What's your first mechanical watch? Would like to see them.
I have always liked watches since my early teens. My first watch was a baby g (casio) that my dad bought some 26 years ago.
I bought few along the way when I started working in my late teens and have always been attracted to the aesthetic side of watches (Don't really care about the movement and all back then) all quartz as I don't feel comfortable spending more than a grand.
Fast forward to 2018, when I was on the search to add my very first mechanical watch (wedding watch). A watch that could last me a lifetime and also a possible heirloom. Started watching YouTube videos, watch blogs and joined watch groups.
Somehow I always feel that the moonphase complication is a classic and will add to the "romance" element to the "perfect" wedding watch that I am hunting for.
After months of searching, trying and reading; the finalist were GO panomacticlunar and JLC Reverso Tribute Moon. Finally, I have decided to go with the "The watchmakers' watchmakers". Their iconic model Reverso. The Reverso Tribute Moon was really love at first sight and the rest is history.
I am not complaining that it comes with a second dial. Duoface and can be use as a dual time zone watch.
Would love to see what's your first mechanical watch and if you could reverse time will it still be the choice or what would you have purchased back then.
My journey begins from finding the perfect wedding watch. Love what dressier time pieces has to offer. Favourite Brands: JLC, VC, Longines and ALS. Instagram: ars3nal02
My first was an Orient with an open heart and Roman numerals. I eventually sold it as it was slightly too big and I wanted the money for a different watch
First mechanical watch was a Swatch Sistem51 and hell yes I would slap it out of my hands if I was able to time travel back to that moment.
First mechanical watch was a Swatch Sistem51 and hell yes I would slap it out of my hands if I was able to time travel back to that moment.
Curious what would you have purchase if you could go back in time.
1st Vostok amphibia
Travel back…Sarb017
Curious what would you have purchase if you could go back in time.
Honestly, I didn’t know anything about watches, just that I didn’t want to change anymore watch batteries. I’d probably have bought a Seiko or Citizen.
My first was an Orient with an open heart and Roman numerals. I eventually sold it as it was slightly too big and I wanted the money for a different watch
What did you get next?
My first watch was a mechanical, a kids Timex when I was about 12.
First quartz wasn't until I was over 30.
First (and only) digital was only a couple of years ago, Timex Expedition with analogue and digital, only bought so I could use it as a beater and know I wouldn't mind if it got damaged.
My first was a gift from my dad at a life event. A fashion watch. And the only fashion watch that I won’t apologize for, because frankly, ignore the name on the dial and it’s a fantastic looking watch.
I was mesmerized by the movement and he and I jumped headfirst into studying this world of watches. He wishes he’d gotten me a Seiko 5 GMT but I like this Vincero Reserve.
Neither of us have the money to get into the entry level luxury pieces yet, but fashion watches like this are what got us started (and therefore still the majority of our collections). Everyone starts somewhere.
My first was a gift from my dad at a life event. A fashion watch. And the only fashion watch that I won’t apologize for, because frankly, ignore the name on the dial and it’s a fantastic looking watch.
I was mesmerized by the movement and he and I jumped headfirst into studying this world of watches. He wishes he’d gotten me a Seiko 5 GMT but I like this Vincero Reserve.
Neither of us have the money to get into the entry level luxury pieces yet, but fashion watches like this are what got us started (and therefore still the majority of our collections). Everyone starts somewhere.
I tend to prefer watch with backstory or milestone pieces. The sentimental value along with the watch you like.
This was my first mechanical watch. Birthday gift I got this year!
Chanel J12 GMT
Orient Bambino 2nd generation
This but very fake version.
"Real" one would be
My first watch looked something like this Felicia. Don't know what happened to it.
Was given this as a present in the 90's. Survived many Scuba dives. Still going strong.
My first watch looked something like this Felicia. Don't know what happened to it.
As in? Can't find it or no longer in working condition?
Was given this as a present in the 90's. Survived many Scuba dives. Still going strong.
I am sure this have been through many diving trips with you throughout the years! 🤜🤛
As in? Can't find it or no longer in working condition?
Somehow lost it during my late teen days about 50 years ago.
Mine was Seiko Sumo 11 years ago. Got poison by my friend at works and rumbling about Seiko watch too much. And finally appreciate the work of mechanical watch purchase one. Because it's too big so I sold it. No regrets though, but when I look it again at the Seiko store, it will haunt me for several days 😅
Mine was Seiko Sumo 11 years ago. Got poison by my friend at works and rumbling about Seiko watch too much. And finally appreciate the work of mechanical watch purchase one. Because it's too big so I sold it. No regrets though, but when I look it again at the Seiko store, it will haunt me for several days 😅
If you could turn back time, what would your choice be?
Problem is, the watch wasnt serviced in the last 23 years, i dont even know if it was serviced at all since my father got it, so it could be even longer. It keept bad time when i wore it back then, but i thought it was normal. When it fell down, the backcrystel popped off and i lost it, leaving the mechanism exposed. Either i do it right, o leave it be.
Plus, i live in switzerland, everything here is expensive.
No harm asking for an estimated quote from a watchmaker before you make a decision?
my first mechanical watch was a Swatch Sistem51 too, just like @SpecKTator. but unlike him i would not slap that out of my hands if i traveled back in time to see my younger self.
there’s nothing wrong with swatch and it was a stepping stone in my watch collecting journey. and as an 80’s child it was a likely first step. in fact my first watch of any kind that i bought with my own money was also a swatch - a quartz diver that was part of their first ever metal line.
Nothing wrong indeed. I always advocate that watch collecting is personal. What truly important is buying what you like. Its for your own enjoyment. 🥂
No harm asking for an estimated quote from a watchmaker before you make a decision?
I did ask, thats why im kinda hesitant. The service with replacing all the missing part would cost between 300 and 350 chf.
I did ask, thats why im kinda hesitant. The service with replacing all the missing part would cost between 300 and 350 chf.
At the very least it can be service and replacement parts available.
At the very least it can be service and replacement parts available.
True, the possibility is here.
Tough question... Definitely sarb033 maybe? In my early year when I don't have much money, sarb033 seems like a good choice
A GMT Master II BLNR - this pic is from the day I purchased it back in 2019.
My first mechanical was a Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT. Still have it. Never wear it on the rubber strap these days. I have it on a brown suede strap and love it.