Watches you wear...

[jayswin]

What do you guys think of these two? I threw the silver one in my cart already. I know it's nothing compared to what most are looking at here, but kind of enjoyed the dorky look a bit and figured it'd be fun to wear. The silver band is in my cart but think I might actually take the black band.

https://www.amazon.ca/Citizen-AU1060...478179&sr=8-39

https://www.amazon.ca/Citizen-Au1065...478338&sr=8-39

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by jayswin

That's kind of how I look at watches. I don't have the eye for $150 watch compared to a $600 to a $1500 watch. Which works out great because I also don't have the disposable income so as a new watch buyer I'm enjoy the hell out of the bliss of liking a whole bunch of $150-$400 watches.

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.

[jayswin]

In that vein, not to "dumb down" the thread for the big spenders, but what are recommendations in the $150-$800 range? I' going to grab something just because I've wanted a new watch for awhile, but can't justify $1000+ right now.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by Sliver

That $120 one looks really cool to me. Luckily, I can't tell it from a $7k watch.

I don't recommend trying a 7k one on then.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by DownhillGoat

I don't recommend trying a 7k one on then.

lol, I have no doubt that's true.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by shane_c

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?

In the lower price ranges you really can't go wrong with Seiko or Citizen. Solid choices and a better option than a fashion brand in that price range.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by Sliver

lol, I have no doubt that's true.

I've been eyeing up the Speedy Pro for a decade and finally convinced myself it wasn't worth it. I made the mistake of going into an Omega store in Vegas.

Did you ever get that Nixon for your kid?

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by DownhillGoat

I've been eyeing up the Speedy Pro for a decade and finally convinced myself it wasn't worth it. I made the mistake of going into an Omega store in Vegas.

Did you ever get that Nixon for your kid?

Hey great memory. We actually didn't, although it was so close. We got him a step counter watch. No video games until he hits 10,000 steps. Worked really well for several months and now that I think about it I haven't seen that watch in quite a while.

[Makarov]

Originally Posted by DownhillGoat

In the lower price ranges you really can't go wrong with Seiko or Citizen. Solid choices and a better option than a fashion brand in that price range.

I bought a Seiko 5 Sports last year as my first "real watch". Spent less than $150. Still love it. Would highly recommend it. So much more satisfying than a $150 Michael Kors fashion watch (to me anyway).

Getting ready to move up to the next level (~$800) in the next year or so.

[you&me]

Originally Posted by Makarov

I bought a Seiko 5 Sports last year as my first "real watch". Spent less than $150. Still love it. Would highly recommend it. So much more satisfying than a $150 Michael Kors fashion watch (to me anyway).

Getting ready to move up to the next level (~$800) in the next year or so.

And so it begins

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by Makarov

Getting ready to move up to the next level (~$800) in the next year or so.

Yup. Talk to Gems by Carati on here. Picked up a Hamilton as a "gateway watch" for a hell of a deal.

[DoubleF]

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?

Originally Posted by jayswin

What do you guys think of these two? I threw the silver one in my cart already. I know it's nothing compared to what most are looking at here, but kind of enjoyed the dorky look a bit and figured it'd be fun to wear. The silver band is in my cart but think I might actually take the black band.

https://www.amazon.ca/Citizen-AU1060...478179&sr=8-39

https://www.amazon.ca/Citizen-Au1065...478338&sr=8-39

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.

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.

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.

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.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Hey great memory. We actually didn't, although it was so close. We got him a step counter watch. No video games until he hits 10,000 steps. Worked really well for several months and now that I think about it I haven't seen that watch in quite a while.

No vids prior to polishing and hand winding might have been a better choice

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by jayswin

In that vein, not to "dumb down" the thread for the big spenders, but what are recommendations in the $150-$800 range? I' going to grab something just because I've wanted a new watch for awhile, but can't justify $1000+ right now.

What do you want to do? If you have $800 to bomb, you might be better served getting 2-3 pieces to have in a rotation than a single piece you know nothing about.

Aiming at the $300-550 range though there's some fantastic pieces. IMO there is no shame in having these as the crown jewels of your own collection if watches are not truly your thing. Many collectors may have these in rotation even with luxury watches in their collection. Of the ones I have in my collection in a few categories:


Dress watches

Seiko Presage: $450 ish
https://www.amazon.ca/Seiko-SRPB43-P...6501854&sr=8-2

What you cannot tell from pics and must tell in person is the beautiful blue that shows up when the light hits it at certain angles. It kinda goes from stainless steel to hues of blue. Beautiful. It's a well built piece, open back, a very timeless dressy design and the button buckle clasp on a leather strap feels so premium when you put it on or take it off. I own the predecessor to this one (Cocktail time) and it is the second most expensive watch I own.

Orient Sun and Moon V2/3/4: $350-500 ish

https://www.amazon.ca/Orient-Classic...6502055&sr=8-2

I own a version of this one as well because I just wanted a Sun and Moon style watch. There is a slight domed aspect to the glass that makes it really neat to look at from certain angles that you absolutely cannot notice without seeing it in person up close. That domed aspect feels so fancy. It also has the button buckle clasp on leather strap which again is super nice. The sun and moon part is kinda more functional art showing AM/PM, but I think it's a neat aspect to have.


Chronograph

Citizen Nighthawk or Calendrier: $350 ish

https://www.amazon.ca/Citizen-Eco-Dr...s%2C184&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These ones are a bit busy and generally appeal more to the sporty crowd. Chronograph/tachimeter bells and whistles are useful for keeping track of time I guess, but who usually uses that feature? Some people just like the dial design. It an intricacy that feels competitive. Solar powered so essentially like a battery powered watch but you don't replace the battery nearly as often. You may not want to always store this in a dark location though. The double push buckle on the Calendrier I own (I loved the blue) is a little weird IMO. Most don't notice it, but for me I find that the way it folds does feel either a little tight or loose with little in between. It's a little pinchy for a lack of better term Most others I've chatted with don't notice it at all though. I still wear it no problem, but unlike other watches I own, there's almost like a slight relief in removing the watch after a long day unlike any of the other watches I own.


Divers:

Seiko Diver: $250-550 ish

https://www.amazon.ca/Seiko-SKX007K2...s=watch&sr=1-2

https://www.amazon.ca/Seiko-Mens-SKX...s=watch&sr=1-4

https://www.amazon.ca/Seiko-Prospex-...=watch&sr=1-12

Some of the original ones are discontinued which is why they sit closer to $500 than $250 I believe as it's kind of a collectors premium than base watch premium. A very well known one is the Seiko SKX 007 which is reminiscent of the Rolex Submariner. Divers comes in a variety of colors. I own the 009 which is the Pepsi diver (red and blue). I love the divers because they're truly water proof for day to day vs water resistant and it has a turning bezel. The crown screws on like a cap so water doesn't get in. When on vacation, I usually bring the divers with me and it's always kinda funny to see people like, "OMG you forgot to take your watch off before hopping into the hot tub/pool". No, it's designed for far worse beatings than that. It's a good all rounder not horribly out of place in a dressy scenario, sporty or just average daily driver. This one was one of the first I owned and I just kinda felt like it felt small after a while. Which leads me to the next diver.

Orient Mako: $200-400 ish

https://www.amazon.ca/Orient-Japanes...s=watch&sr=1-3

I own this in black and it's by far my favourite daily driver/beater. I believe I purchased it after reading someone talking about the Orient Makos in this thread years ago. It is a bit bigger so some may feel it's to hefty, but I actually quite like the additional heft vs the SKX divers. I think this one looks a little better than the SKX in a dressier scenario because it's a little flatter and square which exudes a sharper aesthetic vs the Seiko SKX series. Again it's a diver with the screw on crown, turning bezel etc. Orient is a heck of a brand. Consider their quality and features like a Vizio to the other TV brands. The quality is that close. If I ever get in a fight, I hope I am wearing this watch. I'd literally use it like a brass knuckle and worry more about injuring my knuckles than breaking this bad boy. Excellent watch to wear to pool/hot tub etc. without water damage worries.


Sorry, I talk too much.

[shane_c]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

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?



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.



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.



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.

Thanks for the detailed reply. I'll definitely check out the links.

[OMG!WTF!]

12 million Patek collection going up for auction. Get your paddle numbers ready...

https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolbe...a-kind-pieces/

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

I own the predecessor to this one (Cocktail time) and it is the second most expensive watch I own.

Nice! I've always loved those. It's got such a cool understated Japanese vibe to it...makes you think of some smoky after-hours cocktail bar in Tokyo.

I only have one Seiko at the moment (a first-gen Samurai dive watch) but the JDM stuff especially is always very tempting.

Originally Posted by DownhillGoat

Yup. Talk to Gems by Carati on here. Picked up a Hamilton as a "gateway watch" for a hell of a deal.

Just want to second this. Every time I've talked to him, Justin has been very helpful, and offers great prices.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

Is your Speedmaster a metal band? Is this why you consider it all around sporty? Because I have quite a few friends who chased the Speed master and Planet Ocean because they felt it looked fantastic in a suit and in "casual" wear (golf gear, work clothing, night out etc.).

Personally, despite the heavy James Bond tie-in, a Seamaster with a suit always looks somewhat forced to me…a little too big and clunky for my tastes. I mean sure, if you put it on the wrist of Daniel Craig it works awesome…but most of us aren't Daniel Craig (I look more like the random jamoke whose butcher shop he just drove through in an opening scene).

The Speedmaster feels a bit similar. It’s a watch with fantastic range…you can wear it with a t-shirt, or sweater, or in an office setting, and it looks awesome. But once you try to go black tie or something more formal, it starts look out of place. Not that I’m attending many fancy-pants galas or anything….but I do like the idea of being ready if called!

I wonder if looking into having the option of your Speedy in both leather/metal strap could breathe new life into it.

Funny you mention that, as I was getting a bit tired of the bracelet, and went a bit strap/Nato crazy a few months ago. It’s definitely revived a lot of love for the watch and shows how much range it has.

Not my photos, but some of the strap styles I've been wearing lately.

Spoiler!

[CroFlames]

Where can I get an Orient Mako serviced in Calgary?

It’s about 5 years old and the bracelet has detached from the watch twice now. It feels like the rods that connect the bracelet to the watch are weaker than the rods that connect each individual piece of the bracelet together. I had it fixed at the Bay watch repair but the rods still bend and eventually detach.

Kinda frustrating since I love the watch. Am I doing something wrong?

PS: If I wanted to take the next step in watch levels, like a Seamaster, where does one begin the search? Amazon? Local retailer only etc? With that kind of investment I want to try to get a deal, but also protect myself from fraud and warranty.

[Winsor_Pilates]

This is the watch I want



Had set myself a business goal for this year and was planning to buy it if I reach that target, but pretty unlikely now with the Covid curveball. Maybe in 2021.