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!
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.
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?)
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.
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!
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.
Bulova Diver 96B350
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 the title says – this is without doubt, a plain & simple watch. One that is a neat size, no frills, quality maker and looks good.
Bulova Hack Watch
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.
First time I’ve had a look at this particular G Shock model and whilst I do have another G Shock in my collection, my post comparison Casio/Timex – refers https://watchspace.co.uk/2013/02/14/a-digital-classic/) I’ve never found them to be quite right for me. However, this one may the one to make me change my mind.
This is the G Shock Bluetooth Tough Solar version GA-B2100 model.
At first glance to me it seems like many others in the range and the strap already has me concerned, as it might be a bespoke one, so, not easily changed for a standard strap should it become brittle or damaged.
I like the fact it has many of the usual G Shock features, such as Alarms, World Time and a Perpetual Calendar and so on AND that it has analog hour and minute hands, which I understand are Luminous, though the markers are not, which I think is a mistake – with no other reference points when looking at the hands in the dark, it is possible to misread the time. It’s as simple as that.
I like the neat digital window, which Casio are masters at and the fact that the hands can be moved out of the way if obscuring the digits you need to see. The other dial shows battery life and other selected functions of the watch (it is Solar, so with light applied under normal situations, then you can basically forget about battery life). Apparently it will still work even after being left in a dark drawer for around 18 months.
I also like the fact that there is no logo in a distracting colour on the dial (another way of mis-reading time at night) – there is a back light apparently, but I prefer to read a watch at night, at a glance without pressing buttons. It also has a feature of beeping every hour on the hour, but fortunately I understand this can be silenced.
Watch accuracy is the usual -/+ 15 secs a month, though if paired with your phone using Bluetooth, then it’s arguably similar to a Radio Controlled system, though I think many folks will prefer the Radio Receiver system – not every one carries a phone (yes indeed, would you believe! and I’m one of them!)
The glass is toughened mineral and the module and case are protected by Casio’s Carbon Core Guard structure. However, one of the gripes I have with some of these “protected” watches, is the level of protection guarding the buttons or pushers. Often these are protected too well and subsequently difficult to access or operate – I have also found that with other G Shocks. In fact I have always found the protection of the Timex Anti-shock tough watches to be just as good, in firstly protecting unintended operation of buttons, but managing to still allow easy to access the pushers.
I note the watch apparently is 48.5mm lug to lug and 45.4mm diameter (across) x 11.9mm depth. My personal concern are the first two measurement, This is a large watch, albeit a light one and for me, might just be on the big side. I also noted some folks have a concern that the resin case bezel is quite thin and can be adversely affected by the warmth of wearing on the wrist (something I’ve never heard of before) – vis a vis – apparently distorting slightly from the circular where it meets the glass. How this affects the 200m Water resistance or the collection of dust in any gap (bezel to glass) – I would have to see for myself, if this is an issue or not.
BUT – I hasten to add that I have not yet been able to get one in my hands yet, so my brief look is perhaps presumptive, but does illustrate my personal concerns, especially if purchasing one online and unseen in the hand as it were.
However at around £129 it is certainly not an expensive model, but that said, it’s not the first time I’ve bought online and found a watch too big – and that can be so disappointing.
So, I reserve judgement on this model until I get one close up and personal. So – as always Watch this Space.
Another Ladies vintage watch in my collection is this nice 1928 Elgin Art Deco model in 14k Gold with a the original 15 jewel movement. The fact that this is working perfectly after nearly 100 years, is a testament to Swiss watch movements of the day.
Elgin enamel dial ladies watch.
I particularly like this model owing to the enamel decoration of the dial bezel/top face, which nicely highlights the figured Elgin marked dial. Not water resistant of course as this was a hinged snap back case and the crown arbor design was via a quite large case entry. The crown is also very easy to use, being quite large.
As was usual at this time, especially in Ladies more fashionable designs, the case has engraving all around the top and side of the case and the case back is perfectly plain.
Very similar to the Elgin ‘Parisienne’ range of models, in regards the use of enamel decoration, though in the case of this particular model, not sponsored by any particular fashion designer of the day. The Parisienne models of course were closely coupled to the famous French Fashion Houses of that period and I have the pleasure of owing quite a few, or my Wife does . . . .
I like the enamel designs, simply as they lift the usual engraved features to another level often by adding colour and texture. Some feature quite inspired cloisonné decoration on the face design, which for me adds even more interest and appeal.
Elgin produced great watches from 1864 and ceased trading in 1968, so over 100 years and this particular model is 94 years old today and, as I said at the start of this Post, an absolute testament to the inherent quality of mechanical watches – and I don’t see this one stopping any time soon!
Cartier and bargain are hardly words you would immediately associate together, indeed you might say they are a contradiction in terms – but in this instance you would be wrong!
Cartier Tank Solo
Whilst I have a couple of old vintage Cartier models, there are two models that always interested me and still available today. Both models, that for myself and others who own them, are both conservative and understated and which do manage that trick of being Classic great buys, whether pristine and just out of the box, or pre-owned. They are, I suppose, models that always tend to sit just under the radar in the “must have” stakes and yet for me personally, out of all Cartier models, these models rate as the definitive Cartier Classics, and given the opportunity, they are a must have.
Maybe one of the reasons why one of my Cartier Tank Solos, is often overlooked, is because it’s quartz, with a stainless steel case and a quality leather strap on a slim deployment. And as Cartier sometimes do and my particular preference, there’s nothing added here, no gold, no diamonds, no frills – instead just a rather deceptively simple “tell the time” dress watch, that somehow, effortlessly, manages timeless elegance with a quiet and discrete Cartier quality.
Elegant in the extreme and dimensionally very sleek in a classic Tank “style” case, this is my compact one, measuring just 27.5 mm x 34 mm and a super sleek 5.6 mm depth, so very neat, compact and dual purpose, as it suits my wife too.
And both models feature the Tank profile that has a flat upper surface profile, which somehow accentuates the sleek look of these models, a subtle change, yes, but one I personally prefer over the rounded profile of some models.
You might also be forgiven for thinking this quartz Cartier is much more expensive than the fact. This is the surprise!
Because even at the retail price, it’s definitely a bargain. Pre-owned, you can get them for around half the retail, at around £1200 and for the date version add another 50% and you’re not far off.
I also have a XL (extra large) 31mm width x 41 lug to lug Ref. 3800 Solo model, which includes the Date and is an Automatic, not quartz and between the two, it’s probably my favourite, with no battery to change – so out of the drawer – a slight shake and we’re in business.
In fact I was so taken with these, that at long last, with a year between them, I firstly bought the quartz (my version is the later 8 year battery one), then the Automatic XL model in a burst of, ‘I’ve just got to have them’ – though in fairness one of them was a present.
Both watches were pre-owned, the condition basically as good as new – and on the wrist – they look really good!
So, elegant, slim and sleek, both absolutely, undisputedly, Classic Cartier – what could be better?
I’ve included this amazing piece from De Bethune as it seems to fall pretty much into the sphere of Art and whilst it’s ostensibly for ladies, at 40mm diameter it suits me very well, especially if I was into astronomy! With hand-polished and blued titanium, the sparkling twinkle of the white gold and diamond stars, and the muted glow of the curved blued steel hands . . . . . this is no ordinary watch.
The round sphere of the moon is set with diamonds and sapphires galore (plus Sapphires too) so a bit above the daily beater class, but hey – sometimes you’ve just got to splash out! I love the fact that you can have the star-studded sky personalized on request according to a specific geographical place and even date!
The movement is automatic (self winding), twin barrel with a 6 day reserve, with a special triple shock absorbing system, 27 jewels and 28,800 vibrations per hour and a silicon/platinum balance wheel – just shouts a technically excellent and serious piece of kit and very impressive.
Do I like it? – YES!
Can I afford it?- eh . . . . NO!
Would my Wife like it? . . . .actually she said – NO!
You have no idea how that pleases me and the reason is she tells me, that she prefers numbers on her watches, otherwise how can you tell the time – she says . . .!
Isn’t that sweet!
😉
DeBethune,make some amazing watches and complications that to coin a well known phrase, simply reach “where no man has gone before” (sorry Star Treck) – but they are quite astonishing – and if you have to ask the price – maybe they’re not for you – or me!
Occasionally whilst trawling the Net, you come across watch making Brands that for whatever reason are quite unknown to you. Perhaps these are lesser manufacturers or models sold in other parts of the world and not so well known in your own Country.
Elysee Priamos 77015 Automatic Date watch
But noticed because for some reason their style, look or quality perhaps, says these are worth a further look.
Incidentally, this Post entitled “Interesting finds” I plan to be a recurring monthly feature, where I hope to Post a model/Brand that I think has merit and worth a mention.
The first is this rather nice traditional looking German model – the Elysee Priamos 77015, from yes, you’ve guessed it – Elysee.
And they have been around for a little while, founded in 1920 by Jaques Beaufort with the Elysee brand – though newly acquired in 1991, they now produce in Dusseldorf – ‘Made in Germany’ mid range quality watches, with quite a selection of models, both Gents and Ladies.
The featured model is a mechanical automatic (with Miyota movement), white dial with Power Reserve indication, small/medium seconds and an incorporated Date widow @3. Sapphire crystal, stainless steel case and a quality black leather deployment buckle strap.
Dimensions are a neat 11mm case depth and 41mm diameter and it’s water resistant to 50m.
It has the typical German traditional style, luminous hands and applied markers and overall, for my taste has a good look . However and especially for a Quartz model, being priced at around £300, it’s maybe a little high against its competition. It comes complete with a 2 year Warranty.
However, overall I was quite taken by the look of this one, partly because I like the German watch style, and I have quite similar ones in my collection, such as Bruno Sohnle, Junghans, Bauhaus, Nomos, Junkers and others – suffice to say I just find them to be fine watches and I like wearing them.
Note – on the pricing, I’ve found that most Germans models featuring Quartz movements, are very competitive and often under the £200 mark. And make no mistake, in general they are very good watches.
Upgrading to mechanical Automatics, if using Japanese movements, the price is probably twice that figure and for Swiss or in-house Automatics, maybe three times the price.
Now OK, that’s a rough and perhaps over simplification of pricing, but basically that’s my general experience. Of course there are exceptions depending on Brand name and so on.
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?
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.
Watch space 
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