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Caveman001
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Caveman001
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). The watch arrived on Dec. 14 and, while I generally wait until I've worn a watch for at least a week before attempting a review, in this case we'll call it close enough.
VD57B (see HERE). If there's a difference, I can't imagine what it is! I will be researching it further in the future, though, so Stay Tuned!
I haven't pulled the caseback for a peek, as I figure I'll be doing
that for a battery change soon enough (it uses the common SR920SW /
#371).
- but I got to admit that the design seems to be a serious compromise
for military use. They're not as instantly-readable as a
central-seconds-chrono, for one thing. Though, to be fair, NO analog design can match an electronic digital chrono in that regard.
Still, who am I to argue with the RAF? If it's good enough for Her Majesty's Forces it's good enough for the likes o' me! 
But that's another post!
If I do say so meself... 
-branded Nylon-6® number ye've seen on a number of my watches. What can I say? Love that strap! 
For the average watch, they'd be OK. But for a military watch? No. 
that's par for the course. Same could be said for value. One expects a
lot of Bang For The Buck with a Pulsar, and this one certainly delivers!
Indeed, at the just-over-$100 price these can be had for, it may just
be THE best value out there in an authentic military chrono.
 - Pulsar "RAF" chronograph model V657-X068R (PJN305X1)
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Caveman001 | 282 | December 19, 2012 06:42PM |
Still waiting...so I'll hold myself for now till mine arrives (no, I scrolled quickly to the bottom immediately  ) (n/t)
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jackrobinson | 16 | December 19, 2012 09:02PM |
Are your Postal Service guys on holiday?  |
Caveman001 | 15 | December 21, 2012 06:49AM |
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I don't know. No holiday here and I've been a bit frustrated. Royal mail tracking says it has been given to the local postal service, at least a week ago.
I now looked at the local mail tracking - and aparently it is at my post office as of yesterday 20 Dec. I can imagine that there was no mail distribution today because no slip and the PO opened till 12:00 so I expect the slip to arrive on Sunday. That's good news. |
jackrobinson | 16 | December 21, 2012 07:14AM |
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EXCELLENT Ricky! Like you say..great watch for the "buck." (n/t)
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EdH | 10 | December 19, 2012 09:13PM |
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One word: thorough! Great work.
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DJM | 14 | December 19, 2012 09:57PM |
Re: Great work.  mate. I do appreciate it.
And since I didn't get  tased, I'll assume that my grammar, punctuation and spelling passed muster.
 
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Caveman001 | 13 | December 26, 2012 10:51AM |
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Great review and pics, thanks for sharing mate. (n/t)
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JY | 12 | December 20, 2012 04:25AM |
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Nice job I liked it every time I saw it posted. But knowing it is a sub-seconds
chrono.... that's a deal-killer for me. I'm VERY picky when it comes to
analog chronos. Many other things too, I guess.
One question: why would a pilot need a chrono? Is it kind of a time-honored tradition? A back up to some instrument? (kind of like diving watches, these days?) |
Smaug | 18 | December 21, 2012 12:59PM |
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Re: ..why would a pilot need a chrono? A pilot doesn't need one as much as a navigator, and a chronometer's what's required, not necessarily a chronograph.
A chronometer was standard issue for determining longitude, even into the Jet Age. Yes, despite the advent of radio navigation in WW2, crews were still trained in the Olde Way.. and used it! LORAN and like systems were spotty, early on. For instance, the RAAF acquired the last batch of my One True Grail, the JLC Mk. XI, in 1953 and it was used by the navigators of Canberra bombers well into the 1960's.
Like I said, they're a Love 'em Or Hate 'em proposition, pretty much.
JOOC, have you ever actually tried one? Or is this one of those "I know I don't like broccoli 'cause it looks funny" kinda things?
Nowadays, with the advent of GPS and SATCOM... well, yeah, I'd say it's 80% tradition and 20% last-ditch backup.
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Caveman001 | 32 | December 21, 2012 07:45PM |
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Re: is this one of those "I know I don't like broccoli 'cause it looks funny" kinda things I know i wasn't asked but actually I strongly held that POV. I am a
devout believer in simplicity, legibility, non-busy-dials,
no-toy-features and aesthetics. As such i can totally understand Smaug (
i think so at least). As such, I have developed a liking to the
military style watch. That is probably what brought me to be attracted
and to quickly order the RAF Pulsar (plus the affordable price). So now
I'll be able to taste my own broccoli.
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jackrobinson | 24 | December 22, 2012 05:24AM |
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Re: As such i can totally understand Smaug ( i think so at least). Ahhhhh.. I hope ye're not sayin' you dislike like the idea of a sub-seconds chrono.
 'cause, if so, 'tis a bit late for that now.
And, if so, sorry for not makin' the nature of the beast clear before you ordered it. I thought you knew...
Well. I'd argue that a sub-seconds chrono is no less simple, no more busy, is in no wise a "toy feature", and isn't lacking at all aesthetically when compared to the more conventional central-seconds chrono.
Now.. legibility? Yeah, bit of a compromise there. Though not a serious one IMHO, and as a trade-off you do gain the quick visual confirmation that the watch is running.
Well. Do keep an open mind and give it a fair chance.
Otherwise.. well, a report on the Rubicon Watch Co. return policy is in order, I reckon.
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Caveman001 | 19 | December 22, 2012 12:07PM |
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Re: Do keep an open mind - my concise response I strongly held that POV = past tense.
The POV being that analog chronos are an expensive useless feature and a waste of money. I have opened my mind to new things, such as chronos (and like older girls with a bit extra curving) e.g. RAF Pulsar, Seiko 6T63 (although I cannot see the use for the 6T63 24h subdial - what is it good for?). What do you mean: a ).
The question for me was if I need a stopwatch to start with. Well, I decided I don't need a chrono but it will be sweet to have one or two. If designed carefully, an analog chrono will not make the dial look as busy as a garage sale. IMO in this day and age if a real chronograph is needed then a digital one will be more efficient. In addition. the software will normally hold many more more options and features. But then this is not my case. Wait, wait, wait - by sub second y'all mean the chrono seconds counter is on a subdial rather than the central dial? Well also with that I have no problems, although it is a bit less legible to a resolution of 1 second unless one has great bionic eyes (similar to Smaug's hearing capabilities of "noisy" quarts's from a distance  ) and the plus is you have the central running seconds (like CM stated) and the whole
of the chrono feature is subdialed and the whole running time feature
is central. By this the chrono is given a temporary character, which in
fact is its nature - to be used sometimes. There is some design logic
there. Finally - no probs.
My declaration of devout beliefs does not apply to the Pulsar and mostly not to the 6T63.
As for your responsibility CM? Yes, I totally hold you responsible for my choice and will let you know if I am dispappointed. You hear that uncle Ricky?! You are also responsible for all of my past and future bad choices. Now seriously - if you look back at Ed's initial post you will see that I was the first responder (and excited at that) and I wanted the watch from the start. You just exposed Ed's source to me, and I discovered that it is affordable. For that I will thank you at the beginning of the week...
What do you mean - I love that watch
before it has arrived (provided it is in good shape of course) and do
not plan to return it.
P.S. I love broccoli, one of my more favorite vegies. |
jackrobinson | 16 | December 22, 2012 02:25PM |
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Re: I have opened my mind to new things.. Good on ye!
I've read that paragraph three times, and I have no idea what you're on about.
Just can't parse it.
What's a "stopper"? Some kind of code for "chronograph" I'm assuming, at this point...
Just so!
{whew!}
Ah! But remember the 12H sub-dial on this one offers 1/10th second resolution, no bionic eyes required!
A Heavy Responsibility.
Luckily, I have broad shoulders.
What are your feelings on cauliflower?
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Caveman001 | 15 | December 22, 2012 02:40PM |
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Re: What are your feelings on cauliflower? I love couliflower.
Also thanks for the input - the paragraph was now re-parsed. Let me know if all is clear now. Ah, and the word "stopper" was replaced. |
jackrobinson | 11 | December 22, 2012 02:56PM |
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Re: I love couliflower. Me too! Raw with a li'l dip, steamed, stewed, roasted on the grill..
It's all good!
Well..
That pretty much says it all!
Thanks for clarifying.. I didn't get that at all, first time around.
Agreed 100%!
In this day and age, there's no rational need for an analog watch at all, much less a mechanical one. Luckily, we WIS are not Rational Creatures.
Hence my love for the tagline...  |
Caveman001 | 16 | December 22, 2012 03:15PM |
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"As such i can totally understand Smaug ..." I'm not sure anyone can "totally understand Smaug".
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JFK3531 | 14 | December 22, 2012 12:30PM |
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Re: Understand Smaug - the movie Scene 1
Well, I don't totally understand myself, much less others. Although I find similarities in his and my technical lines of thought. (smaug, talking of you as third person  - huh?). |
jackrobinson | 12 | December 22, 2012 01:31PM |
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Re: ..I find similarities in his an my technical lines of thought. Ah, just a couple of Haters
Of Length-challenged Hands, you two are.
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Caveman001 | 13 | December 22, 2012 02:18PM |
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LOL LOL LOL |
jackrobinson | 10 | December 22, 2012 02:32PM |
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(n/t)
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Caveman001 | 11 | December 22, 2012 02:15PM |
Re. dislike for sub-seconds chronos
This is all opinion, and my own thought process.
What is 'JOOC?'
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Smaug | 18 | December 26, 2012 01:22PM |
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I see what you mean But you know, I see the logic Also in this design. This design presents 2
seperate tools: the major tool is a running traditional 3 dial watch
which is the tool used most of the time and therefore is in the
forefront. The secondary tool is the chrono, used less and therefore is
in the background. Not arguing your point, though. But for me it would
be annoying to have a large seconds hand sitting there constantly at 12
doing absolutely nothing until I happen to need the chronograph tool
once in a blue moon. But you know I ordered one, the 6T63 with the large
second hand as 1/5 chrono seconds.
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jackrobinson | 16 | December 26, 2012 03:43PM |
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Re: But you know I ordered one, the 6T63.. No foolin'?
CooL!
Ahhh.. I never thought of it quite like that.
But sure! Makes sense to me!
While it doesn't bother me personally, you're certainly not alone. That's kinda sorta related to my pet theory on the design intent behind sub-seconds chronos..
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Caveman001 | 15 | December 26, 2012 04:00PM |
Sorry
CM, but I think either your account has been kidnapped or that the
holidays have got the better side of your memory or that the grass is
real strong  Man, you have phenomenal memory but surprisingly yesterday I mentioned
the Seiko 5 TV and you did not remember my threads which we discussed
much, and today you did not remember the 6T63 that my friend is to get
me in London and which we discussed throughout a thread (see pics
below).
Now while I have your attention - what is the use of the 24h subdial on the 6T63 other than showing am/pm? And do you also get the feeling it is absolutely superflous? |
jackrobinson | 19 | December 26, 2012 04:21PM |
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Re: ..yesterday I mentioned the Seiko 5 TV and you did not remember my threads which we discussed much.. WTH?!
I remember discussing that watch, sure. That's the one I don't consider to be a True TV Case at all.
However, as I recall, my only comment yesterday was "Has it ever been serviced before?". Have you mentioned that in the past?
Last I heard, there were a handful of
candidates. If you mentioned that you'd made a choice from amongst them
then, yeah, I did forget.
None that I can see. 'tis an AM/PM Indicator, period.
Not at all! A day/night indicator comes in darned handy when you've been in a cave for a week or so, or after a mere weekend in a Shanghai opium den.
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Caveman001 | 21 | December 26, 2012 05:17PM |
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you kill me man. (n/t)
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jackrobinson | 15 | December 26, 2012 05:26PM |
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Well then. You've a feline nature, I hope. |
Caveman001 | 14 | December 26, 2012 07:26PM |
Re: What is 'JOOC?'
If the the smallest capacity of measurement is limited to 1/10th-second, then the larger dial offers no increase in resolution whatsoever. Check the graduations on that subdial again. Even at 1/20th-second, the scheme you suggest offers no increase in resolution.
Now, if one were determined to build 1/100th-second analog chrono, then having the partial-seconds located centrally begins to make sense. I'd like to see that, actually! A central-sweep hand spinning at 6,000 RPM would be bad ass!
BTW (By The Way), you didn't actually answer the question...
Have you ever owned a sub-seconds chrono?
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Caveman001 | 18 | December 26, 2012 03:51PM |
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Re: What is 'JOOC?' Nope, never owned one.
If that central hand sweeps smoothly, then it would offer increase
resolution, although the usefulness of it would admittedly be limited.
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Smaug | 23 | December 26, 2012 08:46PM |
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Re: Nope, never owned one. Thanks for confirming my suspicions.
If you're saying that a direct-read central-sweep chrono a la the 6T63 or 7T62 is capable of besting a 1/20th-second subdial (or oven 1/10th second!).. well, I call BS.
I mean, there's only so many hash marks you can fit on a 40mm dial, right?
To say the least! I can't reliably read my 6T63 or 7T62 down to 1/5th-second, short of using a loupe.
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Caveman001 | 16 | December 27, 2012 07:50AM |
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Re: I can't reliably read my 6T63 or 7T62 down to 1/5th-second, short of using a loupe which brings me to an idea - a magnifying ring around the outskirts of a crystal, just above the chapter ring. huh?
Ugly as hell but useful for a central hand second/sub-second chrono movement. |
jackrobinson | 15 | December 28, 2012 03:40AM |
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Re: Ugly as hell but useful for a central hand second/sub-second chrono movement. I could see
 doing that.
Seriously, an interesting idea. |
DJM | 13 | December 28, 2012 09:30AM |
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(n/t)
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jackrobinson | 9 | December 28, 2012 09:32AM |
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Re: Seriously, an interesting idea. "Just because you can do a thing, that doesn't necessarily mean you should".
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Caveman001 | 16 | December 28, 2012 02:09PM |
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Re: Just because you can do a thing, that doesn't necessarily mean you should. OK, true enough. In fact, that's one of my favorite aphorisms. I still contend it's an interesting idea.
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DJM | 10 | December 28, 2012 04:25PM |
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Re: Just because you can do a thing, that doesn't necessarily mean you should So true!
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James T. Kirk© | 9 | December 29, 2012 05:44AM |
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Nice review! I definitely like the shot without the glare on the dial better.
The polished caseback might be a "feature", as it could be used to signal a rescue plane after ditching.
I like the "look" of time scrolling backwards during the reset, but agree that it's something I would tire of quickly, especially if I was using it to time multiple events. |
JFK3531 | 15 | December 22, 2012 12:28PM |
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Re: I like the "look" of time scrolling backwards during the reset... It is cool to watch.
At least the first few times.
Note that it's not always backwards, though! It takes the "shortest path", so if the chrono reading is 30:00:10 or more, the reset goes forward.
Hey! Good point!
mate...
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Caveman001 | 19 | December 22, 2012 02:26PM |
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Yes I really like the dial on that one! (n/t)
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DRFP | 12 | December 26, 2012 04:06PM |
CM, I enjoyed reading your review. long last  It is comprehensive with great pics.
Well we see another difference - my
watch has virtually almost no lume. No chance of me taking such a
glowing shot. It is barely visible.
I totally agree. Must've been a money
saving decision. I have the same thing on my Seiko mil SNZG15. Mind you
monsterwatches in NL offers to bead blast it for customers for a $15
fee.
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jackrobinson | 14 | January 05, 2013 07:07AM |
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I didn't realize you were "saving" it. But I can certainly see why you'd choose to do so.
for your .
This is.. shocking to me.
No other word to describe it!
I've never known
to be so inconsistent. And yet, there it is. The lume on mine, while
mediocre at best, could in no wise be considered non-existent. The hands, in particular, remain legible for a couple of hours after being fully-charged.
Well.. that doesn't add up, since polishing is an additional step.
And, for the life of me, I can't imagine why they'd take that step...
A reasonable fee, provided the warranty remains intact after the beadblast service.
Of course, though I suppose it will void the warranty.
Again, you did a great job on the review.
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Caveman001 | 17 | January 05, 2013 05:29PM |