After I buy this Montblanc Timewalker Alligator Leather Automatic
This was the 2nd TAG I purchased while on vacation recently. Being left handed - the date at 9 o'clock made a lot of sense for us right wrist watch wearing folks. As with most automatic tags - this Caliber 5 movement has a highly decorated rotor on what appears to be an extensively reworked ETA 2824-2 25 jewel movement.
It compares in other areas nicely to my Omega SMP (Sea Master Pro) 007 and Planet Ocean series watches - the TAG with a larger case than my 41.5mm model Omegas.
I've noticed where folks have had CROWN Tube problems with this model - sadly not uncommon - as the larger case diameters cause problems with auto movements never size engineeered for watch cases (over 43mm) now in style. The crown tube 'extension' allows the stem to connect all the way from the crown to the movement junction for manual winding and time and date set. The 43mm case diameter apparently puts torque leverage and pressure on this tube and makes it succeptable to stripping. Other companies such as Philip have had this problem with their 48mm cased Admirale ETA 7750 chrono movement which could I could not have repaired - and Accutron's(Bulova)VX200 with a 43mm cased ETA 7750 where I've laid out $150 each time for 2 such repairs - personal experience on both models.
The Aquaracer has nice heft - adequate lume (I usually don't dive with $2,000 wrist watches) and is a well balanced watch with its stainless steel bracelet and hefty case weight. The exhibition back proudly shows off that well decorated movement. Crown is quite prominent - extending way beyond the crown protectors on the case.
Sapphire crystal should make for years of scratch resistant dial wear. Stainless steel 3 linked bracelet is friction pinned, with a satin finish that hides scratches better than polished links. Divers bezel is 120 clicks to the hour - uni-directional - feels good enough to adjust with or without gloves. Adequate micro-adjustment on the bracelet - but with no divers wetsuit extension on the clasp.
Some purchasers have had an issue on Amazon repair and maintenace. I personally have no experience with the Amazon watch repair organization. I always purchase from Amazon with confidence with many of my other watches.
However - TAG watches sold by Amazon - are 'gray market watches' not covered by the Tag factory service organization. Amazon is not an authorized TAG dealer (AD). I don't know whether a TAG purchased from an AD will have the Crown Tube fixed at no charge either - hope I never need to find out or whether any time period past the warranty expiry is not honored for free repairs. With that said - one has a choice of a greater discount on a gray market watch - versus the TAG warranty coverage offered by an AD (at a higher price). This is a personal choice we all make as consumers - my preference is purchase from an AD on a more expensive watch - or purchase of a 'pre-loved' used timepiece in good condition.
Author owns this watch - and is an Executive Administrator on an internet watch forum.
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