Collecting is a Personal Thing
This under-the-radar Benyar 5185-M continues to capture and speak to me. We began our relationship 5 months ago, and whenever it's on my wrist, it's a pleasure to look at, and a joy to wear. Its reliable Seagull ST6 automatic movement hasn't let me down so far, faithfully keeping relatively accurate time. Up to now, this piece never ceases to surprise, as I somehow am able to discover and find something new to appreciate.
Indeed, owning and collecting time pieces is a personal relationship with each one. As in any relationship, it has its ups and downs, its pleasures and pains, its beauty and flaws. A good test of a strong bond, is the ability of both parties to appreciate each other's perfections (which drew you to each other in the first place), and to embrace and accept each one's shortcomings and warts, and still continue to enjoy each other. That is what matters most.
When a glorious sunset begins to descend, Bringing warm and lovely hues, Burnt orange, gold, dusky purple, Pink, mauve, and blue, No timepiece on earth, With all its sunburst, textures, and polish, Co...
I would be surprised if you didn’t buy a watch that you liked or would not want to enjoy wearing. This can still be the case in high volume collections.
Enjoy the watch - I’m getting Aquaracer vibes there, but it’s probably because I’m tired as I’ve lost an hour since the clocks went forward.
edit - just checked the price, wow.
True, we do buy that which we like. There are moments though, when the seeming liking for a piece is actually fueled by consumerism and a drive to just acquire. I have to keep myself in check, every now and then. After all is said and done, though, we all make our choices, and learn from it all.
You're right! There seems to be an Aquaracer-esque vibe somehow! Good observation. Didn't see it that way before. I think it's more with the dial design, particularly the indices and handset, but definitely not so much with the case and bezel, as the Aquaracer has a dive/sports look. Yep, the price is a steal.
I'm sure you'll get used to the rhythm of waking up earlier. 👍
It’s the logo - it’s Tag-esque because it’s a shield. I’ve had coffee so I’m more on it. It’s like if you took the bezel off an Aquaracer and the dial was textureless but as shiny. I like the red and yellow versions, but this green is cool. Right - on with the day.
It’s the logo - it’s Tag-esque because it’s a shield. I’ve had coffee so I’m more on it. It’s like if you took the bezel off an Aquaracer and the dial was textureless but as shiny. I like the red and yellow versions, but this green is cool. Right - on with the day.
Right... the shield! Hehe.. coffee indeed is our lifeblood! I need to brew an afternoon cup soon. :P And, I got what you mean re. the bezel and the dial. 👍
Interestingly, the red and yellow versions were on my shortlist, together with this green. After a few days of mulling over each piece, it was the green that resonated stronger with me. Then when I asked my girlfriend what she thought, she too affirmed that the green looked more fitting for me. So, voila!
Is the case stainless steel or base metal?
Is the case stainless steel or base metal?
On the display case back outer rim, the words "All Solid Stainless Steel" are etched, together with its other specs of interest. And the case overall does have a bit of heft. But on sites like Amazon, when customers ask about the metal, Benyar reps say it's a kind of alloy. When I check the metal finishing on the inner side of the lugs and case covered by the end links, I notice rough edges that seem to indicate it is a chrome plated alloy. But, I am not an expert in determining stainless steel so...
On the display case back outer rim, the words "All Solid Stainless Steel" are etched, together with its other specs of interest. And the case overall does have a bit of heft. But on sites like Amazon, when customers ask about the metal, Benyar reps say it's a kind of alloy. When I check the metal finishing on the inner side of the lugs and case covered by the end links, I notice rough edges that seem to indicate it is a chrome plated alloy. But, I am not an expert in determining stainless steel so...
That's a real shame.
That's a real shame.
I understand the sentiment. For me, it's not really a deal breaker. I love this one as it is, with all its beauty and flaws. 😉 Plus, there are many alloy based watches that hold their own, and are really great yet underrated pieces. An example is the Alba AQPK401 field watch with its fully lumed dial.
Unfortunately it's one of very few deal breakers for me.
I've considered their Milgauss knockoff. I had a Winner brand supercheapo automatic that I found surprisingly satisfying for the three months or so till it took it moisture and I got the not-so-bright idea of leaving it on a coffee burner to evaporate it out.
There is a special joy in finding true satisfaction with a budget piece, as it is far from guaranteed or even expected. Conversely, for the big ticket pieces, the expectations are so high that it's easy to be dissatisfied.
I've considered their Milgauss knockoff. I had a Winner brand supercheapo automatic that I found surprisingly satisfying for the three months or so till it took it moisture and I got the not-so-bright idea of leaving it on a coffee burner to evaporate it out.
There is a special joy in finding true satisfaction with a budget piece, as it is far from guaranteed or even expected. Conversely, for the big ticket pieces, the expectations are so high that it's easy to be dissatisfied.
Saw that Milgauss model too. However, I'm small wristed and its dimensions would've just gobbled up my wrist. 😉 Unfortunate to hear that your Winner took in moisture, but nice story about using a coffee burner to evaporate it out. So did it work? And, good point on the experience with a budget, as well as a high end piece. 👍 For a budget piece, I automatically set the bar low. So, when it exceeds expectation, the surprise and experience is indeed satisfying.
Saw that Milgauss model too. However, I'm small wristed and its dimensions would've just gobbled up my wrist. 😉 Unfortunate to hear that your Winner took in moisture, but nice story about using a coffee burner to evaporate it out. So did it work? And, good point on the experience with a budget, as well as a high end piece. 👍 For a budget piece, I automatically set the bar low. So, when it exceeds expectation, the surprise and experience is indeed satisfying.
No, I do not advise using heat to dry out watches, at least mechanical ones. I've had luck in the past with electric stuff and the like where you heat an oven up to about 300 degrees F, then (this is important) turn off the heat, and let an item bask in the dry warm oven. But something about thermal expansion or overheating of small moving parts (and very cheaply made ones) killed the mechanism and the date function made it all beyond my amateur repair ability.
No, I do not advise using heat to dry out watches, at least mechanical ones. I've had luck in the past with electric stuff and the like where you heat an oven up to about 300 degrees F, then (this is important) turn off the heat, and let an item bask in the dry warm oven. But something about thermal expansion or overheating of small moving parts (and very cheaply made ones) killed the mechanism and the date function made it all beyond my amateur repair ability.
Sorry to hear that, bud.
No, I do not advise using heat to dry out watches, at least mechanical ones. I've had luck in the past with electric stuff and the like where you heat an oven up to about 300 degrees F, then (this is important) turn off the heat, and let an item bask in the dry warm oven. But something about thermal expansion or overheating of small moving parts (and very cheaply made ones) killed the mechanism and the date function made it all beyond my amateur repair ability.
Next time try submerging the watch in some uncooked rice, it will absorb the moisture out of the watch just like the little absorbing packets that seem to find there way into everything you buy these days 👍
Really handsome piece, looks like a an OP and a Date Just had a baby, lol.
Really handsome piece, looks like a an OP and a Date Just had a baby, lol.
Hahaha... looks like it.