Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Scepticalscribe

macrumors Haswell
Jul 29, 2008
64,126
46,573
In a coffee shop.
I guess this slips under the radar as a traditional watch rather than a 'smart' watch, especially if one applies the argument that a traditional watch's lack of features (disconnected from emails, sms and phone calls etc) - is it's best feature!
I remember when Swatch watches were all the rage; some of them had quite lovely designs.

Which reminds me. I bought my wife a Piet Mondrian abstract design Swatch a short while back which she loves and still wears regularly.

Please share a picture, if possible.

And delighted to learn that she wears it regularly; the fact that it is worn regularly is a sign of a gift that has been relished and enjoyed and appreciated, and the fact that you have given her something that she enjoys wearing is something that will enhance her enjoyment of - and appreciation of - the watch.



Whilst on a business trip some 25 years ago, whilst searching for a nice watch for myself, I spotted a superb little ladies automatic Cartier Santos-Dumont, slightly used in it's original striking red box, and purchased it. I now recall some words from Scepticalscribe, “……..so, make sure you know what she likes before investing a significant sum of money in something and perhaps running the risk of disappointment."
Long story short, the Cartier has come out of it's box and worn twice only since I gifted to her.
Given a little more time, I will enlarge on this bitter-sweet story........

What can I say?

Thank you.

Yes, I did say (well, write) that. I'm amazed (and honoured) that you remembered what I wrote.

However, I wil now add a few words to my original comments.

To all of the gentlemen on this thread, and elsewhere: Find out what she likes, - that is, what her actual preferences are - rather than choosing something that you like and that you think she may like, before allowing money to change hands, and listen to, pay heed to - and remember - what she says, as this may indicate her likes (and dislikes). Indeed, ask her.

In other words, put some thought into what she would like; and think about what is her character, her temperament, her preferences. Not: "I have to get her something", but - "what would she like, and enjoy?"

My mother hated gifts (as do I), - we both love to give them - and gifts that would be treasured required considerable thought, and my father was very good at that (putting thought into appropriate gifts, gifts that the recipient would like).

Two of my very good friends, a married couple - he is a retired judge, she a retired doctor - had a similar story; he told me that she is very challenging to buy gifts for, - not because she is demanding, but because she doesn't want anything - but - and he lit up, delighted, when recalling this to me - recalled how, in their young days, when both were starting out and funds were fairly tight, he had the bright idea of buying a proper doctor's bag for her, and thus, had gone to a well regarded leather business and ordered a handmade leather doctor's bag - which cost "a fortune", in his words, - but, as he added, with evident pleasure, "it is one of the very few gifts I ever got her that she used regularly (for decades) and loved and treasured".

I cannot count (and yes, this has also happened to me), the number of (unwanted, and, yes, stuff that you don't much care for) gifts that women I know have received from their significant others, or, from people who may wish to become their significant others. It is rather trying, because you applaud the thought (and the sentiment behind the thought), while deploring the execution.

As a woman, you are socialised into being polite, and, sometimes, what is produced as a gift may have cost a lot of money, hence, while you don't like it, rejecting it will (rather than just may) hurt the person who gave it, - and you don't want to do that (hence, you may accept it, but won't wear it) - and will seem ungrateful, and perhaps, arrogant.

However, accepting something that you cannot stand, (or simply don't care for) is lying to yourself.

Moreover, if you are in a serious relationship with someone, you do come to wonder how they have come to truly know you so little that they haven't yet worked out that this is something that you don't much care for, or, wouldn't much care for, and - to be candid - this really does come to annoy you, or irk you.

You have been with someone, or involved with them, for a good while, and they haven't worked out what you don't much like, instead, blithely giving you something that you don't much care for.

Is this something that they think you will like, or, is this something that they think you should like?

And, the further problem is that if you thank them fulsomely, and praise them lavishly (even if you are lying through your teeth to yourself) for their kind thoughts, they will simply repeat the performance, and give you more of the stuff that you don't much care for.

However, being assertive enough to state that you don't care for something - if only to ensure that this will not appear as a gift - can come across as arrogance, and used not to be approved of, in women.

I would counsel men to ask - find out in advance specific likes and dislikes - and, failing that, to ensure (in advance, before purchase) that any gift can be returned by the recipient if it does not find favour.


I'm currently travelling but will do that asap.
I look forward to it.
 
Last edited:

Queen6

macrumors G4
Not a mechanical, yet a certified military watch by the Royal Airforce. Very simplistic in it's feature set, low profile for a G-Shock, deadly accurate with or without radio time keeping and can take a beating.

Was excited for the official British Army G-Shock, sadly disappointed as was a solely battery powered watch with an extensive feature set. I get why as mil need so to ensure a quartz watch wont run out of power on the job. That said I inadvertently bought two of the certified RAF G-Shocks; One I wore continuously in the field, the other has slept in a box for many a year. Recently moved house and that boxed up RAF G-Shock is still spot on, just needing a charge (solar). Super accurate movement as it's not been in a position to update.

Others followed, adding more complexity, yet the OG RAF is in Super Quartz accuracy levels as the 2nd watch has never been in a position to receive a radio signal. Talking about seconds in a decade...

Pictures to follow...

Q-6
 
Last edited:

Expos of 1969

Contributor
Aug 25, 2013
4,741
9,257
I remember when Swatch watches were all the rage; some of them had quite lovely designs.



Please share a picture, if possible.

And delighted to learn that she wears it regularly; the fact that it is worn regularly is a sign of a gift that has been relished and enjoyed and appreciated, and the fact that you have given her something that she enjoys wearing is something that will enhance her enjoyment of - and appreciation of - the watch.





What can I say?

Thank you.

Yes, I did say (well, write) that. I'm amazed (and honoured) that you remembered what I wrote.

However, I wil now add a few words to my original comments.

To all of the gentlemen on this thread, and elsewhere: Find out what she likes, - that is, what her actual preferences are - rather than choosing something that you like and that you think she may like, before allowing money to change hands, and listen to, pay heed to - and remember - what she says, as this may indicate her likes (and dislikes). Indeed, ask her.

In other words, put some thought into what she would like; and think about what is her character, her temperament, her preferences. Not: "I have to get her something", but - "what would she like, and enjoy?"

My mother hated gifts (as do I), - we both love to give them - and gifts that would be treasured required considerable thought, and my father was very good at that (putting thought into appropriate gifts, gifts that the recipient would like).

Two of my very good friends, a married couple - he is a retired judge, she a retired doctor - had a similar story; he told me that she is very challenging to buy gifts for, - not because she is demanding, but because she doesn't want anything - but - and he lit up, delighted, when recalling this to me - recalled how, in their young days, when both were starting out and funds were fairly tight, he had the bright idea of buying a proper doctor's bag for her, and thus, had gone to a well regarded leather business and ordered a handmade leather doctor's bag - which cost "a fortune", in his words, - but, as he added, with evident pleasure, "it is one of the very few gifts I ever got her that she used regularly (for decades) and loved and treasured".

I cannot count (and yes, this has also happened to me), the number of (unwanted, and, yes, stuff that you don't much care for) gifts that women I know have received from their significant others, or, from people who may wish to become their significant others. It is rather trying, because you applaud the thought (and the sentiment behind the thought), while deploring the execution.

As a woman, you are socialised into being polite, and, sometimes, what is produced as a gift may have cost a lot of money, hence, while you don't like it, rejecting it will (rather than just may) hurt the person who gave it, - and you don't want to do that (hence, you may accept it, but won't wear it) - and will seem ungrateful, and perhaps, arrogant.

However, accepting something that you cannot stand, (or simply don't care for) is lying to yourself.

Moreover, if you are in a serious relationship with someone, you do come to wonder how they have come to truly know you so little that they haven't yet worked out that this is something that you don't much care for, or, wouldn't much care for, and - to be candid - this really does come to annoy you, or irk you.

You have been with someone, or involved with them, for a good while, and they haven't worked out what you don't much like, instead, blithely giving you something that you don't much care for.

Is this something that they think you will like, or, is this something that they think you should like?

And, the further problem is that if you thank them fulsomely, and praise them lavishly (even if you are lying through your teeth to yourself) for their kind thoughts, they will simply repeat the performance, and give you more of the stuff that you don't much care for.

However, being assertive enough to state that you don't care for something - if only to ensure that this will not appear as a gift - can come across as arrogance, and used not to be approved of, in women.

I would counsel men to ask - find out in advance specific likes and dislikes - and, failing that, to ensure (in advance, before purchase) that any gift can be returned by the recipient if it does not find favour.



I look forward to it.
Very good advice.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Scepticalscribe

Queen6

macrumors G4
I did look online for pictures of the mini crate the watches came with as mine are both boxed up. Very cool addition in RAF grey with insignia. TBH even finding a picture of this specific model is a challenge, probably due to the production numbers and now age of the watch.
IMG_20230910_014752_1.jpg

GW-A1000-RAF
IMG_20230910_015358.jpg

Zulu Time
IMG_20230910_014726.jpg

Carbon Fibre keeper with embedded RAF insignia
IMG_20230910_015027.jpg

A somewhat rare pair...

Not sure how many Casio produced, however they were scarce in the day and likely remain to be so. I believe this was Casio's first collaboration with the RAF which may have resulted in the low production numbers. The watches only military feature is a dedicated button to switch the watch to Zulu Time. Colour wise RAF grey, a Carbon Fibre keeper with RAF insignia. Later collaboration's were either too bulky, worse relied on a standard battery. The simplicity of the original shines through as does it's extreme accuracy and battery life without exposure to light...

I have a few more unusual Casio's if any are interested.

Q-6
 
Last edited:

Queen6

macrumors G4
Rare Casio's are exactly that as one needs to develop a relationship with a dealer who has close contacts with the parent company. I have a few one being the MTG-G1000-RG-1A one of just 700. At the time I was on an engineering project in Papua New Guinea, dealer sent me a message that she had something of interest. Replied I was likely 3-6 months out from visiting her country, she simply said it's more then worth your while, nor was she wrong...
IMG_20230628_150720.jpg

IMG_20230628_150713.jpg

High end Casio's are not what many think as once the price point closes on $1K the watches are hand assembled in Japan in a dedicated factory with the highest levels of quality control. Seen some MRG's passing $10K hand finished by master artisans...

Q-6
 

Queen6

macrumors G4
Always wanted the OG Omega 1000m Dive Watch, but at a solid 5 figures a hard one to swallow for a steel watch. A friend put me on a path to Helson who at the time produced a near perfect homage of the 1000m Omega. Pricing was very decent with the money being all in the watch head & ETA movement.
IMG_20230911_125439.jpg
Helson Sharkmaster 1000m Diver
IMG_20230911_125319.jpg

OG Omega Belt & Buckle bracelet
IMG_20230911_125010.jpg

Sid my very large Siamese who likes to interfere with everything and anything LOL

Another friend recommended an email only company who solely specialises in OEM watch parts. I asked if they could provide the OG belt & buckle bracelet for the 1000m Omega. They came back fast, no problem with very good pricing. Bought and installed on the Helson. What a combination being the best of both worlds; reliable accuracy, easy maintenance, old school design and style. A really nice mechanical that puts many a modern Diver to shame :cool:

Came very close to pulling the trigger on a Ploprof at $7K was a bargain, but was distracted. TBH the Sharkmaster fills that spot is far more wearable with far fewer concern's :)

Q-6
 
Last edited:

Frutali

macrumors newbie
Mar 14, 2015
27
164
Always wanted the OG Omega 1000m Dive Watch, but at a solid 5 figures a hard one to swallow for a steel watch. A friend put me on a path to Helson who at the time produced a near perfect homage of the 1000m Omega. Pricing was very decent with the money being all in the watch head & ETA movement.
View attachment 2258211 Helson Sharkmaster 1000m Diver
View attachment 2258212
OG Omega Belt & Buckle bracelet
View attachment 2258214
Sid my very large Siamese who likes to interfere with everything and anything LOL

Another friend recommended an email only company who solely specialises in OEM watch parts. I asked if they could provide the OG belt & buckle bracelet for the 1000m Omega. They came back fast, no problem with very good pricing. Bought and installed on the Helson. What a combination being the best of both worlds; reliable accuracy, easy maintenance, old school design and style. A really nice mechanical that puts many a modern Diver to shame :cool:

Came very close to pulling the trigger on a Ploprof at $7K was a bargain, but was distracted. TBH the Sharkmaster fills that spot is far more wearable with far fewer concern's :)

Q-6

Nice watch, also the cat, Siamese Sealpoint, right ??
 
  • Like
Reactions: Queen6

Queen6

macrumors G4
Nice watch, also the cat, Siamese Sealpoint, right ??
I'd really like an original Omega 1000m, however the pricing can be stratospheric and there are far too many OEM assembled parts watches out there. That's fair enough if the dealer/seller is clear and upfront that watch was created from OEM parts. If not simply a very bad deal as Omega in Switzerland wont issue any provenance on such a piece.

At least with the Helson I have the desired look & feel of the original without many of the concerns, down to the exact dimensions. With the addition of the Omega OEM bracelet very much sets it off as Helson put the majority of the $$$$ into the watch head. I think this was the right decision in the day as the watch has aged superbly and remains to be very accurate.

Another shot of Sid, he's a big lad for a Siamese but a kind soul. My wife's little dog is wary of him, Sid isn't an agressive cat and just want's to spend time with his people...LOL.
IMG_20221225_223142.jpg

Next pic's watches LOL...

Maybe the Casio GPS RangeMan Landcruiser ltd edition. A smartwatch that doesn't need a Smartphone being a self-contained survival tool and very much it's own thing. One that I put to good use in Papua New Guinea...
IMG_20180924_110430.jpg


Q-6
 
Last edited:

CooperBox

macrumors 68000
Another from my collection:Hamilton Jazzmaster chrono 45mm with custom made strap by Gunny.

3f04b0dc74fcf4934828795b2024a0a0.png

60868dbf08fd6b12cadeb05a92fa327b.png

4f40c8e230fd4a275eba0b8ef45d64b5.png
Beautiful, both of them! If you give me the choice, I'll take the IWC in a heartbeat! Fabulous timepieces, & imho one of the most underrated luxury watch manufacturers today for the discerning wearer or collector.
 

Scepticalscribe

macrumors Haswell
Jul 29, 2008
64,126
46,573
In a coffee shop.
Beautiful, both of them! If you give me the choice, I'll take the IWC in a heartbeat! Fabulous timepieces, & imho one of the most underrated luxury watch manufacturers today for the discerning wearer or collector.
Likewise; @Frutali: While both watches are beautiful, I'd also take the IWC - what an absolutely gorgeous watch, I'd love to see more images - in a heartbeat.
 

CooperBox

macrumors 68000
I'd be interested to hear your comments (plus from any other users) on the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. Are you enjoying it?
I'm asking as I've just been offered an 'as new' full-set PRX at a price far less than currently indicated in a high-street store. I've tried one on from an official Tissot store, and found the integrated bracelet not the most comfortable, especially where it fits into the case. Most stores refuse to give any discount, but one offered a $30 equivalent discount. The one I'm interested in is approx $200 less than retail - with the original receipt available.
I certainly don't believe everything I see on YTube but there are those who state that it's a movement that can only be accurately serviced and regulated by the Tissot Swatch group.
 

Queen6

macrumors G4
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra NZL-32
IMG_20230916_215608.jpg

IMG_20230916_221739.jpg

IMG_20230916_215539.jpg

Somewhat unusual being a unique movement with the regatta chronograph feature. Designed in honour of the 32nd America's Cup and the sponsor of the day Team New Zeeland.
Easiest way to illustrate the features of the regatta chronograph, equally remains useful for the majority of timing events up to 12 hours.

Q-6
 
Last edited:

Frutali

macrumors newbie
Mar 14, 2015
27
164
Likewise; @Frutali: While both watches are beautiful, I'd also take the IWC - what an absolutely gorgeous watch, I'd love to see more images - in a heartbeat.

@Scepticalscribe

IWC is undeniably a brand that makes very nice watches, however the price of the cheapest IWC is many times more expensive than the Hamilton, so in this case it is value for money.
When I am back from abroad I will post some more pictures of the Hammy
 
  • Like
Reactions: Scepticalscribe

Scepticalscribe

macrumors Haswell
Jul 29, 2008
64,126
46,573
In a coffee shop.
@Scepticalscribe

IWC is undeniably a brand that makes very nice watches, however the price of the cheapest IWC is many times more expensive than the Hamilton, so in this case it is value for money.
When I am back from abroad I will post some more pictures of the Hammy
Yes, I know.

I have admired (if not quite lusted after) IWC watches (especially the older classics, the ones with clean, elegant lines) from a discreet distance for a number of years.

I look forward to seeing the images of the Hamilton.
 

kaisoj

macrumors regular
Nov 22, 2015
128
325
The Netherlands
I'd be interested to hear your comments (plus from any other users) on the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. Are you enjoying it?
I'm asking as I've just been offered an 'as new' full-set PRX at a price far less than currently indicated in a high-street store. I've tried one on from an official Tissot store, and found the integrated bracelet not the most comfortable, especially where it fits into the case. Most stores refuse to give any discount, but one offered a $30 equivalent discount. The one I'm interested in is approx $200 less than retail - with the original receipt available.
I certainly don't believe everything I see on YTube but there are those who state that it's a movement that can only be accurately serviced and regulated by the Tissot Swatch group.
In may i bought the 40mm Ice Blue PRX Powermatic 80. I really liked the design, but it was a bit too big for my liking. So when Tissot announced the 35mm PRX Powermatic 80, I immediately bought it. I really love the size of the 35mm. I find the watch quite comfortable on my wrist, although my Speedy is even more comfortable. Maybe you could look for a rubber band.

To be honest, be careful when buying from a not official source, since there are fakes out there.

Since i have the watch for a couple of months, I haven't brought the watch in for service yet. So i could not comment on that part.
 

Queen6

macrumors G4
Not a huge fan of James Bond, all the same decent action adventure thrillers for the Sunday afternoon matinee :) In the day saw this watch as a fun piece, arguably one of the more standout & adventurous 007 Omega's.
IMG_20230918_045342.jpg

IMG_20230918_045122.jpg
IMG_20230918_045359.jpg

Has to be said the watch has frequently sparked conversation being not the most subtle of the 007's released over the years. Good is very accurate with the then new Coaxial movement. Low profile for a sports watch and relatively light in weight. The bad is the large clasp very easily picks up scratches and can polish up over time. Thankfully Scotch-Bite to the rescue which quickly restores the brushed finish with a little time and care. Just as and when, in the term of years as overdoing the brushed finish will take away from the sharpness of the clasps engraving.

Not as bad as my Super Ocean Heritage, which is an absolute scratch magnet due to it's highly polished surfaces, especially the clasp. One simply needs to be mindful and wear accordingly, yet always a pleasure to wear.
img_20170527_084804-jpg.2241704

While I'm a great believer that mechanical watches should be worn and wear their battle scars. There are better
options if in rough conditions that offer far greater functionality that can get you out of trouble in a pinch as a backup.

Q-6
 

dmr727

macrumors G4
Dec 29, 2007
10,431
5,190
NYC
Not as bad as my Super Ocean Heritage, which is an absolute scratch magnet due to it's highly polished surfaces, especially the clasp. One simply needs to be mindful and wear accordingly, yet always a pleasure to wear.
img_20170527_084804-jpg.2241704

While I'm a great believer that mechanical watches should be worn and wear their battle scars. There are better
options if in rough conditions that offer far greater functionality that can get you out of trouble in a pinch as a backup.

Q-6

Gorgeous! I don't baby my watches, and have an Avenger II that's got so many battle scars that I'm embarrassed to post on this thread before getting it detailed. :)
 

Queen6

macrumors G4
Gorgeous! I don't baby my watches, and have an Avenger II that's got so many battle scars that I'm embarrassed to post on this thread before getting it detailed. :)
You should just post :) I try to take care of the mechanicals and have enough watches that I can rotate them with ease. Also right tool for the right job so when on a project in the field I'll most likely wear a G-Shock...

Q-6
 
  • Like
Reactions: dmr727

Scepticalscribe

macrumors Haswell
Jul 29, 2008
64,126
46,573
In a coffee shop.
Not a huge fan of James Bond, all the same decent action adventure thrillers for the Sunday afternoon matinee :) In the day saw this watch as a fun piece, arguably one of the more standout & adventurous 007 Omega's.
View attachment 2268098
View attachment 2268099 View attachment 2268100
Has to be said the watch has frequently sparked conversation being not the most subtle of the 007's released over the years. Good is very accurate with the then new Coaxial movement. Low profile for a sports watch and relatively light in weight. The bad is the large clasp very easily picks up scratches and can polish up over time. Thankfully Scotch-Bite to the rescue which quickly restores the brushed finish with a little time and care. Just as and when, in the term of years as overdoing the brushed finish will take away from the sharpness of the clasps engraving.

Not as bad as my Super Ocean Heritage, which is an absolute scratch magnet due to it's highly polished surfaces, especially the clasp. One simply needs to be mindful and wear accordingly, yet always a pleasure to wear.
img_20170527_084804-jpg.2241704

While I'm a great believer that mechanical watches should be worn and wear their battle scars. There are better
options if in rough conditions that offer far greater functionality that can get you out of trouble in a pinch as a backup.

Q-6
Agree about the battle scars on watches; wear them - they are designed to be worn and used - and post them.

Love the Breitling.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dmr727 and Queen6

Scepticalscribe

macrumors Haswell
Jul 29, 2008
64,126
46,573
In a coffee shop.
Gorgeous! I don't baby my watches, and have an Avenger II that's got so many battle scars that I'm embarrassed to post on this thread before getting it detailed. :)
Why not post it?

Watches should be worn, and lived with, not babied or cosseted; they are tools to help tell the time, - they have a function, and exist to fulfil that function - and, at their best, they are glorious and exquisite and beautiful time-pieces, a celebration of sheer craftsmanship.

Wear it and enjoy and revel in, and savour the experience of wearing it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dmr727 and Queen6
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.