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Yet more proof that idle eFlay browsing is dangerous. Eek! Yep, another Incoming!. Crazy! Loco!


Ricky Lee
October 27, 2011 09:06AM
 Registered: April 2005
Posts: 17,866 (2012-03)

I have got to stop wandering aimlessly around The Global Fleamarket. Oops!

And if ye noticed my hint in Bro. Kershaw's "cheap and cheerful" thread, below, ye may have an idea of where I'm goin'. Wink

Yup, a total unabashed..



.. Navitimer homage. Laughing

Mind you, it wasn't a total impulse buy. In fact, I've been eyeballing these for well over a year. Smile

Well, with the price of the real-deal Breitling Navitimer being what it is, what's a Poor Man to do? When you find a Reasonable Facsimile for US $18.30 shipped you don't pass it up, I can tell ye that! Rolling on the floor laughing my a.. off

I've read enough about the Jaragar that I feel I know exactly what to expect. Less than world-class finish (albeit decent). Iffy WR. Spotty QC. A vomitous pleather strap.

But, you know, at the sub-$20 price I'm willing to overlook all that and take a flyer on it. Wink That a full-stainless automatic watch with functioning slide rule can be produced and sold for this price at all is pretty amazing, when you stop to think about it. Whistle

We'll see... Waiting

Cheers!

-Ricky
Messages In This Thread

Yet more proof that idle eFlay browsing is dangerous. Eek! Yep, another Incoming!. Crazy! Loco! Image Attachments URL

 Ricky Lee 181 October 27, 2011 09:06AM

Alot of watch for the money and easy on the eyes as well. (n/t)

 Paul J Costa 37 October 27, 2011 06:14PM

Cool. Congrats Ricky.Thumbs up! (n/t)

 Mark C. 52 October 27, 2011 05:40PM

Ye Done good Bro Ricky!!!!!!!

I got the AK Homme branded version of that one...and I can say, its held up the best of all the cheapo chinese homages that I have . No problems whatsoever. Now, it did have a beard trimming in the glass on the caseback, but twas a simple fix!!!!!
 dano0 59 October 27, 2011 03:26PM

That is an amazing watch at that price! Congrats Ricky! (n/t)

 Timemiser 52 October 27, 2011 12:18PM

I think that watch is smarter than me. Laughing (n/t)

 Blackdog1101 49 October 27, 2011 12:00PM

Nice-looking watch. >

> The crown on the left, is that the main one or the slide rule one?
 Smaug 50 October 27, 2011 11:26AM

Yup, LH crown operates the slide rule.

And Thank you!
 Ricky Lee 47 October 27, 2011 02:28PM

You're on a roll!!! Perhaps Pam needs to>>>

limit your "screen time" the way we do with our daughter. Laughing
 DJM 49 October 27, 2011 11:14AM

You know, I'm not entirely certain I've told Miss Pam about these watches. I am confused

'tis possible I forgot to mention it... Rolling on the floor laughing my a.. off
 Ricky Lee 49 October 27, 2011 02:27PM

Could only be the medication Oops! (n/t)

 gfbiii51 54 October 27, 2011 06:22PM

Awesome!Thumbs up! (n/t)

 DRFP 39 October 27, 2011 10:14AM

Lots of Chronograph action today ! >>

Very nice Thumbs Up
 Mark_Kershaw 56 October 27, 2011 09:57AM

Ahhhh.. note that this is NOT actually a chrono Oops! but a pointer date. That is..


..the one thing about it that I don't like. Thumbs down Not that it's a pointer-date per se, mind you. If the complication were presented with no comment, I'd be A-OK with it.

However, by including the "30 SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH" text on the dial, they've lied. Eek! I thought long and hard about it and, frankly, it was very nearly a deal-breaker. But, in the end, I decided that for US $18.30 I could stand a wee fib.. Laughing
 Ricky Lee 52 October 27, 2011 02:09PM

Too much time on yours hand laughing Pam got to send you back to work! Good to see you in good spirit Thumbs Up (n/t)

 JP 52 October 27, 2011 09:24AM

+1 on "too much time on me hands". But..

..bite your tongue I am angry! on the "back to work"! Laughing
 Ricky Lee 55 October 27, 2011 02:11PM

He shoots,he scores laughing Next time>

better leave the gun at home Ricky,or let eBay block Ur bid-buy it now button laughing

Great looking and all functional piece for that money,indeed hard to beat it in that perspective smile
 Bock 48 October 27, 2011 09:19AM

Is Happy Day! Jaragar Slide Rule Automatic 'Navitimer' homage - First Impressions

November 08, 2011 05:52PM

And I got to say, sooner than I expected! As you will recall from my incoming post, I ordered it 12 days ago. That's pretty decent time from China to Mississippi! And if ye're the kind that likes to skip right to the Bottom Line, I'll say right up front that my First Impressions of this watch are quite favorable indeed. Smile

My very first specific impression was..


Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo

.."Dang! Eek! It sure is a big ol' thing!" And at 50mm X 56mm x 16mm, with a 24mm strap, I think that's a pretty accurate assessment. Wink

My second specific impression was..


Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo

.."Hey! It's running! That's a good sign!" And, in my experience, it is indeed a good sign when an auto comes out of the package running. Smile

Then "You know, this thing is fairly well finished!" Now granted, that was based solely on a naked-eye inspection. And, while there are a few flaws in the polished surface of the all-SS case, they are miniscule, and barely detectable to the naked eye. The dial, OTOH, holds up to inspection even with the loupe. Or the camera, for that matter. While I wouldn't call the dial flawless, what imperfections it has are not egregious even when viewed under the harsh light of magnification. If there's one detail in which a super-sized view is not kind, it's the seconds hand. Not exactly a world-class finish there though, mind you, it looks A-OK to the bare eye.

One area where I was prepared to be disappointed was the strap.


Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo


Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo

But, you know, it actually ain't half bad! Thumbs up! Now, granted, my impression may be colored by the fact that, to my utter astonishment, the strap is long enough to fit me ankle-sized wrist with two notches to spare. That's an event akin to Hades Freezing Over! Still, it really is quite decent. I mean, I expected a shiny synthetic horror that would have to be put out of its misery straightaway. And while I admit that it does have a slight "pleather" feel to it, despite the Genuine Leather markings, it's not so bad that I find it offensive. Nope, I reckon it will stay on the OEM leather for the time being...


Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo

But, you say, "What about the engine, Ricky?" Thanks for asking! While I have not positively ID'd the movement, I can tell you that it does hand wind, but does not hack. Of course it won't win any beauty contests..


Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo

..being a plain-Jane unadorned commodity Chinese. Too soon to make a call on the going rate, but after ~ 4 hours it's less than +2 sec against the Atomic Clock, so I reckon it'll do. Hey, for US $18.30 shipped I feel fortunate that it's run continuously with no stoppages. Laughing 'cause, FWIW, I've seen at least one report of a BNiB Jaragar that did suffer random stoppages. Oops! Eek! But {knocks on wood} no sign of that here.

Addendum1: Forgot to talk about the functional layout of the movement. Oops! Despite what the dial says, this is not actually a chrono. Rather, it's a pointer day/date. The 9 subdial is day, and the 3 subdial date, and they are set by the pushers at 2 and 4. The subdial at 6 is a 24-hour indicator. I confess that the "30 SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH" verbiage is my least favorite thing about this watch. Pointer-date is A-OK, mind, but I would enjoy the watch more without this outright lie. Whistle

Addendum2: Also a word about the bezel. It does rotate, and is bi-directional with no ratcheting mechanism. It's offers a nice smooth action, though, with sufficient tightness that it stays put and doesn't 'wander'. It's also worthy of note that this watch is quite unusual in that the crystal is pressed directly into the bezel, and rotates with it. And this, of course, brings the Water Resistance into question. Eek! I don't know what manner of seal is under the bezel, but you'll note that there is no WR Rating specified beyond a simple "Water Resistant". I am confused Given this, and the method of construction, I will not intentionally dunk this one. Laughing


Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo

So. You already know the Bottom Line. For the price, I find this to be an astonishingly solid timepiece! No, you'd never mistake it for a Very Rich Man's Watch!. But, IMHO, it does compare quite favorably with, say, an , at roughly ¼th the price. And I am impressed enough with the seller (fast shipping, good communication, solid packaging) that I recommend you order your very own Slide Rule Automatic 'Navitimer' homage today.

If ye can pull off a 50mm watch, that is. Wink

Thanks for readin', y'all!

Cheers!

-Ricky
Messages In This Thread

Is Happy Day! Jaragar Slide Rule Automatic 'Navitimer' homage - First Impressions Image Attachments URL

 Ricky Lee 927 November 08, 2011 05:52PM

A nice and good looking watch! Enjoy it, Ricky!SmileThumbs up! (n/t)

 IF 50 November 09, 2011 11:12AM

Welcome to the Jaragar Owners Club!!!!!

I believe its a bonus that you didnt recieve the watch with cat hair inside the case, and Jaragar actuallly spelled right. I also believe that if the subdial functions work and continue to work, it would be very good indeed!! Congrats....definately worth the money for sure. And your right about those straps. Fake...maybe...but....definately acceptable by my standards!!!!
 dano0 64 November 08, 2011 09:01PM

Thank you! You know, I'm not sure I've ever seen photos of yours. I am confused URL


And a quick search came up dry. Oops! Wassup with that Bro. Dan? Laughing
Quote
dano0
I believe its a bonus that you didnt recieve the watch with cat hair inside the case, and Jaragar actuallly spelled right.
Well.. I've had other Chinese watches with those "features" Eek!, though not both in the same watch. Rolling on the floor laughing my a.. off
 Ricky Lee 60 November 08, 2011 11:11PM

Woo-hoo! Another inexpensive Jaragar to pick up!Cheers! Jpeg Attachments

Personally, I think these things are pretty amazing. $20, shipped, for a functional automatic.

The guts are more than a bit less impressive than a Seiko auto, since they use a plastic movement holder that flexes when you press the chrono...errrr... day/date buttons, but for $20, one can forgive a few faults. Other faults that I've had to forgive on mine include a horrible strap (now replaced), hands and markers that don't quite line up, and bezel printing that isn't quite concentric with the bezel edges. Oh, and being slow by 5 minutes per day out of the box! (Since rectified)

Nice review, Ricky. Clapping!

My $20 black Jaragar before and after second hand and strap mods.

Photo by SAH407

Photo by SAH407

Photo by SAH407
 SAH407 225 November 08, 2011 08:52PM

That racer strap looks awesome Thumbs Up (n/t)

 JP 45 November 09, 2011 09:16AM

Re: Personally, I think these things are pretty amazing. $20, [i]shipped[/i], for a functional automatic.


I couldn't agree more. The very fact that they're able to produce a functional automatic watch at that price is surprising enough. When you consider that it's all-SS and has decent fit & finish.. well, it is astounding.
Quote
SAH407
The guts are more than a bit less impressive than a Seiko auto..
Agreed the movement itself is nowhere near as nicely finished as a Seiko. Nor an Alpha, even.

But, you know, if you exclude the movement, I reckon it's not far off the fit & finish level of the more basic Seikos!
Quote
SAH407
..movement holder that flexes..horrible strap..hands and markers that don't quite line up, and bezel printing that isn't quite concentric.. Oh, and being slow by 5 minutes per day out of the box! (Since rectified)
Eek!

Perhaps I just lucked out and got a Good One, but I don't see any of those problems with my example...
Quote
SAH407
My $20 black Jaragar before and after second hand and strap mods.

I recall when you first posted that mod. You did a great job! Clapping!
Quote
SAH407
Nice review, Ricky. Clapping!
Thanks mate. Blushing
 Ricky Lee 62 November 08, 2011 11:04PM

Re: Personally, I think these things are pretty amazing. $20, shipped, for a functional automatic.

Not bad. Looks like good value to me.
 Ozzy 43 November 09, 2011 07:44AM

50 doesnt look too big on your wrist wink (n/t)

 JP 47 November 08, 2011 08:12PM

It's manageable. Just. Wink Jpeg Attachments


I reckon maybe I could swing 52mm X 58mm.

But beyond that, I'm thinkin'..

Trintec Alarm Clock
..I might as well actually give that Trintec® a go. Rolling on the floor laughing my a.. off
 Ricky Lee 70 November 08, 2011 10:48PM

Nice desk clock laughing (n/t)

 JP 44 November 09, 2011 09:15AM

Cool watch and nice ebay find! (n/t)

 Keithx 46 November 08, 2011 07:16PM

Ricky... in the pic where you talk about ID-ing the movement, you will see -

what appears to be some of your arm hair towards the top of the pic, sticking to the watch. Nice!!!
 arutlosjr11 51 November 08, 2011 06:41PM

Good eye. Wink I thought about..


..Gimping that out. Laughing But, as usual, I couldn't be bothered with photo editing.. Rolling on the floor laughing my a.. off
 Ricky Lee 41 November 08, 2011 07:31PM

Re: Is Happy Day! Jaragar Slide Rule Automatic 'Navitimer' homage - First Impressions

The slide rule appears to be done correctly (numbers still line up as they should with the scales not at the origin point). I've seen some poorly implemented slide rules (probably by the clueless for the clueless)
 cesium 187 November 08, 2011 06:20PM

Re: The slide rule appears to be done correctly..


Well.. to be honest, it's highly unlikely I'll ever do any actual cipherin' with the slide rule. Wink

But, yeah, it does appear to be well done. Thumbs up!
 Ricky Lee 46 November 08, 2011 10:38PM

Great first impressions! Congrats! Thumbs up!Thumbs up! (n/t)

 Need_Omega 45 November 08, 2011 06:08PM

Update! Watch related news! on my latest acquisition.

November 10, 2011 05:19PM

Sure, I've got a firm accuracy figure on the Slide Rule Automatic 'Navitimer' homage.

I got to admit that it's not quite as good as my initial estimate. Oops!

So? Ready for it? Wink

{drum roll}

After 48 Hours of real-world on-the-wrist wear, yon Jaragar checks +26 sec/day against the atomic clock.

Not exactly an Officially Certified Chronometer.. but not too shabby for US $18.30 shipped! Innocent

Cheers!

-Ricky


"A watch should be worth looking at even when you already know the time" - vintage Omega ad

Messages In This Thread

Update! Watch related news! on my latest acquisition. Image Attachments URL

 Ricky Lee 377 November 10, 2011 05:19PM

Thumbs up!Smile (n/t)

 Mark C. 32 November 11, 2011 06:54AM

Smile (n/t)

 IF 31 November 11, 2011 01:18AM

Not bad at all. Thumbs up! Are you going to try and regulate it to COCS? Smile (n/t)

 Robmks 49 November 10, 2011 06:52PM

Nah. Gonna call it a case of Leaving Well Enough Alone. Wink


After all, once the honeymoon's over, it's not likely I'll ever wear it more than a couple of days running. +26 is perfectly fine for that kind of rotation. Smile
 Ricky Lee 49 November 10, 2011 08:04PM

Perfectly accepable IMO Thumbs up!

Especially for the price!
 Need_Omega 56 November 10, 2011 06:16PM

Re: Especially for the price!


Yup, I'm happy with that. I mean, I've paid 10 times as much and gotten less accuracy. Eek!
 Ricky Lee 50 November 10, 2011 07:59PM

Close enough to be on time for dinner! smile (n/t)

 Blackdog1101 45 November 10, 2011 05:24PM

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