PaulSH 8 Posted September 21, 2016 Hi, I'm looking for a daily beater pilot type - not necessarily a rep (I also have a Big Pilot coming from Toro at some point soon - hopefully!). Just something that I can wear to work, wash the cars without removing etc., possibly even swimming. Initially, there are many cheap Parnis types out there with sterile dials - so I though that would be a good idea, all with 6497/8 movements. Then I thought about putting one together from Helenarou - but adding up the costs there (with C3 dials and hands - which I really want!) it comes to a similar amount for a ready made watch with similar specification to this one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112126542288?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT I have asked the e-bay seller if there the watch has any water resistance. The case from Helenrou appears to be exactly the same, and is tested to 100 metres. So, my question is - what would you do in the same situation, with the same type of budget (£200, $260, €235)? Any responses would be appreciated. Cheers. Paul Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andyboy 5 Posted September 21, 2016 With a budget of up to £200 for a beater and a Rep on the way then I would be considering a Gen. Here are a few ideas. http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-automatic-watches-69/seiko-5-military-automatic-sports-snzg09-snzg09k1-snzg09k-mens-watch-3004.html http://www.creationwatches.com/products/hamilton-watches-250/hamilton-khaki-aviation-pilot-h64611535-mens-watch-5547.html http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-automatic-sports-89/seiko-5-sports-automatic-srp631-srp631k1-srp631k-mens-watch-5553.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markeym3 2 Posted September 21, 2016 These are nice too ... https://www.airbluewatches.com/product/alpha-c/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaulSH 8 Posted September 21, 2016 Thanks for the suggestions. The Airblue one looks great - just a bit too expensive. Have been tempted by one in the M2M section. The Hamilton one looks just the job - straight to the top of my list. Cheers. Paul Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norrie 1 Posted September 21, 2016 You could get a SS Zenith Extra Special 20. Grease the seals, pop it on sailcloth and you're good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micscave 1 Posted September 21, 2016 Athaya Vintage AV001R a bargain http://www.athayavintage.com/ Here's mine http://www.rwg.bz/board/index.php?showtopic=121500 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaulSH 8 Posted September 21, 2016 You could get a SS Zenith Extra Special 20. Grease the seals, pop it on sailcloth and you're good. Like this one? http://www.kuvarsitwatch.co/zenith/zenith-pilot-type-20-extra-special-ss-black-dial/ To be honest, I love the form of that watch. I have been hoping one would come up M2M from UK/EU but nothing yet. I keep looking at the more expensive model. That was going to be a future project. I love the dial colour of the Heritage version, just not sure I want to worry about a chrono going wrong. Currently infatuated with getting a watch with C3 lume - just to see if I am missing something with the cheaper watchlume.com that I have used on a few pairs of hands - with varying degrees of success. I know there are plenty of threads comparing the two, and other different types of lume - but would like to have one in my hands. I've tried several different methods of having the hands and dial markers glow at me, including adding some tritium vials to a Pam homage - but nothing that I am really happy with. Of all people, I think Timex might have had a go - but I wonder if anyone has the knowledge here to add this to a dial: https://www.proto-pic.co.uk/electroluminescent-el-panel-20cm-x-15cm-aqua.html?gclid=CIDZ9o-5oM8CFcsy0wodiJ4Efg Thanks for the suggestions. Sorry for the waffle - sat here at work with a stinking cold, and doing my best to ignore several shitty e-mails that I ought to be replying to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Member X 91 Posted September 21, 2016 If you just want a beater, how about the Geckota stuff? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Geckota-K1-Mechanical-B-Uhr-Automatic-Miyota-8215-Pilots-Watch-Head-No-Strap/301640397404 They have a few different versions on the actual geckota website IIRC, and they are discussed on WUS if you want to seek out some opinions etc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaulSH 8 Posted September 21, 2016 I did see that one on e-bay last night and was tempted. The only one that was available was a 'bronze effect' one - which looks good to me, but was worried it would rub off in no time. Looks good though. Cheers - I will check WUS. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailboss99 994 Posted September 21, 2016 Wait until Deep Blue (AKA Air Blue depending on the model) have a sale. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites