New to watches, looking for info/help

[tdc]

Alright, a little background on the situation. I'm in the market for a new watch. I've spent a fair amount of time researching the watches below but I'm still out in left field. I'm looking for an everyday light to medium use(not abuse) watch that will last me for years to come or until I grow tired of it and try something else. I am not 100% set on any of the models below so other options are appreciated. The criteria I'm looking for are these.

Must have:
Automatic movement
Tritium illuminated face/dial
NOT TOO DRESSY
Date window(prefer day/date but date is fine)

Would like to have:
GMT second hour hand
200M water resistance or dive rated
Under $700 US( exceptions can be made for the right watch )

As of now I'm stuck between a couple of watches that fit most of my criteria. My concern is whether or not the brands are reputable and in the case of one watch the movement being used. So, here's my selection as of now. Feel free to suggest other styles/models that fit my must have category.

First up. The KHS Missiontimer automatic Arabic.
www.milwatches.com/product_info.php/info/p926_KHS---MissionTimer-H3---OCEAN---Arabic---Swiss-Automatic.html

I really like the simple design of the Missiontimer. Nothing fancy, just a watch that fits my criteria. I especially like the blue tritium(something different than green) but am concerned about the movement. Nothing that I can find indicates who's movement is used or what model.

Second. Praetorian Signifer Automatic
www.milwatches.com/product_info.php/info/p1012_PRAETORIAN--Signifer--Automatic-Watch-with-Nato-Strap.html

The Praetorian is a little more dressy but not excessive. The 8215 Movement appears to have a long successful track record and has been compared to the ETA 2824-2 which is used in the Traser. I am very pleased with the tritium light colour setup. It is quite similar to the TaWaTec ICS(intuitive clock system). My concerns with the Praetorian is the thickness and overall size of the watch as well as the general opinion/experience of Praetorian watches.

Third. Traser automatic pro blue
www.milwatches.com/product_info.php/info/p351_Traser-Classic-Automatic-PRO-Blue-mit-Nato-Strap.html

The Traser is admittedly the first automatic tritium watch I ever looked into. Its very simple and rather attractive. I've heard nothing but good reviews regarding their watches. My concern is whether or not I could find something that fits more of my criteria or a better watch for similar value.



Thanks for the help folks.

TDC

[boscoe]

Can't help. These watchs aren't really my thing. Therefore I have a gap in my knowledge.

[tdc]

Can you tell me anything about the two movements?

[Adam]

I am not familiar with the watches above, but if you are interested in that style I would check out SAR, most owners I know speak highly of them.

I would also suggest that you also take a look at Oris, Hamilton, Stowa, and MKII. I think that each of these brands has some nice autos in your price range. If you can go pre-owned then I would also check out Sinn, especially the 556 or the 656.

[Archer]

Feb 18, 2009 14:52:41 GMT -6 tdc said:

Can you tell me anything about the two movements?

Hi tdc,

Welcome to WWF. I'll try to give you my opinions on the movements.

The ETA 2482 uses more jewels than the Miyota does, so for long term wear the additional jewels would be better for servicing down the road - I admit I haven't studied each to know where the ETA has the additional jewels however.

I would guess that in the base versions included in these watches, the ETA will be slightly better finished. Not critical but a point to ETA IMO.

The ETA movement hacks, and I believe the Miyota does not.

The Miyota has a longer power reserve however at 45 hours instead of 40 hours.

From a timekeeping perspective, the ETA offers the very good ETACHRON system for fine tuning the timekeeping. It is also a higher beat movement but that is not so critical in my view. I sometimes take this ETACHRON system for granted until I have to work on a watch that doesn't have it - then I remember how nice it is to tune a watch in. IMO this system of adjusting the hairpsring centering and regulating pin spacing is worth it's weight in gold, and it allows the movement to be tweaked easily and in a "non-invasive" manner.

That is a big plus for me as it is for others who work on watches. It's no guarantee that the watch you will get will be well adjusted, but it means that someone who knows the system well can make the adjustments easier than on the Miyota.

I hope this helps.

Cheers, Al

[Adam]

Very good info Al

[tdc]

Adam,

The watches you recommend are very nice. Unfortunately they are not tritium illuminated or are too dressy for my taste.

Al,
Thank you very much for the info. I'm astounded at the technical terms and talk that I see on this forum. Being new to watches and admittedly simple minded regarding my desires I enjoy reading the posts. Even if I don't understand all that is being discussed.

I think I'm set on the KHS missiontimer but still have no idea who's movement is used. All I can find is "swiss made". Anyone have any idea who to contact to get the information?

TDC

[justwatchthis]

I would go to google shopping and type in the exact model watch you are looking for and then sort them by price (lowest to highest) to see what kind of price you are looking for. You can do that with any watch, or whatever else you are looking for. I do have to say I'm a little partial to Luminox Watches. There just so cool, and they are priced fairly low. Good Luck