James,
If in the market for a solar powered watch, I think that the Casio G-shock “tough solar” is much more durable than the Citizen Eco-drive watch. While G-shocks are readily available in the US, it is important to note that the Japanese domestic market G-shocks are generally superior to the ones they export. Yes, the Japanese save the best stuff for themselves. Higuchi.com is a reliable source for Japanese watches. Regards, – MP
Jim,
After all the discussion about the benefits of automatic watches, I have to say several things. I have a lovely Swiss top-brand automatic watch that my wife gave me for a special gift some years ago. It has spent most of the last year in factory service, after being manhandled by the best local metro service, then by the factory service in the US. Now, it is in Switzerland, hoping to be cured.
Let’s get real. Even the best of the Swiss movements go bad (your 300 meter watch may leak when surface snorkeling, like mine did), and if you are paying more than a hundred bucks for a watch, you are buying jewelry. There is no miracle to mechanical watches. You will save a bundle if you buy a dozen $10 quartz watches, take out their batteries, get a desiccant, maybe a dozen extra batteries in the internet, and stick them in an ammo can to protect against EMP. If you are worried about a crisis that those won’t sustain, then get a good sundial. Or build a pyramid or Stonehenge.
If a Swiss watch that costs thousands can’t be relied on to run more than five years without expensive specialized service, why assume that a $100 Chinese automatic will run longer than a $10 quartz watch on its original battery? – Mr. Bravo
James:
I think this bears further conversation. We must remember that in a SHTF long term scenario, much we take for granted in both goods and services will become nonexistent. What else besides watch repair people won’t we have access to? Choose the simplest functioning tools you can. A good compass (the best are by Brunton), a mechanical pedometer (same source) a mechanical altimeter and a basic understanding of trigonometry over a GPS. A fixed blade over a folding one. Extra socks over a treadle powered sewing machine (I have both), Catchment water over electrical pumps and resublimated USP iodine crystals (www.spectrumchemicals, see item I1015) over water filters (for biological hazards only). Paper reference books over reference materials on CD. 1/2″ ferrocerium rods (flints from epcamps.com firecraft section) over lighters. Hats and lightweight but sun blocking clothes over sunscreen.
A working understanding of physics and chemistry are invaluable as they allow us to recreate advancements in science. Know how to make cement or stucco? Burn limestone or seashells and mix with water and sand. Even better, learn the chemistry behind it (The cartoon guide to Chemistry – an excellent chemistry book.) Know how to make black powder? See same book. Better yet, also get the Wagner’s Chemical Technology (1872) from Lindsay Publishing.
What’s the use of having a shortwave or ham radio without the understanding of how to solder a broken component. Get a basic book on electronics (Basic Electronics by Radio Shack available at same) so you know the difference between putting batteries in parallel and in series.
If we are to shorten our stay in the dark ages, then it is good to have simple tools, but if we are to rekindle civilization, then we must also understand the principles at work behind the tools. if you want a fun place to start, rent the old McGyver TV series. – SF in Hawaii
Jim:
You made some fantastic points about automatic watches, I just have a few points to add. First: Be very careful about non-mechanical, non-battery watches. (i.e. solar, kinetic, etc). The capacitors in these watches that serves as a very short-term battery are notorious for dying rapidly and randomly. They also cannot be replaced by your local jeweler and need to be sent to the factory. They certainly cannot be counted on to last indefinitely and I would not wear one on a daily basis.
Be aware that automatics are less accurate than their quartz cousins. Expect yours to be off a few seconds every month and you should check it against a more accurate quartz source regularly. You could reset it against a sundial if you had to (and knew how), its just something to take into account.
For very long term thinking, mechanical and automatic watches are unbeatable in my opinion. An unwound automatic that isn’t exposed to extremes should substantially outlast its owner. Also, if your automatic uses a common movement (many Seikos use identical movements), you can often purchase replacement movements through eBay.
I have heard that with a steady hand and the proper tools no special training is required to replace a complete movement. I am not a watchmaker, have never done this and this advice is worth what you paid for it.
Other features in a watch that I’m sure are old hat to your readers are shock resistance, tritium markings (glow-in-the-dark without needing to be ‘recharged’ in sunlight), ‘hack’ button for synchronizing times, timer and stopwatch. Automatic watches with these features cost more than most cars.
I would advise a daily watch that is suitable for your work. This might mean a nearly-disposable quartz watch, a low-end automatic or anything in between. Automatics make good candidates for dress watches and they can hold value well. I would also advise having a few military-style shockproof tritium ‘hack’-able watches hanging around and set properly, Just In Case.
Also, a quick word of praise for the level-headed tone this blog takes with regards to a balanced preparedness plan. Too often ‘preparedness’ means “I have big guns, I have little guns, I have bombs of all sizes!” and these Mall Ninjas neglect other crucial items. Like food. Please keep up the good work. – P.H.