If you are questioning; I’d wait.

 

Looks great. Too small for me, sadly, but maybe perfect for you. Just wait for the movement update.

 

Given that the new version is supposed to fix the problems I’d wait.

 

So they're changing from the Soprod Newton, a movement that has problems, to the Soprod M100 (aka A10), a movement that also has a documented history of problems?

Pity they don't just grab an LJP G100 or even Sellita.

 

There are safer choices....

 

What issues are there with the M100? I know nothing about movements just trying to get a good quality watch that speaks to me. If the issues aren't major, it might be something I could live with. For example, there are numerous Serica owners that have intermittent issues with the seconds hand continuing after the crown is pulled out. While that may be quirky, it doesn't seem like something that would effect being able to set the time to within a minute or less.

 

The M100 was formerly known as the A10 (Soprod rebranded a couple of years ago and changed their movement names). When the A10 came out, it was hailed as a more affordable ETA 2892 or Sellita SW300 alternative (same form factor, but not a clone of the ETA like Sellita). It's supposedly based on the Seiko 4L.

Several manufacturers jumped onto the A10, including Sinn and Steinhart, as a replacement for 2892s or SW300s they had been using. Within 3 years, all of them switched back to ETA or Sellita. Owners of watches with A10s that had issues and sent their watches in for repair sometimes got them back with ETA or Sellita swapped in. I don't know what specifically the problems were, but timekeeping issues were reported by owners. Defect rate was reportedly high and I guess parts and support from Soprod wasn't adequate.

This was 7-8 years ago, so maybe Soprod has sorted it out, but I suspect there's a reason why they have been rarely used.

 

Formex if you like micro brands?

 

That's the kinda thing you watch from a distance!

 

Pre-orders are risky... I would wait for it.

 

I really like Serica. The 4512 Commando is the model I'm interested in. The movement thing and the pre-order are an issue.

Still on my list but will have to wait until it is updated and in stock ready to ship.

 

There's no pre-order on 4512, they ship within few days:

Soprod P024 seems to be increasingly popular, e.g. Nivada Grenchen used it for Super Antarctic.

 

Steer clear of any watch with movement issues is my advice.

Plenty more out there that use tried and tested movements.

 

Love Formex Reef but looks to wear a little big for me. Also like Essence but the more I look the less I like the exposed screw heads. The only other consideration I had was a Maurice Lacroix Aikon (used) but ultimately decided it was too flashy for me.

 

Budget? If you will spend more then I recommend something with proven performance, such as an Omega with Caliber 8900. An Aqua Terra sounds like it fits the bill, assuming you're okay with a watch in the $5-ish range.

 

Budget between $800-2000. This will be my first watch outside of a couple hundred dollar Spinnaker.

 

I've been eyeing this exact watch for a while now. I hope they fix any issues they've had in the past. Might buy this one next year if that's the case. This thing's an absolute beauty imo.

 

Love my Serica, but it is the only watch I've ever had to send in under warranty within the first week.
No clue if Soprod has fixed its issues recently, but I wouldn't rush to buy another.

 

@RG2107 I haven't come across another watch as captivating. Super disappointing to have to question the quality so much. I hope I have the self control to wait and see what happens but who knows. If not, I guess I'll be the guinea pig.

 

Steinhart is hard to beat for the price. Love my Ocean One. Sellita SW-200 is rock solid. They have 39mm models. 39mm shown below. $540 MSRP. Hundreds of dollars left over to spend - or put toward the next watch!

 

Since it's so early in your watch wearing experience, I think it would be best to restrict your buying to ones you can try on in person first to see what's right for you.

 

I agree with this thought. It's still early in your journey and a bit risky to not be trying on high end watches.

 

I have a 5303 from the very first batch, had the fix done, it works fine. Been wearing it all summer, day in day out.
Once I figured out the gain or lose a couple seconds in what position it's just going on, I'm a few seconds off after almost 2 months.
Given the newer release will be COSC and a more tested movement, I wouldn't be overly concerned.
I think it's a cool watch, with plenty of personality.
Worth it IMO.
Obviously YMMV
Cheers

 

In this price range, Christopher Ward is tough to beat. They have a number of chronometer grade options available as well.

Perhaps also consider the Rado Captain Cook line. They have a similar look to the Serica you're interested in. The Lorier Neptune is also similar, though with a acrylic crystal rather than sapphire.

Of these 3, I only have experience with CW, and would highly recommend them if they have a watch that catches your eye.

I wouldn't personally spend any time or money on a potentially problematic movement. Too much of a PITA, especially when there are so many watches out there that likely won't have issues.

 

It's too bad because design wise I feel there's nothing like it. But yeah, considering the movement issues, I'd wait to see the feedback with the new movement. But that coud mean waiting a year, or that's what I'd do.

If you have another watch you like, maybe I'd go for that one instead.

 

I echo what O said above. Considering it’s your first ”good” watch, I would recommend going with something tried and tested. Chris Ward is excellent value for money. Some great Nomos in that range as well. And the Rado Captain Cook 37mm is a great watch as well. Also, check out Oris. Impossible to go wrong with them.

 

COSC certification is great, but not absolutely necessary if you care about accuracy. There are plenty of well-regarded movements that run +5/-5 generally that aren’t certified, especially if you are willing to get them regulated after you’ve worn them and determined their specific tendencies.

 

I know this doesn’t answer your question but your budget is kinda in no man’s land as far as getting a quality watch.

Id save more and at $3-$4k you have a lot of really good options for a truly quality watch. Especially if you are willing to go used.