Recommend a good $700-800 divers watch?

[Mauby]

I put this up so I can hear from you watch connoisseurs out there. I am very partial to the Omega Seamaster, but (1) $2500 is out of my budget and (2) it's seems to be becoming a cliche watch. Can anyone recommend a steel band divers-style watch in the budget range of $700-800? I prefer European or American movement to Japanese-movement watches.

 

[0b5cur1ty]

You might be able to get an Oris Diver in that range (certainly a lightly-used one). I haven't owned one personally but all the feedback indicates these are good, solid watches.

Your money = your choice of course, but I'm curious as to why you wish to exclude Japanese watches? Considering these would increase your options alot.

 

[Mauby]

Originally Posted by 0b5cur1ty

Your money = your choice of course, but I'm curious as to why you wish to exclude Japanese watches? Considering these would increase your options alot.

Quite simply, personal preference. I've had a Seiko before. I would say that Seikos are excellent watches. Just looking for something different. Plus, I know very little about watches with exception of a few brands. Thanks for the tip on the Oris. I'm weary of buying used due to people getting scammed, but I won't rule it out.

 

[bmulford]

For that price range, I'd look into the Ocean7 line. Seriously respected pieces around the price range you're seeking.

here's their top of line:

 

[voxsartoria]

Never heard of them until this post, but those look nice.

Are they cased around ETAs?

- B

 

[bmulford]

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

Never heard of them until this post, but those look nice.

Are they cased around ETAs?

- B

ETA 2893-x

really like this one

 

[zjpj83]

Doesn't Omega make some cheaper quartz versions of its watches?

 

[ccc123]

Check out Victorinox Swiss army at www.swissarmy.com they have several divers choices. Divemaster is the segment family name $595.00

 

[holla7577]

If you want to save some money, Seiko makes some real respectable diving watches. And they would be less than what you are willing to pay.

 

[edmorel]

This is pretty much the category killer in the under $1000 dive watch category.

http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-...c_SBDC001.html

 

[MaxJones]

Personally, I'd save my money and get one of the interesting large German watches that available in a wide variety for $100 - $300. I love watches and have picked up lots of these Teutonic beauties over the years because they're fun, stylish, unusual and they make good travel/beach watches. I get as many compliments and comments on them than I do for my ahem, "serious" watches.

Also, it's just my opinion, but unless you go used or vintage (an excellent choice as well), there's a BIG jump in price and a relatively small jump in quality between $200 and say, $1200. Once you get over $4,000 there are some excellent new watches that will last you a lifetime, but I've yet to have a problem with the self-winding German watches either, and I've had some for 6 years.

Here are a few examples:

 

[whacked]

Originally Posted by MaxJones

Personally, I'd save my money and get one of the interesting large German watches that available in a wide variety for $100 - $300.

Just so you know, all of these watches are made in Asia (China for the most part).

 

[FidelCashflow]

Originally Posted by 0b5cur1ty

You might be able to get an Oris Diver in that range (certainly a lightly-used one). I haven't owned one personally but all the feedback indicates these are good, solid watches.
.

+1. I have an Omega Seamaster, even when I was picking it out, the Oris TT1 Diver was a very close second.

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by MaxJones

Personally, I'd save my money and get one of the interesting large German watches that available in a wide variety for $100 - $300. I love watches and have picked up lots of these Teutonic beauties over the years because they're fun, stylish, unusual and they make good travel/beach watches. I get as many compliments and comments on them than I do for my ahem, "serious" watches.

Also, it's just my opinion, but unless you go used or vintage (an excellent choice as well), there's a BIG jump in price and a relatively small jump in quality between $200 and say, $1200. Once you get over $4,000 there are some excellent new watches that will last you a lifetime, but I've yet to have a problem with the self-winding German watches either, and I've had some for 6 years.



Don't get upset but you do know those are cheap Chinese chinese watches with only German sounding names?

 

[MaxJones]

Originally Posted by whacked

Just so you know, all of these watches are made in Asia (China for the most part).

Originally Posted by edmorel

Don't get upset but you do know those are cheap Chinese chinese watches with only German sounding names?

I wouldn't be upset even if it were true that these watches were Chinese, since I've used many of them for years without trouble. But the truth is all of the "German" watches I've bought so far are manufactured in Germany using German, Swiss or Asian (but not Chinese) movements.

Of the ones I've picked up use Swiss (Ronda), German, or Japanese (Myota) movements, and have functioned beautifully. I've got a "thing" for watches and picked of many, both cheap and spendy, and most come from Switzerland. But some are from the U.S., Russia, Germany and France. I'd happily pick some Chinese watches if they were interesting, the price were right, and they weren't masquerading as something else. Why not?

Of course, something has to give when you aim at a price-point under $300, so naturally these aren't Pateks or even Panerais, Omegas, and Rolexes. But they are good, fun, inexpensive watches.

Not to belabor the point, but I pay serious attention to where things come from, and wanted to clear this up.