Help me pick a watch (again)

[ASH556]

I know I had the Luminox thread and y'all talked me out of that. At this point, illumination is a preference but not a requirement.
Criteria:
-$200 max budget (closer to $100 is better)
-Simple layout, clean and classic
-Date required
-Day strongly preferred

Silver bracelet, 44mm or so case
I'd like it to be a (I wore this everyday of my life) kind of watch so dressy enough to wear with a suit but not gaudy. Hoping to refer this to my wife for Father's Day (kids are 4, 2, and almost a month).

[voodoo_man]

some are smaller...seiko's are pretty much the way to go...in your budget...

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Black-S.../?tag=bg999-20 (https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Black-Stainless-Automatic-SNZF17/dp/B001IBF15Y/)

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SKX173-.../?tag=bg999-20 (https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SKX173-Stainless-Polyurethane-Automatic/dp/B00068TJ76/)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...d_i=6358540011 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045D6570/ref=s9_acsd_simh_hd_bw_b6wJmix_c_x_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPD KIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=42WGXHCV3F2Y2TSMF0F2&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=b97ccbdd-dc34-5a73-ba0e-9e59e4ec322b&pf_rd_i=6358540011)

[Odin Bravo One]

Call me about my Pepsi bezel Seiko.....

[vcdgrips]

Great minds thinking alike re starting with Seiko. I have also linked an Orient,Citizen and Mondaine. 42 mm+ under 160. Stainless bracelets, black or otherwise very legible faces and day/dates all.

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNKN47-RECRAFT-Automatic-Japanese/dp/B011RCG0RG/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1494958233&sr=1-2&nodeID=6358540011&psd=1&keywords=seiko+automatic&refinements=p_n_size_three_browse-vebin%3A8755759011%2Cp_n_material_browse%3A3792880 11

https://www.amazon.com/Orient-Ranger-Japanese-Automatic-Stainless/dp/B01LWWGDF7/ref=sr_1_9?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1494958383&sr=1-9&nodeID=6358540011&psd=1&keywords=orient+automatic&refinements=p_36%3A2661615011%2Cp_n_material_brows e%3A379288011

https://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Sport-Quartz-Stainless-Casual/dp/B016R90WIW/ref=sr_1_49?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1494958557&sr=1-49&nodeID=6358540011&psd=1&keywords=citizen&refinements=p_n_material_browse%3A379288011

Finally, something a bit different-Swiss Quartz-Mondaine, the official watch of the Swiss Railroad

https://www.amazon.com/Mondaine-A667-30340-16SBM-Retro-Stainless-Bracelet/dp/B001W1EE5I/ref=sr_1_51?ie=UTF8&qid=1494960392&sr=8-51-spons&keywords=mondaine+watch&psc=1

[martin_j001]

Another vote for Seiko. In the price range given, they're good stuff.

[Odin Bravo One]

Seriously Ashton, I had one I'll give up for a good price. But you'll have to move fast. Everything is in the process of being packed up. Who knows when it will be seen again.

Sent you a pic to your phone, but here it is again anyway.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/SavageHunter/IMG_3370_zpss6gpp2dq.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/SavageHunter/media/IMG_3370_zpss6gpp2dq.jpg.html)

[Totem Polar]

^^^good option. In that price range, clean pre-owned Seiko of your choice.

[ASH556]

I really like that Citizen Sport!

[ASH556]

Seiko looks nice too Sean. Look for a PM later

[StraitR]

Damn, I need a new watch. Looking forward to seeing the outcome here.

[Paltares8]

Seems like its been pretty well said, but nonetheless, Seiko is going to be your best bet, especially if you want an automatic. Sean's up there seems a good deal if you like the color scheme. Otherwise Jomashop has some good deals.

[SamAdams]

Another option - - Casio G-Shock. The one I wear & like recharges itself with built in solar battery. It automatically sets itself using the atomic clock radio signal. Mine has mechanical hands and digital read out. Time, date, date in multiple zones, alarm, stopwatch, etc. Of course, it'll take a heavy pounding. 200m waterproof rating. Ive shot many hard kicking handguns with it on including a 500 S&W.
I own many Seikos and like them too. But just thought I'd mention the G-Shock. It can be purchased for under $100. Various outer cases available. I've had mine for 10 years & intend to replace it with another new one when it finally craps out - - - whenever the heck that happens.

[GJM]

Seriously Ashton, I had one I'll give up for a good price. But you'll have to move fast. Everything is in the process of being packed up. Who knows when it will be seen again.

Sent you a pic to your phone, but here it is again anyway.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/SavageHunter/IMG_3370_zpss6gpp2dq.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/SavageHunter/media/IMG_3370_zpss6gpp2dq.jpg.html)



Quite obvious this watch is owned by a navy guy!


Perhaps not as glitzy, but the watch I have been wearing six months or so, is my all time favorite regardless of cost. Casio Pro Trek, PRG-300, with a green bezel and PF color band.

16657

[Odin Bravo One]

I picked the Seiko up in Israel last year. The Israeli dudes adopted it as their unofficial watch. I like it, but I seriously have to thin the herd of watches. It got out of hand, and I have way too many.

[warpedcamshaft]

So, if Navy dudes are into collecting watches... What do the army guys collect?

[s0nspark]

So, if Navy dudes are into collecting watches... What do the army guys collect?

Is this the setup for a joke?? :)

Personally I am not a watch guy... but after seeing a 24H watch in one of the other threads that may be changing.

[RoyGBiv]

I love this Seiko.. Clean face, lumes just enough, date and day, solar works great.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I1KW2FW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just pick up whatever bracelet you want to go with it.

[GJM]

Is this the setup for a joke?? :)
.

Doesn't everyone know the joke with the punch line, big watch, small Johnson.

[DMF13]

How about this (although you would have to replace the band to meet your criteria)?

This one is solar powered, and has "atomic" timekeeping.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B2IT71C/ref=s9u_wsim_gw_i1?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=B00B2IT71C&pd_rd_r=HYV4EP72RNT5ASTSNJJ1&pd_rd_w=1knLq&pd_rd_wg=yX6UX&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=1VRTRNCH5CPSGV8WNSWS&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=781f4767-b4d4-466b-8c26-2639359664eb&pf_rd_i=desktop

16675

[Isaac]

My uncle has been wearing the Seiko model that Sean is selling for close to 10 years without any issue.

[Jim Watson]

I am out of date, those solar-atomic watches are just neat.
Does anybody make about a 36mm in plastic? I like a light watch for daily wear and only put on the steel for dinner.

[SamAdams]

I am out of date, those solar-atomic watches are just neat.
Does anybody make about a 36mm in plastic? I like a light watch for daily wear and only put on the steel for dinner.

I don't know all that's currently out there in terms of different styles/models. I just looked up the closest replacement for my Casio G-Shock for when it finally gives up the ghost. There's no sign of that happening soon and I've had it 10 years.
It's nice not having to go through the 'mental trauma' of changing batteries or setting my watch :) It automatically sets itself every day and is accurate to within 1 second (I've compared it to a couple of our atomic wall clocks). It automatically adjusts for daylight savings time (both the digital readout and the mechanical hands). The solar cell & battery are very efficient. Even when I've taken it off and it was in a dark closet it still operated for many weeks afterwards. (After fully charging, its rated for 6 months run time without any further light.)

I would imagine if you check out the Casio website you might find something you like.

[Jim Watson]

I looked at others on Amazon, this one is the smallest and lightest of the type I could find.
I weighed some watches and 1.28 oz is not bad.

I guess the greatest attraction to me is the digital date so I wouldn't have to fiddle with the analog date when 30 days hath September, April, June, and November (and February.)

[txdpd]

Lots of grey market Seikos (and every other brand of watch) on Amazon. The factory warranty services on those watches can be non existent, only in the market it was originally intended for, or available in the US. Either way it's not too hard to find someone locally that can work on them, if you do have to pay for a repair on a grey market watch, you'll probably break even with the cost of a watch from a retailer. That's a really big "if".

I'd go with a polished stainless case. Seiko Ion bond can range from really good to flimsy, but I think it looks terrible when it scratches. The brushed finishes show scratches too.

[MGW]

So, if Navy dudes are into collecting watches... What do the army guys collect?

Red tape.

[DMF13]

I am out of date, those solar-atomic watches are just neat.
Does anybody make about a 36mm in plastic? I like a light watch for daily wear and only put on the steel for dinner.36mm is pretty small, but Casio does have "plastic" G-shocks, that are solar/atomic, and reasonably priced, if you can stand something a little bigger.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00791R1BO/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i2?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=B00791R1BO&pd_rd_r=FFG6S8AG4E9JG30XBCS1&pd_rd_w=pa26I&pd_rd_wg=j5U6C&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=2BXKZ4KAQ7SF7PHP6CAN&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=781f4767-b4d4-466b-8c26-2639359664eb&pf_rd_i=desktop

https://www.amazon.com/Casio-AWGM100B-1ACR-G-Shock-Solar-Watch/dp/B00791YUPO/ref=pd_sim_241_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00791YUPO&pd_rd_r=X3SPDF31DGCPRKKH817B&pd_rd_w=b2x4X&pd_rd_wg=CDkqU&psc=1&refRID=X3SPDF31DGCPRKKH817B

[Jim Watson]

Thanks, but I prefer the one back at #19 even though it is a bit larger in diameter than my Marathon or my Omega.

[okie john]

So, if Navy dudes are into collecting watches... What do the army guys collect?

Dependents.


Okie John

[scjbash]

I am out of date, those solar-atomic watches are just neat.
Does anybody make about a 36mm in plastic? I like a light watch for daily wear and only put on the steel for dinner.

This one is solar but not atomic. It's my go-to watch when I'm wanting to wear something small and lightweight.

https://www.amazon.com/Citizen-BM8180-03E-Eco-Drive-Analog-Japanese/dp/B000EQS1JW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495194820&sr=8-1&keywords=citizen+field+watch

[NEPAKevin]

Some of the G-shocks are also pretty thick.

[ASH556]

So buying locally (vs online) is a comfort thing for my wife. I tried this one on tonight and like it. Anything good or bad about it?

http://seikousa.com/collections/seiko%20core/SNE391

[Bobcat]

The Citizen Skyhawk is what I wear

https://www.amazon.com/Citizen-JY8058-50L-Stainless-Silver-Bracelet/dp/B01I51QCT8/ref=sr_1_13?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1495858307&sr=1-13&nodeID=6358539011&psd=1&keywords=citizen+skyhawk

[walker2713]

I've had this watch for about 4 months, and am extremely pleased with it. I've got very nice Casios & Citizens, but this is the watch I almost always wear. It's very easy to read, and the band is comfortable. The MSRP is $205, but they're available on Amazon for a little under $100.

16946

[voodoo_man]

I've had this watch for about 4 months, and am extremely pleased with it. I've got very nice Casios & Citizens, but this is the watch I almost always wear. It's very easy to read, and the band is comfortable. The MSRP is $205, but they're available on Amazon for a little under $100.

16946

I am actually working on a review of this watch right now. I've worn it for a while on duty before I switched to the Fenix5..

http://i.imgur.com/DFGAePF.jpg

[RoyGBiv]

So buying locally (vs online) is a comfort thing for my wife. I tried this one on tonight and like it. Anything good or bad about it?

http://seikousa.com/collections/seiko%20core/SNE391
My EDW is the same SN model as Walker and VDM.
I'm very happy with it... If you like this metal-band version, I'd say go for it.

[41magfan]

While you're still in contemplation mode, Deep Blue is currently running a 40% off sale ..... the coupon code is "cyber".
http://www.deepbluewatches.com/

[ASH556]

My EDW is the same SN model as Walker and VDM.
I'm very happy with it... If you like this metal-band version, I'd say go for it.

I really do like it. Just want to make sure I'm not buying the Hipoint of watches or something.

[Drang]

It's a Seiko. It's more like the Glock. Or maybe the Toyota Corolla, they make better ones, and fancier ones, but this one works fine.

[RoyGBiv]

I am actually working on a review of this watch right now. I've worn it for a while on duty before I switched to the Fenix5..

http://i.imgur.com/DFGAePF.jpg

Do you have a model number or name on the Timex? Like!

[RoyGBiv]

Looks like the T498759J (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0073RIH30/).

ETA: there are some one on Ebay (for more than I would have expected for a Timex):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Timex-Mens-T498759j-Expedition-Military-Field-Watch-/322329620815

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Timex-Mens-T498759J-Expedition-Military-Field-Watch-/322463190730
Wow. Spendy.
The 50m, traditionally numbered version is $44 MSRP on the Timex web site. Was hoping this one was similarly priced.

http://www.timex.com/browse/collections/expedition/

Thanks Tom!

[Drang]

That Timex is a little cheaper ($200) from a third party seller on Amazon: Amazon.com: Buying Choices: Timex Men's T498759J Expedition Military Field Watch (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0073RIH30)

Yeah, I don't remember seeing a Timex for that much...

[Drang]

That would explain the price increase. Whether it's justified...? (Rhetorical question: Does anyone collect "PX-Grade", "disposable" watches?)

[ralph]

A friend recently gave me a Deep Blue NATO Diver 300 (http://www.deepbluewatches.com/nadi300aussd3.html) (currently listed @ $249, so with the CYBER discount code it would be $150) and it is BY FAR the most accurate mechanical watch I've ever had -- just under +1spd over a period of about three weeks (which is phenomenal). I'm sure that's not typical, but I'm OK with that. :)

I bought a bunch of the OEM silicone straps for it (orange, sadly, was out of stock):

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170528/2aec1bb2ea0ee48cece1e377d5676ea9.jpg

I made the mistake of following that link, I've got a Master1000 on the way, I've been wearing a Seiko orange monster for about the last 7-8 yrs, it needs cleaned and serviced badly, is now running about 8 minutes slow,and I've read nothing but horror stories about Seiko's customer service. Other professional cleaning servicing places want about $300 to clean and service the watch, so buying a new watch at 40% off makes more sense. When I recekve the new watch the OM,will go into retirement until I can find a reputable jeweler who can give it a going over for a reasonable price. Myself I love a good mechanical watch, no batteries to worry about and good ones will keep pretty reasonable time.quartz watches are like Glocks..soulless...

[ralph]

I made the mistake of just now looking at the Master 1000, and now I want one of those too. :)

Which model did you get?

Master 1000, got one with a orange sunray face, black straps.

[voodoo_man]

Do you have a model number or name on the Timex? Like!

I did a review of it...

[Drang]

...I've been wearing a Seiko orange monster for about the last 7-8 yrs, it needs cleaned and serviced badly, is now running about 8 minutes slow,and I've read nothing but horror stories about Seiko's customer service.
I sent my "James Bond" 7a28 to Seiko in New Joisey for cleaning, calibration, and maintenance last October and had it back in something like 2 weeks. Sample of one, and all that, but my experience was excellent.

[Exiledviking]

I sent my "James Bond" 7a28 to Seiko in New Joisey for cleaning, calibration, and maintenance last October and had it back in something like 2 weeks. Sample of one, and all that, but my experience was excellent.
Pretty much the same experience I had with Seiko service last month. I'll more than likely buy another Seiko when a new watch is needed.

[ralph]

I sent my "James Bond" 7a28 to Seiko in New Joisey for cleaning, calibration, and maintenance last October and had it back in something like 2 weeks. Sample of one, and all that, but my experience was excellent.

How much did they charge to do all that? It was several years ago when I read all this, so maybe they've changed since then...

[Clyde from Carolina]

That would explain the price increase. Whether it's justified...? (Rhetorical question: Does anyone collect "PX-Grade", "disposable" watches?)

There used to be a Poor Man's Watch Forum for collectors, not sure if it still exists. Somebody out there seems to collect everything. Some pocket watch collectors specialize in the old non-non-jewelled "dollar watches" that sold for a buck and were disposable (when an average gold filled decent quality watch might run 20-50 dollars).

In the case of Seikos, they have always been good bang for the buck watches. This one is my Dad's June '68 Sportsmatic that he purchased at a PX somewhere and wore in Vietnam in 68-69. It's an heirloom watch and since I will never sell it, I recently decided to add a nice Hodinkee alligator strap to dress it up a bit.

http://www.fototime.com/B4C4AD602E09D20/standard.jpg

[dontshakepandas]

A friend recently gave me a Deep Blue NATO Diver 300 (http://www.deepbluewatches.com/nadi300aussd3.html) (currently listed @ $249, so with the CYBER discount code it would be $150) and it is BY FAR the most accurate mechanical watch I've ever had -- just under +1spd over a period of about three weeks (which is phenomenal). I'm sure that's not typical, but I'm OK with that. :)

I bought a bunch of the OEM silicone straps for it (orange, sadly, was out of stock):

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170528/2aec1bb2ea0ee48cece1e377d5676ea9.jpg
I actually just had one of these delivered Saturday.

So far I'm really happy with it. I wish the lume was a little better, but so far it's been enough to get the job done.

I think it makes a great beater watch considering the features you get for the price. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170529/a8c8d8be00899fbdedda0fa5d6a188f4.jpg

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Clyde from Carolina]

Based on looks (no personal experience) and if Tom got just under +1 seconds per day for three weeks...yeah, those Deep Blues are great beaters! Seiko movements are beasts, but they must have sprinkled some magic dust on his.

I've gotten similar results from a circa 1899 English-made Dent quarter repeater, which kind of blows my mind. Of course, this was a high -end, top quality 18K gold watch that would have cost a few hundred bucks -- when that was a ton of money. Yes, it is self-regulating, (+1 today, minus 2 the next and + 3 after that, etc.) and not completely "consistent"-- but it's still amazing for a watch made well over 100 years ago. One of the reasons the mechanical matches are so fascinating.

[txdpd]

I sent my "James Bond" 7a28 to Seiko in New Joisey for cleaning, calibration, and maintenance last October and had it back in something like 2 weeks. Sample of one, and all that, but my experience was excellent.

The Joisey part is important, since there are place with URLs that are close to seikoserviceusa.com that pop up from time to time, and do shoddy work or just steal watches.

I've sent two watches to Seiko for service. Turn around was really slow, but they got the job done right. From what I've read, and I don't know how true it is, the "service" on most watches is just cleaning, replacing the movement and gaskets, and pressure testing if applicable. That makes sense since, actually inspecting and servicing the movement would take a lot more time and skilled labor than just replacing it.

I would like to see a Seiko 5 with no complications, but I don't think that will ever happen.

[Drang]

I've sent two watches to Seiko for service. Turn around was really slow, but they got the job done right. From what I've read, and I don't know how true it is, the "service" on most watches is just cleaning, replacing the movement and gaskets, and pressure testing if applicable. That makes sense since, actually inspecting and servicing the movement would take a lot more time and skilled labor than just replacing it.
I sent it in because a couple of the sub dials weren't working; they told me it just really needed a good cleaning. Replaced the battery "even though it didn't need it", pressure test.
I was pretty impressed, I thought it'd be months before I saw it, it was more like 2-3 weeks.

[ASH556]

Classy new timepiece. A gift on today, my 34th birthday from my wife and kids. I love it!

http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ASH556/C664E6D0-1A97-4BD1-932B-6DF1D2B2356F.jpg (http://s854.photobucket.com/user/ASH556/media/C664E6D0-1A97-4BD1-932B-6DF1D2B2356F.jpg.html)