A bit about buying affordable ($200 - $1500) watches

[auburnf30x]

Old thread, but an interesting one...

As time goes on, my inclinations towards watches has gone towards simpler and less expensive.

I started out as a kid with a Timex my dad bought me, and since then have been all over the spectrum trying out different ones. At one point, I had a Rolex. Regardless, they all fall into the same life cycle for me.

I vastly prefer metal straps over leather or any other material. Which, unfortunately, is the root of my problem. No matter how hard I try, they get banged up with scratches, wear marks, etc. Nothing that anyone else but myself would see, but that's the problem. I can. And I know some people appreciate the wear marks and see it as added character, but I don't. They bug me for some reason.

I thought that the more expensive I went, the better they would hold up. I have generally not found that to be the case. I suppose it did overall hold up better, but eventually the Rolex did still develop scratches and at the same time didn't keep time any better than the $30 quartz Timex I started with. I do know that the finish could have been polished or restored, but that can be a fairly expensive or risky process to undertake on your own. I couldn't find a way to justify it, especially being a new dad at the time. I gave up on trying to find the ultimate finish after that. I sold it, and the proceeds from that added to the down payment on the home I live in now.

Since then, I've kind of spiraled down into my current pattern. I buy a new one, and wear it for a couple of years until it looks worn to me, then either sell it if I can or toss it into the dresser drawer with the others if I can't.

So with that in mind, it doesn't make sense to get anything that expensive. I only have two criteria: something that looks and feels stylish to me, and that will provide good service over the time I intend to use it. I don't care for fakes or trying to impress people with a name. I get compliments on them, although generally from people who don't know much about watch brands. But I don't really care about that, either. I just want it to be pleasant to look at for my eyes and have a nice, solid feel to it.

So, my current stock can vary between Citizens, Seikos, Invictas, Sturhlings, hell, I've even got a quartz Kenneth Cole I wear sometimes when I'm in an especially apathetic mood. Most are automatic, but several have been quartz. No one but me is going to see the way the second hand moves anyway, so who cares? They all keep time the same. And none of them cost more than $1000, pretty sure none of them cost half that. I'll only have them for two years anyway. Some for less than that, if I get distracted by something else shiny.

Just me, and my thoughts. I understand why people buy and seek the more expensive brands, I love antique chiming clocks and have several around my home because I enjoy the sound. Even though a quartz one would do the same job. But I don't feel the need to buy a new one of those every couple of years because I'm not satisfied with them anymore, either. So I suppose that's where the difference falls for me, anyway.

[happyjack]

affordable panda inbound...

[Chaos236]

My “don’t want to damage the good stuff” watch. Never go on vacation with out packing it.
Love it!

[Lady Jane]

A few cheapies from my collection that I use while on vacation. All under $250.


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[BMWCCA1]

I've worn a couple of Victorinox Swiss Army Officers watches with stainless bracelet for over 25-years. Recently, when buying black grilles for my wife's latest BMW on Amazon, I came across this new beater version for around $100. Same look as my original but for that price, it's a great, simple, classic-looking, functional watch with Swiss-made movement. Came new in manufacturer's box. My jeweler always told me Victorinox made the movements for TAG, and he was a TAG dealer, but feel free to correct that.



At the same time, I ordered a $200 BMW Chronograph in black stainless with metal band. Official BMW logos all over it including the back, crown, clasp, and face. New in box with BMW official seals, etc. Apparently shipped from Fossil. Not a bad watch. Not sure I like the black face, but it works for work. Had to take four links out for my small wrist, but I've worn it once and it feels pretty good. The bezel is a bit shinier than shown in the picture, like modern Shadowline trim! I'd have preferred more matte, but it's only $200 and will be worn for work.

[longm1985]

I know this is old and OP may not see this, but thanks for posting this. Also thanks to all those who have commented. I want to grow my watch collection, but debate between one more expensive thing (Seamaster is my personal favorite) or more lesser cost watches, and this has given me plenty of ideas.

Currently, my I almost never take it off and have a major tan line from it watch is a Citizen Promaster Diver I got earlier this year for somewhere under $300. I love the look of it, and the craftsmanship for a cheaper watch is fantastic. Feels great, perfect weight (a bit heavy for some but you guys probably wouldn't mind it), and was a screaming deal. Also far more accurate than my Invicta skeleton automatic (I'll post a photo of that too).

2021-03-17_10-39-42 by Michael Long, on Flickr

This is the Invicta. It was an anniversary gift from my wife, and is currently being serviced. Definitely not very accurate, but the skeleton look is so cool. Don't have a great shot of it fully, but I'll try to get one for this thread once it's back in my possession.

A plus with wings by Michael Long, on Flickr

Time is on my side by Michael Long, on Flickr

[Really_fat_ninja]

I’m a big fan of seiko’s… best bang for buck

[LaVitaEBella]

Originally Posted by happyjack

affordable panda inbound...

This looks pretty cool, and the design is somehow unique. Did you bought it?

[happyjack]

Originally Posted by LaVitaEBella

This looks pretty cool, and the design is somehow unique. Did you bought it?

i did buy it! and i've been really happy with it so far. i swapped the stainless bracelet for a vintage-style leather strap (yema included the leather strap in the box when i purchased!)

for a relatively inexpensive watch, it looks great and gets some unsolicited compliments.

[longm1985]

Here's an actual image of my Invicta. Just got it back from having the crystal cleaned. It's been consistent and reliable, though I had to replace the clasp too. Quality wise, it's most impressive for what it is. Feels much better than the price would suggest. This is an older model likely from the 90s or early 00s (Signature 7132).


2021-07-15_09-57-20 by Michael Long, on Flickr

[TheWatchGuy]

Originally Posted by longm1985

I know this is old and OP may not see this, but thanks for posting this. Also thanks to all those who have commented. I want to grow my watch collection, but debate between one more expensive thing (Seamaster is my personal favorite) or more lesser cost watches, and this has given me plenty of ideas.

Currently, my I almost never take it off and have a major tan line from it watch is a Citizen Promaster Diver I got earlier this year for somewhere under $300. I love the look of it, and the craftsmanship for a cheaper watch is fantastic. Feels great, perfect weight (a bit heavy for some but you guys probably wouldn't mind it), and was a screaming deal. Also far more accurate than my Invicta skeleton automatic (I'll post a photo of that too).


This is the Invicta. It was an anniversary gift from my wife, and is currently being serviced. Definitely not very accurate, but the skeleton look is so cool. Don't have a great shot of it fully, but I'll try to get one for this thread once it's back in my possession.

Nothing wrong with filling out the collection with cheaper watches that you like and saving the big ticket ones for special occasions or milestones. It makes them all the more special when you do that.

im starting to get back into the more affordable watches as the watch market has gotten rediculous the last few years. granted, i still have a few of my more expensive pieces, but i find myself liking and buying more interesting cheaper watches. And to be honest, unless its a rolex, no one knows if it is $100 or $10,000.

[DocL]

A few years ago I got a Samsung Galaxy smartwatch that I love. I get different faces, but I'm cheap now so I only download the free ones. I don't wear any of my nice watches anymore. They are all sitting in my safe.

[AZ-Wildcat]

Zodiac makes really cool pieces, always coming out with new watches every few months. $1,200-1,700. They've got some cool color schemes, some are pretty limited and sell out fast.

[heitzke]

There are definitely some cool pieces in this price range. A few of my favorites:

New
Christopher Ward (kind of them in general, all cool pieces)
Hamilton Khaki (bunch of variants here, all cool)
Seiko Prospex (bunch of variants here too)

Pre-owned
Nomos (basically all of 'em)
Longines Legend diver
Oris big crown pointer date (probably my next buy tbh)

[Fritzer]

Very good write up, with some good links! There are a plethora of micro-brands(and "Macro" brands) that make really fantastic watches at an affordable price. I am probably even more of a snob when it comes to cheap watches then with the major "luxury" brands. Cheap, but quality mechanical watches are a great introduction to horology!

[SorinMecanicul]

seiko skx 007