Caveman's Watch Forum

Sort of a . Trintec Altimeter-style . >>

Posted By: Ricky Lee McBroom
Date: Saturday, 6 August 2005, at 11:48 p.m.

Been admiring the similarly-styled Bell & Ross, though the huge physical dimensions of that watch make it too big even for me, I think. And the price of a B&R is beyond my means, of course. So when I stumbled across this on I couldn't resist;

Trintec quartz Altimeter

I was initially worried that it was too small. I passed not one not two but three messages back and forth with the seller, trying to ascertain the actual size. She seemed incapable of understanding my request, and the most I was able to pry out of her was that the dial was "about 1-1/4 inches" in diameter. Then I realized that, if the B&R is too bloody large (as I think we all agree that it is) then, in this case SMALL IS BETTER! So on Wednesday last I pulled the trigger.

Good seller, and she had it in me hands pronto. Bloody difficult watch to photograph, as it turns out. Took 40+ shots, and got not one I was truly happy with. The most I can say for these is that I'm not actually embarassed to share them. Here's a close-up;

Trintec quartz Altimeter

Cropped that down from this;

w/ model of Boeing ALCM

Tryin' to keep to an aviation theme.. Lame, I know. Sorry.

The actual size turns out to be 38mm, excluding the crown, and it takes a 20mm strap. This should put it into scale for you:

Trintec quartz Altimeter

I think I'd be happier with, say, 42mm/22mm. But it's OK as is. The strap is barely long enough, but I can't really say that's a disappointment. I've come to expect it..

Anyway, I'm quite happy with the watch, overall. You know how you kind of get a gut impression of the watch's quality by the feel of setting it? Well, this feels more like my wife's 7-jewel quartz than one of the $6 Wal-Mart cheapies I cannibalize for my watches. Pleasant surprise, that. All in all a definite for the Trintec!

-Ricky

Messages In This Thread

  Sort of a . Trintec Altimeter-style . >>(views: 139)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Saturday, 6 August 2005, at 11:48 p.m.

 Would be pretty sweet to Mod like this! Makes me want one! (views: 5)
Paul B. -- Sunday, 7 August 2005, at 6:08 p.m.

 That IS cool! Nice Photoshop job, !
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Sunday, 7 August 2005, at 10:31 p.m.

 Cool! There's also 1 with a colorful dial. The ALCM brings back memmories (views: 2)
Brian Uziel -- Sunday, 7 August 2005, at 10:34 a.m.

 Colorful dial. Hmmm.. this one, perhaps? >>
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Sunday, 7 August 2005, at 10:41 p.m.
Cockpit Watch from avshop.com

 You pondering an alternate strap for it? (views: 2)
Tom P -- Sunday, 7 August 2005, at 1:22 a.m.

 Guilty as charged. >>(views: 8)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Sunday, 7 August 2005, at 1:47 a.m.

The first alternative that sprung to mind was a simple black NATO. But after a bit more thought, it doesn't seem like such a good idea. I dunno.. maybe just because my collection is pretty heavy on NATO straps, right now.

Then I thought maybe one of those rubber-link Oysters. That's kind of got me captivated. Whaddaya think?

Anyone? I'm not usually one to solicit input.. I'm too ornery and self-assured.  But in this case I'm kinda stumped. What's the perfect strap for this thing, y'all?  -Ricky

  Nice review. Interesting watch. I agree it would look good at 42mm, even 44mm would still look impressive without..(views: 13)
jud whidden -- Sunday, 7 August 2005, at 12:01 a.m.

 I reckon 44mm would be perfect. Big enough to.. >>(views: 12)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Sunday, 7 August 2005, at 12:08 a.m.
..draw a little extra attention to the styling, yet not so large as to be ludicrous. I know 'ludicrous' is pretty strong.. but after seeing the HWS! of the Bell & Ross here t'other day, I can't think of a kinder word. -Ricky

 I like it Ricky May I ask how much it was? (views: 5)
keaton -- Sunday, 7 August 2005, at 12:01 a.m.

 Thanks! 'twas $37.95, including shipping. (views: 4)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Sunday, 7 August 2005, at 12:04 a.m.

 Cool That seems more than fair (views: 3)
keaton -- Sunday, 7 August 2005, at 12:16 a.m.

  I find those to be kinda cool>>(views: 16)
greg honeycutt -- Saturday, 6 August 2005, at 11:55 p.m.
I saw one a few weeks back at AvShop.com, just haven't talked myself into it yet.

An alternate source! Cool! >> (views: 21)

Ricky Lee McBroom -- Sunday, 7 August 2005, at 12:25 a.m.

Same watch, it would appear. Though mine came with a double-ridged padded strap, instead of the flat strap as pictured there. And I saved about $10 by fishin' the 'bay, it seems..

Still, if it appeals to you, I think it's worth their price. No one will ever mistake it for a RMW (duh!), but it doesn't scream 'Cheap!', either. It's an OK watch, IMHO. -Ricky