So. It turns out I'm a flipper.... What's next?!

[lenny]

Alright, damnit.... I'm trying to make a rational decision on an irrational, emotional impulse.

Someone talk me out of buying a ~20 year old Lemania 5100 powered pilots chrono. I absolutely love the movement, and it's been a grail since I started collecting, and, while it's been serviced recently, the service ran the owner $800, and I have a feeling that's only to get more expensive when it needs service again and parts are even more scarce than they already are. (Man, that was a long sentence. I think it was grammatically correct though.)

It would completely wipe out my budget (plus a little). It would be a nightmare to service later. It doesn't have a bracelet. But it's gorgeous and I've wanted one for a very long time. I'm trying to tell myself that for the cost of the watch now and 2 services, I could probably afford a new Damasko Central minute chrono, or the Sinn EZM10, which would be more robust movements and wouldn't require service nearly as often (oil-free). The problem is, I won't be able to drop that kind of dough for a decade probably (when my student loans are paid off).

Fighting rationality and Verruca Salt syndrome ("I want it NOW!") Grr....


Hell, I'll probably end up flipping whatever I get anyway, the way this trend is going.

I would stay away from that particular 5100 listed.
As far as a dive chrono, the tag aquagraph is quite nice and has a 5100 chrono configuration. It goes for 1200 - 1500 normally. If you flip that, you should not lose much as it's a cult classic:



Just keep in mind the crown can be bothersome for some:

[Bleh]

I would stay away from that particular 5100 listed.
As far as a dive chrono, the tag aquagraph is quite nice and has a 5100 chrono configuration. It goes for 1200 - 1500 normally. If you flip that, you should not lose much as it's a cult classic:



Just keep in mind the crown can be bothersome for some:

That's a pretty cool watch, I'll have to keep it in mind. I never really looked at Tag stuff since I'm not a Dentist or Golfer. :-P

Not really digging the aesthetics, but it might grow on me. I'll have to give it a few days to sink in.

THANKS!

[streetracer101]

Having owned most of the micros on your original list, why not try something new? Personally, Helson, H20, and most other micros do nothing for me anymore..and yes I've owned a bunch. They only micros I'd consider buying is a SAS, Resco, or Zixen (all within your price range). However, for $900 you can land yourself an Oris Aquis, which is by far light years ahead of most of the watches mentioned here imo. For the cost of entry, you get a ceramic bezel, one of the most innovative ratcheting rubber bracelet/deployant combos in years, and a gorgeously refined case. Best part of all, it's a watch that is made by a company that has been around for years and will continue to churn out great, original stuff for years to come. Here's a few pics of mine.

[domer]

I just picked up a blue Armida A1, and the reviews have been unanimously positive from everyone who has seen it. It's kinda huge, so that list includes nearly everyone I've come in contact with. Two random strangers at a restaurant I was at commented on the lume in a semi-dim restaurant. If the size doesn't bother you (45x16 plus 3mm for the domed crystal), then I recommend checking it out @ $650 shipped. I'll try to get some pics up in the next day or two, but to summarize the highlights:

-Domed sapphire crystal is off-the-charts awesome.
-Lumed bezel and dial is ridiculous.
-It feels more expensive than it is. That's pretty subjective I suppose, but true in my case.
-High-quality bracelet.
-Accurate Swiss ETA movement (-2s/day so far)

Some potential downsides:

-Relatively cheap (though secure) packaging
-One year warranty
-Comes from Hong Kong (if that happens to bother you)


All in all, I highly recommend it. But that said, if if I was willing to go as high as $900, I would seriously consider that Oris mentioned by streetracer above as well.

[100fathoms]

Big +1 for the ARMIDA - The big thing here is you can scratch/use it!

[amt76]

How about a Certina DS Action Diver in all Titanium, HINT, HINT,...... WHATEVER SINGS TO YOU , OR WHATEVER IS STUCK IN YOUR HEAD...LOL GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR SEARCH, I HATE WHEN THIS HAPPENS TO ME..LOL

[Bleh]

Anyone know anything about that westcoastime 1000m fricker case thing? It looks pretty awesome, but I'm kinda worried about the thickness, and the cost. Might be willing to drop the extra coin for a German made case/bracelet... Still thinking.

[Jeep99dad]

It's essentially a Kobold Sea with a different dial and hand set.
Nce watch and god price.

[100fathoms]

If as you stated earlier that the ARMIDA (no-brainer option which you initially mentioned) may be too plain, what about this?

[D6AMIA6N]

What about the Armida A5. Same/similar case design for way less money. I saw another makers variation utilizing this case on Sunday at the WUS Atlanta GTG, the Crepas Tactico, and it is awesome in person! I believe the Crepas variant is no longer for sale, so check out the Armida!

Anyone know anything about that westcoastime 1000m fricker case thing? It looks pretty awesome, but I'm kinda worried about the thickness, and the cost. Might be willing to drop the extra coin for a German made case/bracelet... Still thinking.