Bauhaus by name

In my last Post I referenced a few of the Bauhaus styled watches around at the moment. Each trying to emulate the philosophy of the German Bauhaus movement earlier this century and showing how this could be represented in watches. And the trouble with the Bauhaus criteria of Form, function and structure, results in a minimalist style, which does not allow much in the way of variation. So, many of the watches, by definition, can look very similar.

Bauhaus Classic 2162-1 Auto Calendar (stock image)

However, as a retired person, whilst I like the simplicity of a straight timekeeper, I do like to know what the date is and if possible, the day too. Those of you who are retired, know that weekends and weekdays are all the same – no differentiation – as our working week is long gone. So, how to fit this in to my love of Bauhaus style watches, when their dials are often taken to semi minimalist extremes.

And this shouldn’t really be a problem, as Bauhaus is NOT truly minimalist, it is more what I would call, ‘functional simplicity’. It needs what it needs to provide it’s function, clearly, and without too much in the way of that which is not needed. If you get my meaning.

And for me, my own favourite, the Bauhaus Classic 2162-1 Automatic Day/Date watch does it rather well and for reasons not immediately obvious.

It’s a decent size without being too large, at 41mm diameter and 13mm depth. The case is really very fine in polished 316L stainless steel with a 5 bar or 50m Water Resistance. The dial is somewhat unique in that it has two-tone hands – the minute one, being in red, plus a full size centre seconds sweep hand and a date only window @3. AND it has that nice, wide, full Day indication @12. So much better that the usual abbreviated style. I confess to always having a fascination for the full centre seconds mechanical sweep hand, rather than a sub seconds layout, which you barely notice.

The numeral fonts are also small, so a departure from most of the other Bauhaus offerings, which in this case adds to it’s discretion, and dial text is also quite small and thin and therefore non-intrusive, which I also like. And to make things even better – the entire set up is very clear to read, assisted by the subtle emphasis of the thicker width black hour hand. So not just a clone of so many other Bauhaus watches on offer today at all. In fact a lot of thought has gone into this model.

Bauhaus 2162-1 Automatic (real photo, on my wrist – today!)

The movement is the 21 jewel Automatic Citizen/Miyota 8285, with a 42 hour power reserve. It has quick date setting and supports hand winding too, so all in all, a really excellent choice of movement.
Some descriptions refer to this watch calendar as Fecha, which in this instance I can only guess means the Day is separate from the Date, but I’m no linguist.

The crystal is an Extra Scratch Proof K1 mineral and the watch has an exhibition back, through which you can view the movement. The strap is a medium thick 20mm fine brown calf skin leather and on the wrist it looks very stylish.

There is also a quartz Bauhaus model, the Classic 2140, which has a date only @6.

It is powered by the well known Swiss Ronda 505 Quartz movement, though personally I find the mechanical automatic is more in keeping with the Bauhaus idea. But it is very affordable and in my opinion, if quartz is not an issue for you, then with it’s very neat and precise dial, it is a real alternative to the Bauhaus rivals listed in my previous Post. And it still features these clever hands.

Both models are Made in Germany in Ruhla, where Iron Annie and Zeppelin watches are also produced. The POINTtec Company manages the entire line and it’s not the first watch I’ve had from them. What I have found is that every watch (6 to date) I’ve had from this stable, has given me many years of exemplary service.

In my own mind, I consider that the Bauhaus brand watches featured here, are a step up in overall design from any of the ones featured in the last Post. Whilst the Nomos Tangente is the best of them, the Bauhaus 2162-1 in my opinion is superior to all of them.

However, both Bauhaus branded models featured here, have something about their under-stated design, which is difficult to beat and the 2161-1 as I say, transcends even the Nomos. The small numeral delicacy and the two-tone asymmetric width hands, just lifts the watch into a much more considered and refined category. And yes – absolutely, to another level. The designers here, have really, really thought about the details and have managed that subtle and elusive ‘something’ extra.

Personal I know, but in the end, that’s what it’s all about and maybe the rivals have forgotten that having virtually the same dial, same fonts, same straight hands and plain white background, maybe isn’t the be-all and end-all of what makes a watch ultimately attractive to the buyer.

There’s always that ‘something’ – that draws you in – and whilst all are attempting to reflect Bauhaus, it maybe takes a little more than just more of the same, or just copying what others are doing.

For me, I think the Bauhaus Classics here manage that ‘something’ – very well indeed.

Addendum –

So, what would I do to improve the above models? Well, to be perfect for me – a slightly enlarged date window and a 28,800 A/h ticker would do it
Splitting hairs and unfair, I know, but . . . . .

Best Bauhaus? – The Bauhaus 2162-1 is my No1 and my No2 has to be the Junkers (see last Post).

Ressence – disk

Been around for a while now, though this is the first time I’ve actually come across it – possibly as maybe I’m not in the right financial bracket – but anyway – it is a fact and not for the first time, that an old idea, such as disks instead of hands, comes to the fore, but more than often with little success. Perhaps another reason why it’s never taken my attention. – until now –

This time – Ressence have managed to turn this re-invention into a super modern concept that actually manages to excite an old guy like me. I mean, let’s face it, so many variations of portraying time can be either silly, overly complicated or darn right ludicrous.

The super cool Ressence Type 1 – Orbital Convex System – copywrite Ressence

Not so with this wonderful high quality model from Belgium – the Ressence type 1 watch. The first time I saw it I was hooked – it is just amazing! It’s a true mobile display that works on every level for me. Clarity is superb and so easy to read, day or night, instant calendar information, Date, Day, am/pm, hours, seconds and all in a truly inspired case, with a setting system that is both innovative, efficient and seemingly easy to manage.

The featured one is the Type 1, which I assume is the simplest of them and there are 5 models in all, each with a different aspect and look, but with the same integral patented three-dimensional complication or ROC – the Ressence Orbital Convex system.

The image here just gives an impression of the look. CHECK OUT the following link –

HERE

It gives you an idea of how it moves and gives a glimpse into the amazing system that could be on your wrist – though unfortunately for me – way out of my price range.

And the Type 5 is just something else! Especially underwater! You can see it HERE – amazing!

But I can dream!

Note – the images/ link are property & Copywrite of Ressence and I show them simply as reference to something special – I’m in awe!

Feice Bauhaus – Budget or Bargain?

A name synonymous with the German art of structure, form and function, so persuasive that way back in 1919 to 1933 in Germany, the School of Fine Arts, espoused that form should follow function, without the unnecessary – in other words, a sort of minimalism. But importantly “without stifling design” – and that phrase so important in the world of truly Bauhaus described watches.

True Bauhaus – the Nomos Tangente Automatic Date watch

The Brand that for sometime now has one of the best of Bauhaus tradition is Nomos – specifically the Glashutte Tangente. And it’s well known as a high quality model that manages to command quite a price too. With it’s in-house mechanical Automatic movement, something of a rarity these days, it also manages to be of a nice size at 39mm diameter. Sapphire crystal, neatly cased in high polished steel, I show it here as the standard to which a new contender has to aspire.

Now the Bauhaus philosophy is quite well catered for in the watch business – rivals to Nomos such as – Stowa, Sternglas, Junghans, Junkers and Seagull come to mind and there are others such as Panzera, Nordgreen or Aristo and so on. Most are not as expensive, though the cheaper are often Quartz powered, which for me doesn’t quite gel with the ideal of Bauhaus – I feel the concepts of Form, Function and Structure without the unnecessary, seems to get lost in the static world of electronics – but maybe that’s just me.

Feice FM201 Bauhaus Automatic – more than a copy?

The Bauhaus concept for me is alive in a way that the solid state world just isn’t. Some, for example interpret the Bauhaus movement as a sort of Danish minimalist design, which (I have some myself) and I always end up personally disappointed, because they are so- minimal – and if I’m honest, a little bit barren, dare I say, like furniture – not that Danish furniture is uncomfortable, but I like to see the comfort too, with comfortable surroundings – but again, is that just me?

And this is where the Bauhaus concept is so interesting, by design and in the feelings it gives the wearer. There’s something both comfortable and comforting – and invariably mine end up on my wrist more than most.

I like them, specifically the automatics. Firstly, as they are alive and secondly, you simply wear them and they are part of you. No batteries, no winding and no fiddling around.

So, although I had heard of them, still a bit of a surprise when I came across the FIECE FM201 – in person, as it were. Bauhaus style, Automatic, with understated Date indication and owing to the derisory price I assumed Quartz. I mean – the Fiece is around £150 – and the Nomos near £2000! Now that! is a hell of a difference!

I can understand some of the price differential, as the Fiece sports a Chinese modified movement. Those clever Sea-Gull people at Tianjin in China managing the tricky business of combining mass market methods with increasingly decent movement quality – not easy.

So, as it often happens, it all comes down to Quality v Price.

Of course, much depends on your definition of quality. To some – if it ticks and keeps decent time – then that might be good enough. To others, it’s about “look” and finish and detail and what’s inside and so on – very subjective indeed. And in this particular instance we dare not forget that it’s all about the Bauhaus philosophy too – which is about Form and Function and Structure, and no unnecessary bits – Gets tricky doesn’t it?

My Junkers ‘100yr’ Bauhaus, with Miyota Auto 9132 calibre, 28,800 A/h – a favourite classic for me.

As to Sea-Gull movements, I used to have reservations, in the past, when their assembly procedures were not so good. In those days you might get a good one, or a not so good one, though ironically the movements were very good. I do remember they benefitted from a good clean and service, which instantly elevated them right up there with the Swiss ETA calibres.

However, changed days now and their movements are well respected indeed and have come a long way from the Citizen/Miyota origins – incidentally my own Junkers Bauhaus, shown here features a very good Miyota 9132, 28,800A/h Calibre.

Both Miyota and Sea-Gull have become synonymous with mass availability of excellent automatic movements and can really challenge the ubiquitous Swiss ETA2824-2 automatics.

I applaud them both, as Quality, Quantity and Price are a tricky balance to manage, so no mean feat.

BUT, that’s not the topic for here – suffice to say that “Made in China” doesn’t always mean cheap and cheerful. What it can show is that very decent watches are now widely available to everyone – and that’s a good thing.

But for Fiece, the idea of using the Bauhaus concept and promoting globally and espousing – Form, Function and a certain marketing seriousness, hasn’t hindered them in their mass market approach and by increasing quality is a real bonus. They have carefully followed others with this trend and with some success.

Their Bauhaus ‘homage’ models are attractive enough for me to check them out – and so, I bought the Fiece FM201, and it’s definitely better than expected.

My Feice FM201 Bauhaus 38mm on wrist – Budget or Bargain?

In comparison to the Nomos, the dial text/font clarity and detail is good, as is the Date aperture (though smaller than my Junkers). The hands maybe not quite as delicate, but also good and maybe overall, the dial isn’t quite as – shall I say – ‘fine’, but it’s still very good.

But as always, my observations are subjective. As to the movement – well OK Nomos is certainly highly regarded, but the Fiece FM201 Sea-Gull is pretty decent and with no internal traces of fingers or dust or skin flakes. It also has some evidence of oil (that’s good), so it appears the old Sea-Gull shortcomings of the past, may well be long gone.

Or have I just been lucky? No, I suspect today, they have definitely raised their game.

And as to how it looks on the wrist and for timekeeping – it looks pretty darned good – and it certainly does look ‘Bauhaus’.

So – Budget or bargain?

Well, I would have to say – bargain. It has the Bauhaus look, it’s nice to look at, it works well, suits the wrist and it wasn’t expensive – so what’s not to like!

Of course, there will be detractors who will accuse yet another Brand of producing another “homage” or even a “copy” (and let’s face it, there are many models out there that are close copies of others – right from the top down). Some are near fake category, but that’s taking it too far and such an accusation only valid if their offering was “made to deceive”.

Personally, I like some of those listed here and there are some good Bauhaus styles around. However, with each trying to have that “look”, the result shows that their options are somewhat limited in how they look in reality, so copy accusations are easy to assume, rightly or wrongly.

Me? I’m just a punter, a guy who likes to buy and wear pleasing watches and I like Bauhaus style. So, from my point of view it’s all academic. Selfishly, it simply means I have a greater choice of models and Brands to choose from and in a wide price range too – and it is just that – personal choice.

The Bauhaus concept has no doubt spawned an attractive range of similar styled watches (you either like ’em or you don’t) – and there are bargains to be had.

Addendum –

It should be noted that Tianjin Sea-Gull watches also make their own Bauhaus watch – which is shown here – and it is very well priced too – this is the Automatic D819.612 without date. Nice size at 39mm and 9mm depth with Sapphire crystal – slightly slimmer than the Feice but I like them both.

Latest – However – I do have another Bauhaus, not shown here, which I will feature in another Post quite soon, that for me, has a certain ‘something’ to it, that really appeals – so watch this space!

Sea-Gull Automatic Bauhaus Watch – D819.612

Heat by Nixon

The last digital watch I noted from Nixon was the Regulus, which was fine, but whilst it promised all sorts of features, at the end of the day for me, it was simply too bulky and too fussy. But of course that’s a personal issue for me, though I have always liked matrix digits.

So I was really pleased to see “the Heat” – which is a very neater and slimmer digital matrix watch with a low profile, 2 simple front mounted pushers, hardened mineral crystal with its 30mm x 8mm super slim stainless steel case, coupled with a 20mm injection moulded rubber band (perforated design for durability, breathability and comfort).

It features the time of day, day/date and an auto calendar to 2099. Additionally it has a chronograph function, 6 pre-set timers plus 2 custom timer options, plus a custom “SEND!” notification when less than 60 seconds remain.

It also has an EL backlight, so night time is no problem. It also sports a second time zone should this be needed.

The night EL light can be selected in any mode by simply pressing both pushers together.

I also like the buckle arrangement on the strap, as this style invariably means it’s secure and looks good. I also particularly like the colour of this one, which is a sort of bronzy, which sets it apart from the ubiquitous black.

So, I love the neat size and it has enough useful functions to honestly use and the price is not unreasonable. Though personally I doubt I’d use many of the functions, which is sad – it seems as I grow older, knowing the time and the date is about all I need.

But regardless of my ageist comment, for me it meets the “daily beater” criteria nicely and that’s a consideration that some, these days have forgotten. You wear it and forget it, basically. Glance at it occasionally and you immediately see the time, the date and to manage that – you have done nothing but glance at it.

Sometimes simple, simple is the best and today that’s no bad thing.

Pricewise here in the UK it’s around the £150 mark and it’s about as no frills as you can get with a digital watch these days.

Wrist cuff watches

For those who are not really into watches, but are into wrist cuffs, the featured JewelryWe watches (4 colourways) should fit the brief. Known imaginatively as Watch Cuffs, it really is the price that’s truly amazing – and that’s maybe around £10 each. . . .

The leather strap/cuff of each is a different colour and from a fashion conscious guy, really quite smart – and it tells him the time without referring to his Smart Phone – now isn’t that a novelty!

The watches themselves are pretty basic, quartz and the metal is just, well – metal – but they do tell the time and I have to say, they actually look pretty good. They each weigh just 54 grams, some 1.5 inches diameter and the dials are quite clear and protected with eh – glass. What I’m saying is, these are basic timekeepers, but as with almost any quartz powered movement these days, they are quite accurate enough for day to day wear.

Anyway as wrist watch cuffs or straps, I like them and I like the fact that they are really NOT expensive and are not silly looking (some are) and they are what they are and if you have a damaged wrist – and I sprained mine the other day, they are great as a brace, so a nice coincidence that I spotted them in Amazon.

Actually there are quite a few different styles and Brands there, though these basic versions suit me fine and in fact the more I see them, the more I’m getting in to them. Reminds me of a long time ago, when a lot younger and I actually remember wearing wrist leathers. Of course way back then I also used to ride motor bikes – a fact that was brought to mind the other day, when an old pal of mine turned up on a brand new Husqvarna 400cc motorbike – I mean this guy’s no chicken, but acting like a teenager with two tails and loving it.

Now he didn’t have a wrist cuff on, but before he left, he was sporting a watch cuff – one of the set of 4 I’d just gone and bought!
And then he looked really cool!

Am I a trend setter or what?

Rado & diamonds

Always had a fascination for Rado and their interesting ceramic designs, and all too easy to miss their more conventional models – such as this one, which caught my attention recently – slightly different, elegant – yes, automatic – surprising, with diamonds – Wow! and plus that something special – a look perhaps.

Rado Coupole model Automatic Ladies ‘Diamonds’ with deployment bracelet

This rather elegant Rado Coupole Automatic ‘Diamonds’ bracelet watch has a slightly different dial configuration than shown in their current range, but for me, it has been well received by my partner, it’s just what she wanted.
It’s that little bit different, not overly feminine – even with the diamonds are forever – and all that (though my Wife fortunately has never considered that essential) and it’s not the usual Quartz, but a very good Automatic, so, no fiddling around to change the battery, when the man in the house is not about.

Note – Two things my Wife never does – wash the car and change a watch battery – sensible girl!

Also, she likes the fact that at around 32mm diameter, it’s just the right size for the ‘today’ lady – the tiny dial older vintage models of yesteryear, so out of fashion now – or so she says! This coming from someone who has a nice collection of vintage ladies watches! Or maybe she just says the right things at the right time!

This model has to be a NOS (new old stock) or at the least, VERY rarely worn, as I can find no signs at all of any wear – not that it’s that old, but still quite unbelievable and for me, a definite bargain!

A silvered dial, not MOP as current ones, but simple, simple – gold coloured main hands and a centre seconds sweep hand – and it shows just the time. It also features applied stud/diamond markers all the way round and as long as she’s wearing it, being automatic, it runs!

I read somewhere that the diamonds are just that – real diamonds – not large of course – each maybe around 0.038 carats – but there’s a good few of them.
The crystal is high quality Sapphire and the Rado signed Automatic movement has a Power Reserve of 38 hours, so you can take it off at night with no worries – it’ll still be ticking in the morning.

It is also noticeably a very, very smooth mechanism and in fact everything about this watch is smooth. The stainless case finish is exceptional, smooth as silk as is the bracelet and I take my hat off to Rado, for the sheer quality of finish.

Rado Coupole “diamonds” exhibition back – ref 561.3862.4 in stainless dual colour.

The stainless steel case is 31.8mm in diameter, so as said, a nice sized watch and has a Water Resistance of 50m, which is better than many Ladies’ dress watches. The bracelet is a beautifully finished stainless steel deployment type with integral gold/bronze tone PVD links I believe, which suits it well and adds a neat colour combination.

To cap it all, as said, I got myself a bit of a bargain, as I’ve recently seen a similar pre-owned one currently on sale (though single tone stainless only) for £1195 and higher. But I managed to pick this one up at auction for less than half that figure – so happy days.

Rado Ladies Coupole on MY wrist – perfect.

Another plus point for me is that it is such a good size – mid size they’d call it now or Uni-Sex (doesn’t that grate?), I can wear it too – my Wife’s wrists are just about the same as mine diameter wise. However I have larger hands, so the nicely made folding deployment buckle with it’s neat built in extender, allows it to slip over my hand without any trouble at all – very neat. And as it’s not too feminine, it looks really good.

So, in a way, Rado have almost over-shadowed their more conventional watches, with the fanfare introduction of the ceramic range, as if that’s all they did. And it certainly is not.

The Coupole being a fine example and I’m very pleased to have it.

A favourite 5 – Limited Edition

Seems as if Seiko has been around all my life and never let me down. I seem to recall my first Seiko was bought maybe around 1961 and I’ve still got it.

And would you believe it, some 60 years later I’m still buying them. And every so often I come across another Seiko that just has to be in my collection.

Seiko Sports 5 Limited Edition Automatic

And this one, surprisingly isn’t a “Sumo” Prospex, which seems to be all the rage with collectors. Instead, this is a Sports 5 from a few years back – a Limited Edition one, yes, but it looks good, it’s in great condition, has the newer 7S36 replacement movement – the 4R36A, so hacks and hand winds – so for me it’s a no brainer – I just have to have it.

So practical, useful and as accurate as I’ll ever need – with its 24 jewel automatic, Diashock movement and a good size, just makes this a great watch to own and wear – every day, period. Not sure why this is a Limited edition, but Seiko know something about clarity, colour and form – and this model shows it all off pretty much to perfection.

It has the clearest of dials to see at a glance. Large hands, great sweep seconds centre hand and a date and time window @3. It’s also, as I said, a decent Automatic – just pick it up and it’s running smoothly and looking good.

A very solid construction, this one and with a very solid link bracelet (I prefer the strap as I’m no longer into diving – if ever) it is heavy. But with the quality matching colour Hirsch leather strap, it feels great on the wrist. Diameter wise it’s around 40mm without crown, which, by the way does NOT screw-down. However it says on the dial 10bar, so it’s not too shabby, but hardly a serious Diver if truth be told – but good enough for the recreational Diver in us all!

The night clarity is good, but not on a par with my old first series Orange Monster Seiko, which is a shame, as in daylight it is so good.

Seiko Sports 5 on the wrist – leather strap

As I say, I just had to have it, if just for the reason of this particular colour scheme and that wonderful contrast and clarity, which is quite brilliant. An exhibition back shows the innards and the outer bezel is a one direction affair, which is as it should be and all in – this is a great addition to my collection of Divers and recreational Diver watches.

And the thing about these Sports 5 models is that they are VERY affordable – something some other Brands should take note of – well made, tough, practical, easy to see, properly luminous, hand winding, hacking automatic movement – I mean – what’s not to like!

I won this one at auction and paid not far off the new retail price and happy to do so, just to get this particular one. The reason of course is not just that they are so affordable, it’s more the model/vintage that dictates the value – certainly to me – and I’d pay that price all day long.

Classic Ladies LeCoultre

Classic LeCoultre –

Original LeCoultre ladies fancy bezel – c1954

However, this model is NOT the more popular and later Rendez-vous, which has a rotating bezel with a dot marker – a tricky marketing feature, where the Lady moves the bezel around the dial, denoting the number of hours to the “Rendez-vous”.

This is the earlier fixed fancy wide bezel version of around 1954 and without jewels, in 14 carat gold vintage cased LeCoultre in original untouched condition. Inside is a manual LeCoultre signed movement, a silver dial, though now with aged patina and I’ve fitted a newer leather strap, as the old one fell to pieces. It would appear that the previous Lady owner wore this pretty constantly.

Why I purchased this model was simply that you don’t often find an older LeCoultre ladies watch in such truly original condition, which for me, makes this rather special. Date wise this is from around 1954 and this particular model (different strap) is listed in the Thirty-Eighth edition Complete Guide Watches, Gilbert, Engle & Planes.

The unique button markers are an integral part of the case and are situated surround the small original acrylic crystal covered dial. I also noted the winder is original – so often these are replacements with watches of this age. The watch also runs perfectly and keeps very good time and according to my Wife, is neat to wear and a nice size.

I may end up managing a sympathetic clean and polish, but don’t really want to spoil the look of age and obviously a well loved watch, so the final decision has to be my Wife’s – and I think she likes it just as it is.

As with many auctions, this one was bought at a hammer price well below the US estimate, so I’m happy with it – plus the fact – where do you get another one and doesn’t it look good on the wrist.

Minimalist

In these times of Covid-19, “lock-downs” and general restrictions on our daily lives, unfortunately it can cause people to become really down and depression is too easy to set in.

For me, to cheer myself up and others in the family, I thought maybe a little gift would not go amiss. This particular watch is just that AND it’s not expensive and can easily be found via Amazon, so can be posted to you directly without any issues at all.

This is the Shengke Creative watch, described as a ladies model, though at 40 mm diameter is a decent uni-sex size. Just 8.5 mm depth, it’s also very slim. Note the 20 mm Polyurethane buckle strap may be a little short for some larger wrists, but it’s very flexible and fits mine perfectly at 6.5 inches circumference. Of course, being a standard style of watch lug, it will be easy to replace with a longer or a leather strap if required.
It is described as minimalist, which is fair comment as there are no frills on this neat timepiece. The dial uses a plain black moving disc moving with a cut out segment for the fixed times disc in white contrast. The minute hand is bright and easily seen in yellow, so dial-wise as minimalist as you’d want. The watch is said to be 30 m water resistance, though as it has a snap back, I would doubt it but it certainly fits snug with that nice “snap” sound on closing.

The model comes in a few alternative colours, Black, White and Red.

Their web site shows quite a few variants, with minimalism and simplicity being the theme running through the range. And for the price – well this one cost me £23.00 which is definitely affordable. These are what I call fashion style watches, and in this particular case, very neat and easily readable too – which to my mind are just the thing for a gift to cheer someone up.

Now OK, these are not high quality movements and pretty standard fare Quartz, but let’s face it, these days most Quartz movements are darned good and if attached to simple mechanics, the technology having advanced so well now they are good time keepers none the less – and at the prices asked are amazing.

The overall watch does have an odd issue in that if you shake it hard, the minute hand, somewhat disconcertingly can move around, though once still, it seems to settle to it’s appointed spot. Doesn’t bother me as I don’t shake my watches unnecessarily anyway. Otherwise build quality is fine, the cases are an alloy construction and the finish is neat and smooth to the touch. So, considering the very low price – and used under normal wear conditions it’s actually great value.

Anyway, the one I picked (Yellow) certainly cheered me up a bit – cost very little and definitely lifted some of the Covid gloom – so that can’t be bad – can it?

Shengke watches can be seen at Amazon UK

Latest – 27th May 2021 – Watch is still going fine after 7 months – it’s reasonably accurate, neat to wear and quite a looker – getting good comments when I wear it – and if colour is your thing and you like a change now and then, having say three of them just about covers all situations. Also the strap whilst PU material is still looking good with no issues at all. I’ll probably update this review in another 6 or 7 months but I expect it to be no different.

So, being realistic, for the price of a quick snack lunch for 2 – It would be churlish to fault it!

Breitling Aerospace – re-post!

Thought I’d re-post this after 20 years of ownership (first Posted in 2013, bought in 1999 or 2000) in reference my Breitling Aerospace (Repetition minutes) as a reminder of how good this old watch was and still is.

Just realised the other day that I’ve never actually posted about my favourite daily beater I’ve worn for the last 15 years. My Breitling Aerospace Titanium that I bought when on business in Glasgow. After some lunch I happened to be strolling past a jewellers and there it was and I simply loved it – went in with no hesitation and bought it. And I still think it was and still is the best and most practical watch purchase I ever made.

1999 Aerospace - a classic — 1999? Aerospace – a single crown chronograph classic

Now some folks think Breitling watches are big, flashy and cumbersome, but with this model nothing could be further from the truth. It’s titanium, it’s very light and unlike many of today’s current crop, it’s very slim at just 9mm in depth and a case diameter of only 40mm. With the matching titanium solid link bracelet it’s quite a combination. It slips unobtrusively under a shirt for dress occasions but also is the business when it comes to everyday wear – AND it’s probably a statement too. This particular version has a quite subtle dial green colour with high contrast numerals and markers.

On the wrist - perfect. After 15 years it needs a clean!! — Taken today – On the wrist – perfect. After 15 years it needs a clean!!

Dial wise – Clarity is all with this watch – the digital date is the clearest to read of ANY watch (it is electro luminescent) I know with an excellent anti-reflection coated flat Sapphire crystal – and slim hands with the so very clever extension of the minute hand over the centre pivot, which makes it so clear when reading the time – plus a nigh on perfect and understated luminous capability at night – it’s about as good as any watch can get in my opinion. The top bezel is click set in two directions and the watch is all Titanium.

Titanium at it's best case and solid link (diver extendable) bracelet. — All Titanium at it’s best case and solid link (diver extendable) bracelet.

The twin digital display is perhaps one of the clearest I’ve ever seen. It is bright in all light conditions and has a built in fluorescence that makes the numerals stand out perfectly. The lower double height display shows everything you need – either set as shown with Day and Date, Date and Seconds, or Seconds, Alarm time, Chronograph, Current or Dual Time and Timer – the upper display shows which feature is set. I usually have it set as shown with Day and Date and rarely use the other features, though the Dual Time can be useful on holiday as can the Alarm though these days I prefer a vibration alarm however – the old hearing is going!

And this particular version is also what’s called “repetition minutes” – this provides a sonic indication of the hours and minutes simply by pressing on the crown, when the watch display is either showing the neutral (blank digitals) or the local time display, the seconds-date display or the day-date position.
Great when I bought it, but these days I don’t hear too well, so not a lot of use for me. 😦

Another aspect of this watch is the fact that even with all these functions, it only has a single crown, the operation of which has always been perfect. The usual chronograph style pushers and buttons are quite superfluous and is the feature I prefer most over all other chronograph models. And this is due to the excellent Quartz E10.391 movement module (some non repetition minute models have ETA988.332 modules), which has worked perfectly ever since I bought it, without a glitch and I’m so glad it does. (I also suspect this model was actually produced in February 1998, according to my reading of the serial data)

I understand that should there be an issue, God forbid, as it’s no longer made, there is an upgrade available (but at some cost!). I believe the replacement is the E10.351.5 plus a replacement watch back 130.F65062.SQ, as the module dimensions are different. Fortunately in my case not necessary! 😉

I said that clarity was terrific on this watch and this is it shown against some of my other models as a comparison – and that date clarity – amazing. Whilst the digits are not illuminated (there is no light feature on the watch) it is amazing how the digits stand out – completely superior to the usual digits on the other watches in the image.

The clearest of them all! — I think the Breitling (left) – is the clearest of them all! Electro-luminescence rules!

The Breitling dial also shows just how good the anti-reflection coating is and how clever the hands/display clarity actually is – see how the digits really stand out – it always impresses me! The Citizen watches shown are OK but neither compare when doing the quick glance and checking the date.

Another good point about this Aerospace – it holds a decent pre-owned value today – so a good buy (the Citizens have dropped value and the centre one was pricier)

However, as with everything being a premium Brand, Breitling always recommend you send it to them for a new battery when needed. And OK this is what they call added value aftersales, yes?

Well I did just that after the first 5 years of use (silly me) and it was a bit expensive I have to say. Though looking back on it all those years ago and in fairness, they not only changed the battery, but also updated the dial and more or less overhauled the whole thing, so perhaps it was worth it. Effectively they provided a full service.
However I don’t think they’d do that anymore – in fact I am certain!

But on 10/05/2020 I simply snapped off the back (never understood why this was not a screw back) swapped out the 977 battery, ensured the back was replaced in the correct positioning, snapped the back on again, reset the date, month, day, time etc. And it’s working perfectly again.

I would note on the single crown operation, initially I found it tricky to operate.
When I first did this I followed the instructions – which said – The Months adjust with a fast spin of the crown as do some other adjustments, others are with a slow turn. This is done with the crown out, but even in this position there is not much to grip – so a fiddly thing to do. And that’s the issue – It’s tempting to rub a finger along it to spin it quickly, but beware this can put undue sideways pressure on the spindle which is not a good idea.

BUT since then I’ve discovered after having the watch for so long, that their idea of fast and mine are different. Initially I did my fast – and realised after having bought a Tissot Two timer watch with a similar module, that their fast was actually just steady as opposed to slow. Since then no issues at all – so my bad!

So, this is still my number one daily watch and a battery change will be possibly next year. So steady, not fast is the watchword. A bit like me really!

Addendum – 2025 – An issue! some years ago I noted the crown became very stiff, but at the time I sent the watch to Breitling for a service (I must have had money back then!) and when it came back – it was perfect.
Now today quite a few years later (no services now) and I see it has got VERY stiff again. Now considering the crown is essential for functions this is not good news. I’ll fiddle with it over the next few days and see it it eases, but servicing is out! So, here’s hoping . . . . it’s maybe just accumulated crud – I’ll brush it and see . . .