I had an Omega Seamaster quartz 2542.80 which served me well. A very versatile watch that is way within your budget.
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Evenin'
So I have a small collection of mechanical watches and haven't bought anything new for the best part of 10 years, I have a GMT2C and an SKX007K, both really need a service but I am hesitant on dropping the cash.
I appreciate the need to maintain them as assets, especially with the Rolex which had just had a nice bump in value as the model discontinued, but it would bring little joy, I just want something new and shiny.
So I am looking at non-mechanical (there is some flexibility in this term but in essence, a non traditional, low maintenance movement) mid range watches which won't present as much of an issue in the future, so far I am looking at:
- Grand Seiko Spring Drive - unique tech, in-house, good looking, especially if I go for the more costly snowflake
- Breitling Aerospace - bombproof and probably the best watch Breitling make to my eye
What other great / iconic watches should I consider, upto £5kish?
Best regards,
Chris
I had an Omega Seamaster quartz 2542.80 which served me well. A very versatile watch that is way within your budget.
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If looking at spring drive GS I would look at the spring drive SBJE201 and if looking at that I would also consider the SBGJ003 which is a hi-beat.
You might also want to consider a Grand Seiko 9F quartz. Some say they are nice watches, but nearly all say they are 'shiny'.Originally Posted by Snoopdong
The movement I would say is the greatest quartz ever made, and apart from a tri-annual battery change, maintenance is pretty much zero.
Spring Drive GMT or Sinn UX would be top of my list for sure!
Omega Aqua Terra Quartz? Plenty of choice in colours and sizes.
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GS Spring Drive diver, this one is 9 years old now and still spot on.
One of the Skywalkers? Worn by astronauts and astronuts
I'd recommend Grand Seiko quartz without hesitation. The finishing is astonishing and it would cost you barely half your budget.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts guys. Definitely feeling the love for Grand Seiko as expected. The Omega offerings are interesting too, I certainly knew of the X33, but the Aqua Terra had pretty much flown under my radar; it really is rather attractive!
AQ4030-51E (perpetual calendar included)
Last edited by matt; 18th June 2019 at 21:35.
Seconded.
There was an SBGX263 on Sales Corner for a song recently - circa £1k.
As low-maintenance as can be, with a battery change you can do yourself, and an alleged 50-year interval before the sealed mechanics of the Quartz movement need serviced. Realistically it’ll never be more than a few seconds out (if even) at any given time, so the time won’t need corrected often, and just needs date & daylight-saving adjustment every so often - it’s a real grab & go.
100m water resistance, sapphire crystal & decently anti-magnetic too, so it’s nothing that needs especially babied either.
The sunburst champagne dial, hands, indices & metal finishing also never get old.
And it’s very different to the Rolex & Seiko.
For me it was between the Aqua Terra and the Grand Seiko SBGX, I wanted something that was dressy and sporty.
I really liked the idea of the 9F movement but the Aqua Terra won it for me with the additional water resistance and the screw down crown as it will be used it a pool. I’m sure the Grand Seiko could handle it but I like the extra safety.
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Skywalker X33 for multifunctional awesomeness. 9F GS Quartz for dressy wear. Use all the budget, you could buy both!
Seiko 9F movement tweaked to 5 sec per year - takes some beating IMHO
z
Good video which gives food for thought.
This or the SBGE201 would be a good review along side some Red Wings or Iron Hearts on your channel
https://youtu.be/H01YMLpRSsI
The Most Accurate Watch Ever Made? - Citizen Eco-Drive Cal. 0100
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEkmd1EGec8
Around £5.8K
Yes, this would be a fantastic option. For me, it's the independently adjustable hour hand that is the more useful 'upgrade' over the 9F (on which changing the date is extremely quick and simple).
Very difficult to find one of these in the flesh, though, so you'd have to be prepared to take a punt.
Not sure the GS spring-drive is really a none mechanical design. It has over 200 mechanical parts in the movement. At best, a hybrid.
If you are going down this path, the GS quartz is surely tops. Fabulous precision and zero hassle.
I have a SMP 300 quartz which fits my requirements perfectly for a quartz watch.
No longer made, sadly, but not hard to pick up a used version.