This a good watch? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 12-09-2002, 04:34 PM

Since I did not get a high school class ring, (360 dollars, useless) and mommy and daddy felt bad, they have given me the chance to get something else in similiar price range for a gift.... I thought....WRISTWATCH!

So, for 303 dollars I found a nice watch....

Fortis Flieger Automatic GMT, Swiss Made, fully mechanical.

FORTIS FLIEGER AUTOMATIC

Automatic 2824-2
Second stop, screw-down caseback and crown, waterresistant to 200 m (20 ATM)

Ive always wanted a mechanical watch, and not some big clamshell with superflous metal and tons of fake gold and shinieness...Ive always liked the aviator style, the simplified function of a watch. I guess I like my watch as I like my car (240D) What do you guys think? Good deal for 303 dollars?Here

#2 12-09-2002, 04:54 PM

Do not know about the watch but it's good to know I'm not the only one who didn't get a class ring

The Warden · #3 12-09-2002, 05:05 PM

I didn't get a class ring either; waste of $$ IMHO (especially because, other than a watch, I don't wear jewelery).

The watch looks nice, altohugh I don't know if I'd be willing to pay $300 for it. I have a $35 Timex Expedition watch that I got when I was a freshman in high school. 7 years later, all I've replaced are bands and a battery once. I'm honestly amazed at how well this watch's fared all the abuse that I could give it. I could probably run it over with my F-250 and it'd still work

Except for the scratches, it even looks halfway decent!

G-Benz · #4 12-09-2002, 05:46 PM

Got a Skagen as a wedding anniversary gift. Stylish, and many have mistaken it for a Movado!

I too didn't buy a class ring (a least in high school). Back then it was around $70-80 , and I bought an in-dash stereo for my VW instead.

Smartest move I ever made back then!

#5 12-09-2002, 06:32 PM

Skagen is battery powered as is Timex...this watch was used by Russian cosmonauts in out space, literally outside in space. It NEVER needs batteries IE fully mechanical, wound by the movement of your own wrist. Any watch gurus know anything about the actual movement?

#6 12-09-2002, 06:40 PM

I have an old Seiko from my dad that he got just before he came to America (1973 I think) it's mechanical as well. I wore it for a few months my freshmen year of high school and then it started acting up so I stopped. I emailed Seiko wanting get it redone but never got a response.
After this watch I would buy another Seiko without thinking how much more I was paying.

suginami · #7 12-09-2002, 08:37 PM

I vote for a Hamilton watch:

http://www.watchzone.com/cgi-bin/watchzone.storefront/3df5446300ef36904e560a801252065e/Product/View/H001000185

I did a search, and there are 4 or 5 different Hamilton watches with Automatic movements for less than $350.00.

They are an old American brand from the late 1800's, the U.S. military wore Hamilton watches in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Elvis Presley wore Hamilton watches in all of his movies. They are now owned by the Swatch Company, which owns Omega, Tissot, etc., so the automatic movement is a Swiss movement and is the same as in Omega which is a mega-expensive watch. They also have saphire crystals.

I've posted on Hamilton watches here before. Do a search on Hamilton on this site and you can read about their history.

cornrow · #8 12-10-2002, 01:14 AM

Although it may be a little more expensive (~500 on ebay) I would go with a Tudor watch. Tudor is Rolex's lower brand which uses the same exact case, band, and crystal as a real Rolex, with a different movement. It is an automatic. Rolex is one of the few high end watchmakers that is not a jewelery watch. You are paying for quality. I've only had the pleasure of wearing a Rolex for the past year, but I will never wear another brand as my daily watch. I have not worn a Tudor, but I have heard very good things.

I consider buying a Rolex to be similar to buying a Mercedes. You will pay a premium, but it is well worth it to have something of quality rather than a disposable item.

Good Luck,
Ty

need2speed · #9 12-10-2002, 12:07 PM

Kyle: Congratulations on picking a Fortis! They are an excellent Swiss watch known for being very sturdy and having very readable dials. Fortis has been the watch of the Russian space program for many years, kinda like Omega was NASA's watch of choice.

Fortis, like Tudor, obtains its movements from ETA. Fortis has a sapphire crystal and stainless steel body. They make watches at the $300 price level and at the $10,000 price level (in platinum). If you want a quality Swiss watch that not everyone is wearing...Fortis is a good choice

#10 12-10-2002, 04:40 PM

All I want is a watch with a rugged design, easy to read, a mechanical movement, and I don't want to fret if I take it hiking or go to school. I like the military styling. BTW...others are not my style and are out of my price range definately.

el presidente · #11 12-10-2002, 05:44 PM

Kyle:

Nice choice! Fortis is a brand I have always respected.

Suginami: Over the Thanksgiving break, I was in a mall in Nashville and saw two of the Hamilton mechanicals....very nice. Can't remember the model, but the retail on the larger one (self-winding) was $350.

I was tempted....I really like the clean style. But, I'll spend that $$ on a trip to San Francisco / Sonoma Co. next month instead

suginami · #12 12-10-2002, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KylePavao
All I want is a watch with a rugged design, easy to read, a mechanical movement, and I don't want to fret if I take it hiking or go to school. I like the military styling. BTW...others are not my style and are out of my price range definately.

Excellent. Get the American brand - Hamilton!

You like the military styling. You're getting an ETA certified Swiss Automatic Movement. And there are at least 4 watches under $350.00.

#13 12-10-2002, 06:52 PM

My Fortis is all made ins Switzerland, with a Swiss ETA 2824-2 movement, and is 303 dollars....difeinetly a good deal.

suginami · #14 12-10-2002, 09:17 PM

Yep, definitely a good deal.

The Hamilton watches are all made in Switzerland, too, by the same company that makes Omega watches. I believe within the watch industry that Omega movements are considered to be the best.

Both brands are within your budget, so get whichever one makes you feel the best.

Wearing a watch is a very subjective thing.

240 Ed · #15 12-11-2002, 08:38 AM

Yes, watches are a VERY subjective thing.

You can get even more confused and enlightened at the same time by reading International Watch magazine, a slick and informative read which visits various factories and does a good job with history, etc.

I love any automatic. I found an old Timex automatic (labeled Self Winding in those days) at a garage sale and still enjoy it.
Get a watch which makes you feel good, and you enjoy looking at.
BTW, that is a nice looking watch!