Watches

Thoughts on this?

Nice and at a good price. Christopher Ward in one of the more popular microbrands. The screw links rather than pins are nice and commonly found on more expensive brands but depending on the type of screw link it has it can be a pain if you're going to size the bracelet yourself. Of course you can avoid all that by taking it to a jeweler or watch maker and have them do it for you for a nominal fee.
 
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Nice and at a good price. Christopher Ward in one of the more popular microbrands. The screw links rather than pins are nice and commonly found on more expensive brands but depending on the type of screw link it has it can be a pain if you're going to size the bracelet yourself. Of course you can avoid all that by taking it to a jeweler or watch maker and have them do it for you for a nominal fee.

I ordered some cheap $20 watches on Amazon to try wearing 38, 41, and 43mm cases. Step #1.
 
I ordered some cheap $20 watches on Amazon to try wearing 38, 41, and 43mm cases. Step #1.
That might give you some idea but not all sizes wear the same. This is why I only buy from an AD, so I can try it on my wrist but that's just me. Different manufacturers, even different models from the same manufacturer, shape the lugs differently that can make a larger case wear well on a smaller wrist and vice versa. See if you can find video reviews of the watches you're considering and see what they say about how they wear.
 
That might give you some idea but not all sizes wear the same. This is why I only buy from an AD, so I can try it on my wrist but that's just me. Different manufacturers, even different models from the same manufacturer, shape the lugs differently that can make a larger case wear well on a smaller wrist and vice versa. See if you can find video reviews of the watches you're considering and see what they say about how they wear.

Definitely agree and have watched some videos already. But I'll wear each $20 jobber a week and return and maybe have a better idea where I want to end up. Two dives and one field, all on bracelets. Hopefully my wrist doesn't turn green in the process.
 
Definitely agree and have watched some videos already. But I'll wear each $20 jobber a week and return and maybe have a better idea where I want to end up. Two dives and one field, all on bracelets. Hopefully my wrist doesn't turn green in the process.
Awesome. Good luck in your search. This is fun, isn't it?
 
Swatch Group reached out to me with bad news about my Dad's watch. There is rust in the movement along with the crown being worn to the point of needing replacement. New Hamilton parts are NLA. While they gave me a voucher for 30% off a new Hamilton, it was only valid if they kept and destroyed my Dad's watch. So, they are sending it back to me.

They suggested I contact AWCI.com to see if they can repair with aftermarket parts. Once I have it back, I'll reach out to them. Anyone have experience with them?
 
Swatch Group reached out to me with bad news about my Dad's watch. There is rust in the movement along with the crown being worn to the point of needing replacement. New Hamilton parts are NLA. While they gave me a voucher for 30% off a new Hamilton, it was only valid if they kept and destroyed my Dad's watch. So, they are sending it back to me.

They suggested I contact AWCI.com to see if they can repair with aftermarket parts. Once I have it back, I'll reach out to them. Anyone have experience with them?
Wow, sorry to hear that. I wonder if this guy I watch on YouTube who restores old watches can help. The channel is Wristwatch Revival. Maybe see if you can reach out to him and he just might do a video of the restoration if he can do it.
 
Swatch Group reached out to me with bad news about my Dad's watch. There is rust in the movement along with the crown being worn to the point of needing replacement. New Hamilton parts are NLA. While they gave me a voucher for 30% off a new Hamilton, it was only valid if they kept and destroyed my Dad's watch. So, they are sending it back to me.

They suggested I contact AWCI.com to see they can repair with aftermarket parts. Once I have it back, I'll reach out to them. Anyone have experience with them?
Does the watch run and keep reasonably good time? It looks like it was well taken care of from the outside. If so, I'd just leave it be and enjoy it when it's on your wrist. I have my grandfather's Omega Constellation he got as a retirement gift from a dairy farm where he worked for about 50 years. It still has the faded dial but I'll never change it, though it's due for a cleaning again, it's been about 15 years since the last.
 
It still has the faded dial but I'll never change
That's called patina. That's highly revered and is a badge of honor for luxury watches because it suggest it is original. In the used market a vintage watch with patina is worth more than one without.
 
Does the watch run and keep reasonably good time? It looks like it was well taken care of from the outside. If so, I'd just leave it be and enjoy it when it's on your wrist. I have my grandfather's Omega Constellation he got as a retirement gift from a dairy farm where he worked for about 50 years. It still has the faded dial but I'll never change it, though it's due for a cleaning again, it's been about 15 years since the last.

If I can replace the crown, gaskets, and movement, since it's a quartz, now is the time to do it. If I can't, I'll certainly wear it as long as it works! I didn't have it in my hands to know if it was keeping good time or not. The patina doesn't bother me one bit. I like that the marks are from my dad's use.
 
So the Amazon watches were terrible lol. Unbearable almost. Not even really adjustable. Returned.

I dropped my Dad's Hamilton off at a local watchmaker. Turns out the quartz movement is available. The crown...maybe not original, but something compatible for sure. The crystal is TBD. He's got to track down a few things.

I ordered this and will mess around with a NATO strap or two.

 
If I can replace the crown, gaskets, and movement, since it's a quartz, now is the time to do it. If I can't, I'll certainly wear it as long as it works! I didn't have it in my hands to know if it was keeping good time or not. The patina doesn't bother me one bit. I like that the marks are from my dad's use.
Awesome. Hope it all works out. Like the song "You can't make old friends", you can't make vintage watches. Plus the sentimental value is priceless.
 
That 37mm Citizen linked above was way too small for my wrist. Point taken on lug to lug and that case size is only one factor. Returned. Forgot to take a pic first. Jomashop was easy to deal with on returns.

I tried on a 42mm Hamilton Field Khaki Auto with a 50mm L2L and it fit great, looked substantial but not silly. The 40mm looked a touch too small for my liking.

So looking at 42mm or 40mm field watches now. Vaer caught my attention and would be a cheap DD quartz option. They have a boutique on Prince Street so maybe I can get there soonish on a work run.

No update on my Dad's Hamilton yet.

 
I got a call from an AD (Authorized Dealer) today that one of the watches I want came in. I've waited about 6 months for it and I'm psyched it finally came. The only thing is I'm on my way to Florida today and won't be back for a week and a half. It's a rather "odd" watch but I love it. Can't wait to put it on my wrist on June 8th.
 
I got a call from an AD (Authorized Dealer) today that one of the watches I want came in. I've waited about 6 months for it and I'm psyched it finally came. The only thing is I'm on my way to Florida today and won't be back for a week and a half. It's a rather "odd" watch but I love it. Can't wait to put it on my wrist on June 8th.
Give us a hint!
 
Give us a hint!
I'll just straight up tell you, it's a Rolex Air King. I love the unique green and gold accents on the dial and I love the green second hand. One of my other watches also has a green second hand so I thought that was cool. I just love it. Also I wanted to get it before it gets discontinued as that has been around the rumor mill.
 
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