I bought this watch for my father as a Christmas gift in 2020. He's a Vietnam Vet, and he loves this watch. He's never complained about the manual wind. He appreciates the "field watch" asthetic of the Serica. I had excellent customer service with Jerome at Serica in Paris. So far it's been a good purchase that my father and I are happy with. I personally wear an automatic from Christopher Ward, so I do understand Nick's point.
Thanks. Now is the crown TUBE replaceable? - is crown TUBE screwed into the case or is it machine pressed, or is it part of the main case and cannot be replaced? Same with the bezel, part of the main case or separate piece please?
This may sound hard to believe, but there's a LOT of watch geeks that simply LOVE interacting with the watch every morning before starting their day. Cult ritual and all that...seriously!
I disagree on the screw-down crown. Maybe it's just my old, arthritic fingers, but I find that hand winding watches with the crown tight against the case is more difficult, especially if the crown is small and the o-ring around the stem is tight, as it might be with 200-meter water resistance. The screw-down crown gets the crown away from the case, so I can grip it better to wind it. Unless you like to wind your watch a few turns whenever you have nothing to do with your hands, like a "fidget toy," I don't think it's that much trouble to unscrew the crown once a day to wind it. And accuracy may be more consistent if it is wound completely at the same time every day. I guess it's just personal preference.
Thank you for bringing this up. I think the same thing every time I see someone complaining about screwdown handwinders, but I've never seen anyone mention it before. Of my watches, the *only* one I find comfortable to wind is the screwdown, for exactly the ergonomic reason you describe. The others that wind with the crown flush against the case, including a vintage handwind only, are not as comfortable. I honestly think handwind *without* screwdown might be a dealkiller for me in a daily worn watch, purely because the difference in crown position turns a pleasant ritual into a fiddly and uncomfortable chore. I'd never seen a video of the 4512's crown being operated before, so when Nick unscrewed it my first thought was: Look at that great handwinding room it provides!
Interesting how all the things you hated were the very things that I love about it. The ritual of stopping to look at my watch and wind it daily is part of the charm and wanting less WR and a lesser quality non screw down crown? No thanks. Mechanicals exist still because we LIKE all that stuff. One of my favorite all time watches.
I have the California dial version and enjoy winding it before going to sleep. I prefer it on a tropic or suede strap. I agree it would have been better without the screw down crown.
I’ll admit this review gave me reservations about this watch. But I decided to go ahead and buy it anyway because of the look and wanting a mechanical field watch. I’m happy to report that the screw down crown is not an issue for me and seems a little exaggerated here. It adds maybe 3 seconds at the beginning and end of the process of winding the watch. When unscrewing the crown, it basically pops straight into the winding position, making it very easy. Winding then takes around 30 seconds, it’s very smooth, and I’m glad it can’t be overwound (I do about 30 winds). It’s also not difficult to remember to screw it back in because it’s literally sticking out into the winding position. And I only need to wind it every couple of days because of the decent power reserve. Mine stays within +/- 4 each day so by the time I wind it I usually also hack the time. I appreciate the extra water resistance of the screw down crown, because I wear it almost daily and it gets plenty wet while I keep peace of mind. Give it a try if you’re on the fence - I find the quality to be above its price point.
I’m surprised to hear you say that +2 to +10 is just OK. It’s not a luxury watch so why would you expect anything better than that? That seems great to me. Also I know a lot of people that love winding their watch every day including myself. Love the review as always.
Manual Wind watches is not cutting a corner - lots of people like winding the watch. Also - while not the case for this watch - manual watches with display case backs are nicer than automatics - particuarly for in house movements - but i agree with you on the screw down crown lmao.
i don't disagree with Nick often, but i'd defintely put this on a nice thick cut casual leather strap for daily wear. would probably look nice on a nato as well
I LOVE that it’s manual wound. In a world where more and more digital and smart watches are getting popular, a manual winder makes a mechanical watch stand out as a physical machine….and I love that it’s a screw-down crown too!…..I can’t decide whether I like the standard or the Commando.
The first Rolex Oysters wwere manual wind and screw down crown from 1926. But they wwere replaced 7 years later in 1933 with automatic and screw down crown. The main thing is the crown tube must be replaceable and preferably screwed into the case, not machine-pressed, or the watch will not retain its water resitance after a year or so. If worn daily.
I’m surprised to hear you say that +2 to +10 is just OK. It’s not a luxury watch so why would you expect anything better than that? That seems great to me.
The watch I wear most often is a mid 1950’s Omega Seamaster Manual wind which I wind every morning whether or not I am using it that day. I also have two Omega Seamasters from around the same time (all from either my uncle or father) that are automatic but have terrible accuracy. The manual wind is pretty accurate. Just to note, none of those watches are what would be considered water resistant today. Just by way of saying manual wind watches can be fine.
Thanks. Now is the crown TUBE replaceable? - is crown TUBE screwed into the case or is it machine pressed, or is it part of the main case and cannot be replaced? Same with the bezel, part of the main case or separate piece please?
Serica is such a great brand! I have the 5303, brilliant dive watch. I didn't realize this one was a screw down crown and manual wind. I agree with that gripe. Not only is it a pain but the wear on the 'screw down' part of the watch case... You'd have to be careful every time you're screwing/unscrewing the crown. ugh.
I have been looking at this watch for well over a year; love everything about it except the screw in crown. If it was 100m WR, a bit thinner and push-pull crown I would've bought it in a heartbeat.
Not to contradict you Nick but the movement in this watch is not a SPOROD/STP 1-11 movement. It is either a SPOROD P024 or STP 1-11 movement as they are two different movement from two different makers. Most recent stock should have the SOPROD movement within as they seem to have a good working relationship with them now (they use the SOPROD Newton in their 5303 dive watch). I spent a lot of time verifying all this info with the company as I own this watch and at one point owned the 5303. I keep this watch on either the Bonklip or an all black Erika MN strap and it is great. Although lately I have favoring my Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical in White dial more for daily wear.
PS Manual winding. A pain in the backside or a zen moment to be enjoyed , savoured, sensed as one rolles the crown and feels that connection with the cosmos........... Or maybe some people like to fiddle.
The thing that I think is amazing is that the watch comes in a right or left handed verion with the crown at 3 or 9. I have never seen that before ever.
Thanks for the great review. I purchased the exact same watch last November. I too rotate watches regularly. The screw down crown is fine for me. I put it on a breads of rice bracelet, and it exudes class. Love the look.
I'm wearing a Dekla Turbulenz at the moment , this Serica look's really nice I would put it on a Watch Steward parachute strap would look fantastic , great review Nick.
Forstner in the USA is offering new versions of this bracelet as well. I have another USA version - a Krementz Self-Adjustable Watch Band from the 1940's that is well worn but still serviceable.
By your own admission, the screw-down crown is only an issue if you wear it daily, and we all know nobody is buying a manual wind watch as their one and only watch.
One advantage to manual wind. You always know how much power the watch has. Which is as much as you wound it. With Automatic i am always guessing how much the watch is wound. So thats my $.02 cents.
I wouldn't mind manual wind with a push pull crown. I get annoyed by screw down crowns on my automatics also, I know I am in the minority. Fine on quartz because I almost never have to futz with it.
Appreciate the review. I’ve been considering this watch intermittently for a while. I agree A better compromise of utility and convenience would be 100 m water resistance and a push pull crown in a manual wind watch. But I can’t see it as a deal breaker and the screw down crown does increase your confidence if you plan actually using it in the water. I’m surprised your disappointed in the accuracy for a mechanical watch in this price range
I am of the impression that this bracelet is made by Joseph Bonnie. It does not appear to be any different than the 20mm Bonklip bracelet that Joseph Bonnie sells.
I actually prefer a manual wound movement in an analog field watch. This is simply something to do while the coffee is brewing. It is part of the morning ritual. I really, really, like that this movement has a clutch on the winding mechanism so that it cannot be overwound. That is brilliant. I appreciate the 200M WR, but not the screw down crown. Several years ago a boutique Japanese watchmaker made a limited run JDM of a very similar watch (a modernized homage to the Benrus US Military General Service watch of the Korean and Vietnam eras) with 200M WR and no screw down crown. It is possible to do this, but it requires rather ingenious gasketing and incredibly tight tolerances (which just so happens to be something that the Japanese have knack for).
I actually dislike that feature. A lot,to be blunt. As a owner of many manual wind watches I am looking for that point in the wind where it is "full". I then know it's good until tomorrow at the very least. How do you know it's fully wound with a clutch? it's not as in an automatic where a few finds is all you need and kinetic energy carries the rest. I would always prefer a manual wind but in this case coupled with the screw down crown that's a hard stop for me. A agree with the reviewer-it's a near miss.
@@secoff1 How do you know it's fully wound with a clutch? You count the number of times you wind it, just like the Count on Sesame Street. Doesn't everyone do this, with or without a clutch? I get it that the feedback from a full spring is satisfying. I count the turns in any case.
The first Rolex Oysters wwere manual wind and screw down crown from 1926. But they wwere replaced 7 years later in 1933 with automatic and screw down crown. The main thing is the crown tube must be replaceable and preferably screwed into the case, not machine-pressed, or the watch will not retain its water resitance after a year or so. If worn daily.
I’m sure the increased water resistance had something to do with the screw down crown for me not a big deal at all I have a couple of manual wind watches and I like them very much
I agree with you on the ugly, this is a near miss there is no need for a screw down this could easily have been a 50m no screw down and a win..however you may have missed what they are trying to achieve here. They may have not wanted to create a modern 2022 watch.
I have this Oris Culture Artelier Translucent Skeleton watch which I just bought a month ago. If you want to check it out, I am willing to send it to you.
Seeing the thumbnail for the video, I was all ready to hate this watch, but surprise after the review, I find myself wanting one. As someone that has owned a Omega Speedy pro, Since I watched the Moon Landing in 69, I don't mind the manual wind. I am in NO hurry when winding, I find it a "bonding" time....."If I don't wind you, YOU DIE:, LOL.... It is just a slow contemplating moment or two for me....BuT........that Seamaster 300 though is just making me Drool...My only solace is to wind my Speedy and put it on my wrist. I think the Price point is fine, especially if you look at the price that Rolex Explore 214270 is going for, lolollolol. Nice Review, and Thank you for making me aware of this fine time Estimate.......
Unless your in the need to be on the exact second like a military bomb squad, then anything better than +60 to -60 seconds a day is absolutely adequate for us "normies". Thanks for the content. God bless
Yeah yeah, now we know, you do not like the combo 'screw down crown' and 'manual winding'. Well, I think it is good. It is not a flaw, it is an asset. If you have the hand-eye coordination of someone older than a toddler, you should be okay. Do not cry about it, sounds almost like a spoiled child.
Two of the things that drew Nick to this watch, (looks and size), were definitely NOT pluses to me. Not that there is anything to apologize for....it's impossible for a reviewer to be a surrogate for EVERYONE. Hard pass for me...and you'll forgive me if I don't apologize. 😅
In my experience, outside-the-box bracelets are usually outside the box for a reason. Also, did you say the bracelet is magnetic? Hm, perfect for a mechanical movement watch... 😐
I bought this watch for my father as a Christmas gift in 2020. He's a Vietnam Vet, and he loves this watch. He's never complained about the manual wind. He appreciates the "field watch" asthetic of the Serica. I had excellent customer service with Jerome at Serica in Paris. So far it's been a good purchase that my father and I are happy with. I personally wear an automatic from Christopher Ward, so I do understand Nick's point.
Thanks. Now is the crown TUBE replaceable? - is crown TUBE screwed into the case or is it machine pressed, or is it part of the main case and cannot be replaced? Same with the bezel, part of the main case or separate piece please?
This may sound hard to believe, but there's a LOT of watch geeks that simply LOVE interacting with the watch every morning before starting their day. Cult ritual and all that...seriously!
Spot on.
Absolutely true.
I am one of those geeks
Dang. I. Must. Have. This. Seriously, I don't think I dislike anything about this. And love be bezel and bracelet.
I disagree on the screw-down crown. Maybe it's just my old, arthritic fingers, but I find that hand winding watches with the crown tight against the case is more difficult, especially if the crown is small and the o-ring around the stem is tight, as it might be with 200-meter water resistance. The screw-down crown gets the crown away from the case, so I can grip it better to wind it.
Unless you like to wind your watch a few turns whenever you have nothing to do with your hands, like a "fidget toy," I don't think it's that much trouble to unscrew the crown once a day to wind it.
And accuracy may be more consistent if it is wound completely at the same time every day.
I guess it's just personal preference.
Thank you for bringing this up. I think the same thing every time I see someone complaining about screwdown handwinders, but I've never seen anyone mention it before. Of my watches, the *only* one I find comfortable to wind is the screwdown, for exactly the ergonomic reason you describe. The others that wind with the crown flush against the case, including a vintage handwind only, are not as comfortable. I honestly think handwind *without* screwdown might be a dealkiller for me in a daily worn watch, purely because the difference in crown position turns a pleasant ritual into a fiddly and uncomfortable chore.
I'd never seen a video of the 4512's crown being operated before, so when Nick unscrewed it my first thought was: Look at that great handwinding room it provides!
Interesting how all the things you hated were the very things that I love about it. The ritual of stopping to look at my watch and wind it daily is part of the charm and wanting less WR and a lesser quality non screw down crown? No thanks. Mechanicals exist still because we LIKE all that stuff. One of my favorite all time watches.
Nice.
I have the California dial version and enjoy winding it before going to sleep. I prefer it on a tropic or suede strap. I agree it would have been better without the screw down crown.
@@Rechts_traeger There is a light clicking sound when it’s fully wound, according to Serica you will not damage it if you go past that point.
I’ll admit this review gave me reservations about this watch. But I decided to go ahead and buy it anyway because of the look and wanting a mechanical field watch. I’m happy to report that the screw down crown is not an issue for me and seems a little exaggerated here. It adds maybe 3 seconds at the beginning and end of the process of winding the watch. When unscrewing the crown, it basically pops straight into the winding position, making it very easy. Winding then takes around 30 seconds, it’s very smooth, and I’m glad it can’t be overwound (I do about 30 winds). It’s also not difficult to remember to screw it back in because it’s literally sticking out into the winding position. And I only need to wind it every couple of days because of the decent power reserve. Mine stays within +/- 4 each day so by the time I wind it I usually also hack the time. I appreciate the extra water resistance of the screw down crown, because I wear it almost daily and it gets plenty wet while I keep peace of mind. Give it a try if you’re on the fence - I find the quality to be above its price point.
I’m surprised to hear you say that +2 to +10 is just OK. It’s not a luxury watch so why would you expect anything better than that? That seems great to me. Also I know a lot of people that love winding their watch every day including myself. Love the review as always.
Manual Wind watches is not cutting a corner - lots of people like winding the watch. Also - while not the case for this watch - manual watches with display case backs are nicer than automatics - particuarly for in house movements - but i agree with you on the screw down crown lmao.
i don't disagree with Nick often, but i'd defintely put this on a nice thick cut casual leather strap for daily wear. would probably look nice on a nato as well
I LOVE that it’s manual wound. In a world where more and more digital and smart watches are getting popular, a manual winder makes a mechanical watch stand out as a physical machine….and I love that it’s a screw-down crown too!…..I can’t decide whether I like the standard or the Commando.
The first Rolex Oysters wwere manual wind and screw down crown from 1926. But they wwere replaced 7 years later in 1933 with automatic and screw down crown. The main thing is the crown tube must be replaceable and preferably screwed into the case, not machine-pressed, or the watch will not retain its water resitance after a year or so. If worn daily.
Very good points....thank you
I’m surprised to hear you say that +2 to +10 is just OK. It’s not a luxury watch so why would you expect anything better than that? That seems great to me.
Well-defended position on the crown issue, and quite interesting for us non-watch people.
The watch I wear most often is a mid 1950’s Omega Seamaster Manual wind which I wind every morning whether or not I am using it that day. I also have two Omega Seamasters from around the same time (all from either my uncle or father) that are automatic but have terrible accuracy. The manual wind is pretty accurate. Just to note, none of those watches are what would be considered water resistant today. Just by way of saying manual wind watches can be fine.
All the things you didn’t like about this watch I love!!
I like manual wind :/
Then oh boy do I have a watch for you.
Thanks. Now is the crown TUBE replaceable? - is crown TUBE screwed into the case or is it machine pressed, or is it part of the main case and cannot be replaced? Same with the bezel, part of the main case or separate piece please?
Serica is such a great brand! I have the 5303, brilliant dive watch. I didn't realize this one was a screw down crown and manual wind. I agree with that gripe. Not only is it a pain but the wear on the 'screw down' part of the watch case... You'd have to be careful every time you're screwing/unscrewing the crown. ugh.
Now THAT was an entertaining watch review! And about as honest as it gets!
I have been looking at this watch for well over a year; love everything about it except the screw in crown. If it was 100m WR, a bit thinner and push-pull crown I would've bought it in a heartbeat.
yeah screw-in crown on a handwind is dumb. 100m is plenty for non-dive watch
Not to contradict you Nick but the movement in this watch is not a SPOROD/STP 1-11 movement. It is either a SPOROD P024 or STP 1-11 movement as they are two different movement from two different makers. Most recent stock should have the SOPROD movement within as they seem to have a good working relationship with them now (they use the SOPROD Newton in their 5303 dive watch). I spent a lot of time verifying all this info with the company as I own this watch and at one point owned the 5303. I keep this watch on either the Bonklip or an all black Erika MN strap and it is great. Although lately I have favoring my Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical in White dial more for daily wear.
PS Manual winding. A pain in the backside or a zen moment to be enjoyed , savoured, sensed as one rolles the crown and feels that connection with the cosmos........... Or maybe some people like to fiddle.
This sentiment seems to be widely shared by the manual winders here. I get it.
The thing that I think is amazing is that the watch comes in a right or left handed verion with the crown at 3 or 9. I have never seen that before ever.
Thanks for the great review. I purchased the exact same watch last November. I too rotate watches regularly. The screw down crown is fine for me. I put it on a breads of rice bracelet, and it exudes class. Love the look.
I have the very first version of this. The only down side is acrylic rather sapphire crystal .
What is the measured power reserve on yours? My power reserve is shorter with 42,5 h. I wonder if it means there's smth wrong with the movement.
I'm wearing a Dekla Turbulenz at the moment , this Serica look's really nice I would put it on a Watch Steward parachute strap would look fantastic , great review Nick.
Cool bracelet, haven't seen that type before,nice watch!
Forstner in the USA is offering new versions of this bracelet as well. I have another USA version - a Krementz Self-Adjustable Watch Band from the 1940's that is well worn but still serviceable.
By your own admission, the screw-down crown is only an issue if you wear it daily, and we all know nobody is buying a manual wind watch as their one and only watch.
A “pain in the neck” to spend 2 seconds unscrewing a crown?
I think the bigger issue is the wear on the crown gasket.
One advantage to manual wind. You always know how much power the watch has. Which is as much as you wound it. With Automatic i am always guessing how much the watch is wound. So thats my
$.02 cents.
I wouldn't mind manual wind with a push pull crown. I get annoyed by screw down crowns on my automatics also, I know I am in the minority. Fine on quartz because I almost never have to futz with it.
Appreciate the review. I’ve been considering this watch intermittently for a while. I agree A better compromise of utility and convenience would be 100 m water resistance and a push pull crown in a manual wind watch. But I can’t see it as a deal breaker and the screw down crown does increase your confidence if you plan actually using it in the water. I’m surprised your disappointed in the accuracy for a mechanical watch in this price range
Forstner sells an aftermarket version of this style of bracelet with various lug widths.
They also sell after market Omega bracelets to if you want one with a taper (a personal deal breaker for me with the OEMv version)
I am of the impression that this bracelet is made by Joseph Bonnie. It does not appear to be any different than the 20mm Bonklip bracelet that Joseph Bonnie sells.
I actually prefer a manual wound movement in an analog field watch. This is simply something to do while the coffee is brewing. It is part of the morning ritual. I really, really, like that this movement has a clutch on the winding mechanism so that it cannot be overwound. That is brilliant.
I appreciate the 200M WR, but not the screw down crown. Several years ago a boutique Japanese watchmaker made a limited run JDM of a very similar watch (a modernized homage to the Benrus US Military General Service watch of the Korean and Vietnam eras) with 200M WR and no screw down crown. It is possible to do this, but it requires rather ingenious gasketing and incredibly tight tolerances (which just so happens to be something that the Japanese have knack for).
I actually dislike that feature. A lot,to be blunt. As a owner of many manual wind watches I am looking for that point in the wind where it is "full". I then know it's good until tomorrow at the very least. How do you know it's fully wound with a clutch? it's not as in an automatic where a few finds is all you need and kinetic energy carries the rest. I would always prefer a manual wind but in this case coupled with the screw down crown that's a hard stop for me. A agree with the reviewer-it's a near miss.
@@secoff1 How do you know it's fully wound with a clutch? You count the number of times you wind it, just like the Count on Sesame Street. Doesn't everyone do this, with or without a clutch? I get it that the feedback from a full spring is satisfying. I count the turns in any case.
I count them as well. I'm just conditioned to expect a full spring then stop. Plus number of turns is kinda all over the map too. Anyway cheers
The first Rolex Oysters wwere manual wind and screw down crown from 1926. But they wwere replaced 7 years later in 1933 with automatic and screw down crown. The main thing is the crown tube must be replaceable and preferably screwed into the case, not machine-pressed, or the watch will not retain its water resitance after a year or so. If worn daily.
Have you checked out the new release that solves some of your issues?
No, after my experience with their diver, I'm not particularly interested in trying another Serica.
Love the watch reviews ... Keep them up with your customary warning please
Very nice looking watch. Very nice. The first thing I would do is put it on a black strap.
I own the watch, it is my first handwind, and I'll tell you: I am almost disappointed that I get to wind that beautiful gem only once every morning.
I’m sure the increased water resistance had something to do with the screw down crown for me not a big deal at all I have a couple of manual wind watches and I like them very much
Fantastic review. You just got yourself a new subscriber
Sounds like buck wants a quartz option here
Any ghost date position?
I agree with you on the ugly, this is a near miss there is no need for a screw down this could easily have been a 50m no screw down and a win..however you may have missed what they are trying to achieve here. They may have not wanted to create a modern 2022 watch.
Hey nick can you review the ultra fire knife by renegade outdoor? Love your content!
Nick, I know this is a watch review but is the qsp hamster on your radar I would love to see a review of it from you.
Didn’t you love the moonwatch, which is a Manuel wind watch?
Nope, I poked at it for the same reason, but at least it doesn't use a screw-down crown!
First few seconds I thought a premium Vostok.
Very cool watch!
Lovely watch but I'm strictly Quartz because I'm ADDH.
I have this Oris Culture Artelier Translucent Skeleton watch which I just bought a month ago. If you want to check it out, I am willing to send it to you.
this reminds me of a well finished vostok amphibia
Nick… you said don’t get in to watches! This isn’t helping!
How is this bracelet named? Very interesting.
Bonclip
@@RunawayYe thank you very much! 😀
Seeing the thumbnail for the video, I was all ready to hate this watch, but surprise after the review, I find myself wanting one. As someone that has owned a Omega Speedy pro, Since I watched the Moon Landing in 69, I don't mind the manual wind. I am in NO hurry when winding, I find it a "bonding" time....."If I don't wind you, YOU DIE:, LOL.... It is just a slow contemplating moment or two for me....BuT........that Seamaster 300 though is just making me Drool...My only solace is to wind my Speedy and put it on my wrist. I think the Price point is fine, especially if you look at the price that Rolex Explore 214270 is going for, lolollolol. Nice Review, and Thank you for making me aware of this fine time Estimate.......
Unless your in the need to be on the exact second like a military bomb squad, then anything better than +60 to -60 seconds a day is absolutely adequate for us "normies". Thanks for the content.
God bless
Yeah yeah, now we know, you do not like the combo 'screw down crown' and 'manual winding'. Well, I think it is good. It is not a flaw, it is an asset. If you have the hand-eye coordination of someone older than a toddler, you should be okay. Do not cry about it, sounds almost like a spoiled child.
Two of the things that drew Nick to this watch, (looks and size), were definitely NOT pluses to me. Not that there is anything to apologize for....it's impossible for a reviewer to be a surrogate for EVERYONE. Hard pass for me...and you'll forgive me if I don't apologize. 😅
In my experience, outside-the-box bracelets are usually outside the box for a reason. Also, did you say the bracelet is magnetic? Hm, perfect for a mechanical movement watch... 😐
It isn’t.
Yeah wind- hassle 😭
I dont wear a watch, I dont want a watch. I have no interest in watches. But if you were to review kidney stones, I would probably watch it 👍😂😂
First :-)!