I want to get myself an automatic chronograph for my birthday this year. The budget is less than $2000. Something not too loud but not too boring that I will wear every day to work or light-sport. I basically narrow down to buy a pre-own Tag Caliber 1887 (really like the modified Seiko movement and 50 hr reserve). I also like the Tag Carrera size with my small wrist. However, I found the Oris Artix GT Chronograph at Watchmaxx new one only for $1330. Looks very good. It is a little big for me but should not be very different from Tag (41mm vs 44mm?). A good pre-own Tag Carrera Cal 1887 costs about $1700-1900. But I can get a new Oris Artix GT for $1330... What would you recommend? Thanks.
New Oris Artix GT Chronograph or pre-own Tag Heuer Carrera Cal 1887?
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
Joined
·
1,811 Posts
I can give you some insight into the Artix Chronograph. It wears smaller than 44mm. The L2L is like 51mm and I think the Tag is around 49.5mm. So it is bigger, but not as much as you'd think when wearing.
I assume the older Carrera vs the newer since you said it's 41mm. I think that look is more classic and way better than the new 43mm version. The Artix looks a little "busier", but not in a bad way. My only gripe is the running seconds counter at 9:00 position is a linear read and is very hard to see - basically useless to my old eyes. Not a huge deal on a Chrono where you can initiate the chronograph hand whenever you want, but it is akin to having a two hand watch if the chronograph isn't running.
Dial on the Artix has a lot of subtle character. Indices are applied and beveled toward the dial edge so throws interesting light. The minute and hour counters at 12 and 6 are very subtly "ringed" and then beveled down to a depressed, concentric lined counter face. Date wheel at 6 is color matched and window is beveled. There is a very subtle step in the rehaut that is colored red. You don't really notice it on a simple glance til you really study the face - very cool when you notice it.
It is also a plus that there is a bi-directional timing bezel - added timing capability. Crown is oversized and makes for easy grip when setting. 100M WR meets most WUS wants.
The lugs however are an oddball shape. They slightly taper inwards so aftermarket straps have to deal with that. They will measure 22mm at the tips, but you will see a very slight gap at the spring bar. A 23mm strap will squeeze in there and mostly (but not perfectly) rectify that situation where you really won't notice.
Just some quick feedback for you - hope it helps.
![Watch Analog watch Clock Material property Watch accessory]()
![Watch Analog watch Measuring instrument Font Clock]()
![Speedometer Gauge Watch Measuring instrument Automotive wheel system]()
I assume the older Carrera vs the newer since you said it's 41mm. I think that look is more classic and way better than the new 43mm version. The Artix looks a little "busier", but not in a bad way. My only gripe is the running seconds counter at 9:00 position is a linear read and is very hard to see - basically useless to my old eyes. Not a huge deal on a Chrono where you can initiate the chronograph hand whenever you want, but it is akin to having a two hand watch if the chronograph isn't running.
Dial on the Artix has a lot of subtle character. Indices are applied and beveled toward the dial edge so throws interesting light. The minute and hour counters at 12 and 6 are very subtly "ringed" and then beveled down to a depressed, concentric lined counter face. Date wheel at 6 is color matched and window is beveled. There is a very subtle step in the rehaut that is colored red. You don't really notice it on a simple glance til you really study the face - very cool when you notice it.
It is also a plus that there is a bi-directional timing bezel - added timing capability. Crown is oversized and makes for easy grip when setting. 100M WR meets most WUS wants.
The lugs however are an oddball shape. They slightly taper inwards so aftermarket straps have to deal with that. They will measure 22mm at the tips, but you will see a very slight gap at the spring bar. A 23mm strap will squeeze in there and mostly (but not perfectly) rectify that situation where you really won't notice.
Just some quick feedback for you - hope it helps.
Joined
·
41,291 Posts
Oris, of coarse.
Thank you for your great opinion and your watch looks great. What do you think about the Calibre 1887 and ETA 7750 (Oris)?
Joined
·
1,811 Posts
I don't have any experience with the Calibre 1887. The Oris technically uses the SW500, but that's pretty much the 7750. No complaints from me for a 7750/SW500 - ubiquitous and easily worked/serviced when needed by any reputable watch repairer.
Joined
·
19,618 Posts
Oris.
A different option you haven't mentioned is the Montblanc Timewalker. Expensive, but Jomashop and others always seem to have these at good prices. Super watch. It's a valjoux based movement, but the design has cutaways in the lugs that prevent it being slab-sided. I think there is now a different version with a inhouse movement. There is a lot of other alternatives as well.
Thank you for all your input. For the thickness, I think most of the mechanical chronograph is about the same at 13-15mm. Like one of you mentioned, I still worry with 44mm, Oris will look good from the picture but not on the wrist.
![Watch Analog watch Clock Finger Watch accessory]()
![Watch Analog watch Clock Font Watch accessory]()
I know there are so many good chronographs with this price range out there. Especially I don't mind getting a pre-owned one also. I spent lots of time looking and narrow down to basically Tag and Oris. I also love Ball (which I owned one but not working now). Try not to get something under Swatch group. Montblanc was one of the brands I was looking at. Just cannot find a style I really like yet.
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
