Episode 180 features another main topic suggested by the amazing TGN Supporter Crew as Jason and James dig into a conversation about watches that both feel are overlooked in today’s market.
I've been saving for a BB41/36 for a long time now and that ~9% price increase in January hit me right in the soul. Anyone with larger wrists (~7.5") have any thoughts on the 41 vs. 36? I tried on the 41 (on bracelet of course) but the jewelry store didn't have a 36 on bracelet so I didn't get a good comparison.
My wrist fluctuates between 7.25" and 7.5". I have the BB41 (black dial, bracelet) and it's a great size for me. The 36mm is a little small for my tastes.
What size watch do you normally wear? I'm torn because a 2541 Seamaster is my daily (41mm, 47mm lug-to-lug) and I also have a Christopher Ward C60 (43mm, 51mm lug-to-lug) which I feel is a bit big. On the flip side, my modded SNK807 is a bit too small and the BB36 is closer to that in size but I feel like it would wear bigger, especially given its 1mm wider bracelet and because I wear the Seiko on leather usually.
I gravitate to 41mm and 42mm. While the slab side give the BB a tall *look*, it's only 11mm thick, so it wears nicely. The SNK807 is 37mm, and without a rotating bezel. So if you think it's a little small, the BB is even smaller.
The only way to know for sure is to try both on side by side. Hopefully your AD will get some of the 36 on bracelet.
I've owned both - started with the 36 and then moved onto the 41 (both on bracelets). I have a 7,1 - 7,25'' inch wrist.
I found the 36mm too small for my liking. I wore the watch as an everyday, all purpose workhorse and while it worked well in the office, it seemed to lack presence during the weekends and on holiday pursuits.
When I moved to the 41, I found it still worked well in the office but felt a league better and more "assured" when adventuring. Plus, (and this is subjective), there is something about the proportions on the 41 that work better then the 36. The 41's bracelet is on the clunky side (where the 36mm bracelet is fairly petit) but straps and natos work a wonder on the larger version.
I ended up selling the 41 and regret it. Hopefully, one day it'll make it's way back to me as I reckon its a watch that ticks so many boxes and exudes a rare balance between modern, classic and all-round universality.
Thanks for the advice! Funny you mention proportions - I always think the 36 looks a bit better in photos. And it's weird that the watches don't have the same case diameter-to-bracelet width ratio. The 36's bracelet is actually proportionally wider.
Good point on the natos too...I'm sure I'd end up wearing the 36 on 18mm natos which do look small.
Kyle, I'm gonna say no for your wrist. But before dropping coin on a watch I was not sure of I'd buy a $150 VAER in that size (or something similar) and see if you can bond with a 36mm watch. I would think 41 would work fine on your wrist (although a tad big IMHO on my 7" wrist).
Charles’ advice to buy a cool cheap watch as a test drive is great advice. I don’t agree with Charles’ “no”, however. Being good with a small watch has nothing to do with your wrist size - it is a state of mind. Only you can decide whether a 36mm watch works for you or if you need something bigger. I like to remind people that The Greatest Generation beat the Nazis wearing 33-36mm watches …
I agree with your disagreement. ;-) I enjoy a 36mm field watch, but I also realize we are on the skinny end of the bell curve - esp. with a 7.5" wrist. You gotta want it and appreciate it for what it is - its a state of mind. You can buy a 36mm watch for less than the cost of the sales tax on the Tudor and see if it is your jam.
I think great overlooked watch from Seiko (that doesn't popup on Instagram that much either) is Seiko 5 series redesign of their field watches. For example SRPG31K1 https://www.seikowatches.com/global-en/products/5sports/srpg31k1. And also Certina DS Action... Great episode, cheers
I’ve struggled with Hardlex. I pick up scratches and I think the only way to remove is for seiko to replace crystal but maybe I’m missing something. At least with hesalite can readily use poly watch or with sapphire avoid in first place.
I got the SNE573 when it came out - loved the idea of a Seiko skin-diver that was less that 40mm. There’a some serious wonky Seiko charm to it, including a bezel ratchet which always reminds me of putting a playing card in the spokes of my bike to make it sound like a motorbike when I was a kid. I have other watches but it has become my perfect grab-and-go outdoors watch. It’s been on a lot of adventures with me already, and I can’t wait to take it on more.
I got one when it came out too and the size was perfect but it didn't stick with me for some reason so I sold it shortly after, now I worry I didn't give it enough of a chance!
I have the brown version and it wears so good. It hugs the wrist and is so thin it's like it's not even there, but those boxy lugs give it plenty of visual presence. And drilled lugs are always a plus for me.
What a great episode, Jason and James! So many hidden gems, thanks for sharing.
I have to have a serious look at the PO line up again, especially in the 39.5mm size. I think they’re around 14.5mm thick, a little chunky, but such a rad watch!
On the less expensive side of watches I must say the new Raven in Gold or Two-tone really grabs at me. What a fun watch.
And do I really need another Seiko diver? Well my goodness the Seiko SNE573 looks so good and the dimensions are perfect. Way to go Seiko! This one reminded me of a story I read on Worn&wound, A WINTER SURF SESSION WITH THE SEIKO SNE573 SOLAR DIVER. It’s definitely worth a read.
I’m surprised you haven’t mentioned in this episode or as far as I recall any other episode (I’ve listen to them all at least once), the Citizen Super Titanium Promaster Diver GMT - BJ7110-03F. This is a watch I own, it’s a fantastic travel watch being a dive watch with additional GMT complication rather than a waterproof GMT watch. https://www.citizenwatch.co.uk/super-titaniumtm-promaster-diver-gmt-bj7110-03f.html
Another great episode Gentlemen. I enjoyed the main topic of overlooked watches even if a Rolex Yachtmaster remains way out of my price range. It was the 'cold weather camping' discussion that captured my imagination as I have regularly overnighted in the Norwegian wilderness in mid-Winter. A couple of tips you may have already considered include the use of a silk sleeping bag liner to extend the temperature range of your bag or employing a waterproof bivy bag. The latter could prove invaluable in keeping your sleeping bag dry as any snow and ice in your tent melts (you need to be diligent in removing it from clothing etc when you crawl in) or if there is a lot of condensation inside. It also offers you the option of kipping under the stars in a snow trench which sounds like something your friend is fond of doing. Good luck and I'm looking forward to hearing about how you get on.
⬆⬆good advice. I usually don't sleep in a winter tent as it will snow inside the tent (when your breath condenses on the top of the tent and freezes. Nothing like a warm water bottle to keep you cozy on those frigid winter nights.
My father wore his Rolex President for most of his life, but the final few years he wore a Citizen Garrison on a green fabric strap because it was so legible. It quickly became a favorite of his small collection and got the most wrist time. So much so that when he passed we buried him with it on (I'm vaguely remembering a Hodinkee Radio ep that touched on this subject). Great ep guys, and never apologize for 'running too long' or talking about the same repetitive subjects.. us listeners love it all.
James, I've seen the Seiko SNE573 in the metal last year, and I have to say--I'm impressed at how the seconds hand ticks accurately, which is a rare thing for most quartz/solar watches. Almost picked one up but I do have a do it all beater the SKX013.
The Tudor Advisor is a close second to the Heritage Chrono (the blue is a perennial on my wrist and never fails to make me smile) in a lineup so overshadowed by their divers.
Great episode. Appreciate the time spent on Citizen. Like the Garrison, but always thought the PMD56-2952 would be a great TGN watch. Tough, light and quartz. Anyone have a long-term view? Only negatives I've heard is it is a bit small, with is a plus in my book.
With regard to the Seiko 5 SRPE series... Note that the NATO versions have brushed bezels and the bracelet models have polished bezels, even though the dials are identical. I wanted a brushed bezel so I bought the blue dial on NATO and then bought an aftermarket bracelet made for that series (Long Island Watch and Strapcode both make one in either oyster or jubilee style.)
Everyone else is talking watches - I’m gonna talk sleeping pads and snow camping. I can attest to Therm-A-Rest Neo Air XTherm pads being wonderfully warm. They are also LOUD - they make crunchy crinkling sounds when you move around.
On where to sleep - if it’s clear and not super cold, say “only” -5 or -10 C, consider sleeping on a tarp in the open air. There is something magical about being toasty warm in your sleeping bag (and toque of course) looking up at bright burning winter stars against a dark dark sky.
As for overlooked watches, I like the Seiko Alpinist SPB159. Nice example of a basic field watch - cathedral hands, clean case, railroad track dial. Maybe too derivative of Hamilton khakis, but really well executed in a minimalist way.
good call on the tarp (see my comment above about oddly how it snows inside). I often use two sleeping pads on snow as if your pad isn't warm enough, you'll wake up in a little divot from your body heat melting the snow below you.
I've been saving for a BB41/36 for a long time now and that ~9% price increase in January hit me right in the soul. Anyone with larger wrists (~7.5") have any thoughts on the 41 vs. 36? I tried on the 41 (on bracelet of course) but the jewelry store didn't have a 36 on bracelet so I didn't get a good comparison.
My wrist fluctuates between 7.25" and 7.5". I have the BB41 (black dial, bracelet) and it's a great size for me. The 36mm is a little small for my tastes.
What size watch do you normally wear? I'm torn because a 2541 Seamaster is my daily (41mm, 47mm lug-to-lug) and I also have a Christopher Ward C60 (43mm, 51mm lug-to-lug) which I feel is a bit big. On the flip side, my modded SNK807 is a bit too small and the BB36 is closer to that in size but I feel like it would wear bigger, especially given its 1mm wider bracelet and because I wear the Seiko on leather usually.
I gravitate to 41mm and 42mm. While the slab side give the BB a tall *look*, it's only 11mm thick, so it wears nicely. The SNK807 is 37mm, and without a rotating bezel. So if you think it's a little small, the BB is even smaller.
The only way to know for sure is to try both on side by side. Hopefully your AD will get some of the 36 on bracelet.
Hi Kyle!
I've owned both - started with the 36 and then moved onto the 41 (both on bracelets). I have a 7,1 - 7,25'' inch wrist.
I found the 36mm too small for my liking. I wore the watch as an everyday, all purpose workhorse and while it worked well in the office, it seemed to lack presence during the weekends and on holiday pursuits.
When I moved to the 41, I found it still worked well in the office but felt a league better and more "assured" when adventuring. Plus, (and this is subjective), there is something about the proportions on the 41 that work better then the 36. The 41's bracelet is on the clunky side (where the 36mm bracelet is fairly petit) but straps and natos work a wonder on the larger version.
I ended up selling the 41 and regret it. Hopefully, one day it'll make it's way back to me as I reckon its a watch that ticks so many boxes and exudes a rare balance between modern, classic and all-round universality.
Thanks for the advice! Funny you mention proportions - I always think the 36 looks a bit better in photos. And it's weird that the watches don't have the same case diameter-to-bracelet width ratio. The 36's bracelet is actually proportionally wider.
Good point on the natos too...I'm sure I'd end up wearing the 36 on 18mm natos which do look small.
Kyle, I'm gonna say no for your wrist. But before dropping coin on a watch I was not sure of I'd buy a $150 VAER in that size (or something similar) and see if you can bond with a 36mm watch. I would think 41 would work fine on your wrist (although a tad big IMHO on my 7" wrist).
Charles’ advice to buy a cool cheap watch as a test drive is great advice. I don’t agree with Charles’ “no”, however. Being good with a small watch has nothing to do with your wrist size - it is a state of mind. Only you can decide whether a 36mm watch works for you or if you need something bigger. I like to remind people that The Greatest Generation beat the Nazis wearing 33-36mm watches …
I agree with your disagreement. ;-) I enjoy a 36mm field watch, but I also realize we are on the skinny end of the bell curve - esp. with a 7.5" wrist. You gotta want it and appreciate it for what it is - its a state of mind. You can buy a 36mm watch for less than the cost of the sales tax on the Tudor and see if it is your jam.
The 36 is definitely to small for you.
I think great overlooked watch from Seiko (that doesn't popup on Instagram that much either) is Seiko 5 series redesign of their field watches. For example SRPG31K1 https://www.seikowatches.com/global-en/products/5sports/srpg31k1. And also Certina DS Action... Great episode, cheers
And now Seiko has just redesigned their SNK pilot watches...
https://seikousa.com/collections/seiko5sports/products/srph29
Seiko 4R36 automatic Movement
Stainless steel, brushed Case (39.4mm x 13.2mm thick, 48mm L2L
Exhibition case back
Domed Hardlex Crystal
100 meters WR
76 grams
I’ve struggled with Hardlex. I pick up scratches and I think the only way to remove is for seiko to replace crystal but maybe I’m missing something. At least with hesalite can readily use poly watch or with sapphire avoid in first place.
I'm with you. Hardlex seems to pick up scratches a lot easier than they would have us believe.
I got the SNE573 when it came out - loved the idea of a Seiko skin-diver that was less that 40mm. There’a some serious wonky Seiko charm to it, including a bezel ratchet which always reminds me of putting a playing card in the spokes of my bike to make it sound like a motorbike when I was a kid. I have other watches but it has become my perfect grab-and-go outdoors watch. It’s been on a lot of adventures with me already, and I can’t wait to take it on more.
I got one when it came out too and the size was perfect but it didn't stick with me for some reason so I sold it shortly after, now I worry I didn't give it enough of a chance!
That solar seiko comes gold plated too - SBDN080
I have the brown version and it wears so good. It hugs the wrist and is so thin it's like it's not even there, but those boxy lugs give it plenty of visual presence. And drilled lugs are always a plus for me.
"That solar seiko comes gold plated too - SBDN080"
Uh oh
What a great episode, Jason and James! So many hidden gems, thanks for sharing.
I have to have a serious look at the PO line up again, especially in the 39.5mm size. I think they’re around 14.5mm thick, a little chunky, but such a rad watch!
On the less expensive side of watches I must say the new Raven in Gold or Two-tone really grabs at me. What a fun watch.
And do I really need another Seiko diver? Well my goodness the Seiko SNE573 looks so good and the dimensions are perfect. Way to go Seiko! This one reminded me of a story I read on Worn&wound, A WINTER SURF SESSION WITH THE SEIKO SNE573 SOLAR DIVER. It’s definitely worth a read.
https://wornandwound.com/a-winter-surf-session-with-the-seiko-sne573-solar-diver/
Looking forward to part 2!
Have a great weekend, folks.
I've been looking at the SNE573 and now that TGN mentioned it the street price is going jump! Behind the curve again.
Seiko just released a blue version, a green version and a gold tone version (on a rubber strap). All look great.
I always behind the curve 😄. Thanks for the heads up, I will have a look at these Seikos 👍
Could be worse I believe 37.5mm is 15.5mm thick, so the 39.5mm is less top heavy in comparison
Interesting! Definitely have to check these out in person. I wish the 39.5mm had 20mm lug width and not 19mm. Come on Omega
The odd lug sizes kill me. I 100% agree with you.
I’m surprised you haven’t mentioned in this episode or as far as I recall any other episode (I’ve listen to them all at least once), the Citizen Super Titanium Promaster Diver GMT - BJ7110-03F. This is a watch I own, it’s a fantastic travel watch being a dive watch with additional GMT complication rather than a waterproof GMT watch. https://www.citizenwatch.co.uk/super-titaniumtm-promaster-diver-gmt-bj7110-03f.html
Great call on that Citizen.
I like it but it seems big. Common thought these days I know
I have that watch and agree it's a sleeper!
Another great episode Gentlemen. I enjoyed the main topic of overlooked watches even if a Rolex Yachtmaster remains way out of my price range. It was the 'cold weather camping' discussion that captured my imagination as I have regularly overnighted in the Norwegian wilderness in mid-Winter. A couple of tips you may have already considered include the use of a silk sleeping bag liner to extend the temperature range of your bag or employing a waterproof bivy bag. The latter could prove invaluable in keeping your sleeping bag dry as any snow and ice in your tent melts (you need to be diligent in removing it from clothing etc when you crawl in) or if there is a lot of condensation inside. It also offers you the option of kipping under the stars in a snow trench which sounds like something your friend is fond of doing. Good luck and I'm looking forward to hearing about how you get on.
⬆⬆good advice. I usually don't sleep in a winter tent as it will snow inside the tent (when your breath condenses on the top of the tent and freezes. Nothing like a warm water bottle to keep you cozy on those frigid winter nights.
My father wore his Rolex President for most of his life, but the final few years he wore a Citizen Garrison on a green fabric strap because it was so legible. It quickly became a favorite of his small collection and got the most wrist time. So much so that when he passed we buried him with it on (I'm vaguely remembering a Hodinkee Radio ep that touched on this subject). Great ep guys, and never apologize for 'running too long' or talking about the same repetitive subjects.. us listeners love it all.
James, I've seen the Seiko SNE573 in the metal last year, and I have to say--I'm impressed at how the seconds hand ticks accurately, which is a rare thing for most quartz/solar watches. Almost picked one up but I do have a do it all beater the SKX013.
The Tudor Advisor is a close second to the Heritage Chrono (the blue is a perennial on my wrist and never fails to make me smile) in a lineup so overshadowed by their divers.
Great episode. Appreciate the time spent on Citizen. Like the Garrison, but always thought the PMD56-2952 would be a great TGN watch. Tough, light and quartz. Anyone have a long-term view? Only negatives I've heard is it is a bit small, with is a plus in my book.
With regard to the Seiko 5 SRPE series... Note that the NATO versions have brushed bezels and the bracelet models have polished bezels, even though the dials are identical. I wanted a brushed bezel so I bought the blue dial on NATO and then bought an aftermarket bracelet made for that series (Long Island Watch and Strapcode both make one in either oyster or jubilee style.)
I'm not sure how under rated they are, but the SNE solar Tuna range is pretty great.
Everyone else is talking watches - I’m gonna talk sleeping pads and snow camping. I can attest to Therm-A-Rest Neo Air XTherm pads being wonderfully warm. They are also LOUD - they make crunchy crinkling sounds when you move around.
On where to sleep - if it’s clear and not super cold, say “only” -5 or -10 C, consider sleeping on a tarp in the open air. There is something magical about being toasty warm in your sleeping bag (and toque of course) looking up at bright burning winter stars against a dark dark sky.
As for overlooked watches, I like the Seiko Alpinist SPB159. Nice example of a basic field watch - cathedral hands, clean case, railroad track dial. Maybe too derivative of Hamilton khakis, but really well executed in a minimalist way.
good call on the tarp (see my comment above about oddly how it snows inside). I often use two sleeping pads on snow as if your pad isn't warm enough, you'll wake up in a little divot from your body heat melting the snow below you.
I can second the Therm-a-Rest. I've used the NeoAir XLite for years after using a Zrest. It was a significant upgrade.
Another easy winter camping cheat are emergency blankets. They're cheap and light. I always pack one and will put it underneath my pad at night.
Winter camping is one of those things I've loved and hated. Can never have enough variety in sleeping bags or socks.
Well, I just dropped a deposit on that Raven!!
I’m so tempted. It looks so good 👍
I've looked at Raven a handful of times, and this was too much to resist. Will be a fun one for sure.