A look at Lorus.

I have not had a Lorus watch for many years, but always reckoned them as good value. Perhaps not as innovative as Pulsar, which at the time was also part of Seiko. Pulsar unfortunately is gone but Lorus is still going. Looking at their current range, I spotted a model that for once does not have the ubiquitous large bezel and as I’m not about to go diving, the more conservative bezel look is fine.

This is the Blue Sunray solar (elegant Sports) model.

A nicely balanced dial layout in a stainless case with a single crown, it has a blue coloured dial with a horizontal texture background, luminous filled broad diver style hour, minute hand & markers, with a perimeter index 0-60 graduations with yellow highlights each 5. This is an applied sloped inner ring which, with the narrow and fixed bezel, maximises the face area – and being Solar powered, this aids light transmission efficiency. It has mineral glass, not sapphire which is OK as in my experience I can’t remember when I ever got scratches on any watch face I’ve owned. I kid you not!

The centre seconds aluminium hand is in bright yellow contrast and the Date window is a decent size @3 (instant set date). And importantly for me the dial is uncluttered, so clarity is good. The good size well knurled crown is case protected and the watch is rated as 10bar or 100m Water Resistance. The stainless solid back plate appears to be screw down, though why being solar, I can’t imagine, unless for servicing, which must surely be unlikely.

However, the two main features that attracted me to this model look good – namely the 100m Water Resistance and being Solar powered.

The solar module is the Epson AS32A and is regarded as efficient and reliable – with a full charge power storage time of around 4 months. Charging time for steady operation in sunny weather, just 15 minutes is required and full charge is around 5 hours and for I day operation, just 2 minutes exposure in good sunlight.

All positive so far.

The stainless bracelet is a three-fold clasp with push button release and fits to a lug size of 22mm. It is adjustable using a two prong push link pin between segments and the clasp has a 2 x position micro adjustment, which is just OK. And this is where the first slight negative comes on this model – for me at least.

I’m not really a fan of stainless steel bracelets (I much prefer Titanium ones) as I tend to find them heavy and a bit cumbersome unless of very good quality.
This one is just average, but knowing I already had a Detomaso Ocean strap which just happens to be a great match to the dial – I fitted that instead (see image). It also drops the overall weight down to a neat 65gms which suits me better. Incidentally the watch case dimensions are 42mm diameter & 11.2mm height, so not small, but just manageable with my medium wrists.

All up, I think it represents a decent looking model at a reasonable price of under £100 and I was quite pleased as I opened the box on arrival (always a good sign).

I’ll Post an update to this review once I’ve worn it for a bit. Then I can say with more certainty if it was worth it – being my first new buy for some time.

As always – Watch(this)Space . . . .

Two Divers – Cestrian V2 & Timex Deepwater 200

When I started my old page called “Beaters, Divers and Military” it was to highlight affordable models of these categories. And I meant affordable, which of course is a speculative term and means different values to different folks. But my rough guide was first for a decently made watch, which was available at a sensible everyday price. Now 10 years on from the first time I Posted the article (2014) my rough guide was intended to feature models costing no more than the mid hundreds at most, hopefully less.

For this Post, I decided to look at Diver models, as I have always reckoned this watch category have always made excellent “Daily Beaters”.

The First model I checked out is – the Cestrian CD911B0771 V2 Auto

– described as one of their Dive Series – this is the V2 Auto.
Cestrian I understand is a UK established Microbrand who offer their own branded models.

As with a many MB’s whilst their models are designed and specified in the UK, the case body is actually produced in China (as so many are) and the dial is populated to suit and then paired in this instance with the excellent Japanese Seiko NH35 Automatic movement.

The NH35 is known as reliable and durable and based on Seiko’s great 7S26 auto. It has a bi-directional rotor and is wound by movement or manually. It also is a hacking movement, so accurate setting is easy and it has a quick set date.

Power Reserve is around 41 hours and it has a dependable accuracy of around -20+40 seconds per day. It has 24 jewels and durability is enhanced by the Seiko Diashock anti-shock set up. This is an excellent, reliable work-horse movement and a good choice.

The watch has a very solid 316 stainless steel case at 42mm diameter and 13.8mm depth and features a 120-click high end unidirectional ceramic black bezel with Luminous datum marker. Note too that the luminous material applied is grade C3 Super-LumiNova, which is as good as it gets. This is applied to the nice super broad hour & minute hands, markers and the seconds hand tip. The dial has a clear Date window @3 and the solid well knurled crown is centred on the right of the case and well shrouded.

The crystal is made of scratch resistant Sapphire with the addition of an anti-reflective coating.

Already it seems that there are some good quality points here that are relatively rare on a watch of this price point. A further and real bonus is that the watch is Water Resistant to 300m, which somewhat more than expected at this price point.

On the dial face the luminous markers are applied, not painted and also raised (with metal edging) so have a perceived depth to them allowing better clarity. The dial itself (on this model) is matte black and there is a choice of bracelet or strap. Models come either with a bracelet version in a 5 link brushed Stainless steel with signature fold-over clasp, though my preference is for the 22mm wide silicon rubber strap with stainless pin/buckle option.

As expected with a 300m Water Resistant case, it has a solid screw down crown. I also note in addition to the luminous hands & numerals, the luminous coating is also applied to the Datum @12 on the ceramic bezel in true Diver fashion.

So, overall a solid, well balanced and rather well featured diver style watch. It looks pretty good with what appears decent quality throughout –
AND at a price of £160 discounted currently to around £130. It comes in various colourways (with my preference shown) dial background and bezel to suit all tastes. It also has a 2 year Warranty – all communication is local UK via Cestrian.

Value? – On the face of it, seems a viable alternative to mainstream Seiko for a third of the price, without sacrificing quality.

——————————————

The 2nd Model is the Deepwater Reef 200 GMT (TW2W75100) – from mainstream Brand Timex.

Once again a great looking model similarly specified to the Cestrian, as I tried to match the price as best I could. This model is powered by a Timex Quartz GMT analogue movement. It features a matte dial with Super-LumiNova coated Hour and Minute hands and a blue centre seconds hand with luminous tip PLUS a fourth 24hr GMT red pointer luminous ARROW hand to indicate a second time zone of your choice (24hrs = one dial revolution).

The dial also has luminous markers plus 24 hour index with 12hr colour index. There is also a large unidirectional 60 minute outer bezel, fully marked plus a luminous Datum Point @12. A magnified Date window features @3 and the dial Crystal if non-scratch Sapphire with Anti-reflect coating. So clarity should not be a problem.

The solid stainless Steel case is 41mm diameter and 13mm depth and has a Screw Down Crown, fully case shrouded and well knurled for ease of use. This model comes with a blue coloured 22mm wide synthetic Rubber strap with pin buckle.

The Water Resistance is 200m and this model is priced at around £215 or possibly discounted 15% (Timex) in the UK.

So, two really decent looking Diver models, similarly specified and priced and depending on your specific tastes, little to choose between them.

To summarize –
Water Resistance – Cestrian is 300m – Timex is 200m
Screw down crown – both
Super-LumiNova – both
Date window – Timex is magnified
Stainless Steel case – both
Uni-directional bezel – both
GMT – Timex – useful perhaps but adds dial clutter perhaps (the Cestrian is very clear to read)
Power – choices – Cestrian is Seiko mechanical Automatic – Timex is Quartz analogue.

So, for a first look this year I’ve managed to pick two similar specified models at remarkably similar prices. And from completely different backgrounds. The Timex mainstream Brand versus the Private Cestrian Brand – and to choose between them is quite a challenge.

But I’m not about to pick one – I leave that to anybody interested in a new affordable Diver.

Personally I like the clear uncluttered Cestrian dial and don’t really need the Timex GMT feature. I like the fact it’s also Automatic, so no battery worries. It IS somewhat heavier and thicker, but both are very good quality cases. Both have a Date which I personally consider essential. I do like the magnified date but never having used one, I’m used to not having that and the Cestrian Date is not small and it’s clear to read. Both have top notch luminous features.
I’m not fussed whether Quartz or Mechanical Auto as one of my all time favourite Diver models (my Apeks Diver) is Quartz and I’ve had it for years without any issues.
The Cestrian really scores with that Water Resistance – 300m, which is rare at this price point. But that said, 200m is perfectly fine for the recreational diver.

However the Cestrian price makes it very, very affordable for the specification offered.

But, that said, both are really good and at either price are solid performers at very affordable models – so choices, choices!

Note – I’m due to check out some more Diver offerings over the next few weeks and I’ll Post the results as I get them.

Cheap & cheerful Beaters

(Note the first model revised 25th April)
Just had a look around at the cheap & cheerful daily beaters. Models that cost virtual peanuts but manage do the job – to a lesser or greater degree. There are an amazing number of these around with some exceptional bargains to be had.

In no particular order here are four models that I particularly like.

Timex – well known reliable brand has this good looking model – the Timex Expedition T42571 – seen priced at around £35 – £45 today.
Powered with a Timex Quartz movement within a neat and quite small 38mm diameter x 10mm case of very light weight dark resin. The dial has a matte background, printed numerals with according to Timex, luminous hands. However in practice this is VERY poor.
Fortunately this model also has all dial *Indiglo (press the crown) which does allow night vision (although not my preferred choice). The glass is of acrylic and has 12/24 index marked on the dial. The crown is well protected by case shrouds.

Timex Expedition with my personal wrap strap

There is also a good size contrasting highlighted date window @3 which is very readable. Water Resistance is 5bar (50m), so fine for daily use.
It also has a 20mm nylon textured buckle strap (feels a bit plasticky for me) which is fine, though I’ve swapped it for one of the wrap straps I’m favouring at the moment just to see how it looks (shown in image 2).

And finally, a 12 month Warranty.

My verdict? (after wearing for a week)
It has a pleasing well balanced look and I like this particular case which is remarkably light. The dial is clear and easy to read. It also has a nice sized and clear Date. Clear outer perimeter minute chapter ring and overall, a good colour combination. However, I’d prefer much better luminosity, so would consider it as a cheap, neat watch – it is what it is.

And with the amazing low price – a good little travel watch.

This multi-function Casio AE1299WH-1A has been virtually the same for many years (since maybe 2012). Japanese Quartz powered (10 years battery life) with both digital and virtual analogue display. Black resin squared case just 39.5mm across and around 12mm depth, with 4 pushers. An Acrylic/mineral crystal protects the dial and the watch is multi-functional.

Classic, Retro? Value, World Timer, Gem? – the Casio AE1200WH-1AV

Time, including DST, Stopwatch, Countdown Timer, 48 city/31 time zone World Timer, 5 x Alarms with an integral LED “illuminator” dial light and with 100m (330ft) Water Resistance (so, swimming/snorkelling OK).

This is an amazingly well featured watch at any price, let alone the asking price of around £30 here in the UK. And with such a long production run history as a testament, this is difficult to beat as a Daily Beater.

What do I like about this one?
Great “at a glance” dial – shows the hour, minute, second, day, month and day. And – a sub analogue virtual dial with hour/minute & running seconds too. All functions are simple to set with the push buttons which are easily accessible (but not accidentally). The LED dial light is simple and effective.
I’ve had one since 2014 and it’s proved a winner. Cost me £17.00, so it’s gone up a bit since then, but still great value – (and I only changed the battery last month!).
It’s also unusual – a Digital display with virtual analogue (as opposed to an analogue dial + digital window). An obvious success for Casio, as it’s also been available for around 14 years – can’t say fairer than that.

So, if semi-digital is your thing – I can absolutely recommend it. And at this low price is a steal!

This is another Quartz but with a slight difference, as it’s powered by a Meca Quartz VH31 Automatic Seiko movement. This features a sweep seconds hand (similar look to a true mechanical automatic) which runs or sweeps at 4 “ticks” per second.

It is also very accurate at around +/- 15 seconds a month. The movement incorporates a number of plastic parts which reduces wear and gives added temperature resistance and has proved very reliable.

This is the Daily Beater Field Watch – from notostrapstore.com –

It features a 38mm diameter steel sandblasted case with a higher 100m Water Resistance v the Timex.
A large well knurled screw down crown, and a domed Sapphire non-scratch crystal with anti-reflection coating.

The dial has printed indices and numerals numerals on a dark background like the Timex above, though it does not have a Date display.
However, the broad analogue hands including the sweep second hand have C3 Super-LumiNova luminous coating, which is as good as it gets.
In looks, this model has a nice clear and simple Diver style and looks good.

What do I like about this one?

I like this solid basic “Beater” approach, with no frills or unwanted extras. It has good Water Resistance, a tough well finished case and an easy to read dial. AR Sapphire crystal is a bonus and I particularly like the large well knurled crown and matching NATO strap. The price is pretty good at around £75. Personally I would like a Date – useful at my age! But it is what it is.

This next model is from UK Chester based Cestrian Watches (launch partner & Authorised Dealer is WatchNation). The Cestrian Field series Automatic which is another good looking, well balanced model. This is also the first mechanical Automatic featured in this Post.

Cestrian Field model – Automatic with personal wrap strap

Powered by the Japanese Seiko NH35 Automatic movement, this is a really decent movement, 41hrs reserve, bi-directional rotor with manual wind if required and hacking allows precise time adjustment. Accuracy is solid at +/- 20-40 secs a day. A very reliable movement used worldwide.

At 40mm diameter, it wears small on the wrist though it is quite thick at a measured 12.8mm depth, it is also relatively heavy. This is a very solid matte finish sandblasted 316L stainless steel case is PVD coated Black.

This model comes with a green NATO ‘style’ strap. I say ‘style as this appears to have leather? keepers, whereas NATO spec’ straps are metal.
The dial is a matte dark khaki/green” with the excellent C3 Super-LumiNova coated nickel hour & minute hands. The centre seconds arrow hand has an orange tip and dot and the dial features a full 60 second track perimeter.

Cestrian 200m Automatic affordable beater

The inclusion of a scratch resistant Sapphire crystal with Anti-reflect coating, is a bonus, though oddly it sits slightly proud of the case.

The dial and case in this series comes with alternative finishes to suit your preferences.

Water Resistance is a very decent 200m coupled with a well knurled Screw Down crown. I note the screw down ‘screw’ is considerable and stiff which although unusual, works well.

Cestrian Field watch – C3 luminous – all night easy!

What do I like about this one?
This is a well specified model, without frills and is solidly practical. I like the dark khaki/green colour, which suits the black PVD coated case. The Screw Down crown and 200m WR, the Scratch resistant Sapphire crystal, C3 luminous properties and the low price, make for compelling affordability.
Personally I changed the strap for a “wrap” strap which does not go under the thick case – much better. Note – all images show with wrap strap.

Overall, an excellent watch with real quality features and at £120 – this is a very affordable alternative to mainstream Brands.

I was quite surprised to still see the Casio model, as I’ve had the same model for many years, so to include it here was a no brainer! The Cestrian Field model co-incidentally is a recent buy for me- and I am very pleased with it. However, I’d be equally pleased with either of the other two – as they are surprisingly good value in these trying times and nice to see.

Just a note on my strap change –
NATO style straps are fine if the watchcase is not too thick, as the strap is fed under the case twice, which in turn makes the watch overly thick on the wrist.
Most NATO spec’ straps are thin for that reason. They also use strong metal keepers. I changed to a velcro* wrap-strap, a personal preference.

Straps, Bracelets and deployments.

Of the many hundreds of watches I have owned over the years, one thing I have always taken note of is the strap, bracelet, band or wrap. Because surprisingly often, the one supplied, might not suit you once you start wearing it.

And there are so many different devices to strap to your wrist. The most common is probably a classic leather strap with a pin buckle. It should adjust to your wrist size and fits to the watch via the spring bars on the watch lugs. Other materials can be used such as metal mesh, nylon, rubber, textile and so on.

One of the better OEM bracelets – adjustable & extendable (Breitling Aerospace 1999)

Bracelets or bands are also popular, though some are good and some oddly not made to the same standard as the watch.
The most common version is the fold-over clasp type, with a metal link bracelet (made up of metal links) attached at the watch via the spring bars and some may have an intermediate curved plate, between watch case and spring bar – to match the curve of a round watch for example – and makes it more integrated. These bracelets are usually adjustable for wrist size by removable pins on the bracelet and often a small adjustment on the clasp too.

But if a metal bracelet is not to your liking and you like the bracelet deployment idea, then you could use fit a third party “deployment” fitting.

Leather strap with added deployment fixture (1)

This attaches to a standard leather strap. And here again, some are good, holding the watch close to the wrist and some the opposite, so check before purchase.

To fit a stand-a-lone deployment clasp you don’t even have to remove the leather strap from the watch – first – remove the buckle and pin from the strap. Then using the existing small spring bar that held the pin/buckle on, fit one end of the deployment attachment to it (note the deployment attachment must fit the width of the strap).

Third party deployment added to leather strap – note fixing points.

Fixing point of deployment clamp using strap holes on tail end of leather strap.

Then fit the other end of the deployment to the tail of the strap, normally it’s a movable clamp with hinged pin, which you ‘clamp’ to the strap and adjust the wrist size length by moving it to a suitable strap hole . Actually very simple and saves the strap from premature wear. Just ensure the deployment type suits you.

I have always been an advocate of having a watch strap or bracelet that’s comfortable. One that holds the watch to my 65mm wrist neatly, so much so that in the past more often, I’d swap out the standard leather or rubber strap for a silicon rubber fold-over one. These have a fold over/lock and the advantage of holding the watch close to the wrist, unlike many leather strap deployments. Whilst they are excellent, the ones I tend to use have a slight disadvantage in that these have to be cut to fit, so are bespoke to your particular wrist size. And if you like to use your watch off the wrist as an alarm on the bedside table, they are tricky to sit upright.

Casio with silicon fold-over strap – close fit.

Neat silicon fold-over strap – holds close to the wrist.

However, I did find that with most rubber straps, mine included , over time can become brittle. And the initial flexibility is not quite as it was.

And storage wise you can’t keep your watch flat – it has to be on a cushion or display pillow, curled around it – and there are watch boxes for that purpose. And if thinking of the roll method for your leather strapped watches – then be prepared for a permanently curved strap – so not really the best for leather..

So, basically as some of my older silicon banded watches (the early black ones as it happens) were looking their age and not as flexible (like me) I wondered what was around that might update the look of them and maybe add some colour. But, they had to look right or why bother I thought.

Old Uzi Defender – old ring wrap-strap – (1)

I began looking at a watch I’d had for years – this old Uzi Defender watch (amazingly good watch too) which had a nylon “wrap strap” (did I fit it years ago? no idea) or that’s what I called it. Like another old Timex I have, it sported a metal loop ring topside with wrap around Velcro closure.
And rather like NATO straps, the strap feeds under the spring bars and under the watch. Though depending on the watch back or how thick the case is could have a similar effect as a leather strap/deployment – it can make watch stand out a bit too far from the inside of the wrist – so you have to check if it’s the right type.

Anyway, when trawling the web the other day, I found a whole series of different textile/nylon etc wrap straps, which didn’t feed under the case, but were true wraps.

Called Sport Loops (whatever !) and the one that caught my eye was the Runostrich Quick Release or Sports Loop band. (I’m pretty sure I used to play in one!)

Anyway, as I said, a little bit more modern, very easy to fit and very comfortable, as you simply attach as a normal strap, then overlap and touch close (Velcro) to suit tightness and wrist size. No moving parts, no metal ring and the band (sorry – Loop!) doesn’t go under the watch.

Updated wrap-strap for Uzi Defender vintage – looks OK – neater fit.

It is nicely textured and soft to the touch Nylon, so likely waterproof. It’s flexible and no adjusting required. And these particular Bands fit wrists from 160mm-210mm (6.3″-8.3″) so quite a decent wrist range. And they are available in various widths of 18/19/20/22mm and maybe smaller.
Each band comes with 2 x quick release spring bars (plus a spare) and is available in a range of colours and textures. And you can fiddle it about a bit and it will sit upright on a bedside table at the angle you want, so very handy if you take your watch off at night – a quick glance and you read the time.

And I do particularly like their multicolour straps – though they only have a few. Maybe because in today’s world they can reflect a bit of rebel fashion, match the watch face or your mood, whatever. In other words, change the band, change the look. As shown on the Seiko 5 Sports Limited Edition below – though the Seiko has an excellent fold-over steel bracelet – this “wrap” is just for a change.

And as said, as many of my older silicon deployment straps are/were black, with this change I can have what I like to call my “Woodstock” look.

Perfect colour match wrap-strap, Easy fit, easy wear.

And OK, this is a tenuous link to memory and maybe as folks my age seem to end up a bit drab and colourless, like the straps – or is it me?.

Anyway- for whatever reason, it takes me back to 1969, to what was in my opinion, more colourful days. This particular ‘mem’ was in Bethel was it? Catskills? near New York somewhere – and that was in August 15th – I mean how far back is that – ancient yes?

Anyway, there was I – a youngish long haired guy in flared jeans, a harmonica laden belt (12 Hohner blues harps & 2 bass jobs) around my 28″ waist, bare chested with strings, leather thongs, neck and wrists festooned with coloured ribbons, leathers, including back then an early Timex.

I still remember some ‘dude’ (see, I even remember the lingo!) shouting at me, “Time me, Man!” as he didn’t have a watch and I shouted back whatever the time was. Then some years later did it all over again it at the Isle of Wight, England – yikes! – but that’s another story!

And here I am again well over 50+ years later with these same colours on my wrist (it’s the colours, man) – I just love it! Unfortunately the 28″ waist is long gone, as is the long hair and wispy beard and you won’t hear me playing “Train Blues” on the harp anymore, but well – what was . . . . . another life really!

Anyway, I’ve gone off topic (comes with age) – the included images are just a few of the watches I’ve re-strapped (looped) and I have a feeling there might be a few more before the week is out.

Note – I hasten to add that this particular wrap-strap style can look good on many watch models, but there are other considerations of course. I wouldn’t want it if I was actually diving – I’d likely stick to the original one that came with the watch. But just for a change of look, it’s basically a bit of fun and at little cost. It can brighten up your Day. And if you’re into “smart” stuff, I have seen them on the odd Apple watch (whatever that is?) and it looks good too).

Anyway, just a thought and I’ve fitted a few different watches to see how they look – OK for some and not for others, but they can surprise you. Fun too.

Old Timex upgrade to a new ‘wrap strap’ – much easier on the wrist.

Wrap-strap with quick release spring bar – to case. No tools required.

Wrap-strap on a Seiko “Monster” – maybe, maybe not? the jury’s out, but I love the colour!

A clear winner?

Checking out digital watches over the last few weeks, it is very noticeable that so many of them are over-complicated. Displays (some not very good) that are really cluttered with so much information they are difficult even to read. Certainly not at a glance, which is how I’ve always checked a watch and usually because at that moment I simply want to know the time.

This got me thinking. Amongst all these offerings, could I find one that clearly and simply, could show me the basics – and at a glance.

SNE 1206S Ultra Thin Digital watch – and it’s very excellent display.

First I decided what I wanted from the watch. What are my personal requirements?

Well, the first and foremost one for me is simple – CLARITY. I want to be able to read the damned time – without too many display distractions.

So, my requirements –
1) – It has to be easy to read the time.
2) – The display needs good contrast, be uncluttered and show me the basics clearly – Hours, Minutes, Seconds, plus the Day and the Date.
3) – I would like to be able to read the time in the dark.
4) – An alarm would be useful.
5) – It has to be easy to operate (without referral to instructions).
6) – Good quality construction, sensible sized case (without the ‘macho’ so-called ‘military’ silliness), plus a conventional strap (not a bespoke affair or a bracelet).

(Note – with a conventional strap & pin buckle, it’s easy to sit the watch up on a bedside cabinet as an alarm clock – see image)

Armed with my list I started my trawl of digital watches – and there are literally many, many hundreds. First I start eliminating the expensive ones, the over-complicated, cluttered displays and those with model specific straps and of course the poorly made ones.

Changed look with a quick/fit soft silicon colour strap.

After all that, I finally, finally came up with this one – the SNE 1206S Ultra Thin Digital Watch

It is Chinese, as many, many of the cheaper digitals are, but this one meets my requirements pretty well.

The Brand is SNE, though there are so many ‘brands’ in China, it could be a one man band, a family or a small assembly house, who knows? I suspect this is from a small outfit, who buy-in bulk parts, importing where necessary, case locally and then export the assembled product. Using Amazon you can supply the world! This particular model was in an Olazone box with Panda logo, as the watch back (I’ve also seen a ladies white cased version). And there are other sellers marketing this watch or similar with slight differences such as display data, so there should be one to suit almost anyone!

4 x screw stainless back plate & 5atm Water Resistance

On this model, the case is PU resin, well made with a 4 screw stainless back plate, claims 5atm Water Resistance, though personally I would use this for everyday use, splashes and so on. Which is OK for me. The case is 43mm diameter and as advertised, Ultra Thin. It measures just 9.5mm. And being so flat on the wrist it looks good on smaller wrists. This model is also extremely light at just 36gms.

The thin flexible PU strap is OK, if a little bland and fits to the case with conventional spring bars. This means ease of changing to most watch straps of your choice if needed. (Note – not the first time I’ve said this, but many models have hard resin fitted or bespoke straps and difficult to replace, if at all – so, here’s my alternative in orange – certainly changes the look and it took me 43 seconds!)

A hard (probably imported) scratch proof acrylic crystal allows full view of the excellent and clear module display.

I particularly like the ease of reading, what I consider ‘at a glance’ – the main display of Hours, Minutes, running seconds. Plus the Day and the Date.

Excellent EL back light – for low light/darkness.

Having retired many years ago and no longer working, I never know what Day it is, or for that matter, the Date. Simply as their relevance is of no real importance anymore. (retired folks may well understand what I’m saying).
So, having both those displayed clearly is ideal for me. And conversely, I don’t need the watch to indicate the month or the year, because for some reason I never seem to forget these! And if I didn’t know them, well, I’ve got other issues!

So this uncluttered and excellent high contrast display, shows just what I want or need. Very clear and the EL back light for low light/dark use, is exceptional.

The watch is quartz powered of course and the battery required is the relatively large and easily sourced CR2016.

The functions are pared down basically to what is useful to me –

Mode pusher (B) – lower left – each press selects each display in rotation –

1) – Main Time, Day and Date display, with large Hour and Minute digits with running Seconds.
2) – Alarm – with snooze and hourly chime (selectable).
3) – Stop Watch – with split time (upper (D) pusher for start/stop and lower right (C) pusher for reset)
4) – Settings – adjusts with upper right pusher(D) and lower pusher (C) selects each item in turn.
Note – for the EL back light – press upper left (A) pusher. To instantly alternate 24hr/12hr time, press upper right pusher (D) when in Main display mode. Super simple.

Note that I haven’t mentioned setting the year and that’s because you don’t. The internal module is Auto Calendar. Once you set the Day and the Month, the module does the rest. These are usually programmed until 2099, so no worries on that score.

Another plus for me is, the watch and pushers are quite discreet, with no clutter on or around the dial. If you want to liven it up, the best way is to change the 22mm strap for a coloured one (as shown above in a soft orange silicon).

However, the real clincher is the price – this one just £17.99 with free postage from China and two weeks to arrive. Some of the variations of these models can cost even less, so it’s well worth checking them out and if you are into watches, then this both fun and cheap! However, this time my clear winner is the SNE as above.

Another model worth looking at – The GoldenHour GH1313 with alloy case and different data display module.
This is slightly heavier at 59gms, but still a light watch. It has a different module and displays Time (Hrs, Mins, running Secs) plus Day, Date and Month (note the month precedes the date – not UK style and cannot be altered).

This display type is also quite clear, though in low light it can’t match the SNE watch above. However it also has an EL back light which is excellent, so not an issue. The pushers positions on this model are identified on the dial circumference, but I note it also has hour and minute indices which are irrelevant, as this is not an analogue watch with hands!
Perhaps the information ring is used with other non digital models in their range? Who knows.

GH and SNE digital models with colour straps – look good.

I fitted a quick release orange strap just to see how it looks – the original came with a very thin, green coloured flexible PU strap, but of course easy to swap around.
Once again this is a rather well put together digital model at a very low cost – worth a look (Amazon UK).

Colour straps can really liven up the often dark Digital models.

I’m very encouraged after trawling through so many cheaper Digitals, not expecting to find really decent watches. So, something of a surprise that there are a few that appear to get the basics right. This won’t be the last time I have a look at what’s on offer – and it’s fun!

A growing number of extreme low cost Digital models have been appearing over the last year or so. These models are challenging the better known Brands, such as Casio, Citizen and Timex. I’m unsure if these are genuine ‘Brands’ or Pseudo brands, as they seem to appear almost weekly in different guises and obviously utilise a variety of digital modules. Many offer the same features, or the same or similar case and all are very cheap.

‘Hanposh’ or ‘Lenqin’ Digital model – same case, slightly changed module/dial configuration.

For example – This is a very similar model marketed by ‘Hanposh’ with yet another name on the dial ‘Lenqin‘ and a slightly different module (shows the Month) and I recall it was even cheaper!

Buyer beware – So, whilst it all sounds great for the buyer, I’d caution that these products are basically just assemblies. They don’t appear to actually be watch Producers as we’d know them, so no real factory Quality Control and possibly no meaningful Warranties. Also many of the descriptions (especially on Amazon) can be incorrect, such as dimensions, features and functions (as if even they get mixed up with the parts they assembled). And true Water Resistance (note – the term “water-proof” in regards to watches is never used) claims can be dubious to say the least. So as this paragraph title says – Buyer beware!

However, that said, I have two different models from different named suppliers and so far, they are both working as they should – but that’s the thing in this digital game, you’re either lucky or you ain’t.

But for me this time – this one is a winner.

Casio – simples!

As usual, I tend every so often to look at Casio, as they are an amazing Brand with very, very popular and simple watches for everyone. And the one thing all their models do – is exactly what it says on the tin! They indicate the time, plus maybe the day or the date – whatever – but they are always practical and very inexpensive.

This one – the Casio MRW-200H-1B2VDF has been around I suppose from maybe 2010/11 and basically hasn’t changed – and why should it?

It is an analogue faced black dial quartz powered watch with little dial clutter, so it’s easy to read the time, the day and the date. Maximum contrast between the numerals, the hands and the date/day window. It also has a centre seconds hand.

It’s an OK size, so almost anyone can wear it and the construction is very practical, being a black resin case and matching strap.
Knocks and scratches are virtually a non event and the plastic lens is tough as it needs to be, whatever you’re doing.

It has a Water Resistance of 100m, so splashing around is not an issue and good enough for most folk and the battery is easily obtained, easy to change and lasts up to maybe 4 years. It’s as light as a feather and after a minute or two you forget it’s there – but it is and it’s handier than an iPhone or Android phone to quickly check the time, day and date – at a glance. Simples!

And the price for this practical and very affordable watch is around £35 in the UK. which today is practically nothing. And I’ve no doubt it will outlast the wearer by many, many years (just swap out the battery every 4 years).

The thing is, they produce dozens of models with very similar looks and styles, so plenty to choose from and they’re all somewhere between £35 and £50 here in the UK.

So, as I say – Casio – simples!

Note – As a watch collector who loves mechanical and automatic watches predominantly, it is amazing when I checked through my display boxes, just how many quartz Casio’s turned up! Maybe because when I used to go on holiday, I often treated myself to another “holiday” Casio, so if it got stolen or lost – no sweat – I would get another one when I got home – Simples!
Though it would annoy me a bit, to realise the guy who pinched my watch, got a damned good one – but fortunately not an expensive one – but hey, that’s life!

My Tissot T-Touch

Wearing my old Tissot T-Touch Solar for this week and I’m still impressed by it’s look and functions.

My 2013 Tissot Solar T-Touch. Titanium. (image April 2024)

The technical aspects of this model were pretty much ground breaking at the time. I got this back in 2014 about a year after it came out.

Details of this model specifically can be found on my original Post – here

However, I thought I’d have a look at Tissot, 11 years on and have to say, they really have moved on! Same fundamentals, but really updated to part smart watch to whatever you need it to be. Awesome.

You can check out the direct replacement for my old model here – https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-gb/t1214204705101.html

Colourful strap with this one and a few more functions with phone messages and activities control, but very familiar to me.

Am I tempted?

Well, I have to say yes, but I won’t be getting it as it costs around £1000 and I’m not into activities such as trekking and running and all that stuff, at my age – and as for messages – well – I can simply use my phone, so not really required.

But it looks great and I’m sure it will attract those younger than myself, who like me decided it was just the thing for them at the time.

I note they have done away with the old hat digital window and dates and data all appear on the screen – a la Smart phones – just goes to show that maybe today I’m out of Touch! (get it?)

Old favourites

A selection of some old favourites – not picked in regards price or value – but rather models I just like to wear.

Breitling Aerospace 1999 quartz, with the Omega Seamaster 2577-6 Automatic

For whatever reason, they just feel right. It’s also true to say that for what they are, they are very, very good watches and seem to work and work, smooth and silent and never let you down.

The Breitling Aerospace 1999 model, which is probably my overall daily beater and worn mostly since I bought it new. Why do I like it?

Well, firstly it looks good and it’s one of the most successful ana-digi models I’ve ever come across. I say this as the digital display is electro-luminescent, which is quite rare today, which you can read in any kind of daylight circumstance.
The analogue hands though very slim, are highly luminous (as are the minute markers) and are what I call “all nighters” as they are readable for many, many hours of darkness. The minute hand overlapping the centre spindle is also very clever, in that it gives an immediate visual separation between the hands.

The watch also has a comprehensive digital set of functions, which though quite unobtrusive are available with the simple selection of the single control – the crown.

This particular case and bracelet are made from Titanium, which I’ve always liked, as it ages so smoothly it is a delight on the wrist.

And when this model appeared, they obviously had divers in mind as the bracelet features a built in extender, so can be worn over a wet suit.

Then there is the 1950 Omega Seamaster 2577-6, Cal 351 17J Automatic with it’s odd 300º bumper rotor. which is a bit of a classic if there ever was. Such an understated design and so neat to wear as it only measures maybe 36mm across. This in stainless steel with screw down crown and screw back.

Age patination on the dial now, but it seems to make it even more desirable and the smoothest movements you can imagine – moving the hands manually, it is smooth as silk. And the tiny red pointer on the sweep seconds hand – a nice touch.

As I say, a classic!

Heuer Camaro 7743 manual, Bauhaus Classic 2162-1 Automatic.

Next, is the absolute classic from 1960, the Heuer Camaro 7743 model, with it’s Camaro 30 chrono Calibre Valjoux 733 movement in that wonderfully designed 37mm stainless steel cushion case, which you really don’t see these days. A great shape for all wrists, but rare today.

This is another watch that is so good to wear – it sets so well on the wrist and it’s a very good looking design with the brushed steel topside, it looks and is very solid and substantial and is without doubt one of my very favourite watches. Again it’s one of those models that just works so well and worth a quite a bit these days, as they are quite rare to find in really good condition.

Next to it a more modern models that eschews the past – this is the German Brand, the Bauhaus Classic 2162-1 Automatic Day, Date. Called the classic – it should be a classic.

This watch shows off the intriguing Bauhaus minimalist + functionality concept perfectly. Note the asymmetric hour and minute hand hand widths, the sweep centre seconds, a Date view @3 and the full Day window @12, make this a very practical and efficient way to read the time at a glance. It has a lovely domed crystal and the case design allows a large dial surface

It uses the Automatic movement – the Citizen 21J Miyota 8285, which is a very smooth performer. It also has a high quality brown leather strap in keeping with the watch overall. Again this is a great watch to wear and invariably gets comments when I do wear it.

Last but not least of the six presented here –

Two different models now – they look different but both are practical and function so well.

Seiko Orange Monster Auto and the Laco “Squad” quartz

First is the rather amazing Seiko classic – the Orange Monster SKZ781K3 a Divers design model, which features a really solid and distinct stainless case, built like a battleship, 200m Water Resistance, a curved outwards unidirectional bezel and superlative luminous dial features and very clear to read.

This also uses the Seiko Classic, reliable and so well designed 7S26 Automatic movement (which I still prefer to later versions) with Day and Date combined window@3. This is a model that people either love (as I do) or for some unaccountable reason, don’t (your loss!). All I can say is, this particular model was very popular!

Last but not least, is the lesser (in the UK) but well respected German Brand – the Laco 1925 “Squad” watch, 40mm diameter, bull winder @12 Quartz ETA FO6.111 movement, with it’s highly unusual curved double articulated lugs design which hold it neat to the wrist. It’s another great Water Resistant model rated at 20ATM.

The wide dial has a really black matte finish background, that contrasts so well with the large and clearly defined luminous analogue hands, plus centre sweep seconds hand with dot marker. A date window @6 and a very nicely defined and operating click unidirectional rotating bezel, completes the look.

Has that distinctive look and the model from their range I prefer (quartz) as it’s just 40mm diameter (the mechanical version when I bought this was 46mm – too big for me).

So that’s just 6 of my likes from watches I have, picked just because I like ’em and they came first to hand. Value wise and in no order, from very affordable to mid range affordable. Every so often I’ll pick some more from the stuff I have, maybe affordable or maybe not, who knows what will turn up. It’s also fun to do as it brings back the memory of acquiring them and gets me fired up to maybe look at more watches that attract me.

That for me is what collecting watches is all about. It also makes me realise what an eclectic collection I have – love it!

Neat 200m Oceanographer

Always on the lookout for a diver’s watch and seeing I was on a bit of a Bulova kick at the moment, surprise, surprise – a Bulova Diver.

This is the Bulova Oceanographer 96B350 200m water resistant ISO compliant Diver’s model. It is powered by a mechanical Automatic Miyota movement, so is very reliable.

Featuring a nicely shaped stainless steel case with a screw down crown, it has a bright orange uncluttered dial – this means clarity, which is a thing of mine. The minute and hour hands are large and luminous, as are the markers, plus it has a white running seconds hand, which is always useful.

It also has a rotating bezel, in black and orange with a luminous datum arrow, all of which are clear to read. Plus a good size contrasting Date window @3 (often called “calendar”, but to me it’s a Date watch – simple). And don’t get me wrong, that’s good, but I prefer to say it as it is.

Conventional rubber pin buckle strap & screw back

The dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal, the stainless steel back is a solid screw fit, it has a standard fitting flexible rubber strap with pin buckle and the crown is knurled enough to get a good grip on it, so what’s not to like?

In essence, I rather like this Bulova model because it does what it says – no hype, no clutter and no fuss – what you see it what you get. And it is a sensible size at just 41mm diameter.

It’s also available at under £500, has a 3 year Guarantee and has a look that’s just slightly different owing to that subtle cushion shaped case, which for me lifts it above many.

As I say – I like it and certainly worth a look.

Plain & simple

As the title says – this is without doubt, a plain & simple watch. One that is a neat size, no frills, quality maker and looks good.

This is the “Hack” from Bulova, which is a homage if you like to their military heritage, but simplified to suit the “no frills” watch wearer. It also features an Automatic 21 jewel mechanical movement as opposed to Quartz. The movement has a 42 hour reserve, so for those who don’t wear the watch overnight, no worries, it will still be running in the morning.

The black background dial is relatively, uncluttered with no day or date windows, so no distractions and complimented by decent sized and luminous hour and minute hands reminiscent of Divers models. It also has a running seconds hand, often overlooked these days, but very handy. The dial also has in red, a 24 hour inner centre track for those situations where you don’t know if it’s day or night – it happens 😉

A domed mineral crystal covers the dial and it has a water resistance to 30 metres.

The grey stainless steel watch case is a neat 38mm diameter with a Khaki green leather NATO strap, so easily replaced or changed to whatever floats your boat.

All in all, this is a nice little watch (note the decent crown size), which is practical without being too large, unobtrusive, not flashy. It costs under £300 and has a 3 year warranty.

Plain & simple – as I said. . . . .