3 Reasons why you should buy an automatic mechanical watch.
2019 ж. 25 Жел.
88 175 Рет қаралды
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Automatic mechanical watches are a lot more hassle to use, and costly to maintain than quartz watches, and yet to most collectors they are also much more desirable. Here are my three reasons why I love mechanical watches and think everyone should own one.
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Objectively, I think quartz watches are superior in almost every way. They are accurate, cheaper to build, cheaper to purchase and have almost no maintenance. Just replace the battery every few years. If you don't like batteries because they're bad for the environment, you can get a solar watch. But I totally understand the appeal of mechanical watches. Subjectively, I think mechanical watches are cooler and the amount of detail that goes into them seems to be beyond most quartz watches. It's a piece of jewelry that doubles as an inconsistent clock. As humans, we aren't always going to do the most logical thing because we're driven by emotion. I'm trying to talk myself out of buying a mechanical watch as I write this. I know it's going to cost a lot of money in the short term and the long term. I already have a quartz watch and a smartphone that's more accurate. But I might end up doing it anyway because I'm being irrational and that's okay. We're humans after all.
Solar watches also use batteries, you need UV light to pass through to the battery inside.
Last sumer, I lost my quartz watch of 14 years and carried a cheap heirloom mechanical pocket watch instead. A gimmick, but usable. Last Christmas, I asked baby jesus to get me a replacement, so I researched a bit, searched about and quickly found a nice light one. Quartz, because I liked the reliability and I feared to carry a large sum on my wrist. My research didn't stop, though, and I fell in love with a funky Timex (with Indiglo!). In a few months, I bought it. I had to import it, it was out of stock in my country. Three weeks haven't passed and I hungered for something rugged, something automatic. I got the last nice-looking Vostok that was available locally. I hope it teaches me a lot how to live with an automatic - while I save up for my "goal watch" - it may be a Boldr Venture, it might not, I have my set of requirements and whatever meets them is in the play. I don't rush. It might be a year. Or three. Oh, and I'm also gonna have my grandfather's old daily beater fixed and polished. That's gonna be some dress watch.
@@ChromeMan04 I know this is super late but I think the idea was that it’s just one battery not replacing it
I live your post, sometimes you want what you want. Don't have to explain to anyone.
@@vaclav_fejt I totally understand you. I got a vintage Swiss mechanical watch, but end up using my Quartz Timex watches far more often. The indiglo really does it for me and is extremely useful.
I have a fascination with mechanical watches and have since childhood. As a college student during the sixties, I always bought hand wind Timex models. I could buy one at any drugstore and typically they cost about $10.98. My first good watch was a Seiko Sport 5 that cost me about $84.00 at the local jeweler. It was new old stock. Upon checking the serial number, I found that it was made in 1999. I still have it. I've worn out three bands on it. It keeps great time and has needed no maintenance of any kind since I bought it. I like the brand so much I bought six or seven more. Now days, I have a large collection of watches of many brands. I own quartz, solar powered and automatics. They are a constant source of entertainment for me. I spend more time deciding which watch to wear on any given day than I spend choosing what to eat. I always seem to notice the watches others wear. Watches are an essential part of my life. They were a symbol of the coming of age process when my father bought me my first one. They will never cease to give me pleasure.
I pretty much wear my 1945 Bulova daily. It was my great uncle's watch, he told me he received it on Christmas day, 1945. He was a wonderful fellow, liked by all. He passed in 1994, 3 months after his 100th birthday. I've had the watch 28 years now. Its never required a repair. I have it serviced every 5 years. Every Sunday I adjust the time back about 3 minutes or so. Not a problem. So this 77 year old mechanical watch in addition to its sentimental value, is successfully doing the passing down thru family very nicely!!
Thats really cool
You might be surprised to learn that until this last year with Citizen releasing a quartz watch accurate to 1 second a year, the most accurate time pieces aside from atomic clocks were three mechanical clocks made for maritime use in the 18th century that could hold around 5 seconds a year. They were made largely of wood. One thing I would suggest for a first time mechanical watch is buy one with a display case back. Even with a low cost one, getting to see all those impossibly small parts working is just cool and a large part of what I like about them. I'd also suggest checking out one of the watch repair channels here on youtube. You'll gain a huge appreciation of what goes into a mechanical watch (and be far less tempted to try opening yours up).
Had never heard that about maritime clocks being made largely out of wood. Cool bit of trivia there.
My rolex submariner 3 seconds fast per year. İts 2 year old. Super lucky i am. İ wear it everyday
@@pensforgts That's great. The ratings are the maximum error, most watches do better than that. Once again, past a certain point, additional accuracy doesn't affect most people's use of a watch. I'm betting wearing it every day actually helps with the accuracy since it keeps the axis it's in shifting and the lubricants from settling.
I have had a Casio quartz that is STILL within seconds of my wall atomic clock, and I haven’t set it in at least 6 years.... it’s a Casio edifice from like 2003... I replaced the battery in about 2014-15... i use it to set my new watches.... not all quartz are the same, but they are super accurate in general, and just like mechanicals, some are a little more accurate than others, were just splitting hairs...
Opening up my mechanical watch and tinkering with it is one of my favorite parts about owning it. Of course, I did end up breaking my first 2, but this third one has run extremely accurately for about 3 years now :D. Now, if i ever decide that I need to own a rolex, I'm going to be in trouble.
A great example of your first point was during the apollo 13 missions the austronauts turned off the on board instruments to conserve power and used their mechanical watches to track burn times for re entry
Your exactly right it’s a combination of history, pedigree and emotion when it comes to mechanical watches. I love all watches, quartz, solar and mechanical.
I must admit I only buy automatic and solar now. No more classical quartz watches.....
A modern day quartz should have solar and some sort of atomic synchronization like radio, GPS or Bluetooth.
Monday: would you like to buy a watch? yes, I'd like one to pass down to my kids. Tuesday: are you returning the watch? yes, I just realized I got no girlfriend.
Wednesday: go back and buy yourself a nice quartz piece.
Bro just get it for yourself. Treat yourself
@@KevAlberta he probably did i think it's only a joke
Make yourself your own date. Most people are toxic to date nowadays, anyway.
Lol, dress up for yourself. Wise thing.
I like the feeling of something running on its own. It's like something alive is going on on my waist, doing their day to day purpose, just like me, a human. It is such a meaningful thing for me. Modern watches are accurate af and if I need to know the exact time in exact second, I will just look at my phone but I prefer wearing automatic watch over a battery watch because it just gives me the joy. I don't know why
There's definitely something special about a mechanical movement whirring away on your wrist.
Right....
I am also a fan of mechanical watches, find a lot of fun while fixing it
I agree with your ideas. My brother say also same thing interesting about mechanical watches. They take energy from you, from your movement so this is one way of connection.
The difficulty with more affordable mechanical watches is that in reality they are as disposable as their quartz counterparts. Most of the time it's not cost effective to have the watch serviced, because the cost of servicing can be more than the cost of the watch itself. If your watch falters then you either replace it or replace the movement. The longevity argument fails to hold. A half decent quartz watch is more accurate, and will last longer before it loses time or packs up completely. The only real argument going for an affordable mechanical watch is that it's simply nice having an old school mechanical movement on your wrist.
If a watch was associated with some special event or memories in the past such as being handed down, a birthday gift, anniversary, etc., servicing may be worth it although not cost effective because the watch is cherished. Luxury watches are usually cheaper to maintain then replace.
thankx for the information. i've a couple of questions. i would be glad if you can answer them. 1) if you service a seiko 5 regularly, do you think it will last for years? 2) would it cost too much to replace a 4r36 movement? thanks for your consideration.
@@jeamxbeam 1. yes, it will last forever if you service it. Each service will cost more than a new seiko 5 though. 2. Replacing the movement will be cheaper than servicing the movement. Looks like the movement is about $50. You could learn to replace it yourself
but you COULD service the watch. many times they have a sentimental value....so say someone gets a invicta diver for 60 bucks from his dad for his birthday.....30-40-50 years from now he can still wear it and pass it down as well by keeping or having it serviced. very few quartz watches have ever reached this status as a family heirloom
Solar power and radio control, for accuracy and reliability. Automatic for ninja stealth (no electronic signature). If the auto is a Seiko, it’s silent, as well. Besides, I like them. A wife isn’t practical, either, but...
Bought my first mechanical watch years ago, and I've been hooked ever since!
I agree all the way. There's just something cool about having an automatic movement, especially exhibition casebacks!
Having to set and service a mechanical watch makes me value my time more.
I also love mechanical watches. I appreciate the engineering of the great brands, like Rolex. I used to hate quartz watches, but I now also appreciate the Bulova precisionist series. A watch that runs +/- 10 sec per year has got my respect.
I love Mechanical watches though I'm not so passionate that I don't buy Quartz watches.......if it's affordable and I like it, I buy......
It's magical! I got this complicated machine on my wrist that basically runs on my life force.
My favorite clock in our house is a grand father clock in the hall. It’s slow and need adjusting, it needs the weights pulled every week or so and it ticks and ticks and chimes. In the rest of the house are clocks that run on batteries or are plugged into a socket. Similar to a book versus a ebook, a mechanical watch some how needs my touch, my attention and care. The value of a quartz watch is the some of its precious metals. My mechanical watch’s are the things my son will keep when I’m gone. It’s a different type of value.
For me it's about the love of the mechanical watch. The amazement I get from the accuracy that was obtaind with little technology other than many tiny gears. I'm amazed they were able to come up with something that worked as well as it did hundreds of years ago. I am still fascinated by the mechanical watches today. I have a very modest collection, I'm not rich, I take pride in saving and purchasing a watch I will cherish for the rest of my life. My Grails include the Rolex submariner, Rolex OP 39, GS spring drive (I know it's not fully mechanical, but more of a modern marvel), and a the Tudor Black Bay 41 red bezel. I just purchased a Tudor North Flag at an amazing price from the AD. I know some people cannot understand it, but they have no issue buying a $1500 smart phone every year. I on the other hand will still be enjoying a nice mechanical watch for probably my lifetime.
nice taste of watches , hope you get them soon
Been really enjoying your channel. Nice laid-back delivery and very informative. Keep up the great work!
I’ve just begun the watch journey since the lockdown. One thing I love having a mechanical watch is it allows me to spend some time focusing on something with peace of mind. Another thing is it’s fun and kind of a task to find a watch that you love most and will spend your life time with it.
Good conversation starters and they add a little more sophistication to the look. Also, I kind of feel more dressed up wearing one.
IMO any watch can complete a look, regardless of what movement is in side. In a fashion-context, a watch is just an accessory like a tie clip or pocket square. It's just one part of a whole outfit/look.
No one ever started a conversation over my watches. Once a woman at work made a compliment on the red Nato I was wearing on my Vostok radio room.
I have several mechanical watches, one being the watch my grandmother gave me on my 21st birthday. It’s now 46 years old and still running. I think it’s all about heritage. It’s the reason why I collect vinyl records and double edge razors. The only drawback is generally you need to pay more for a reliable mechanical watch ... sometimes a lot more! I have several quarts watches in my collection that cost less than ten dollars; and they keep great time and function well. Okay, they may not last forever .... but nor will I !!! Great video.
Awesome to hear that you still have that watch and that it's still running!
You pretty much "hit the nail on a head" with this episode. Thanks for sharing.
The happiness and emotion that a mechanical watch can give you will always outweigh the hassles that come with in in my opinion. That's the main reason why it is such a timeless piece of art and machinery
Great Video Dave! I loved your explanation.
I'm confident that people use the soul-argument primarily because most people understand cogs but only a small minority understands circuitry. It also doesn't help that quartz movements hide their inner workings. It's not impossible though. Models of for example handheld consoles with transparent cases prove that people can easily appreciate electronics as well.
Thank you so much I appreciate how much knowledge you got it and how much effort you have put to go places far away from your home to get a watch what to do business that’s dedication and I appreciate it thank you so much for all the information sir keep up the good work looking forward to all your videos now
I came across your video giving 5 things to know before buying an automatic watch and I was suitably impressed with your insights and your honesty in sharing them with the newbies UNTIL this following video TRYING to retract from your earlier views. I own both mechanical & quartz watches and the truth is that most mechanical watches are being sold as overpriced aspirational pieces to the newbies who can ill afford them. On the watch winder I have a Tissot automatic which keeps better time than the Tag which keeps better time than the Rolex so I know. My suggestion is that don't even try to become a "collector" or a "connoisseur" of fine automatic watches unless you have serious money to burn or you need a certain brand to prop up your suffering self esteem.
Now that there’s KZhead, there’s introduction to many previously unknown subjects! But the automatic chronograph timepiece IS a brilliant work, the gears ⚙️ and subtle brain 🧠 power involved to make the mechanisms work in tangent/union make me speechless lol!! Thank you for this good description/information video!
All very good points. Very well presented.
I just listened to your "5 things you need to know..." video and this video is a great complement. I truly will add an automatic watch to my collection of eco/solar powered watches.
Excellent video, Dave! You have said it perfectly... I love mechanical watches for all those reasons, yet derive as much joy from wearing my Seiko, Citizen and Pulsar quartz watches from time to time. Oh, that heritage watch ... consider the Seiko 6139 chronograph. You should be able to find one/few in Japan for a very reasonable price. The rarest versions were JDM models. I own two (yellow Pogue and a blue dial) and my watchmaker, a 73 year-old Japanese gentleman who used to work at Seiko, keeps them ticking with amazing accuracy. Happy New Year, Dave! We are looking forward to more videos in 2020.
Thanks Eddie!
A good mechanical with a classic face is like a well fitting good suit, both elevate your mood.
I hear you on the history and the "pinnacle of pre-digital technology" part. Another contender is optics. People have been crafting precise geometric surfaces, down to a small fraction of an Angstrom, largely by hand, for centuries, and the technology is in no way obsolete.
Really nice collection at 8:15. Good clean readable models in quartz and autos.
Nice 👍 comparison and analysis!
I like the efficiency of an automatic watch, turning natural movement into a energy source to power the watch. I also appreciate the "solar powered" Quartz movement for much the same reason (hopefully with additional accuracy!) Whilst I wouldn't categorically rule out buying a battery operated watch, it would have to be pretty special for me to consider it. I'm lucky enough that a few seconds here or there don't cause me apoplexy so I can enjoy the craftsmanship that an automatic movement has or represents, even a piece powered by the humble NH-35A has a presence that a battery operated piece will never have. I think it represents the ingenuity of man and from an engineering point of view there's something almost mystical about an automatic movement. I suspect they will have an enduring place on the discerning man's wrist for many years to come. Great video, thanks.
This is a good question and one that comes up often from new guys. It's a question I had coming in, who could possibly GAF about what's inside the watch? There's just something inexplicably neat or cool about a mechanical watch. The fact that there are hundreds of tiny pieces all clicking away in tandom to sweep the hands either resonates with you or it doesn't. Closest analogies I can come up with would be a cars and booze. Mid-century muscle car with a manual transmission versus an all electric Tesla or a Toyota hybrid. Technically, on paper, in ever measurable way, the new cars are better. They're faster, better suspension, better handling, better braking, better interiors, more mileage, more power extracted from less displacement and fuel, etc. etc. etc. but there's just something missing. You don't get the same road and steering feel, the same sensitivity from the throttle, the direct connection by rowing your own gears. After driving both you either get it or you don't. Or compare vodka versus whiskey or wine. On paper, vodka is the superior way to get alcohol in your system: it's flavorless, it doesn't contain all the tannins, sulfites and aromatic compounds that are responsible for headaches and hangovers. But because vodka doesn't have all those impurities in it it doesn't have the same flavors, nuance, character or depth of a whiskey or wine. People like it *because* it's imperfect. All of this is very woo woo and objectively does not make logical sense.
I basically agree, however I still tend to get smashed on vodka.
And people make fun of me for liking a manual transmission. ..
@@ladykemma3 They're just compensating and jealous because they can't drive a stick shift.
Great points. I would say why I like mechanical watches is that they are one of the few objects left that are not completely mechanical and do not require electricity. Just moving parts working together to make an accurate timepiece.
Great presentation. John 🇬🇧
Hello Dave, Sweden here again. I agree fully with you. Quartz is for the most part accurate and a time teller, many quartz watches looks good too. Like you said the microchip has made life easier for us but what it does not have is moving parts. Parts that you can see move more or less precise to tell the time. I enjoy my Bertucci A-3P Nato as much as my Vostok Kommenderski.
Hey Peder! Thanks for the comment, and that's a nice pair of practical, tough watches you got there!
Nice follow up vid. :) To answer your question, I love mechanical watches also because of the (perceived) continuous sweep of the seconds hand. It wastes alot of my time, cos I catch myself just marvelling at it as time sweeps by. 😝
I just love watches, I enjoy my G Shock, flightmaster, Edifice, Eco drive because even though they have no soul like a mechanical watch has they still serve me well and in my rotation along with my Oris, Seikos and Heimdallr. It's a tough question for me because of the love I have for my flightmaster and 5610 gshock but I do love the fact the autos work/move because I do, almost part of me..... Plus the movents are really cool.
My father gave me several of his watches when I was much younger. Some of them I remember were rather nice and I believe they were JDM as he was stationed in Japan. Being young I didn't appreciate them as much as I would today. I recall one that he gave me was an automatic. I no longer have that watch unfortunately, but I've been wanting an automatic. Watching videos and trying to decide.
Really good video!
I also think about the quality craftsmanship of an automatic mechanical watch. The craftsmanship is everything... Just to know that someone added Springs and Gears and movement to a watch that literally makes the watch have life, when you wind it! Whether it's a Swiss automatic mechanical or Chinese one, it's just all about the craftsmanship!
Another good video . It is the art and romance of a mechanical watch .
I got one love high accuracy quartz. And would love a spring drive. I also love my perpetual calendar atomic citizen. It’s a true set it and forget it watch. But, I still swim with my Vostok amphibia.
Spring drive is such an elegant, masterful work of totally pointless engineering. I love it.
I like mechanical and quartz about equally. My mechanicals elicit feelings of tradition and elegance. Quartz, by itself, is considered in some subcultures as having the spiritual qualities of enhancing one's "vibrations". I aim for a couple of grail mechanical watches, but I derive a lot of pleasure from my Eco Drive pieces, too.
The Citizen Nighthawk Eco-Drive is one of my favorite watches. Keeping that one around in case of an apocalypse...
I’m looking to buy a simple automatic or hand wind , you make some good points, never had one before.
I've been wearing smart watches for about 5 years . Now I'm loving the mechanical/ automatic watches. Leave my phone home, I feel disconnected. LOVE IT.
There is something very comforting about winding mechanical watches when you wear them on a regular basis. As much as I love my automatic and my quartz watches, I do find a charm to mechanical watches that feels like it's missing from the latter.
Simple, because mechanical/automatic timepieces just work. They aren't as precise as quartz; however, they are there when you need them. They don't do the best job, but they serve their purpose and work when you need them to work. Whenever I am adventuring into unknown rugged terrain I have a mechanical/automatic on my wrist. Why? Because I have had quartz watches fail in the field, especially Eco-drives. I have yet had a mechanical/automatic crap out in those world situations. Yeah, they deviate a few seconds a day sometimes, but they do their job. Here is to the mechanical/automatic wrist watch. Great video.
Better using a g shock for that..
@@watchlover7750 No, not for me. I have killed a G climbing. I have had solars die in the heat. I will stick with my autos.
@@patricko9170 actually I have more mechanical watches that quartz. I'm not into extreme sports so I'll take note of your first hand experience
Thanks Dave. Quartz in the 70s was the new thing which was why it was emblazoned on dials. It was a kind of status thing. "Seiko, some day all watches will be made this way." Well thank goodness they're not all quartz now. The romance. Growing up in the 60s were hand wound watches in abundance. A physics teacher at school was demonstrating his self winding watch, obviously an automatic. It was something as a child to aspire to. He also had one with an alarm. Thinking now it was probably a Seiko Bellmatic. In the late 70s my father in law showed me his automatic Rolex. He got it on a good duty free deal and didn't ever sell it. I wanted one at that point, any one, so I saved some pennies and got a Seiko 5. That watch ran for years until I got the F91W or similar. I still have one running from that era now, early 80s but bought much later, probably never been serviced. Moving on to today, the San Martin Kanagawa has arrived and now keeping all the automatics wound is like spinning plates. They're just so much better in emotional terms. You have an object that somebody has made to tell the time which has his skill and learning over time invested in it. We can't carry pictures, great buildings or architecture but we can carry a beautiful watch that's a structural masterpiece. That's my view anyway and my obsession goes back to the 60s, especially the jewellers' shop windows in Ostend Belgium at that point. I bought a hand wound Buler, when having a wafer thin hand wound was the grail. It cost me £2.00. Anyway enough. Automatics are best even those that neither hack nor hand wind. Simple. 👍
I love all watches that meet my taste and have an history behind and a peculiar feature...from a seiko to an orient, a timex, an hamilton, a casio, a citizen, a vostok, a tissot a mido etc etc
I've got a few Tudors and Rolexs in my collection, but as a chef those do not come to work with me. That's where the Boldr Venture and Bertucci A2T shine! Titanium, quartz, always ready to be reliable and water proof and ready to go. Watches are tools for some, and you need the right tool for the right occasion.
Thanks for clarifying, I almost started repenting having bought an automatic watch after I saw your first video.
Ha! No problem!
Couldn't agree more.. I started collecting the hard way in 2017 with whatever looked cool and under $60. Bad way to loose $500+ but... I learned a lot and now all those watches are gone. I replaced them with Seiko, Casio, and Citizen. In the future I will be adding Longines, Sinn, Oris, Tudor..
My ETA Automatic has been worn daily for over 10 years and has been unserviced, and still keeps good time
The answer is a solar watch, Citizen, Casio, Seiko, etc.... they're relaxing watches, you don't worry about accurate time or the battery running out on you.
If you ever observed a real life steam locomotive operate, it's moving parts, the sounds they make, ITS A LIVING THING! A source of fascination. To me, a mechanical watch is the same thing in miniature. I've worn a Omega 2254 Seamaster chronograph the last 20 years. Only just recently bought a beater, Orient Triton. They're LIVING THINGS that capture the imagination.
My tastes run towards super affordable and digitals, which I have way too many of. But my method for overcoming the battery outage scare at the airport is to always have a fairly new recent model which is likely to have a fresh battery. But I also think the mechanical idea is cool too.
Just got my first mechanical watch, a Ball Ceramic Hydrocarbon, I just love it for all of its mechanical precision I think.
That's a pretty cool piece! Hope you enjoy it!
Just to mention ur first reason or benifit of a automatic watch, a good quartz watch will indicate when the battery is getting low by jumping at five seconds intervals for quite some time before it stops. I have a quartz or solar watch to set the time for my automatic’s and convenients also no expensive service costs ie a $10 battery replacement every 3 to 5 years
True. They can last forever. I have a pocketwatch from the 1880's . Still working fine, even though it's about 130-140 year old. And it's fun to think who was alive when the watch was new...Jack the Ripper, Vincent van Gogh, The Elephant Man, Nicola Tesla and Jules Verne to name a few.
Most of us started our Watch journey with Quartz Watch es… but once you start having and knowing mechanical… your gona love them. Maybe its history engenieree, design, dont know exact reason… but youll love them.
I like and got both although I do prefer the sweeping mechanical seconds hand.
I found your previous video not really negative, but actually kind of amusing, from the point of how much things have changed since I got my first hand wound Timex in about the third grade. The digital watch had not even entered the market yet, and even the Quartz watch was a few years off. I recently found one of my father's watches (he passed 18 years ago) and found it runs perfectly once I wound it. It's a Swiss made Croton that dates back to the late 60's/early 70's. It needed a new band, and now I'm wearing it. Haven't wore a watch in a few years, and had kind of missed it.
Thanks for the comment, that's a cool story about finding your father's watch!
Yeah I just like all the little pieces and the way the all function to make the watch work. Every time you flip your case back, you see it. It’s neat. About that “peace of mind” tho, I have a Citizen eco-drive, it’s solar-powered and so so accurate so definitely better than automatics
I liked your reasons why and can add to them least one, the wrist is much easier to see then pulling my cell out from wherever yea keep it. Some stranger asks for the time as well.
Hi Dave. Thanks for covering the affordable end of watch collecting. Couple of comments. Keeping a mech watch wound down does not extend the 5 year service interval since modern lubricants evaporate away in about 5 years even if the watch is stopped. Using the watch in that condition then leads to metal-on-metal wear. Watch winders are worse IMO as even with proper lube there is wear on the moving surfaces. (Think running your car at full RPM all the time: even with oil it will soon sound the death knell.) In thinking about passing on your collection, I'm not sure which is better, quartz or mech. As you know, the quartz movements used in affordable watches today are generally not repairable and have a finite life span, 5 years of continuous use often quoted. (But like mech watches they often go much longer.) So similar to the mechanical movement, leaving your modern quartz watch always running leads me to believe that they too have a defined service interval except now it means movement replacement, if one is still available. Interestingly however, having a collection of these quartz pieces that are only run when being worn could lead to a lifespan of decades, something that could be handed down to the next generation, as long as batteries are regularly replaced to prevent leakage. Not all quartz movements are alike. I have several vintage Seiko 7a28/7a38 chronographs. From the '80s these are all metal and can be serviced. 7aXX watches are actually a great way to get into vintage watches as they are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Of course, the pitfalls of vintage watch buying apply.
You live in the land of the JDM Watch. Lucky you! It’s funny, I went from cheap quartz watches to mechanical watches, and my lifetime watch was purchased about six months ago. I picked up a Grand Seiko quartz watch. I went full circle but improved what I wear on a daily basis now.
Absolutely on point. Always found that quartz runs out of power at the most inconvenient time (pun intended) such as when travelling or the middle of the night. I love my collection of mechanical watches & my sons have already called dibs on my Omega Seamaster and my Daytona when I pass them on!
Digital watches start to fade when the battery is running low, which is a dead giveaway. Like, after a decade.
Lucky for us watch enthusiasts we have another watch to wear while we get it fixed.
I agree with your pros of mechanicals. They really do feel alive on the wrist. Once I really discovered mechanical movements, I didn’t want to wear or collect anything else. The exclusivity is a draw as well, because most people only wear quartz or Apple watches these days.
Hi Dave, interesting reasons, what you listed here. I wearing watches since i'm 5, now i'm 47, and a never owned an automatic watch. Maybe i should try one. I like things wich was designed primarly for the Japans market only, so the 101 looks ideal. Do you recommend it?
If you allowed this type of logic towards any other thing in life it would be insane. Let me pay MORE for something that has less features, more complicated to maintain,and that is less reliable just for the heck of it. It's crazy, but I love my mechanical watches too.
Crazy isn't it?
A classic British or Italian car comes to mind.
I loved this video.
All of your points resonate with me but the "back up" point comes closest to my rationale. I was intrigued by the craftsmanship etc of mechanicals for years but always wore quartz -- and even those morphed into solar quartz about a dozen years ago when my favorite (sentimental gift) Cyma quartz needed a battery -- and I could no longer get it done at any local jewelry store. I finally pulled the trigger on entry level mechanical (Orient Ray II) when I had to send off both my Citizen eco drive AND my Cyma. Try as I might to use just my phone to tell time for "a few weeks", I just couldn't stand it, so mechanical it was. My Ray II has now been joined by a Timex Marlin (wind only). Right now I'm inclined to stay at the sub $500 range especially given the accuracy trade offs.
Sounds like I'm in a similar place. I like having a variety of watches, but I like traveling either with a mechanical or solar watch.
You can get a LOT of watch for $500 or less. In my experience a Seiko NH35 movement is plenty accurate for a mechanical watch (personally -15sec/month). I have bought watches for several hundred dollars and am willing to pay up to $1K for the right design that catches my eye. But I cannot fathom saving and scrimping for years so I have the priviledge to spend multiple thousands on a luxury watch like almost all KZheadrs and watch forum nerds advocate to do. Seems like a waste of cash when there are so, so many good pieces for tiny fraction of that.
@@Phafanapolis yeah that's where I am at now. There's a lot of watches in the $500 range that I'm interested in, but I don't think I could really ever justify spending more than $1000 on a watch.
@@Phafanapolis I'm wholeheartedly with you (and not just in watches). I think the law of diminishing returns applies to ~ everything! I find I can get 95%+ of the "value" of something for a fraction of the cost. What's more, my "worry barometer" is much more tolerable if something were to happen to a "treasure" than it were if I paid large sums! I know I'd be afraid to use it so where's the joy?
hi i am loving your channel it is right in my price range! i have just ordered a kriegsmarine laboe mechanical watch they come with 24 hour dials and retail for £170 and look fantastic!! it would be nice to hear your views on them i personally think they are the best russian watches under £200 Thank You.
I like the heft on the wrist, it feels like a quality watch, quartz are generally lighter in comparison. The sweeping seconds hand feels like it's living. The fact that if you buy a decent watch, it could still be running in 50 years time, providing you've looked after it. I'm not that bothered if it gains a couple of minutes a week, is not that bad when you consider it's a machine. Besides it only takes a few seconds to correct it. They just feel more alive and have a charm about them. If they are well made , can easily last a lifetime. Can't say that about much else made today , can you.
The ritual of adjusting the time on mechanical watches is worth it. I appreciate the period of time that we find ourselves in. Quartz and smartwatches will never be able to replace
I just got an Oyster Perpetual Rolex and I love it. Always wanted a Rolex. It am looking for a good winder, any suggestions?
I'm retro. I play a second ww era violin.
Because the auto/mechanical watch does require that maintenance, and it can get really expensive depending on the watch. Im happy with my one auto and numerous quartz watches
I own a dozen or more watches. The only mechanical time piece I own, is a vintage automatic Tissot from 1947. It was my grandfathers and was passed down to me from my father. I very seldom wear it, and when I do it's only for special occasions. I very much enjoy the inexpensive and diverse selection of quartz watches I have, but the vintage mechanical Tissot is my favorite. It will be the only watch passed down after I am gone. And because it is mechanical, it should far outlast any of my quarts watches.
For me, the bio-mechanical relationship with an automatic is hard not to romanticise. I have quartz pieces that I enjoy and cherish a lot but something that keeps going while I'm alive...hard to beat.
I bought a Casio G-Shock GW-500A in 2004. For last Christmas I treated myself to the updated GW-M500A that has a countdown timer instead of a TIme Memo function which I never really used. The 2004 model is still syncing with WWVB at night and the original battery shows no signs of giving out. Sounds like I will have that model for a long time. I can't see the point of automatic mechanical watches since you need to fuss with them if you rotate them. For the price of servicing an automatic I can add another G-Shock Multi Band6 Tough Solar to my collection.
I prefer mechanical watches over quartz because it brings me closer to the passing of time. The fact that they depend on me to care and power them creates an awareness of time that quartz watches just can't emulate. They are an ever present reminder that our time is limited and yet precious. I think you hit the nail on the head with the history and admiration of this working tool that was so crucial to the evolution of the modern industrial age. One of my favorite hobbies is repairing old pocket watches. To see these magnificent pieces of engineering come to life again and know they were used in critical timing of trains a hundred years ago and to know they will live on for another hundred years behind my life is an amazing feeling.
Takes a lot more patience than I have to learn how to repair watch movements, I'd be so stressed at losing a piece or not being able to get them back together. Lots of respect to guys who can handle that kind of work!
i got into mechanical and automatic watches because i hate the quartz watch life span of the battery i dont want a battery to determain when my watch will die on me i want a watch i can rely on to keep ticking until i need to get it serviced and im pretty sure it will take more then 5 years for that to happen and i love how my automatic and mechanical pocket watches look
first of all in Japan almost in every train, airplane, airport, bus, train station you got an option to plug your phone charger. About a year ago I decided to have all my watches 70h+ power reserve, since it's a pain having watch laying around for a day and next morning you need to adjust the time again.. and again..
Mechanical watch is the one to must have if you are a one watch guy.. It is a very trusty tool especially a diver's or a sports mechanical watch.. but some quartz watch like the tissot prx have a battery saving feature that will let you know if the battery beeds replacement & can go for days longer so you can change the battery before it totally runs out.. & also there are solar charging watches like ecodrive, tough solar, etc.. But mechanical watches have souls & it is in a different level & not comparable to a battery or a rechargeable watches.. but also when it comes to toughness & shock resistance, I wear only quartz & solar powered watches like tissot prx & casio..
Which watch box do you have? I’m currently looking for one and I like the one you have
I have high end automatic Rolex and Rado Chronometer Official Certified mechanical automatic watches but still run 3-5 seconds per day off until about 15 years ago I discovered Seiko Spring Drive SNR005 In 2005 that I bought for under $3k it is relatively inexpensive compared to high end brands. This thing has been running for 15 years without need for any maintenance and is extremely accurate even more accurate than all of my battery powered quartz watches, KineticSeiko, and Citizen Eco Drive. The Seiko Spring Drive power reserve is incredible 72 hours and the coolest feature that unseen in any other brand is the complete smoothness and silence of the second hand. Yes, the second hand is actually gliding instead of ticking in complete silence just like time flows. I will not buy anything else except spring drive.
So true. I love mechanical watches and people around me just cant understand why. Even my wife, but she is an Apple's watch fan.
I can relate to this
I am divided between the mechanical and quartz watches I own. I enjoy quartz with an interesting complication, like my linear chronograph. My Mech/autos are either dress, diver or pilot watches with basic functions. I will be the first to admit that the Mech/autos are mainly for show, even if I'm just showing off to myself and the quartz watches are for activities that require superior accuracy and whatever the function (ie; chrono or compass watch for hiking). When I think of why I like mechanical watches, I liken them to the older classic cars I used to own. Who needs a car with a carburetor? No one. Who would like to own Steve McQueen's Mustang GT? Quite a few people. Quite a few.
Half the time when I'm making my coffee in the morning I look down at my wrist in disappointment when I find a mechanical watch instead of a quartz chronograph. But yeah, different watches for different jobs.
You don't own a mechanical watch, you enter into a relationship with it, treat it right give some tlc and a bond will form, you won't even notice any of the issues you raise it will become part of you.
Once you have looked at a mechanical movement and marvelled at its inner workings, it's impossible to go back. Because you can actually see all these little parts, and understand how they work together in order to track time. It's fascinating. Quartz vibrations and circuits on the other hand are so abstract... They might be far more technologically advanced, but they are "soulless". A quartz movement is a great tool whereas a mechanical movement is more like a piece of art. At least that's how I see it, especially after having started dabbing into mechanical watch restoration...
Think about all the old technology that people still love. Listening to an ABBEY ROAD LP on a turntable through a tube amp sounds great! How 'bout listening to an old Short Wave radio on a warm summer night. Have you ever riden a HORSE through the snow? How much fun is it to get an actual Post Card from a friend in France? This morning I pulled my old ( 1892 ) lever set Waltham Pocket Watch out of my Dresser drawer ( wood with dove tail joints ) and decided to carry it in the little pocket in my jeans designed for that very purpose! As I quietly walked around, I could hear it ticking ( a nice peaceful sound like a kitten purring in your ear in the morning as you try to sleep late). If I wanted serious accuracy, I would wear one of my Bulova Precisionists ( and be late for nothing ). A mechanical watch compares to a quartz watch the same way a wood burning fireplace compares to central heating; they will both get the job done, however, the crackle of the fire or the tick of the movement is hard to beat! ( Of course the hum of a classic Accutron is very nice when you are paddling your canoe! )
Yeah, that's a good way to put it. I was amused to discover that my 23 year old sister had recently started getting into vinyl records. Maybe I can convince her to try a mechanical watch next.
Great video brother I totally agreed with you that’s why I don’t wear my Apple Watch anymore tired of charging it , Mechanical watch is way better