One Hamilton and Two Zodiacs Walk Into a Bar...

[mcgruber]

Im on the hunt for a new watch. Here are the three opponents. Ive listed the specs on each watch below. I myself prefer Divers and Dress Watches. I also spring for a metal bracelet if I can. Which ever one I pick will be bought new; the Zodiacs will be bought from the AD with manufactures warranty, and the Hamilton will be from Jomashop. 

ZODIAC OLYMPOS 
$400 USD (special access pricing)
ZO9700

I love the Olympos, to me it has the perfect size and attractive manta-ray case shape. I must include that Zodiac is some what of a zombie brand. It has been brought back to life by several investors. At the moment it is owned by the Fossil Group. STP is the Fossil Groups "in-house" movement manufacture. STP mostly makes clones of ETA movement but with several modifications; swan neck regulators, stronger mainsprings, and different materials used in the hairspring.
Originally launched in 1961 and now reimagined for today—the Olympos combines innovative design with classic style. With a 5 ATM water resistance rating, this 37.5mm watch showcases a manta ray-shaped stainless steel case, black quarter dial finish with silver-tone accents, Swiss-made STP 3-13 automatic movement and black leather strap.
28,800 BPH
Case size: 37.5 mm x 45 mm

Case thickness: 10 mm

Lug width: 20 mm

Movement: Automatic

Origin: Swiss Made

Packaging: Zodiac Wooden Box

Warranty: 2 Year International

Water resistant: 5 ATM

SUPER SEA WOLF

$800 USD (special access pricing)
ZO9266

I also love the Sea Wolf. My collection is mainly Drivers and Dress watches. I prefer metal bracelets over a leather band. Also, the bracelet on this watch has an extendable clasp, almost like a divers extension.
Featuring a stainless-steel case and uni-directional mineral crystal topring, matte blue dial, stainless-steel 5-link bracelet and C3 SuperLuminova hands and indexes, Sea Wolf conveys the brand's commitment to definitive style with timeless roots. The STP 3-13 automatic movement and sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating stay true to the quality and style of ZODIAC.
28,800 BPH
Case size: 40 mm

Case thickness: 13 mm

Lug width: 20 mm

Movement: Automatic

Origin: Swiss Made

Packaging: Zodiac Wooden Box

Warranty: 2 Year International

Water resistant: 20 ATM


HAMILTON Mechanical Men's Watch H69419933

$269 USD
Khaki Field Mechanical
I like this watch but I think Im drawn to its affordability. 
Stainless steel case with a beige canvas strap. Fixed stainless steel bezel. Black dial with luminous hands and Arabic numeral hour markers. Minute markers around the outer rim. 24 hour (GMT) scale around the inner ring. Dial Type: Analog. Luminescent hands and markers. Date display at the 3 o'clock position. Manual winding mechanical movement with a 46-hour power reserve. Scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Textured steel push down crown. Solid case back. Case diameter: 38 mm. Case thickness: 9.5 mm. Round case shape. Tang clasp. Water resistant at 50 meters / 165 feet. Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, calendar, GMT. Casual watch style. Watch label: Swiss Made. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Mens Watch H69419933.

INFORMATION

BRAND Hamilton SERIES Khaki Field MODEL H69419933 GENDER Men's WATCH LABEL Swiss Made MOVEMENT Hand Wind ENGINE ETA Caliber 2804-2 POWER RESERVE 46 hours
CASE

CASE SIZE 38 mm CASE THICKNESS 9.5 mm CASE MATERIAL Stainless Steel CASE SHAPE Round CASE BACK Solid

[mcgruber]

Looking for second opinions. Ive never owned a Zodiac watch so it is new territory. Ive owned several Hamiltons, old and new, so I have an idea how this watch will perform.  

[philsinclair]

Hi. I may well be a bit old fashioned when it comes to this sort of stuff. Hamilton has been revived by Swatch after disappearing a few times. The 2804 is a small hand wound movement from eta and has been around some years and is quite reliable in the watches I have with it powering them. On the other hand, Zodiac has no resemblance to its prior incarnations. I don’t believe Fossil or STP really manufacture anything but may assemble watches from brought in from Asian manufacturers ar best. Cheers Phil

[mcgruber]

Jan 12, 2019 13:37:11 GMT -8 philsinclair said:

Hi. I may well be a bit old fashioned when it comes to this sort of stuff. Hamilton has been revived by Swatch after disappearing a few times. The 2804 is a small hand wound movement from eta and has been around some years and is quite reliable in the watches I have with it powering them. On the other hand, Zodiac has no resemblance to its prior incarnations. I don’t believe Fossil or STP really manufacture anything but may assemble watches from brought in from Asian manufacturers ar best. Cheers Phil

I have owned American made vintage Hamilton and Swatch Group Hamilton. I do prefer one over the other but regardless they are both really great value for the money watches. Here is more info on STP www.ablogtowatch.com/visit-stp-watch-movement-manufacture-fossil-group-answer-eta/. To fulfill the Swiss Made requirement the watches are assembled in Switzerland, a mix of machine and hand built assembly. I do not believe STP source parts from Asian Manufacturers. www.swisstp.com/en/production. 

[Deleted]

While the Hami is my choice; I prefer this version...

[mcgruber]

Jan 12, 2019 17:07:58 GMT -8 @penguinbce said:

While the Hami is my choice; I prefer this version...

That is a favorite of mine. I owned one back in 2017. No complaints, as it was a great watch, but Im itching for a handwinder not an auto. My only other handwind watch is a GS45 dress watch that is worn sparingly. So it would be nice to add a new handwinder to the rotation.

[philsinclair]

Hi. This subject has been covered by most watch fora over the last ten years. The tag Swiss made under Swiss legislation is a joke. This enables Fossil to use a Seagull ST 2130 ebauche and call it Swiss Made. Cheers Phil

[pip]

For me the Hami just about beats the zodiac, and is it just me or does it look a lot like this one?

[mikeyt]

I voted for the Olympos and the Hamilton.  I've had the Automatic version of the Hammy Field, but I'd like to try the handwind.  And the case shape on the Olympos turns my crank. 

[small]

Jan 13, 2019 1:34:01 GMT -8 pip said:

For me the Hami just about beats the zodiac, and is it just me or does it look a lot like this one?

That was the first Seiko I modded with a new dial....

Not voting because I don't think you could go wrong with any of the three, The fact that they are all from a different category. Field/Military, Diver, and dress. Would be easier for me to decide if you put up three of the same style, and then I'd have an opinion...well I always have one of those.  

[Groundhog66]

I'm not really a dress watch kinda guy, so I voted for the Sea Wolf. I have some vintage Zodiac divers, but have not checked out the new ones in person.

[dwks2017]

I feel if I wanted a diver, I would go with the Prospex diver. But for a more dress watch feel, the Hamilton mechanical is hard to beat for the price and wears very well with it's thin case. I know it was a regret sell for me.

[donciccio]

I'll take a Sea Wolf please.

[mcgruber]

I finally came to my senses and purchased the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf. I'll do a quick write up once I wear it for a while.



(NOT MY PHOT0)

[peenemunde]

Hamilton, for me.

[mcgruber]

Feb 26, 2019 14:40:59 GMT -8 peenemunde said:

Hamilton, for me.

A great watch but my heart is set on dive watches right now.