What is the nicest watch for around $300 ??

My little sister is insisting on getting me a graduation gift. She wants to spend around $300 and get me a watch I will actually wear. I don't know much about watch brands with that price range so I need some help.

I am 22 y/o and work in banking, so I need something cool, yet not too hip and funky.

For reference, I really like the Rolex Daytona and Tag Link.

So with this information in mind, which watch/watches would you guys recommend within this price range.

Thanks

I would get a classically designed seiko for $150 and save the rest for that $2000 watch you will inevitably get in a couple of years.

^^^ +1. I think the best watch "value" out there is NOS Seiko Lasalle (available on ebay) for $50-$200, especially if you like thin watches. I've had two different jewelers tell me that this Japanese movement is the "most beautiful they've seen". Reliable and available occasionally in some very classic designs (and a lot of 70's/80's pimp too). I believe they originally retailed from about $700-$3K.

Originally Posted by Tarmac

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I would get a classically designed seiko for $150 and save the rest for that $2000 watch you will inevitably get in a couple of years.

Either follow this advice or get a Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic (they run around $230) on the 'Bay. And please don't get a Quartz watch, as they depreciate like no other (I brought this up since you might change your mind and regret getting one, especially if you actually get into horology later on).

Also try Seiko Spirit.

How about a Hammy JaZZMaster.

dont buy a watch for 300. they look cheap. get a cell and use that if u need to know the time. You can get some nice stuff for 1k on ebay and other online watch sites. i spent 1500 on a 3k watch and love it. I used to have a rolex but a lil expensive when you can get it stolen or ding it up ( dont you hate how things disapear).
Have her get u some nice shoes or a dress shirt, tie ect.
Why get something u will get rid of in a year or 2 and probly wont want to wear. Im a 21yr old commercial appraiser and wouldnt wear seiko or fossil watch. There for kids or people who work outdoors and will destroy there watch.

Originally Posted by ogduncan

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Why get something u will get rid of in a year or 2 and probly wont want to wear. Im a 21yr old commercial appraiser and wouldnt wear seiko or fossil watch. There for kids or people who work outdoors and will destroy there watch.

Since you're so obsessed about the price of a watch and detest all things seiko, please guess how much this one runs

Or hell, how about a Citizen?


Next time, please shut up if you know nothing about the subject at hand.

Take a look at tissot, hamilton, or seiko for a good watch at about $300

Originally Posted by GQhustler

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My little sister is insisting on getting me a graduation gift. She wants to spend around $300 and get me a watch I will actually wear. I don't know much about watch brands with that price range so I need some help.

I am 22 y/o and work in banking, so I need something cool, yet not too hip and funky.

For reference, I really like the Rolex Daytona and Tag Link.

So with this information in mind, which watch/watches would you guys recommend within this price range.

Thanks
There was a thread like this a few weeks back - it may be of use to you:

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=37117

Thanks for the replies everyone.

After looking at the Hamilton watches, the one I really like is the khaki x-wind automatic which unfortunately is above my sister's price range. However, I also like the Hamilton Khaki Field Auto which might be an option.

To answer one posters question, she doesn't want to buy me shoes, shirts, ties, etc as these items don't last very long. She wants to get me something that she can get engraved, such as a watch. Plus, to her, $300 is a lot of money and for her to spend $300 on me is like me spending $3,000 on a watch for her - respectively, it's a lot.

That said, I don't really like Seiko. For some reason when I hear the brand Seiko, I think of a Walmart watch. Even if I am in the wrong in assuming this, I can't help the stigma that this brand has in my view. So although I like the look of a few of their watches, I would rather choose something else.

Do you guys have any other suggestions? Right now I'm leaning towards the suggested Hamilton Khaki Field automatic, but have yet to try it on and see if I like it.

I appreciate the help.

I like your sister.

With regards to Seiko, bad rep as it might have, they have also produced watches and movements that can go head to head with mid-priced Swiss brands and win hands down. I also had the same reaction when I hear the brand Seiko, but some visits to watch forums, and some readings showed me that those "in the know" know Seiko (and Citizen) as a very good brand.

I think there are a few locman watches in that pricerange. Very stylish, not a "watchlover's watch" but I love some of their styling

Originally Posted by Faded501s

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I've had two different jewelers tell me that this Japanese movement is the "most beautiful they've seen".

What is beautiful movement? Is that just an indication of the watch's accuracy?

I'd have to agree with the Seiko suggestion (I am afraid that, to me, the above illustrated Citizen looks $50 cheap - just like TAG Heuer).

Just above thaat price band for a new watch is http://www.archimede-uhren.de/US/Collection.htm; or there are some lovely Omega Seamasters going on EBay - she could buy one, get a good service, and a new strap within her budget.