What is your current favourite brand and why?

theheavyhitter

My first watch aged 11 was a Casio DBC-610. I can honestly say that was, and is still one of my favourite watches. An iconic piece.
Then at 21 I bought my first Rolex, a pre-owned Submariner 14060M for £2500.
I had grown up watching Sean Connery wearing a 6538, and Roger Moore wearing a 5513 in the James Bond films. They always stuck in my mind, after Moore's 5513 with its saw bezel cutting the rope.
I just really wanted one after that, so saved up hard for 2 years in my first graduate job.
My Submariner obsession has been with me ever since, and I have always owned one, various models, up until my current Hulk.
But Rolex isn't my favourite current brand. Its Oris.
I love many of their pieces; Artix, Aquis, 65. At the moment the Aquis is a piece that I really like, especially their Hulk version.
What I like most is that they aren't afraid of some experimentation like the screwed lugs, and different lug design to the conventional 20mm lug Submariner case shape many use.
I like what Oris are doing with their designs. Many excellent value/quality pieces. The 65 is another favourite, and I see it as a really good less expensive vintage diver alternative to the Black Bay.
So what is your current favourite brand, and why?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAboss47UDQ
https://ibb.co/gvPV7xv

shutup

Most big brands don’t do much for me. I only like one or two Rolex.
I would also say Oris. Was about to buy one recently as my first big purchase but bottled it.
I’ll prob go back soon and pick it up as I’m still thinking about the watch.
How often would I have to service an Aquis and at what cost?

theheavyhitter

shutup wrote: »

Most big brands don’t do much for me. I only like one or two Rolex.
I would also say Oris. Was about to buy one recently as my first big purchase but bottled it.
I’ll prob go back soon and pick it up as I’m still thinking about the watch.
How often would I have to service an Aquis and at what cost?

Based on wearing it every day, 5 years is typical. The good thing is, they use the Sellitta SW200 (same as ETA 2824-2); which did have a problem with the crown winding gear, which has now been resolved. So they are very reliable. Oris add their own red rotor, and make some other minor changes; but its a good workhorse movement. With regards to servicing cost, they have a flat rate for automatics; 220 Euro. This includes the following: Movement overhaul; Polishing case and bracelet; Gasket replacements; New hands, new crown.
So you see the running costs are much lower than other Swiss brands such as Rolex and Omega etc.
With regards to buying one; Montredo has a good selection of model variants in stock, and better prices then the Irish retail. They ship from Germany so no Irish customs charges either.
https://www.montredo.com/index.php?stoken=A94736EC&force_sid=&lang=1&cl=search&searchparam=oris+aquis
For under 1500 Euro the Aquis can't be beaten value/quality. Steinhart are good, but Oris is a level above in case finishing; closer to Omega Seamaster level. I honestly consider them to be better quality than a Longines or Tag Heuer.
I previously owned a 65, and actually preferred the slimmer vintage case profile to my Black Bay. I think the Aquis is an excellent piece, with some great innovations. Such as the removable crown cards, so if they get dented one can just replace the crown guard only rather than polishing the whole case.
Also the screws in lugs are much better than spring bars.
See this interesting video where Tim Mosso compares the Oris Hulk to Rolex Hulk. In many ways I prefer the Oris, and I say that as a Hulk owner.
The dial looks cleaner on the Oris with the date at 6, and a black date wheel, no cyclops. Better shade of green too.
The best aspect of the Aquis is the case profile, looking at the side elevation it has a kettle shape, wider at the base and tapering in towards the bezel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn2GreQbgXE&t=
Also if you aren't sure about the fit, its worth buying one of the Sinobi 1132 homages to the Aquis for 20 USD from Aliexpress. The case dimensions are the same, so good for trying out the case and lug fit on the wrist before buying.
One then has a 20 USD quartz beater to use if one doesn't like the fit/lugs then anyway.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHaE1iMSkAg
https://ibb.co/j8CHwr8

2shea

Invicta

893bet

Omega.

They have a lot of handsome watches!

They also have a lot of ugly watches!

They release so many they are bound to have lots of hits and misses. They need to start making their movements thinner though as many of their watches are ridiculously thick IMO.

theheavyhitter

893bet wrote: »

Omega.

They have a lot of handsome watches!

They also have a lot of ugly watches!

They release so many they are bound to have lots of hits and misses. They need to start making their movements thinner though as many of their watches are ridiculously thick IMO.

My Planet Ocean was one of my favourite pieces. In many ways I preferred it to my Submariners. The bracelet and clasp are better on a Planet Ocean. Also the black date wheel, and domed crystal rather than cyclops magnifier look cleaner.
Personally I like the thickness, as I have an 8" wrist so pieces with heft suit.
Agreed they have some ugly pieces too. I don't like the wavy dial on the current Seamaster for example.
Another negative is they have released too many limited editions, and Seamaster variants.
Lastly I would say they would look better without the helium release valve. Its pointless in reality, as professional divers use computers these days anyway.
The majority of Seamaster owners take them off to load the dishwasher let alone shower with them on.

Cienciano

Currently, my favourite brand would have to be McManus. I gave €400 to the kickstarter, expecting the watch any day now

Homer

Cienciano wrote: »

Currently, my favourite brand would have to be McManus. I gave €400 to the kickstarter, expecting the watch any day now

Rumour is he spent all the money on a new identity :cool:


Not a great one mind.....

funkyouup

Wear in good health once you have the Cert from the clinic, thats what i always say

micks_address

Speaking of Kickstarter these look interesting..

https://hamtun.co

In terms if favourite brand i can't say. My most expensive purchase had been an Omega aqua terra Skyfall.. I haven't even tried it on yet as it's in Boston but I don't think I'll be dissapointed. I like my Casio gshock full metal as it's a great grab and go watch. No setting time etc. my latest I love to stowa marine classic 40mm hand wind.

I always said I'd never spend 5k on a watch but I've nearly spent 5k on 5 watches now..

I'll report back once I start wearing my Omega in May.. the other two watches i have a Steinhart ocean vintage gmt and Seiko sarb017 Alpinist .. enjoy those two..

theheavyhitter

micks_address wrote: »

Speaking of Kickstarter these look interesting..

https://hamtun.co

In terms if favourite brand i can't say. My most expensive purchase had been an Omega aqua terra Skyfall.. I haven't even tried it on yet as it's in Boston but I don't think I'll be dissapointed. I like my Casio gshock full metal as it's a great grab and go watch. No setting time etc. my latest I love to stowa marine classic 40mm hand wind.

I always said I'd never spend 5k on a watch but I've nearly spent 5k on 5 watches now..

I'll report back once I start wearing my Omega in May.. the other two watches i have a Steinhart ocean vintage gmt and Seiko sarb017 Alpinist .. enjoy those two..

Interesting collection. Would you prefer having one 5K piece, or say 5 x 1K pieces for variety? As time has gone on I have reduced my collection, as I now think less is more, in terms of few but higher-end pieces. I have come to the conclusion after years of collecting, that all one really needs is one sports, and one dress piece really.

micks_address

theheavyhitter wrote: »

micks_address wrote: »

Speaking of Kickstarter these look interesting..

https://hamtun.co

In terms if favourite brand i can't say. My most expensive purchase had been an Omega aqua terra Skyfall.. I haven't even tried it on yet as it's in Boston but I don't think I'll be dissapointed. I like my Casio gshock full metal as it's a great grab and go watch. No setting time etc. my latest I love to stowa marine classic 40mm hand wind.

I always said I'd never spend 5k on a watch but I've nearly spent 5k on 5 watches now..

I'll report back once I start wearing my Omega in May.. the other two watches i have a Steinhart ocean vintage gmt and Seiko sarb017 Alpinist .. enjoy those two..

Interesting collection. Would you prefer having one 5K piece, or say 5 x 1K pieces for variety? As time has gone on I have reduced my collection, as I now think less is more, in terms of few but higher-end pieces. I have come to the conclusion after years of collecting, that all one really needs is one sports, and one dress piece really.

I sort of like the idea of having one of each category of watch.. like a dress watch, diver, the ghsock.. I'm curious how I'll feel about the aqua Terra. Im thinking of maybe selling the Alpinist but I do like it.. the only other watch I 'fancy' at the moment is a speedmaster

theheavyhitter

micks_address wrote: »

I sort of like the idea of having one of each category of watch.. like a dress watch, diver, the ghsock.. I'm curious how I'll feel about the aqua Terra. Im thinking of maybe selling the Alpinist but I do like it.. the only other watch I 'fancy' at the moment is a speedmaster

Aqua Terra is an excellent choice, lovely case shape and fit on the wrist.
Good time to sell an Alpinist as popular with collectors since their discontinuation.

micks_address

theheavyhitter wrote: »

micks_address wrote: »

I sort of like the idea of having one of each category of watch.. like a dress watch, diver, the ghsock.. I'm curious how I'll feel about the aqua Terra. Im thinking of maybe selling the Alpinist but I do like it.. the only other watch I 'fancy' at the moment is a speedmaster

Aqua Terra is an excellent choice, lovely case shape and fit on the wrist.
Good time to sell an Alpinist as popular with collectors since their discontinuation.

Thanks i stuck the Alpinist up on adverts even though I really don't want to sell it .

theheavyhitter

micks_address wrote: »

Thanks i stuck the Alpinist up on adverts even though I really don't want to sell it .

Wise decision, as prices are strong now. Good luck with the sale.
With an Aqua Terra you don't need an Alpinist as well.