Inexpensive mechanical automatic wristwatches

[Professor Damien Tremens]

It seems that there is a fairly commonly used Chinese movement (the Sea-Gull ST16) that
is being used in a wide variety of wristwatch brands. Some of the specs include the following:
40-hour power reserve
21 jewel automatic skeleton movement
water resistant to 165 feet
solid stainless steel
Exhibition back (shows decorated rotor & 'blued' screws)

I picked mine up from a Buckle store in a rather beefy "antique copper" case and band, and
after researching the markings on the rear of the case, found out the info above. My particular
watch seems to run about 10 seconds fast over 24 hours.

For the most inexpensive version I found:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=6562454

I believe this is just the movement itself, with no case, band, or even hands:
(scroll about 3/4 page down, Chinese Automatic Movement HZ2189)
http://www.ofrei.com/page1119.html   

[Jake of All Trades]

DX has some really cheap ones that customers seem to find surprisingly usable!  I almost bought this one a while back, but didn't have enough in my checking account...

[HAC]

As far as quality goes, the Segull movements are actually very good, better in fact, than the ubiqutitous Million Smart movements.

Cheers
Harold

[Professor Damien Tremens]

As far as quality goes, the Segull movements are actually very good, better in fact, than the ubiqutitous Million Smart movements.

Cheers
Harold

Assuming that the bare movement I noted above is the same, just how insane would it be to order one and
try and make a custom case out of wood, brass, copper, etc? I have reasonably good expertise with woodworking,
and am getting fairly skilled with brass etching. I would probably use an existing strap, so the focus would be on
the case itself, with an emphasis on showing the full skeletonized movement via crystals on both the front and back.

[Ancient Tinkerer]

I got the Walmart one for Christmas a couple years ago. Works like a champ, never gains or loses but it will rundown on the nightstand in about 12-14 hours.

john

[HAC]

As far as quality goes, the Segull movements are actually very good, better in fact, than the ubiqutitous Million Smart movements.

Cheers
Harold

Assuming that the bare movement I noted above is the same, just how insane would it be to order one and
try and make a custom case out of wood, brass, copper, etc? I have reasonably good expertise with woodworking,
and am getting fairly skilled with brass etching. I would probably use an existing strap, so the focus would be on
the case itself, with an emphasis on showing the full skeletonized movement via crystals on both the front and back.

Its feasable, but possibly pricey. I don't know what a mimimum order from a Chiense manufacturer would be.. Ofrei lists a skeletonized Swiss ETA 6497 in eitherr gold plate or rose gold plate for $248.00..
as well as a Chinese 12ligne (27mm) skeletonized automatc for $33.00..
I'll see what my watch supply house in toronto says..

Cheers
Harold