I found my almost every day grail watch
So I've been searching for a every day grail(work watch) since forever. I had a specific dimension and spec in mind. I need it to be small, light, water proof, long power reserve, and antimagnetic. I've been wearing my Hamilton but it's too delicate. I need to take it off to prevent it from getting magnetized and such. This watch is exactly the type of tool watch I've been searching for. It's titanium, nivachron (titanium hairspring), 80hr power reserve, diver extension, 38mm and omg it feels so light on the wrist. I honestly believe this watch is the biggest bang for the buck. Getting this watch was a bit of hassle since they don't have AD in Canada, thank you helen-kirchhofer.com! A quick measure on the app the watch runs at +/-0sec a day with 0.5ms beat error.
Of course there are some minor things I would want to improve but it's not a deal breaker for me. The bracelet is 19mm no taper. Seriously a 20mm would be a strap monster. Only 2 micro adjustment..the diver extension isn't great. Wish they had gone with the 43mm style. A bit of play on the bezel and aluminum insert.
Wear and comfort 4/5. Wish they had more micro adjustment or on the fly adjustment like Tudor or CW. I still can't wrap my head around how light this watch is.
Performance 4/5. It's the newest Swatch movement and it's better than sw200-1 in terms of power reserve, and anti-magnetic property.
Serviceability 2/5. There is no Swatch group repair in Canada. The powermatic 80 doesn't have regulator. So I'll need to send it back to fix/service.
Value 5/5. Seriously, for $999 USD you are getting a titanium dive watch that's 300m water resistant. It's been rigorously tested to ISO6425:2018
I recommend this watch to anyone who want a proper tool watch.
Damn! Dat lume!
Titanium for the win!
Nice write up. Congratulations on finding a nice watch that meets your requirements.
Interesting choice for an everyday. For me, I just can't see needing a dive watch for everyday wear. Even though its Ti, to counter the mass on the wrist, its still going to have a fair amount of bulk. Happy you found "The One."
Interesting choice for an everyday. For me, I just can't see needing a dive watch for everyday wear. Even though its Ti, to counter the mass on the wrist, its still going to have a fair amount of bulk. Happy you found "The One."
I'm no desk diver. My work brings me to all sorts of places. Temperature ranges from 30c to -10c within a couple of hours. Sometimes I'm dry and sometimes I'm soaked. The bezel is a good tool for me to mark elapsed time on the sequence of operation of the equipment I'm working on. I have been using my Gshock, but those things are bulky for my skinny wrist.
Thank you for your comment! Hope you'll find your fav watch soon.
Great watch mate. I’ve got this version
Great watch mate. I’ve got this version
I only wish my wrist was big enough to wear that. I honestly believe your watch is the better of the two. Cheers mate!
Its great when you find something that's perfect for you. Great watch.
Congrats!
I've fell in love with this one. The color combination of brown and blue is stunning. I'm on holidays right now and the closest Certina shop is a whole country away 😜I have to wait two more painfull weeks to try it on. But I'm bit afraid that it will loose its charm when I see it in person. The "Bond" like Certina diver in titanium looked ok on pictures but in person it gave me a feeling of a "toy" watch rather than smth that I would enjoy wearing.
That is awesome @wustinhurf How is watch watch after some time? Still happy with your purchase? I'm debating between this and new DS-2.
That is awesome @wustinhurf How is watch watch after some time? Still happy with your purchase? I'm debating between this and new DS-2.
Im super happy with my purchase. Initially I thought I was just going through the honeymoon phase. I was wearing that for for weeks straight and even sleeping with it. Lumes are amazing, super comfortable, light, it doesn't feel hot even on a hot day. Runs at cosc +/-2 sec per day. If you are looking for a perfect tool watch then I would strongly recommend this brand. But if you want a more of a luxury watch then brands like Christopher ward and Monta is also great.
@wustinhurf thanks for the post! I’m thinking about grabbing this watch as well. What size is your wrist? Do the male end links make it it wear larger than the 38mm diameter would indicate? I have a 6.5-inch wrist and I’m wondering how it’ll fit me.
Also, how was your experience with Helen Kirchhofer? Legit?
@wustinhurf thanks for the post! I’m thinking about grabbing this watch as well. What size is your wrist? Do the male end links make it it wear larger than the 38mm diameter would indicate? I have a 6.5-inch wrist and I’m wondering how it’ll fit me.
Also, how was your experience with Helen Kirchhofer? Legit?
Hey gobius, I have a 6.5" wrist as well. The male end links measures 51mm, and lug to lug measures 45mm. This watch fits and wears well on a 6.5" wrist. This is probably due to how aggressive the end links are pointing downward. Also because bracelet is made of titanium it feels super light and comfortable. I would recommend this watch for you. This is truly best value for the dollar and the color really pops.
As for Helen kirchhofer they are a reputable company. There is about 2-3 weeks of delay before you get your watch. I'm pretty sure that's is standard. The only regrets is that I didn't see the bracelet+ strap option when I order this watch. World recommend getting that if you are worried about it wearing too big.
Hope it help.
Cheers
Hey gobius, I have a 6.5" wrist as well. The male end links measures 51mm, and lug to lug measures 45mm. This watch fits and wears well on a 6.5" wrist. This is probably due to how aggressive the end links are pointing downward. Also because bracelet is made of titanium it feels super light and comfortable. I would recommend this watch for you. This is truly best value for the dollar and the color really pops.
As for Helen kirchhofer they are a reputable company. There is about 2-3 weeks of delay before you get your watch. I'm pretty sure that's is standard. The only regrets is that I didn't see the bracelet+ strap option when I order this watch. World recommend getting that if you are worried about it wearing too big.
Hope it help.
Cheers
Thanks for the quick response- much appreciated!