In what way is it better?It's not the classic 91W, but that, like an MX5, will always be available to pick up another time. This one is slightly better, yet like the GR86, won't be around for long. If I like it, I may pick up a couple more
GR86 What watch to match GR86?
- Thread starter Martin_uk
- Start date
I didn't go into things too deep. Just got a similar blue to my car. I'm the only one who will ever notice.
If I understand the specification right, electro-luminescent backlight rather than the dim glow in the corner microlight, and 50M water resistant rather than splash (<30M).
EDIT: also turns out the strap has better ventilation. Best £12 I've spent in ages
Last edited:
EDIT 2 (well reply because it's too late): because I somehow missed out the most important thing - the model of the watch is W-86If I understand the specification right, electro-luminescent backlight rather than the dim glow in the corner microlight, and 50M water resistant rather than splash (<30M).
EDIT: also turns out the strap has better ventilation. Best £12 I've spent in ages
TorqueOfTheDevil
Obsessed member
I'm relatively old-school, worn daily for about 16 years, it has picked up a few battle scars over the years but I love it.
It was to match an E46 M3 back then...
New strap fitted yesterday so thought I'd post... And yes, I appreciate the irony of a "water resistant" leather strap on a diving watch...
It was to match an E46 M3 back then...
New strap fitted yesterday so thought I'd post... And yes, I appreciate the irony of a "water resistant" leather strap on a diving watch...
Nice watch. No irony there. A water proof watch is obviously going to be better protected against the elements in general. If the strap doesn't last, that doesn't matter.
You should get a NATO strap, then if a strap bar / pin fails, the watch won’t drop off your wrist.
I like NATO straps because you can find the exact right holding pressure on your wrist.
Sonic
Totally Hooked
In keeping with a bit of a blue theme, I have got myself added to the NOI list for a Rolex OP41 'Celebration'. Hopefully it'll be here in time for the next Car Show Season ... 
I think a Seiko would be a solid choice for matching the GR86 — it’s a Japanese brand, sporty, and pretty affordable. I like the idea of a watch that has a similar vibe to the car, and Seiko’s got some great designs that feel like a natural fit. I’ve also been looking into Rolex Super Clone watches lately. They’re a good option if you want something that looks sharp without breaking the bank. I found a decent selection at a rolex clone store, and the quality’s honestly pretty impressive for the price. Definitely leaning towards something automatic though – just adds that extra cool factor!
Sonic
Totally Hooked
I agree with the Seiko, but I could never entertain the idea of a Super Clone; to my mind a fake is a fake and a bit like putting M badges on a shi*box 1.8 Diesel BMW. Rather than a clone, why not have a look at some of the interesting (and real) microbrands, such as Christopher Ward, Certina, Yema and Nite, to name but a few? Of course, there's always the popular Japanese brands as well as your very own Longines and Bulova (now owned by Citizen), who have some lovely timepieces. Beware, Automatics can become a bit of a habit and before you know it ££$$ Thousands will have disappeared from your bank account!
Exactly. If the objective is to tell the time, then you don't need an expensive watch. If you want a well made automatic watch that you appreciate, then brands like Seiko will give you those. If you want to look like you've spent a lot of money, that's where the clones come in. Each to their own, but it's not for me. It's not very British.
Sonic
Totally Hooked
Although not GR86 specific, with my 6th Decade birthday approaching in the middle of this year, I thought I'd get myself a practical daily watch that offers both accuracy and minimal personal involvement. In my collection, I already own a bi-metal Citizen Eco-Drive, which has proven itself to be bullet-proof apart from requiring an annual BST adjustment - 1st world problem I know.
After a bit of internet surfing and credit card flexing today, I'm now the happy owner of my second Citizen watch, which is a steel Rose Gold coloured CB5896-54x, with Eco-Drive, atomic timekeeping, a perpetual calendar and automatic BST adjustment. Okay, so it's similar, in the loosest sense of the word, to my Rose Gold Rolex GMT 'Rootbeer', but certainly far less 'fraught' to wear in public. That aside, Wifey still doesn't understand why I would need another watch that looks the same as my 'brown Rolex'. I however, think this could be the start of a new, long working relationship with this comparitively cheap 'sibling' ...
After a bit of internet surfing and credit card flexing today, I'm now the happy owner of my second Citizen watch, which is a steel Rose Gold coloured CB5896-54x, with Eco-Drive, atomic timekeeping, a perpetual calendar and automatic BST adjustment. Okay, so it's similar, in the loosest sense of the word, to my Rose Gold Rolex GMT 'Rootbeer', but certainly far less 'fraught' to wear in public. That aside, Wifey still doesn't understand why I would need another watch that looks the same as my 'brown Rolex'. I however, think this could be the start of a new, long working relationship with this comparitively cheap 'sibling' ...
My IWC crono that I bought in 2021 went pop.
It started 4 years ago when I went for a sea swim and the winder seal was open. Paid the £600 for the service and all was good for 6 months. Since then every 9 months the auto stopped working, it kept time, but only via winding every 48 hours.
So 4 free services to fix the problem. I suggested that if HQ couldn’t warrant the watch and offer me a reliable time piece maybe it should be crushed and replaced.
They agreed.
So my watch will be replaced free of charge.
The twist being that they no longer make my model that cost £2.3k back in 2021. Next week I will be the proud owner of a new IWC with an 8 year warranty
Who says customer service doesn’t exist?…
It started 4 years ago when I went for a sea swim and the winder seal was open. Paid the £600 for the service and all was good for 6 months. Since then every 9 months the auto stopped working, it kept time, but only via winding every 48 hours.
So 4 free services to fix the problem. I suggested that if HQ couldn’t warrant the watch and offer me a reliable time piece maybe it should be crushed and replaced.
They agreed.
So my watch will be replaced free of charge.
The twist being that they no longer make my model that cost £2.3k back in 2021. Next week I will be the proud owner of a new IWC with an 8 year warranty
Who says customer service doesn’t exist?…
It's great to hear that type of story, as you say proper customer service! They understand the value of brand loyalty and reputation as well.My IWC crono that I bought in 2021 went pop.
It started 4 years ago when I went for a sea swim and the winder seal was open. Paid the £600 for the service and all was good for 6 months. Since then every 9 months the auto stopped working, it kept time, but only via winding every 48 hours.
So 4 free services to fix the problem. I suggested that if HQ couldn’t warrant the watch and offer me a reliable time piece maybe it should be crushed and replaced.
They agreed.
So my watch will be replaced free of charge.
The twist being that they no longer make my model that cost £2.3k back in 2021. Next week I will be the proud owner of a new IWC with an 8 year warranty
Who says customer service doesn’t exist?…View attachment 34975View attachment 34976
Sonic
Totally Hooked
That is fantastic news! I can't imagine ever getting that sort of customer service from Rolex, even for a watch costing tens of thousands of pounds. It certainly gives you faith in IWC given that the issue has been ongoing for a number of years. Although I like them, IWC are a little too bulky for my wrists. Wear in good health!
My IWC crono that I bought in 2021 went pop.
It started 4 years ago when I went for a sea swim and the winder seal was open. Paid the £600 for the service and all was good for 6 months. Since then every 9 months the auto stopped working, it kept time, but only via winding every 48 hours.
So 4 free services to fix the problem. I suggested that if HQ couldn’t warrant the watch and offer me a reliable time piece maybe it should be crushed and replaced.
They agreed.
So my watch will be replaced free of charge.
The twist being that they no longer make my model that cost £2.3k back in 2021. Next week I will be the proud owner of a new IWC with an 8 year warranty
Who says customer service doesn’t exist?…View attachment 34975View attachment 34976
Wow, that's a result.
