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learningtofly · 18 April 2014, 05:19 PM

I've lost count of the number of watches that I've bought and sold in my previously-eternal hunt for a "beater". The term, for me, is used relatively loosely as I don't need a watch that I'll wear when it's likely to get scuffed and dented... for that, I have a Casio (or I'll take my watch off, which seems to me to be fairly sensible). When I refer to a beater I suppose I mean an everyday, "go to" watch that Im not overly concerned about as its an inherently tough build and it doesn't represent a significant (in relative terms) investment. Something I don't have to worry too much about.

In the past, my focus has ben Seikos of one description or another. I've had at least half a dozen Tunas, and probably more than that in vintage 6309 and/or 6105 divers. The Tuna was always a favourite, actually, but whilst I love the fugly things the propensity NEVER to sit under any type of clothing proved to be a bit too annoying. Anyway, after a few weeks of wear I've concluded that I've found the perfect watch for the task. Built like a tank, just about adaptable enough to wear with reasonably smart clothes but an out and out beast of a tool watch when all's said and done. On the bracelet I find it a touch on the heavy side, although its still comfortable enough; on a Zulu, though, it comes into its own. I have five different coloured straps for it, in fact, although in the photo below it's on my current favourite.

Let's hear it for the U1!

mailman · 18 April 2014, 07:39 PM

That's a killer watch Tony

FeelingTheBlues · 18 April 2014, 08:09 PM

Glad to know you have found your ideal beater Tony my friend, it looks great indeed and that strap does compliment it well. Congratulations!

Touring · 18 April 2014, 10:16 PM

That strap is a fantastic shade of red! What brand is it?

learningtofly · 18 April 2014, 10:17 PM

Cheers, lads. The strap's a Maratac Zulu, which I picked up from Westcoastime.

joe100 · 18 April 2014, 11:42 PM

The U1 is a classic. I regard Sinn as one of the best affordable brands

ttomczak · 19 April 2014, 12:17 AM

I've had three. The U1 is a beast.

sierra11b · 19 April 2014, 11:00 AM

Always a fan of the U1 and used to own one. I flipped it because I was in pursuit of something greater and because I wasn't a fan of the lume, but I would argue that it's one of the best bargain tool watches today, especially preowned.

Psmith · 19 April 2014, 11:30 AM

One of my faves - especially the black bezel (SDR) version

Amez · 21 April 2014, 07:21 AM

U1's are great watches. Sinn makes some good silicon straps also.

18 April 2014, 05:19 PM	#1
learningtofly 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Real Name: Tony Location: London, England Watch: Hmmm... Posts: 2,479	Beater schmeater I've lost count of the number of watches that I've bought and sold in my previously-eternal hunt for a "beater". The term, for me, is used relatively loosely as I don't need a watch that I'll wear when it's likely to get scuffed and dented... for that, I have a Casio (or I'll take my watch off, which seems to me to be fairly sensible). When I refer to a beater I suppose I mean an everyday, "go to" watch that Im not overly concerned about as its an inherently tough build and it doesn't represent a significant (in relative terms) investment. Something I don't have to worry too much about. In the past, my focus has ben Seikos of one description or another. I've had at least half a dozen Tunas, and probably more than that in vintage 6309 and/or 6105 divers. The Tuna was always a favourite, actually, but whilst I love the fugly things the propensity NEVER to sit under any type of clothing proved to be a bit too annoying. Anyway, after a few weeks of wear I've concluded that I've found the perfect watch for the task. Built like a tank, just about adaptable enough to wear with reasonably smart clothes but an out and out beast of a tool watch when all's said and done. On the bracelet I find it a touch on the heavy side, although its still comfortable enough; on a Zulu, though, it comes into its own. I have five different coloured straps for it, in fact, although in the photo below it's on my current favourite. Let's hear it for the U1! __________________ Tony

18 April 2014, 07:39 PM	#2
mailman TRF Moderator & DATE-JUST41 2024 Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: 126610LN Posts: 35,371	That's a killer watch Tony __________________ JJ

18 April 2014, 08:09 PM	#3
FeelingTheBlues "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Carl Location: Always moving Watch: If you wish... Posts: 22,039	Glad to know you have found your ideal beater Tony my friend, it looks great indeed and that strap does compliment it well. Congratulations! __________________ Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin

18 April 2014, 10:17 PM	#5
learningtofly 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Real Name: Tony Location: London, England Watch: Hmmm... Posts: 2,479	Cheers, lads. The strap's a Maratac Zulu, which I picked up from Westcoastime. __________________ Tony

18 April 2014, 11:42 PM	#6
joe100 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,753	The U1 is a classic. I regard Sinn as one of the best affordable brands __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

18 April 2014, 10:16 PM	#4
Touring 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Hoth Posts: 1,242	That strap is a fantastic shade of red! What brand is it?

19 April 2014, 12:17 AM	#7
ttomczak 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Thomas Location: North Carolina Watch: The Beach Posts: 3,410	I've had three. The U1 is a beast. __________________ If you wind it, it tells pretty good time (Paul Newman)

19 April 2014, 11:00 AM	#8
sierra11b "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Eric Location: California Watch: MkXVIII, 3570.50 Posts: 1,966	Always a fan of the U1 and used to own one. I flipped it because I was in pursuit of something greater and because I wasn't a fan of the lume, but I would argue that it's one of the best bargain tool watches today, especially preowned.

19 April 2014, 11:30 AM	#9
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	One of my faves - especially the black bezel (SDR) version __________________

21 April 2014, 07:21 AM	#10
Amez "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: USA Posts: 185	U1's are great watches. Sinn makes some good silicon straps also.

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