Tom Tom GPS Golfer

Here’s a watch that is a very hand item especially if you play golf on a regular basis, maybe once or twice a week, twice a month even.

It’s an interesting concept as this is a model that once you switch it ON, you can’t switch it OFF. Sounds a bit weird at first, but as the watch in it’s default display shows the Time, Date and Month (settable as USA or UK format) which is of course what a watch traditionally does and is able to do this for roughly 60 days before a charge is required, it makes for a sort of sense. Especially if you are indeed a golfer, as after any round of golf you would put it on charge anyway, though it manages apparently around 10 hours playing time.

Slim Profile and note the unusual strap keeper

The watch is also a decent looking affair, flat to the wrist, very light at just 52 gms and has a very comfortable and flexible rubber buckle strap with an unusual but effective keeper. Once on the wrist you don’t even know it’s there.

Tom Tom are relatively late into this golf GPS business, though they obviously checked out the “comments” and so on that the competition received before deciding what operational format to use. Whether it would have a touch screen or not was quickly decided as NOT, simply because of many issues with touch screens flagged up on other products. Also the issue of buttons on the watch case. Would they cause problems during the swing (during the wrist cock on the back swing, for all you golfers out there). So no case buttons at all.

Note the case curved extension - this is the charging connector. — Note the case curved extension – this is the charging connector.

Instead they mounted the controls, similar to a flat joystick controller as a curved extension to and below the case, with control part protruding through the strap. Simply pushing with the finger the appropriate control edge, which vibrates as it actions, operates the selected function on the watch display. A rather novel feature is that the entire watch and extension can be popped out of the case frame/strap, allowing it to be used in an optional cradle which you can attach to a golf trolley for example, for those who don’t want a wrist watch as such. Very clever indeed!

I said this was not a touch screen and it’s not, but if you look closely there are 3 tiny dots on the right edge of the glass. This is a small capacitive control, tap it and the back light comes on and after a few seconds goes off again- handy if that round of golf takes a little longer than you thought and the members have lined up their cars/headlamps for you on the last green.

I’ll not go into the golf course icons and course planning here, suffice to say, it should automatically find your course, then show each hole number, it’s par, distance to green center, back or front, indicate a straight or dogleg fairway, show which hole you are playing and progress to the next hole when finished. You can also check other parameters such as layup distances and so on and then there’s a clock, phone Bluetooth, Time, Date, Month and Year adjustments etc. You can also record your scores and upload these to an App on the phone if required.

Note the controls are on the lower side of the case - this is NOT a touch screen — Note the controls are on the lower side of the case – this is NOT a touch screen

The instruction booklet is very basic, though I guess once out on the course, it’s fairly intuitive and I note that if it doesn’t progress on to the next hole (sometimes happens owing to the last green and next tee position being too close, and which tee is used and so on), you simply push the UP controller and it goes to the next hole.

Flat "joystick" control located on the case extension. The entire watch is also removable. — Flat “joystick” control located on the case extension. The entire watch is also removable.

However what I really like about it is that if you are a golfer, then this is basically the only watch you need, as it’s truly and basically a watch that’s always ready for golf. So next time you’re going to golf you certainly won’t forget it, because you’re wearing it anyway! And that’s very handy as let’s face it, you always forget something and you’ve just eliminated one of them, which must be an aid to your temper when on the first tee!

From a watch wearer point of view I like this model as it fits the wrist neatly and a little different from the usual ones I see around.

Cons –

However I do note that the built in Golf Course list is considerably shorter than Garmin or Golf Buddy, which has to be disappointing to many. It’s also not clear whether Courses can be easily added to the database as the Tom Tom web site is hardly intuitive in this respect. So perhaps some improvement yet is required to fully justify it’s rather high price of £199.00. Surely a fundamental requirement has to be the inclusion of the fullest possible Golf Course database and anything less simply favors their competitors. (see Note 2 below)

Let’s hope improvements are in the pipeline – sooner rather than later.

Note 1 – Charging – The supplied Charge cable/unit comprises a specially shaped curved connector unit with integral USB connection plug lead, so for charging has to be connected either to a PC, Laptop or preferably to a USB 3 pin wall socket adapter.

Note 2 – Checking with Tom Tom it appears that courses can be added by request, as can correction of incorrect course data on their Tomtom/support/golfer web site, which sound very positive. Also there is a fully comprehensive set of instructions for the Golf Watch also on their web site available for download, in html or .pdf format, which makes up for their rather poor booklet that comes with the watch.
Note 3 – I’m going to check this watch myself soon on the Golf course and see what it can do for me – though my Wife says if I replaced my old Baffie, Niblic, Brassie and Iron Putter and that old leather pencil bag, it would be a start!

Getting smarter

With the prospect of the Huawei Android Watch coming soon, to my mind the Smart watch phenomenon is hotting up. So much so that this is the very first model I’ve seen that makes even me slightly excited.

Huawei Smart watch with 40 different dials!

Not excessively excited you understand, but there is definitely a frisson of expectancy about this model and that’s a first time a “smart” watch has affected me at all.

It actually has a lot of potential in my opinion and for starters it is a sensible size – maybe that’s also a first – just 42 mm diameter x 11.3 mm depth – Now that IS a surprise!

Same watch - different clothes! — Same watch – different clothes!

It has a Sapphire crystal too and 40, yes 40 different optional virtual Watch dial layouts, which must suit just about anyone. A superb AMOLED display means fabulous clarity and all within a Stainless Steel case in Gold or Silver or Black finishes. A stainless steel mesh strap or leather strap choice. Plus it’s got sensors such as Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Barometer, Vibration alert and even a Microphone.

It looks pretty Smart to me. In fact it looks VERY good.

It has the Smart functions that all you aspiring “get fit” folks out there must have, such as Daily Health function, Single activity tracking, Heart Rate tracking, hookup to your phone for Instant Messaging and Call notifications and all that stuff, that’s basically beyond your average 70+ year old (I wonder who he’s talking about!). So this is just what you want isn’t it?

Smart functions via Bluetooth - messaging, Texts etc. — Smart functions via Bluetooth – messaging, Texts etc.

But importantly for me (of a certain age) this seems to be, virtually at least, a watch first with good traditional design, sensible size plus a one button functionality, so no silly complications and with all these different optional watch faces, I could wear a different one every day of the week. Just what a smart collector needs to reduce the collection!

And above all it looks like a watch, feels like a watch, acts like a watch and can do as much or as little “Smarts” as you want and if you want to know boring things like the Day of the Week, the Date and the Time, then this might just be for you. The Smarter stuff you can gently ease yourself into, or maybe not in my case – but at least I’ll be right up there.

Goodness I might end up fashionable, trendy, technically savvy and SMART too. Wow!

Note – Unsure as to battery life other than to say it 300mAh which I’m told is good and lasts probably longer than others. And it comes with Charging Cradle, PC connections etc etc. Price wise? Not announced just yet, but I’d be surprised if it wasn’t $300 range? But that’s just a guess (hope) maybe, but it’s looking good. . . . . .

Upright from Lanco

Last Post showed my Bulova Golden Clipper and this time features my latest Lanco 1970 vertical Day-Date model from the Langendorf Watch Co. of Switzerland.

Lanco vertical read Day/Date with quick set calendar — Lanco – Swiss vertical read Day/Date with quick set calendar

Note the cherry red dial background with white/chrome batons and a clear and contrasting Day/Date window indication @6, chromed hour and minute hands with a center sweep seconds hand. There are luminous dot markers and infill to the main hands, but no longer active today. The surprisingly large and heavy solid Stainless Steel case is not perhaps the finest machining you’ll see, but the top surface is satin finished and the curved case sides are at least chamfered (the lower edges towards the integral solid steel bracelet are sharp edged).

Large 107gms Stainless Steel case with integral bracelet. Lanco New old Stock

As said this case is large for the period at 42 mm x 36 mm x 12 mm and with the original integral stainless bracelet, which because of it’s fitting stands out a little proud from the case means the top to bottom dimension is more around 52 mm, so for the smaller wrist please note.

Marked Anton Schild (AS) 2066 automatic with 46 hrs power reserve.

Complete with the excellent and clearly marked AS 2066 (Anton Schild) 25 jewel mechanical Automatic movement which features a Crown quick set calendar for both Day and Date and a 46 hr power reserve, so no slouch in the quality stakes.

Wears quite big on the wrist, this Lanco, but looks great!

I also note the bracelet comes with a removable 20 mm extension to the deployment feature, of a style I’ve not seen before and simply fitted with a small spring bar.

So two vertical Day/Date features 1970’s brands and yet so different as models. The Bulova from my last Post is a more refined watch overall with rounded elegant case fitting in comparison, though both look great on the wrist and of course both are starring in my new “odd features” box with the unusual vertical read Day and Date feature window @6, a style that can also be found in limited numbers from Rado, Hamilton, Enicar, Jules Jurgenson and even West End Watch Co.

As styles go this is a relatively rare find these days, especially in such good condition. With different Brands it’s also fascinating to see which movements are used, especially with the use of vertical set Day/Date wheels. Quite a number used quality AS movements and a nice compliment to what were often radically different 1970’s watch designs, and such a step change from the more traditional styles of the 1950/60’s.

In the case of this particular Lanco Brand, the Langendorf Company who started in 1880 and known at one time as the largest clock manufactury in the world, progressing, if that’s the right word to the abbreviated Lanco company name from 1960, which in 1970/1 merged with the Omega/Tissot Group as a quality equal, though that said watch production under the Lanco brand finally ended just a few years later in 1973. So as an example of a Brand that won’t see the light of day again, perhaps ghosting through Omega/Tissot models today, may be one thing, but to have a Langendorf original does give me a little thrill.

The collecting game – could this be a new phase?

Isn’t it funny how your collection ideas can alter over the years. There was that time when you thought that Swatch was the thing, then all the variants of Timex or Casio then the true vintage models of 1920 – 1949, then the rectangular models, Day and Date models, Radio Controlled ones and so on and on . . . basically morphing as it goes along.

And in my own case my stuff has always been a bit eclectic (even eccentric, some would say) and I tend to buy and collect mostly what I like, with little regard whether a “collectors” item or not – I basically don’t care about that aspect of watch collecting. Though I have to say that as my “proper” vintage watches go I have to admit over recent years refining these to more “collectible” ones, that I like, that is . . .

Needless to say this has begun to match other collectors ideas of what collectibles are all about, though I hasten to add, quite a few of the so called favorites are not represented (Rolex for example) – simply as I don’t like them very much, so why would I buy one. Odd that may be, but does show I’ve not completely joined the ranks of convention – well not quite yet.

However, recently I’ve shifted towards more retro and in particular the wonderful 1970’s period. In this new collection my preference is for automatic mechanical models and often models that have a theme, such as dial shape or odd features. You have to remember that the 1970s was a pretty amazing time and one that I lived through – and I mean lived . . . so has a personal and evocative nostalgia.

I suppose much of my love of the 70’s kick started just a few months before – in Bethel, New York on the 15^th to the 18^th August 1969 when I was long haired (oldish) hippy style with harmonica and guitar – and gone in the cloud (yes we had them in those days) with that fantastic experience – Woodstock! If you don’t know what that was, then look it up. But you had to be there – oh yeah – man . . .

So in that crazy free and forward looking time, when lots of serious grown up problems were on us – not that we understood them anyway, because we had a Microwave! and crazy piled up hair (and this is the men) Peace man and Ban the Bomb, the end of the Vietnam War and the discovery of “Black holes” and the new wave riot of color – everywhere, and Discos and bean bags, space hoppers, and all in the face of rampant 30% inflation, Star Wars and even the Hostess trolley (came with that Microwave!) and all that – what also appeared was a wave of new style avant-garde watches, where the Swiss plus some others burst on to the scene with wonderful new designs and shapes in amazing styles – indeed creations of form that vibrantly portrayed the people freedom of the 1970’s perfectly.
Squares, triangles, ovals, geometrics and goodness knows what, automatics, manual winds, Tuning Forks movements, new “jump” ideas and fantastic dial configurations, shapes, colors and so on – as I say a fascinating period.

So it’s this era that’s got me not only interested (the phrase “light my fire” comes to mind) but actually excited once again and the great thing about 1968 – 1979 is that these great gone for ever models are still affordable. In twenty years these could be the true vintage models and my present vintage collection will be antique, or certainly more specialist perhaps and maybe, just maybe, dare I say – rather dull . . . .

So this year it looks like I’m into the 70’s and already off to a flying start, such is the excitement of my collecting once again. In fact quite a few of my eclectic “modern” and vintage models might have to go to make room for my new ideas collection.

The upright Golden Clipper

When collecting watches it’s often the case that one particular brand is not too well represented and sometimes just for the fact that you never got round to it. And in the case of Bulova that’s probably right in my case, though that said I did have a Bulova Accutron 218 many years ago which I sold on at the time as payment for another model.

Great wrist fit - 37.5 mm x 39 mm lug to lug plus original Kreisler Stelux bracelet — Great wrist fit – 37.5 mm x 39 mm lug to lug plus original Stainless Kreisler Stelux bracelet

However recently I bought an earlier Bulova from 1970 and for no other reason than I particularly liked the rather unusual case and dial layout. Note the luminous infill hour and minute hands, the red seconds sweep hand and the luminous dot markers at each applied minute marker, gives a clearly defined dial (note the luminous material no longer active). I particularly like the different background shades for the Day and the Date wheels, which aids clarity. And of course how could you miss the vertical Day and Date @6 which sets it apart from most watches and if honest the main reason for my purchase. The case is in polished Stainless Steel and oval in shape and whilst I’ve heard it called the UFO case, though maybe a personal observation by an owner and certainly not official, it is in fact quite a rare shape for a Gents model and a very decent size at approximately 37.5 mm wide and 39 mm lug to lug, and as a result it sits well on the wrist.
It also has the Bulova Automatic Swiss 17 jewel movement so is well specified, though from the dial you wouldn’t know it was automatic, as it’s not printed on the dial, the only dial text being the “T -SWISS-T” mark and the large text Bulova name @12. For me however it’s just the combination of all of these factors that I find uniquely interesting.

Golden Clipper model 11616 - 1970 Automatic — Golden Clipper model 11616 – 1970 “J” model Automatic in original box

Bulova produced a large number of watches over the years and amazingly eclectic variations were available in the 1970’s but actually only a few models that featurde a vertical Day and Date display. Other were a 1972 Caravelle AK model and a 1973 Jet Star model 11634 with squared case and I’m delighted to say that my watch can be confirmed as the Golden Clipper model 11616 from 1970 (and the most expensive of the 4) and I attach an image from the 1970 McLeans Magazine advert running the Golden Clipper series and with the Stainless Steel 11616 model shown on the right. I note the advert text is sometimes difficult to read and has I think been misread in the MyBulova.com web site, but this clearer image shows it’s definitely 11616. The 2nd marketing image is a newspaper clipping, which also shows this model as part of another Golden Clipper advert.

However it’s always nice to have your watch model validated and with Bulova it’s actually easier being a USA Brand when compared to most Swiss made watches, as the (USA) records are usually much better. But for the most comprehensive data I’ve seen, a visit to the mybulova.com web site and forum is very worth while being a mecca for Bulova owners, as it’s a terrific source of information.

As to my new acquisition, I’m particularly pleased as it included the original Bulova watch box which is in very good condition. The watch itself was sold and described as 8/10 condition, though personally I might up that grading myself. Especially after checking out the movement which is in about as good a condition I’ve seen. Note the large italic B for Bulova cut out on the rotor which is a nice validation.

Bulova Automatic 11ANACB with the B signed rotor in pristine condition.

The movement is the 17 jewel 11ANACB automatic. Exterior wise after some careful and superficial cleaning with a small brush and cloth (no solvents used) the watch looks virtually as new. The stainless steel Kreisler Stelux bracelet signed Bulova is the original and in excellent condition and easily fit my wrist (the bracelet will fit up to approx 190 mm). For what is a relatively rare 45 years old vertical Day and Date @6 display Bulova Golden Clipper, the condition is pretty exceptional and has to be one of my best buys for a considerable time and I’m delighted.

An interesting fact about the 1970 Golden Clipper series is that Bulova ran a promotional campaign, where they commissioned Wilkinson Sword Company of London to produce a limited run of 100 presentation swords, one of which would be offered each of the first 100 customers buying this model. With an etched blade inscribed- “Bulova Golden Clipper – Presentation Award 1970” on one side and the Wilkinson Sword mark on the other. A promotional gift they may be, but they are full size, beautifully made and uniquely Wilkinson and actually pretty rare today!

In fact I could get one, but here in the UK importing such a sword might cause all sorts of problems, what with our Draconian blade laws. So whilst it would be nice to have the completeness of the collection (perhaps all 4 watch models plus the sword), I can probably do without the hassle.

Condition wise this watch is really very good considering it’s age and it’s managed to pick up only two small dings (one on the case back and the other on the lower front of the case), but these are hardly noticeable, which is why I would grade it as good as I do.

Setting the Day and Date on some of these old Bulova models can be tricky and a little time consuming, as there is no “quick set” Date here. You can however, manage the Day and the Date separately. Basically and as usual, running the hands clockwise every 24 hours will change both Day and Date. But when these are out of synch, when you do this just concentrate on setting the Date (ignore whatever the day shows). Once you have the Date – move the hands counter-clockwise – this will ONLY move the day backwards until you get to the Day you want. A bit fiddly perhaps! – Tricky even – but it seems to work for me and I’m OK with that. And on the plus side, once set the watch keeps quite excellent time and runs as smooth as silk.

Note the model number is 11616 as shown in this 1970 advertisement. — Note the model number is 11616 as shown in this 1970 MacLeans Magazine (ref)

Another 1970's advertisement from a newspaper of the period. — Another 1970’s advertisement from a newspaper of the period.

Note – The price of this watch today, if using the selling price in 1970 as a guide, would be somewhere in the region of $700 – accounting for inflation of course (around 500%).

So good value today, though I hasten to add I didn’t pay that!

I seem to have a liking for the watches of the 1970’s era as they are so socially inventive – and they invariably have ‘style’ – I mean when do you ever see vertical Day/Dates now and why not – they look great and just as easy to read, if not better.

However, there are many models around which are frankly, in poor condition – in Auction Sales for example, where the Seller is misguided if he thinks they are worth much.

Part of the reason of course is that Sellers have to pay sellers fees, so in their eyes losing their item’s value to them – so they expect compensation.
Well, not from me – being a Buyer I’m also hit considerably harder with excessive Buyers fees, plus Vat and so on – and then watches wrongly get inflated in price.
To command a decent price of condition is all and I’m not sure if I’m happy paying such prices, though there’s always the exception.

However in the case of the Bulova Golden Clipper here, I got this via Ebay from a bona fide Watchmaker/Dealer and in the end I was happy with my purchase, as was the Seller. Now that’s surely a better deal all round.

Chips with everything?

Smart News –

The latest news that every watch site is reporting is in a way confirmation of what I said in a recent Post, the idea that traditional Watch manufacturers are looking at incorporating Chips in their watches, has finally had the seal of approval from one of the masters of pilot watches – Breitling. The Breitling B55 (connected) is on it’s way and to be in the marketplace later this year.

The Breitling B55 connected. Note the Bluetooth icon will NOT be on the production models.

Yes this model connects to a Breitling Mobile App you can get for your iPhone (and I expect Android to follow) so that it can wirelessly communicate to your phone via Bluetooth – and the App looks set to be a winner too as it’s not just another “message notification one”.

This particular App allows you to change Time Zones, change the watch display, set alarms, show watch operated results and other watch data, just like the watch dial itself, though in a larger format – plus of course that phone data etc.

It also is noted that the battery life (chargeable) is considerably longer than the Apple Smart watch variety, but importantly you still have the very well specified watch functions whether charged or not – it is still an independent fully functioning Chronograph and all the rest of it.

The Breitling App - almost a monitor for the watch dial. — The Breitling App – virtually a control monitor for the watch dial.

I particularly like the comment made by Breitling with this slightly barbed reference:

“For Breitling, there was no question of turning a watch into an extension dependent on a phone and less high-performance than the latter.”

My sentiments exactly.

No doubt in my mind that this is the preferred way to go for the so called Smart WATCH – and perhaps not so much “look out Swiss Watch Industry, Apple’s on it’s way” – but “Look out Apple, the Swiss have woken up – again!”

Still whichever way it goes, now at least we have some serious competition from folks who know about watches – and you never know, maybe the big three quartz majors will get off their collective too – as there’s not a lot they don’t know about watches AND electronics – now that would be something!

Something different (3)

Well the Xeric Xeriscope is certainly different and on first impressions I like it. Here you have a visible and unusual “Orbital” watch movement, which is available in various styles and has everything you need to see on the dial.

The Automatic Xeric Xericscope - dual time from Watchismo Brothers — The Automatic Xeric Xericscope – dual time from Watchismo Brothers

Reading this watch is easy, the main and orbiting Automatic movement has an Hour pointer attached, which precesses slowly around the Hour index at the edge of the viewing aperture and completing the full orbit every 12 hours,

The minute sub-dial is @12 and I find it rather unique as it uses a double ended pointer/hand of two different lengths, and as you follow the minutes round, the appropriate pointer indicates each minute on the segmented Minute index, which is really quite clever.

Whilst the dial shows the time easily it is clearly a different style display that manages to be simple and efficient with little dial clutter. A Power Reserve indication is @10 and the Automatic movement gives around 50 hours when fully wound. Being Automatic and mechanical it is powered by the wearer’s wrist movement using a conventional Automatic Rotor system.

So a neat and modern complication watch, but with the addition of a unique Orbiting mechanical movement, which if I understand it correctly, moves basically as the Hour hand would do in a conventional watch, but in a sort of Tourbillon-esque manner. In the case of the Tourbillon however, the movement revolves 360º in 60 seconds as it precesses, and provides a fascinating “mobile” experience.
But I like the conceptual look of the Xeric and coupled with the tricky minute hand/indication, is rather different and refreshing.

The watch dimensions are 45 mm diameter x 13 mm height, a smooth edge top bezel and case in Stainless Steel. There is a porthole case-back with a mineral crystal so the movement and rotor can be seen from the rear. The crown is a large Onion style and is used to set both the main time and the dual time, the latter being set to whatever second time (hour) appropriate for your needs.

The watch has a Water Resistance of 5 ATM or 50 m and has a lug width of 22 mm for the leather strap.

Produced by Watchismo and sold direct by them on their web site – HERE. The model comes in various colors and styles, though for me and as regards clarity I prefer the one I’ve featured here, but of course is personal choice.

Certainly a “something different” I would say and nice to see. . . .

Timex race colors

I’ve always had concerns about the Intelligent Quartz series from Timex owing to the general lack of dial clarity. Silvered hands, reflective indices and so on just adds to what for me personally is often a cluttered and confusing mass of data.

The Timex Intelligent Yacht Racer - a color triumph! — The Timex Intelligent Yacht Racer – a color triumph!

However with the latest Intelligent Quartz Yacht Racer, Timex seem to have addressed that issue in spades.

At last the use of color and decent sized hands plus a bit of imagination regarding placement of everything and it looks like a winner – IF you’re into yachting of course, otherwise the delay chronograph starts of 1, 3 and 5 minutes doesn’t make much sense.

But the title of course does spell it out – and this is definitely what this model is all about.

There are quite a few hands to look at, so instructions are at first a must, though for the core purpose of Yacht racing it’s actually relatively simple. This digital movement model also has a Perpetual “Perfect” Calendar Date function that needn’t be adjusted until 2060 – it’s always correct and indicated by the push of a button, then the big yellow hand indicates the Date as printed on the outer case bezel. After a few seconds it returns to the 12 position.

The yacht racing bit is where the chronograph starts after a set countdown period, either 1, 3 or 5 minutes, by counting down to zero and then it starts the main chronograph function. The 3 countdown time sectors can be seen on the sub-dial @3, where you have the different countdown time indications.

It’s certainly a big step up from the previous models, basically as I said, owing to the previous clarity issues and this looks on the face of it (sorry!) to be much improved. However I would really have to see it in reality in my hand before being absolutely sure it’s as good as it looks, but I’m certainly very encouraged so far.

It is quite a large watch at 47 mm diameter x 14 mm thick and it has a Water Resistance of 100m, which is good. As it’s so colorful it should I’m sure get a few admiring looks from those who don’t have one. It’s also an interesting “on demand” Date concept, getting rid of the often overly small date window buried in amongst the hands and so on – and to just push a button, then indicate the Date clearly on the large bezel seems very sensible – and I like that.

So looking good and definitely worth a look – in person . . . . .

Here’s some Yacht race instructions – to get you in the mood.

Timex on the odd occasion do get things right and this may be one of those times. The above instructions are part of the .pdf file available for the Intelligent Series and can be downloaded in their entirety from HERE.

Optimum Time Series 3 Jumbo Sailing Watch

Of course if you’re really into Yacht racing then maybe you prefer this bespoke Yacht Timer. It’s big at 67 mm and it’s digital display which in this instance may be very clear and it has audible this and that, but for all that it looks just a little – boring?

And which do I prefer? – well it’s obvious – the Timex of course, just because of their effort and design – for me they’ve nailed it.

Swatch strap “do-it-yourself” (update)

So I got my first Swatch watch and I did say in my last but one Post review that the rubber strap was pretty comfortable. However that said, one of the issues with thick rubber straps and large buckles (as the Irony Swatch watch here has) is the strap is a little bulky, resulting in the watch not always lying as flat as one might like.

New strap - craft knife and a bit of care. — Do-it-yourself black non Swatch standard silicon deployment strap – a craft knife and a bit of care.

But what to do? Especially as Swatch watches tend to have those non-standard case/strap fittings, which is all very fine but replacement straps have to be Swatch and in fact a nice after market earner for Swatch with third party ones short on the ground. That said, Swatch are one of the few around that don’t charge silly prices for their replacement straps, but you might like I do here, want an alternative for your own reasons. And with the Irony series the “dovetail” fittings are often tricky to replace if you go do off OEM.

However as I’ve just found out, it’s not impossible. If you have reasonable do-it-yourself craft knife skills, you can make a standard, easily sourced strap fit OK. And it’s not rocket science, believe me.

Original strap removed - simple push through pin — Original strap removed – simply push through pin

One measurement is required initially to determine the basic strap size and that’s to measure the overall width of the strap where it meets the Swatch case – or more accurately the outer edge of the lug to lug distance measurement is required initially to determine the basic strap size and that’s to measure the overall width of the strap where it meets the Swatch case – or more accurately the outer edge of the lug to lug distance.

Once you have checked it and in the case of this Irony model would you believe it – it’s just about 23 mm wide and not your average size. So basically we’re either using 22mm or 24mm strap and in this case the 22 mm fits OK. The larger size is too wide for the case/strap fitting and looks wrong.

To remove the original strap – simply push the pin inwards until it sticks out the other end. Then grip the protruding end with pliers and pull the pin straight out. The strap is now clear of the watch case as shown above.
Note that the Swatch strap end is quite thick with a rounded profile compared to normal straps, but fortunately the 22 mm Silicon deployment strap is thick enough to manage. Taking note of the cut dovetails in the end of the Swatch strap and using a craft knife or similar with the original strap as a template, cut through the gaps to make a copy of the dovetail shape on the new strap.

Use the original strap as a template - cut through with craft knife — Use the original strap as a template – cut through with craft knife. You can also use notching pliers, though they are better used on leather.

This is THE most important and delicate part of the operation, so take care! Be careful not to make the slots too long – otherwise when offered to the case there will be unsightly gaps. Too short however and you won’t be able to push the new strap in far enough to locate the pin. But err on the small side anyway – you can always cut more if required.

First trial - cut out a new green silicon strap as the original dovetail end — First trial – cut out a new green silicon strap as the original dovetail end

Once done, it should look pretty much like the original dovetail strap from Swatch, as shown.

Do the same for the other end of the strap and you are good to go.

Offer the new strap up to the case, hold it tight in against the case and once aligned, slip the pin in as far as it will go. Then simply hold the watch towards a hard surface and push down gently, keeping the strap end well into the dovetail slots on the case – the pin slides in and you’re done.

IMPORTANT – although with rubber straps it’s easy as they are almost self-lubricating, other materials may be stiffer. So when pushing the pin in and be gentle at first, then steadily push the pin STRAIGHT in till it’s just within the case hole. If your watch case is steel or aluminium it’s easy, but take extra care if your case is plastic – they could split if forced.
However with some silicon deployment straps the hole is slightly larger than Swatch pin holes so it’ll easily slide in. Also don’t worry about the pin falling out – you have a total of 7 aligned holes to slide the pin through, 4 rigid metal ones and 3 flexible silicon ones – the pin has to go though them all – friction alone holds it secure.

Decided on a 22 mm black standard silicon deployment strap from Ebay.

However the maxim in this operation is “take care” and if you do then it should really not be a problem.

So there you are – a little bit of do it yourself, with only a pair of pliers (to pull out the pin) a sharp craft knife (mine is an old Stanley) a standard 22 mm silicon deployment strap from ebay and a Swatch replacement strap is certainly doable.

Note – My first effort with the spare 24 mm black strap worked OK with my copy template idea, but the strap was just too wide for the watch. Decided I’d try again but with a similar green one, as the original). A 22mm width this time was perfect and took me just 10 minutes from start to finish.

A business opportunity? Well maybe for somebody – but me – I’m retired!

OK here’s the update –

22 mm deployment strap from Ebay - cut to size for Swatch Irony. — 22 mm deployment green silicon strap from Ebay – cut to size for Swatch Irony.

Finished article - standard 22 mm silicon strap cut to fit - just DIY at the end of the day. — Finished article – standard 22 mm silicon strap cut to fit – just DIY at the end of the day.

I’d it as before (slightly neater now) and slid the pins in and all went OK. Have to admit the new green strap looks just great and compliments the dial colour scheme as it should.

Matches the original color scheme nicely! — Matches the original colour scheme nicely! Well as near as I can get it!

Rip Curl Atom – no frills value

Seems I get asked all sorts of question these days, regarding my opinion on what model will do this or that or will this one be suitable for whatever. And I try my best to give a sensible opinion, but with the proviso, that it’s just my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. The latest one yesterday was – “What digital watch can I get – not too expensive now, (he meant cheap – I know him well!) that isn’t a blasted Casio (his words, not mine) or a Timex or any of them things?”. (his grammar too! – he’s going to love me when he sees this Post! LOL). And he added, “And it’s like you always say, I want to be able to read the damned thing!”

The Rip Curl Atom - Digital Watch A2701 — The Rip Curl Atom – Digital Watch A2701

Not that easy then I thought as there are virtually lots and lots of cheap digitals out there that are indeed almost illegible and unreadable, or look silly and outlandish, then there’s the stealth look (you can’t see it let alone read it!) and so on and on . . . .

But against all the odds, I found this nice little Rip Curl Atom model that to my mind fits the bill perfectly. It sports a neat digital look, slightly retro I suppose, and the case is a nice size at 42mm and constructed of a light weight high impact resistance ABS plastic, coupled to a soft polyurethane strap (OK in hot or cold climates).
The strap fitting is eminently sensible with standard spring bars, so that’s a plus in my book. The digital readout is large and clear with Date/Time/Stopwatch/Countdown Timer/Dual Time/Alarm and back light and it’s depth rated Water Resistant up to 100m and that’s also very good.
Added to that is a Guarantee that is better than many with 5 years on the movement, 2 years on the Water Resistance and 1 year on the battery.

What I like most about this watch is the fact it has no distractions, no large obtrusive buttons, and no over-shrouding of them either (Casio take note), the strap can be as shown or black or almost anything, as you can so easily change it and there’s other colors including a Yellow cased version (add in the 100m Water Resistance and I can see snorkelers loving this for holidays). Not surprising really as Rip Curl also have GPS enabled surfing & positional models.

The dial/case is not over burdened with advertising or text for dummies in fancy colors either, which makes a welcome change from some of the stuff thats around. In short; it’s super simple, quite well specified module wise and not a lot wrong with it at all, and if you want to steer clear of (and my friend certainly does) the ubiquitous mainstream big three styles, then I would think this is the one to get.

It’s also not expensive at around £50 here in the UK, so you can’t really go wrong and it certainly won’t break the bank.

Personally I find it’s rather refreshing to see a model that keeps things in perspective, has modern digital yet familiar lines, easy to read, no gimmicks and with a guarantee that seems pretty sensible to me.

And if I was looking myself for a straight forward digital watch, I might join my friend and put in a joint order – one for him and one for me!

Note – You might be forgiven for thinking that this non mainstream model might suffer from a lack of instructions, but you would be wrong. They have quite a few files around showing their different displays and so on plus a reasonably good overview one, which shows a variety of version instructions. The following images I think are for the Atom model shown here. To enlarge just click on the image.

Rip Curl Atom instructions (2) — Instructions for Rip Curl Atom (2)

It does show one thing and that is to get yourself a decent no frills digital watch with good functions and looks, you don’t have to rely on the same old Casio or Timex formats. These of course are the top dogs and the front runners driving investment in technology and so on, but their respective styles can sometimes once in a while seem, dare I say – boring.

A bit like that old car you’ve had for years and the same model replacement you always get – it’s sometimes nice to get a different dash to look at over the next few years and in fact you may be surprised.

As I was with this Atom watch – and at £50? A nice surprise!

The Swatch Irony Green Wink?

Odd title for a watch – I certainly pick ’em! – but this is my first Swatch Watch. The Swatch Irony Green Wink YSC565 model chronograph.

Swatch Green Wink YCS565 from the Irony series

Now, I never really got into the Swatch thing, though recognize it is a real phenomenon and incredibly popular. In fact one of my friends is very in to it, as she loves and collects the Art Deco and high colour models that have appeared over the years.

Born out of a fight back to the effects of the Quartz evolution, which caught out traditional Watch Making to such an extent their manufacturing base was decimated – in Switzerland from 1600 watchmakers in 1970, to some 600 remaining in 1983. Swatch, the name of which is (apparently) a contraction of “second watch” pulled things together by developing a revolutionary cheap, disposable (second watch concept), plastic cased watch series having only 51 moving parts (usually 91 in mechanical models) and revolutionized the “analogue” concept against the new digital.

Typical Swatch unisex - Clownfish watch - Red - SUOR102 — Typical Swatch unisex – Clownfish watch – Red – SUOR102

The idea was to try and set a new trend targeted towards the entry level market, which was lost to digital, by producing a plastic trendy model not easily replicated initially by this new competition. And it worked!

One of the new concepts was that the watch back was actually utilized as the base plate of the actual movement, resulting in the thinnest watch – the Delirium in 1979. They also used a new automated production system, which drastically reduced costs – the result was very affordable to the user and found amazing popularity. In less than 2 years this resulted in sales of over 2.5 million Swatches sold.
With coloured, printed dials with popular political and social trend images to catch the imagination, this made them THE watch to get for the new trendy age. Everyone who was anyone just had to have a Swatch Watch and the Swiss were on the move.

The Clownfish in Red shown above is typical, is a semi-skeletal format with different colour highlight parts showing in the dial. But at today’s best price of £47.00 whilst it looks OK it’s maybe a little on the high side and for me seems at odds with their “second watch”, throwaway concept – so whilst OK, yeah, yeah I get it, they are not for me.

So my first foray into the Swatch world is this year and I’ve at long last got myself the Swatch Irony Green Wink model (image at top of page) – and for three reasons.

1) I thought it time to have a Swatch watch in my collection and –

2) it’s traditional but neat and quirky and I love the colour, dial/hands design/layout and –

3) I found it heavily discounted – so in my book this was and has proved to be bargain at £68.00 – as it is a very decent watch, Swatch or not.

Now it’s not the Swatch original plastic case style of previous images, nor the minimal mechanical movement, because the Irony Green Wink is ETA Quartz, and it’s analogue, but it’s a Swatch Watch in a Classic style, but with the Swatch touch.

Great colorway with the green Wink from Swatch — Great dial set with the Green Wink from Swatch

So here we have the Swatch Irony series Green Wink Chronograph Grey watch – YSC565.

The Green Wink dial design is outstanding and gets noticed.

Bit of a mouthful I know, but it is worth the saying. It features a smooth sculpted grey brushed steel case (not plastic) of approximately 40 mm x 12 mm dimensions with a bright green 20 mm wide very soft rubber strap and brushed stainless steel double buckle, with 3 bar (30 m) Water Resistance. The dial is something else with a silver/grey background and those super profile sculpted hands in black edging with white infill, a black well defined centre Chronograph counter seconds hand, 3 x sub-dials (one in matching green is 60 minutes) right hand one is 1/10 intermediate times with white pointers, the one @6 is the counting seconds dial, and a Date Window @3, this is a very smart watch indeed.

Note – as with quartz chronographs, sometimes after a battery change or a hard knock, the hands can sometimes be dislodged or get out of position. To sort this on the Irony I refer you to Pages on right lower side menu – Watch Data & Instruction Manuals – scroll down to Swatch – Web (instructions/chronographs) or click HERE

On the wrist - sits well at 40mm x 12.5mm depth. Lug to lug is just 45mm. — On the wrist – sits well at 40mm x 12.5mm depth. Lug to lug is just 45mm.

A deceptively simple but cleverly profiled acrylic crystal to look through and a Swiss quality 4 jewel ETA Quartz movement inside and with battery access coin slot hatch on the back, this is actually a very well made and specified watch in the best Swiss Swatch tradition.

Neat battery access hatch within this quality molded steel case. — Neat battery access hatch within this quality moulded steel case.

The chronograph buttons I like as they are different, they have rounded tops and dial wise, the features are also different and quirky, from the colour to the hand profiles – it looks interesting.

Eye catching strap in very soft and comfortable rubber - gives a neat fit. — Eye catching strap in very soft and comfortable rubber – gives a neat fit.

This particular model is from the 2012 Fall/Winter collection and was designed in 2011. The battery is a 394 or 395, either fits, so easily sourced and the watch comes with a Swatch 2 year Guarantee.
It is also quite comfortable to wear with that soft rubber compound strap, though for me it has a sort of “think” feel to it. Note the double buckle arrangement, means you can use it two different ways, either under the metal or over (shown here as under) it is actually more comfortable with the strap over the buckle and using the single keeper only. However, I would prefer a simple buckle – period. As to the straps longevity – we’ll just have to see how it goes but first impressions are OK!

Note the double buckle arrangement - does away with two keepers — Note the double buckle arrangement – does away with two keepers, but I’m not so sure?

Note – The dial background is slightly shiny (Internet images show it as almost matt) yet the crystal profile is such that it seems to defy any legibility issues. Whether this is by accident or design I don’t know, but it doesn’t cause a problem at all. I thought this was going to be my minor criticism, but in the event wasn’t and isn’t.

So my verdict on this model is – I love it!

Addendum Note – in the event, I did decide to change the strap to a silicon deployment type. And on a later a POST I show how to fit a my new strap to it – you can access it HERE