Don Vito Corleone
Elite
- Feb 10, 2000
- 30,029
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Nope. The only tricky aspect to it is replacing the seals - it's easy to compromise waterproofness by pinching the seal if you don't know what you're doing. There ARE a few watches filled with Argon or other gases (I know Sinn makes some), but it is the exception, rather than the rule, and the maker will always prominently advertise it, for gee-whiz value.
Actually, there are some watches rated for ridiculous (1000M+) depths that are filled with oils or other fluids to offset the tremendous pressures at very deep depths, and they do need to be professionally serviced and resealed. I tend to think this obsession with ultimate depth is silly, because it's not like a human can safely dive to such depths anyway. You can get a nice Seiko automatic diver for $100 that will take you to 200M, still FAR deeper than 99.9% of all divers will ever go.
Don Vito Corleone
Elite
- Feb 10, 2000
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I don't know - I've never handled one. I imagine there are probably Parsifal reviews on Timezone, if you want a watch geek's perspective on it.
I imagine they're fine, and to some degree you can look at it and judge for yourself how the quality is, in terms of the quality/fit/finish of the face, case, and bracelet. Even among high-end watches, there is a lot of variability in the quality of the face (particularly the quality with which the hour and minute markers are applied), especially viewed under magnification. The Parsifal appears to have an ETA 2892 movement, which is pretty standard fare, but certainly a very high quality caliber.
I personally find the bracelet and bezel a little busy visually, but I tend to like Spartan designs. By way of illustration, my most expensive watch (MSRP is around $900, I paid $550 secondhand) is this Sinn 656, whose face is inspired by aircraft instrumentation. It is visually simple to the point that I'd imagine most people who'd like a Parsifal wouldn't like a 656, and vice versa.
I'm sure the Parsifal is a fine watch, and certainly quite a bit costlier and dressier than my Sinn or any of my other watches. The closest thing to a dress watch I have is an early-60s Seikomatic Self-Dater (sounds like me in high school!) I bought for $27 on eBay.
Another reason to buy from an authorised dealer is that many factories will not service your watch at all if your watch was not bought from an authorised dealer.
Don Vito Corleone
Elite
- Feb 10, 2000
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That's not true at all. There are tons of great watches in that price range. As you implied, they tend to be Japanese, or at least have Japanese movements.
Personally I am a great believer in mechanical watches (I prefer automatic watches to handwound, just for convenience), though quartz is better for ultimate accuracy. There are literally dozens of very attractive, reliable Seiko and Citizen automatic watches for less than $100, as well as watches by Zeno, Invicta, Orsa, and any of several other manufacturers.
If reliability and accuracy are your sole criteria, and you don't care about aesthetics, the Casio Wave Ceptor watches are the coolest ones around. They have a radio receiver and autoupdate to the atomic clock. They also have solar models, which don't require a battery. At some point I'll have to pick one of these up, even though I'm a mechanical watch whore to the end.
agreed... three cheers for don vito!
and those bell & ross watches are *sweet*... i know the mystery diamond is for women but damn i want one... i'm going to get one of their watches once i make it big
why does an online sale void the warranty? even if it is from a legit b&m store?
the watch itself you need to decide but i recommend buying the watch online for cheaper just make sure it isn't a hole in the net store
*edit*
go here http://authenticwatches.com/aquaterra.html i am not sure if those prices are any good if they are let me know, but i actually know the person who owns the site
*edit 2* http://www.authenticwatches.com/info.html#6 warranty info and there is a 15 day return policy. also free overnight delivery on all purchases
the watch itself you need to decide but i recommend buying the watch online for cheaper just make sure it isn't a hole in the net store
*edit*
go here http://authenticwatches.com/aquaterra.html i am not sure if those prices are any good if they are let me know, but i actually know the person who owns the site
*edit 2* http://www.authenticwatches.com/info.html#6 warranty info and there is a 15 day return policy. also free overnight delivery on all purchases
Almost all online stores are not authorised dealers of the high end watches that they sell. They are known as "grey market" dealers, who sell the watches below what the manufacturers would like them to. Usually they provide their own warranty since the original manufacturer will not honor the warranty of a watch bought from a grey market dealer.
brigden
Diamond Member
- Dec 22, 2002
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JulesMaximus
No Lifer
- Jul 3, 2003
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HAhahaha. I went to the AGTA show in Vegas a few years ago for work (I used to work for GIA) and I remember Raymond Weil had like 15 Hummer H1s painted up with the Raymond Weil logo splashed across on the sides with wild paint schemes shuttling his clients and people he wanted to shmooze from their hotel to the trade show. Must have cost a small fortune. That's what you're really paying for.
Don Vito Corleone
Elite
- Feb 10, 2000
- 30,029
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Tough to fault that choice. The Sub is both literally and spiritually the grandfather of all other dive watches, and they really are a great, classic design. From a caliber standpoint, Rolexes are actually a good value, and they hold their value extremely well. They definitely have a rich-wanker reputation, but they're wonderful watches. When I can afford one I'll have one.
DonVito, care to list a couple great watches in the 100 range? No digital please. I'm trying to replace my $50 pulsar by seiko (too ugly).
Don Vito Corleone
Elite
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Ahhhhh-ha! Another one falls into my web!
I have helped quite a few people here into nice mechanical watches lately. You might want to start out by checking out Chronograph.com, and searching eBay for "Seiko automatic" and "Citizen automatic". IMO Seikos are the best value in inexpensive mechanical watches, and there are lots of reliable eBay sellers who specialize in them. One guy here recently scored a very nice military-style automatic Seiko on bracelet for less than $40 shipped IIRC. The Seiko 5s are a good value in an inexpensive mechanical watch, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. They are all safe bets. If you like a more stylized design, the Seiko S-Waves are fine too - I have a kinda TV-shaped one I like.
If you tell me what style of watch you prefer (sporty or dressy; stainless or gold; bracelet or strap; dark or light face) I can make some more specific recommendations. My own tastes run toward military, pilots, and divers watches (again, the fact that this is my costliest watch tells you I am not into frilly, fancy things), but you may have other preferences.
Hello Abc,
Knowing a little about watches and what not I will see if I can help you with your decision....
With regards to the Aquaterra and the various sizes, I believe you are quoting the old sizes as Omega has recently updated their website to reflect the accurate sizes of their watches www.omega.ch. The new larger size designation for the Aqua Terra is 42.2mm, Omega has for the past few years had the habit of understating the sizes of their cases.
I cannot stress enough before you decide that you visit a store and try both sizes on, personally I find the 42mm large size to be far too big and almost clownish looking and I am not a small guy, I also feel there is too much empty dial on the piece, plus if you compare the 38mm to the 42 you will see that due to the movement design the date wheel is more towards the center on the larger watch which looks awkward whereas proportionally it looks better on the 38mm. However if you are a really big guy, or love large watches then the 42mm might be for you, ironically most of the people whom I have seen with the 42mm model have very very skinny wrists, they are even going to offer a 49mm model of the railmaster in manual wind only.
When deciding about quartz or automatic there are a few issues one has to consider. First off quartz will generally be far more accurate (in terms of consistancy) and require alot less and less expensive maintence than an automatic chronometer, plus the cost of admission for a quartz is considerably less, however as you mentioned you might be interested in the 42mm I don't believe Omega offers this in a quartz model. Automatics on the other hand generally have a higher resale value, or higher demand on the secondary market as they are much more sought after, to me they are more interesting and personally I would take one in an instant over a quartz. Also the quartz pieces do not have display backs and what not, the quartz movements Omega uses are slightly modified ETA quartz modules which are the norm in the industry for pieces in that price range, however the automatic movement they use in the chronometer is a heavily modified ETA 2892 which features not only their signature Daniel's Co-Axial escapement which supposedly improves long term accuracy, but also a free sprung micro regulated balance...two very high end features on a watch of this price point. Figure about $300-500 every five years to service the co axial (they advertise 10 year intervals but I and others highly doubt it) vs about $150 for a service on the quartz and that will be whenever the battery dies, possibly less or more for either depending on the work they do.
Someone mentioned that watches only have a year warranty, while that was the case with regards to Omega and other higher end Swiss companies it is no longer true, a little while back due to European union regulations all Swiss watch companies changed their warranty policy on standard pieces to two years, the Co-Axial version of the aqua terra has a three year factory warranty as it is one of the perks Omega is marketing. With so many authorised dealers out there willing to sell for 35% off or more I see little reason to buy grey market from the net, if you like you can PM me and I can refer you to another site where there is a dealer in DC who can give a great discount and you get the factory warranty.
Some things to know about Omega and tha Aqua Terra....someone below stated they preferred the Railmaster model over that of the standard Aqua Terra, while the Railmaster is a nice watch..point for point I think your money is best spend on a standard model unless you really like the dial style of the Railmaster...the models are the same price only with the Railmaster you do not get a date function and you do not get applied hour markers nor an applied logo.
Things to know about Omega...Omega makes excellent watches at somewhat reasonable prices, they are a part of the Swatch group and utilize a shared service facility in lancaster PA which has been reported to perform lacklustre service, many choose to send their pieces back to Switzerland for repair rather then have Lancaster botch up their watch (Figure higher costs for shipping and what not for repairs), Swatch/Omega has just implemented a policy that prohibits sale of parts to independant watch repair shops...many others in the industry also do the same thing but it makes things difficult with Omega as they only have one US service center and it isn't that great, there are a few authorised independants but they supposedly aren't that good either. Their new F. Piguet based chrono has had numerous problem reports (model 3303) and many have been somewhat unhappy, but the model you are looking at is based off a tried and true design, early revisions of the 2892 co axial had oiling problems but they have since been sorted out. The Aqua Terra is a great looking watch, and if I liked the hands and dial better I might have one...
Omega is currently in a battle to move their products up market so if you want this watch I advise you buy soon as they plan on tightening the reins and not allowing heavy dealer discounts anymore, in fact more than a few dealers have been dropped in this process, luckily that one in DC I know of is still authorised and plans to stay that way....don't know if they will still do the standard 35% off but I think they will still do 30% which is very good.
Check out www.timezone.com and www.chronocentric.com for alot of good Omega advice.....
Personally I am a Rolex fanatic, I have been involved in the watch communtiy for the past four years as an enthusiast/mild collector....while I enjoy Rolex more I also respect the Omega of old, when it was its own company and the leader of the pack...alot of their new pieces are nice but the companies policies and marketing really turn me off (too many celeb endorsements, botique shops, poor service)....
Other watches to consider are Tudor, Tissot and Oris for a little less money than the Omega....
Good luck and if you need any info feel free to PM me.
Knowing a little about watches and what not I will see if I can help you with your decision....
With regards to the Aquaterra and the various sizes, I believe you are quoting the old sizes as Omega has recently updated their website to reflect the accurate sizes of their watches www.omega.ch. The new larger size designation for the Aqua Terra is 42.2mm, Omega has for the past few years had the habit of understating the sizes of their cases.
I cannot stress enough before you decide that you visit a store and try both sizes on, personally I find the 42mm large size to be far too big and almost clownish looking and I am not a small guy, I also feel there is too much empty dial on the piece, plus if you compare the 38mm to the 42 you will see that due to the movement design the date wheel is more towards the center on the larger watch which looks awkward whereas proportionally it looks better on the 38mm. However if you are a really big guy, or love large watches then the 42mm might be for you, ironically most of the people whom I have seen with the 42mm model have very very skinny wrists, they are even going to offer a 49mm model of the railmaster in manual wind only.
When deciding about quartz or automatic there are a few issues one has to consider. First off quartz will generally be far more accurate (in terms of consistancy) and require alot less and less expensive maintence than an automatic chronometer, plus the cost of admission for a quartz is considerably less, however as you mentioned you might be interested in the 42mm I don't believe Omega offers this in a quartz model. Automatics on the other hand generally have a higher resale value, or higher demand on the secondary market as they are much more sought after, to me they are more interesting and personally I would take one in an instant over a quartz. Also the quartz pieces do not have display backs and what not, the quartz movements Omega uses are slightly modified ETA quartz modules which are the norm in the industry for pieces in that price range, however the automatic movement they use in the chronometer is a heavily modified ETA 2892 which features not only their signature Daniel's Co-Axial escapement which supposedly improves long term accuracy, but also a free sprung micro regulated balance...two very high end features on a watch of this price point. Figure about $300-500 every five years to service the co axial (they advertise 10 year intervals but I and others highly doubt it) vs about $150 for a service on the quartz and that will be whenever the battery dies, possibly less or more for either depending on the work they do.
Someone mentioned that watches only have a year warranty, while that was the case with regards to Omega and other higher end Swiss companies it is no longer true, a little while back due to European union regulations all Swiss watch companies changed their warranty policy on standard pieces to two years, the Co-Axial version of the aqua terra has a three year factory warranty as it is one of the perks Omega is marketing. With so many authorised dealers out there willing to sell for 35% off or more I see little reason to buy grey market from the net, if you like you can PM me and I can refer you to another site where there is a dealer in DC who can give a great discount and you get the factory warranty.
Some things to know about Omega and tha Aqua Terra....someone below stated they preferred the Railmaster model over that of the standard Aqua Terra, while the Railmaster is a nice watch..point for point I think your money is best spend on a standard model unless you really like the dial style of the Railmaster...the models are the same price only with the Railmaster you do not get a date function and you do not get applied hour markers nor an applied logo.
Things to know about Omega...Omega makes excellent watches at somewhat reasonable prices, they are a part of the Swatch group and utilize a shared service facility in lancaster PA which has been reported to perform lacklustre service, many choose to send their pieces back to Switzerland for repair rather then have Lancaster botch up their watch (Figure higher costs for shipping and what not for repairs), Swatch/Omega has just implemented a policy that prohibits sale of parts to independant watch repair shops...many others in the industry also do the same thing but it makes things difficult with Omega as they only have one US service center and it isn't that great, there are a few authorised independants but they supposedly aren't that good either. Their new F. Piguet based chrono has had numerous problem reports (model 3303) and many have been somewhat unhappy, but the model you are looking at is based off a tried and true design, early revisions of the 2892 co axial had oiling problems but they have since been sorted out. The Aqua Terra is a great looking watch, and if I liked the hands and dial better I might have one...
Omega is currently in a battle to move their products up market so if you want this watch I advise you buy soon as they plan on tightening the reins and not allowing heavy dealer discounts anymore, in fact more than a few dealers have been dropped in this process, luckily that one in DC I know of is still authorised and plans to stay that way....don't know if they will still do the standard 35% off but I think they will still do 30% which is very good.
Check out www.timezone.com and www.chronocentric.com for alot of good Omega advice.....
Personally I am a Rolex fanatic, I have been involved in the watch communtiy for the past four years as an enthusiast/mild collector....while I enjoy Rolex more I also respect the Omega of old, when it was its own company and the leader of the pack...alot of their new pieces are nice but the companies policies and marketing really turn me off (too many celeb endorsements, botique shops, poor service)....
Other watches to consider are Tudor, Tissot and Oris for a little less money than the Omega....
Good luck and if you need any info feel free to PM me.
mine too Brigden, my father has had his for the past 20+ years and it still runs flawlessly....personally I have a Rolex Explorer, and while I like it I still see myself moving into a Sub sooner or later.
Actually Don, you might also want to mention Sandoz as a good deal of their pieces are under $200 and offer ETA movements, as well as O&W along with a few others....Invicta and Zeno use myota movments which are ok but not that great....personally I have had three Invicta watches and currently have an auto diver old Sub style...nice watch for under $100.
Don Vito Corleone
Elite
- Feb 10, 2000
- 30,029
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Good points, although I tend to be literal-minded, and when someone says $100, I think $100. I have an O&W 2801 that ran about $150 and am a little underwhelmed by it. The Sandozes are indeed pretty nice, but as you said they are closer to $200 than $100. They are pretty plentiful on the used market for less, though.
I knew you'd have some good additions to this thread, and mentioned your name above. Your knowledge of the spendy stuff is clearly far superior to mine. I already PMed him the contact info for the DC shop, FYI.
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