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SsgtJeepJK

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Fellow WUS members,

I know the advice on wearing a quartz for durability reasons, however can you help me with this question:

If I want to buy one automatic (non chrono) what movement can handle daily wear (will be my single watch) with no sports or extreme activities (just wearing the watch all day at work and around the house)?

I basically have seen the Omega PO and the Tudor Submariner but I do not know much about what exact automatic movement is the most robust that can handle long term use since this will be my one and only watch that I want to age with me.

Budget: Max $3000 will consider used purchase. I want a well established heritage and wonder if this is why Rolex is up their in performance/cost.

I appreciate all recommendations, thanks for your knowledge and advice.
 
#2 ·
Rolex makes an extremely durable, long lasting movement. You can find some used Rolex models in your price range, and expand your options your significantly by adding anothe $1-2K. If you changed your mind you could sell it for little or no loss.
 
#3 ·
With your price budget, you don't have too many (swiss or german) in-house movement options.

Nomos makes great in house movements around your price range but they are more on the dressy side compared to your everyday "durable" watch.

ETA movements have been proven over time to be very reliable and accurate. However, for $3000, I would not want to spend that kind of money on an ETA movement (personally).

If I were you, I would save my money, buy a Seiko (very durable in-house movments) and save up for a $5000+ watch.
 
#4 · (Edited)
All quality modern automatics can do what you need. A $200 Seiko 6R15 or a $4000 Omega 8500, they'll both be fine.

I guess if I wanted something super durable, the standout would be a Seiko Spring Drive. Even there though, assuming you get an automatic spring drive (Credor offers some handwinds) the rotor will eventually need service.
 
#5 ·
Hi. When it comes to durability virtually all mechanical movements made today are equally durable. The mechanical watch movement is a proven mature design. The key to durability no matter the make is keeping up with maintenance and fixing the rare problem. So a Rolex, ETA, Seiko, Citizen, Blancpain, Stowa, etc,, mechanical movement will last decades if treated right. Every mechanical movement made today uses shock absorbing jewel mounts in the escapement. The risk of damage to that sensitive module is essentally the same no matter the maker of the mount. I would focus more on the overall watch package because the tractor that pushes those hands round the dial is very reliable no matter the make.
 
#6 ·
The most durable movement i've experienced are hand crankers like the Perseux7001 or 6498/6497.

the valjoux7750 is also very durable, as the stem is strong enough to be handwound everyday.

Miyota movements last forever.

The reason I say this is because 99% of problem I've experienced with a mechanical watch are a result of the stem or automatic winding mechanism.
 
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#7 ·
I dont think you NEED a 3k watch to get a durable mech. Like others have said, lower end Miyota and Seiko movements last a long time and take a beating as well. I hardly think a comparison on this topic will help you pick one over the other with that price range. Since there are so many options that would fit in, you should focus on personal preference based on looks, brand, image, design, details etc. Try them out in person, see which one sings to you, and odds are if you stick to the frequently recommended bunch, you are going to end up with a very solid reliable watch.
 
#8 ·
I think you are overthinking this. Virtually any modern movement will be more than durable enough for your day to day activities. I've worn an ETA based Breitling almost 24/7 for more than 10 years. And that includes some really long motorcycle trips - months in duration.

Take off the watch if you are doing high impact stuff - swinging an axe, golf club, sledgehammer or hammer, and you should be FINE. But that is only common sense I think.

Personally, the most durable watch I own is my Breitiling Colt, 500 meters waterproof and I've wacked it on stuff more times than I can recall - only problem I've EVER had is that I got it too close to a supermagnet and had to have it demagnitized.

The idea that mechanical watches are somehow really fragile - maybe that is true for the 10K watches and up, but I don't think it is true for the rest of the industry. There's a reason we call 'em TOOL watches after all.
 
#9 ·
ed21x said:
The most durable movement i've experienced are hand crankers like the Perseux7001 or 6498/6497.

the valjoux7750 is also very durable, as the stem is strong enough to be handwound everyday.

Miyota movements last forever.

The reason I say this is because 99% of problem I've experienced with a mechanical watch are a result of the stem or automatic winding mechanism.
Click to expand...
I thought the 7750 had common trouble with frequent handwinding, where the gear that disengages the automatic winding when its handwinding fails, requiring the rotor to be removed before it can be wound. Also, it has a habit of failing if you change date during the wrong times (although, in fairness, that's as much as the user's fault as it is anyone's, but they are known for being less robust in this way).
I do like the 7750 though.
 
#10 ·
ed21x said:
The most durable movement i've experienced are hand crankers like the Perseux7001 or 6498/6497.

the valjoux7750 is also very durable, as the stem is strong enough to be handwound everyday.

Miyota movements last forever.

The reason I say this is because 99% of problem I've experienced with a mechanical watch are a result of the stem or automatic winding mechanism.
Click to expand...
Ironically, only 2 watches I EVER had issues were with hand winds that you mentioned and JLC chrono.
 
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Discussion starter · #11 ·
Thanks for the wonderful advice. I should clarify, I want to spend no more than $4K and this allows me to get a used Rolex or Tudor submariner that I have been looking at. My question is more in the lines of how do these watches (Omega PO) perform daily? I have heard some not getting serviced for 10+ years and are still running, that's what I am looking for in case I have to delay it for a few years. I know there is no perfect watch but are the ones I am looking at (New PO used Rolex/Tudor) the best choices in mid range pricing? Thanks.
 
#12 ·
Most major brands are getting their movement from one company ETA, but that is beginning to change as they restrict their movements to people outside the Swatch group (Omega, Hamilton, Longines, Tissot, Swatch, probably a few others). Most modern watches have solid reliable movements so I would focus more on the fit and finish of the watch and what style appeals to you.
 
#13 ·
SsgtJeepJK said:
Thanks for the wonderful advice. I should clarify, I want to spend no more than $4K and this allows me to get a used Rolex or Tudor submariner that I have been looking at. My question is more in the lines of how do these watches (Omega PO) perform daily? I have heard some not getting serviced for 10+ years and are still running, that's what I am looking for in case I have to delay it for a few years. I know there is no perfect watch but are the ones I am looking at (New PO used Rolex/Tudor) the best choices in mid range pricing? Thanks.
Click to expand...
I think most manufactures say a watch should be serviced about every 5 years or so. Omega with the Co-Axial claims the service intervals are closer to 8-10 years. My Planet Ocean runs about +1 sec/24 hours or less. The Tudor has an ETA movement and should be pretty close to the Omega. I would imagine the Rolex is also, but 4k seems a bit low for a Rolex unless you're looking at a Datejust.

The trouble with these treads is that it a lot of people always tell you spend more than your budget to get the next watch up the food chain and I don't think that's necessary with 4k to spend. If you want a Planet Ocean you would probably need to stick with the first gen (often called the 2500) as the new model that came our recently (8500) has a completely in-house movement and other changes that upped the MSRP to $6,200!
 
#14 · (Edited)
SsgtJeepJK said:
Thanks for the wonderful advice. I should clarify, I want to spend no more than $4K and this allows me to get a used Rolex or Tudor submariner that I have been looking at. My question is more in the lines of how do these watches (Omega PO) perform daily? I have heard some not getting serviced for 10+ years and are still running, that's what I am looking for in case I have to delay it for a few years. I know there is no perfect watch but are the ones I am looking at (New PO used Rolex/Tudor) the best choices in mid range pricing? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Hi. If I understand you correctly you want to buy either a new Omega or a used Rolex with the idea of deferring maintenance presumably if the future budget does not allow that much of an outlay. No watch movement I am aware of is designed to be run for years with no maintenance. My suggestion is to hold off buying the really expensive watch(es) until the purchase and service are affordable. Consider a less expensive watch like an Oris, Tissot or Seiko instead realizing those will need maintenance at some point as well.

The coaxial movement does have an extended service on the escapement. My understanding is the rest of the movement requires service on a shorter schedule.
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Perseus,
Thank you for the helpful input and thoughts, I agree that spending should have a limit and this is the one that I have set for myself. Being in the military I can get sweet deals like no tax and major discount on Omega PO, but I am looking at the used Rolex such as the Submariners and 1987 GMT, or Explorer II for around $4,500 but what do they offer more than an Omega PO, I guess this is for Rolex owners or maybe I should put it in that thread? Thanks for bearing with me I do not know much about these watches and constantly research but get in over my head.
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
Service costs are expensive on these watches, but I can afford it now but I want to plan ahead in case I make such a big purchase and find myself 10-20 years down the road not being able to then. Yes new (or used) Omega PO versus a used rolex/tudor. Right now I am leaning for a new PO because I know how proven these watches and the Seamasters are. I guess I am having a hard time deciding if I should hold off and spend $1000+ ontop of the $3600 for the New Omega or if this watch can be on par to rolex/tudor.
 
#17 ·
Let's go at this again: As far as timekeeping, Omega and Rolex are both COSC so are technically 'comparable'. Both use in-house movments of various stripe.

Tudors use ETA movements - as noted above, nothing inherently wrong with that - and in fact it should be MUCH cheaper to maintain an ETA as it is a widely adopted movement and parts are obtainable.

It MAY be easier and cheaper to service an ETA movement in the future.

Sounds to me like you want to spend that much on a watch, and you want Swiss - look, if you think you want the Sub, just save the bucks, it's cheaper than trading if you get the 'wrong' one.
 
#18 ·
Are you talking about the 8500 POs or the 2500 POs? I think the 8500s are out of your price range. The 2500 has been a great movement, and it's not that it's been unreliable, but its defining characteristic hasn't been its toughness. Again, that doesn't mean it's likely to break or anything, but I don't think it'd make a "top 5" list of calibres you can afford.
 
Discussion starter · #19 ·
I am looking at this a used Tudor Submariner 79790 and an Omega 2500. I just don't know what automatic movement is "robust" if any can be termed this. I had a SAR great toughest tool watch according to many, but I want to make a one-time purchase on a watch I will keep for life and use daily as it will be my only one. I attach a lot of meaning to brand recognition when it has heritage behind it and thats why I am looking at these watches, otherwise I would be a Seiko or Invicta automatic that is way cheap but robust. P.S. this watch will mark my graduation from graduate school so its a treat for myself as well and it will be cherished for ever making it much harder to decide what watch in this range. As far as style goes, I like the PO and Rolex/Tudor submariner so it has to be a dive watch.
 
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