Opinions? H2O vs Crepas vs Oris

[r.palace]

First off, thank you all for your opinions! I've read them all and have taken them in. I literally just tried on the Aquis Date and I have to say...not that impressed *flame suit on*.

It does feel very solid no doubt, however, it doesn't sing to me. I can commend the construction and solid feel but it didn't jump out at me as the obvious choice.

[Minordamage]

I love many of Oris' designs, but the bracelet end links being non-standard is a valid issue. I would only consider buying one if I absolutely loved it as is and had a stable of other watches for which I could interchange straps.

Josh

[marchone]

First off, thank you all for your opinions! I've read them all and have taken them in. I literally just tried on the Aquis Date and I have to say...not that impressed *flame suit on*.

It does feel very solid no doubt, however, it doesn't sing to me.

Go shopping like a girl till you're happy.

[T.R.]

If you buy an Oris you're basically stuck with the strap/bracelet it comes with.

Yep


Crepas FTW

Bingo.

fwiw: Buy the one that appeals to you and you alone most. They are all good watches. Oris is more established, but they don't tend to appeal to me for various reasons, the biggest reason is noted by Alex.

Of the three, I think the Crepas Tektite is the sweetest looking diver.

[matt.wu]

First off, thank you all for your opinions! I've read them all and have taken them in. I literally just tried on the Aquis Date and I have to say...not that impressed *flame suit on*.

It does feel very solid no doubt, however, it doesn't sing to me. I can commend the construction and solid feel but it didn't jump out at me as the obvious choice.

No flames necessary. I recommended Oris against your other two, but I've not owned any of the three brands.

[jeckyll]

First off, thank you all for your opinions! I've read them all and have taken them in. I literally just tried on the Aquis Date and I have to say...not that impressed *flame suit on*.

It does feel very solid no doubt, however, it doesn't sing to me.

Go shopping like a girl till you're happy.

This.

[Jcp311]

I'm not sure the longevity argument is valid without knowing more about individual micros. It appears at least to me that a brand like Crepas has more going for it than your standard watch forum hobby startup. And outsourcing production isn't exactly a drawback if your suppliers aren't going under. Is in house production preferable? Sure...but it's not necessary to keep going. Crepas specifically will need to drop the whole limited edition thing for every model if they're going to grow.

However I agree a significant portion of the MIC micros will likely not last another decade without dedicated owners. I feel like we're quickly moving towards a high point in the rebirth of interest in mechanical watches and it can't last forever.

On another note some micros I'd like to see back...Kremke

[dnslater]

I'm not sure the longevity argument is valid without knowing more about individual micros. It appears at least to me that a brand like Crepas has more going for it than your standard watch forum hobby startup. And outsourcing production isn't exactly a drawback if your suppliers aren't going under. Is in house production preferable? Sure...but it's not necessary to keep going. Crepas specifically will need to drop the whole limited edition thing for every model if they're going to grow.

However I agree a significant portion of the MIC micros will likely not last another decade without dedicated owners. I feel like we're quickly moving towards a high point in the rebirth of interest in mechanical watches and it can't last forever.

On another note some micros I'd like to see back...Kremke

Yup, and Kremke seemed like one that would stick around as more than a "watch forum hobby startup", thus our point.

[hoppyjr]

I think the expense of doing it the right way [selling the watch after it's actually available, not before] is expensive for most micros. Add in the availability of movements, supplier delays, and supplier QC issues and I think being a micro brand owner would drive me nuts.

[Jcp311]

I'm not sure the longevity argument is valid without knowing more about individual micros. It appears at least to me that a brand like Crepas has more going for it than your standard watch forum hobby startup. And outsourcing production isn't exactly a drawback if your suppliers aren't going under. Is in house production preferable? Sure...but it's not necessary to keep going. Crepas specifically will need to drop the whole limited edition thing for every model if they're going to grow.

However I agree a significant portion of the MIC micros will likely not last another decade without dedicated owners. I feel like we're quickly moving towards a high point in the rebirth of interest in mechanical watches and it can't last forever.

On another note some micros I'd like to see back...Kremke

Yup, and Kremke seemed like one that would stick around as more than a "watch forum hobby startup", thus our point.

Wasn't kremke a one man operation? I would think the one man brands are at the greatest risk of falling by the wayside.

[Jcp311]

I think the expense of doing it the right way [selling the watch after it's actually available, not before] is expensive for most micros. Add in the availability of movements, supplier delays, and supplier QC issues and I think being a micro brand owner would drive me nuts.

You said it...supplier QC issues would drive me insane. Especially if you elected to start with an OEM like fullswing. They make "good" stuff, but sometimes not consistently.

[Torrid]

I haven't had many micros, but I don't plan to pick up any others.

[marchone]

I've had an Armida A2 and a Mk II LRRP Milsub. Both were good watches but my Shogun blows them both out of the water.

[mattcantwin]

I haven't had many micros, but I don't plan to pick up any others.

I have 2 Helberg CH-6 on order.


Hoping for the best.

[Jcp311]

I have one of the last caymans on order from Crepas. I know for the most part fullswing makes the watch parts, but Rolland kemmner assembles, tests, and QC's the final product. I am curious how they got a hold of those top grade 2824's...

[mellonb1]

I've had an Armida A2 and a Mk II LRRP Milsub. Both were good watches but my Shogun blows them both out of the water.

The Shogun is one hell of a watch. Thinking about picking up another one as it might just be the most comfortable watch I've owned.

[marchone]

I have one of the last caymans on order from Crepas. I know for the most part fullswing makes the watch parts, but Rolland kemmner assembles, tests, and QC's the final product. I am curious how they got a hold of those top grade 2824's...

That's good to know. Kemmner has a great reputation. I'll guess he's very well connected.

The Shogun is one hell of a watch. Thinking about picking up another one as it might just be the most comfortable watch I've owned.

It's very comfortable but I know I have it on. It's a large watch and still has some heft despite being Ti.

You should try an SMP 300 if you haven't. My '95 blue Bond quartz is still far away the easiest wearing watch I've had. A great bracelet, small case and 12+mm height make an unbeatable combination.

[mellonb1]

I have one of the last caymans on order from Crepas. I know for the most part fullswing makes the watch parts, but Rolland kemmner assembles, tests, and QC's the final product. I am curious how they got a hold of those top grade 2824's...

That's good to know. Kemmner has a great reputation. I'll guess he's very well connected.

The Shogun is one hell of a watch. Thinking about picking up another one as it might just be the most comfortable watch I've owned.

It's very comfortable but I know I have it on. It's a large watch and still has some heft despite being Ti.

You should try an SMP 300 if you haven't. My '95 blue Bond quartz is still far away the easiest wearing watch I've had. A great bracelet, small case and 12+mm height make an unbeatable combination.

Funny you would mention as I've actually considered giving one a whirl as of late. Everyone seems to be in agreement that it's a super comfortable watch on the wrist.