Automatic or Battery Operated? Which to buy?

[jryan76]

So I've decided to get myself a new watch in the near future. My question is should I go for an Automatic or Battery Operated winding watch. I've heard the Battery Op. Quartz will be more accurate in keeping time over the long run. Was hoping some of the experts in this forum could help me out. Also, if anyone has some recommendations as to watches...those are welcome as well. Anyhow, hoping to get some pros and cons of Automatic vs. Quartz.

Thanks all

jryan76

[TKC]

After wearing an automatic watch for 6, almost 7 years, there is no way I would go back!! I LOVE my TAG Auto!! But, this is just me.

[greenLED]

I've had the same battery-operated watch since around 2000 - it's yet to need a battery change.

[powernoodle]

My latest acquisition was an automatic Seiko black monster. But generally speaking I prefer a battery watch, as you can leave it alone for several days and it won't conk. Autos require some movement every couple of days or so to keep going.

peace

[Crocodilo]

Very tough one.
Autos are not as precise as quartz, but there are options: Seiko's Kinetic Drive and Citizen´s Eco Drive get the best of both worlds.
Battery watches need batteries, and therefore, one day they will stop on you. If they don't have a low bat indicator systems, youcan get trapped in an awkward stuation.

[loveit]

I love automatics just because of the mechanical components. They too require maintenance, so even though you don't have to replace a bettery, you still need to have them cleaned, and that can be costly. Mechanical watches are made to last while most quartz movements won't last more than 10-15 years. They can easily be replaced, though, and are quite cheap. Tissot makes some great quartz watches as well as relatively inexpensive autos. They all use the Swiss movements made by the Swatch group.

[Deaths Head]

Either one for me.* Each has their advantages and disadvantages.* I try not letting this option dictate my choices in watches.
Accuracy?* All watches are accurate enough for my needs.* Battery replacement is done at the most every 3 years, so I am not going to worry myself for tiny inconvenience that happens so infrequently.
I've had own both and I enjoy both watches.

By they way Jryan, I have seen you doing some heavy research on watches at USN. Do you have any preference to brand or a budget?

[moxie]

for? Dress or casual? Hiking, diving, flying, what? How much do you want to spend? Under $100. $500. $1000 $5000? More?? Answer these questions and I'll give you some choices.

[Denix]

Citizen Eco-Drive for me. No battery replacement to worry about and Quartz accuracy.

Guy

[jryan76]

By they way Jryan, I have seen you doing some heavy research on watches at USN.* Do you have any preference to brand or a budget?


Noticed that did you :), I've been looking at the Marathons, GSAR and TSAR, leaning more toward the TSAR obvioulsy because of price, but I do like the thought of never needing a battery. Also, I was really looking at getting, or finding if I could, a Seiko 6309, I like the looks of these, but a good one, restored or not seems to be fairly hard to come by. It seems I cant ever find one I think is just perfect. So in my search I found the Seiko 007, the modern day rendition of the 6309, Automatic, same style as the 6309(minus the really cool ergonomic case, and the original mechanics of the 6309) but the price is right. I'm still debating this whole watch thing? I have a Swiss Army Calvary that I've worn for years on a Chisco velcro wrap band, its never let me down, and I've only changed the battery once. But I'm really liking the dive watches and that style so I'm leaning toward these now.



for? Dress or casual? Hiking, diving, flying, what? How much do you want to spend? Under $100. $500. $1000 $5000? More?? Answer these questions and I'll give you some choices.


Casual, though I wouldnt mind having a bracelet for when the occasion called. But I dont think I can switch from a Zulu to a Bracelet myself? Dont you have to take it in to do this? Well, I wont be doing any actual diving but I definitely like the looks of the dive watches, Seiko and the Marathons. I will be wearing it for hiking and backpacking, and mostly casual wear. I want a good watch, one that will last a long, long, time. That said I'm prepared, eventually, to spend as much as a new GSAR, but I would never go past that amount.

BTW, I havent checked this thread in so long because it just sat without anyone posting for like two weeks. Thanks TKC for bringing it back to life, and thanks for the advice from everyone else. Keep it coming!

jryan

[Deaths Head]

There are lots of nice watches out there. I would keep your options open first. Researching is the best part of being things like watches. I would recommend that you check out these brands as well:
Citizen
Oriet (my personal favorite)
Junkers
and to a lesser extent Luminox.

Bracelets are easy to change. You can do it. Many people do on a daily basis depending on what they want to wear on that particular day.

[moxie]

a real dive watch (not a desk diver), looks good and works good, it's tough to beat the Seiko SKX-173 or similar. It comes with a rubber strap but you can get SS bracelets for it. I like mine on a Zulu. They can be had for $192.95 at Leisurepro:

http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?Op=dtSearch

I've had mine for about 6 years and have about 150 dives on it, plus wear it often doing other things. No problems. I love it.

[jryan76]

a real dive watch (not a desk diver), looks good and works good, it's tough to beat the Seiko SKX-173 or similar.

Yep, this is the one I've been looking at. This one and the 007, I like the round markers of the 007(like the original 6309) a little better. Other than that, arent they essentially the same watch, I cant figure out any other differences.

Thanks DH, I'll check out some of those other brands too!

jryan

[Deaths Head]

Jryan, seems like you are looking for something more traditional in looks too right?

[jryan76]

Jryan, seems like you are looking for something more traditional in looks too right?


Definitely...I dont want anything to flashy. I like my watches like I like my knives...very utilitarian(Thats why my favorite knife is the Sebenza ;D)

Thanks
jryan

[Deaths Head]

One thing to consider is the dimensions as well.* Most of the members of USN like watches on the larger side, but that goes hand in hand with purchasing a decent diver.* I myself like my watches on the larger side as well.* I would go with 40mm in diameter at the very least, the the thickness will be up to you.* I like mine at least 11mm, but my watches tend to be thicker than that even, at around 13-14.5mm.

Interested in a nice diver made with Ti?
You may want to consider the Black Samurai (http://www.pmwf.com/Watches/WATCHSALES03/SEIKOProspexSamuraiBlackTitaniumSBDA001Aug04/SEIKOProspexSamuraiBlackTiDiver200m.htm).* It's given this name because of the very angular lugs.* I have the orange version with a rubber bracelet.* It is a sharp looking watch that is nicely made.

The Black Bullet (http://www.network54.com/Forum/78440/message/1108118435/Seiko+skxa53+aka+%26quot%3BBlack+Bullet%26quot%3B. ..%28pics%29).* Called the Bullet because of the 12 o'clock marker is shaped so.

One of my favorites is the traditional style Tuna Can (http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4289989883).* On the expensive side though.* A good deal runs around $450.

[moxie]

hand is too short. Makes it tough when diving. Should extend all the way out to the minute hash marks. This would make it much more legible. The bezel would be easier to use with the longer hand as well. Someone like Bill Yao could probably install a decent set of hands on one.