Watch aficionados, help me buy a new watch

Prometheus

Prometheus

Perfectionist in Rehab
Hey Guys,



So, basically I currently own a $50 Casio watch that is giving me fits, and honestly I am sick of throwaway watches. That being said, I am a college student and don't have a ton of money to spend on a TAG or something REALLY nice, so I'm looking at spending less than $200, less than $150 would be even better, but I've got some birthday and Christmas money to play with, plus my own cash.



I am pretty open, but I am looking for a few things, preferably automatic (no more batteries if I can help it), silver band, black or dark blue face with pretty simple features. Nothing too audicious or ostentatious, I really like a clean yet classy look. I am kind of leaning in the direction of this Invicta it seems to have the qualities I am looking for, but I am not particularly familiar with the Invicta watches. I know they aren't high end, but I can't afford a high end watch. I've been reading that the movement is decent, accurate to within 3-4 seconds over a few days, which is fine with me. I guess mostly I'm interested in your opinions or other suggestions. Thanks in advance.
 
I own the Invicta 8926 with coin edge bezel (original design, rolex style), and for the small price, I actually really like it! It has the Miyota auto movement, which is supposed to be pretty reliable. Mine keeps good time, although running a couple minutes fast per month or so. It looks great and I have already received compliments on it (probably from people who thought it was a Rolly). I really like the watch, and have no faults with Invicta or this particular watch. The 8926 is one of their best sellers.



That being said, other options in the $150 range would be Orient (better quality than Invicta). They have a diver that looks just like the 8926 Invicta, and it happens to be right at $150. They are owned partly by Seiko and do all their own in-house work, unlike Invicta. Orient also has other really nice designs, although some are a bit outside your budget. Searching Orient watches on Google will get you to some sellers if you wish to browse their collection.



Also, check out Seiko autos. The Black Knight and Monsters can be had around your budget and these are highly regarded, even among watch collectors of multi-thousand $ pieces. They use Seiko's 7s26 movement, which is strong and reliable, and generally keeps fairly good time, although most of times is fast.



Here is a good list of Seiko's most popular designs, in case you'd like to learn more. http://www.orientalwatchsite.com/fo...ghlight=&sid=3f625e5ee22c91ca2c35d2299c46eac4



Also, check out Timex. They have a new automatic out that looks pretty cool, and it even has a power reserve function, which is rare in cheap-er autos. It goes for $150.



Out of all the watches mentioned, the Seiko's will get you the most street cred, if you like that. If you don't really care or want something a bit rarer, then the others will do just fine. I am wearing my Invicta 8926 today actually. :)





Happy Hunting!



Regards,



Mike
 
I like Citizen. The Eco-Drive models use sunlight to recharge, and even though they have an analog face, with hands for day/date, etc., they know the month and year so they don't need date changes even for leap year. I own two of them and both stay within about 30 seconds a year accuracy.
 
Also, check maker Ollech & Wajs. They are Swiss company that only does mail order. One guy sells some in the US. They were big in the 60's and 70's, closed up shop in the 90's (with the popularity of quartz) and re-opened a few years ago. They are small. I've had e-mail conversation with Mr. Wajs in Switzerland. I feel good about these watches. Not some mass assembly lined production, but a unique, boutique type company with a strong, respected following among watch enthusiasts.



They make military grade, rugged, accurate watches, some in your price range. Some of there high end chronograph watches use the EXACT same Valjoux movements that Breitling uses in their multi thousand dollar watches



They make solid watches and many of our soldiers wore them in Vietnam after tossing the watches issued to them from Benrus and Hamilton. The O & W's were much more durable and accurate. They were purchased in the PX exchanges.



Here are some from the US distributor. He has some cool watches if you would like to view the balance of the site:



M-65 Viet Nam hommage O & W watch



O & W NATO sub ETA 2824-2 w/date - same movement as the Submariner by TUDOR



British Pilot Military Style watch GENUINE ETA-2801 Now with SAPPHIRE



A bit more pricey (detail a couple cars for some extra $$$!), but:



M-6 GMT style - IN SAPPHIRE - Ollech & Wajs Military watch



O & W new M-5 Military Style watch GMT style



O & W Cougar bead blasted dive watch 200 m



The Ollech & Wajs Kartargo - limited supply



This one looks cool for $198.00: British Pilot watch manual wind quality movement ETA 2801



Hope this helps (or confuses you more!)
 
Another option is the hamilton khaki field line. I think they may have a couple in the sub-$200 range.



The Seiko 5 seris are also great watches.
 
There's always Fossil.



I've been using Fossil watches for the past 7 or so years with no complaints. I usually only get a new one when mine gets too scratched up.
 
natebood said:
There's always Fossil.



I've been using Fossil watches for the past 7 or so years with no complaints. I usually only get a new one when mine gets too scratched up.
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I've had a pair of Fossils for like 6 years now and they've been great, but IMO they're "played out" now, I see everyone with one, I'm looking for something a bit more rare right now so I'll be watching this thread eagerly since I have about $150 to spend just like the original poster.



PS I left you feedback on the Trader Feedback thread, if you could reply back so others can see if they're ever wary of dealing with me it would help, thanks.
 
yep, the big O is a good place to check frequently for good Seiko deals, and also be sure to use coupon codes for anywhere between 10%-20% off. With the codes, I have scored a very nice Seiko 5 for very cheap! Bargain deal for a great quality watch!
 
Wow, thanks guys. Spilchy, I'll have to check out all those links, thanks a ton man. I just want something better than what I've got now that will last me for a good long while. Thanks for the help so far guys, keep the suggestions coming!
 
Another vote for a Seiko Automatic. For the price range youre talking about you can spring for the Seiko 5 Sport and some Seiko 5 Premiers, these are the 23 jewel 7s36 watches. The regular Seiko 5s have 21 jewels and are 7s26 (Im wearing mine today) and can be had for around $100 +/- $20. The Sports are $120+.



Good luck. :)
 
Yet another vote for Seiko Autos. Check around in your area and see if there is a Seiko Outlet store at your favorite outlet center. They usually have a nice selection and many are 75% off list. They have the best selection of Autos that you will see at any B&M. Orient makes some great watches but the ones in the $100 range leave a lot to be desired for me.
 
Suprchargd said:
I've had a pair of Fossils for like 6 years now and they've been great, but IMO they're "played out" now, I see everyone with one, I'm looking for something a bit more rare right now so I'll be watching this thread eagerly since I have about $150 to spend just like the original poster.



PS I left you feedback on the Trader Feedback thread, if you could reply back so others can see if they're ever wary of dealing with me it would help, thanks.
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Fossils may be a bit played out, but I buy 'em for functionality/quality. Plus, they've got tons to choose from these days.



I had I already left you feedback shortly after I sent the package out. Glad you received it with no issues.! Thanks again :bigups
 
I would look on Ebay at the Seiko Black Monsters. They have a great auto movement and can be bought from a couple of different large dealers for less than $150. This will be the next watch I buy and I have way too many watches ranging from a Casio Sea Pathfinder to a vintage Rolex Sea Dweller.
 
Prometheus said:
I am pretty open, but I am looking for a few things, preferably automatic (no more batteries if I can help it)
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Why do you not want a battery powered watch? I get 2 or 3 years between battery changes on my watch, which seems ok to me.
 
Black240SX said:
Why do you not want a battery powered watch? I get 2 or 3 years between battery changes on my watch, which seems ok to me.
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Every battery powered watch I have ever owned never worked as well after I switched the battery. Don't know if it's just me or what, but the watch never seems to work the same again. Hence, the desire for an auto instead.
 
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