Info or Opinions on this Stuhrling Prestige Swiss Made Watch

[econdreras]

Does anyone know what kind of movement is used in this watch:



Stuhrling Prestige Tradition Mens Wristwatch Model: 358.331C2

Is this watch made in Switzerland or is it simply "Swiss made" as I understand the definition. I think it is a pretty classy looking watch. Would it be considered a dress watch or could it be worn casually? Any thoughts? I know that for about the same price there are other alternatives from Tissot, Hamilton, etc. I was just curious about this particular watch

Thanks!

[bluloo]

You can be reasonably sure it meets the minimum requirements for "Swiss Made", like most, if not all, similar pieces.

I'd say it's a bit thick for a true dress watch, but it could be worn in a dressy or casual situation. People have different definitions of what constitutes a proper watch for a given occasion, so it's ultimately up to you.

I'd guess it's got a CL-888 movement, which seem to be hit or miss with people.

I think it's overpriced, but if it sings to you, and you buy with full knowledge of what it is and isn't, what you think is all that should matter.

[ckot]

My guess is that it is a Claro-Semag CL-888 movement, which is really a Sea-Gull ST-16, with a few decorative touches added in Switzerland to call with Swiss.

For that kind of money, I'd want a higher reliability and higher beat rate Swiss ETA/Sellita, or a higher end Japanese movement. Alternatively, you could be a Sea-Gull watch, that is probably better quality, with this movement for far less.

[ckot]

Alternatives:
Seiko SARY005:

Uses Seikos new hacking/hand-winding 4R35 movement.

Sea-Gull M186S

[kramer5150]

I am going to take a wild guess that its a CL888 movement, dressed up with a Stuhrling wind rotor. The only image I could find is the generic factory www pic, and I could not find a detailed enough image of the CL888 (or seagull ST-16).

[econdreras]

Thanks guys. It was more of a curiosity than an actual purchase consideration. I do like the thicker case in a "dressier" watch. It seems a little more versatile in what I can wear with it. But my first choice is still a Tissot Le Locle or a Hamilton Jazzmaster, both of which are around the same price.

[econdreras]

I emailed Stuhrling about the movement used in this series of watches and I got this reply:

Good Afternoon,

The movement on the 358.xxxxx is from a company in Switzerland (TECHNO SABLIER). The movement base is from china. The base / parts are assembled / finished and tested in Switzerland. The movement is a Swiss Made certified movement with the "COUNTRY OF ORIGIN" issued by the Swiss Watch Federation.

We use ST as a prefix on all the movements as the movements we use on STUHRLING watches are customized for our requirements in terms of accuracy / finish / décor etc. In other words the movements are not the standard movements.

Should you require any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

I have no problems with this in a $399 watch. And I am happy that Stuhrling answered me honestly. It took a while to get a response, but I am satisfied with their answer.

[lamboalex]

The whole Swiss made thing is almost a joke now. A Chinese movement (and trust me I have no problems with them I own a few) should not be considered "Swiss" just because they were put together in Switzerland. If a BMW is assembled in south Carolina, I don't consider it an "American" car....

[bluloo]

I emailed Stuhrling about the movement used in this series of watches and I got this reply:



[/FONT][/COLOR]I have no problems with this in a $399 watch. And I am happy that Stuhrling answered me honestly. It took a while to get a response, but I am satisfied with their answer.

It's cool that they were open about it.

[econdreras]

It's cool that they were open about it.

And that's all I was looking for. An honest answer. And I like the way the watch looks. So if the price comes down a little bit more, I am all over it.