Most accurate watches?

Jay Little · #1 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008, 02:30 PM

Rather than Hi-Jack Buzzmobiles thread on watches, I thought I would start a new one.

I'm not in the market to purchase a watch at the moment, but would like to know which one's are considered to be the most accurate as far as maintaining time. I wear a Hamilton, not sure which model at the moment, that does a decent job.

I really like the looks of the Breitlings (spelling?) that I have seen.

Jamo · #2 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 01:00 AM

Breitlings are highly regarded for maintaining accuracy...at or near the top. Every model is COSC certified (less than 5% of all Swiss watches are). Their Professional Series are tools for airline and military pilots...they have to be dead on.

That is a good standard to use if you're going for any manual or automatic movement and you demand accuracy. Doesn't always have to be the most expensive brand/model either...some companies submit certain watches for certification, or use commercial movements which have already met certification requirements in other fitments, making them safe bets to get certified when they use them in one of their own models.

Now, some other things come into play, such as how you use your watch. A manual movement is excellent if you wear it every day and keep it wound. Some have a reserve complication to insure you never let it wind down completely. An automatic that is regularly worn or rotated on a winder will continue to be accurate...sitting around for extended periods is not a good thing.

Electronic watches are generally accurate, as are some other time measurement approaches. Accutrons (the tuning fork watch) were always damn good, and are being reintroduced. Citizen's Eco-Drive has earned high marks as well.

wtm442 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 05:12 AM

I have a 20 year old Pulsar Quartz watch that cost maybe $100 way back when ....

It's usually off by about 1 minute in about 2 years. But the best part is that it shows the day and the date, now that I'm retired. Tuesdays look a lot like Wednesdays and Thursdays, if you get my drift.

Just did a search for my watch, and a new one goes for about $100.
http://www.pulsarwatches.com/home2.a...pansion/PJ6016

SPF2245 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 05:14 AM

I have a Citizan Skyhawk A-T, it keeps time via radio (atomic clock), so even if lost a second a day...it would be corrected. I also like not needing a battery...which based off my previous experience led to more lost time and frustration with finding a replacement then it was worth. Also, it's cheap at $700-800 for a good watch...

http://www.citizenwatch.com/COA/Engl...010-50E&page=1

Ron61 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 05:17 AM

I bought a cheaper Seiko watch several years ago and really like it. The only time I set it is when we have time changes, or the battery has to be replaced. I just looked and I gave $259.95 for it in 1997. And it also shows the day and date. It has been beaten some as I have broken the crystal and also the rubber seal on it and had to have them fixed.

Ron

wtm442 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPF2245

I have a Citizan Skyhawk A-T, it keeps time via radio (atomic clock), so even if lost a second a day...it would be corrected.

Can't get any more accurate than that watch. But do you have to carry around a user manual so you can use all the functions?

That is a watch that James Bond would wear.

SPF2245 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 05:57 AM

Warren, it's no worse then the "iDrive" in my wifes Bimmer...ok, it's close, but that is why I didn't recommend my first Citizen, 'da 007 World Chronograph. That came with a bible to read before you dare push one button, and it did have a self destruct button.

Jay Little · #8 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 08:03 PM

Thanks Jamo, everyone, I was not aware of the COSC certification. A few more item have now been added to my wish list.!

Jamo · #9 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 08:41 PM

You're welcome.

BTW, for those who wonder about such things...Rolex puts by far the most watches through the COSC certification process, including electric women's models. Breitling and Panerai and a few others put their entire productions through.

Here's my favorite...collection of straps to go with it. A PAM 1. Just got it completely overhauled.

imagine2frolic · #10 (**permalink**) 09-06-2008, 08:28 AM

The most accurate, and long lasting is the sun,

and it's free if you know how to use it!

goof2 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-06-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imagine2frolic

The most accurate, and long lasting is the sun,

and it's free if you know how to use it!

But it only works around half the day.