Seiko, Citizen, Orient and Bulova are solid options in the $100-250 range. Heck, even Timex and Casio are throwing some interesting analog watches into the $100-200 range, but I'd stick to the aforementioned brands.
From $250 to $550 there's some really nice ones that are decent upgrades / unavailable in the sub $200 range. Even for me personally, I would say 9 our of 10 watches that catch my eye are all sub $400. I have 2 watches over $500 in my collection. More than half of my watches are around the $200-300 range. Only 2 or 3 exceed $300. I'd venture the remaining third around below $200.
The Seiko 5 is an excellent watch. I have no idea why it is so inexpensive, but similar Seiko offerings (not a 5) are just $50 more. I do think the 5 series are a little bit smaller though. Less materials maybe?
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Originally Posted by jayswin
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No, no, no. What you are looking at is very much in the same group. Just because someone owns a luxury watch doesn't mean they cannot appreciate watches in this price range and group. More than half my watches are in the same price range of the two you linked and about a third below that price range.
What are you looking for in a watch? The Axiom is hard to read and more of a bracelet than true watch. If that's what you're going for, it's an excellent choice. If you want to use the watch functionality a little more, the Axiom might not be for you.
I do like the Axiom. I've tried it on like 5 times. I find it exudes a funny aura. The bracelet is very nice and exudes premium. When I get to the case, there's a "wait, where's the rest of it?" and then my mind wanders like there's a modern art feel to it or something. The lack of markings on the dial to orient myself to the time is quite jarring. I've been meaning to get one for years, but I always end up saving up slightly more to try out different styles. I've always liked the black bracelet more than the silver which is often in the $180-240 range. A heck of a lot of interesting options for watches in that range so the Axiom often ends up an an also ran in the group of watches I look at. I'd easily choose silver bracelet over leather strap. The Axiom leather strap feels very entry level which is unlike the bracelet that IMO feels premium.
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Originally Posted by shane_c
I'm not really into watches but do think I should upgrade my $20 Casio Illuminator (it has served me well for several years now) with something a little nicer for work and going out. I'll still use my Casio when out hiking and other activities where it might get damaged.
I was looking at the Seiko 5 SNK809. The reviews seem good and I like that the second hand movement is fluid instead of ticking. Thoughts on this watch? Are there any others you'd recommend in the $135 or less (preferably less) range?
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B002SSUQFG/..._un7JEbT0E4TRA |
Anything in the Seiko 5 series is an excellent value watch. But for reasons I haven't figured out yet, the Seiko 5 is essentially a value brand for Seiko, but offers many similar features to regular Seiko $50-100 more than the 5 series.
The one you linked doesn't seem like a truly "nicer one for work or going out" though. It actually seems more like the one you take hiking and other activities. You'd have to truly abuse the hell out of a typical Seiko/Orient/Citizen watch to damage it.
https://www.amazon.ca/Seiko-Mens-Aut...%2C186&sr=1-29
This one is the same one but with bracelet vs fabric strap.
IMO, I would suggest this one which has a similar dial design as the Seiko you linked:
https://www.amazon.ca/Citizen-AW1361...=watch&sr=1-18
$225, but there are open box options in that listing that are within your budget. Don't buy the brand new one. I'd roll the dice on the open box hoping the imperfection on the watch isn't noticeable. I've bought from Amazon warehouse (usually open box/returns) about half a dozen times before and I've never run into anything so jarring that I decided to return the watch because the damage/imperfections were deal breakers. You'll "damage" it yourself by making it look worn wearing it over time anyways. You'll upgrade to a leather strap (you'll have to break it in) and you'll be going solar vs automatic so the second hand will tick rather than be fluid. But it should meet your "nicer for work or going out" criteria.
https://www.amazon.ca/Orient-Leather...s=watch&sr=1-5
This one is from Orient and it's a bit more of a dress watch if you want to go that route. It is an automatic so the second hand will be fluid. The fluid motions of a second hand on an automatic watch is mesmerizing.
Seriously, Costco, Winners, clearance/open box, gently used is the main way I often get watches a tier up for the budget below.
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Originally Posted by Sliver
Yeah that's great. Especially because you can clearly have a nice watch at an affordable price. And you know, that watch at $120 is really nice and looks like a significant upgrade over a $60 watch. Probably like a lot of other things where that initial doubling of a budget gets you the biggest incremental upgrade. I'd feel pretty baller with that on my wrist. Double that budget again to $240 and maybe the jump in cool factor would not be as pronounced.
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If you know how to look, there's amazing deals out there. But going purely based on the regular prices. IMO, the tiers are (in CAD):
$0-$150
$150-250
$250-400
$400-550
$550+/++
You can find essentially any feature of any watch in those tiers. Automatic/Solar/Quartz battery/Chronograph/Diver etc. IMO it's a noticeable step from $150-250, incremental from $250-400 and then after that you're kinda splitting hairs. Although in the $400-550 range and above there are still occasional small minute features that aren't really available in the tiers below. Of the available features out there, I'd venture a guess of:
$0-$150: 90%
$150-250: 95%
$250-400: 97%
$400-550: 99%
$550+/++: 104%
Yes, yes. At $550+ I put a number over 100%. The reason is that some of the features they shove in this tier are kinda crazy and basically one offs in the watch world. I am not talking about higher end precious metals. Things like watches that are unaffected by the earth's magnetic field, analog alarms, tourbillion which resists inertia, moving artwork etc.