Astronomy Watch Astrofest Special

[EddieT]

Hi all,
I recently negotiated with YES watches to offer a deal for the Queensland Astrofest on their incredible watches, which I have loved wearing for many years.

The offer goes into September and with the Iceman's blessing, I'm putting it out there for the benefit of all Aussie astronomers who may want to take advantage of the Astrofest specials. Just go to the specials web page and take a look around.

http://www.yeswatch.com/astrofest

Please note that there is nothing in this for me, I’m not affiliated with the company in any way other than being a very satisfied customer, having been a customer since the first model released. I think it’s a great opportunity for aussie astro-people to get a good deal on a great watch that’s exceptionally suited to astronomy.

If you haven’t seen them before, these watches are worn by astronomers, astronauts, pilots, etc. I can't help but notice the one on Adam Savages arm every time I watch Mythbusters and they even have a place in the time museum at the Royal Greenwich observatory...

Although I'm not a representative of the company or the product, I'd be happy to answer any questions about them, just PM me.

Otherwise you can direct your questions directly to Bjorn Kartomten, the founder of the company using the Contact menu option on the web site.

All the best
Eddie Trimarchi
http://astroshed.com

[Rodstar]

They look fantastic Eddie. I have been looking for a new watch.

How clear are they in the dark? Can you read them easily with a red light?

[astroron]

They seem to be a brilliant watch:eyepop: but way out of my budget range:sadeyes:

[EddieT]

Hi Rod,



They do have an internal blue light that's not overly bright, but they can also be seen no worries with a Red light.

I warn you though, if you do get one, you will become dependant on it ! :)

[EddieT]

Hi Ron,


Yes they're sure not cheap, but in my opinion these are one of those rare items whose worth is more than the cost in the long run.

I gave a testimonial on the specials web site and it was easy to write, given that I meant every word of it!

All the best
Eddie

[Rodstar]

I am SEVERELY tempted. A few deep breaths, and some clear air is needed.....

[wavelandscott]

Me thinks I need to remind my wife that we have an anniversary coming up!!!

[TrevorW]

Is it Swiss made

[Rodstar]

I am awaiting an email reply to see if they will do lay-buy at the discounted prices ahead of Christmas. Fingers crossed, will keep you posted.

[EddieT]

Hi Trevor,


Yes the movement is Swiss. But it truly is an international watch. From the tech spec page...

The hand movement comes from Switzerland, the sapphire crystal from Germany and the chip is from Japan. The solar and lunar calculations are based on formulas from the US Navy and Meeus's algorithms. The PET countdown function comes from NASA. The programming is done out of Hong Kong with case and assembly completed in China.

All the best
Eddie Trimarchi

[EddieT]

Hi Rod,


Good luck with that, hope it all works out for your!

All the best

Eddie

[rogerg]

Wow, nice features!

I wish they'd have a picture to show how big it looks on a wrist though, as if it's huge, then I'd write it off regardless of features.

[EddieT]

Hi Roger,


Well, I don't have big wrists or arms by any means and it's fine for me.

There is a picture of Bjorn wearing one of his creations on the site

http://www.yeswatch.com/wrist-watch/timekeeper/press-bjorn-kartomten.html

This should give you a pretty good idea. The Inca, Kundalini, Zulu and Cozmo are all the same size and are the same as the one in this picture.

The Worldwatch is thicker and slightly smaller in diameter. Also they are not Titanium, but pressed out from a single block of Stainless Steel. All models have Sapphire glass which I defy anyone to scratch. I've rubbed mine up against a concrete wall (a couple of times in the stairwell where I used to work) and even under a loupe can see no visible damage to the glass. It's quite amazing!

Eddie

[DavidU]

Onr of my hobby's is watch collecting. I had an origional 1971 Omega Speedmaster NASA series (NASA official Moon watch on the back) these were one of the few watches worn in space.The rocket firing time was done on one of these watches (Apollo 13) and Neil Armstrong wore one on the moon.
http://www.chronomaddox.com/aldrin.jpg

Quartz and tuning fork watches did not pass NASA testing
http://www.omega-fanatic.com/pages/omega-info/moonwatch.php

[EddieT]

Hi David,

Cool! I also have a 1974 Omega, but not a Speedmaster!


Well, that was then and this is now! In the printed YES catalogue (I had a couple of hundred at Astrofest and they were being handed out to attendees), there is a picture of one on the arm of a Shuttle Atlantis astronaut in flight, so they are certainly good enough for astronauts now.

Of course the only the hand movement is analogue, everything else is digital.

These watches are also featured in the time museum at the Royal Greenwich observatory.

Personally I think these watches are one of the watch worlds best kept secrets.

Best Regards

Eddie Trimarchi
http://astroshed.com

[EddieT]

Further to my previous post


The astronaut I mentioned is commander Steve Frick. Here is a page about it

http://hrluxury.com/watches/yes-watch-tested-in-space

All the best

Eddie Trimarchi
http://astroshed.com

[DavidU]

They certainly look like great watches. Quite correct, modern watches such as these are used by Astronauts these days.
I just love my old analogue clunkers.

[Rodstar]

Thanks Eddie, Bjorn has already replied to my email...he does not do lay-buy, but he is happy to do a good price for me when I am cashed up, so I am very happy with that. I am definitely getting one...just need to save the beans now! Hopefully in time for Christmas.:thumbsup:

[EddieT]

Hi Rod


That's great! I'm sure once you start wearing it you'll wonder how you ever did without it.

All the best,
Eddie Trimarchi
http://astroshed.com

[EddieT]

Hi David,



Yes of course, I have several sitting in a drawer, they are engineering masterpieces in their own right and I can understand your love of them.

If you haven't heard of a Patek Phillip Sky-moon Tourbillon, then this might make you wet your pants.

http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/clocks-n-watches/watch/watches/patek-philippe/collections/sky-moon-tourbillon/index.htm

These things are the most complicated watches ever made and sell for well over a million US each. It's two watches in one (there's a watch on each side) and has Celestial sphere, sidereal time as well as moon phase, etc.

Fully analogue and truly a masterpiece. I like to tease myself with a look at the latest on these, a couple of times a year :)

All the best
Eddie Trimarchi
http://astroshed.com

[h0ughy]

so what is the main difference between the INCA and the worldwatch2? the aussie dollar is nt too bad today - 84 cents

[EddieT]

Hi Houghy,
Was just looking at a picture of you at astrofest with your mountains of packed-up equipment...


Off-hand, there is no functional difference between the two.
The Worldwatch case (and metal band) is Stainless Steel (with optional Gold plate) and the Inca case (and metal band) is Titanium.

The worldwatch is smaller in diameter than the Inca (43mm compared to 48mm) and the worldwatch is 1mm thicker (higher profile).

Scroll down to the table at the bottom of this page for comparisons

http://www.yeswatch.com/wrist-watch/timekeeper/tech_specs.html

The worldwatch and Cozmo are essentially the same thing.

Umm... I have one of each....Only because the Worldwatch was the original design back when I bought it and was only the one model. It didn't have moon rise/set on the face, only sun rise/set and length of day/night and lunar phase. I recently had the internals upgraded to a Worldwatch II as the case is identical to the Worldwatch II.

[EddieT]

For those interested,
Here is a link to the instruction manuals

For the mens watches (all)
http://www.yeswatch.com/wrist-watch/timekeeper/instructions/manual-4.html

And for the Ladies (Tati and Luna)
http://www.yeswatch.com/wrist-watch/timekeeper/instructions/manual-3.html

These should give you all you need to know about how the watches work.

[h0ughy]

I have eyed these timepieces of since they were first released and advertised in S&T and Astronomy back, gee be nearly 10 years ago. I couldn’t afford it then, and i cant now, but I think I will order the worldwatch11 for $495. And its $58 US for delivery. LOL I will save it up and give to my lovely wife to give to me for Christmas.......the caveat here is that this will cost me a trinket or two for her.......Ordering Now

[h0ughy]

well i have done it now.......only time will tell if i did the right thing ;)

[EddieT]

Hi Houghy,
Good stuff! I really don't think you'll be disappointed!

Once you get used to having sunrise/sunset, moonrise/moonset and moon phase all visible easily at any time, you'll probably (like me) wonder how you ever lived without it!

[Jen]

:lol: good luck with that Scott but i bet ya she will be requesting more than the cost of your watch is that a brave jesture to make :lol::lol:;)

[Rodstar]

Thanks for being the guinea pig, HOughy...... I look forward to scrutinising your watch at Lostock (assuming you are coming).

I doubt I will be in a position to place my order much before December as I am aiming for something more around the $US800 mark (which will be over AUD1000 incl shipping). That is a lot of pennies to scrounge.:P

[h0ughy]

might not have it on my arm by then - be for my anniversary or christmas..........cant rush these things.......;)

[rogerg]

I'd love one, but can't buy one right now with the days ticking down to our wedding. I have asked my family to all put in for one for Christmas, so will wait and see :) Sure would love to hate the sun rise/set and moon rise/set times available like that.

[h0ughy]

no peer pressure at all Roger - what are you going to order;)

[rogerg]

To be honest I'm having some trouble working out which is best. I'm finding it very hard to compare them. The Inca 206.4 is what I like the look of best but other than having a second time zone I can't work out if the Zulu 106.4 is any different. I would like to compare sizes and weights of them but can't seem to find dimensions and specifics of the Zulu :shrug: it's a little frustrating that the spec's page doesn't seem to have such details. My default will be the Inca unless I find the Zulu is smaller or lighter but with the same features.
:)

[Rodstar]

The main (perhaps only) differences that I can ascertain between the Inca and the Zulu is the number of links (sideways) in the wristband, and the outer ring (bessel). As I have no use for a second time zone, and I prefer the simplicity of the Inca bessel (no added numbers to crowd the watch face), I am inclined towards the Inca at the moment. What I can't decide between is the marine setting (I really like the rose gold/blue colour combination), or the yellow gold/titanium combo. As I wear a yellow gold wedding ring, I think the yellow gold/titanium is probably more complementary.

[Rodstar]

I have checked with Bjorn whether I can change the design a bit, and he says that is fine, there is just an additional cost of $55.

So, my plan is to order an Inca 201.4 with blue face and blue toned bezel.

I have saved $150 so far....I should have enough $$ by mid November if I stick to my savings plan.

[rogerg]

Is that the same as the 203.4 at this page?
http://www.yeswatch.com/wrist-watch/timekeeper/inca.html?id=eecjtpJb

[Rodstar]

203.4 is in rose gold. I want yellow gold, to match my wedding ring! Apart from this, yes, they are the same.:thumbsup:

[rogerg]

ahh, of course :) well, very nice colour combination you'll have anyhow :)

[h0ughy]

I received my watch yesterday, but must keep it for later (haven’t told lovely wife yet)

I need to take one or 2 links out - don’t know if I will tackle this myself or go to the jeweller?

[h0ughy]

but like me its delicate;)

[Rodstar]

Lovely, mate. That will be hard to keep under wraps until Xmas!

Best you let SWMBO as soon as possible. She may even let you wear it earlier.

I would be going to the jeweller myself if I was in any doubt about changing the links.

[Rodstar]

BTW, HOughy, I have just had a look at the Yes Website to compare the colours in your watch to what is on the website. The colour of the moon crescent and moon circuit around the edge of the digital face appears quite yellowish in your photos, but on the website looks green. How does the colour look to you in the flesh?

[h0ughy]

no its exactly the colour i took the photo:shrug:

[Jen]

:eyepop: wow Houghy thats a nice looking watch there ;)
Maybe when you go to the jewellers you might need to buy the wifey a pair of nice diamond earings to soften the blow :lol::lol:

[RB]

Woot ! Woot !

Oh go on Houghy, bring it to Lostock, we can all play "What's the time Mr Wolf ?"

:nerd:

[EddieT]

Hi Houghy, Congrats on the Worldwatch! It's a beautiful thing isn't it ?!

I've resized three bands myself, once you know how to do it, it's not difficult, but does take a bit of care.

The link posts only come out only one way and not all the links can be removed. The instructions detail it all pretty well so if have a read and get comfortable with the process, you should be ok.

I had to experiment with mine a little to get it balanced right. Taking two links out of one side will leave the clasp in an unbalanced position. I think I removed two links from one side and one from the other, to get it balanced well for me.

[h0ughy]

well mine is wrapped and ready for the tree.....a wait patiently

[Rodstar]

Well I am a tad sad because I have blown all my savings on upgrades to the Mary Rose. I guess I am winning with the scope, but I would have loved to have a Yes watch for Christmas this year. I am beginning to save again, hopefully by March 2010 I will have my Inca watch!

HOughy, can't wait to see yours! Good luck with the suspense in the lead up to Christmas.