View single post by zippofan
 Posted: Sun Feb 3rd, 2008 10:41 pm
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zippofan



Joined: Tue Feb 6th, 2007
Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania USA
Posts: 2408
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 My (re) introduction into watches was because I was so disgusted with changing batteries in my quartz watches, and a botched battery change by a jeweler that led to one of my Zippo watches fogging up when I was at Disney a couple years ago (albeit during Hurricane Wilma, but the watch was supposed to be 50m WR). The jeweler rectified the problem when I returned, however I was determined to get away from battery changes.  A quick search on the Bay for mechanical watches turned up Russians, perfect at the time for me as I wasn't looking to spend much money since I was still collecting Zippo lighters.  Little did I realize that my $25 Vostok Komandirskie would lead to my current collection of quite a few pieces.  Because I have managed to find the majority of Zippos that I wanted for my collection, I needed a new obsession...err hobby.  This led me to the Russian forum at WUS, PMWF and eventually 3T hand6.gif

For awhile I wouldn't even consider buying a quartz watch, concentrating on affordable Russians, including my first ever jeweled mechanical chronograph (not counting my 1 jewel Endura pin lever given to my by my grandmother in the early 70's - still have it though it needs a cleaning and no watchmaker will touch it).  Reading the forums broadened my interest and I found myself going to Japanese, then Swiss watches with a quick stop over into Bulova Accutrons, a very expensive proposition for restoration though the smoothest sweep second hand next to the Seiko Spring Drive, which itself is an electronic/mechanical hybrid like the Accutron.  As I researched and studied, I realized that I really don't have anything against quartz per se, especially if I changed the batteries myself so I equipped myself with tools to do so.

Today my collection includes hand wind, automatic, tuning fork, Eco Drive and standard quartz watches.  I like and wear them all, though I tend to prefer the mechanicals. Sometimes a grab and go quartz can be just the thing when I need it.  Other reasons for quartz are features like radio controlled accuracy, and in the case of my Suunto, compass/altimeter/barometer/thermometer etc. for camping trips.  I have a Seiko Tuna as well as a few other Seiko quartz.  I also love my Eco Drives, and a Campanola is a grail of mine but there are more mechanical watches ahead of it.  I want to learn more mechanical movements so I have enrolled in the TZ level 1 course and intend on doing level 2 as well. 

Even though I prefer mechanical movements, I figure if you like it, buy it, regardless of what "makes it tick".  JM2C...

Cheers,
Griff