Looking for a rugged black metal (timepiece and band) chronograph watch that is battery-free. Any suggestions. Would like to keep it as close to the lower side of 0-500 bucks as possible
Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
- Thread starter Tactical22
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Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
Understand that the only thing "battery free" is going to be a watch that you wind.
Kinetic, Solar, etc all operate by use of an internal rechargeable battery that may need to be replaced from time to time. I have a Seiko kinetic with a dead internal battery. It works fine when it's on my wrist. If I take it off and lay it down it stops.
Understand that the only thing "battery free" is going to be a watch that you wind.
Kinetic, Solar, etc all operate by use of an internal rechargeable battery that may need to be replaced from time to time. I have a Seiko kinetic with a dead internal battery. It works fine when it's on my wrist. If I take it off and lay it down it stops.
Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
There are many, many self-winding mechanical watches which do not require winding and have no electrical components. They will typically be referred to as self-winding or automatic movement watches. They get expensive and can still require occaisonal service.
You might look at some of the offerings from Sinn. They have a pretty good reputation for a durable, reliable automatic watch that won't break the bank.
There are many, many self-winding mechanical watches which do not require winding and have no electrical components. They will typically be referred to as self-winding or automatic movement watches. They get expensive and can still require occaisonal service.
You might look at some of the offerings from Sinn. They have a pretty good reputation for a durable, reliable automatic watch that won't break the bank.
Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical .22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looking for a rugged black metal (timepiece and band) chronograph watch that is battery-free. Any suggestions. Would like to keep it as close to the lower side of 0-500 bucks as possible
</div></div>
curious why?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical .22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looking for a rugged black metal (timepiece and band) chronograph watch that is battery-free. Any suggestions. Would like to keep it as close to the lower side of 0-500 bucks as possible
curious why?
Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
Well I happen to like automatics better than battery powered watches as well myself, so I get it. A good one to check out is the Seiko 'Black Monster' reasonable and damn tough. Another one I have found recently that I really like is the Victorinox (yeah Swiss Army) Dive master. it is really simple and tough like the Seiko, and they even offer a version with a see through back crystal, if that is cool to you....the non see through models are in your price range easily, and the 'display back' model is around 650 on the various discount watch sites like Jomashop or whoever. Google them both--Good stuff
Well I happen to like automatics better than battery powered watches as well myself, so I get it. A good one to check out is the Seiko 'Black Monster' reasonable and damn tough. Another one I have found recently that I really like is the Victorinox (yeah Swiss Army) Dive master. it is really simple and tough like the Seiko, and they even offer a version with a see through back crystal, if that is cool to you....the non see through models are in your price range easily, and the 'display back' model is around 650 on the various discount watch sites like Jomashop or whoever. Google them both--Good stuff
Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
In that price range, I think you are better off with a good quartz movement. They are practically indestructible and the batteries last for years.
In that price range, I think you are better off with a good quartz movement. They are practically indestructible and the batteries last for years.
Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
Chiller, I like the thought of not having to rely on batteries any more than I have to, is all.
Chiller, I like the thought of not having to rely on batteries any more than I have to, is all.
Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
Thanks for all the replies, guys. I've been really busy, sorry.
Maladat, I like the look of the Sinns I saw, but they were all out of my price range. Any specific models you know of that meet my criteria?
Fish, this V. Dive Master http://www.christopherwardforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=745 is more along the lines of what I'm going for style-wise; but , again, PRICE
Dark Side, I like this Seiko http://www.shop.com/Seiko+SKA427P1+Mens+...910142-p+.xhtml although I would prefer chronograph with day of the week and date. Anybody have experience or tips on it?
I'm sure Marathon is nice, but I could not find an all black chronograph model.
Abersfelderami, I like this one a lot, (Pilots JR3155-54E
Citizen Skyhawk) but I guess it is a hybrid? http://www.citizen-watch.co.uk/pimages/jr3155-54e.jpg
I did not have much luck finding an automatic/kinetic watch from MTM
To all who suggested a "traditional" watch, This one IS tempting me a bit, although it at the top of my price range: http://divewatchesonline.com/victorinox-swiss-army-mens-241424-dive-master-500-chrono-black
Thanks for all the replies, guys. I've been really busy, sorry.
Maladat, I like the look of the Sinns I saw, but they were all out of my price range. Any specific models you know of that meet my criteria?
Fish, this V. Dive Master http://www.christopherwardforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=745 is more along the lines of what I'm going for style-wise; but , again, PRICE
Dark Side, I like this Seiko http://www.shop.com/Seiko+SKA427P1+Mens+...910142-p+.xhtml although I would prefer chronograph with day of the week and date. Anybody have experience or tips on it?
I'm sure Marathon is nice, but I could not find an all black chronograph model.
Abersfelderami, I like this one a lot, (Pilots JR3155-54E
Citizen Skyhawk) but I guess it is a hybrid? http://www.citizen-watch.co.uk/pimages/jr3155-54e.jpg
I did not have much luck finding an automatic/kinetic watch from MTM
To all who suggested a "traditional" watch, This one IS tempting me a bit, although it at the top of my price range: http://divewatchesonline.com/victorinox-swiss-army-mens-241424-dive-master-500-chrono-black
Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
Guess my solar Casio G shocks must be faulty? <span style="font-weight: bold">WRONG</span>
Even have an atomic solar Casio.
current watch,black stainless band
http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/G-Shock/GW2310BD-1V/
It can be found cheaper,,got mine for $185
My first solar was a Citizen.
Guess my solar Casio G shocks must be faulty? <span style="font-weight: bold">WRONG</span>
Even have an atomic solar Casio.
current watch,black stainless band
http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/G-Shock/GW2310BD-1V/
It can be found cheaper,,got mine for $185
My first solar was a Citizen.
Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
No worries, Mal. Seriously attractive watches, just a bit too much dough for me.
BAMCIS, not trying to be an "horology snob", I'm just tired of breaking watches. That Casio looks really good, I kinda prefer analog, but I'll definitely consider it.
No worries, Mal. Seriously attractive watches, just a bit too much dough for me.
BAMCIS, not trying to be an "horology snob", I'm just tired of breaking watches. That Casio looks really good, I kinda prefer analog, but I'll definitely consider it.
Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
Marathon GSAR Auto. Simple as they come. Reliable. Swiss 7750 movement.
Marathon GSAR Auto. Simple as they come. Reliable. Swiss 7750 movement.
Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SSGN8</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Love my casio pathfinder!!! (lots of goodies)</div></div> +1 there. Love my Pathfinder 1300T. Solar powered, almost every function you could want or need, and indestructible by me to this point after being on my wrist for the last two years in Afghanistan. Even my crystal only has one very faint scratch, and I'm far from easy on watches. I know you said kinetic, but IMO in that price range I think you have better reliability and feature options with solar.
If you want an analog style watch with chrono and no batteries to worry about dying, I highly recommend the Citizen Eco-Drive line. I have 4 of them and love them all, but prefer the features of the Pathfinder for work.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SSGN8</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Love my casio pathfinder!!! (lots of goodies)</div></div> +1 there. Love my Pathfinder 1300T. Solar powered, almost every function you could want or need, and indestructible by me to this point after being on my wrist for the last two years in Afghanistan. Even my crystal only has one very faint scratch, and I'm far from easy on watches. I know you said kinetic, but IMO in that price range I think you have better reliability and feature options with solar.
If you want an analog style watch with chrono and no batteries to worry about dying, I highly recommend the Citizen Eco-Drive line. I have 4 of them and love them all, but prefer the features of the Pathfinder for work.
Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
I'm pretty dumb when it comes to watches. Can someone explain differences, basic mechanical operation, quirks, pros and cons of solar/kinetic/automatic watches?
I'm pretty dumb when it comes to watches. Can someone explain differences, basic mechanical operation, quirks, pros and cons of solar/kinetic/automatic watches?
Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
I wear a Seiko 6309, vintage 70's. Indestructable watches, great automatic movements (better than the modern ones), and won't break the bank. Usually they are brushed stainless finish, but you can find them modified to any look. Egay is full of them.
I wear a Seiko 6309, vintage 70's. Indestructable watches, great automatic movements (better than the modern ones), and won't break the bank. Usually they are brushed stainless finish, but you can find them modified to any look. Egay is full of them.
Re: Kinetic/automatic tactical watch suggestions
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical .22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm pretty dumb when it comes to watches. Can someone explain differences, basic mechanical operation, quirks, pros and cons of solar/kinetic/automatic watches? </div></div>That is a pretty tall question that would better be served by some research on Google, but I'll give you a quick once over on it from my very basic knowledge.
Mechanical operation is a watch you wind up. The winding places tension on a spring that powers the movement, and is totally battery free. These are truly "old school". Forget to wind it and it dies.
Automatic watches (aka self winding), depending on who makes them, uses a mechanism inside that winds the watch spring. Take it off for an extended length of time without a watch winding case and it will die. These watches are held in high regards like driving a BMW.
Automatic quartz or kinetic watches uses a similar type weight design as an automatic watch to charge a battery that powers the watch. Same thing about taking the watch off as a regular automatic, but to a lesser degree depending on the maker.
Battery and other solar charged watches use a quartz crystal to measure the time for greater accuracy. Solar charged batteries obviously last much longer, so long as it isn't stored in a drawer or other dark area. Straight battery watches are prone to dying with little to know notice.
When selecting a watch, think about what you want it to do in the terms of function, accuracy, durability, and appearance. Both a Rolex and a Timex tell you what time it is, but there is a reason an individual selects one over the other, just like one would choose between a Chevy Caprice or a Ferrari.
Hit up the different jewelery and watch stores to get your hands actually on these watches versus just looking through the internet. I used to have a Seiko dive watch that died on me in Afghanistan leaving me screwed, so I went looking for a new option. I wanted a self winding Seiko until I tried one on. The feel of the movement of the weight inside immediately annoyed me and I turned my back on it and went with a Citizen Eco-Drive and haven't looked back since. Folks say you get used to the feel of winding, but I didn't care as I love my Eco-Drives.
Figure out what it is you want the watch to do, then go shopping for a watch that fits that bill and your budget. Good luck.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical .22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm pretty dumb when it comes to watches. Can someone explain differences, basic mechanical operation, quirks, pros and cons of solar/kinetic/automatic watches? </div></div>That is a pretty tall question that would better be served by some research on Google, but I'll give you a quick once over on it from my very basic knowledge.
Mechanical operation is a watch you wind up. The winding places tension on a spring that powers the movement, and is totally battery free. These are truly "old school". Forget to wind it and it dies.
Automatic watches (aka self winding), depending on who makes them, uses a mechanism inside that winds the watch spring. Take it off for an extended length of time without a watch winding case and it will die. These watches are held in high regards like driving a BMW.
Automatic quartz or kinetic watches uses a similar type weight design as an automatic watch to charge a battery that powers the watch. Same thing about taking the watch off as a regular automatic, but to a lesser degree depending on the maker.
Battery and other solar charged watches use a quartz crystal to measure the time for greater accuracy. Solar charged batteries obviously last much longer, so long as it isn't stored in a drawer or other dark area. Straight battery watches are prone to dying with little to know notice.
When selecting a watch, think about what you want it to do in the terms of function, accuracy, durability, and appearance. Both a Rolex and a Timex tell you what time it is, but there is a reason an individual selects one over the other, just like one would choose between a Chevy Caprice or a Ferrari.
Hit up the different jewelery and watch stores to get your hands actually on these watches versus just looking through the internet. I used to have a Seiko dive watch that died on me in Afghanistan leaving me screwed, so I went looking for a new option. I wanted a self winding Seiko until I tried one on. The feel of the movement of the weight inside immediately annoyed me and I turned my back on it and went with a Citizen Eco-Drive and haven't looked back since. Folks say you get used to the feel of winding, but I didn't care as I love my Eco-Drives.
Figure out what it is you want the watch to do, then go shopping for a watch that fits that bill and your budget. Good luck.
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