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Time for a new diver
https://www.breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10225		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Otto [ Tue May 12, 2009 8:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Time for a new diver
I've decided it's time to let my Oris go to a better home (one where it might get worn more often) so I'll be putting it up for sale soon. Keep your eyes on the sale section here if you're interested. 8)

Looking at replacing it with something in the same vein, i.e. a sporty-looking dive watch on a SS bracelet, but this time I really want a chronograph. After a few days of looking around, this one is leading the race:
http://www.prestigetime.com/item/Omega/ ... 1.001.html
(I tried to link the Omega website but it keeps coming up with the blue version.)

I have always loved this design, there's virtually nothing I'd change about it except I wish it was a big larger than 41.5mm. Having said that, I've tried it on and it wears well on my small wrist, and the thickness goes a long way to making up for the diameter.

Anyone got any comments or other suggestions? I'd love to consider a Breitling but I can't find anything that ticks all the boxes I'm looking for at the moment. A Skyland or SA would be getting close, but I don't want a fully polished finish - I spend enough time already wiping down my Panerai. The Seawolf Chrono would be great if it wasn't quartz, and if it didn't have the date placed at an angle. Maybe I'm just too fussy!

Cheers
Otto
Author:  ianmedium [ Tue May 12, 2009 9:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
This is an incredible watch.
http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-SBD ... DX001.html

The movement is the same one used in several Grand Seikos, hand assembled and boy do Seiko know a thing or three about Dive watches. The finish on these higher end seikos is something to behold as well, with due respect to the Omega, it's fit and finish would blow it out of the water!
My friend owns one, here is his youtube review!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sROVbSlq ... annel_page

You can also get it from this respected seller here in Canada
http://www.chronoworld.com/new/product_ ... uct_id=289

I have yet to hear one bad thing about this watch, it is also something out of the ordinary!
Author:  ianmedium [ Tue May 12, 2009 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
OOps, silly me I just noticed you wanted a chrono so that nixes the Seiko, sorry!
Author:  Sharkmouth [ Wed May 13, 2009 2:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
The Omega is a great watch but a couple of others could fit the bill. I think a lot comes down to your perception of the brand regarding which you would be happy wearing.

Image
http://www.prestigetime.com/item/Longines/HydroConquest-Automatic-Chronograph-41mm/L3.644.4.56.6.html

Image
http://www.prestigetime.com/item/Tag-Heuer/Aquaracer-Automatic-Chronograph/caf2113.ba0809.html

Image
http://www.prestigetime.com/item/Omega/Planet-Ocean-Chronograph/2210.50.html

As for Breitling, how about a Chrono SuperOcean?
Image
http://www.jomashop.com/breitling-a1334011-b6-878a.html

or the Chrono SOH?
Image
http://www.authenticwatches.com/breitling-superocean-heritage-chronograph-a1332024-b908.html

Edit: Sorry, the Tag pic was a Carrera, not the Aquatimer. Corrected now.
Author:  Driver8 [ Wed May 13, 2009 9:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
ianmedium wrote:
This is an incredible watch.
http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-SBD ... DX001.html

The movement is the same one used in several Grand Seikos, hand assembled and boy do Seiko know a thing or three about Dive watches. The finish on these higher end seikos is something to behold as well, with due respect to the Omega, it's fit and finish would blow it out of the water!
My friend owns one, here is his youtube review!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sROVbSlq ... annel_page

You can also get it from this respected seller here in Canada
http://www.chronoworld.com/new/product_ ... uct_id=289

I have yet to hear one bad thing about this watch, it is also something out of the ordinary!

Hey Ian, great review by your buddy there. (Gives Admin a run a for his money with that review! :poke: ) Looks like a pretty great piece. BUT I still can't help but suffer from a bit of "badge snobbery". :oops: I think I need to see some Spring Drives in person.
Author:  ianmedium [ Wed May 13, 2009 11:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
Driver8 wrote:
ianmedium wrote:
This is an incredible watch.
http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-SBD ... DX001.html

The movement is the same one used in several Grand Seikos, hand assembled and boy do Seiko know a thing or three about Dive watches. The finish on these higher end seikos is something to behold as well, with due respect to the Omega, it's fit and finish would blow it out of the water!
My friend owns one, here is his youtube review!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sROVbSlq ... annel_page

You can also get it from this respected seller here in Canada
http://www.chronoworld.com/new/product_ ... uct_id=289

I have yet to hear one bad thing about this watch, it is also something out of the ordinary!

Hey Ian, great review by your buddy there. (Gives Admin a run a for his money with that review! :poke: ) Looks like a pretty great piece. BUT I still can't help but suffer from a bit of "badge snobbery". :oops: I think I need to see some Spring Drives in person.


Hey Mate, yeah, you really have to get yourself to a Seiko Store and check the spring drives out but rememeber what they export though fantastic are still a bit down on the Grand Seikos, Having said that the ones you can get in the UK are still pretty awsome and the finish spectacular, here is a link to a chron availible in the UK, I have seen this model in person and it really is specatcular!
http://www.seikospringdrive.co.uk/flash.html?soundOn=0
Author:  Otto [ Wed May 13, 2009 4:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
Thanks guys.

Ian - that Seiko is very impressive, but you're right, I need (well, want) a chrono so it's out. I looked at a few Grand Seikos when I was in Japan recently, and they really are beautifully made, although the styling didn't always inspire me.

Sharkmouth - you've got the idea. I guess I just prefer the Seamaster to any of those (except the Planet Ocean, a non-chrono version of which I already have). You're right about the brand perception, I just feel better wearing Omega than Longines or Tag (or, it seems, Oris!).

I looked at the SOC (thought it wore a bit too small for my tastes) and the SOHC (which I would definitely buy if it came on a Pro2, don't like the mesh at all).

Cheers
Otto
Author:  Otto [ Wed May 13, 2009 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
By the way Ian, thanks for posting that video review, I enjoyed watching that!
Author:  ianmedium [ Wed May 13, 2009 7:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
Otto wrote:
By the way Ian, thanks for posting that video review, I enjoyed watching that!


No Worries Otto, Doug is a great guy and moderator of the Gshock forum, he has just picked up two new hamiltons so I know he will review those soon!

The other brand I was thinking of, some love, some hate their styling, me I think they are very jacque cousteau, very 70's national geographic are Doxa, great price for what you get as well!
Might be a bit above budget though!
Proffesional: http://www.doxawatches.com/sub_tgraph.htm
Author:  Tim S [ Thu May 14, 2009 1:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
Good luck Otto, something will 'sing' to you soon I'm sure.

Lots of good options there (great work Sharkmouth and Ian). Can't go wrong with any of them really.
Author:  Jerome [ Thu May 14, 2009 5:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
Sharkmouth made some great suggestions!!!
Author:  Jay [ Sun May 17, 2009 5:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
I used to own one of these (blue not black) and its not a bad watch. For the money it feels like a real quality piece. Nice and heavy.

IMO, as much as you are afraid of the polished finish, the SA would be a better choice. And without plugging myself too obviously, I might be selling mine. lol.

Throw it on Ocean Racer or Leather and you are set. :D Failing that, sell the Planet Ocean and buy a Planet Ocean Chrono over the SMP.
Author:  Otto [ Sun May 17, 2009 9:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
Thanks Jay, more food for thought. Your SA is in great condition, I'd still be looking for a black dial though, I reckon.

PO Chrono is a great-looking watch but the issues with the 3313 movement (which I only found out about recently, thanks to Driver and Roff's comments in the Speedmaster thread) would worry me.

Looked at a JLC Master Compressor today, by the way. Nice!
Author:  Jay [ Mon May 18, 2009 2:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
Anything JLC is damn awesome.

It'd be worth moving the Planet Ocean and adding the new cash for make up a JLC MC GMT. Even the chrono for not much more.

$6k USD on TZ every now and then.
Author:  carlhaluss [ Mon May 18, 2009 9:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Time for a new diver
Hey Otto,
Did you ever take a good look at the Blackbird? I realize it may be over budget for what you are looking at, though. And I'm really not sure what Breitling is going to do with that model, now that the new Chronomat B1 is on the scene.
Like Ian says, the Seiko Spring Drive is pretty amazing. Saw one the other day again, and am amazed at the smoothness of the second hand going round the dial. I took a pretty hard look at the models, but like you said, it came down to the design of the dials for me that would put me off a bit.
Since I sold 2 of my Breitlings and got my Omeg Aqua Terra, I am spending more time looking at the Omegas. By the way, they are coming out very soon with a chrono that has the very same dial as the new Aqua Terra.
Happy hunting!
Cheers,
Carl
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