View Full Version : Hamilton X-Wind: Anything to watch out for when buying?
Radiohead
May 7th, 2009, 16:00
Hello all!
In a few days I hope to get myself a Hamilton X-Wind (probably on a brown leather strap... will buy original ss bracelet later) from one of the stores listed on Hamiltons website. Please tell me if there are any common (or uncommon) problems or faults on these watches which I could determine/see on the spot? I read some while ago about one of the hands "wobbling" instead of having a smooth motion? Just don't know if it refers to the small hand on 3 o'clock subdial or the big chronometer hand.
Thanx in advance!
corruptor
May 7th, 2009, 18:43
There are a couple "wobbles"- the infamous Valjoux 7750 wobble when the rotor spins in the non-winding direction, and the slight second hand wobble. The second hand is not as smooth as some higher end automatics and will appear to hesitate sometimes.
As for the chrono seconds counter hand, I believe it moves between 4-6 beats per second, but at least there's no hesitation like the seconds hand.
Another thing to look out for is slight/small AR coating defects.
Otherwise, fantastic looking watch and great value for the money. Be aware it's a giant watch, and for me, it was quite uncomfortable.
Radiohead
May 7th, 2009, 18:54
Thanx! :)
One other thing I'm afraid of is it will look too big for my 6.7" wrist. Has anyone with a similar size wrist got this watch? How does it feel and look?
corruptor
May 7th, 2009, 20:43
My wrist is about 6.75", and I thought it looked ridiculous on my wrist. Nice looking watch, but just too big for me. My sweet spot is 40mm watches.
ELDRAW
May 7th, 2009, 22:31
There are a couple "wobbles"- the infamous Valjoux 7750 wobble when the rotor spins in the non-winding direction, and the slight second hand wobble. The second hand is not as smooth as some higher end automatics and will appear to hesitate sometimes.
As for the chrono seconds counter hand, I believe it moves between 4-6 beats per second, but at least there's no hesitation like the seconds hand.
Another thing to look out for is slight/small AR coating defects.
Otherwise, fantastic looking watch and great value for the money. Be aware it's a giant watch, and for me, it was quite uncomfortable.
I didn't think Hamilton watches had AR coatings?
corruptor
May 7th, 2009, 22:38
I believe the X-Wind had outer AR coating. Didn't reflect all that much if I recall.
ELDRAW
May 7th, 2009, 22:49
I believe the X-Wind had outer AR coating. Didn't reflect all that much if I recall.
I can remember reading posts with complaints about the complete lack of AR coating on Hamiltons, i would of thought if it only had one AR coating it would be on the inside. I could be wrong though...:think:
Radiohead
May 7th, 2009, 23:24
I think it only has AR coating on the inside.
TxKarateDude
May 7th, 2009, 23:59
The Below Zero Chronograph doesn't have a minutes subdial, which is weird, but I guess you could get used to it. It has the small seconds, and hours subdials, and the large seconds hand is for the chrono, but alas, no minutes. If you want the look of a chrono but don't plan to use it much then it's a good looking watch, but most wis' want functionality over form.
Hello all!
In a few days I hope to get myself a Hamilton X-Wind (probably on a brown leather strap... will buy original ss bracelet later) from one of the stores listed on Hamiltons website. Please tell me if there are any common (or uncommon) problems or faults on these watches which I could determine/see on the spot? I read some while ago about one of the hands "wobbling" instead of having a smooth motion? Just don't know if it refers to the small hand on 3 o'clock subdial or the big chronometer hand.
Thanx in advance!
Definitely try one on with the rubber strap. It is extremely comfortable.
Radiohead
May 9th, 2009, 02:21
It's too big for me. :(
Why do all "affordable" automatics that I like have to be so darn huge?! :(
NutellaBear
May 9th, 2009, 06:36
It's too big for me. :(
Why do all "affordable" automatics that I like have to be so darn huge?! :(
Look at mid-sized watches and also--trust me on this--women's watches. Yes there are many frufru womens watches with sparkles and flash. But they also usually make some of the same designs used in men's watches in smaller case sizes advertised for women. They look the same, just smaller.
Only tough part is that when they make them smaller they many times take the automatic movement out and put in a quartz. Not always, but often.
-T
HoustonChris
May 9th, 2009, 09:02
I don't know about the rest of the Hamilton lineup, but I'm wearing a X-Wind right now and it doesn't have AR on either the outside or inside.
Definitely get it on the leather strap- the X-Wind is about the only watch I've ever seen with a bracelet that is cheaper to buy separately than the strap. My local AD quoted me a price of $190 for the strap. Online (watchbands.com) I found the bracelet for $119. The bracelet is surprisingly comfortable, too, given that it has one piece links and isn't very flexible. Nonetheless, I love the strap and will be buying one eventually.
Radiohead
May 9th, 2009, 19:40
Since X-Wind is too big, I just might be getting myself a KHAKI KING SCUBA AUTOMATIC with white dial and brown leather strap. Thinking...
Radiohead
May 10th, 2009, 14:55
Just curious by the way... is there any white leather strap which would suit the X-Wind?
Radio_Daze
May 14th, 2009, 19:05
I don't know about the rest of the Hamilton lineup, but I'm wearing a X-Wind right now and it doesn't have AR on either the outside or inside.
Definitely get it on the leather strap- the X-Wind is about the only watch I've ever seen with a bracelet that is cheaper to buy separately than the strap. My local AD quoted me a price of $190 for the strap. Online (watchbands.com) I found the bracelet for $119. The bracelet is surprisingly comfortable, too, given that it has one piece links and isn't very flexible. Nonetheless, I love the strap and will be buying one eventually.
I've seen Hamolton X-wind straps online for $80. $190 is a complete rip off!<|
DougFNJ
May 14th, 2009, 20:32
I've seen Hamolton X-wind straps online for $80. $190 is a complete rip off!<|
Retail pricing is ALWAYS a big ripoff
ffeelliixx
May 20th, 2009, 06:51
Thanx! :)
One other thing I'm afraid of is it will look too big for my 6.7" wrist. Has anyone with a similar size wrist got this watch? How does it feel and look?
I think it's a matter of personal taste. My wrist is 6.75", and I have no issues with my 45mm Maestro which I believe is larger than the X-Wind.
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/tblf66/IMG_0040pb.jpg
Sappie66
May 25th, 2009, 07:49
The Maestro seems to have lugs that curve down more than the X-Wind, which is a big consideration as far as fit.
I have a 6.5" wrist, and the X-Wind seemed to sit on top of the wrist too much to be comfortable, which is why I sold it.
My PO is like that too a little, but seems to be better, and that is at 45.5 mm.
My Benarus Sea Devil, however, is 45mm, has longer lugs, and is 16+mm thick, but because the lugs angle downwards, it hugs my wrist well and works. :-)
So, big watches can work, but you must consider lug length and lug angle/curve.
Radiohead
May 25th, 2009, 09:11
The Maestro seems to have lugs that curve down more than the X-Wind, which is a big consideration as far as fit.
I have a 6.5" wrist, and the X-Wind seemed to sit on top of the wrist too much to be comfortable, which is why I sold it.
My PO is like that too a little, but seems to be better, and that is at 45.5 mm.
My Benarus Sea Devil, however, is 45mm, has longer lugs, and is 16+mm thick, but because the lugs angle downwards, it hugs my wrist well and works. :-)
So, big watches can work, but you must consider lug length and lug angle/curve.
Very true! After the X-Wind I was considering Tag Grand Carrera Calibre 17. Very short and curved lugs. Only problem is the price.
ffeelliixx
May 25th, 2009, 23:25
I just got my X-Wind in last night. Fits great on my 6.75" wrist. But again, I think it's a matter of personal taste. From time to time, I personally like to wear a big chunk of steel on my wrist. For that, the Maestro and X-Wind certainly fit the bill.
To me, the X-Wind feels and looks great on my 6.75" wrist, the same size as yours. The lugs do not hang over the side of my wrist, and there are no comfort issues. I dig it. The X-Wind is certainly a much better value than the Tag you're considering, and I say that as the owner of two Tags. I'll post wrist shots when I get them.
Radiohead
May 25th, 2009, 23:30
I just got my X-Wind in last night. Fits great on my 6.75" wrist. But again, I think it's a matter of personal taste. From time to time, I personally like to wear a big chunk of steel on my wrist. For that, the Maestro and X-Wind certainly fit the bill.
To me, the X-Wind feels and looks great on my 6.75" wrist, the same size as yours. The lugs do not hang over the side of my wrist, and there are no comfort issues. I dig it. The X-Wind is certainly a much better value than the Tag you're considering, and I say that as the owner of two Tags. I'll post wrist shots when I get them.
Thanx! Good to know that. Can't wait to see the pictures! |>
ffeelliixx
May 30th, 2009, 11:02
Here are those wrist shots:
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/tblf66/IMG_2853pb.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/tblf66/IMG_2841pb.jpg
Radiohead
May 30th, 2009, 16:29
very nice looking! thanx! :)