Parent page for all watch reviews.
Initial impression reviews
For that "just out of the box for a couple days" initial impressions.
First impressions
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Precista PRS3 (WatchOtaku) —
Impressions so far:
- Millimeters and grams count - although this is only a bit larger and heavier than the OWC MS-5517 rev 1, it seems much bulkier.
- Lume is so-so, better than the gen-one 5517 but not good enough.
- Timekeeping so far is excellent, consistently 11s/day, which should be easy to adjust.
- I love the date at six - blends in magnificently.
- A black second hand on a black dial is a total lose and damn near invisible.
- The hand lengths are good
- Second hand reaches out to the outer edge of the track
- Minute hand likewise
- Hour hand just skims the inner edge of the hour markers.
- Too much white ink on the dial; impression is busy visually.
- Easy to read at most angles and lighting conditions
- Well-protected crown
- Goes well under cuffs, could use a bit of profile help here though.
- My first 60-click bezel in a while. A minor annoyance.
- The crown itself is a bit slippery.
- Good bracelet, though I'd prefer a Push button clasp instead of friction.
Overall so far:
- Good but not great. Still holding out for the improved 5517. Full review to follow!
Full reviews
The Full Monty Review
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IWC 3536 first impression review (WatchOtaku) — I have my complaints and annoyances, but despite the initial watch crush, I think this is a long-term keeper. It solves the criteria from my quest, is quite versatile in style, and its an understated joy to wear. Unlike heavier watches, the weight is low enough that you quickly forget its on, the white-on-black legibility is excellent and... I like it!
The style in some ways reminds me of the current JLC Navy Seals Automatic, which is high praise.
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IWC buckles, bracelets and bands - the Aquatimer at six months (WatchOtaku) — I've had my IWC since August, about six months, and it seems time to do a midterm review. As with postmortems and first impressions, my opinion changes over time.
I've also found a bracelet and velcro strap, which deserve writeups, so here's a combined review and essay on quick-release straps. Enjoy!
The Watch
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Halios Holotype review (WatchOtaku) —
The $325 Holotype is the first watch from Halios, and is Chinese made with a Japanese (Miyota) movement, designed in Vancouver, BC. The Chinese sourcing is quite common among the new wave of startup dive watch brands, as the case, crystal, bracelet, hands and dial makers in China have ever-improving quality and unbeatable prices. For a movement, Halios sensibly went with the Miyota 8215, an absolute tank with an solid reputation since its debut in 1977.
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OWC MS-5517 rev 1 (WatchOtaku) —
This is a preview of the OWC Watch Company MS-5517 dive watch. I hope to have a full review soon. Note that this is a 'Release 1' version of the 5517; a second release is planned and I'll preview/review that when it's available.
OWC is the brainchild of Dan Fock, who is starting with what he calls "ISO" watches, or "in the spirit of." Take the original design, improve the materials and execution and make the results affordable: That's OWC in a nutshell.
In this case, the MS-5517 is a tribute to the classic Rolex model 5517, which was a variation on the Bond 5513 (as seen in Dr No) with mil-spec sword hands for increased legibility. The OWC version, built using modern materials and construction, improves the specs and lowers the price.
Post-mortem reviews
After selling/donating it, what do I think?
Post Mortem
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Luminox 2002 GMT (WatchOtaku) — All in all a good to very good travel/flight watch, quite versatile.
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