Which one is rugged and reliable ?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by syahriltaher

Hi Nick,

Thank you very much for your wonderful posts in this forum. And for me your posts add a significant technical insight of luxury watches, especially Rolex.

Do you have in your file the pictures of the movement of my 18238 YG President and my SS GMT Master II?

I would highly appreciate it if you can post the pictures of the movement of the above models as I never see it since I purchased the watch...

Regards,

Cal 3155 as in your 18238 Daydate.both reference web pictures.




Cal 3185 as in the GMT 11.

[cbrenthus]

Wow, this thread makes me want to run out and buy a no date sub, throw a nato strap on it, and use it for rugged stuff like kayaking, surfing, skating, etc...

[Ragu]

Hey Nick,
I truely enjoy reading and learning from your posts!
With your endorsement of the 16040M which I happen to own I would wager others will now seek to purchase also.
I can't see the date without my reading glasses so for me the clean uncluttered look of the Sub no-date was an easy choice.
Thanks for all your info!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by Nick Hacko

Since you have been around a lot of watches and worked on a lot and have pretty good opinion, would like to ask you a question: which mechanical watch out there do you believe is the most rugged and reliable watch made? Able to survive the harshest environments and sports?

This message was received as PM but I'll take liberty to answer this question publicly. For three reasons: In real life most watch owners or owners-to-be rarely take time to do their research BEFORE parting with money. In most cases they buy a particular watch based on 1/brand name 2/price 3/input received from salesman. Hardly a good reason to buy a tool watch !
Secondly, if you apply my "watchmakers reasoning" you should have no difficulties picking up the winner when considering other watch brands or watches for other specific purposes. The third reason: this is darn flattering so I couldn't resist it.

Assuming we are talking here Rolex watches, I am approaching this dilemma in following fashion:

1. ruggedness and durability: cross off your list all solid precious metal and gold/steel models. Only steel models are made / built to last;
2. waterproofness : although 100m WR is fairly good rating - especially in case of Rolex watches- cross off all the watches rated to less than 300m;
3. functionality and reliability: in this case, less it better. Number of moving parts is indirectly proportional to reliability. Say goodbye to all Chrono, GMT and date models.

Once you have applied the above principles to the Rolex stable of watches, you are left with one model only - a finely contoured, robust, reliable and excellent value-for-money Submariner 14060M. A true Rolex classic of timeless design. And please don't be fooled with 'non chronometer' rating. If properly adjusted and serviced on regular basis, 14060M is very much capable of performing within chronometer specifications.
The only negative is rathe under-engineered bracelet with flimsy end-pieces and outdated clasp. I find this bracelet of only ordinary-to-moderate quality; neither good nor bad therefore barely adequate to be associated with this fine Submariner.

Thanks for reading!
Nicholas Hacko

Nice post, Nicholas!

One question:

The SD has a date (so in theory, that would make the watch a bit complicated). But what about the Helium Vent?? Do you think that the HV might be a vulnerable spot on the SD? (after all, it IS some kind of "hole" in the otherwise solid case)??

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

Nice post, Nicholas!

One question:

The SD has a date (so in theory, that would make the watch a bit complicated). But what about the Helium Vent?? Do you think that the HV might be a vulnerable spot on the SD? (after all, it IS some kind of "hole" in the otherwise solid case)??

Now think about it the SD is Rolex highest rated water proof watch rated to 4000 ft thats a lot of water pressure.And basically the HV one way valve don't have any moving parts as such, and hardly some sort of hole.Comex divers have been using them for years,and myself have never ever heard of any problem with the HV ever, the SD is one very strong and rugged watch.And there are a lot bigger holes than the HV, the case back and where the crystal is they are biggest holes in the case ring.

[watchnut]

So Nick, As you have torn down many watches, what is your recommendation on frequency of service? My AD says 8 years or so, possibly because he feels he would sell less watches if told that a $500 + service was to be needed every 4-5 years. Also, as someone mentioned on another thread, what about a watch that has been sitting in a showcase at the dealer for 2-3 years. The clock doesn't start (no pun intended) when the cash changes hands, does it? Thanks for all your info, it's very enlightening!

[kingblackbolt]

Nick, I am also a big Omega fan can you post any info you may have on the internal workings of the Omega Seamaster America's Cup Limited Edition Reference 2533.50.00? Not 100% sure but I believe it is a modified version of the standard SMP correct? I've been really enjoying your posts keep up he good work and keep it coming buddy!

[JJ Irani]

That's a beauty, Ren!! You do realise that that's a White Gold bezel?

[kingblackbolt]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

That's a beauty, Ren!! You do realise that that's a White Gold bezel?

Indeed I do sir and oh so reminiscent of the SS Plat YM's bezel would'nt you say?

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by kingblackbolt

Indeed I do sir and oh so reminiscent of the SS Plat YM's bezel would'nt you say?

Yes, I would....very nice, especially since I've seen one in person!!

[kingblackbolt]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Yes, I would....very nice, especially since I've seen one in person!!

Don't have that honour yet but we will see...

[Goodwatch]

I've always been a great fan of Citizen dive watches. They fit the bill completely. Owned several models and they are bomb proof. 200 meters water proof means that they REALLY are 200 meters water proof. (As if I need this ).