Whats your favorite watch
 

I,ve always been very interested in watches. Got quiet a few. Some cheap some expensive. I really love my watches. Most of my adventure travels are in Africa. In order not to become to much of a temptation for a weak soul, I always use a cheap Timex Ironmaster. Cost ca $50 and dosent look very impressive or expensive. Neither does it have any interesting features except telling the time.

So..... I know the general answer to my question.... cheap is best, dress down, why do you want to know what time it is when you are on an adventure etc..

Besides from this..... what is your favorite?
What kind of watch do you prefer or would you prefer?
Does it have any exiting features?

My favorite is Breitling Emergency :-)

I'm somewhat clumbsy & watches dont last long with me, if 'Tonka' made an indestructible one I'd give it a try.

So when I'm travelling.....
- when you go to sleep and the sun is coming up, its 'obscene-o-clock'
- when you wake up and its still dark, its 'stupid-o-clock'
- when the bike is parked for the night, its 'beer-o-clock'

By my reckoning its beer-o-clock so I'm off to the pub - the Turtles Head in Quito ;-)

Requirements:
On the one display - without pressing buttons-
Time
Day
Date - including the month. On long trips you can lose touch.

Buttons must be recessed so they are less likely to be activated by wrist movements.

Water resistant - at least shower proof.


Presently - Casio ? F58? misses on the month display. Retails hese less than $70aud. On the back it says W57, made in Maliasa. It is many years old .. think the battery is going flat .. might get a new one .. or simply wait for it to fail and buy one then.

Which watch is which?
 

I have a Casio F-105 illuminator. It has time day, week and date. It also has a plastic band that doesn't conduct electricity(did I ever tell you about the leaking Guzzi gas line and bare wires watch band almost inferno?) It has enough illumination that it shines enough on a really dark night to perform needed repairs. It also is only US $15.00 in the discount stores here.

Tissot T-Touch Titanium
http://www.llrx.com/images/t-touch%202.jpg
Had it for about three years now, best watch I've ever had. Tells the time quite nicely, date, alarm etc. It also packs in a stopwatch, altimeter, air pressure gauge, temperature (take it off your arm for an accurate reading) and the most useful bit I've found... a compass. Surprisingly accurate too.

No buttons to worry about accidentally activating either, it's all touch sensitive on the face of the watch.

To top it all off I've not had to change the battery yet, it's waterproof and damn sturdy to boot. It's been bashed into rocks, kayaks and many other hard things, taken for impromptu swims without even flinching.

Only problem is it could do with better night-time illumination, something other than the current glow-in-the-dark numerals really.

A bit pricey, but it's probably the only watch I'll ever own. :thumbup1:

Watch
 

With you here Dizzi, I love a good watch... :biggrin3:

Always been a bit of a 'Tag' fan myself... I know, well overpriced, but I wear one everyday and no matter what I do, Bike maint, anything, I still haven't found a way to break or scratch them!

But... If your out and about doing a bit of hardcore adventuring a Suunto has to be hard to beat... (I know, no GPS in it but hey ;o) )

http://www.sporttek.co.uk/Suunto_observer_titan.html

Go on... You know you want one :innocent:

Suunto
 

I'm with Fletch on this one- discreet and does the job well-
Just remember to calibrate the compass.......
Tag is super but too pricey

http://www.sporttek.co.uk/Suunto_observer_titan.html :thumbup1:

Suunto
 

Me too. Suunto X6. Only complaint is the weedy night illumination.
Stephan

Citizen
 

I personally use a citizen eco-drive perpetual calendar model. Never worry about the battery going flat. Not flashy and with the titanium case and strap it is absolutley non descript.

Rick

Timex Expedition
 

While I also like watches, for travelling I go the Timex route. Two key functions that a traveller's watch needs are: dual time zones (for when you phone home) and a good loud alarm that'll get you out of bed at 3:30 AM to catch that stupid ferry. :) The Timex provides that and is durable to boot. As a bonus, the customer service is also very good. The strap on my Expedition had worn out (worn every day for a year while travelling and then on and off while at home) and my local repair shop couldn't get a new strap. So I sent it to Timex Canada to have a new strap installed. When I got the watch back I thought it looked awfully new and sure enough the stickers were still on the back!

Those who like the Suunto watches might consider getting them at the Mountain Equipment Co-op in Canada though. The Observer mentioned above (but with a Stainless Steel case instead of Titanium) is only $330 Canadian. The Vector has a similar function set to the Observer (altimeter, barometer, temperature, compass) and sells for $220 Canadian. Check it out here:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1164744670693

My wife uses a Suunto X6 and I have to say that the altimeter, barometer and compass are very innacurate - even with fairly regular calibrations (that I have to do! )

I also find the way the pages and inputs work, slow and non intuative

- my Casio Protrek PRG 40 (3 years old) on the other hand costs a third as much and is a lot more accurate, Im not joking - the altimeter is much more accurate, as is the barometer - they need calibrating less, the compass is bang on and the thermometer is good.

(I normally carry a GPS 60cs in the Mountains and calibrate it and the watches regularly from Environment Canada Data)

The Suunto was the watch I wanted - but Im happier with the Casio - and as mentioned a dark colour casio doesnt get 'flash shiny gear' looks when you are on the road

Cheers
Grif

Timex
 

I usually use a Timex watch. As said above, one that has the capabiity to enter different time zones and has a decent alarm on it. Something that can take a dunk in the water is a must. I also carry a spare in my tank bag and a spare battery. I have used the Timex Expedition for years. I also use a Suunto with altimeter when climbing. I prefer the analog display to the digital display. www.campmor.com usually has a decent collection of Timex and Casio watches at discount prices. Also, for what it's worth, for analog watches, if you point the hour hand towards the sun, while keeping it somewhat level, then follow the numerals clockwise towards the twelve o'clock position, halfway between these two positions will point south. If your watch is set for daylight savings time, use the one o'clock position instead of the twelve o'clock position.

Another vote for the humble timex expedition
I have worn mine for 7 years, probably on the 4th strap now ( visa sport velcro cheapie)

very accurate and easy to read in the dark with the indiglo face


and still on the original battery

I totally agree.:biggrin: I've been using that kind for about 18 months now, since I retired. :clap:

Casio DW5600
 

The original and the best Casio G-shock, before they went all trendy. I've had one of these for years and it refuses to stop working. I used to wear it caving on a regular basis and although it looks pretty scruffy it still keeps perfect time, and is still on it's original strap.

http://www.watcharama.com/Images/IMG_1859.jpg

Why do you need a watch?

(Serious question.)

--Mike

They have there uses, but I stopped wearing one years ago. Your never very far away from a clock - if you are then you probably don't need to know the time anyway.

I like watches as well. When traveling, I like the Timex Ironman; cheap, dependable and easy to use. For everyday, I have been wearing an Omega Seamaster for about 10 years and it still looks and performas as if brand new. My other watch is a gold and stainless Rolex that is almost 30 years old that my parents gave me upon graduation from college. I don't wear it much, but it is a nice watch and keeps excellent time.

I use a £24 Argos one that has date and a light, it's a 'Timex expedition '. That does me I only want to know the time!

I'm one extreme to the other,regular wrist watch is a Breitling Super Ocean,absolutely fantasic solid dependable watch,had it about 10 years although had to send it back to Company after 6 months as it was racing ,gaining time,was not happy due to the cost,but been fine since.
Have a £10.00 casio with velcro attatched to the top yolk of the bike !!!!!!!!,


Mick

Not many functions but

Omega Speedmaster Profesional (manual).

If its good enough for Neil and Buzz for their trip to the moon its good enough for me.

I've had a few expensive watches, Heuer and Omega and they've been wonderful. The battery failed on my Omega the day before the ferry ! I bought a citizen Eco-drive so that wouldn't happen again and it's been great. I find that in your tent it's a pain to find your torch to see what time it is so I've bought a Nite G10 which has small isotopes on the dial so it is illuminated all the time, shear luxury. I dream of a time when I won't need a watch, Get up when it's light and go to sleep when it's dark.

Why wear a watch? To tell the time... :)
 

Say, when you're off the bike hiking in the mountains and you haven't seen another person in a couple of days. When I fell down a moraine while tramping in the Cordillera Blanca my watch (another Timex) got ripped off my wrist. I ended up having to use the clock on my digital camera to work out whether I'd have enough time to cross a pass etc. before dark. The point is, when you're getting way out there (which is our reason for travelling, right?) a wristwatch is irreplacable.

In the working world cellphones are good enough timekeepers/alarms, but on a big trip they're a pain in the arse. Simplify, man :)

My 2 cents,
James

Are you havin' a larf? I lost my last one 30 years ago - cost me 2 shillings and sixpence. Can't be arsed buying another.

My Casio Illuminator Digital works just fine two years after I paid a whopping $12 for it.

ive got one of those "trendy" G-shock watches from casio, couldnt tell you the model but its indestructable.
it saved my wrist last year when i came off and went up the road with my arm trapped under me. leather jacket sleeve rode up, glove cuff and knuckle armour wore through, crappy plastic "trendy" watch face/cover wore through but the billet aluminium house brick underneath that holds the actual mechanism just shrugged it off, saving my wrist bones which would have become a red smear on the road.

the fantastic thing is i usually take my watch off for comfort under a glove but that day i was in a hurry.

Slight correction if I may (sorry CT_Millar13)
 

This is how it works::thumbup1:
This traditional way of telling the time can only be used if the watch is set to G.M.T. in the United Kingdom, or to true local time (with no local additions such as summer time) if abroad.In the Northern hemisphere, hold the watch flat and point the hour hand towards the Sun, Now bisect the angle between the hour hand and the figure 12 (noon) on your watch to give you a North-South LINE.
As you know that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the line is easy to know which end points north and which points south.

In the Southern hemisphere, hold the watch dial and point the figure 12 (noon) towards the sun. The line that bisects the angle between the hour hand and the figure 12 is the North-South line.

NB that this method will become less accurate the nearer you are to the equator.

That figures...

Casio Solar G-Shock G-2310-1V
 

for me its the timex option on the road. cheap, reliable and not hartbreaking if lost or damaged. Pulsar Diver for the rest of the time.

Two watches? i think that gives me twice as much time to do stuff.

Tag-Heuer SEL, The most comfortable watch I've owned.

Vostok Amphibia:

A Russian wind up/self winding watch. Its extremely accurate, has hands and a date (though cant figure leap years/February). True to Russian technology its as strong as hell, with a 200m depth rating, I can vouch for the first 74m, after that I dunno yet.

The Luminous markings last for about 20 minutes, then all dark so no irritating your vision.

I have not wound it since I brought it and it has no battery.

Oh and they look great,a nd cost £40.

I must confess that I belong to the "no watch" brigade. However, when I go touring I do carry a cheap travel alarm clock (Westclox) - does this count?

Since my bike has a clock, I only really need an alarm clock if I need to catch an early morning ferry for example. Mind you, if it fails to go off you will be amazed at how quickly you can pack your bike when you have to!

baswacky.

I've got a 15 euro French watch which I bought simply because it has a rubber strap so can be fitted on the handlebar pad if required.
I like it anyway.

I have the same one except the armor rotted off the center piece. Mine is from 1983 and still runs on the original 7 year battery. I have a backup as well that looks like this. Great choice. :thumbup1:

oldest watch on the road
 

I claim to be travelling with what is possibly the oldest watch on the road. It is a Smiths deluxe, made in England about 70 years ago. A horologist friend who serviced it for me described it as a reasonable quality working mans watch. I aquired it from work where the original owner had left it upon his retirement for anybody who wanted to wind it up, a daily task. It stopped working and was knocking around in a tool box for 5 years when I picked it up, had it serviced and now use it on my trip up through Africa, it loses about a minute a day and looks too awful to be worth nicking.
Mark

I hate watches.. but this is mainly because I have spent lots and lots of money on them.. everything from a tag to an omega and even had a girlfriend who gave me her ex's rolex.. and they all broke with in weeks.. rubbish the lot of em... Then a bout 5 years ago I got a G-shock all stainless steal one.. By arm has gotten 3x bigger from lugging it around.. but it is indestructible...
Two nights ago proved it.. I was walking in a car park of the local grocer when a £$%£$hole in a 2007 AUDI sports coupe of some kind.. backed into me.. and yes hit me :(.. my left hip is back and blue.. but my G-shock hit the rear window first and smashed the safety glass the result ..although i ended up leaning in his car.covered in glass. my upper body is a bit sore but unharmed. there is not a scratch on the watch.. Bummer part is i was so "shocked" I just picked myself up and gave the guy a dirty look and went home...He turn out to be a 17ish year old little rich kid .... He hit me cus his windows were all illegally dark tinted:nono:..he could not hear me shouting cus his thumper base box was too loud.. I could have had him arrested/ car impounded.. and sued for the money for my RWT !!:thumbup1::thumbup1: (kidding I dont believe in the lawsuit culture.. not kidding about the car impounded part.. this i think i should have done.. the rich little sh**..\ cant see out of his windows.. it should be taken off the road..)..

So here endith the lesson.. where a G-shock it is ATGATT for when you are getting hit by an AUDI in a car park... :thumbup1:

my missus got me a new watch for xmas. Citizen Eco drive with green strap. Its simple easy to read good for snorkeling and the best bit no battery to replace its solar powered. Now all I need is a solar bike and I can be away.:cool4:

Dont wear one anymore..
 

Moved to Spain 3 years ago. Don't need one here, there is no point. No-One is EVER on time, your lucky if you get a Delivery the same Day never mind worrying about an actual Time..........:thumbup1:

Martyn

Ive always wanted a Omega Speedmaster (moon watch) but I just cant get the idea of parting with so much cash for a watch.

:thumbup1:

+1 vote for the Casio G-Shock / Baby-G. Absolutely bullet-proof. I'm on my third one. The other 2 got lost/stolen. Every other watch I've ever had lasted maximum 3 months. I've even played with getting a second one. Obsessive? Never! :)

Hi all,

I'll second that.
I'm on my second (YELLOW) G-Shock.
The first lasted 10 years, and travelled all over the world with me.
Absolutely unbreakable.

Gets my vote!!

I've got one of these...

http://www.scuba.com/images/watches/030704_big.jpg

Another G-Shock here. I like watches and have a few. The more interesting ones are an Animal titanium one which is nearly as tought as my G-Shock but for some reason gives me a really sore wrist when worn on the bike, and a Japanese 'Pimp' Star Performer watch from Tokyo Flash (Tokyoflash Japan: Home. Unique Japanese Watches. LED, LCD, PIMP, EleeNo Watches).
http://www.tokyoflash.com/pics/PIM003_m.jpg

I've also got a Citizen Eco Drive that only works in the summer months because the UK doesn't seem to get enough daylight the rest of the year for it to sufficiently charge itself :(

just found this thread - funny cos I've just broke my new watch!! I seem to go through them - the one I just broke was a 'swiss mono' - not sure what happened, the strap just broke - will try and fix it at home.

I've had a couple of timex watches, they seem to last well but in the end have ended up broken, although saying that I think I've still got one thats working somewhere. Broke one in Africa and ended up using my mobile phone to tell the time.

Wanting a Gshock watch, couple of people I know have had them & swear by them

Never mind - Just fixed it! Felt weird not wearing it!

Mines an "Omega Seamaster" reassuringly expensive but well worth the price in terms of reliability and quality...

Omega Seamaster

So you can see where North is of course (although not on a digital).

I've got a fake Rolex Oyster I bought in Quito in 1995, and it's still going strong. Not only that the counter-clockwise rotating second hand is always a talking point.

not to brag, well actually to brag, i have a 1969 restored omega seamaster, wind up. but i only wear it out to posh do's. whist travelling don't really use a watch.

I have one just like it! Tough as nails. I wear it everyday, it is a part of my arm.

Mornin'

I use a Swiss Army watch that I bought in a sale, over twenty years ago for £19.00.

Every other year I replace the battery and that's it.

Totally reliable, small, tough, waterproof and always accurate. What else would you want from a watch?

Oh, and it's analogue type, rather than these new fangled digitals, they'll never catch on , tee hee.

A few years ago I tried to point out a hot air balloon from the car, to a young passenger. I said 'look at the balloon at our three o'clock low'. He looked at his watch and said 'how did I know a balloon would be there in two hours?'. Class. We still chuckle over that one.

I use an Omega Seamaster that I've had for about 16 years. Unfortunately the last twice it has gone to Swatch to have the battery changed it has needed servicing so I'm struggling to justify keeping it. On the plus side it is superbly accurate.

I also use a SUUNTO Vector - it too has loads of good points.

If anyone else has a decent place to get batteries replaced let me know.

i've got casio g-shock from argos. tough, accurate. highly recommended.

Buy G-Shock LCD Gents Watch. at Argos.co.uk - Your Online Shop for .