I've rediscovered the new wave of Japanese watches (BIG photos)!

Peter Kim · 03-09-2006, 10:48 AM

I've gone crazy in the last month and bought 3 watches. Thought I'd keep only one, but each possesses unique qualities so I've kept them all.

In a previous life, I enjoyed my Omega Speedmaster and Rolex GMT Master II. But with two kids...

So imagine my surprise at finding a better quality of non-auto/digital watches from Casio & Seiko. They are much more innovative and well-built than what I recalled from my childhood many years ago. Plus, all 3 were 1/3 of the cost of any of my Swiss automatics.

Also, the styling is much more chic than the calculator watches from my halcyon years.

Seiko SNL017P

Casio Atomic Tough Solar G-Shock GW1200BA-1AV

Nike Lance 4 (learned that this is Seiko movement)

So after my love of watches dulled for the last 10 years, I've gone crazy all over again. I know the watch cognoscenti will disapprove of any watch that isn't automatic and Swiss, but I'm impressed with the technology and construction of these models.

The SNL017P has Seiko's Kinetic movement, sapphire crystal, and see-through case back...all for around $370. Surprised me with the impressive built quality.

The Casio G-Shock is an array of tech marvels. From syncing automatically with the atomic time at Fort Collins (4x/day) to its solar power to the cool led that lights up whenever you lift your wrist, it's the ultimate geek watch. $229 @ Costco.

The Lance 4 isn't the same caliber as the other two, but I like the design and the solid titanium case. It does have a thermometer, altimeter, and compass...all for $80 at Neiman Marcus.

I wear the Seiko more than the others, but it's fun to have this variety for whatever activity without anxiety over damage.

I'm going to investigate more Seikos, particularly the autos. In my research, I've heard so much about the Seiko diving watches (Black/Orange Monster). In fact I'm impressed with the entire range of Seiko's autos...didn't even realize that Japanese watches came in any flavor other than quartz.

What are some other cool watches you like?

RobertR · 03-09-2006, 12:00 PM

Quote:

The Casio G-Shock is an array of tech marvels. From syncing automatically with the atomic time at Fort Collins (4x/day) to its solar power to the cool led that lights up whenever you lift your wrist, it's the ultimate geek watch. $229 @ Costco.

I've had an all-digital version of the Casio watch you showed for several months, and it's great. Love the always-perfect timekeeping. I paid less than a hundred bucks for it.

Peter Kim · 03-09-2006, 12:50 PM

Very nice and frankly much more readable than mine. Yours appears to be solar powered too, so no batteries.

These are really solid timepieces. Plus, I'm syncing all my other watches, mechanical or otherwise to my Casio.

I've found that I don't even need to position my Casio near a window or align it a certain way in order to grab the radio signal. The receptor is sensitive enough that it'll calibrate while I'm sleeping and wearing the watch.

Garrett Lundy · 03-09-2006, 03:20 PM

Please educate my bumpkin brain, isn't any battery powered watch an automatic watch?

I'm partial to Citizen's titanium case'd Eco-drives myself.

RobertR · 03-09-2006, 03:45 PM

That's really good, Peter! Where do you live?

**HTF Ads**

Eric_L · 03-09-2006, 03:59 PM

Frankly, I prefer the slim and elegant styles of
Skagen,

Sam Posten · 03-09-2006, 04:02 PM

I've wanted a nice Tag Heuer for years just cant pull the trigger on a $1300-$2500 hunk of jewelry )

Also tried finding one of these in the US, but no dice:
http://www.wristdreams.com/archives/000666.html

Kobold has some slick looking watches too, but they are more expensive than the Tags.
http://www.koboldwatch.com/

For now tho, I just use the clock built in to my cel, its hell being a fat guy when the best looking watches either dont fit your wrist or look damn small. Fortunately I'm down 135 pounds and looking to treat myself, one of these days will get something really nice.

Sam

LanceJ · 03-09-2006, 04:23 PM

Lance's going-to-a-nice-place watch.

(though mine has an iridescent blue face).

Otherwise I use my Casio G-Shock black digital watch bought in 1997 and still going strong.

And I still have my Swatch watch

from the early 90s, a simple black w/plain white face analog design, but don't wear it anymore.

mylan · 03-09-2006, 04:40 PM

I've really wanted a Rolex or a Tag but my P.O.S. Seiko just won't break, i've been wearing it for 22 Years

got to give it props, Seiko makes a damn fine timepiece!