A tale of two date windows

I really want to like the Speedtimer but this is apparently a deal-breaker for me.

Im one of the vocal majority who hates a date complication, but both of these are acceptable.

I agree, that little tiny offset on the chronograph isn't quite as aesthetically pleasing as the Slim Turtle (would love that dial in a Willard) 😉👍

If given a choice between a date or no date version I will always pick the no date. If tghere is no option and I have to have a date I really don't care where it is or what shape the window is.

I am one of those folks that prefers a date on the dial. But the Slim Turtle's execution of it is far better than that of the Speedtimer for me. Dates should always be vertically aligned with the rest of the watch.

I differ, the date at 4 or 4 30 doesn't bother me at all, in fact the only thing that bothers me is the date at 9, I can't stand it.

The date window on the SPB313 is small enough in person that it's kinda easy to miss unless you're looking for it. Blends in nicely.

That's why often don't bother setting the date.

The location of the date doesn't really matter to me. As long as it doesn't seem like a forced afterthought.

A simple frame show a bit of effort in design

I'm one of the weirdos that prefer a date complication. For me, the watch in my collection that does it the best is this Tissot PRC 100.

A 4 O'clock beveled window with white date wheel is close enough to the indices to mostly dissappear when you're not looking for it. Though it is a busy dial already, so there is that...

Don't forget that if you see them in person, the speedtimers is DEEP with no attempt to hide it. It's recessed pretty far in. I agree with you on all the points. I like data, but I like it to be easily read as well.

I do prefer a no date complication. I really like the speed timer but the date window placement is bothering me maybe it’s my ocd idk but as much as I like the watch especially the limited edition that’s getting to drop I wouldn’t buy because of the date window placement.

Haa,haaa!,😀 these really are the little things that can make or break a watch for me. Look at that nice date on the Turtle and you just think, 'why!, why would anyone do that with the date on the other?. Do they even care?'😭. Makes you wonder about the mindset of some designers, don't it!. Glad to know I'm not the only one who takes issue with things like this.🤣

I 1000% agree with everything you said. I am all for a date window because for me it is actually functional (just used mine 10 minutes ago). In fact, I LOVE the Rolex Explorer I, but if I could change one thing I would want a date window.

That said, I can’t stand it when companies slap a date window on a dial. With the SPB31x it looks like they actually put time and effort into the design of the date window. On the contrary, the Speedtimer’s date window looks like an afterthought, just slapped on before hitting production.

How do you like the Mille Miglia?

Slim Turtle style, but placement at 6.

Also, with that Bell & Ross I didn’t even notice the date window at first! They did a spectacular job with that

The date window on my Milano is about as unobtrusive as it gets. It's also too small to read.🧐

I don’t like the date window which is not at 6 or 3, but it’s not a big issue, if the overall of the watch look good (like the speedtimer) then i probably buy it

I have the Speedtimer SBDL095/ SSC911. The date window placement is not bad. The depth of the date wheel, the black background and white letters sometimes becomes unreadable.

I had a speedtimer. The position,size and depth of the date window is IMHO a shocker. The depth make it difficult to read especially when the date is two digits (ie 10-31). For some reason the date on the turtle looks less ‘clumsy’. I don’t mind a date window on a watch as long as it’s readable and IMO nicely done. I replaced my speedtimer with a Certina DS-2 presidrive. Now that’s how to do a date window on a chronograph.

I agree with your opinion, but I prefer to have the date at three or six o'clock, when it is between 4 and 5, it looks to me like a space was unintentionally cut out for the date

I prefer the date itself on the turtle, but find it less overall obtrusive due to the busyness of the speedtimer

Neither bother me that much tho

I agree with this 100%. In fact, I feel like you pulled these thoughts out of my brain. I would like to get a Speedtimer and I have tried on multiple models but I can't get past that date window.

I was just curious about the watch in general, not necessarily the date window. I absolutely love the Mille Miglia, and I don’t see too many people with them. I feel like Chopard is an underrated brand. They make some beautiful pieces!

Thanks its silver dial is truly great and its classic racing watch style is beautiful

After reading your careful analysis of these 2 watches, I’m inclined to agree with you👍🏾. I really like the slim Turtle 🐢 and would love to add it to my collection one day. Other than the size of the slim Turtle, the near disappearance of the date really nailed it for me. It was something about the Speedtimer that didn’t really hit with me. Now I can never unsee the date placement on that watch😂. My Christopher Ward has a 3 o’clock date, and my Vaer & Lorier have a 6 o’clock date which is now my preference. Seiko 4:30 date windows are the only exception for me. 😊

Had to go back and look again at the photos. Didn’t see the date window at first and actually like it their. I have a Seiko 5 automatic with day and date and to be honest if not looking at a phone much when off grid it is actually useful.

For simply a date I like this position.

No joke, I recieved my speedtimer this morning and only now realized the 4.15 positioning annoys the heck out of me after coming across your post. sigh. And it's so deeply set as to to be illegible in low light conditions. Double sigh. Overall, it's a nice watch, and my first chrono, but dang.

I’m so sorry I infected you with this brain worm!

I too don’t like the slightly offset date window on the solar Speedtimer. However the watch has so many other great features at a very attractive price point (and multiple dial colors) that I think I can overlook it. I haven’t bought one yet, but the green dial version is pretty high on my list.

Aw, that's ok; honestly I was just relaying to my wife that I don't get "that feeling" from it anyhow, so it may be relegated to a return.