Quartz TSAR vs auto Armida A2

[Wingman2384]

Is it as durable as the Marathon? I'm not hard on watches, but care very much about durability over the long term. Also, is the ETA movement worth it? Probably a dumb question, but enlighten me :). Thanks!

[marchone]

Is it as durable as the Marathon? I'm not hard on watches, but care very much about durability over the long term. Also, is the ETA movement worth it? Probably a dumb question, but enlighten me :). Thanks!

I am hard on watches.

I can't say enough good things about this one. I opted for the ETA PVD version knowing full well the coating will wear and scratch with use. At the price point it's unlikely it has multiple applications. Without PVD I would expect one to last unscathed for many years as the case is 316L stainless steel. Still, after four months of nearly daily use it's held up remarkably well. As of yet there are no marks on the bezel insert. I couldn't say that of my Sinn 757 UTC after four months of daily use.

As to the movement, it's one of my most accurate watches. Well within COSC standard. It's remarkable value for money and better looking IMO than a Marathon.

There's a coupon code I found online for $100 off. OCEANICTIME. It's a stupidly good deal at the price.

[Wingman2384]

Excellent. Any idea on the power reserve?

[drunken monkey]

Milsub Bezel and Sword Hands.
Yes, I capitalised them so that should say it all about my preference here.

That silly angled date is off putting though; it's like they wanted to go for the look but chickened out at the last minute about keeping it no-date so instead of it being in the obvious and normal three position, they stuck it at the sort-of-trendy four-thirty.

[marchone]

Excellent. Any idea on the power reserve?

ETA 2824-2 has a published 38 hour power reserve. YMMV. Commonly more.

[Wingman2384]

Really appreciate your insight. Last question, I swear...

Is the ETA movement worth the extra $150? I'm seeing mixed opinions.

[marchone]

Is the ETA movement worth the extra $150? I'm seeing mixed opinions.

It is for me. That's all I'm going to say.

Start a new thread for that. With a poll. ETA 2824-2 vs Miyota 8215 (What do you prefer and why?)

I'll get the popcorn.

[Wingman2384]

LOL...I'll pass on the poll, but thanks again for your help. I'm going to mull this one over. I'll have to dump my TSAR in order to make this one worth it for the ol' wallet.

[marchone]

That silly angled date is off putting though; it's like they wanted to go for the look but chickened out at the last minute about keeping it no-date so instead of it being in the obvious and normal three position, they stuck it at the sort-of-trendy four-thirty.

4.22.30 to be exact. The date and date window is unobtrusive to me and I have a preference for no-date-window watch dials. Being black on black with fine white print helps.

[marchone]

I'll have to dump my TSAR in order to make this one worth it for the ol' wallet.

Uh-oh. Seriously, this is a website for watch collectors. Watch nuts. Watch Idiot Savants. Not for a one-watch forever kind of guy. I don't want that responsibility, thank you.

I bought my A2 three weeks after receiving my MKII. I need both like I need a hole in my head. I need ten watches even less. Now I'm looking at a Wilson 200M Pro Diver. Look at my sig line. I'm a sick man.

You want one watch for life buy a new or late model Sub. Wear it everyday for 30 years or more. Join the club. OTOH, I know an auto mechanic who's had the same Seiko 200M Diver on his wrist for close to 20 years. Never serviced. Was probably less than $100 when he bought it.

You asked about functionality. I can attest that the A2 has that in spades. So does any Marathon; quartz or auto. The rest is personal aesthetic preference. Your choice; no one else's.

I put $130 worth of waterproof leather strap and PVD deployant clasp on my $599 A2. That's even nuttier.

A reasonable man would keep the TSAR; until the movement craps out at least.