Who's got a nice watch? Traditional watches only, no smartwatches please.

[Queen6]

Sturmanskie MARS

Time for some new boots for this old soldier. I’ve worn the MARS a lot, mostly in the tropics & sub tropics. The watch and it’s hand laid orange enamel has stood the test of time with no issue.

The silicone strap is original from 2014 and never been off the watch, now a more faded dark grey than the deep black once when new.

The strap has clearly taken it’s toll from the sun’s rays and years of wear etc. There isn’t any indication of cracking or the integrity of the strap failing, equally seems prudent to replace as the MARS closes on it’s first decade.

The new strap is a couple of mm thicker, now fitted with Sturmanskie‘s original signed buckle. The MARS also came with a matching heavy duty leather strap again with signed buckle. I’ve never worn the watch on it as I prefer the silicone strap and the leather would likely degrade in a matter of a few years in the local conditions.

Big difference, time to change...

MARS 146 of 250 - Back on Black

MARS was designed in collaboration with the Russian Space Agency over a period of 5 years, being certified for the Cosmonauts in training and space.

Original MARS was limited to two batches of 250 with only the dial separating them; ETA 2824-2 shock resistant movement, high anti-magnetic properties due the beryllium core protecting the movement and water resistant to 10 atm (100m).3375861 & 3375862 I chose the latter as a function of readability. Was lucky in the day as had the pick of both...

Sturmanskie‘s MARS being very much a slice in time. 146 currently resides in the far east, comfortably ticking time away

Q-6

 

[glant20]

Good watch

 

[bnx]

Well it's quite attractive and certainly different. But what is it?
Quartz or automatic movement?

Movement is Japanese Quatrtz. It’s a Space pirate Captain Harlock chronograph WW. Only 5000 made.

 

[Queen6]

Movement is Japanese Quatrtz. It’s a Space pirate Captain Harlock chronograph WW. Only 5000 made.

Of course has been bugging me for weeks LOL. Never knew there was a signed watch for Harlock, for those than haven't watched the animated film it's well worth your time

Q-6

 

[offthehook]

Bulova Lunar Pilot

 

[offthehook]

Yema Navygraf Heritage

 

[offthehook]

And here is my third and last watch from the collection. A gift from a very dear friend. Orient Defender II

 

[CooperBox]

View attachment 2298939
Yema Navygraf Heritage

Nice piece! I like the military aspect of this watch.
Yema, a French manufacturer - are not generally well known. I've seen quite a number of vintage pieces here at my favourate watchmakers shop in France. Most seem to have had a fairly hard life but still priced around 500euros. The current Yema website show some pretty stunning looking military, diving, and space/aviation models.
I still have to add a Yema to my collection..........

 

[offthehook]

Nice piece! I like the military aspect of this watch.
Yema, a French manufacturer - are not generally well known. I've seen quite a number of vintage pieces here at my favourate watchmakers shop in France. Most seem to have had a fairly hard life but still priced around 500euros. The current Yema website show some pretty stunning looking military, diving, and space/aviation models.
I still have to add a Yema to my collection..........

Yeah, they are great watches and an insider's tip for sure. I got mine on Chrono24 used (one year old and in perfect condition) for about 400 €. Love the Superman as well. Cheers from Austria, Max

 

[Queen6]

Some newer shots of the Sharkmaster 1000

Q-6

 

[Queen6]

Frogman Master in Marine Blue "Tiffany"

Frogman Casio's ISO 6425 certified Diver's Watch - GWF-D1000MB-3 Massively over engineered tools with 30 years of continuous development & history;

DW-6300-1A released August 1993 - First Frogman

GWF-D1000ARR-1 released October 2019 - Latest digital Frogman

GWF-A1000-1A released June 2020 - First analogue Frogman

MRG-BF1000R-1A released April 2023 - Latest release of the Frogman for the high-end MRG line

Q-6

 

[puckhead193]

Picked up a Moonswatch Pluto at the store on 5th Ave. It's cool but it definitely isn't an Omega.
Definitely need to change the band as it's crap.. Any suggestions. Was looking at Horus.

 

[magbarn]

No particular order as the pics keep rearranging on me!
Seiko Shogun Titanium
Orient Star Retrograde
Seiko Alpinist
Nomos Tangente
Omega Planet Ocean 2500C
Seiko Sumo

Yes, I love mechanical and dive watches!

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Picked up a Moonswatch Pluto at the store on 5th Ave. It's cool but it definitely isn't an Omega.
Definitely need to change the band as it's crap.. Any suggestions. Was looking at Horus.


View attachment 2302186

Be careful with the crown and buttons on those, I have seen reports they do snap off as the watch isn’t overly durable. Looks cool though for occasional wear, enjoy!

 

[puckhead193]

Be careful with the crown and buttons on those, I have seen reports they do snap off as the watch isn’t overly durable. Looks cool though for occasional wear, enjoy!

Yea I've heard.. Mostly going to wear it as a fashion watch. Giving up my Apple Watch is hard to do 😂

 

[ericwn]

Added a Bulova Devil Diver to the collection recently.

 

[Queen6]

Added a Bulova Devil Diver to the collection recently.

Nice always fancied an orange dial Diver's watch

Q-6

 

[offthehook]

Added a Bulova Devil Diver to the collection recently.

Nice one!!!!

 

[offthehook]

Got a nice new leather band for my Yema Navygraf Heritage - I know I posted this watch before but I think it looks strikingly different now

 

[Queen6]

View attachment 2303930
Got a nice new leather band for my Yema Navygraf Heritage - I know I posted this watch before but I think it looks strikingly different now

Nice is a good look on the wrist, very classy Autozilla today

Titanium lustre at it's very best...

Q-6

 

[rd261]

My collection,

Omega Speedmaster Racing
Rolex Datejust
Rolex Daytona
Victorinox Chroni

 

[offthehook]

Mido Ocean Star Captain 200

 

[CooperBox]

With no new posts since Dec I thought I'd change that. Just wondering if Father Chistmas was doing a Scrooge over the festive season, or if any nice watches given as presents are not being worn or already forgotten about.
Fwiw, here's an update:
I wonder how many reading this are familiar with the name LIP, a French watch company founded by Emmanuel Lipmann in 1867. Due to the innovative vision of the founder’s son and later the grandson Fred Lip - who revolutionised watch making traditions, LIP became the leading watch manufacture in France from the 30’s onwards. Elgin and LIP together publicly unveiled the first electronic watch in 1952 with early models being worn by Charles de Gaulle and US President Eisenhower.
So not surprisingly LIP watches fascinated me, and I was keen to purchase one, preferably a vintage model. My idea was to buy one as a present for my son, but first I had a dilemma. Unlike myself he doesn’t like used/second-hand goods. Lip today have a large range of quartz models which don’t particularly appeal to me, and their modern auto mechanical models imho lack that je-ne-sais-quoi. I believe some of the more expensive auto models tick with the Seiko Time Module NE86 movement installed, although they wouldn't acheive my goal of offering a traditional LIP, so I set out to find a vintage auto model, aesthetically pleasing and if possible a NOS example. After a few weeks of research and on-line searches I found one I especialy liked and thought would please - a Duromat model, date circa 1970 (photos below). The seller had a family member who had been associated with the LIP factory in Besancon and had an interesting collection.

From my research, LIP watches have been the favourite of French ministers, from the Prime Minister in 2018 to more recently the current President Macron, with both having a model with quartz movement, costing a mere 280 euros ($US300). Although I don’t doubt that both also have more expensive Swiss models.
A few more photos of the watch which also provide some general details about the company.

During my research I found some fascinating related articles, this being one of particular interest - an excellent read!

I'm aware that it's never wise to wear a vintage NOS watch straight from the box, as over the years the lubricating oil dries out, which would affect the internal components and result in poor time-keeping. The watch I chose had been serviced especially for the sale - one could say it's been given lip service! OUCH!
I'm pleased with the time-keeping. It's an impressive size for a 70's watch, I measured 43mm lug to lug - although appears to wear smaller on the wrist.

I've only been able to find one of the same model. I prefer mine.
I can provide an on-line photo of the 25 jewel auto movement and the specs for those who may be interested.

 

[yngrshr]

LIPs are great French pieces. Always enjoyed that brand (very common auction brand as well whenever French watch auctions come up).

Just added this gorgeous 70s Heuer "Golden Hours" (solid 18K yellow gold) to my collection. Technically it is for sale (I do deal in vintage watches), but it will likely end up staying. Manual wind Valjoux 88 movement (Valjoux 72C base with moonphase added to it). A real PITA to set when it's sat for a while!

 

[CooperBox]

LIPs are great French pieces. Always enjoyed that brand (very common auction brand as well whenever French watch auctions come up).

Just added this gorgeous 70s Heuer "Golden Hours" (solid 18K yellow gold) to my collection. Technically it is for sale (I do deal in vintage watches), but it will likely end up staying. Manual wind Valjoux 88 movement (Valjoux 72C base with moonphase added to it). A real PITA to set when it's sat for a while!

View attachment 2359788

A gorgeous piece!