Thread: Watch on a budget

Hello everyone, as some of you know I'm an 18 year old senior and I've decided that I need a bit nicer watch for certain occasions and everyday use. Currently I have a stainless steel Relic from JC Penney. I'm looking for a Silver colored case, dark face, leather band, and a date feature. I'm looking for something in the $150-$300. I would love to spend more but at this point in time it just doesn't make since. Thank you for your help and suggestions.

Can you be any more specific? What size, do you want other functions (like a chrono), is water resistance a factor, any other stylistic preferences, etc etc. There are probably thousands that fit what you have said thus far.

Sorry gents. I just need it to be small enough it doesn't catch on dress shirt, suit or uniform sleeves. I can't have anything too flashy. I'd prefer an automatic and it to be fairly accurate. But aside from those things and the date I really don't have any requests. I like some of the rectangular cases but not many are made with leather strap.

I'd suggest looking into Seikos. If you don't see one you like, you can contact yobokies (just google him); he is well known and respected for modding Seiko's, and I believe his prices are reasonable. I'd also suggest that you consider joining a watch forum, even if just for access to their B/S/T's. Buying lightly used watches can save you a fair bit. I'm on watchuseek.com myself.

Don't get too hung up on what strap a watch comes with, because you can always get a new one.

FWIW --

I wear a titanium Skagen as my "dress watch". They're in your price range, and most of them are mildly-understated Scandinavian-looking designs, many with a matte finish.

But as far as I know, they're all quartz - not mechanical movements.

Charles

You most likely won't get everything you're looking for in that price range unless you go with what was stated above or a Citizen. I am not big on japanese movements myself but many people enjoy them. If you want a swiss timepiece of a decent caliber but are content with a quartz movement I would look into Tissot or Swiss Army. They both make affordable entry level swiss watches that will last many years if cared for properly. A quality timepiece is usually not attained on the cheap, but are well worth spending some money on when they give you decades if not more of impeccable service. Have fun in your search of a great wristwatch!

A big +1 for Seiko automatics, I love mine! I don't know if the diver's watches would be too big for you, but if I wanted one with a dark face and a leather band, I would buy an SKX173 and put a leather band on it. They probably sell these at most department and watch stores that carry seiko products so you can see in person. I have an SKX175 which is the same watch but with a different face and bezel and have been very satisfied. It is not low profile but it is not gigantic, a good size men's watch IMO.

Yea Seiko, Orient, Hamilton, some Chinese makes.

Sieko, invicta, orient, and vostok-Europe all come to my mind. +1 to dylan's advice find a watch forum watchuseek is great for it's wide variety and huge size of it's classified section. Recently I just picked up a Vostok-Europe Arkrika off their classified for a third of the price of new. I mention it because it fits all your criteria: price, leather band (bracelet optional), rectangular, automatic. Russian watches tend to be a little more eccentric then there Japanese and Swiss counterparts but the Arktika is fairly conservative. It also has features you won't see on any other watches at this price point (display back, unique GMT complication, day/night complication). It might be a little bit thick for you to fit under your cuffs, I can't say as mine is on a bracelet and I rarely wear cuffed shirts I guess it's about 12-13mm thick so I don't know. Here's a link if your interested: http://www.russia2all.com/index.php?...ktika&x=19&y=6

One word of warning, watches are just as bad as razors as far as addictions go. I bought one 7 months ago thinking it was time to start wearing a decent one, I now have 10 with two more incoming.

Thanks everyone. The automatic isn't a must. I'd love to spend more but with college next year moneys kinda tight. And thehekler yea I understand I'm addicted to suits, watches and razors. Thankfully I have just enough control not to spend every nickel I get.