Time Bomb

[phrnld]

Hi everyone,
I’m new here and currently looking to buy an Oakley Time Bomb. I don’t know much about this model yet, so I’d really appreciate some advice.


I’m a watch collector, but so far I’ve only owned automatic watches. I have no experience with kinetic movements, so I’d love to hear how reliable they are and what to expect in terms of maintenance.


How is the overall build quality of the Time Bomb? Are there many fakes around that I should watch out for? And what would be a fair market price for one in good condition?


Any other tips or things I should know before buying would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance!

 

[phrnld]

Also, i would love to know if it would be possible toi transplant the automatic movement of a TB II into the housing of a TB1

 

[alol]

Depending on where you are based you can swap out the old Seiko capacitor for a more modern lithium one that will hold its charge a lot better. I’m not certain but I don’t think the TB2 movement would fit in the smaller TB movement.

If the watch is looked after then there are 25 plus year old Timebomb’s still going strong. The build quality is excellent, The only thing that fail are the wrist pads that go brittle and crack. And people are now making 3D pattern pieces.

If you buy one I’d advocate that you buy one with extra links.As acquiring them to match the one you buy may be tricky…..

 

[Ironranger88]

The Seiko Kinetic is a good watch movement. There shouldn't be a reason to swap it. I've rebuilt/ restored probably 15 TB1s and Icons, they generally don't have an issue more than needing a new battery (capacitor) after 20 years. New Movements are not impossible to find either, you just have to Change over the "Oakley" branded parts.

I actually wore my polished carbon TB1 to a Job fair/ convention this weekend, it always gets a lot of compliments. Of coarse, the Capacitor was dead when I pulled it out of the shelf display, not sure I've worn it in a year... (I usually wear my Titanium Carbon, not the polished) but 10 or 15 "shakes" in that special kinetic way, and it was good all weekend.

Now, when I got my first TB1, I was underwhelmed... The Titanium is SO light and the design so fluid, it feels like you're not wearing a watch. There are also some rubber "bumpers" that DID NOT last, so you have to replace them. There is a guy on eBay who sells a great silicone set.

Overall, great watch. Only second to the TB2. (TB2 is my favorite to wear)

 

[phrnld]

Thank you sou much for your answers! I am quite disappointed to read that the watch is very light, probably need to reconsider now...

Best would be to be able to hold it in my hands once i guess

 

[Ironranger88]

Thank you sou much for your answers! I am quite disappointed to read that the watch is very light, probably need to reconsider now...

Best would be to be able to hold it in my hands once i guess

If you want a heavy one, there is a stainless steel version. Its hefty, but annoyingly so in my opinion.

 

[phrnld]

Is the stainless steel the polished one?

 

[Ironranger88]

Black stainless. Im assuming it can also be polished? Looks like the Polished OEM was also Titanium

 

[phrnld]

You are a seriously fast answering me!

Sad, i really do like a brushed finish...

 

[Ironranger88]

You are a seriously fast answering me!

Sad, i really do like a brushed finish...

Well, you wont be able to get the "x-metal" finish on a stainless without some serious work, but anything is possible with enough determination.
Id personally Cerakote, but I like the durability and color selection
@zwc0442

Worth a shot.