This really makes me question the judgment of the purchasing team here.
There is nothing original or appealing about this watch.
If I wanted a brightly coloured 600m diver, for less money I would get an Omega Planet Ocean, which is interesting because it comes with an in-house co-axial movement, and James freaking Bond wore it.
If I wanted a left-handed chronograph actuated by a trigger, for less money I would get a Mühle Glashutte S.A.R. Flieger-Chronograph, which is actually in service with the German Navy - the assholes who invented submarine warfare.
If I just wanted to look like Bumblebee took a dump on my wrist, I would spend much less money and get a goddam G-Shock, which is the only watch anyone would genuinely take anywhere.
What's that you say? Nothing else at this price lets you dive to 600m AND time stuff? Oh gee, you got me there...
...except if you ever manage get in a pressure chamber with any of the guys who actually dive to 600m, while wearing this monstrosity, good luck to you. The only thing you'll be timing with your stupid watch is the interval before you get raped again.
Twillz1I hate this brand, and this watch, almost as much as I hate Mitch McConnell, and for similar reasons.
With this and similar watches, Graham has seen an ugly new trend on the rise among the more impressionable and undiscerning members of its audience, and instead of fighting it, the brand has instead made the cynical choice to exploit it.
Daisy_CutterI get your points, both about the false appeal of the watch and the false realities of Mitch. While I don't like this model on MY wrist, I think it's okay for others who like it. Besides, if everyone liked exactly what you liked, your tastes would no longer separate you from the pack. You're raging against what makes you special to your friends & family.
More importantly, I wouldn't want M/drop to keep drops away from my eyes just because they fear I might react negatively. I want to see ALL of the choices. I'll buy what I want.
Twillz1I agree that taste is subjective, but in watchmaking it is still possible to assess watches objectively based on their features and how well they are made. I don't really take issue with Invicta watches because while they are mostly trash, they are priced correctly for what they are. If this was priced at around a quarter or less what it's asking here, I don't think my objection to it would be as strong. The price is what makes this exploitative.
Daisy_CutterI think the color manages to take the ugliness to another level. I'm picturing this model with grey instead of yellow. Big difference.
However, the main draw is the 600m WR, and that's not important enough to justify the cost.
That Omega
P. O. you mentioned was a good comparison, BTW. Surprisingly, I like the orange & black version. Go figure.
Twillz1Generally agree with this, though in any other colour I would probably still dislike this. The Omega PO, in its brighter colours, is an example of a watch I think is objectively good, though I personally find it ugly. Ditto the Seiko Monster.
Daisy_Cutter Out of curiosity, I must ask:
What, from a design or style perspective, is an example of a watch you like? (It could be any price range) We've discussed a few 'brand models' you dislike; I'm wondering what the other side of the coin looks like. The thing the Omega, Seiko, and Graham have in common is size - is that one of the triggers here?
Twillz1My tastes tend toward less bright colours, simpler designs and smaller and thinner cases. I would love to own a Lange Saxonia or a Rolex OP, and the VC Overseas Ultra Thin is a grail watch. I also favour utilitarian designs. My first mechanical watch was the SKX007, and I still appreciate it. I have the pleasure of owning a Speedmaster Professional, which I think is gorgeous. I wouldn't mind owning a Hamilton Khaki field watch.
There are exceptions. I appreciate bold design executed well. For example, I really like the Cartier Santos and the Nomos Weltzeit. I also enjoy intricate designs when they are well-integrated; I have an enamel-dialed Seiko Presage which has the best execution of roman numerals I've seen, after the Santos. The Patek 5204p is the watch I try not to think about because I know with certainty I will never be able to afford one. I also tolerate large cases if function dictates. I own a Seiko Monster (black dial) and it is simply the best mechanical beater.
Daisy_CutterNow it all makes sense.
I fully understand how the oversized, 'look at me' watch route has turned off purists. I do, however, prefer a larger watch. Right now, my favorite utility/ daily wear watch is a Ball World Timer. It isn't even the prettiest Ball watch I own, but, at 45mm, it's my favorite. Not a big fan of the Santos, but anything Nomos makes, I'll entertain. The Seiko Presage's enamel work is UNTOUCHED at their price point. My next purchase might be a Speedy, so you know I agree with you on that one. I also respect your honesty: in one response, you say the Seiko Monster is ugly, but in another, you reveal that you own one. Many people only discuss the gems in their winder boxes.
And Patek is, well..... Patek.
Money is wasted on the rich, lol!
Twillz1Size preference is quite subjective, and even I am not averse to a larger watch sometimes. I have a Citizen F150 that is so nicely executed that I excuse its 44mm case. The Ball World Timer is not something I might personally go for but I can see how shrinking a world timer would quickly make it illegible. The Speedy pro is actually on the large side at 42mm, but that case is something magical; it wears smaller and slimmer than its dimensions suggest, yet a Speedy never lacks wrist presence.
The Seiko Monster is a special case. It's a bit of a paradox that I find it ugly, yet own one. Let me elaborate. The Monster is ugly in the same way a rhino is ugly. It's big and tough, and that's what you want in a diver. It almost looks incomplete without a few scars and scratches. Submariners and Seamasters are very nice, but that's exactly the problem. Unless you're disgustingly rich, you'd worry about doing anything that might damage them. The Monster's ugliness (and price) is more true to its function as a dive watch.