cheap watches

[rdawson808]

It turns out the burglar took my three dress watches so I need something new. Right now I only have a daily-use "workhorse" Bulova Marine Star. It's big and clunky and bright silver and I don't consider it a "dress" watch.

So I'm looking for recommendations. So far I have found these to compare to for style.

Watch #1 looks nice. It's not a bad price either (about 150). But it's not really a "dress" watch to my eyes. It looks a bit casual.

Watch #2 looks very nice except for the band. But it's way too expensive.

I am particulary fond of the tank style but figure I should aim to get a round faced watch as well. And the catch is that I want to spend a maximum of $100 on each.

Any thoughts? Brands I should look for? It seems that the cheaper brands that I would go for (Fossil, Swatch, even Timex etc.) don't have anything I want (or maybe one but it's their most expensive), and otherwise I can only think of really expensive brands that will never grace my wrist.

cheers,
bob

 

[javyn]

I love Skagen, and I am about to buy another one since I lost mine. Skagen is the only men's watch I can wear, having such a small bone structure. Keep in mind the dials on Skagens are very small, and incredibly thin. Nice watch though. This is the one I currently have my eye on... BTW, I have read online reviews of people with Skagens who are not so happy with the mesh band...apparently some have had issues with the finish rubbing off. Just FYI. Skagen 105LTX 34mm dial 8mm thick

 

[Young Scrappy]

For the price range, I would go with an ESQ, made by Tag Heuer (I think).

 

[lawyerdad]

I have owned to Skagen watches, both of which fell apart or stopped running within months.

 

[Matt]

i second the skagen recommendation. I got one for my 21st that still looks great and is going strong, 9 years and counting.

I was recently given another one, which i love and im sure will serve me just as well.

 

[chorse123]

If I were you, I'd spend max $200 on one rather than $100 each on two. Look at Citizen, Seiko, maybe something like Trias:

http://longislandwatch.com/Trias_Page-1.htm

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by chorse123

If I were you, I'd spend max $200 on one rather than $100 each on two. Look at Citizen, Seiko, maybe something like Trias:

http://longislandwatch.com/Trias_Page-1.htm


It's scary how much crap we seem to have in common

Trias' more sedate offerings are very nice and look a lot more expensive on the wrist than what you paid. longislandwatch is top notch.

I second spending 200-300 on one watch and looking at Seiko, particularly the newer round face dress watches with their new 6R15 automatic movement

 

[Luc-Emmanuel]

ask violinist.

!luc

 

[mrchapel]

Originally Posted by Young Scrappy

For the price range, I would go with an ESQ, made by Tag Heuer (I think).

Actually they're made by Movado.

 

[rdawson808]

Does anyone in particular have Skagen for better prices? I like and need the thin-ness. Can I pick one up on EBay for a good price and be confident it is genuine? Here is one. Here's another. I am really not interested in shelling out 200 or more for a watch. I prefer having a little variety and do not particularly go for watches as any sort of investment (if a 200 watch can be considered that). I want it to look nice and be functional. I may just buy a $20 job at Target. Like this. thanks for the advice, though, everyone. b

 

[Get Smart]

I can't imagine anyone counterfeiting Skagen, so I wouldnt be concerned with ebay authenticity. Those 2 you linked look good for the price, and meet your "tank style" criteria.

I've owned one skagen and it was a runner. I really like the thin-ness of their watches and they keep on ticking.

 

[Nonk]

A classic day to day beater of a watch is the Cabot Watch Company (CWC) so called "G1098" watch. This, in it's various variants is the British Army standard issue and is beloved by generations of servicemen here. They are atom bomb proof, and can be had for around £60 for an as new surplus model. Although they are quartz, they have allegedly got quality innards, and you will pass one of these on to your kids when you die. Beware imitations (MWC etc)

They look better in real life than in the the pics, and should be worn with a NATO standard strap, preferably in Regimental/Club/University colours.

A rather nice grey/black "James Bond" (he wore one in one of the Connery films, I cannot remember which one now) strap is also available.

http://www.silvermans.co.uk/Silver/i...cs/st11330.jpg


These watches have an excellent reputation and are highly rated by watch spotters.

 

[j]

Citizen Eco-drive also makes a very thin watch, but I'm not sure of the price or if they have a tank.

 

[Get Smart]

Originally Posted by j

Citizen Eco-drive also makes a very thin watch, but I'm not sure of the price or if they have a tank.

Yep, I've seen a round face wafer thin Citizen Eco, as slim as Skagen, for about $220

 

[j]

That's probably the one I have. I liked it up until the crystal cracked while the watch was in my pocket (admittedly dumb) and a new crystal runs $80... It's still sitting in my valet box with its cracked crystal and I use my KC tank when I need a watch.