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Non mechanically powered watch for my collection

  1. khanmu Jul 29, 2020

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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’ve come up with the following list:

    - Seiko 7a28 - either the RAF Gen 1, the white dial Bond, or there’s 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!
     
    janice&fred and kip595 like this.
  2. Mouse_at_Large still immune to Speedmaster attraction Jul 29, 2020

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    A Casio square. Plenty of heritage there - a real icon/gamechanger ;)
     
  3. SpikiSpikester @ ΩF Staff Member Jul 29, 2020

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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::
     
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  4. khanmu Jul 29, 2020

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    I still have my first - a Casio Databank - although she no longer works, I’m not sure I can replace her with a newer version...
     
  5. Faz Jul 29, 2020

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    Couldn't help myself...::rimshot::

    IMG_1485.JPG
     
    Eve, redpcar, Scarecrow Boat and 4 others like this.
  6. khanmu Jul 29, 2020

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    Yes, but doesn’t that count as mechanical if not auto?
     
  7. Faz Jul 29, 2020

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    Once you put sand in the gears it's non-mechanical!
     
  8. TimeODanaos Jul 29, 2020

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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 Jul 29, 2020
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  9. Stripey Jul 29, 2020

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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
     
    Lucasssssss and inchpincher like this.
  10. DaveK Yoda of Yodelers Jul 29, 2020

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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
     
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  11. Stripey Jul 29, 2020

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    [​IMG]
    Oysterquartz

    [​IMG]
    X-33 gen 1

    [​IMG]
    Omega Megaquartz with aventurine dial
     
    guwipa, Eve, Lucasssssss and 4 others like this.
  12. kip595 Jul 29, 2020

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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
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  13. vintage hab Jul 29, 2020

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    this is also non-mechanical, although you do need to carry a compass with you
     
    sundial wristwatch.jpg
  14. khanmu Jul 29, 2020

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    Those are all nice, but that Aventurine dial is quite spectacular!
     
    Stripey likes this.
  15. RonJ Jul 29, 2020

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    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
     
  16. w154 Jul 29, 2020

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    I think the 7a28 is a great option and you’ve listed three cool examples. I’d go for the yachting unless you’re a mil collector.
     
  17. MRC Jul 29, 2020

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    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.
     
    wilderbeast and Stripey like this.
  18. Canuck Jul 29, 2020

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    Solar! All the way. Waterproof.

    DDA0A7F0-46BD-4FCD-99B9-EBAC1C07D46F.jpeg
     
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  19. Mouse_at_Large still immune to Speedmaster attraction Jul 29, 2020

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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 :cool:

    LCW-M170TD-1AER.jpg
     
  20. alkearl Jul 29, 2020

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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/