I've been hankering after a panda dialled chrono for a while and I have quite specific requirements -
38-40mm case width (or more importantly 46-48mm lug to lug)
Left/right symmetrical subdials (so either 2 subdials at 3/9, or 3 at 3/6/9)
Available to buy for less than £2.5K (either new or used)
The closest I've come is a Hamilton Intra Matic which looks the part, is a nice 40mm across but it's 50mm lug to lug so just won't fit on my wrist.
Any ideas?
Given your suggested budget these might not be special enough but
https://eu.yema.com/collections/meca...da-ymhf1572-bm
https://www.watchgecko.com/forzo-end...BoCPWYQAvD_BwE
Another might be a Breitling Top time but im not sure where prices are on those so might not be in budget.
I think the Maen Skymaster would be perfect. It's 38mm case size with 47mm to lug. I bought Maen Grenwhich 38 a few weeks ago and was very impressed with it. So much so that bought a Skymaster (grey dial though).
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YeahOriginally Posted by zen123
I think the Maen Skymaster would be perfect. It's 38mm case size with 47mm to lug. I bought Maen Grenwhich 38 a few weeks ago and was very impressed with it. So much so that bought a Skymaster (grey dial though).
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I just bought one!
(Well... preordered anyway)
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I pre ordered the grey dialed one. Looking forward to it. That's why I put my Omega Speedmaster on the SC.
I've heard a few complaints regarding the quality of the first gen Skymaster but I'm pretty hopeful that they have learnt from experience. My recent purchase of the Grenwich 38 was painless and straightforward ordered on a Friday and received the following Wednesday.
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Seiko 6138-8020. There was one on SC recently. I bought one off SC a few months ago and I love it.
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You could think about a Bamford B347. Panda dial, Swiss movement and carbon case.
Whilst it's over 40mm, this review suggests it wears smaller.
https://www.theyounghorologist.com/p...e-bamford-b347
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Why not try the latest Seiko. Specs look perfect for you. 39mm diameter and 45.5mm lug to lug. Obviously the price category doesn’t fit your requirement as it’s way too cheap (£590 but £472 with code) but may be worth a look at.
https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/seiko...ssc817-ssc819/
https://youtu.be/OE1qEPVsQq0
Last edited by oiljam; 12th May 2022 at 07:35.
Just to clarify, just because I could spend £2.5k doesn’t mean I have to
There are certainly some interesting options here at a lower price than I thought would appear - maybe I can get a panda chrono and something else for my money. That’s got to be a win
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Those Seikos look excellent - have seen one in store. I think the bracelet reflected the cost most of all… but pop it on a nice old nato!
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Not sure if someone mentioned it already but I like the look of those sugess chronos. Available in 38 and 40 and pretty cheap too
I agree. The first part of the video nails it. Gives the feel of a Daytona, without being an homage (I really have an aversion to them). Price is very good too.
I have that solar Seiko panda. Always wanted a panda and it’s a really nice watch. The subdials are the solar panels, smart move. Nicely finished as well. Bracelet is fine, has a bit of an oyster feel but links are more round somehow. Also wear it on a black sailcloth which looks great.
I have one too. Feels like it's worth double what it costs. Clever movement too.
Would be interested in seeing it on the sail cloth.
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Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 18 Telemeter. Awesome watch. I had it, I sold it, I regret it. Not sure how they are priced these days but I paid less than 2.5k during the pandemic.
https://www.calibre11.com/hands-on-r...-18-telemeter/
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That IS a great-looking watch. I think you’re looking at 3.5k at least, nowadays.
In your price range
https://nivadagrenchenofficial.com/c...33105537204312
I liked the Hamilton Intra-matic too, and was also put off by the long lug-to-lug length (I’ve read it’s 49mm).
If you’re happy to include quartz and meca-quartz what about something from Geckota
https://www.geckota.com/collections/forzo
https://www.geckota.com/collections/c-01-watches
Or from their alter ego Watchgecko
https://www.watchgecko.com/watches/s...ph-watches?p=4
My favourite from all these suggestions is a Yema Speedgraf at £1150, which has a Seiko movement with column wheel:
https://www.watchgecko.com/yema-spee...-yspee2019-aas
I have a Zoretto chronograph with a definite 70s vibe
https://www.zoretto-watches.com/jarama
To scratch my current itch I purchased a vintage Tressa (and another reverse panda for me)
I have to say I have a soft spot for the Siduna M3440 Chrono. I have the fly-back with standard black dial but they do (or did?) offer a panda version.
Links:
https://siduna.watch/collection-aviation.html
https://siduna.watch/collection-aviation-510fpt5.html
Dave Sweeting wrote a great post on the release of this watch which is worth a read in itself. You can find it here. I'm not sure about their current (or future) situation regarding supply... but I can vouch for the quality as, I am sure, do a number of others here on the forum. The owner, Francis, is a lovely guy and I'm sure he will respond to an email.
Cheers,
-flugzeit
Last edited by flugzeit; 20th May 2022 at 12:00.
I ended up going with the Seiko (and having some money for something else) so thanks for the suggestion.
I also got it for £442 as I realised that John Lewis sell them, and my girlfriend is an employee so we got 25% discount
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