What time is it? Watches and horology

The photo makes it look a bit bigger than it is, to be fair - was quite close to the lens

(Also erk, date set wrong...)

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The silver dial is lovely - for some reason they just seem a bit odd on me. Probably wear dark clothes too often...

Ah yes, the UV torch definitely makes a difference.

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I have a PRS29 Smiths Air Ministry to sell. Great watch and in great condition, but I have too many similar watches. I'd be looking for around £320. Let me know of you're interested

Probably didn’t give the OP a fair run out. It’s good enough, I’ve just been spoiled by Seiko divers.

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So if I look at a chronograph and it has a tiny 24 hour dial, does it run independently of the main dial so that I could use it as GMT marker when I travel? Or are you forced to make it follow the time on the main dial?
(I am talking about chronographs that doesn't specifically mention GMT in the tech specs)

No, it’s just an AM/PM indicator really.

Anyone got any tips for watch shopping in Tokyo/Singapore or Kuala Lumpur? Is there the potential to get deals on domestic brands?

Gnomon is worth a visit

Love that! Great pic.

Hi all, am having a bit of a consolidation at the moment so getting rid of a couple of watches if anyone's interested:

Sinn EZM3 on the leather strap. It's just under a year old so over 2 years warranty left and it's basically spotless - I'm looking for £800 for this (against an RRP of 1580 euros plus 50 euros delivery). It's an awesome watch, but it's not getting enough love and I'm trying to be good. Full box and papers.

Old G-Shock GA100-1A1 with added paint speckles on the pushers. Can't remember if it's had a battery replacement. This one is up for free / forum donation.

Will post pics later if anyone's interested.

Just a word on spring drive accuracy for those interested. The last time I set my watch was 1st June. It is now running 8 seconds fast, 91 days later. That is the longest it has run without being reset.

Claimed accuracy for the calibre 9R65 is +/- 1 second per day. It is gaining less than 0.1 seconds per day. Pretty impressive.

So cool.

Shame you can't see the movement on your SD :-(

Long time lurker and former poster here...based in Japan for 7+ years now. The best place for watches is Nakano Broadway in Tokyo, there are a lot of different grey market shops for new and used domestic and foreign (mostly swiss) brands, particularly Jack Road is the biggest and most famous.

The VAT rate here is just about to go up to 10% tomorrow, but if you will be a tourist this shouldn't matter.

For domestic e.g. Seiko/Citizen/Casio/Orient, head to Bic Camera - there are lots of branches around and they will all carry different stock but they will usually have good deals. I stupidly bought my cocktail time from the Seiko boutique in Ginza then about 10 minutes later found it in Bic Camera for 100 GBP less. Seiko boutiques are worth a visit to try on the GS snowflakes etc though.

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There's a gent on YouTube called Austin Daniels, he's based in Japan and goes on hunts looking at watches. Mainly Rolex but I think he has a video in Tokyo that might be worth a look.

Oh I do love Japan! After a tudor reference that they only sell in Asia, mainly Japan amd Hong Kong, it's the tudor version of the Rolex Day-Date. Hoping to bag one next year!
Mad about the VAT, what's the overall VAT now then??

Oh I know the one, there is a guy on reddit that pops up every now and again selling those. They are lovely and probably the next best option for those of us that can't afford the rolex presidential!

This the one you mean? - https://www.jackroad.co.jp/shop/g/gtu239/

It's only going up to 10% so still not as much as the UK but on a watch purchase that could add up!

Oh I know the one, there is a guy on reddit that pops up every now and again selling those. They are lovely and probably the next best option for those of us that can't afford the rolex presidential!

This the one you mean? - https://www.jackroad.co.jp/shop/g/gtu239/

It's only going up to 10% so still not as much as the UK but on a watch purchase that could add up!

Yeah thats the one, but ideally sunburst dial with the fluted bezel, over the linen. I know where I can get one for a good price but then the import and tax wipe all.of that out so gonna hold out and hope they've not all vanished by this time next year. Im pretty sure I know the guy you mean too but he's based in the US.

Thanks for the tips @Heldring @jpnrider and @D-Dog

I forgot about gnomen but that's a good should for me to go and see a few watches in the flesh that I've been looking at for a while. Hopefully they offer tax free for visitors too.

Long time lurker and former poster here...based in Japan for 7+ years now. The best place for watches is Nakano Broadway in Tokyo, there are a lot of different grey market shops for new and used domestic and foreign (mostly swiss) brands, particularly Jack Road is the biggest and most famous.

I was there in February, its overwhelming, you don't know where to look. I wasn't there for buying, but if i was i'd be sure to have a list of UK prices of the watches you fancy to get comparisons. Whilst looking in Bic Camera, which are amazing shops, there are that many Seikos that trying to pick out the JDM ones.

You really need a good plan before you go, possibly pictures if your Japanese is as non existent as mine.

There's a little section about Grand Seiko in this month's Monocle for any one interested:

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A mate at work just got this... he’s into his rep’s... got to say I like the black date window...

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Recommendation for an usual place to watch spot - the basement at the Science Museum. I saw a host of dads with subs and seadwellers, but the punchiest watch I saw was a Nautilus Power Reserve Moon Phase. Probably par for the course in Kensington and Chelsea.