I think the atomic Gulfman traded the tide/moon graphs for the atomic function. I also think the atomic Gulfman looks nicer than the non-atomic version.



I agree with your assesment of the Mudman though. The 5 eyes are just wasted space since only one could ever be used at any given time. The rally model is nicer and much more utilitarian from that standpoint.

Then there is always the Riseman too. As I said before; too dang many choices.

Here's my options:

Oris Classic Date (~ €600)


Hamilton Jazzmaster Auto Chrono (~ €1100)


Oris Big Crown Telemeter Chrono (~ €1600)



Thoughts?

There's a certain amount of glory in the well designed industrial product. I definitely don't collect them, but I can understand how some people would.

A $40 watch is 100% utilitarian.
A $40,000 watch is 0% utilitarian.

One is buying the function, the other is buying the artistry. There is no accounting for the value of art and what impact it has on the human soul. Be it a painting or a finely crafted timepiece, they all strike at the same elements.

I know it's not a baller watch by any means, but I picked this up last year:



Jaques Lemans Men's Geneve Tempora Collection Watch #GU199D

I really like the watch and get a lot of compliments on it. Some might not like it because it is larger than most watches, but it fits me really well. It retails for $850, but I found it on sale for under $300.

All pretty cool watches. Have you considered the Hamilton Jazzmaster Maestro?



45mm, so it's on the big side, but I love it. It's on my short list.

Probably looking at $1100USD.

Where can I get one of these?
Argos.co.uk delivers only to mainland UK

I have, but the red in the face is a dealbreaker for me. I also don't like the day and date, but there's a version without those.

Great points, and very, very well stated. Your presence on this (and the other) thread is greatly appreciated. I've learned more about watches than I ever thought I would just reading the threads here on 2+2.

BTW, how's the ninja watch coming?

I like them all, but for the money, I think the Oris is hard to beat. Beautiful, classic look.

The Hamiltons kind of look like the IWC Portos, which is also a great look. So if you like it get one of the Hamiltons.

pm me an address and i'll buy it and send it to you in the mail. They come in a tiny box and it's pretty light so shouldn't cost too much extra. I wouldn't charge you.

I actually did a little work on it the night before last.
Result: Fail (short term process failure, not a total project failure)

I'm still having trouble with the nylatron material I'm using for the case.

Here's nylatron



I can get nice shapes (adequate for anything but a watch), but I can't get those 'perfect dimensions' that are required for respectable timepiece. I think someone with lower standards would be OK with the results so far, but I'm kind of a perfectionist and little mistakes drive me bat**** crazy, so it's been no good. I hate nylatron and nylatron hates me but we're locked in a mutual death-spiral kinda like the US and China. Also, I'm only using a Taig lathe w/ milling attachment, so big RPM's and deep cuts aren't happening. This summer I'm upgrading to shop sized gear.

Here's my Taig with its signature "fire hazard" unboxed switch w/ exposed wires (milling attachment not shown) that I've only been using for a short time.



And here's an animated gif that reflects my "resigned yet mindlessly enthusiastic" attitude towards this project



Will I quit nylatron and use something easier/more conventional?
No.
Does this make me an idiot?
Possibly. Odds are, yes.

[/pointless off-topic stream-of-consciousness drivel. We now return you to the regularly scheduled watch thread]

I don't quite know what you mean by the real value of a tourbillon. If you mean its usefulness then I'd agree it is limited. But, then again, so is a minute repeater.

IIRC, the Chinese finally started making a production one.
I don't care enough to go to ebay and type in "tourbillion" with "Buy It Now" and "Lowest Price First" to find out, but I'm pretty sure they do.

The usefulness in a tourbillon is its ability to discreetly signal to other people that you have a lot of money.

FMP