Which watches are the best and why?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of which watches are considered the best, focusing on both mechanical and electronic engineering aspects. Participants explore various types of watches, their features, and personal preferences, without reaching a consensus on what defines "best."

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a preference for specific brands, such as Breitling for mechanical brilliance and Luminox for its Tritium illumination.
  • There is a discussion about the longevity and brightness of Tritium vials in Luminox watches, with some questioning the accuracy of the 20-year glow guarantee.
  • One participant mentions the practicality of a Rado watch for everyday use, highlighting its durability and resistance to damage.
  • Another participant shares their experience with a Rolex Oyster for diving, noting its reliability underwater.
  • Some participants humorously suggest that the best watches are those that are inexpensive or portable, such as those available at fast-food restaurants.
  • There are differing opinions on what constitutes the "best" watch, with some suggesting it depends on the intended use and personal taste.
  • One participant emphasizes that the price of a watch does not necessarily correlate with its quality or functionality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on what defines the "best" watch, with multiple competing views and definitions presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some claims regarding the longevity of Tritium illumination and the performance of various watches depend on individual experiences and assumptions about usage conditions.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in watch engineering, personal experiences with different watch brands, and those seeking recommendations based on specific use cases may find this discussion valuable.

verdigris
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There is a huge variety of watches on the market these days.In terms of
being mechanical or electronic engineering feats,which watches are the best and why?
 
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an atomic watch
 
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In terms of mechanical brilliance, I am a huge fan of Breitling's watches.

I just wish I could afford one.
 
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What is your definition of best?
 
Integral said:
What is your definition of best?

Atomic clocks (in my frame of reference)
I rely on atomic clock servers to I can synchronize the time on my motherboard, sick and tired of arriving to school a few minutes late.
 
I own a Luminox Captain's Field Watch. If it were lost or stolen, I would order another one immediately. The hands and dial positions are illuminated by fluorescent vials filled with Tritium - guaranteed to glow brightly for 20 years, and never need to be "charged" with light. I got home one night during a power failure, and easily illuminated the keyhole in my front door lock with the glow from the watch.
 
TURBO 1 said:
"I own a Luminox Captain's Field Watch. If it were lost or stolen, I would order another one immediately. The hands and dial positions are illuminated by fluorescent vials filled with Tritium - guaranteed to glow brightly for 20 years, and never need to be "charged" with light."

Half the tritium decays after 12 years.Those hands and dials must be very bright when the watch is brand new - if it's still bright after 20 years!
 
verdigris said:
TURBO 1 said:
"I own a Luminox Captain's Field Watch. If it were lost or stolen, I would order another one immediately. The hands and dial positions are illuminated by fluorescent vials filled with Tritium - guaranteed to glow brightly for 20 years, and never need to be "charged" with light."

Half the tritium decays after 12 years.Those hands and dials must be very bright when the watch is brand new - if it's still bright after 20 years!
Luminox dials are VERY bright when they are new!
 
  • #10
What if a luminox watch has been in the store for 12 years and then the dealer finally sells it and the 20 year guarantee?? It want be glowing much after 32 years..

Does this mean that these watches actually has a "best before"-date..?
 
  • #11
I don't know. The watch is glowing very nicely, although not as blindingly bright as when I first bought it 10 years ago. Even if the watch suddenly stopped out-glowing the regular luminous-dial watches after 20 years (unlikely), I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. Using the USNO clock as a standard, it seems that the watch is accurate to within 1 second a month at a minimum. It has a modest size and weight, without protruding corners/edges to catch on clothing...nothing fancy, just really laid-back and functional.
 
  • #12
which watches are the best

Those portable atomic watches you can get at McDonald's :biggrin:
 
  • #13
the one that costs the most :smile:
 
  • #14
It really depends on what you do with it.

For Every day use I wear a Rado, I've worn it for 15 years now and never take it off before sticking my arm in car engines, or painting the house. There is one tiny chip in the face, and a small dent in the clasp from a fall that broke my wrist but not my watch. It is almost indestructible, certainly more industricble than I am.

For diving I wear a really old Rolex Oyster, I don't wear it every day because they are really heavy and clunky, also everybody assumes it's fake. But that watch can go places I can't and still work reliably. You can also read the dial when 30m under the water.

Going out I wear a Tressa Spaceman, It may be 40 years old but it still looks pretty cool and loads of people comment on it; or a Lordex Digital a watch designed before Digital meant LED lights so it is a self winding mechanical digital watch. I also have an original Commodore Gold LED Digital but it drains batteries at an alarming rate when you activate the display.

At the end of the day how often does your watch need to tell you the time within a couple of milliseconds. Life works in 15 minute blocks, just make sure you get everywere a few minutes early and all the stress in life (And speeding fines) melt away.
I have a different watch depending on what I'm doing. My only rule on watches is if you want something that looks good and you wear it occasionally don't spend more than £150; if you want something that will outlive you don't spend less than £1000. Any watch between £150 and £1000 is a £100 watch with extra bling and you get the same effect by buying a fake from the market for £5.
 
  • #15
I have this one: http://store.dieseltimeframes.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=30202&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=330&iSubCat=2123&iProductID=30202

It looks good and tells the time.

These are both nice features for a watch :-p :biggrin:
 
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