Show us your.... Watches !

[VladTepes]

On the 11/11/2015 I purchased my first vintage watch, a Seiko Diamatic 6119-5410.

Crystal is near perfect, which is a good thing because of their shape they are near unobtainable. Case could do with a polish.

It only cost me $100 which is a bargain, however as with all vintage watches I had no idea how long ago it had been serviced. Worse, it was fine on the bench but when I wore it, it was losing time to the tune of....lots.

Turns out the barrel jewel is broken and needs replacement which will be done as part of the service I was expecting to have to have done anyway ($250). So in reality it will be a $350 watch but running perfectly. That's still a good buy I reckon.

Looks fantastic in my opinion and wears well on the wrist. I'm super happy and will be even happier when I pick it up from the watchmakers next Monday.


I know it's a long shot but does anyone know where I could get an electronic copy/scan of an owners manual for this for instructions on setting day date?

[DAMINK]

Nice watch man.
I choose not to wear one. Nor carry any mobile phones or such.
Sun gives me a good enough indication of the time.
Comes up = breakfast.
Above me = beer.
Setting = Dinner.
Dark = beer.

Worked well for me for a lot of years now.
Sure some days i can be late to certain things :)

[Geedublya]

Nice!
I have all my Seikos serviced at the Seiko Australia service centre in North Ryde. Much cheaper than a watch maker in my experience. They also supply new pins gratis if you take your watch in there.
It is possible they would have a manual, if not try some of the vintage watch forums.
I've had a few watches both Swiss and Japanese. I gave up on the Swiss ones and sold them all ( ETA movements) as I had too many problems and servicing was too expensive.
Now I just stick to the Seikos.

[VladTepes]

Nice!
I have all my Seikos serviced at the Seiko Australia service centre in North Ryde. Much cheaper than a watch maker in my experience. They also supply new pins gratis if you take your watch in there.
It is possible they would have a manual, if not try some of the vintage watch forums.
I've had a few watches both Swiss and Japanese. I gave up on the Swiss ones and sold them all ( ETA movements) as I had too many problems and servicing was too expensive.
Now I just stick to the Seikos.


Fella works next to me has 12 Vintage Seikos.... :)


What do they charge at North Ryde for a service?

[DAMINK]

Fella works next to me has 12 Vintage Seikos.... :)


You saying he used to have 13?

[VladTepes]

You saying he used to have 13?


No, like any practical sensible person he buys not sells.... :lol:

[DAMINK]

No, like any practical sensible person he buys not sells.... :lol:

Oh i was implying you stole it lol.
Guess that one went right over your head mate.

[cuppabillytea]

I like it.

[Disco Muppet]

Nice.
I have a Loyal. It's good, warranty is honoured without question, it's a bit heavy though.
I like the idea of the Helgray Hornet.

Sent from my HTC One using AULRO mobile app

[Geedublya]

Fella works next to me has 12 Vintage Seikos.... :)


What do they charge at North Ryde for a service?

It all depends on what is required.

From memory my vintage diver had a new crown, crystal and hands as well as a service for $150.
I bought three of them for $120 as a lot and sold the best two for over $200 each :). I kept this one as the hands were corroded and the crown was stuffed. The new hands aren't correct but from a later model so it's no longer authentic. Still makes for a nice looking but cheap early 70s divers watch though.
You can call (http://www.seiko.com.au/support/service-network) them and ask for them to quote.

[VladTepes]

I spoke to them and they won't (can't they reckon) service my Seiko and told me to use an independent watch-maker.


Apparently unlike independent watch-makers they won't shop for parts, if its not in their inventory it doesn't exist....

[Avion8]

I spoke to them and they won't (can't they reckon) service my Seiko and told me to use an independent watch-maker.


Apparently unlike independent watch-makers they won't shop for parts, if its not in their inventory it doesn't exist....

It's called obsolescence. I have a Tissot T-Touch my wife bought for me back in 2000'ish It was a great watch for 14 years & then just quit one day. Took it to Tissot agent only to be told they could no longer source some of the electrical components which were obsolete. I just might try an independent watch-repairer to see if he can obtain the obsolete components. Have the same problem with a 1998 Bose stereo where the triac for the bass system is no longer available!

[cafe latte]

It's called obsolescence. I have a Tissot T-Touch my wife bought for me back in 2000'ish It was a great watch for 14 years & then just quit one day. Took it to Tissot agent only to be told they could no longer source some of the electrical components which were obsolete. I just might try an independent watch-repairer to see if he can obtain the obsolete components. Have the same problem with a 1998 Bose stereo where the triac for the bass system is no longer available!

What movement is in it? Many Swiss watches use ETA movements which can be bought cheaply. I have quite a few watches and one of my older battery ones is an Omega titanium Seamaster. A cheap battery leaked and killed the movement and sadly the correct movement was discontinued, but the replacement ETA movement used in later Omega fitted perfectly. I removed the face and hands and put the new movement in, yes it is now not totally original, but it works again and it keeps far better time than it ever did. I was a bit unlucky as most ETA movements are still available, but my watch was from the 80's so it was getting old. If I had been able to get the correct ETA movement I could have fitted the info plate and the watch would have been perfectly original to look at. ETA battery movements are very cheap I think mine was only around 30 bucks.
Chris

[Avion8]

Thanks Chris, I honestly don't know what movement it has, & don't have the tools to wind off the back. I will however take it to a watch repairer I know in Perth & see if he can establish if it is an ETA movement, & if so can he replace it. At present non of the buttons work nor the touch screen although the hands still go around, all be it at the wrong time! For info this watch repairer did a great job on my Grandad's old Omega from 20/30's, which was missing hands & a real mess. Still works a treat 10 years down the track - just have to remember to wind it up.

[Reads90]

I have an Omega Seamaster for daily use and a Seiko Kentic automatic for rough stuff

[Dark61]

I've had a Citizen Eco Drive Titanium for 10 years +. Has to be Titanium as anything else gives me a rash.
cheers,
D

[Pickles2]

I have an Omega Speedmaster Professional (The Moonwatch,..NASA certified,..1st watch on the moon!!), which I have worn for 46 yrs. It has a manual movement which has to be wound daily.
Pickles.

[mekon76]

Nice, I like the style and design.

I have forgone my watch this year (treat myself each bonus) as I bought a Defender. Priorities, right? Was looking at a Bell and Ross.

So my little collection started with my 21st birthday present, my Grandfather's trench watch close to 100 years old now.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/428.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/429.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/430.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/431.jpg

I have an Omega Seamaster professional (planet Ocean). This model a slight variant on the Bond watch from Quantum of Solace.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/432.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/433.jpg

I bought a Bremont Martin Baker II last year, beautiful watch has an extra NATO band it swaps out. The Bremont story is pretty cool and quite a new watchmaking family. Pretty much associated with armed forces thus the Martin Baker ejector seat. There's the I, the II and the III. IIRC the I is only available for sale to people who have been certified as ejecting from a plane in a MB ejector seat. The second hand is tiger striped.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/434.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/435.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/436.jpg

I bought the wife a Chanel J12 last year, she also has a TAG, can't find that, having moved house recently. All are automatics. Plus I have a G-shock mudman for mundane dirty work.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/437.jpg

The watches get worn daily and rotated around. Not precious, so they are a little worn in and scratched and scuffed. Oh pro-tip, ultrasonic bath is great for stainless and jewellery, winders can be bought cheap on ebay. Find a good watch maker/repairer and stick with them. My guy is back in Perth. Try not to buy from the shop, go to a watch store and source what you want. I unfortunately didn't do this with the Chanel as they are hard to get outside of their boutique and thus have the snob factor. I'm not a believer in "If you have to ask, you can't afford it". Fools pay full retail. Other golden rule if it's a real steal and best bargain ever it is too good to be true.

[cuppabillytea]

I have an Omega Speedmaster Professional (The Moonwatch,..NASA certified,..1st watch on the moon!!), which I have worn for 46 yrs. It has a manual movement which has to be wound daily.
Pickles.
You should get some American Opticals Pilot Sunnies to go with it, if you haven't already. They were the first sunnies on the Moon and are still supplied to the USAF.
Cheers, Billy.

[Avion8]

Love your watches Mekon, I used to do the same before retirement 8 years ago & buy a nice watch every couple of years. Mind you my wife was always generous & chose nice watches for significant events, a couple of her choices:

This one from approx 1995, but had been in the shop a few years as the battery went flat the first week I owned it - replaced free of charge & seems to go 4 years between replacement now:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/401.jpg (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/jodel1050/media/Heritage%2090/P1000183_zpsq85ktig7.jpg.html)

Had to replace the leather strap & got a genuine Chopard rubber strap made from scrap tyres actually raced in the Mille Miglia - so they say! One of my favourites.

Then I needed a water proof watch to go windsurfing:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/402.jpg (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/jodel1050/media/Heritage%2090/P1000182_zpsw4wjileg.jpg.html)

This one is good to 3,300 ft, so far only been down to 90ft. Wish my 110 Defender was this waterproof.

But I did treat myself to a limited edition Red Arrows watch last year. Ordered online from the UK. Very pleased with it as solar powered & radio controlled when in the Northern hemisphere - most of it:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/377.jpg (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/jodel1050/media/Heritage%2090/P1010335_zpsmh5hqzzj.jpg.html)

[Pickles2]

You should get some American Opticals Pilot Sunnies to go with it, if you haven't already. They were the first sunnies on the Moon and are still supplied to the USAF.
Cheers, Billy.
I'd be up for a pair of them, but I wear prescription glasses, so I guess that would cause a bit of a problem?
Pickles.

[cuppabillytea]

I'd be up for a pair of them, but I wear prescription glasses, so I guess that would cause a bit of a problem?
Pickles.
No you can get prescription lenses for them and you have the choice of glass or polycarbonate and a few colours as well.

[Tote]

My Ollech and Wajs ID3077

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/397.jpg

Regards
Tote
Sent from my Nexus 7 using AULRO mobile

[mekon76]

But I did treat myself to a limited edition Red Arrows watch last year. Ordered online from the UK. Very pleased with it as solar powered & radio controlled when in the Northern hemisphere - most of it:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/377.jpg (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/jodel1050/media/Heritage%2090/P1010335_zpsmh5hqzzj.jpg.html)

I love that, I grew up watching the Red Arrows back home.

[Avion8]

I love that, I grew up watching the Red Arrows back home.

So did I when they had Folland Gnats with the Bristol Orpheus engines. I did work on the Adours which they have in the Hawks but only on the Sepecat Jaguars a different beast all together.

[clubagreenie]

I have a Doxa Sub 600T and am waiting to find a Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 12 model 2111.

I bought the wife a Doxa Ladies and a Bulova together for the princely sum of $150-. Turns out the Doxa is circa 1920 and the Bulova is a 1927 issue to commemorate Lindburgh's flight across the Atlantic. Valued together at approx $10k when I had them serviced. Not a bad bargain.

[p38arover]

Back in about 1971 I bought an Omega Speedmaster Mk II from Hong Kong. (It was faulty when it got here to Oz so had to send it back to HKG for repair.)

I wore it for some years then gave it to my grandfather as I just wasn't wearing it anymore (I'd replaced it with a Seiko in 1980 which I bought on Norfolk Island and which I still have). After my grandfather died, I received it back and eventually sold it.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/352.jpg

My daily watch is a Casio watch I bought in 1990 when I was scuba diving in Norfolk Island. My dress watch is a Seiko Solar my wife bought for me in SFO a couple of years back - half the price of here in Oz.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/353.jpg

I have this watch that my wife bought in the late 80s because I saw it in the shop window and said I liked it but I haven't worn it for years as my wrist is fatter and I can't find the links I had removed. It was good 'cos I could leave the digital section on UTC and the analogue on Sydney time - great for log keeping.
Like this but the watch is a khaki lacquer with gold trim;

http://www.vanexel.com/images/0004h601glasnieuwna.jpg

I have an Omega gold watch I've never worn. I received it from my employer for 30 years service. The reason I've never worn it is that the back was engraved with Telstra's name, not my original employer, OTC, who were merged with Telstra. I disliked Telstra that much. I had to get it out of the safe, I had no idea what it looked like any more. I spoke with a watchmaker who said he can fill in the Telstra engraving and re-engrave it.

Omega De Ville Jubilee like this but with a gold band:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/354.jpg

[cafe latte]

Here is my fav of all my watches. It is mint the marks are dust and smudges I did not clean it before the pics, it is my Squale 1000m diving watch it is the only 1,000m watch without a helium valve, I love the orange, I almost went for the one with the orange face too, but in the end I thought it would have been too much.
Chris

[VladTepes]

thanks all. Keep 'em coming.

clubagreenie - you arsey bastard ! My luck is exactly the opposite of yours... :lol:

Love to see a pic of your Doxa.

[clubagreenie]

Doxa is as per DOXA | SUB 600T-Graph | Professional | (http://www.doxawatches.com/sub_tgraph.htm)

It's off getting a replacement (original design as in link) band.

[ozeraser]

Here is my favorite.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/43.jpg

All original still running USSR Shturmanskie 1951 Military Issue Watch :P
First watch into space worn by Yuri Gagarin

[mekon76]

I've got a great encyclopaedia of Soviet watches, wonderful designs.

[VladTepes]

I've got a great encyclopaedia of Soviet watches, wonderful designs.



and sadly near impossible to get serviced / fixed. Just can't get the parts for them and most watchmakers won't touch them for that reason.


ozeraser - nice, I agree.

[mekon76]

and sadly near impossible to get serviced / fixed. Just can't get the parts for them and most watchmakers won't touch them for that reason.


ozeraser - nice, I agree.

I reckon there's small odds someone out there knows how to work on them. Have you tried a few Australian watch forums?

[VladTepes]

I reckon there's small odds someone out there knows how to work on them. Have you tried a few Australian watch forums?





No, because I don't own any Soviet / Russian watches.

[mekon76]

No, because I don't own any Soviet / Russian watches.

Yes, probably would be of more benefit for Ozeraser, if I'd quoted him in the reply.

[Slunnie]

Tag Heuer. It was a gift from my parents from years ago and I still wear it daily.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/12/1004.jpg

[ozeraser]

Yes, probably would be of more benefit for Ozeraser, if I'd quoted him in the reply.

All good;) thx. So far it hasn't broken down (excluding when i forget to wind it :p), and i believe the actual movements are still replicated to this day, and fairly easy and cheap to pickup.

[Pickles2]

Here's my Speedmaster Professional,.....a bit "battle scarred" after 46 yrs use,.....but still good!

[VladTepes]

A message for all Swiss Watch Owners.


In short, if you need one serviced get it done NOW.


Anti-Competitive action in Australia.


I heard this from my watch-maker here in Australia and if there is anyone here in AUS who can confirm, and if anyone in other countries has heard the same - pleae let me know.


Apparently as of Dec 31 this year, the Swatch Group (which as we know includes many Swiss brands) will no longer supply parts to independent watch-makers. Instead any watches requiring repair or service will need to be sent to Swatch groups corporate HQ in Melbourne.... My watchmaker says that as 80% of his business is in that area, it will force him to close his doors. No doubt many others will be in the same boat, so to speak, so even finding a watchmaker to service other brands could prove difficult.


Undoubtedly, with Swatch having an effective monopoly, the cost of repiars and servicing will be vastly higher too.
Even worse, is that a relatively small group of very skilled people (watchmakers) will disappear and there will be nobody new able to take up the trade. Once gone, these things are generally gone forever.


Apparently despite all their bluster about "helping small business" the Australian Government is not interested in taking any action DESPITE this obviously anti-competitive practice.


This is the first I've heard of this but if true, I am VERY ****ed off !!!!!
I'd appreciate any information people may have on this matter.

[Slunnie]

I think for a quality watch, it should always go back to the agent for work. My Tag Heuer went just cost me $130 for a new battery which any watch fixer could probably do, but what I found out is that they also clean everything in it including the band, replace all of the seals, fix any other worn or not quite correct bits etc, pressure test it for leakage etc. The go over the entire watch and fix everything, I even noticed this time that they touched up the painted Tag Heuer logo where I scratched it.

About 8 years ago I just used a regular jeweler to replace the battery, the watch leaked after about a year, just put my hand in some water and the entire movement, face etc was discoloured and destroyed by that day. The fix was about $550 dollars with parts I think coming out from Switzerland and basically the watch had everything internal to it replaced.

[Avion8]

Here's my Speedmaster Professional,.....a bit "battle scarred" after 46 yrs use,.....but still good!

Here you go Pickles, a couple of the same watch not as battle scarred, but which did make it to the Moon & coming up for auction soon:

Christie's to Auction Omega Watches Flown in Space and to the Moon (http://www.space.com/31252-omega-space-moon-watches-christies-auction.html?cmpid=514630_20151203_55895326&adbid=10153183234066466&adbpl=fb&adbpr=17610706465)

[VladTepes]

Slunnie - a watchmaker is nothing akin to a jeweller.

[VladTepes]

Looking for anyone with a 'spare' Seiko 6138-0011 :)

A few on ebay now but most in crap nick and asking way too much money.

[cafe latte]

I think for a quality watch, it should always go back to the agent for work. My Tag Heuer went just cost me $130 for a new battery which any watch fixer could probably do, but what I found out is that they also clean everything in it including the band, replace all of the seals, fix any other worn or not quite correct bits etc, pressure test it for leakage etc. The go over the entire watch and fix everything, I even noticed this time that they touched up the painted Tag Heuer logo where I scratched it.

About 8 years ago I just used a regular jeweler to replace the battery, the watch leaked after about a year, just put my hand in some water and the entire movement, face etc was discoloured and destroyed by that day. The fix was about $550 dollars with parts I think coming out from Switzerland and basically the watch had everything internal to it replaced.

I am not against sending a watch to the agent for work once in a while, but every time it becomes a tax. I dont pressure test but I have a bag of seals that cost me a few dollars. Every 10 times or so I would tip out the movement and change the crown seal, this is when others who cant do their own work should be sending the watch to the main agent for a service. Buying good quality batteries and a bag of seals and having the correct tools to open the watch can save you a fortune, and the dealer for a simple battery change is not performing any special magic. Older battery movements like the one that was in my Omega Seamaster (killed by a cheap Supermarket stall battery leak :censored: ) Needed calibration, but the newer version of the movement also an ETA movement needs no such adjustment so your watch wont have any calibration unless it is an 80's watch. I am wary of supermarket watch stalls and such like as they wont be using the correct leak proof batteries just any cheap junk. They probably wont change the seal and if they scratch your beloved watch you will have no chance of any compensation as I found out the hard way. I ended up changing the movement myself with a new ETA movement. I still have my eyes open hoping the older correct movement will come up at some point so I could change the movement and replace the Omega movement plate so it is all back to original. I cant help wondering though why worry as the new ETA movement looks almost the same, only I know it is there and it is way way more accurate than it ever was before. It has an ETA movement before and it has one now, actually the same movement Omega used in later models..
I dont know what movement is in your watch, but it is probably an ETA too, you would freak if you knew how cheap the battery movements are that are fitted to seriously expensive watches.

Chris

[cafe latte]

I think I found your movement, it is probably an ETA955.112 and they are 27 bucks
ETA 955.112 Watch Movement Swiss $27.95 Buy Watch Parts and Watch Repair Kits Supply Online - Los Angeles (http://www.watchpartsoutlet.com/eta_955112_watch_movement)
good movement though but annoyingly cheap compared with the price of the watch.
Chris

[DNB]

Hi Guys :)

This is my trusty G-Shock, Solar Powered and ready for anything

https://scontent.fper1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12805844_10153276860276338_8049773850728809092_n.j pg?oh=767a99480b6565e7a34355edb4d72d1f&oe=575B6700


This Citizen Eco-Drive is my first Dress Watch for work, also Solar Powered

https://scontent.fper1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1012050_10153276860251338_8294160144673875433_n.jp g?oh=1e7ba97a9b20067fdd9ab04a6edcc2e6&oe=57525185



This is my new favorite, bought from Penang, Malaysia. Rolex Datejust II with 18crt White Gold Bezel

https://scontent.fper1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12801200_10153276860296338_8078600948691628068_n.j pg?oh=a002d82f31aa2e11c7718e4bc2ce5496&oe=575325DA

Cheers :)

[ramblingboy42]

I have an Omega Speedmaster Professional (The Moonwatch,..NASA certified,..1st watch on the moon!!), which I have worn for 46 yrs. It has a manual movement which has to be wound daily.
Pickles.

Hey Pickles , so have I.

Have you had it valued?

Try about $4500.

I need to change the crystal.....about $1000......and find a genuine band as mine disappeared into a rubber one 30 yrs ago.

I purchased mine in 1975. Paid $275 in Singapore.

Dennis

I have another Omega Seamaster 30 which was presented to my father for 25yrs service in 1967.

My all singing all dancing smart city bastard watch is a new Citizen Eco Drive Radio Controlled World Time watch that communicates with base stations around the world at 2am and automatically adjusts to the local time zone.

I have a few others including a Mickey Mouse watch, a Loris Divers watch , a Tissot sports watch that does times and laps, a Jarvis walker....and I don't even fish.

......and I hardly ever wear any of them

[MEANZ06]

Guess my go "everyday/go to" watch vs the "go out on the town" watch... :lol2:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/04/698.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/04/699.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/04/700.jpg

The smart watch kinda ****es me off by tracking my physical activity... :lol2: