Help me pick out my next time piece.

[spikerS]

OK, so I have been bitten by the watch bug a LONG time ago, but only recently have I been acting on it.

So, debating on my next watch, and wanted some opinions on them.

My choices so far:

1)
Citizen Eco-Drive Blue Angels
AT8020-54L

» Click image for larger version
On Amazon for $525.
Case material Stainless steel
Case diameter 48 millimeters
Case Thickness 16 millimeters
Band Material Stainless steel
Band length mens
Band width 21 millimeters
Band Color Silver
Dial color Blue
Bezel material Stainless steel
Bezel function Slide-rule
Calendar Perpetual calendar
Special features alarm-feature, Chronograph, Water Resistant
Item weight 6.72 Ounces
Movement Japanese quartz
Water resistant depth 660 Feet

Option 2:
Bulova Precisionist Chrono
96B175

» Click image for larger version
$535 on Amazon
Case material Stainless steel
Case diameter 46.5 millimeters
Case Thickness 17.5 millimeters
Band Material Stainless steel
Band length Men's Standard
Band width 24 millimeters
Band Color Silver
Dial color Black
Bezel material Stainless steel
Bezel function Stationary
Calendar Date
Special features Chronograph
Movement Japanese quartz
Water resistant depth 984 Feet

Option 3:
ESQ by Movado Men's 7301239 Beacon Chronograph Black PVD Watch

» Click image for larger version
on Amazon for $390
Case materialblack-ion-plated-stainless-steel
Case diameter46 millimeters
Case Thickness12.5 millimeters
Band materialstainless-steel
Band lengthmens
Band width22 millimeters
Band colourblack
Dial colourblack
Bezel materialblack-ion-plated-stainless-steel
Bezel Functionbidirectional
Movement swiss-quartz
Water resistant depth165 Feet

Option 4:
LUM-TEC M48

» Click image for larger version
$535 straight from Lum-Tec
44mm width excluding crown. 12mm thick.
24mm lug width.
316L stainless steel case.
Swiss Ronda 5040B quartz big date 1/10th second chronograph movement.
Threaded caseback.
Screw lock crown with double diamond sealing system.
Sapphire crystal.
Double side anti-reflective coating.
100 meters/330 ft. water resistance.
LUM-TEC MDV Technology®.
3 straps included:
Leather strap with matched stitching and quick release changing system. 24/22 size.
Custom molded anti static rubber strap. 24/22 size.
316L stainless steel bracelet. 24/24 size. (matched finish)
Extra springbars included for fitting other straps.
Limited numbered series of 100.

I normally like big, chunky watches with some weight to them. My last watch, a Nixon 51-30 is perfect, but I realize that it is a bigger watch, so my options are limited.

What do you all think? Vote above!

[03ozwhip]

i picked the Lum-Tec because im kinda biased as i have the M46 and its almost identical to the M48 and you cant go wrong with 3 straps included AND if you buy from Wristweapon.com, its actually $495. ill wear it to work tomorrow and you can check it out. however, i LOVE the look of the Citizen Blue Angels and i still want one of those, i dont even care about the specs, i just love it lol

[XylathaneGTR]

The first three are all really busy with giant bezels (look at the screws on that bulova, man).
The Lum-Tec is definitely the odd one out being the smallest of the bunch with a relatively clean design. Would you be alright with that?

Honestly, the first three seem to be right in-line with your interests, so I question why the lum-tec is even there...just for something different? Just because beyond loves them right now?

If I were making the purchase...I'd probably go with the lumtec so that you could add a bit of variety to your collection, rather than get another large, busy, steel watch.

[spikerS]

pfft, I honestly don't care too much what Beyond thinks, as in, I want to be cool. I posted this up here hoping to get other's experiences with these watches, or brands.

If I had the scratch, I would probably get all 4 of these, I love the look of each one for their own merits.

this is my current watch, so I was something a little different, with more contrast.


Basically, I am fishing for comments like 03ozwhip's. informative, pricing from other sources, quality, ect. As for looks, like I said, I already want all of them.

[03ozwhip]

honestly, im looking for class/sportiness when im looking at a watch. something simple and classy. ive had the nixons and the diesel fashion watches and for me personally, ive grown out of them and i think you will too.

unfortunately(fortunately? lol), you are a big guy and you will need a big watch to satisfy your needs and there arent alot of options for big clunky watches (that are in your price range) that arent basic fashion watches like nixon, Diesel, Vestal etc.

that being said, IF you can move down and accept a 44mm watch like the Lum-Tec, you will have way more options in getting a classy/functional watch for a good price. again, i love the Blue Angels and its directly up your alley in alot of ways and guess what?

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-s...AdIdZ439482501

youre welcome.

edit: if you dont buy that, ill end up doing it lol

[toyboy88]

Lum-Tec or Bulova...other 2 are too 'busy' for me IMO.

[XylathaneGTR]

Originally posted by 03ozwhip

that being said, IF you can move down and accept a 44mm watch like the Lum-Tec, you will have way more options in getting a classy/functional watch for a good price.

44mm isn't anything to sneeze at...that'll still be a pretty decently sized watch (my biggest circular wrist watch is 42mm).

I'd go for the LumTec if it was me; I generally don't care for very busy watches and since I have a total boner for pilot watches right now...I really like the pilot inspired details (hand shape, high visability markings). I also find the case proportions very pleasing (ala Panerai Radiomir). Lastly, I try to diversify my collection and since this seems to be the most different from what you own...sure, why not? If you don't like it...you could probably sell it for minor loss here.

I had a Citizen Ecodrive a long time ago and it was really solid until i destroyed it in a motor vehicle collision. My father hasn't worn anything but for the last...what feels like 15 years (his first one finally died about a year ago so I bought him another).

[spikerS]

Originally posted by 03ozwhip
honestly, im looking for class/sportiness when im looking at a watch. something simple and classy. ive had the nixons and the diesel fashion watches and for me personally, ive grown out of them and i think you will too.

unfortunately(fortunately? lol), you are a big guy and you will need a big watch to satisfy your needs and there arent alot of options for big clunky watches (that are in your price range) that arent basic fashion watches like nixon, Diesel, Vestal etc.

that being said, IF you can move down and accept a 44mm watch like the Lum-Tec, you will have way more options in getting a classy/functional watch for a good price. again, i love the Blue Angels and its directly up your alley in alot of ways and guess what?

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-s...AdIdZ439482501

youre welcome.

edit: if you dont buy that, ill end up doing it lol

Fuck. I wish I had the extra right now, otherwise I would totally go snag that. Go get it Cory. I am so fucking jealous right now.

[03ozwhip]

Originally posted by XylathaneGTR


44mm isn't anything to sneeze at...that'll still be a pretty decently sized watch (my biggest circular wrist watch is 42mm).

oh without a doubt i agree, as my biggest is a Tissot at 45mm. im nowhere near the size of spikers, although im a fair sized guy, a 44mm looks perfect on my wrist, for him though, it might not.

Originally posted by spikers


Fuck. I wish I had the extra right now, otherwise I would totally go snag that. Go get it Cory. I am so fucking jealous right now.

damnit! i was hoping you would buy it so i wouldnt have to justify it to the woman lol

[spikerS]

fuck, well, if it is up for a bit, I will snag it. I think I need to part with a couple of my RC vehicles.

[statick]

I'd go with the Citizen. The Lum-Tec would have a shout, but I don't really like watches with black cases. In any case, if you haven't already, head to The Bay or Watch It! so you can compare the first three in person.

[Tomaz]

What was the verdict?

I have the Skyhawk BA Titanium, and it is the most awesome watch I have owned. I have worn it almost every day for 6 years now, and I still get compliments on it (even though it is greatly scratched and needs a refresh).

My other vote would go to the Lum-tec

[ercchry]

lum-tec, lots of reasons

-only "watch guy" brand watch listed, not a fashion brand. it has the good shit (sapphire crystal, bright lume, etc)

-pvd coating. good for daily wear. it will stand up better to light abuse

-comes with 3 straps. completely changes the look. like buying 3 watches for the price of 1

i have serious watch ADD and i havent taken mine off since i bought it, i just swap straps and im good to go (i did buy a 4th strap though haha)

i do like bigger watches but im very content with the size of this one.

[Go4Long]

I voted for the Skyhawk...but I would get the black version of it personally. also, $375 shipped off ebay...I love the blue angels and all, but it's a little gimmicky, and having met a few of the pilots...they don't wear them

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CITIZEN-JY00...item5d34f60423

[spikerS]

i still have not decided, I want to see Cory's Lum-Tec in person first.

I think the bulova is out, saw it in person and held it, saw it up close, and it just isn't for me, it is missing contrast in all the wrong places.

Same thing with the Skyhawk, I went to look at it again, and the more I hold it, and look at it closely, the less I like it.

The ESQ I still like a lot, but something is bugging me about it and holding me back, I just can't put my finger on it.

Personally, I am leaning towards the Lum-Tec, but even then, not sure, I may just scrap them all, and find something else.

Ask Baygirl how picky I am over things like this...

[Rat Fink]

.

[Pacman]

Out of those watches, I would get the Lum Tec only because of the sapphire crystal vs the mineral crystal in the Citizen and Bulova (not sure about the Esquire).

If scratched crystals bother you, keep this in mind as it's not hard to scratch a mineral and you have to replace it as they can't really be buffed out.

I know Japan versions of the Citizen come with sapphire, and I have read on the forums that the Canadian service centre will install one for $70 which might be something to consider.

If the Citizen had a sapphire, I would pick that one. I've owned it before (the non blue angels version) and really liked it, especially in titanium

[XylathaneGTR]

Originally posted by ercchry
i just swap straps and im good to go (i did buy a 4th strap though haha)

Off topic question and sorry to thread-jack...

Where did you buy your spring bar release tool? I need to purchase one and I've seen a bunch on various sites ranging from $8-$60, however I would prefer to buy locally.

[ercchry]

i use my finger nail, its not tough with the leather or rubber... for the metal i just use a thumb tac

[ga16i]

I picked up an el cheapo spring bar tool as part of a kit off eBay. Not sure who'd sell something like that locally. I'd try:

Ken's Gems Supplies Inc.
#18, 2219 - 35th Ave NE

In a pinch, a thumb tack does work as errchry mentioned. I prefer the ones with a handle instead of the flat ones... a pushpin??

How did you get finger nail to release a spring bar? My nails are no where near long enough to get past the strap to get at the spring bar grooves.