A few weeks back, while in hospital, a friendly nurse named Matt who has hippy tendencies and a love of bikes, showed me his spanking new Harley bike. It was drop-dead gorgeous and even more so because he had chosen to go easy on the chrome and get a model that was almost all matt and glossy black. The only annoying thing, he said, is that when he parks the bike on the street for even a short period, it is covered with fingerprints. Fortunately, my own Harley will not cause such difficulties as it is contained within a worn-out watch that is probably now worth nothing.

The Harley I refer to is, in fact, a quartz watch movement that I have not encountered previously, and I always get "excited" when I open a watch and find a movement that puzzles me. The watch itself is a Clyda and also has a squared monogram CQ on the dial similar to that I have encountered on some other early analogue quartz watches. The watch dial is rather nice, being an old-fashioned style three-hand and date example, also with a large moonphase/day-night complication. And as for Clyda, this is a rather intriguing watch brand, relatively little-known in this country but with a pedigree dating back to 1939. The firm remained small until after the collaboration between the manufacturer, Roger Monin, and Teylor Jules, the designer who founded Clyda at the end of the thirties. The idea was for Roger Monin to manufacture watches at his factory in Sharkemon, and since the late sixties, the company has gone from strength the strength, producing watches in the French taste. Anyway, to get back to the Harley, the rather large movement takes up most of the inside of the 30mm case and it is mainly silver metal with an exposed chip and some black plastic. It bears the following impressed marks: "Harley/RONDA SA", "One 1 JEWEL/UNADJUSTED/378" and "SWISS". I show the caliber 378 Harley Ronda movement here below:

The Harley Ronda caliber 378, as in my clapped out watch (pic from i.ebayimg.com):

The movement showing the dial side, in the same format as my own watch (pic from stsupplyonline.com):

I have done a bit of initial research on the movement and it would appear that Harley Ronda movements are intended to be exact retro-fit movements to replace older ETA and other earlier movements that are no longer generally available. Apart from that fact, I know little, and I would very much like to know more - for example, who is "Harley" in this context?

Another new name I have come across in the movements game is Hua Chen, and I have come across a quartz Chinese watch containing a three-hand economy quartz movement marked, "NO JEWELS/HUACHEN CO" and "HC212F". This movement, which is basically in black plasic but with a metal backplate, comes from a manufacturer and exporter of watch parts and movements whose full title is, Shenzen Hua Chen Horology Co., Ltd.. The firm was established in 2003 and is based in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. It's online division seems to emanate from stylewatch.com.

Hua Chen caliber HC21F movement from the front (Pic from stylewatch.com):

I've long admired this kind of engraved decoration...

...so decided to have one of my watches done.

This Aerowatch...



I provided these references to indicate the style of decoration I want... 





...and these sketches to show locations for the engraving...



The work is scheduled to be done in June/July - will post results on completion 

Seiko from the 1980s happy bank holiday Monday everybody 

a new electronic watches by solar powered, sapphire crystal & titanium from japans....

I received an email from Shade Station announcing their Bulova Bank Holiday Bonanza, and there seems to be some genuine bargains to be had if anyone is interested:

https://www.shadestation.co.uk/campaign/Bulova-Bank-Holiday-Watches-Sale.html

Sale ends at midnight on monday, and the one that caught my eye was the mighty Sea King which I paid £209 for quite recently, now reduced to £160 (gutted!)

https://www.shadestation.co.uk/Bulova-Watches-Sea-King-UHF-96B228.html  (Note: One of the customer reviews is mine - There are no names on them, but my review is the longest, dated 9th June 2016...)

I haven't got any association with Shade Station, other than the fact that I bought the Sea King from them,  They seem pretty hot on customer service from my experience though, and I would definitely use them again.

Cheers 

Empty your inbox.

Having just come back from a watch hunt in the big bad city - Brighton, that is - and having also examined a couple of watch ranges from companies I am thinking of writing about, I cannot help feeling that the quartz analogue chronograph has now been done to death, and there seems to be no way out. More specifically, I feel that the quartz chronograph, with its varying number of small registers on the dial, is now such an inexpensive watch type to manufacture that it has penetrated every level of the marketplace except the lowest rungs, and even there, the chronograph style is frequently found, where fake registers are used to give the impression that the timepiece is a genuine chronograph. Indeed, as the cost and price of quartz analogue chronos has fallen, the premium that one feels in owning a chronograph rather than a standard watch has lessened to almost zero, and the premium that one would have paid for the privilege of owning a chronograph watch has all but disappeared.

In this state of affairs, it is now difficult to find quartz analogue chronographs that truly offer something special, and something worthy of investing in. The quartz chronograph can be had so cheaply these days, and still with pretty good watch specifications, that I myself am reluctant to shell-out a relatively large sum of money on a quartz chronograph. Having said all that, however, I do still believe that there are exceptions to the rule, and such an exception is the Christopher Ward limited edition C70 motorsport-related chronograph range, which, if you are interested in cars or motor racing and even if you are not, offers a quartz chronograph of fine quality that will almost certainly become a collector's item. And how many quartz chronographs can achieve that double?

(pic from media.christopherward.co.uk)

The "four"mentioned in my topic title relates to the four main colourways of the C70 limited edition motorsport watches, and these watches differ not only in their colours but also in the subject each one commemorates. I am going to focus here on the C70 Brooklands COSC Limited Edition model, which I came across in an advert in Octane magazine and which takes green as its main colour-motif. There is also a beautiful red C70 Rosso Corsa 1921 Chronometer Limited Edition version that celebrates the first ever Italian Grand Prix, and for the Francophiles among us, a celebratory blue version. I could now make a bad taste joke about the "Belgians" but I won't and instead I can admire the startling yellow Ascari colourway that celebrates the First Belgian Grand Prix in 1925..

To get back to the Brooklands version as our C70 version under consideration, this watch just has everything going for it in spite of the fact that it is a quartz model. OK, the watch will set you back about £600, but the compensations for this rather large sum are threefold and I will deal with them individually:

 1) The movement: Central to any choice of expensive watch will be the movement, and the Brooklands watch does not disappoint.in this area. The 27-jewel, thermo-compensated, ETA caliber 251.264 COSC used is chronometer-certified and operates to a basic accuracy of +/-10 seconds per year. The chronograph function measures down to a tenth of a second, up to 12 hours, and battery life is excellent, up to about 6 years. This is not the sort of movement you will find in the cheaper run of chronograph watches.

2) The general specifications of the watch: Here, we find specifications that could be described as being premium, although not cutting edge. The 42mm case is constructed in 316L stainless steel, and the front crystal is domed sapphire, over a multi-layered dial featuring chronograph split minutes, seconds and tenths of a second indications as well as a date window. Water resistance is fine at 100 metres, and the watch does have a screw-in crown. At the back, we find a museum-grade sapphire crystal that covers a ceramic disc bearing the Union flag. The strap is Italian leather. 

(Pic from media.christopherward.co.uk)

3) The specialness of the timepiece: Clearly, the main appeal of this chronograph is going to be its connection with Brooklands and the history of motor racing in this country. That alone gives the watch a certain cache, but to me it is not only this association, nor the fact that the edition is limited to 500 pieces worldwide, but the way in which it has been achieved that gives this watch its specialness. The actual event celebrated is the first British Grand Prix, held at Brooklands in 1926. Ironically, the race was won by the French, but no matter. The back of the watch has in its centre a ceramic disc bearing the emblem of the host nation, surrounded by an engraved laurel wreath and commemoration legend. and the watch also bears an individual engraved serial number. Overall, the watch is rather beautiful, It is certainly bold, but the different colours within the piece have been well-balanced, as have the different elements of dial and hands. Also, the case is not clumsy or overdone, and the bezel is also the correct width for the watch and adds a uniting colour to round off the watch.

(Pic from watchshock.com)

I know I have spent some time on this single model from Christopher Ward but in my opinion, this watch in its various colourways helps to redress the failing status of the quartz chronograph as a truly worthwhile collectible watch type in the sense that this timepiece exudes quality from within and also without. £600 is certainly a lot of money for a quartz chrono, but I reckon that Christopher ward won't have much trouble shifting the 500 watches made for each version. I am British so I should prefer the Brooklands colourway. However, although I do love the C70 Brooklands version, my heart is really with the Red example that bears the Italian flag on its rear ceramic disc. Whatever the case, all four of these timepieces - green, red, blue and yellow -  are a bit of a treat. And of course, each watch comes in a nice box with relevant paperwork.

This identically specced Corsa Rosso version just has to be my favourite of these watches, but only by a slim margin over the green Brooklands edition (pic from christopherward.co.uk):

And here for good measure is the yellow version (pic from media.christopherward.com):

How old were you when the watch bug bit

I have always liked watches but its only when I cut back on work and semi retired at 55 , ten years ago, I started on my hoard.

I suppose before then I just didn't have the time. Its a nice sedentary hobby for those past more vigorous pursuits , although I am sure this doesn't apply to everyone.

What age were you when the bug really bit, and why.

Cheers

I'd just like to say a public thank you to Robden for my latest incoming from his recent prize draw.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you.... the mighty Reginald Superlative Chronometer:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn77/waveydavey1960/Watch Collection/100_7226_zpsoprnnehf.jpg

The watch arrived safely today, and is in pristine unmarked condition. And best of all, it's quartz - woohoo! 

Cheers for the generous gesture mate, and as always thanks to Roy for the excellent forum

The last expensive chrono I offered up on the forum as something worth looking at went down a bit like a lead balloon, albeit one still desperately hanging on to a parachute. That model was a quartz example of the genre, and I have decided to try again, again with a watch by a relatively new company but this time an automatic rather than a quartz timepiece. 

The watch in question is the new Sinn 910 Anniversary chronograph, produced to mark the company's 55th anniversary. Yes, Sinn was launched in 1961 by Helmut Sinn, a pilot and flight instructor who found himself dissatisfied with the watches that were available on the market and who decided to produce his own. In terms of how the production and marketing of quality watches has developed in recent times, Helmut Sinn was something of a pioneer. Indeed, Sinn  was one of the first so-called "Boutique" or niche brands, and was marketed direct to customers rather than via a middle-man. Also, Helmut Sinn  concentrated on producing dependable and relatively affordable high quality watches - seemingly successful on both counts. The company underwent a change of ownership in 1994 but there has been continuity in terms of output and quality since then.

Generally speaking, Sinn watches have gained a reputation for their German aesthetic, their solidity and the mechanical movements used. In addition, the firm has not been reluctant to innovate, with such features as tegimented steel, anti-magnetism, and special capsules to keep a watch dry. My intention here is not to try and review Sinn watches generally, nor to provide a detailed history of the firm, Instead, I shall just introduce the 910 Anniversary chronograph and leave it up to you as to whether you approve of this timepiece or not.

The Anniversary 910 is not merely one of a series of watches just branded as an anniversary piece. Instead, the company has genuinely gone to town on this watch, resulting in a rather beautiful retro-styled mechanical split-seconds column-wheel chronograph. The watch is actually part of the "Frankfurt Financial District" range - an odd name for a watch collection - but somehow, it seems more like a vintage motoring-related chronograph to me. Anyway, the secret of this watch lies inside, and we are not here talking about cutting edge technological features but instead, heavy modification of a Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement in collaboration with La Joux-Perret to lend this watch the feeling of early split-timers, with the use of a column-wheel or ratchet to actuate the chronograph. The watch therefore not only has the usual chronograph functions that one would expect but also has a button on the case at 8 o'clock that is used for the measurement of intermediate times. On activating the chronograph function, the split-seconds hand turns in sync with the main chrono seconds hand until the button at 8 is pushed; then only the main chrono hand continues to move. A second push on the 8 o'clock button causes the split-seconds hand to race on and catch up with the main chrono seconds hand, keeping in sync once again.

(Pic from ablogtowatch.com)

The case of the watch is 41.5mm and 15.5mm thick and in stainless steel, with a cream-coloured dial and black hands and markers apart from touches of red that just enliven the already beautiful dial and inner bezel. The front and rear crystals are sapphire, both anti-reflective - double-sided in the case of the main glass - and water resistance is 100 metres. The tan leather strap is 22mm lug to lug, and the movement has been well-finished in terms of quality and rear-view aesthetics. Reading reviews of the 910 Anniversary, it would seem that this watch is well up to Sinn's highest standards with chronograph functioning that operates smoothly and firmly. It does have the air of being something a bit special and indeed, the watch is limited to 300 pieces. The price is 5,500 Euros or £4,165.

I could cop out at this point and leave out my own personal conclusions on the 910 Anniversary watch.  However, I will resist that temptation and say how I feel. There is no doubt in my mind that this is a beautiful and well-made timepiece and one that resurrects the dying and complex art of the column-wheel. The nature of the modifications made to the basic Valjoux movement make it almost a proprietory caliber for Sinn, and the chronograph functions on this watch were always going to make it relatively expensive. However, with the price being a shade over four grand in the UK, we are pushing into high-end territory. The question is whether the 910 Anniversary can really hold its own among similarly-priced automatic chronographs from other fine watch companies, some of which have genuine Swiss pedigree and heritage. For me, although the 910 Anniversary has a German-made designation which is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, I wonder if Sinn is an actual manufacturer of its watches, and if not, does that really matter in this case?

(Pic from klocksnack.se)

The truth is that I have mixed feelings about this watch. It is impossible for me not to like it because I lust after that particular style of chronograph in genuinely vintage pieces. Nevertheless, would I spend £4,000 on a brand new watch that is essentially a sort of replica model, and a replica of a style that was already in production before Helmut Sinn even came on the scene? OK, the watch is a limited edition, and it is nice to be able to buy something brand new that I would probably not be able to obtain in similarly mint condition vintage form. But in my memory are genuine period chronographs in the same basic style that are aesthetically exquisite, and although the Sinn 910 Anniversary chronograph is good-looking and probably well-made and technically worth the money, I think I would pass on an actual purchase, even if I had the money to spare on a single timepiece.

(Pic from ablogtowatch.com)

(Pic from ablogtowatch.com)

When it comes to your watch purchases are you a haggler or not?

I didn't use to be a haggler, just paid the ticket price but for quite a few years I have been an inveterate haggler...no shame at all

It started with expecting ten percent off my Tissots, and getting it, to trying with just about anything.

Some people don't like haggling....are you one of them

Any good haggling results to report ?

Cheers

Anyone had experience buying watches from this Japanese website? I know there is a massive market for watches there (am looking at a speedy mk) but just wanted to understand if this particular website is fully legit. Pricing seems sensible enough.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

A friend of mine found this unusual watch when he was clearing out his loft. The brand name is Gizbo Bridge, it is quartz and it has a curved sprung front cover that flips up to reveal the dial when a button is pressed. It looks like a man's watch, although the case width is 29mm, and the dial diameter is 19mm. The case appears to be nickel-plated brass. My daughter, who is in charge of the watch section at Lyons Jewellers in Croydon, has fitted it with a new battery and it works perfectly; however no-one there could shed any light on the brand.

He is keen to find out more about it, and whether it's worth anything. A Google search throws up only one watch site in Oregon that makes a reference to Gizbo of London, but it's not an active link.

He asked if I would post pics here in the hope that someone might be able to come up with more information about it, so here they are:

Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk

Watch turned up yesterday to my office.  Set the time, Cant wear it because Ive not got wrists like an elephant, put it in the drawer prior to taking to have the strap adjusted.

Looked at it this morning and it seems to have lost four minutes!   Four minutes!

Is this teething problems or do I need to return it?

I have reset it and await an anxious night waiting to see what happens. 

On a happier note I could quite happily play with the internal bezel all day long.

Hi Everybody,

I found this clock, and was wondering if it could have a value, looks like it is not that recent. Conditions not so good, but working.

Image 1

Image 2

Thank for your help.

Just now, MickJagger said:

Hi Everybody,

I found this clock, and was wondering if it could have a value, looks like it is not that recent. Conditions not so good, but working.

Image 1

Image 2

Thank for your help.

Sorry,

here's the correct links

http://www.casimages.com/i/160831025353596605.jpg.html

http://www.casimages.com/i/160831025402983590.jpg.html

This just turned up. Not a fan of rubber but will try this for a couple of days as it feels quite comfortable.

I must say that I’m very impressed with the tolerances on this watch. The bezel looks to be almost one piece with the case but it turns as smooth as silk and clicks all the way round without any play at all.

I’m expecting a good blue lume from this.

Only two small gripes that I didn’t notice when I first viewed.

The seconds hand could have been about 2mm longer and the minute hand about 3mm longer come to think about it maybe even the hour hand as well. All in my opinion only of course.

Rob....

Hi All

Just thought i'd post some links to our watch design, launched on Kickstarter a few weeks back. 

We're a group of irish designers who have a love of watches, so decided to design our own. There are a few reviews online, but hoping for a big hands on review to be posted soon, which i'll post a link to once it's online. 

The watch is a Forged Carbon watch, with a DLC stainless steel or Titanuim body, 300m waterproof and GMT automatic. We went right back to the drawing board and with our love of water sports we deconstructed the classic dive watch and re-engineered and refined it. 

Would be great if you could share the facebook page and support us if you like it! 

If you have any questions, please ask!

Simon

https://www.facebook.com/NeonosWatches/

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/neonos/forged-carbon-dive-watch

http://neonos-watches.com/

Hi there

I saw a u tube video the other day where a guy had about 24 watches. most were stainless steel sports watches which included several Brietling, Tag Heuer, Rolex and Omega, with few gold numbers in there too.

My initial reactions were that there the guy has some really nice watches immediately followed by thinking that he had far too many or at least too many tat were similar.

For me watches are for wearing and if you have that many, they'll be ones that you wont wear for months or at all!

What are your thoughts on large collections? Tell me about your collection? And if you had such a collection like this would you reduce it and or upgrade the quality of the collection with watches which are vintage, more complicated or limited editions?

For me 6 I think 6 well thought out pieces could give you a solid collection. Please let me know what you think.

Cheers

Wednesday? Already? How'd that happen?

New in yesterday. Just wearing it to take some pics

http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy270/scottandliz/2016-08-31 08.09.52_zpsrd9vediw.jpg