watchesiwear4

This is the Zeromaster from RXW, a Japanese firm run by a man who is passionate about his watches. This picture does not really do it justice. See this link for probably some of the best watch pictures I have ever taken, if I can say that. I won't say too much more about the Zeromaster here, best to read the link, but I will say it is one tough, solid and one very different watch. I hope you like it.

Oh you've got green eyes. This is very weird. Another Soviet watch made by the Russian company called Chaika. Evokes exaggerated Soviet largess and heroism. This is said to be called the Stadium model, maybe it look like a huge stadium. It is said to commemorate the 1980 Moscow Olympic games. This automatic runs great. Day window in Cyrillic script, I can't read it. Very heavy and bulky watch. See this link for more pictures and info. I think this cost me about 50 US dollars. No I've never seen anything quite like this before.

Yet another 1950s Timex, but not a waterproof model. This also has some AV boy nerdlike qualities, but I like it for what it represents, an honest watch for the ordinary '50s man. The watch dial itself is typical, with applied metal markers on a white dial base. Modest 0-60 track, and gold hands. But look at those bizarre bits of fake lizard skin inlaid into the sides of the bracelet! Meant to make it classy and posh. Here more pictures, including also a ladies version! You can't polish a turd.

This is a Seiko '5' automatic from 1976. The dial and hands are great, very sporty and clear. 13-24 hours marked, but no 1-12 markings. Bit odd, really. Red sector from 0-20 minutes (or for seconds?) Not sure what you are supposed to time. It could all be just meaningless and vapid fashion. Speedometer style second hand. I really do not like the case. In fact, I have pulled this from the Watches I Wear, and am trying to recase it into something more attractive. The new stretch bracelet is dreadful as well.

The last two watches here in Watches I Wear are not old in any way. They were from about 2001 or 2002. Timex reproductions of classic 1950s models. Both are designed to recall some of the features of two different Marlin models. I believe they do a pretty good job with many of the details, such as the case shape and proportions, hour font, hour hands and dial (note the brushed striations on the top one, a nice touch, very similar to the origial.) The line was sold through the US discount store Target. It lasted there a while. These repros, part of what was called the Heritage Collection, seem to have vanished from retail availability. They must not have sold well. More pictures and info, one page on each watch found here and here. I like the lower one better.