[muttley]

Not quite ready to pull the trigger yet, but I'm kind of split between 3 watches. Even after making a decision (which is subject to change at any time, of course :001_smile it may be difficult to find one or two of the choices, but life's full of challenges...

#1 - First up, Ball Aviator 44mm
I love the look of this watch, but finding a 44mm instead of the more popular 46mm could be difficult. The only thing I would prefer is a better depth rating, but I could live with not swimming with it - I don't do much swimming anymore anyway...

#2 The upcoming Lum-Tec M65.
I don't have a black/orange combination and the cobalt chromium sounds waaay cool. Problem with this one is that it does look similar (dial-wise) to my M61, but that wouldn't worry me too much, as the different dial colours (blue vs black/orange) would make the watches different enough for me. Also 44mm

#3 The Dievas Vortex Professional. 500m WR, 44mm, and I don't have a white dial watch anymore (it's a reverse lume dial). Problem with this one is there's no date, even though it's a 2824-2 movement. I'd feel a bit shortchanged every time I looked at the dial and saw there was not date (although some people find this preferable). I think this one will be very hard to find as they have sold out....

What do you guys think - #1, #2, or #3? Interested to hear WHY, in case there are reasons I hadn't thought of as to why any are significantly better than the others.

 

[muttley]

Edit - thanks to Roberev for the Ball pic, Lum-Tec for the LT M65, and Ablogtowatch for the Dievas :thumbup1:

 

[CometHunter]

You don't know how much I really wanted to vote for Ball, but I can't. Just the other day my winding stem sheared (or broke) off right below the crown. This makes the second time in as many years that has happened. :cursing: I imagine very very few Balls suffer from this kind of metal fatigue, but it happened to me, therefore I cannot recommend it with a clear conscience. And you sound like you'll be bummed every time you strap on that Dievas. The only logical option was to vote for the LUM-TEC.

 

[a1watch]

Well, I would go for the Ball, the LT is similar to the one you have, the other doesn't have a date, which sounds important to you and that leaves the Ball. The only drawback you say is WR which is actually rated well enough for swimming. Finally you say availability, since you are not in a hurry, its not a real problem. so whichever you go with, they are all nice, enjoy the shopping....

 

[muttley]

Looking at those 3 watches, I must really have a thing for sword hands.... :blush:

 

[ulackfocus]

If the Ball came in black & orange I'd go that way. BLACK & ORANGE rule!!!

Looking at those 3 watches, I must really have a thing for sword hands.... :blush:

At least now you consciously recognize that. It took me years to realize 90% of my purchases didn't have numbers on the dial. In fact, it was a member here that pointed it out when I was joking about my favorite font for the word AutomatiC by showing a half dozen or so watches with that style lettering in common.

 

[GETS]

Ball and Lum-Tec are a very close run thing for my taste but I just went with Ball.

 

[~tc~]

Can't handle white face with black case - the Dievas looks cheap.

Lum-Tec seems to be falling prey to Panerai syndrome - 4,000,000 versions of the same watch with different colors. Being in NZ, you should get a Magrette if you want this case shape.

The 44 mm Ball aviator is a great piece - I wish I had bought the one I tried on. WR is good enough for swimming, not that you would with a leather strap anyways.

Personally, I would probably go Longines Legend Diver over any of the three choices.

 

[muttley]

I don't think I could get a Magrette any cheaper than you guys as they are marketed to the US more than the local market. I'm not really after another diver anyway (but I did find the 500m WR of the Dievas a nice bonus). So far the Ball is looking the best of the three, but finding one could be a challenge....

 

[turtlenator]

Personally, and based purely on the looks of each watch, I would go with the Lum-Tec. The face has more pop, cleaner lines (in my opinion) and is a quality piece. As for them going the way of the Panerai, that reminds me of an old saying. If it ain't broke, don't fix it

 

[~tc~]

Sorry, not because a Magrette would be cheaper, but because of "support the local economy" and all that. The engraved ones are super cool.

 

[superhoro]

I voted Lum Tec only because you're familiar watch aand brand so I'm sure you'd be comfy. My personal choice would be the Ball. Keep us posted (decisions decisions):confused1:

 

[muttley]

Well it seems clear there's no love for the Dievas... :laugh:. I think I'll just put the feelers out quietly for the Ball.... no, the LT..... no, the Ball..... AAAAARRGHHH.
(Actually I'm surprised no one's posted "GET BOTH" yet)

 

[hzsiikafy]

I will go for #1 one because this watch has large, beautiful & stylish dial so that anyone can read the time from any angle. Also the black leather strap looks stunning.

 

[ulackfocus]

So far the Ball is looking the best of the three, but finding one could be a challenge....

For a mere mortal maybe. PM me the details and I'll add it to my searches and ask around in my travels.

 

[muttley]

For a mere mortal maybe. PM me the details and I'll add it to my searches and ask around in my travels.

A man who enjoys a challenge - excellent :thumbup1:

 

[countach]

Of all the pilot watches I've seen ( tons ) the Ball doesn't come close to making the cut. The M65 is fantastic, but I'm not sure how much you need it if you already have an M. The Dievas doesn't do it for me. My advice is keep looking.

 

[muttley]

Of all the pilot watches I've seen ( tons ) the Ball doesn't come close to making the cut.

I'm curious to know what about it doesn't make the cut.
For around the same price (roughly $1000 - $1500USD) what do you think would be a better choice?

Thanks

 

[Grumpyguy]

For what my opinion is worth, if looks only mattered, I like the Ball best, the Lum-Tec second. The other watch like 9th or 10th

 

[muttley]

LOL - the Dievas is really turning into the whipping boy of this poll :lol:. Although, if I was really keen, I wouldn't let the poll results convince me not to buy it, maybe just not to buy it right now.... (especially when there are so many other choices)