After seeing BK's new EcoDrive approximately a year ago, I remarked that I may have to try one someday. Posted in honor the of the one and only Mr. Bigedsurf himself, who recently departed our earthly existence for sun and cocktails on another plane, this was Big Kahuna's Citizen EcoDrive BM7279-03E:
This model boasts a DLC coating on the case and buckle, exposed stainless screw heads and hash marks around the diver-style bezel, a skeletonized three-toned second hand, and of course - Citizen's EcoDrive movement.
Having never owned a Citizen, I was impressed with the level of finish and attention to detail applied to a relatively expensive watch - and that's no dig - as this example's street price is around $180, which is no small sum in itself. The case finish is flawless, as is the glossy "globe" motif applied to the satin-finished dial, creating a subtle background to the white and gold markers and arabic numerals on the dial, applied in a militaristic stencil font.
The 46mm case size with the crown at 3 o'clock will require a bit of adjustment. Although I have a syndrome I call "gigantor wrists" at approximately 9.25", the largest watch I've owned to date is the Seiko BASM. Speaking of gigantor wrists, I've run into the same issue I often have with most other straps:
Anyone have a line on inexpensive, quality, LONG straps in 24mm? I'm going to need one as I'm loving the look and set-and-forgetability of this bastich.
Overall, I've gained a strong impression of quality for the Citizen brand and really dig the looks of this watch. I've worn it all day to time the ribs I've got on my new smoker (first timer here, looking good so far), and really enjoyed it. The only thing buggin' me, which doesn't detract from the looks of this fine EcoDrive, is why oh why isn't the bezel moveable? You hear me Citizen? Timing bezels should be able to time something!
Thanks again to Big Kahuna, and to Ed - We wish you fair winds and following seas, brother.
OK - Up for consideration is a watch with a bit of forum history:
OfcMark originally purchased this fine Raketa from an individual on WUS, and when I saw the pictures and discovered the function of the chapter ring, I immediately wanted to own it. This is a genuine, non-messed-with Russki manufactured Raketa with a 24 hour 2623.H movement in very fine condition. The case is plated "gold" in color, with a contrasting black bezel and silver dial. This watch comes with the original black strap and a nearly new blue kevlar strap. The crystal is new, as it suffered an accidental collision with a floor.
The only defects that i see are a light scratch on the front of the case and some deeper scratches on the case near the caseback from dumbass me trying to get a movement shot. Speaking of:
This watch features a moveable chapter ring, broken into colored 4-hour segments. These represent times for "standing watch" while aboard a submarine, and are therefor super-cool.
In this photo, you can see the scratch on the front, as well as the pristine dial:
Bidding will start at $0 and continue until a final offer of $0 is reached.
He shoots, he SCORES!!