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Non mechanically powered watch for my collection

khanmu
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Hi everyone

The watches in my collection all have automatic or winding movements, and I would like to add something battery powered to my collection. Now, before you all decide to mob up and burn the heretic, let me explain my reasons. First, they are part of watch history and human ingenuity, and second, I was a child in the 70s and 80s, when digital/quartz was still newish and cool, and I remember them fondly, the first watch I bought for myself was quartz.

So, if I get one for my collection, what should I get? So far, with a mix of nostalgia and heritage, I鈥檝e come up with the following list:

- Seiko 7a28 - either the RAF Gen 1, the white dial Bond, or there鈥檚 a rare-ish white and blue dial yachting version
- Seamaster Bond quartz large version
- Seamaster Omegamatic
- IWC flieger meccaquartz
- Bulova Accutron Astronaut

Are there any others I should consider? Which would you choose, and why? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! I also 7.5 inch wrists, so nothing too tiny, and if you can, photos please!
 
SpikiSpikester
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Have you considered solar powered as well ? All the benefits of quartz without the battery hassle.

Or there's the good old Marine Chronometer ::stirthepot::
 
khanmu
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Mouse_at_Large Mouse_at_Large
A Casio square. Plenty of heritage there - a real icon/gamechanger 馃槈

I still have my first - a Casio Databank - although she no longer works, I鈥檓 not sure I can replace her with a newer version...
 
khanmu
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Faz Faz
Couldn't help myself...::rimshot::

IMG_1485.JPG
Yes, but doesn鈥檛 that count as mechanical if not auto?
 
Faz
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Once you put sand in the gears it's non-mechanical!
 
TimeODanaos
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How about Omega Equinoxe ref. 186.0013? Teeters (deliberately, I'm sure) on the analogue/digital 1970s/1980s boundary, and gives you a reverso on a budget as well.

Equinoxe Annotation 2020-07-29 212803.jpg
Edited:
 
Stripey
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Rolex OysterQuartz - really beautiful watch that I would love to own some day.

Omega X-33 1st or 2nd generation - iconic watch in use today on the ISS, and very capable.

Omega Megaquartz with aventurine dial - so different it is not true
 
DaveK
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Accutron, if you want a piece of history.

If you really like history, then may I suggest

0CB91A35-C520-4B78-B242-F27741201C56.jpeg
 
Stripey
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Stripey Stripey
Rolex OysterQuartz - really beautiful watch that I would love to own some day.

Omega X-33 1st or 2nd generation - iconic watch in use today on the ISS, and very capable.

Omega Megaquartz with aventurine dial - so different it is not true

maxresdefault.jpg
Oysterquartz

tumblr_pbo1br2SJ31usl35ao1_1280.jpg
X-33 gen 1

762_Omega_Stardust_-0534_copy_1024x.jpg
Omega Megaquartz with aventurine dial
 
kip595
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I had the 'Bond' Seamaster for many years as my daily and it never let me down.

Now my 'quartz spot' is held by a recently acquired TAG Heuer Professional 1000 38mm, blue on blue. They came in a few sizes, and for a similar SM/Sub aesthetic IMO a pretty good value for what you can get.
 
cp tag 1.jpeg
vintage hab
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this is also non-mechanical, although you do need to carry a compass with you
 
sundial wristwatch.jpg
khanmu
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Stripey Stripey
maxresdefault.jpg
Oysterquartz

tumblr_pbo1br2SJ31usl35ao1_1280.jpg
X-33 gen 1

762_Omega_Stardust_-0534_copy_1024x.jpg
Omega Megaquartz with aventurine dial
Those are all nice, but that Aventurine dial is quite spectacular!
 
RonJ
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SpikiSpikester SpikiSpikester
Have you considered solar powered as well ? All the benefits of quartz without the battery hassle.

Or there's the good old Marine Chronometer ::stirthepot::

Solar Powered is an option I like.

I have a Citizen Eco-Drive WR 200 pilot watch.

I leave it in the window sill so that it gets sunshine every day.
Always stays charged and has the correct time.

IMG_7241.jpg
 
w154
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I think the 7a28 is a great option and you鈥檝e listed three cool examples. I鈥檇 go for the yachting unless you鈥檙e a mil collector.
 
MRC
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khanmu khanmu
Hi everyone

The watches in my collection all have automatic or winding movements, and I would like to add something battery powered to my collection. Now, before you all decide to mob up and burn the heretic, let me explain my reasons. First, they are part of watch history and human ingenuity, and second, I was a child in the 70s and 80s, when digital/quartz was still newish and cool, and I remember them fondly, the first watch I bought for myself was quartz.

So, if I get one for my collection, what should I get? So far, with a mix of nostalgia and heritage, I鈥檝e come up with the following list:

- Seiko 7a28 - either the RAF Gen 1, the white dial Bond, or there鈥檚 a rare-ish white and blue dial yachting version
- Seamaster Bond quartz large version
- Seamaster Omegamatic
- IWC flieger meccaquartz
- Bulova Accutron Astronaut

Are there any others I should consider? Which would you choose, and why? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! I also 7.5 inch wrists, so nothing too tiny, and if you can, photos please!

My wrist 7-1/4", my suggestion an early Omega quartz

PA230186m.jpg


Why? I still like mine after 38 years of ownership.

Be aware: they go through modern batteries at a horrific rate.
 
Mouse_at_Large
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Another Casio. If you're not wedded to nostalgia, this watch is a cracker. Titanium, solar powered and radio sync.

I bought one 馃槑

LCW-M170TD-1AER.jpg
 
A
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I can certainly appreciate going after something for its historical significance. In that case, what about considering some of the early Seiko quartz' for their history (old Astrons I hear are tough to find, but maybe a 7a28 (first analog quartz chronograph from what I understand), or some early electric Hamilton (despite them being something of a nuisance to own and the mechanicals outperforming them, they are a part of watch history).

https://www.wired.com/2008/01/dayintech-0103/
 
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