TORNEK- RAYVILLE TR-660 (photo credit worn and wound)
Hey folks, just wondering if anyone on here has any experience with this watch? I'm debating between one of these or a squale to scratch my fifty fathoms itch!
Again photo credit worn and wound
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Jack Glennie
30 years old with a real passion for watches that definitely lends toward the tougher stuff! My collection is largely dive watches, everything from Seiko to Rolex, the more scratches and dings the bet...
Southampton
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Last active: 7 months ago
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Great question! Will look for the same answers. Seem a bit expensive for what it is
From my understanding, these are rarer than regular vintage Blancpain FF, Mike Nouveau on TikTok has a whole video about this watch and its collectability and resale
It's the sister company to Bill Yao of MkII fame.
Yao and MkII was one of the first microbrands, waaaay back in the heady days of Bathys, Benarus, etc.
Very hard to actually find in stock new. MKII and Tornek-Rayville will sell out in minutes if not seconds when orders open.
If serious, I'd recommend ebay watch lists and WatchRecon.
Get the Squale of you want true Swiss provenance value for money.
The NE15B is a 3Hz movement, so if you're thinking "Fifty Fathoms," you won't be getting that smooth second hand sweep.
But the real challenge is getting a hold of one in the first place.
I am making a watch brand and I think the watch I am making might interest you @JackGlennie, you can check it out on my profile,I hope youbhave a good day!
The Helson Skindiver is a possible alternative....
From my understanding, these are rarer than regular vintage Blancpain FF, Mike Nouveau on TikTok has a whole video about this watch and its collectability and resale
I'll have to check that video out! There is one currently one eBay for a fair chunk over retail. Pre orders open again in October for the next run so the website states
It's the sister company to Bill Yao of MkII fame.
Yao and MkII was one of the first microbrands, waaaay back in the heady days of Bathys, Benarus, etc.
Very hard to actually find in stock new. MKII and Tornek-Rayville will sell out in minutes if not seconds when orders open.
If serious, I'd recommend ebay watch lists and WatchRecon.
Cheers! The website says pre orders re open in October so I'm just testing the water till then I guess
Get the Squale of you want true Swiss provenance value for money.
I would love one in my collection but I struggle to pick one 🤣
The Helson Skindiver is a possible alternative....
Hi John I have seen these, have you a hand on?
Hi John I have seen these, have you a hand on?
I do own one, a solid geek worthy watch. Here is a picture of mine....
I'd go the Squale. The Tornek-Rayville site paints itself as being maybe a rung or two down from NASA - with multiple R&D divisions* no less! - when the reality is that watches of the same name were issued in Vietnam, and it hasn't really done much since. It's not a notable watch brand. Squale is the more honest feeling of the two brands, in terms of how it presents itself, and a better brand of watch in general.
*This stuff is freaking hilarious. As just one example, they have:
STU-ND (Sea Test Unit - North Detachment) STU-ND is the first subunit of Sea Point Applied Research. Created to focus on aquatic testing, with a concentration on cold water operations. The STU-ND team is adept at a variety of waterborne activities and skill sets and also known to be rather hard on their gear.
And you think, wow, so what else do they have besides the cheap watches, given this is JUST ONE of their R&D groups? And they have... um... a t-shirt... and some watch straps... oh, and a handless mug.
Underrated clean build, clean design and a reasonable price
love love love that watch!
Get the Squale of you want true Swiss provenance value for money.
😂
The TR if you can get/afford it. Otherwise the Squale or even the Bulova MilShips.
I'd go the Squale. The Tornek-Rayville site paints itself as being maybe a rung or two down from NASA - with multiple R&D divisions* no less! - when the reality is that watches of the same name were issued in Vietnam, and it hasn't really done much since. It's not a notable watch brand. Squale is the more honest feeling of the two brands, in terms of how it presents itself, and a better brand of watch in general.
*This stuff is freaking hilarious. As just one example, they have:
STU-ND (Sea Test Unit - North Detachment) STU-ND is the first subunit of Sea Point Applied Research. Created to focus on aquatic testing, with a concentration on cold water operations. The STU-ND team is adept at a variety of waterborne activities and skill sets and also known to be rather hard on their gear.
And you think, wow, so what else do they have besides the cheap watches, given this is JUST ONE of their R&D groups? And they have... um... a t-shirt... and some watch straps... oh, and a handless mug.
🤣 when you put it like that actually it's a very good point. I really like the history behind watches and the Squale as you said will definitely feel more honest and true.
I do love the TR still it's just a shame about the price point and limited availability, If it was something you could pick up pre owned on ebay say then I think it would already be in my collection
🤣 when you put it like that actually it's a very good point. I really like the history behind watches and the Squale as you said will definitely feel more honest and true.
I do love the TR still it's just a shame about the price point and limited availability, If it was something you could pick up pre owned on ebay say then I think it would already be in my collection
Yup, someone has got very, very carried away with the marketing at TR. Fine if you can laugh at it and still enjoy the watch. More problematic if they fish people in with it. Squale the historical choice, no question.