollars, though realistically I have a +- 50 dollar range.
Hope we could revive this thread!
infiniteloop
Tissot!
Swiss made
Great design
Good prices (under 1000$)