(2023-09-18) A bit more on mechs
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This post is gonna be quite short. Yes, I have started what I promised in the
previous one. However, there is another thing I want to tell you about
before fully diving into the C replacement topic. And this thing is again
about watches. Moreover, it's about mechanical watches. I just can't believe
the NH35 really is the pinnacle of what can be done in this area without
paying exorbitant money for such inaccurate timekeeping technology, so I
gave a shot at two more timepieces, one being Chinese and one Japanese. The
Chinese one is something I'll be able to tell you anything about in ca. a
month, but the Japanese one is something that already allows me to state
some conclusions. And here I'm talking about Orient RA-AP0003S, colloquially
known as "Bambino Small Seconds Champagne".
Being modeled after vintage Omegas from 1950s but significantly larger in
size, this obviously isn't the most practical timepiece in the world, even
in the world of automatic watches. But the look, especially on a third-party
steel mesh strap (yes, I do have one even in 21mm), is just stunning, and
the crown action is flawless. I wish Orient had a 38 or even 36mm version
with the same small second configuration, but this one will do fine too. As
for the timekeeping, the accuracy measurement is still ongoing, but I'm not
very disappointed with what I have been seeing so far: +10 seconds per 3
days deviation in all-day-round wearing mode. This means that, just like
with Invicta 8926OB, this Orient can be kept at zero deviation by taking it
off the wrist and positioning it the right way overnight. I just choose not
to do this.
Besides, I really like the "small seconds" concept. If you have to stick to
analogue indication, it's at least nice to have seconds in their own subdial
and not cluttering the main dial with another hand. It reminds me of
ana-digi Casios that omit the second hand entirely and dedicate that
function to the small display window somewhere on the watch face. When done
right, this approach doesn't increase the complexity of the dial, but makes
its look more interesting and a bit more complete than before. Also, such
configuration historically means having to use a bit less gears in the
movement, so it cheapens the production for both mechanical and quartz.
Thus, I think "small seconds" should return to the analogue mainstream. As
well as the smaller men's watch sizes, because hockey pucks are not cool
anymore.
