Day 8 and final results (0700 BST Sunday 10/6/12)
Orient (dial down); reading -14; day's result +3; net +24
Seiko (worn); reading -57; day's result -14; net -102
So there we have it. The Orient is the clear winner in the timekeeping department, and I'm delighted with a daily average of +3 for such an inexpensive piece.
(10/10)
The Seiko is fine for the occasional day and for the holidays, as long as I remember to advance it by a minute every few days! Daily average -12.75
(5/10)
If I could only take one on holiday it would be the Orient; it's better looking, lighter, more adaptable and more accurate. The Seiko, as described above, wins the build, bracelet and ease of use side of the contest...so I'm still taking both.
Also, as Bighenry alluded, this test only serves to illustrate two individual movements, not a whole brand or model range. The more you live with mechanicals, the more you realise they're all different and you find strategies to cope with their idiosynchracies, which is what this was all about.
I now have an appointment with some newly arrived quartz, and I expect to wear quite a few other watches as well this week. Thanks for following this, and have a nice Sunday!
Well done, chaps! Your next sea picture will not be on a mouse-mat!!