What time is it? Watches and horology

Is there an ABC watch that can record routes (runs, walks, rides) and sync with Strava (via a phone app)?
I assume Garmin will

I have a significant anniversary coming up and decided now might be the time to buy my first luxury watch - I have a good collection of some nice 'affordable' pieces (a few decent microbrands, the inevitable seikos etc etc) mostly in the sub £1k space, but have always shied away from a big splurge on a high end watch.

So today I finally went into an Omega boutique and tried on a few pieces (AT, PO, Speedy). My reaction? Yes they were nice, but... I was a bit underwhelmed if I'm being honest. The speedy was as expected i.e. too big for me (not a criticism as such). The AT (the one I was lusting after) was a nice piece but the bracelet was lacking in heft and adjustment. The PO was probably my favourite but is nearly six grand and not especially versatile.

I rather came away with a new respect for the watches I already own. Maybe it was just poor expectation management on my part, but it has rather given me a different perspective... Anyone else had a similar experience?

Personally I find the finishing on Omega in that price range to be underwhelming.

Grand Seiko in that range have the best finishing by a country mile.

+1

@DanM I think it’s best to try as many different brands as you can, as above - Grand Seiko is really on another level (and often quite a bit cheaper) when it comes to finishing. But it would most probably depreciate quite a bit more than Omega.

To me every Rolex I’ve handled was quite underwhelming. Not that I’ve handled many, but nowadays, holding a Batman for example - it’s a cracking watch, the quality is there for sure, the design is pretty much timeless, it wears beautifully. But is it a £12k watch? To me, no way.

TBF, it’s not a £12k watch if you can buy it from a dealer...

That’s a big “if” though...
What’s the retail on them, £8.5k or so?

£7,750, which seems like a good deal to me.... IF

I really like GS - I just wish a few more of their watches were a touch smaller. The SBGM221 GMT and the SBGH281 have caught my eye. But about as big as I could go and quite dressy...

I've previously had my eye on a second hand explorer (the 36mm one) but i slightly wonder if I'd have the same reaction to the omegas when I see it in person. Plus it never really made it to the summit of Everest ;)

Fair enough. You are obviously right.

To me it doesn’t feel £5k better than Tudor BB58 - let’s put it this way.

😂

I have a 36mm Explorer I.

I think they’re excellent in terms of finishing, apart from the clasp, which is much better on the current ones.

I bought mine for less than £3k though so YMMV since the price has gone up so much in recent years.

I like the 38mm AT but IRL the finishing, while good, compares poorly with entry level GS and Rolex to my eye. The SBGA285 and 36mm Oyster Perpetual both have the "thing". The Omega doesn't, to me. Nicest Omegas right now (ATMO) are the FOIS and the larger ceramic case grey dial Seamaster 300M which is a banger.

GS and Rolex finishing is very consistent. Omega watches vary massively, some hit the mark and some look out of place in the range. Better than 90% of IWCs though.

One other thing to bear in mind is that, for some reason, boutiques seem designed to make watches look as shit as possible. Overly bright direct spotlighting etc.

Who knows about Titanium Seamasters? @ejay2.0 ? I keep coming back to an older reference - I think it's Seamaster 300 Titanium 2231.50.00 that I'm after. Primarily - what's their reliability? What's the servicing like? I'd like to find one, not too concerned about perfect condition as I'd be wearing it as intended - but will a reputable service maintain it's water resistance? Also, what's their real value? Chrono 24 is bonkers....

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Thanks for letting me know, that would obviously be good news

Apparently a 2nd hand 36mm Smiths Everest sold for £630 on eBay over the weekend. Timefactors have really hit the spot with them I think. Demand appears to be high...

Whats the deal with Timefactors.

Are they homage makers?

I presume Eddie owns the license/brand to make Smiths watches alongside his other 'projects'

£620, and another at £500. Warranties are from October 2020 so the guys just blatantly flipped them.

I don't get on with them (mostly because of the noisy rotor) but I can understand why they sell out quickly on their website. But that they go for twice the price on eBay is bonkers.

I presume Eddie owns the license/brand to make Smiths watches alongside his other 'projects

That's pretty much it. He bought out the rights to a range of defunct brands and makes modern reproductions and interpretations of those watches.

He does a few homages too. Mostly his own designs though.

mostly because of the noisy rotor)

Have you tried a recent one? My sapphire Everest has no rotor noise at all. My early Everest was noisy AF.

Haven't had the chance (what with them selling out in minutes...) but that's good to know, thanks. Might try my luck next time they restock. (I do like the "Expedition" version)

The new logo is great, it’s a perfect everyday watch if you’re into the 1016.

I was reading on their forum and like the way members give design input and Eddie takes it board. He also managed to work out who flipped the Everest on eBay and banned them.

The one with the bigger rail is much more slough after than the one with the smaller rail.

(I wanted one but in 40mm which is sold out, only 36mm remain).

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I literally can't stop wearing my 36mm one. I choose it 95% of mornings. No rotor noise to report here either.

Track n trace.