Alpha Chronograph.

[padi56]

The reason I bought this watch off flea-bay was mainly for the movement.The movement appeared to be a Venus 175,but looking closer its a Chinese made copy.The claim of chronometer on the dial of the Alpha must be for marketing,more about that later.And yes it's styling looks a bit like the Rolex Newman Daytona but thats where it ends,it just looks a bit like it, and its not made to deceive in any way. Its a 40mm watch Movement: 17 jewel manual wind chronograph with quite well finished Incabloc protection,running at 21,600 Bph,and the Crystal is good quality Acrylic.over-all weight 140 grams power reserve is 42 hours on a full wind,alla JJ.


Watch case and dial.
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/7579/cronodialee1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Now lets talk about quality, over-all I'm quite impressed with the quality for $65 plus $15 for postage.The dial is very crisp even under a 10x loupe,the fonts are very sharp and crisp.The watch comes on a solid link oyster style bracelet with screwed in links.That is very well finished and even lock-tight on the screws.And the case is well polished to a high mirror finish,and all the brushed work is nice and crisp, all the edges are sharp and clean.


Now the movement is a Column Wheel chronograph, and nicely decorated with blued screws, pearlage and Geneva stripes,(Hong Kong stripes).All the levers have been polished to a high luster and show little signs of any roughness under 15x loupe,plates and bridges seem to be plated.The gears are brass and have a high smooth finish. I would have expected to see a cheap plastic spacer ring holding the movement in place.But I was totally shocked to see the more traditional case clamps used, like on very much higher priced watches.


Movement.
http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/5640/movementhf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Now off to my watchmaker friend and his timing machine.This will sort the men out from the boys.Well the first position he timed was dial up.The graphs banking was pretty well even, and showing + 5.07 seconds per day. Now this is a good sign, he only ran 100 beats for each run since after 100, the principle of cancelled returns starts to take effect.Next position was logically the dial down position. Notice now that the balance is running very slightly erratic and showing + 8.01 seconds per day .Now crown up, probably the least important position showing + 7.25 seconds daily, and a very even graph.Now the most important position crown down, now in this position gravity has it's greatest effect on the balance wheel.I would expect it to speed up a bit,in this position graph shows + 10.21 seconds daily,with a perfect strait line graph,this is excellent considering price of watch.Overall its running at just over Chronometer spec at + 7.65 seconds daily,with excellent isochronous.So out of the box its been tested and running very close to COSC specs.Now new watches tend to run a bit fast till the oil circulates around all the moving parts.But all the tests say this movement can quite easily be tuned to run well within COSC specs,but for how long,thats the $64000 question.But even my watchmaker friend made a comment that it looks and performs as good as the ETA equivalent.And after a week of wearing has settled down to + 5 to + 8 seconds daily,very good for a $65 watch.

[Rockrolex]

But where's the battery, Peter? And do the subdials actually work or are they just for show? :rofl: :rofl:

Seriously, nice pick up for the price. Not my style because I'm not fond of the Paul Newman look; and it's mechanical - that's two strikes in my book. But enjoy it, mate. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[padi56]

But where's the battery, Peter? And do the subdials actually work or are they just for show? :rofl: :rofl:

Seriously, nice pick up for the price. Not my style because I'm not fond of the Paul Newman look; and it's mechanical - that's two strikes in my book. But enjoy it, mate. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Yes Ed the Chrono fuctions all work crisply,and the reset goes back exactly to the 12 oclock position.My only gripe and I am being really picky,its only a two subdial proper 30 minute Chronograph.Just like the now out of production Venus 175.The subdial at 9 oclock acts for seconds,the one at 3 the 30 minute timer,and the one at 6 just a hour timer,same as the main hands.But for $65 perhaps I am a bit too picky.:chuckle: :thumbsup:

[Uncle-AJ]

I think you got a bargin Peter, well done. :thumbsup:

[mike]

Outstanding review!:thumbsup: I've read several reports that state Alpha gives you a whole lot of watch for the money.

[C.J.]

Congratulations, Peter :cheers: Great watch and review :cheers:

[colemanitis]

Sorry, but they look too much like fake Rolex watches to me. The red/blue GMT Alpha cracks me up everytime I see it on eBay.

[JJ Irani]

Excellent value for the price, Padi. Enjoy it to the fullest! :thumbsup:

[mailman]

Nice pick up Peter. :cheers: I had an Alpha for a little over a year and for $42 US, I had no complaints with it.

[padi56]

Sorry, but they look too much like fake Rolex watches to me. The red/blue GMT Alpha cracks me up everytime I see it on eBay.

Well you could say that of the Rolex Sub.Perhaps is that a homage to Blancpain, which is the original,rotating bezel dive watch.And was in production a full 14 months before the first Rolex Sub.But the Alpha watches are not meant to deceive,there is nothing printed Rolex on dial not even Swiss on dial. So how can they be like fake Rolex,and the Alpha GMT case is 44mm.



Blancpain 50 Fathoms tested in 1952.

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/9919/bpvintage50f29pn.jpg (http://imageshack.us)[/QUOTE]



But the first 1953-4 Sub is very very similar to the Blancpain 50 Fathoms,and the first Rolex models had plain stick hands,and not the Mercedes hands in picture, these were a little later.

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/8200/6200a7vd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[colemanitis]

I don't care what the dial reads, the rest of the watch screams Folex.
http://stores.wholesalecentral.com/Images/L0OW41W90GOPZ_1MNQMSKMBGYW7PYO/5319124311.jpg

[mailman]

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/9919/bpvintage50f29pn.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



But the first 1953-4 Sub is very very similar to the Blancpain 50 Fathoms,and the first Rolex models had plain stick hands,and not the Mercedes hands in picture, these were a little later.

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/8200/6200a7vd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)[/QUOTE]

The ball was on the bottom of the second hand also, wasn't it master? :worship: :worship: :worship:

[padi56]

The ball was on the bottom of the second hand also, wasn't it master? :worship: :worship: :worship:

Correct Paulie but only for a short time.

[padi56]

Just a update on the Alpha its running a constant +9 daily quite remarkable for this priced watch.Have just won another on fleabay for $77 this time, but a black dial version for my grandson.

[C.J.]

Just a update on the Alpha its running a constant +9 daily quite remarkable for this priced watch.Have just won another on fleabay for $77 this time, but a black dial version for my grandson.


That's great, Peter :thumbsup: It's a great looking watch, I'm sure he'll love it :cheers:

[Rockrolex]

Just a update on the Alpha its running a constant +9 daily quite remarkable for this priced watch.Have just won another on fleabay for $77 this time, but a black dial version for my grandson.
Congratulations, Peter. Post some pics when it gets in. :cheers: :clap: :thumbsup:

[mailman]

That's good time for the watch. :thumbsup: I hope your grandson appreciates it when it gets in. Please post some pics of it when it arrives. :clap:

[padi56]

That's good time for the watch. :thumbsup: I hope your grandson appreciates it when it gets in. Please post some pics of it when it arrives. :clap:

And would agree its proved to be a accurate movement by the consistent timekeeping, which is the most important consistency.But for how long well thats in the land of the gods.Just a update the Alpha is now running well inside COSC standards fantastic for a $65 watch.Been wearing it almost daily since bought,thought there was a blemish on acrylic crystal .Tried to remove it with Polywatch,but guess what.I had not removed the plastic protection sticker that was on the crystal. :dummy: :dummy:

[C.J.]

And would agree its proved to be a accurate movement by the consistent timekeeping, which is the most important consistency.But for how long well thats in the land of the gods.Just a update the Alpha is now running well inside COSC standards fantastic for a $65 watch.Been wearing it almost daily since bought,thought there was a blemish on acrylic crystal .Tried to remove it with Polywatch,but guess what.I had not removed the plastic protection sticker that was on the crystal.:dummy: :dummy:

:dummy: :dummy: :lol: Even the protective covering help up well :chuckle: :cheers:

[amanda]

Their other models do resemble the Rolex quite alot too.... air king or what?

http://i12.ebayimg.com/04/i/07/49/d9/51_12.JPG


And this one is interesting too - http://cgi.ebay.com/ALPHA-REVERSO-2-FACE-TRAVELER-TIME-TOURBILLON-WATCH_W0QQitemZ290036382632QQihZ019QQcategoryZ3138 7QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[JJ Irani]

Their other models do resemble the Rolex quite alot too.... air king or what?

http://i12.ebayimg.com/04/i/07/49/d9/51_12.JPG


And this one is interesting too - http://cgi.ebay.com/ALPHA-REVERSO-2-FACE-TRAVELER-TIME-TOURBILLON-WATCH_W0QQitemZ290036382632QQihZ019QQcategoryZ3138 7QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

What!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[padi56]

Their other models do resemble the Rolex quite alot too.... air king or what?



Well Amanda perhaps very loosely resembles the explorer,with the Arabic's,but so do many other brands out there..The most important thing they are portraying themselves as a Alpha,and not a folex.

[mikey]

I recently purchased this watch and the review was excellent. I purchased the same watch and its incredible. The manual winding correlates to a manual transmission of a sportscar. This watch is accurate timekeeper and finely tuned!

[Hellcat65]

Wow...some really mixed feelings here about this watch. I agree with padi though they are portraying themselves as "Alpha" not Rolex. Ive been eyeing them up myself and contemplating one for quite sometime, thanks to Padi Im gonna go ahead and get myself one!

[padi56]

Wow...some really mixed feelings here about this watch. I agree with padi though they are portraying themselves as "Alpha" not Rolex. Ive been eyeing them up myself and contemplating one for quite sometime, thanks to Padi Im gonna go ahead and get myself one!

Myself have not got any promlems with homage watches all brands.Fakes I hate full stop,but the Alpha is a fine watch in its own right,and recommend by myself.

[kingblackbolt]

Paid,
Can I ask your opinion on this Alpha?:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290049102010&fromMakeTrack=true

Why is it called the Paul Newman watch? Seems like a good deal and I don't even mnd the hand winding, it reminds me of my Speedmaster!
Thanx,
Ren

[padi56]

Paid,
Can I ask your opinion on this Alpha?:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290049102010&fromMakeTrack=true

Why is it called the Paul Newman watch? Seems like a good deal and I don't even mnd the hand winding, it reminds me of my Speedmaster!
Thanx,
Ren

Well it does look a bit like what the call the Paul Newman dialled Daytona.Now I have both the black dial and the white dial.Bought of same seller as your link a 100% good guy,now a little tip if you say come second in auction.He will sent you a message via Ebay if you want to buy at your bid price.I got both mine like this,and the Sharkman the same.From the time I payed my money via Paypal took 9 days to arrive to the UK.The movement are a copy of the old Venus 175, 17 jewel M/wind VPH 21600 both mine are running fine and keeping excellent time.

[BruceS]

I just picked up the white dial version Padi. My winning bid was a bit more though. Cost me a whole $90 :chuckle:

[padi56]

I just picked up the white dial version Padi. My winning bid was a bit more though. Cost me a whole $90 :chuckle:

Well Bruce swings and rounabouts,I was lucky both mine I was second highest bidder $85 and $77 including the shipping fee.Myself prefer the white dial over black but for the money cannot fault them.Dont forget to remove the bezel and crystal protective plastic.Not like me try and remove a mark with polywatch from crystal only to find out it was on the protective plastic sticker what a dipstick.:dummy: :clap:

[BruceS]

Dont forget to remove the bezel and crystal protective plastic.Not like me try and remove a mark with polywatch from crystal only to find out it was on the protective plastic sticker what a dipstick.

RFLMAO :lol: :lol: I've almost done that, but never gone as far as the polywatch :rofl: :rofl:

[padi56]

RFLMAO :lol: :lol: I've almost done that, but never gone as far as the polywatch :rofl: :rofl:

Well Bruce must have been on there for well over a week,on using the polywatch it did seem to make it disappear.But it was just on the edge on the crystal in-fact it must have been a air bubble.And on using the polywatch air bubble disappeared by pressing the air out of it.I even emailed the seller off ebay and he was willing to send me a replacement crystal,again what a complete dipstick. :dummy: :banghead: :dummy:

[BruceS]

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: that's fekin' hillarious :lol: :lol:

[BruceS]

I kinda like this JLC look alike too

http://i19.ebayimg.com/04/i/05/71/d3/74_12.JPG

http://i4.ebayimg.com/03/i/05/71/a0/92_12.JPG

http://i10.ebayimg.com/01/i/05/77/7c/31_12.JPG

I could see owning a few of these Alphas!

[mikey]

I don't want to put a damper on the ebay seller, but my experience was not too nice. The watch was perfect and I enjoyed it no doubt. I paid $160. Another member on ebay contacted me, and the guy sells the watch for $125 on his website inclusive of shipping. The watch is great but a bad experience. I asked him if I could get a discount and he told me no. I paid cuz I didn't want bad feedback and since sold the watch from the bad experience. Anyway, I highly recommend the Alpha!

[padi56]

I don't want to put a damper on the ebay seller, but my experience was not too nice. The watch was perfect and I enjoyed it no doubt. I paid $160. Another member on ebay contacted me, and the guy sells the watch for $125 on his website inclusive of shipping. The watch is great but a bad experience. I asked him if I could get a discount and he told me no. I paid cuz I didn't want bad feedback and since sold the watch from the bad experience. Anyway, I highly recommend the Alpha!

Well you cannot really blame the seller if thats what you bid up to.Myself was sniped on both mine in the last seconds,but on both occasions seller sent a message via ebay if I wanted to buy at my bid price.First time was a bit doubtful but got my watch OK,so second time just went ahead.Now I emailed him I have a large wrist first one was a bit tight.So in the second watch parcel two links free of charge,so my experience with seller was 100% good and would buy again.

[mikey]

No, I can't blame him. I should have done more research and watch the ending bid on at least 2 Alphas to see where the pricing goes. I was impatient and when I saw your review, I had to have it. It was nice for a fellow ebayer to direct me to the alpha website. The watches are spot on, but I have to say the watch is virtually identical to the Newman Daytona. The watch is a great watch in its own right though

[montecristo]

Where else can I buy these other than ebay?
I might pick one up for my doorman for christmas.

[montecristo]

http://cgi.ebay.com/NICE-A-ALPHA-SUBMARINER-AUTOMATIC-MANS-WATCH_W0QQitemZ290044520528QQihZ019QQcategoryZ3138 7QQcmdZViewItem

Check out this 3ATM submariner. LOL

[padi56]

Where else can I buy these other than ebay?
I might pick one up for my doorman for christmas.

Well the same seller has a bricks and motor business plus
if you check about him in his ME a web site http://www.alpha-watch.com/

[montecristo]

Well the same seller has a bricks and motor business plus
if you check about him in his ME a web site http://www.alpha-watch.com/


Thanks!

This looks like my pasha C
http://www.alpha-watch.com/details.php?myid=250

I like this one:
http://www.alpha-watch.com/details.php?myid=18

[mikey]

I checked his site, and he truly has some nice stuff. The skeleton watches are really cool. I like the open heart models as well.

[montecristo]

Go signup with this paypal promo, you can get 20 off 50 ebay purchase.

http://paypal.promotionexpert.com/holiday/

Receive free shipping when you make a purchase using your PayPal account from a participating merchant. Participating PayPal merchants will be displayed on the PayPal Holiday landing page starting 11/23/06. Offers may be limited to shipments within the 48 contiguous United States. See merchants' websites for additional terms & conditions.

Receive a $20 USD Cash Rebate by registering for this Cash Rebate offer on http://paypal.promotionexpert.com/holiday and purchasing items in a single online payment of $50 USD or more using your PayPal account. To qualify for this offer, purchases must meet the following requirements: 1. Purchases must be made on eBay.com, eBay.ca or on merchants' sites in the US or Canada. 2. eBay.com and eBay.ca purchases must be made through the eBay checkout flow via the eBay website and must not be made through the PayPal send money tab. 3. Purchases must be made between 11/23/06 12:01 PST and 12/31/06 11:59 PST. The following transactions are excluded from this Cash Rebate offer: Send Money transactions, payments to Personal Accounts, eBay payments made to Personal accounts, donations, Text to Buy and payments for services. The Cash Rebate will be deposited into the participants' PayPal accounts within 6 to 8 weeks after 12/31/06. Limit one registration and one $20 rebate per person and/or PayPal Account.

Offer available for a limited time. Offer is limited to US and Canada registered users. PayPal conversion rates apply. PayPal account must be in good standing prior to and throughout the offer period to qualify.

[montecristo]

I totally forgot about the paypal thing, I got 20 bucks in my account today when I was buying something.

[amanda]

I kinda like this JLC look alike too

http://i19.ebayimg.com/04/i/05/71/d3/74_12.JPG

http://i4.ebayimg.com/03/i/05/71/a0/92_12.JPG

http://i10.ebayimg.com/01/i/05/77/7c/31_12.JPG

I could see owning a few of these Alphas!


Just in case anyone missed my original post.. this is the watch I got from Alpha and I LOVE it. its running very accurately, looks great and is excellent value.

[mikey]

Padi, what is the history of this movement. U mention the movement in our Alpha chrono is based on this...

[padi56]

Padi, what is the history of this movement. U mention the movement in our Alpha chrono is based on this...
Well the Venus company was a well respected movement ebauche manufacturer. And many a high end brand used there movements Breitling for one.And in the 40s -70s there were quite a few Swiss movement manufactures.Now in the late 60s 70s when the quartz revolution started a lot of the movement manufactures went out of business.Now quite a few joined together just to survive and were amalgamated into what we know today as ETA.Now the old design movement has been modified better shock protection and a higher BPS but most remain very close to the original design.And now there are quite a few Swiss watches bringing out retro type watches based on the old Swiss designs.Again these will be slightly modified to todays standards.Now the Alpha column-wheel movement is based on the old Venus design but not a exact copy,movement is quite well finished,and put together, but not as good as the Swiss original.

[mikey]

Thanks

[slim]

Hey Alpha owners, i have a question. Are they water proof? 3atm= 100 ft? Anymore group buys? If my little brother can snorkle and stuff with an alpha on i might have to buy him one. Has anyone tried to submerge it?

[padi56]

3atm or 30m in any watches that means they are just rated splash proof only.

[mikey]

After I bought my Alpha Newman back from the first guy I sold it too, I submerged it while taking a bath in warm water. I had no problems.

[astcell]

I really enjoyed our group Alpha buy. I wish we did that every 6 months or so.

[mikey]

I wish the Alpha group buy occurred when I purchased mine. I have invest at least $300 for this watch. I purchased,sold it, bought back,sold to someone else, and bought back. I should have it back in a week. The same watch! As Jack Palace once said, "Believe it or Not!"

[diablojota]

Nice pick up and review. Not bad for the price. Enjoy and hope your grandson does as well.

[mlb]

http://i19.ebayimg.com/04/i/05/71/d3/74_12.JPG

How much does this watch run?

[mikey]

That watch costs $73.99+$15 to ship at his Alpha Ebay Store.

[mlb]

Is it an automatic?

[mikey]

Yep!

[G.J]

I bought this one for my wife..:thumbsup:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b280/hiethaar/Alpha/97052143.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b280/hiethaar/Alpha/37047880.jpg

It should arive within a few days..:smokin:

I am VERY currious about the quality and timekeeping.

Keep you guys posted

Oh yes: Pictures borrowed from The Alpha site..:bye:

[padi56]

Well just a update on the Alpha still going strong after 18 months or so, and has only stopped a few times forgot to wind it.But still keeps time within COSC spec,and has had no futher adjustment.Bracelet case etc only showing normal every day wear and polished sides still look good,what more could you ask from a $65 watch from fleabay.And for those who worry about the threads on there expencive Rolex.Well the Alpha $65 watch has been un-screwed re-screwed and wound almost daily for 18 months.And is still functioning as it should with no wear on threads.

[Rockrolex]

Well just a update on the Alpha still going strong after 18 months or so, and has only stopped a few times forgot to wind it.But still keeps time within COSC spec,and has had no futher adjustment.Bracelet case etc only showing normal every day wear and polished sides still look good,what more could you ask from a $65 watch from fleabay.And for those who worry about the threads on there expensive Rolex.Well the Alpha $65 watch has been un-screwed re-screwed and wound almost daily for 18 months.And is still functioning as it should with no wear on threads.
Sometimes you really do get a good bargain on fleabay. :thumbsup::thumbsup::clap::clap::clap:

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I like those Alpha watches. Obviously they lean very much on the design of classic Rolex watches, but they are what I call "honest copies" since they don't PRETEND to be Rolex (not having the Rolex writing on the dial, etc.).

Since the PN Daytona is WAY out of reach for me, but I like the design of the PN, I just might get one of those "PN Daytona" Alphas.

Hey, what can I risk with 115 US $? Well, 115 Dollars at most, and I can live with that! :cheers:

[mikey]

This may sound crazy but I got into bidding against someone for the white/black sub dials for the PN Alpha. I paid near $175 then was angry I overpaid, sold it to a guy for $100 cuz I was mad, after 3 months offered to buy it back for the same price, sold it again for reasons I don't know, bought the watch back for slightly more than $120 then finally sold it for $200. I think I got it out of my system. The reason I finally sold it is because I wanted to dive with it but the last owner removed the caseback to see the movement and I figured I would be better starting off with a brand new one.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

You could have bought it for US 115 directly from the Alpha watch website! :dummy: :cheers:

Anyway, nice watch! :thumbsup:

[mikey]

Well that small piece of info was not disclosed to me. I had no idea there was a website for alpha watches. I thought it was just an ebay store I would have bought five of them for the price Padi paid at that time. There was a point they stopped production and sold out maybe why I was able to sell for $200 when I did. The white dial with black subs was the popular one. The one to get. The watch is a real 30 min stopwatch and its heavy and the band is awesome. Its manual wind. I pretty much activated the stopwatch to run all day because I didnt like it at the 12 position all the time. The only thing it needs was a clearcaseback to show that blue screws movement.

[Alcan]

Since the PN Daytona is WAY out of reach for me, but I like the design of the PN, I just might get one of those "PN Daytona" Alphas.

Bo, for the price you can't beat it. I got one for $95 in the group buy that Lt. Dan put together last December and it's still going strong. :thumbsup:

One of those would save some mileage on your Daytona. :cheers:

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Thanks, Al :cheers:

First I'm gonna pick up my SS GMT IIc.

After that I might go for that Alpha PN, but I have also considered having my own MKII watch built (www.mkIIwatches.com), namely the "Stingray".

:cheers:

[mikey]

Thanks for the Link, those MK watches look really nice. Price is nice but the Alpha PN is just an addictive watch to wear moreso IMHO

[padi56]

Well that small piece of info was not disclosed to me. I had no idea there was a website for alpha watches. I thought it was just an ebay store I would have bought five of them for the price Padi paid at that time. The only thing it needs was a clearcaseback to show that blue screws movement.

Well the link and dealer name that I got it off via fleabay if you looked at his ebay store there was a very clear link to the Alpha web site,with all the site retail prices.The blue screws are just artificially coloured, and not really blued by application with a flame.


Bo, for the price you can't beat it. I got one for $95 in the group buy that Lt. Dan put together last December and it's still going strong. :thumbsup:



Could not agree more.:thumbsup:

[mikey]

I got caught up in the bidding and did not pay too much attention to any link but in the end I sold the watch for way more than I ever seen a PN Alpha resold.

[bbqbrew]

Thanks for the discussion and info on a great value. I am buying one tomorrow.
Chris