Armitron All-Sport

at Ricky Lee's Home For Wayward Wristwatches. Is Happy Day! I just got a new watch!

Ricky Lee
December 06, 2009 12:44PM

Registered: April 2005
Posts: 5,844 (2010-02)

I actually got two of these, identical save for one's on a folded-link SS Osyter bracelet that looks to be OEM, and t'other was on a cracked & rotten resin strap. I was a bit surprised by them, I admit, as I don't associate the marque with "quality", and so didn't expect much. But the more I looked, the better they looked, and I'm actually quite pleased with them.

So here you go..

Armitron Pro All-Sport

Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo

..the Armitron Pro-All-Sport! WooHOO!

So what's to like? Well just look at it!

It is 37mm x 44mm, with a smooth 60-click unidirectional bezel - obviously inspired by the classic Submariner design, yet the crown at 4 keeps it from coming off as a slavish clone. And speaking of the crown - 'tis a rather large (5mm) SS screwdown affair with an impressive 6 turns of thread. Very solid and positive feeling, too! Many cheap watches with screwdown crown feel like they're liable to strip at any time, but not this one!

The case, while it is base metal, is quite well executed, and the caseback is a screwdown with more than average thread engagement. 'tis gasketed with a plus-sized round O-ring, and rated for 100M WR. That actually seems conservative to me - provided the gaskets were sound, I'd be surprised if it wasn't double that! It uses 18mm straps, so my choices are wide-open.. but yet I couldn't resist ye Standard Skunk NATO.

The movement is Japanese, a model Y143A by Shiojira Ltd. This is a new one on me, but looks quite well made for a commodity 0-jewel quartz. Both booted up fine upon installation of fresh 395 Energizers. Day and date are both quickset, and it sets smoothly and positively (much more positive than a PC21!).

Since I've got two, I'm thinkin' one might be mod fodder. Hey honeycutt! What's your recipe for baked dial and hands?!

-Ricky

Messages In This Thread

at Ricky Lee's Home For Wayward Wristwatches. Is Happy Day! I just got a new watch!

Ricky Lee -- December 06, 2009 12:44PM (Views: 157)

Nice classic looks on this one

(n/t)
Reto -- December 07, 2009 09:00AM (Views: 15)

The volkswatch from Wally's world! I think Greg would answer a spray of
JohnnyT -- December 06, 2009 04:24PM (Views: 20)
extra virgin olive oil and a very light dusting of California garlic powder, salt to taste. Bake at 325 F for precisely 3 min 23 seconds. The use of a good chrono a must to get the time just right!

(n/t)
DJM -- December 06, 2009 02:31PM (Views: 17)
Nice pair, Ricky. (n/t)
Mark C. -- December 06, 2009 02:23PM (Views: 16)