View single post by Zarith
 Posted: Fri Oct 10th, 2008 12:14 pm
PM Quote Reply Full Topic
Zarith



Joined: Sat Dec 15th, 2007
Location: Luxembourg
Posts: 79
Status: 
Offline
I suppose you are talking about the "Cave Dweller", right? Then buy it! It has lovely case back :P

To answer your questions:

Most people rely on Swiss movement because of their history, reputation and quality. These are movement you can trust. Switzerland is the land of the watches, just like France the land of Champagne. They do it by tradition. It's not about technology, but about craftsmanship.

Why is a Swiss ETA 2824 more expensive than it's so called clone the Miyota 8215?

-The ETA 2824 has a superior finish, more jewels (less friction), a higher frequency, and an omni-directional winding mechanism (faster winding). I also think it is quieter, but that's a personal observation...

-The ETA 2824 is made almost entirely in Switzerland (A movement can have the "Swiss Made" label only if the components of Swiss manufacture account for at least 50 percent of the total value, and the movement is assembled and inspected in Switzerland). Building things in Europe is way more expensive than in Japan or in China.

-The ETA 2824 has a proven history. This movement is available since the early 70ies. The most famous brand use it as a basis for their "custom" movement. it's an industry standard. There are millions of watches in the world with this movement. Every (serious) watchmaker should be able to service or repair it.


Now this doesn't mean that the Miyota 8215 is bad. Not at all. It work fine. It's solid and accurate! There's nothing to worry about. Citizen/Miyota is a reliable Japanese brand. The Cave Dweller wouldn't be much "better" with a Swiss movement, just more expensive ;)

What is a good deal or not? It's difficult to answer. Specifications don't mean much these days. Most watch can go deeper as you'll ever dive, have a sapphire crystal, screwed case back, 316 L Stainless steel, etc... 

If you don't want to spend more than $400 for a dive watch, you should check high-end Asian watches. A Seiko, a Citizen or, since you are on 3T, a Benarus Barracuda or a Boschett Cave Dweller!



rghill100 wrote:  
Ok guys I have a question regarding movements.   1st thing. the Miyota 8215  An Asain movement. "workhorse" and the Typical Swiss movements in watches, typically much more expensive.  Why? Seeing as %50 of people that buy very expensive watches buy them for looks and have no idea whats happening inside the watch or they just say well its a good watch cause its a swiss movement. (i.e. the wealthy type that say well is a Rolex duhh)
 
I am looking into buying the Cave master as an example.  Appears to be a good deal seeing as its case rated to 1000M But has Asian movement.  But would it be better if it were a Swiss movement. 
 
Being a newbie in the internal workings of a watch.  What do I look for in buying a new watch?  How do I know if I am getting a good deal especially me cause there is NO WAY I would be able to purchase a watch at great expense.  Maybe $ 400 or so.
  I like divers watches so it seems that the " Deeper" a watch is rated the better it is, am I right or wrong?
 
I would appreciate opinions from everyone that is watch savvy.