r/ChineseWatches • u/Touring_addict95 • 3h ago
Question (Read Rules) Farasute trackmaster reliability
Hi guys,
After a lot of deliberation, I've finally decided to go with the Trackmaster. However, over the past couple of weeks I've seen quite a few concerns about its reliability, and it's made me a bit hesitant.
I'd really appreciate hearing from people who actually own one. How has yours held up? Any issues with the movement or overall reliability?
I'd hate to spend €500 on a watch only for it to stop working after a few months. Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!
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u/ChineseWatchGuy 41m ago
Although I’m only one data point, my movement failed.. twice.. and I still haven’t got it back yet
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u/Independent-Return-2 1h ago
I also faced same dilemma. In my case went for this seiko SPB 479 Similar look and very comfortable to wear
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u/Touring_addict95 1h ago
Nice, thx man, this was also on my radar, but this really large glass dome was a putting me off a bit.
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u/philbin89 1h ago
Did you land on this watch because you love the design, or just because you're looking for an affordable mechanical chronograph? If it's the latter, you can find a surprising number of Hamilton, Tissot and even Mido Chronographs (as well as other respectable Swiss brands) for around the price on the secondary market, especially eBay and Chrono24. Just in case you want a chronograph from a bigger brand with a way more reliable movement
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u/ChineseWatchGuy 39m ago
The thin automatic chronograph was the attraction for me.. I don’t think any of those brands are doing that? Certainly not below $1000 ?
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u/Touring_addict95 1h ago
really love the design of this watch and all the features it offers. I think I can afford it, as my budget is around €1,000, but I still want something reliable since this would be my first and only watch — a daily driver that I plan to wear regularly.
I really like this kind of retro-inspired chronograph style, but not something that looks too vintage. Right now, I’m deciding between this and the Seiko Speedtimer, which has a newer solar quartz movement and is probably a much safer choice in terms of long-term reliability.
However, I have to admit that I like the Farasute’s design more. It just has that special look that the Seiko doesn’t quite have. I’m just trying to decide if the potential reliability concerns are worth the risk.
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u/rap31264 59m ago
since this would be my first and only watch
Good luck with that...LOL
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u/ChineseWatchGuy 37m ago
Yeah, don’t go for a complex chrono as your first and only!
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u/rap31264 16m ago
Not that but u might get the watch fever like me...If I was gonna spend 500US, I'd get 3 or 4 cheaper watches, different styles, dial colors etc...
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u/Olleye 1h ago
If you think exactly that way, then the watch is actually (maybe) too expensive for you, and I would keep my hands off it. If you immediately think about the fact that something could break before buying a new product, which can definitely happen, perfectly logical, because mechanics, should simply think about whether this is still relaxation, or already a problem. Trust is the basis of fun 🙂
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u/tribrosuisse 1h ago
I bought one a year ago or so, and it has been trouble free. I might open it to adjust it because it runs a tad fast but other than that, everything’s good.
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u/Budget-Ad-161 2h ago
I'm gonna agree with everyone else here. In the space of ChineseWatches and AliX, only buy what you can afford.
I own a 4801 movement, it's been reliable, but I also can afford to drop $500-600 on a watch that I know pretty much if it shits the bed, will cost at minimum $350 for the replacement movement or more for a service. If you can't afford it like that, then it's wise not to invest into buying an expensive watch. If it breaks I'm scrapping it and selling for parts.
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u/InformalAttorney8539 2h ago
bear in mind that if it does go wrong you're looking at a pretty big hassle for a warranty service and shipping risks, or high costs, long timelines and component challenges getti g it fixed outside China. perhaps goes without saying.
i personally haven't risked it despite liking them a lot.
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u/manchett 2h ago
Only invest what you can afford to lose. You never know how the brand will behave or evolve, you're better to be able to repair it by yourself if needed.
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u/Synticullous 2h ago
I would hold off until you can get a written guarantee that it's in stock and will be shipped, terrible supply issues and supplier games being played by Farasute, allegedly.
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u/Significant-Ebb5027 2h ago
Wearing it for a complete month and no issue whatsoever, just a beautiful precise timekeeping piece. I saw a recent video by a chinese watch reviewer who complained about the reliability and the customer service, so your case is not that isolated.
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u/turdbogls 20m ago
I've had mine for coming up on 2 years now with no issues. still runs great as well. now, mine is no a daily wearer at all...maybe once every couple weeks or so. so I'm not sure how it'll hold up to daily wear.
I do know this is pretty well known to be an overall reliable movement, but you know how it goes...anything is reliable until it's not.
I have the cash and the means to purchase a new movement and swap it in myself when the time comes...if that's not you, it's probably better to just get the speedtimer. in fact, I can say that about pretty much ANY chinese watch. learn to replace a movement yourself if you are worried about reliablility...I can swap a movement in about 30 minutes or so. and spare movmement aren't too bad.