I am looking for a watch I can wear while fishing,I am doing some research on this and am looking for some clarification.

According to a website or two a water resistant watch (300 m), can be submerged for 2 hours as long as it is not over 30 meters. Does anyone have any experience with these "water resistant" watches, or would I need a true dive watch when swimming out to rocks?

Greg, call me in a few minutes. I'm leaving work now.

Water resistant can mean many things, you'd have to look at the specs on the specific watch. That being said, if I was going to be swimming in it I'd either want a dive watch or something equivalent. If you're just going for function I think there are some good low cost options out there.

-spence

TIMEX....the watch that keeps on ticking....:)

I've become a bit of a watchsnob ;) the past few years and have looked into this a lot. So I suggest you get a real dive watch that you can beat the snot out of and you'll be fine. You want something seriously rated for 200m depth. A Rolex Sub tool watch from the late 50s, properly sealed, has better dive water resistance than the Fugly Fossil at the mall kiosk.

Next option to consider is movement: Automatic (selfwinding) or Quartz/Battery powered. Autos are typically more money and could use a service every few years if you are really diving, quartz needs a battery replaced every couple years and if not done correctly WILL lose waterproof.

A Seiko Orange or Black Monster is a great piece with long lasting bright lume - $130-180 and a cool watch to wear when not fishing

A Tritium dive watch where the lume lasts for 12 years you could get a Marathon TSAR (great watch, I have one that I use fishing) used for about $250-300 and is built like a tank and used by Canadian Rescue Divers.

I can sell you my old Luminox tritium for $100 with a commercial diver's strap but I cannot guarantee it will be always waterproof as it does not have a screw down crown (important in dive watches). There are better watches out there and what i did not know at first, the SEALS really don't use them (I figured if they were good enough for them then...)

Or you could get a Casio G-Shock for $100 and have a great watch

One recommendation is whatever watch you get, put it on a NATO dive strap - they are both cool and will save your watch if in the water and a springbar fails. Commercial dive strap is extra long and you can put it on the outside of a wetsuit / drytop. These ones are great for $20. You are probably already familiar with them

maratac (http://www.broadarrow.net/maratac.htm)

Links to big pics:

Orange Monster:

http://linesiders.com/watches/omonster/om-aug11-2.jpg

http://linesiders.com/watches/omonster/om-aug11-3.jpg

Marathon TSAR

http://linesiders.com/watches/tsar/marsar.jpg

Luminox:

http://linesiders.com/watches/luminox/luminox-3057-1b.jpg

http://linesiders.com/watches/luminox/luminox-3057-lume1a.jpg

You probably don't need a dive watch, as they can get pricey and are built to withstand the pressure of being deep underwater. I would go with something like a G-shock, they are a solid watch. I did some snorkeling with mine this year for hours and had no issues...

edit: just read John's post, some good options there for sure! I can't comment on the gshock's lasting power as I just got it this year..

I've become a bit of a watchsnob ;)

Oh really?

-spence

Oh really?

-spence

I am to classic tool watches like you are to Ascots :love:

You probably don't need a dive watch, as they can get pricey and are built to withstand the pressure of being deep underwater. I would go with something like a G-shock, they are a solid watch. I did some snorkeling with mine this year for hours and had no issues...

edit: just read John's post, some good options there for sure! I can't comment on the gshock's lasting power as I just got it this year..

The thing about a dive watch is that it is sealed in every conceivable place water can enter, have strong casebacks, thick crystals, and screw down crowns - this is vital. I wouldn't go in a pool with something not rated for at least 100m - depth really has nothing to do with it. This is a classic discussion on watch forums. The equivalent of mono or braid.

I am to classic tool watches like you are to Ascots :love:
:nopics:

-spence

I have had my timex iron man for 4 years and beat the #^&#^&#^&#^& out of it. No water problems what's so ever swimming. I like it because I love indiglo as u can actually read the time in the dark. I pull my wetsuit sleeve down over it so I don't have to worry about it popping off swimming
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Second the timex ironman - I have a couple and I never had any issues with mine. They have spent a ton of time in the water doing laps in the pool and wetsuiting...

I've worn the same battery powered Timex since before 2001. It has a white face, hands and if you push the stem it lights up. I wear it 24/7 and almost never take it off. I think it cost me $25 maybe $30, keeps perfect time and has had a few batteries. I swim to rocks, dive when I swim as far as my lungs let me and wear it in the shower. I replaced another Timex with it because the face was scratched on that twenty year old one. If it dies I'll buy another.

Timex Ironman is a good watch

:nopics:

-spence

I'll lead with my ace

http://bostonsports.net/94110/vrf-lastfwruw.jpg

Nice, Tudors are great. I nearly bought one a few years ago.

Ended up with this instead. I don't swim in it ;)

-spence

Timex Ironman is a good watch



I'll lead with my ace

http://bostonsports.net/94110/vrf-lastfwruw.jpg


So this is how you new when to head home when you were in the back seat at the drive-in........:rotf2:

I have had my timex iron man for 4 years and beat the #^&#^&#^&#^& out of it. No water problems what's so ever swimming. I like it because I love indiglo as u can actually read the time in the dark. I pull my wetsuit sleeve down over it so I don't have to worry about it popping off swimming
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Second the timex ironman - I have a couple and I never had any issues with mine. They have spent a ton of time in the water doing laps in the pool and wetsuiting...

That is actually the watch I wore when I was in the military. It was definately a tough watch.
It stood up to a lot. I only got it wet when it was raining and in the pool during the combat water training, or whatever they called it, but it never gave me an issue. Definately a quality watch , especially for the price.

Who needs a watch, never wore one after age 30.
If you like what your doing stay, if not leave. :)

Nice Speedy - I looked at a pre-moon last year, but decided my first Omega must be a vintage Seamaster 300m - bought a beater but the deal fell thru.

Bought a Tudor Ranger (real ones are rare) instead and flipped that 2 weeks ago. I have another great "birth year" classic I'm rehabbing that will be done this spring.
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you rehabbing watches while doing backups now?

you rehabbing watches while doing backups now?


I wish...

I have the king g, beat the snot out of it and its still going strong.
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Spence...Nice piece hands down,to nice for you:rotf2:
If I was a snob with coin I go with a rolex oyster sub.....I'm just a grunt down range so this is what I roll with.
A G-Shock and a Citizens Titanium Eco Drive Dive.

If I was a snob with coin I go with a rolex oyster sub.....I'm just a grunt down range so this is what I roll with. :rotf2:




A G-Shock and a Citizens Titanium Eco Drive Dive.

Both Great pieces

Ummm.... Walmart special. ~$10. surprisingly bulletproof for fishing. Digital, alarms, light. canvas strap which can fit around wetsuit, splash top cuff, bare wrist.


You lose it? no problem.
Battery dies? no problem.

I swim/kayak/leave it ANYWHERE. Things are freaking awesome for $10. I can't kill them until the battery dies, usually 2-3 years. Then just buy another.

if its just for fishing and looks don't really matter, can't go wrong with a g-shock.

if your looking for style, it will all come down to budget and what you like. Seiko diver's 200 is a good watch for the money (~$190, used to be more, discontinued but still easy to find) IMO with a classic dive watch style, and its automatic if you like that. I'd recommend upgrading the strap and springbars. Either a nato as john recommended or a heavier duty rubber strap, which is what I went with as I like the look.

When I have a few bucks I am going to get one of them Orange Monsters!! Thats nice John!

I have G-Shock for boating, fishing, snowboarding, hiking ect. Great watch for the money.

I got a victorinox Swiss army watch from REI a couple years ago and the watch is a tank. The band sucks, but the watch itself is great. Cost around 200 I think. I think they might have stopped making the exact one I wear though. And being rei, if anything goes wrong I get my money back!
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I also use a Victorinox watch. I haven't had any problems with and it is about 5 years old. Plus if I hit my head on a rock, it also looks good to the person saving me.

I also use a Victorinox watch. I haven't had any problems with and it is about 5 years old. Plus if I hit my head on a rock, it also looks good to the person saving me.

If you hit your head on a rock, you might damage the rock.

Another satisfied Gshock owner

timex ironman, 30 bucks, i leave it strapped to my commando bag, been using it 3 seasons now, haven't replaced the battery or strap, its always wet and or submerged and if it gets banged up no biggie

Pretty happy with old reliable.

Pretty happy with old reliable.
Fish all nite and when you can see it it's time to go

Amazon is currently running a deal on Invicta Pro Diver watches. 4 different color schemes available, $99. They get pretty decent reviews. The supposed $795 retail price seems a little suspect, but for the current price it's a pretty good deal.

Sale runs through tomorrow only.

I used to swim all summer in my Swatch back in the 80's. Never leaked. All the cool kids wear 'em.

Amazon is currently running a deal on Invicta Pro Diver watches. 4 different color schemes available, $99. They get pretty decent reviews. The supposed $795 retail price seems a little suspect, but for the current price it's a pretty good deal.

Sale runs through tomorrow only.

Decent automatic watch for $100 - I have one. Common knock off borrowing elements of the Rolex Sub / Omega Seamaster. Lume is pretty weak though and not good for night fishing as the lume is not bright and will not last for more than a few hours. Unless they have changed that in the last 18 months.

Amazon is currently running a deal on Invicta Pro Diver watches. 4 different color schemes available, $99. They get pretty decent reviews. The supposed $795 retail price seems a little suspect, but for the current price it's a pretty good deal.

Sale runs through tomorrow only.

Damn you! That is a sweet deal, I think I just may have found what I want for my 20th anniversary.

Would you step up to the swiss movement? This would be a once in lifetime purchase. With the kids I could never justify going for a more expensive watch, although I have been coveting them for years.

Damn you! That is a sweet deal, I think I just may have found what I want for my 20th anniversary.

Would you step up to the swiss movement? This would be a once in lifetime purchase. With the kids I could never justify going for a more expensive watch, although I have been coveting them for years.

The $99 one in the email they sent me has a Swiss movement. No mention of it being automatic though so I'm guessing it's battery powered. Just looked around at Amazon itself and there's a bazillion Invectas listed so I guess picking one could be a challenge.

They look nice. Somewhat of a concern to me would be the paltry 1 year warranty. If it's really a $800 value watch you'd think they could up that a bit.

The one I was talking about is model#'s 12562,12563,12564and 12565. I'll defer to John on whether this is the same one he has.

The watch is eligible for "free returns", so if you don't like it you can ship it back for free.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61uvleJ15BL._SL1280_.jpg

Yikes! Sorry about the image size.

JohnR, How long does the lume ( I like that word ) last on the orange monster ? My luminox after 20 yrs is tough to see in the deep dark. And the last knucklehead that changed the battery ruined its water seal.

I do like the look of that watch on a big NATO strap for outside the dry top.
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Damn you! That is a sweet deal, I think I just may have found what I want for my 20th anniversary.

Would you step up to the swiss movement? This would be a once in lifetime purchase. With the kids I could never justify going for a more expensive watch, although I have been coveting them for years.

If it is an Automatic for $99 it is a swiss quartz or a Japanese (err China) Miyota movement. Invicta has a repoutation, not underserved, of stating swiss made on some things Sriss made. Still good bang for the buck. Invicta Autos will have a glass back so you can see the movement.

JohnR, How long does the lume ( I like that word ) last on the orange monster ? My luminox after 20 yrs is tough to see in the deep dark. And the last knucklehead that changed the battery ruined its water seal.

I do like the look of that watch on a big NATO strap for outside the dry top.
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Your Tritium Luminox Gas Tubes have a half life of 12 years so at twelve years it was half as bright, at 24 years, half as bright again. Trit tubes (and paste on older watches) use the faint tritium radiation to exicte the lume. As that radioactivity fades over time so does the brightness. My Tudor from 1979 has tritium markers that no longer are visible except in the most darkest places with well adjusted eyes being barely visible.

That Orange Monster uses a high quality non-radioactive lume that is charged by light (sun, LED, lamp) and as long as it is charged up, will last many hours on watches with quality lume like that. If well charged, it will start out brigter than a new Tritium watch and fade out over the course of the night and eventually darker than a newer trit watch but still readable. I like the Orange Monster as a cool work / fish watch.

I'll take some example pics on lume if I get around to it this weekend.

[QUOTE=JohnR;978029]If it is an Automatic for $99 it is a swiss quartz or a Japanese (err China) Miyota movement. Invicta has a repoutation, not underserved, of stating swiss made on some things Sriss made. Still good bang for the buck. Invicta Autos will have a glass back so you can see the movement.


Hi John - Sorry I should have been more clear I was asking about the 9937 for $275, which usually $1200. Is it worth the extra money or should I just go with the one for $99?

It is never 1200 - that is an exaggeration, 275 is a good price as these are normally around 350. The most they have ever been (IIRC) is around $400

It is a nice piece, I prefer the coin edge bezel - like the Rolex Sub instead of the Scalloped bezel like Omega

Other nice pieces, though slightly more, are the Steinhart Ocean 1 and Victorinox.

Also, if the Orange is too flashy there is the Seiko Black Monster Seiko Men's SKX779 "Black Monster" Automatic Dive Stainless steel Watch: Watches: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SKX779-Monster-Automatic-Stainless/dp/B0006IHHN4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1357393865&sr=8-3&keywords=Seiko+SKX781)

Keep in mind all automatics are charged by the movement of your wrist so not wearing one for several days will have it stop keeping time

There is some good advice in this thread. I have a bit of watch problem. Here are most of my divers. I would recommend them all for surfcasting. The Seiko Orange Monster that John recommended is a classic and one of the best values in dive watches. Seiko just updated it with a new movement that hacks plus several new designs. The Citizen eco-drive divers are solar powered and have fantastic lume. They are great values. I would stay away from Invicta. They make decent $100 watches but I would never spend more than that for one. They also have terrible customer service and poor fit and finish.

My favorites for the surf are my Tissot T-Touch which has bad lume but I like knowing what the water temperature and my Luminox. Both have sapphire crystals which you should look for if you don't want a scratched crystal.

There is a Casio G-Shock with tide information that looks pretty cool. That might be worth checking out. I recommend looking on ebay for the seikos, casios, and citizens. The prices are great and not getting the factory warranty is no big deal for those brands.

There is some good advice in this thread. I have a bit of watch problem. Here are most of my divers. I would recommend them all for surfcasting. The Seiko Orange Monster that John recommended is a classic and one of the best values in dive watches. Seiko just updated it with a new movement that hacks plus several new designs. The Citizen eco-drive divers are solar powered and have fantastic lume. They are great values. I would stay away from Invicta. They make decent $100 watches but I would never spend more than that for one. They also have terrible customer service and poor fit and finish.

My favorites for the surf are my Tissot T-Touch which has bad lume but I like knowing what the water temperature and my Luminox. Both have sapphire crystals which you should look for if you don't want a scratched crystal.

There is a Casio G-Shock with tide information that looks pretty cool. That might be worth checking out. I recommend looking on ebay for the seikos, casios, and citizens. The prices are great and not getting the factory warranty is no big deal for those brands.

Looks like someone has a crown at 4 addiction :love:

Need a bigger pic :)

Here you go John. The Seiko 007's are just fantastic; comfortable, legible, well made. Everyone should own one and they are not expensive. The Frankenmonsters are very comfortable for a large watch.

I also like the crown at 8:00. I only have three of those.

Here you go John. The Seiko 007's are just fantastic; comfortable, legible, well made. Everyone should own one and they are not expensive. The Frankenmonsters are very comfortable for a large watch.

I also like the crown at 8:00. I only have three of those.

:rotf2:

And I agree the Seiko Monster Diver is probably the inexpensive desk diver Standard Barer

Hey Steve..... you got the time ?
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Hey Steve..... you got the time ?
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A man with one watch knows what time it is but a man with two never knows.
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10 yrs ago I bought a RIPCURL Tide Watch for $250. It has the date, moon phase, tide height & range. Still has the original band and I had to send it out last year for the first time for a new battery($27 s&h incl. as well as resetting everything for my area.) I wear it daily and it sometimes takes a beating. There is one 1/8" velcro scratch , like your thumb after holding a bass by the lip, that you have to really look for on the watch face. Love it. I free dove up to 40ft for a few yrs with it.

Nice Speedy - I looked at a pre-moon last year, but decided my first Omega must be a vintage Seamaster 300m - bought a beater but the deal fell thru.
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This was my first Omega, a present from the wife. She had no idea what she was buying...

The movement dates to around 1942. I was suspicious the case wasn't original and the guys at timezone suspect it was from South America as back then they didn't import solid gold watches...so they'd ship in the guts and make the cases down there.

Hands are replacements as well. I stripped the crystal and hands off somehow on a trip to NYC a few years ago :smash:

I guess it gives it character. Trying to find a dark blue lizard open ended strap.

-spence

It is never 1200 - that is an exaggeration, 275 is a good price as these are normally around 350. The most they have ever been (IIRC) is around $400
It's interesting how some watches always have their MSRP's inflated many times over...always. I love the Gevril GV2's on Sierra.

If I was to get a decent watch and just wanted function I'd get one of the basics mentioned in this thread...like I said earlier there are plenty of great options. Just pick the one that you're most comfortable with.

-spence

I crack up when I dare to watch the watch shows :screwy: and see some list price $900 watch with 5 easy payments of 9.99 each

Nice old Omega - my next project (after I'm done in 2014 with what i have now :devil2: ) might be an old Omega Seamaster Big Triangle.

I sold this 1969-71 Ranger just before XMas. The Ranger is like the poor working man's Explorer. It was very hard to buy as there are 10 fakes for every real one but it sold for a good (and fair) price in 2 days because it was a real one. I really liked it and still peeessed I sold it but at 34mm it was just too small.

http://bostonsports.net/9050/ranger-10.jpg


mega detailed photo using the olloclip on the iPhone

http://bostonsports.net/9050/IMG_1337.JPG

Tudors are one of the last kindasorta undiscovered brands in the vintage arena. Vintage watches are like vintage plugs except more people play :wall:

Any of you watch guys know what time it is right now?
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Time to get a watch.
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Watchmaker here! For the money you can not go wrong with the
Casio G-Shock 200 meter unless you want to spring for a Rolex.

I sold this 1969-71 Ranger just before XMas. The Ranger is like the poor working man's Explorer. It was very hard to buy as there are 10 fakes for every real one but it sold for a good (and fair) price in 2 days because it was a real one. I really liked it and still peeessed I sold it but at 34mm it was just too small.
Great vintage look though. A lot of women would wear that, my wife's Pasha is 34 or 35mm.

Are you rebuilding yourself?

-spence

Watchmaker here! For the money you can not go wrong with the
Casio G-Shock 200 meter unless you want to spring for a Rolex.

Cool - I need a Watchmaker - PM me your info

Great vintage look though. A lot of women would wear that, my wife's Pasha is 34 or 35mm.

Are you rebuilding yourself?

-spence

It is tough because the 34mm was is a man's size but these days is just considered too small. The difference between the 34 and 40 of the Sub was very apparent.

Rebuilding some things for me, but not for sale, not pretending to be a watchmaker. No movement work. If I find a really good deal that ticks certain boxes I may purchase to sell later but it is just hobby level.

I've thought about tinkering but just don't have the time. Watches are a lot of fun...

Until I have to get my speedy serviced...oy vey :smash:

-spence

I would stay away from Invicta. They make decent $100 watches but I would never spend more than that for one. They also have terrible customer service and poor fit and finish

Thanks for the info. Now I am all confused. Too bad I really liked the looks of the Invicta. Oh well, I new I would get myself in trouble clicking on the WATCH thread. :drool:

Greg, for fishing get a G-Shock. 200m on a digital means you can press the buttons under water, 100 m means they are good to 100 but will leak if you push the buttons while submerged. I did do a couple 190 foot dives with a 100m ironman with no leaks..

We used G-Shocks for diving in the Army back in the late 80's/early 90's, don't know what they use now. I had a 200m Casio that was the same as a G-Shock movement, but was smaller until I ripped a spring pin out of the plastic case..

Thanks for the info. Now I am all confused. Too bad I really liked the looks of the Invicta. Oh well, I new I would get myself in trouble clicking on the WATCH thread. :drool:

Sorry for the conflicting message. What I was trying to say is that if you buy a $100 Invicta or any other Invicta, don't expect too much from it. You are better off with a $100 Seiko, Citizen, or Casio.

Nice, Tudors are great. I nearly bought one a few years ago.

Ended up with this instead. I don't swim in it ;)

-spence

I will own a vintage speedy at some point. I need a "moon" watch.

I will own a vintage speedy at some point. I need a "moon" watch.

What's nice is that unless you are looking for something rare they're not priced that badly at all.
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Hey guys, what about Breitlings? they any good or just another super status symbol? My cousin always talk about how cool they are, but he likes rap music....so..

Hey guys, what about Breitlings? they any good or just another super status symbol? My cousin always talk about how cool they are, but he likes rap music....so..

They are good watches but there are others in the same price class I'd rather have....

Hey guys, what about Breitlings? they any good or just another super status symbol? My cousin always talk about how cool they are, but he likes rap music....so..

Like John said, they are good watches but they are more of a status symbol than a symbol of horology greatness.

Amazon is having a big watch sale today. I just bought a Luminox 8415 for $223. They had other Luminox models for around $150 and up.

if you don't need to wear the watch I will Mr Z

if you don't need to wear the watch I will Mr Z

I'll let you wear it when you take me fly fishing on the boat this spring.:fishin:

Like John said, they are good watches but they are more of a status symbol than a symbol of horology greatness.

Horology ain't what I first thought it was.....would've been a good field of study.
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Horology ain't what I first thought it was.....would've been a good field of study.
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I believe that Vegas is the epicenter of that.

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the NATO's are nice and you can use them to make any watch more secure or change to look. I have a nixon 42-20 from when I was younger that I really didn't like the looks of anymore (not really classic enough looking for me). I put it on a NATO and like it more now, plus I can throw it on a bright colored on over the summer for a more casual watch. Wouldn't really recommend the Nixon for fishing, note very bright, just posting as an example.

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