(Part 3) Reddit mentions: The best men's watches

Hi r/watches! Most of the women who have written to this sub for engagement watch advice either have very different budgets or SOs with very different styles than mine, so I was wondering if I could ask for your guidance/approval! I sort of doubt whether I have the guts to propose myself, but regardless the idea is to have the perfect watch on hand when the time comes (he's told me just to ask) -- plus, I'm going to see his best friend and also his brother over the course of the next month, so I'd like to have a solid idea of what I'm aiming for to run it by them!

Here's the breakdown: I have told him to absolutely never spend more than 3K, but for a really lovely watch, I'd be open to stretching a little beyond that (I have ~2.5 saved now). He's in tech (well, we're grad students for now, but eventually) so definitely a desk job type. He dresses fairly nicely for his field-- on a normal day, he wears a causal collared shirt with jeans or khakis-- and is about 6'2" with a slender but not super-skinny build, probably about 175 or 180 lbs (1.9 m/80 kg). Lower-maintenance watches would probably be better suited to him, like ideally no date, because I lack confidence that it won't just trick him into thinking there are 31sts in months where they don't belong. However, I want this to actually be a nice gift that will last and potentially eventually go to one of the many children we plan to have, and I'm sure he will bring it in to have it maintained.

I am strongly inclined to go with a leather band over a bracelet. Style-wise, [he seems to like this sacrilegious watch I bought him for Christmas before I discovered this sub] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HG08YEG/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3BSX9GDNHBET8&coliid=I3H27771YTNYAK). He's said these are his favorite grad-school-priced watches 1 [2] (https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNDC33-Classic-Leather-Chronograph/dp/B004JY6X90?ie=UTF8&colid=3BSX9GDNHBET8&coliid=I2YQVOOD2BMDOD&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl) [3] (https://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-Drive-BM8475-26E-Stainless-Leather/dp/B005MKGOOY?ie=UTF8&colid=3BSX9GDNHBET8&coliid=I3SE95ENY1DIU9&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl).

I think that Nomos' watches looks very sleek and sophisticated (and he likes colorful watch hands), and the Tagente seems to be a favorite on here for weddings and engagements. Personally, I think that some of the TAG Heuer Carrera 1964 Chronographs are beyond stunning, but I'm not sure I have the know-how to handle a grey market purchase. Is there anything else that might be worth considering in this price range/based on the styles he likes? Would you be OK with getting a simple, sleek watch like a Nomos Tangente Gangreserve or Tangomat as an engagement present? (I know most girls seem to want something glittery, but I'm much more on the simple side of things -- is that OK in the watch world?) Is there a reasonable place to look for one of those beautiful Carerras (or my understanding is that a Chronograph might not even be appropriate for this type of occasion?)

I really appreciate the resources you've put together here because I've already learned so much. Thank you for any thoughts or guidance you have -- I am kind of in shock that I'm doing this but also really excited!

First off, congratulations on your impending graduation! Secondly, good on you for wanting to do you research into a watch before dropping that sort of money on one.

I will say, your stipulation of a work and play watch made this a fun search for me. I tried to find brands that I had researched well into and felt good enough about to suggest for you and ones that had a reliable name. Of those i have four brands you may like (arranged from highest to lowest in price and last is a leather one)[Brands will be italicized and the watches themselves will be bolded for viewing sake]:

1. Hamilton is a very notable brand and this watch is what some consider to be their "grail watch." At $590 is the Hamilton Jazzmaster. It is simplistic for that business/work aspect, has personality, and i felt the complications added to the play part of its appeal. It is 10mm thick so it would sit well on any wrist and not interfere with a suit or long sleeve shirt; at 44mm wide it isn't too big for most wrists either.
   
   
2. Orient has some lower end watches that are very much loved by this community and i have felt that this one maintains that quality. For your consideration at $417 is the Orient 22-Jewel Automatic which has a couple complications to not make the face so busy, a lovely face design, and its style seems a little more inclined to be dressy but it would be well suited as a casual watch. It is 12mm thick so nearing what some consider to be "too thick" and it is 40.40mm wide which makes it smaller than the Hamilton Jazzmaster which makes it nice for people with small wrists but on larger ones it would look a little off.
   
   
3. TX is Timex's higher end brand which may give you some peace of mind with a name brand but some would be a little wary because it is Timex. Nonetheless at $300 this is one watch you wouldn't feel too bad about scuffing up slightly, the TX classic Fly-Back. A few complications, lovely blue second hand to draw but not captivate you attention, and simple face with only the complications adding to its personality. At 13mm thick this is the thickest one of the bunch and with a diameter of 44.5mm it certainly isn't the smallest. It pushes the limits of my suggestions but i figured you deserved a ranged of watches to compare.
   
   
4. Junkers (pronounced YOO-nkers) is my personal favorite. This watch brand has been on my radar since i started looking at watches and since it is German made you can be assured of its quality. At $549 the Junkers Bauhaus is a favorite of some people in this community and every time it gets posted you can be assured an angel has gotten its wings. A very simple face (the bauhaus style), a few complications, and a nice appeal to it make it an all around wonderful watch. At 10mm thick and 40mm wide it fit best into the "butter zone" pf watches that aren't too big or too small, but just right. The company that makes these also makes the Zepplin brand mentioned by u/ThisTitleisUseless.
   
   Other notable brands that didn't strike a fancy with me but may with you are Tissot and Citizen. Please feel inclined to look through other watches each brand offers and do your research on each one. You can usually find out a lot about particular brands through a quick Google search. All of the brands i have suggested for you are on my wishlist in some form or another and my fiancee says that my list is never ending so if you would like any other suggestions i am happy to oblige.
   
   Good luck choosing a watch!

I'd say buy 2 or 3 for $50 to $100 each. I bought 3 watches (for less than $100 total) before I finally figured out what I like wearing. My first watch was a chronograph on a steel bracelet. I learned very quickly what I do and don't like in chronographs (this one had many features I disliked), and I figured out that, like you, I dislike steel bracelets. I still have that one, but I don't wear it. After that I figured out that I like divers, so I ordered one of those. It turned out I didn't know enough about watches and bought something that didn't fit at all. I figured out where I went wrong, and bought a third watch. It is the one that /u/fragilestories recommended, the Casio mdv106. I wear this watch daily. I think it was nice to have a few and wear each for a while, and doing that let me get the perfect watch. Now that I know what I like, I know that when I spend $200 to $300 on my next watch it will be great. I am planning to upgrade to the Seiko SKX007, which will be my first mechanical watch. I guarantee that I will wear it every day once I have it.

Think about what you want to use your watch for. Will you look at it in class when writing the date on your papers? Get a date window. Want to time things? You need a chronograph. Figure out what features you will use and go from their. Or go for what you think looks the coolest, even if it has different features than you would use.

Also, look through this sub and think about what looks you like. Do you like numbers? Roman numerals? Symbols? What colors do you like? What straps do you like (these are pretty easy to change, but you will have to add straps into your budget if you want something other than what the watch comes with).

Here are 3 watches that will give you a good variety. These 3 will let you rotate watches, change your style, and figure out what features you like and don't like. The three together fit your price point (or are very close).

I love diver's watches,and would start with this: Casio mdv106:
https://smile.amazon.com/Casio-MDV106-1AV-Stainless-Steel-Watch/dp/B009KYJAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467354240&sr=8-1&keywords=casio+mdv106

I like some chronographs, especially the ones symmetrical across the right and left faces. The Timex weekender is great:
https://smile.amazon.com/Timex-Unisex-TW2P623009J-Weekender-Display/dp/B00QIJ62M2/ref=sr_1_3?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1467354305&sr=1-3&nodeID=7141123011&keywords=timex+weekender

Maybe you'll find you don't like any complications on your watch (I personally do not like date windows. I think watches look better without them. However, I do use it every day on my watch, so I have a begrudging appreciation for them). Here's another Timex without anything but an hour, minute, and second hand:
https://smile.amazon.com/Timex-Weekender-Fairfield-Quartz-Casual/dp/B0194L6AMC/ref=sr_1_7?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1467354305&sr=1-7&nodeID=7141123011&keywords=timex+weekender

Tl:dr You won't know what you like until you've worn a few different watches. A $150 budget is enough to buy several watches, so do that and pick a favorite.

Most "minimal" quartz watches have <10 USD movements in them so what you are paying for is fashion. These are the MVMT, Daniel Wellington, Nixon, Fossil, ect. You can buy them if you like the way they look, there is nothing wrong with that, but know they are built fairly cheaply and marked up to +$100 for no reason other than fashion. You can checkout DHGate and buy a fake DW watch for $7-12 from China that will be identical in quality to the actual DW watch, and could potentially even come from the same supplier! (not recommending, just commenting)

It really depends on what styles you like and how much you want to spend.

Watches I would recommend that are in my opinion minimal:

Casio Men's A158WA-1DF.
Its not super aesthetically minimal, but its ultra cheap, I think it is relatively stylish, impeccably reliable, easy to read, good features (light, alarm, stopwatch, long battery life). This watch got me through a year aboard a Nuclear Submarine and served me well as an alarm clock, stop watch, and time keeper. It dresses up and down very easily, and I wore it to dinner in foreign ports as well as in the engine room taking logs on equipment. I still have it in my rotation. At 33mm thick, with an 18mm band that tapers, this watch has a very low profile, minimal wrist presence. For 12 bucks you cant not want one.


Junkers Bauhaus
Much more expensive, especially for an entry level piece, but very well made. Mechanical, Japanese movement, built in Germany, certain to impress watch enthusiasts and normies alike. Its automatic, meaning it does not have a battery, and a mechanism winds the watch up due to the movement of your wrist throughout the day. This also means that if you dont wear it for a few days it can stop running, but all you need to do is give it a shake and set it again to get it going. There are some quarts models by Junkers that are cheaper, also even some models with Automatic Swiss movements, worth taking a look. Some cool features this watch has are the power meter, so know by how much the movement is wound as well as ability to perform as a 24hr watch for military time. Easily made a dress watch but good as an everyday casual watch as well. 41mm case, so it will wear very modern (ie large).

Sieko 5
This watch is not as minimal in the aesthetic sense, ie the face has more than just tick marks at each hour, and it has both day and date functions. It is another automatic, and I will argue that it is still pretty minimal. At ~50-60USD is is a perfect entry level choice for a first automatic/mechanical watch, and comes in several colors. Well made for the price. At 37mm it wears much smaller than most popular fashion watches (one of the reasons I recommend it as a minimal watch). It will suit you in both casual and fomal settings, and will appeal to both watch nerds and every day people. Not gaudy or pretentious like a Swiss made, gold piece, but it has some character and soul. I would recommend if you buy this watch to also pick up a band, as the one supplied from Sieko is uncomfortable and unattractive in my opinion. The watch will do well on a Nato band, or a light tan leather band (check out the amazon reviews user photos)


Casio Men's MQ24-7E
Another Casio, not as versatile since it is very casual, but undeniably minimal. Very similar to the watch worn by the Pope. If you want ultra cheap, reliable, and analog this is a good choice.

There are many, many other good choices out there. Good Luck, and I hope this helped!

Looking to get a new watch. I have a Samsung S2 classic and it just looks tacky with the band that it has. I'm going to get a new band for it, but I also want to expand and start a collection.

I want a nice, affordable watch that will look great on a brown leather NATO band.
This is what I've been looking at : Citizen Men's BM7100-59E https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JKBEUM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=PPVS3DXW0J9G&coliid=IGA2E46UICJEF

Seiko Men's SNK809 Seiko 5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002SSUQFG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=PPVS3DXW0J9G&coliid=I2PP7FGN84SUI

Seiko 5 Men's SNK793 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Dial https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002SSUQF6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=PPVS3DXW0J9G&coliid=ILBIE2U2GC6P9

Seiko SNN231P2 Chronograph Men's Black Dial https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UBHXG0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=PPVS3DXW0J9G&coliid=I2Z4C0XJ5GGBL

I've also been looking at the Timex Weekender and from I've read that isn't a bad choice for the price, but a lot of people say it can be loud. It is a simple watch, and that is what I really want though I do like the chronograph look and function.
If anyone has had any experiences with the watches I listed I'd love to hear or other suggestions that would be great. I'd just like something that will look nice on a leather nato. The price range I'm looking at is about $50-200 bucks.

Right now I'm just looking for casual watches to wear. My great-grandfather had a nice gold Caravelle that Id like to take off it's expanding bracelet and put on a simple black leather band if I need something somewhat classy-ish.

There was a post I saw the other night listing decent starter watches, I'm just having a hard time deciding. I just don't want to blow money on a mistake because I know next to nothing about watches and maybe there's something I'm not thinking of that someone more experienced than me could pass along to a noob.
Thanks for taking the time reading this and I appreciate any help given.

$70 for the Seiko, $60 for the Bulova, or $120 for the pair, shipped CONUS. I'm trying to finance my purchase of a SARB035. A little about the watches:

Seiko "5" SARZ005:

41mm diameter case with a 4R36 movement (hacking, handwinding). Comes with the original bracelet, all links. Condition is good, with some normal scuffs on the case and bracelet (more so the bracelet; I couldn't get the case scratches to show in the photos). It really looks it's best on a brown leather strap (pictured, but not included). It's a hair too big for my tastes, but it always gets compliments for its sporty wrist presence. The applied indices are prominent and have well-applied Seiko lume, especially at 12 o'clock.

Bulova Precisionist 96B158:

40mm case, 22mm lugs and the well known Precisionist quartz movement with a sweeping seconds hand. I bought it as a dress watch but it works way better as a smart casual watch. I picked this one up right before Bulova removed the tuning fork logo from 12', which seems crazy to me since it adds a lot of character to the dial. The crown and clasp are both signed with that logo. Again, good condition with some light scuffing on the polished case. I'm including the stock black strap because the clasp is cool, but it's well worn so I'll also throw in a barely-worn Hirsch "Camelgrain" strap as well (after all, this is my only watch with 22mm lugs!). Lovely match against the grey dial.

EDIT: Also for what it's worth, I think the Bulova punches above its weight. The face and crown are straight class, and that second hand is mesmerizing (not mine, but this video shows the sweep in 60fps). It's just not the smaller dress watch that I'm looking for.

EDIT: BOTH SOLD. Thanks everyone!

That MVMT at 45mm is a Frisbee. If you have thin wrists like me - it's WAY big.

Of course, most modern watches are huge. For some reason, fashion trends have gone towards men's watches the size of a football stadium over the last few years.

The Rossling @ 40mm is more like it. Still big, but I have a couple 40mm watches that look good even on my smaller wrists.

The Rodina is a nice-looking watch. Nomos 'homage'. I love a Nomos myself. They're affordable. I think they use a Seagull Chinese automatic movement. At 38mm, that's probably right in your sweet spot (I really like 35-38mm watches for myself).

I found a review of that one on Watchuseek:

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f71/affordable-nomos-homage-review-rodina-small-seconds-pictures-752788.html

May help.

Parnis is another brand similar to the Rodina that make the simple Nomos bauhaus-style watches. I imagine the quality of the two is comparable.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K9PLLYA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8

Junkers is another company to look at. I've never had one, but they seem to be popular around these parts. They start a bit higher than your budget, but not outrageously so.

http://www.amazon.com/JUNKERS-Watches-Junkers-Bauhaus-6070-5/dp/B006DDHQOQ

In your price range, it might be a good idea to stick with a quartz watch. It doesn't sound like a mechanical movement is a big selling point to you. Less expensive Chinese auto movements are going to be hit-and-miss, while a quality Swiss or Japanese quartz movement is going to be maintenence-free except for a battery change every few years.

Hope that helps! Good luck in your search. Stop back and show us what you decided on!

sea-gull mi182sk This one is my favorite. it was the first one that I ordered. Then I thought "I need something cleaner too"

So I got the skagen skw6103. Then I was like, "but what if I don't wanna dress up but I don't want something too busy. I do like the gears though..."

so i got the orient esteem. And I was pretty sure I was done.

Then I saw wooden watches. They're kinda goofy and kitschy, but this one by wonbee looked alright, and it was only $20. So I got a fun goofy watch. It's cheap, I know that. but I think its neat.

Yep. last week I was watchless. now I have a collection. I love every one of them. They're not super pricey or fancy, but I love them. The look of each of them is "me" in its own way. I couldn't be happier. but I spent too much money getting here. So now the hobby is on hold for a while. Maybe my next prospect will be a "fancy pants" watch. One I have to save up a few thousand of walking around money to purchase. That'll put the hobby to bed for a while.

no it won't.

SOLD SOLD SOLD

For sale is my Bulova Men’s Precisionist 96B158

I purchased this from Amazon on July 16 this year as an impulse buy on Prime Day. I’m letting it go to make room for other watches.

Price: $85 or best offer via Paypal (+3% if G&S)

Condition: Like new, worn once for a few hours around the house. Protective stickers on crystal and buckle have been removed.

Includes: Original packaging including box, pillow, tag, instruction manual, and warranty registration

Warranty: This was purchased from Amazon so it’s likely the Bulova warranty does not apply.

Shipping: USPS to CONUS with tracking and insurance (covered by me)

Open to trade for a G-Shock 5600 or 5610.

Case width: 42mm

Case thickness: 10mm

Band width: 22mm

If you want an inexpensive, great-looking, highly-accurate and reliable quartz watch, this is a great option.

What attracted me to this watch was the dial which has a lot of 3 dimensional texture to it and the smooth-sweeping seconds hand. The band is a slightly stiff, but comfortable black leather with faux-croc pattern. This watch could be dressed up or down with a strap change. I think brown leather would look great on it.

The most interesting aspect of this watch is it’s Precisionist-class torsional resonator movement which uses a three-prong quartz crystal that creates a vibration frequency of 262.144 kHz. The Precisionist-class movement has been shown to be three times more accurate than standard quartz. This proprietary manufactured movement, including the signature floating second hand, also offers a resistance to gravitational error which further improves accuracy.

Timestamp: Here

Pictures: Here

Video of smooth second hand sweep: Here

Link to product listing on Amazon for reference: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007006UA2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Link to product listing on Jomashop for reference: https://www.jomashop.com/bulova-watch-96b158.html

If you have any questions, please DM me.

Thanks!

If you like that type of style, then I'd recommend the Orient Bambino. I've heard a lot of good things about it, and it's very popular among watch lovers. Honestly I'd steer clear of brands you've never heard of like Burei. Generally when you want a cheap watch under 3-400, you're best going with Seiko, Citizen, and Orient as they're tried and tested brands with a good reputation. Another great option at $300 is the Seiko SARB035 or SARB033 (white or black dial respectively). The SARB line is very well respected at that price range, you'd have a hard time doing better than that IMO.

Edit: Google SARB035 on leather to see how nice it looks.

Help finding a kind of specific looking watch?

First, I really want it to be automatic. There are a ton of Quartz movement options that are, I suppose something I might be interested in, if it weren't for the movement. I don't know if I appreciate automatic movement for the "right" reasons, but just something about having that constantly moving, intricate, piece of literal clockwork on my wrist, I appreciate. As a photographer, I would liken it to shooting film over digital.

Second, I adore the sort of, and I will use the term loosely, Bauhaus aesthetic as offered in something like the Junkers Bauhaus 6060-5, or the more pricey Junghans MAX BILL Chronoscrope


I do prefer the Junkers, and it is cheaper which is in my favor, but it's still a bit our of the range I want to spend.

Enter the infamous Ingersoll brand. I know, I have read the posts on here about their cheap movement and shoddy construction, but I haven't actually seen evidence of it. Perhaps I haven't looked as hard because I don't want it to be true, but all I seem to read is just an echo chamber of people saying, "It's cheap Chinese movement and it's no good."

Can someone explain to me why? This watch has caught my eye, and I really like the look for the price (with a different strap), but I am hung up on people claiming the brand is no good. I realize there has to be some sort of truth to the notion, but when searching for actual reviews, I come up short.

This leads me to my final question. Can anyone help me, or does one even exist, find a watch that meets this criteria? I'd like to spend $250 or so. It's not so much a matter of financial ability at the moment on getting the Junkers, I just want to know if the criticism of the Ingersoll watch is truly warranted.

Have both, they have different appeals.

For example, I like my Eco Drive as a very clean thin dress watch on a bracelet. The Chris Ward equivalent would be a Malvern Slimline, which is $350 but automatic and thicker at 9mm instead of 5mm.

Other simple comparisons - for a generic dress watch the $175 C5 Malvern (quartz), $350 C5 Malvern (Auto), and $140 Citizen Eco Drive. Chris Ward will come with sapphire crystal, better presentation/warranty, a much better bracelet/strap, but a 20% higher price tag. Also the automatics have a transparent back to see the pretty movement.

For sport watches you have the famous $230 Citizen Nighthawk, the $220 Citizen Speedy Style, the $250 C7 Rapide (goes on sale ~$275), and the ~$250 C8 Flyer Quartz (goes on sale~$275). Once again, CW comes with sapphire quartz, 5 year warranty, and better bracelet/strap. But you also have to wait for one to go on one of these clearance sales for the good prices.

Divers, $250 C60 Trident vs $200 Citizen Promaster. Trident looks more traditional, following the Omega Seamaster design, comes in 38mm and 42mm, sapphire crystal, and can come with a nice bracelet for ~$50 more. For reference, a new bracelet for the Citizen will be upwards of $100.

Both brands have their own unique watches, with Citizen having more very different designs. Instead, Chris Ward has a few core designs where you select a different movement (auto vs quartz), face color, leather strap or bracelet, and size (generally have something like 38mm vs 42mm or 40mm vs 43mm). Chris Ward designs tend to be cleaner, but there are fewer.

Of course it comes down to preference. Chris Ward will be a bit more expensive, but higher quality (sapphire vs mineral, Swiss movements vs Japanese, etc). Citizen will give you more unique options to pick from in terms of design.

If someone wants a traditional watch (Diver, speedy style, clean dress watch) I first point them towards CW if they're willing to spend $150-$350. If they're looking for a Pilot then the Maratac Mid Pilot ($250 sale price), CW when on sale, or Laco if they want some pseudo history. However under $150, first instincts are Citizen and Seiko. Obviously this is just the initial recommendation, and any variety of preferences can change the follow up.

Good points. I'd love your further thoughts on a companion for the Bambino. I'm partial to beige and cream dials, like a calendar, and prefer simplicity but am open to a good looking not too flashy chronograph, like this 38 mm Seiko Seiko Men's SNDC31 Classic Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch with Brown Leather Band https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JY0KP8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_WF44ybGASF23T. On the other hand (as it were) I really like blue and green dials and have been drawn to the green dial Bambino (like I need two dress watches, never dressing up), and also to blue dial solar Seiko and Citizens. All that said, I'm very open to other ideas and really appreciate your time, insight and encouraging way of communicating. Edit I also like this brown on brown, looks like I'm laying out a mini collection! Seiko Men's SNN241 Stainless Steel Watch with Brown Leather Band https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044XDZII/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ON44ybTNQB826

Wow, I had never heard of Orvis. Are they good? That's an interesting look for a chrono, but I would not enjoy reading the minutes subdial.

There is a line of moderately priced quartz from Seiko that feature a perpetual calendar. I think they are a great choice and you may like the style. Here is one in brown that I like. There are diffrent sizes and colors available.

Some Citizen Eco Drives feature sapphire crystals for just a bit more. Coupled with the solar power, they should last several years without any maintenance. 1, 2. Perhaps the latter on a different band would be much more versatile.

You can get a Seiko in Titanium, but it is small. Or a basic Kinetic with a discount. I like this one better.

I think Swatch offers a better finish and better quality than Timex or Nixon. I really like this Swatch. The band might be fake leather, I am unsure.

And I better stop before talking about Casios. I would stick with well known brands.

that bulova is great but its quartz, if you don't mind a quartz watch it opens up a WHOLE slew of different options under 200$. If I was buying a simliar styled watch under 200$ and didn't mind quartz I would probably look at Citizen Eco-Drive watches, the quality is usually outstanding and the solar feature is fun and very useful.

• citizen 1
  
• citizen 2
  
• citizen 3 - a little less dressy but awesome pilot dial
  
• citizen 4 - love this watch but you would need a leather band

The Timex Fairfield Chrono is a good pick, though at your budget I would recommend the upgrade to either one of the Tissot Everytimes for the sapphire crystal or one of the Citizen AU1080 for sapphire in addition to solar power. For something a little more "sophisticated" looking there's the Tisell Bauhaus or one of the Junkers quartz Bauhaus watches.

Clean dials (Bauhaus, especially) are usually pretty versatile because they blend better with more outfits without clashing, though they can get a little dressy. For more simple dials that aren't too formal:

-Seiko SNKN47

-Citizen "Chandler"

-Citizen "Corso"

-Citizen "CTO"

-Messerschmitt KR200-SS

-Bulova Accutron - Quartz movement, but has a nice sweeping seconds hand similar to that of a mechanical watch instead of the ticking motion of a standard quartz.

You could go another route which is the dressy chronograph. You don't want it to be too big though. Depending on wrist size and your overall build I would say 42mm tops, around 40mm or less is best. For example:

-Citizen AO9000-06B

-Bulova 96B262

-Orient Panda

-Seiko SNDC31 and SNDC33 - These two would be my top pick for the dressy chronograph, or the Orient Panda.

You could probably get away with wearing a diver too. Divers are tool watches so I personally wouldn't wear them with anything past maybe business casual (James Bond wears his diver in a tux on a Nato strap no less, but he's fucking James Bond so he gets a pass). Some popular ones are:

-Seiko SKX

-Orient Mako II

-Orient Ray II

Edited for spelling and link fails

Truly beautiful watch you got there but hideously expensive. For people wanting to have a quality watch without spending thousands of dollars: I bought a Citizen BM7100-59E Corso. Best personal purchase in years. The sapphire glass is truly scratch resistant, waterproof, keeps time correct within seconds per year, the glow in the dark lasts an entire night and is bright. I bought a leather strap and it is beautiful.

Edit: wow, instant downvote.

Edit 2: Here is an overview of pilot watches I made three years ago.. After making that overview, I bought the Citizen. It had all the bells and whistles I wanted: sapphire hour glass, WR100, good luminosity, 'self winding' (solar powered) and to top it off, affordable. I love this watch to death.

Edit 3: Unleash the hate for someone having an opinion different from the mainstream. Bring it!

The following are recommendations based off your minimalist style.

• You may like a Daniel Wellington. They're very clean-cut and ultra thin. Amazon has them with a bunch of different band styles.
  
  
• If you want a few more features, but still want overall cleanliness, check out Strela. This guy (link) and this guy (link) may be particularly interesting.
  
  
• Junkers makes some pretty cool looking watches that are minimalist yet functional. This one is nice (link), and so is this one (link).
  
  
• Hamilton has some watches in your upper price range. Stylistically they're different from the previous watches I've listed, but I figured variation in choices is always worthwhile when it comes to deciding on a new watch. These (link) are (link) nice (link) watches (link).
  
  I hope you find what you're looking for. Good luck in the search!

Do you per se want his watch to be a skeleton watch? I've been subbed to the r/watches sub for quite some time and have never seen or heard that make come by. Can't vouch for how good it will be quality wise but know that if you want a quality watch there are a few makes that are you're usual suspects. Seiko, citizen, orient all do very good quality watches for reasonable prices. Not sure if you could get a skeleton watch but you can certainly get an open heart watch.

Of you're planning on spending around $150 my(and this subs) first suggestion would always be to look at the seiko 5 range as they're extremely good value and quality for money. They've got loads of models online to have a look at

Personally I would love it if my wife would get me this one
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006ITF2H8/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1481049685&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=seiko+5

Or if you want to get him a watch that allows you to see the automatic movement inside that watch you could look at this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00MCBGI3I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481049914&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=seiko+open+heart&dpPl=1&dpID=41Dc%2By3fLFL&ref=plSrch

Someone is offering to buy me a watch for Christmas, they haven't put a limit on the price but i want it to be under $250.

I currently have 4 watches, all pretty cheap. A Stührling, Timex, Casio, and Bering.

I have pretty much exclusively looking at Seiko and Orient because I have seem them raved about on this sub at this price.

The Orient Esteem watches look very interesting and more stylish that what I currently have. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
I was also looking at these [6] [7]

As for the Seikos, I really enjoy the look of the day window on this [1] And the others that I quite like are [2] [3] [4]

Quick edit: I forgot I had this Rodina page [1] bookmarked!

I know this is a really long post with a lot of different watches, but I just want to get something reliable and not similar to what I currently have (to a degree). Thanks ahead of time!

I'm a big believer in bauhaus style for an elegant watch that looks classy as hell for work and also stylish for jeans + polo, etc. Just an incredibly versatile look.

Best bauhaus watch in your budget is the Junkers (unfortunate brand name -- it's German)

https://smile.amazon.com/JUNKERS-Watches-Junkers-Bauhaus-6060-5/dp/B0066GKTM6/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1487353123&sr=1-1&nodeID=6358539011

https://smile.amazon.com/Junkers-Bauhaus-Automatic-Analog-6056-5/dp/B00IIK1EL8/ref=sr_1_4?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1487353188&sr=1-4&nodeID=6358539011

The Seiko SARB033 and SARB035 are also great watches under your budget. If you want something a bit flashier and dressier, the Seiko Cocktail Time / SARB065. As /u/patk35 said, the Alpinist (SARB017) is a good, versatile option -- a bit more casual than the Seikos I listed, but still workplace appropriate. The bright green may not be your style and doesn't always go with everything, however.

e: Just saw you have a preference for divers and want a more rugged watch. You can look at Bernhardt watches, their diver is very reasonably priced and their bracelets are well regarded. Similarly, you can look at Steinhart watches. Their divers are by and large Rolex homages, which you might regard positively or negatively. Classic look, but know what you're getting is a well-made watch with great value for the parts that some will regard as a Rolex knockoff rather than an homage.

I'm not a big fan of the font used for the numbers, it's not for me. It's also not sold by Amazon.com. If they had used a sans-serif font I'd have liked it a lot.

I just bought this watch used and while this one isn't sold by Amazon.com, this black one is. I love it so far. It's meant to resemble the Omega Speedmaster professional. It's just a Casio but for $50 I'm quite happy with it and it's well-liked on Reddit and watchuseek.

This fossil watch worked out to more than I wanted to spend but I like it a lot and with 20% off it'd be right in your price range. It has a cream-coloured face and is really nice in my opinion.

Both watches I have recommended are 41mm, which are not too big on my 6.5mm wrist, they're actually perfect. I imagine they'd still be ok on as small as a 6" wrist. They're 1mm bigger than the black Seiko you're looking at for reference.

This is a husband birthday watch. Seiko Alpinist and it goes under a suite

But if it's out of your price range then the Seiko SKX007 is a 10/10 watch choice and is super popular in this sub. Very cool, useful tool watch that is super comfortable to wear.

Also this Seiko 5 might be a bit more dressy in that price range

A nice leather strap can be purchased as well and it's very easy to change or take to any watchmaker or even some mall kiosks and ask them to change it.

Hey nice looking watch man! All I know is that it uses a Japanese Miyota quartz movement, a common quartz movement in today's watches. Nixon is mostly associated with skaters. surfers, snowboarders, and other street sports of similar kind. As others have said though, they do not get much love around /r/Watches because they are considered a fashion brand. My first watch was a Nixon Timeteller years ago. It was good, then I lost it. Then I found it again recently.

Watch collecting can be as expensive or as cheap as you want it to be. If you lurk around this sub for a while you'll see lots of different styles in all different price ranges. I love watches, but at the point in my life that I'm at right now (that being a broke college kid), I promised myself to stay in the sub $200 range for the time being. Learn the difference between quartz and mechanical first if you don't already, then here are some commonly referenced budget options out there:

Seiko

Seiko SNK809 $75

Seiko SKX007K $179

Seiko SKX009K1 $189

Casio

Casio F91W $12

Casio MDV106 $45

Casio G-Shock

Casio Calculator Databank $43

Timex

Timex Weekender Chrono $50

Timex Expedition Field Chrono $45

Citizen (There are many more, these are just some popular ones)

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver $150 also in blue

Citizen Chronograph $120

Citizen Nighthawk $200

Tissot

Tissot Everytime $130-$150

Swatch

Swatch $30-$$$

Bulova

Bulova Precisionist $175

Orient

Orient Capital $100

Orient Esteem $120-$180

Orient Symphony $100-$200

Orient Bambino $150

Tisell

Most Tisell Watches

Flieger/Pilot style

Most Messerschmitt Pilots

Most Aristo Pilots

You can also check /r/WatchExchange for some good deals and interesting pieces. Just be sure to check /r/WatchExchangeFeedback as well.

There are so many more too! It really pulls you in once you scratch the surface. There's something for everybody here. Welcome to the hobby (cough addiction cough)!

Edit I always forget to mention the Vostok Amphibia. It's a Russian dive watch, built like a tank, and there are many bezel/dial combos. Found on Ebay for about $70.

I mixed up your response above and for some reason I though you preferred the "busy" watch. Sorry, here's a better reply for simpler styled watches:

Tissot again makes some simpler watches. The Le Locle (linked) is one of their trademark pieces that is a bit above your price range but is certainly timeless. It is more expensive because it is automatic and not battery powered, but they make similar quartz movement watches.

Seiko's simpler watches are nothing special, but their dive watches are very popular among watch collectors, especially the "Sumo" and "Marine Master" models which are more expensive than your budget allows. These are definitely "casual" watches which could be worn every day, whereas the Tissot might trend on too formal.

The Bulova Precisionist series is probably too busy if you preferred the simple model I originally linked; I've been waiting forever for them to make a conservative, simple Precisionist to add to my collection to no avail. The original one I linked is probably the simplest one they make.

Another option, stepping outside the three brands I originally picked, would be to go with a Hamilton. This is a historic American brand, now owned by the same company as Tissot. Their quartz movement watches start at just under $300. Many of these are military styled but they make some slightly dressier, very simple ones as well.

I'll leave you with one last option which is often overlooked, and that is a Chinese brand called Orient. They are very affordable, much under your budget, and while they are not built as well as fine Swiss watches they are certainly good watches from a dedicated watch maker. They tend to be popular as an affordable mechanical watch brand, and I have no personal experience with their quartz watches, but they have a fairly dedicated fan base so they are probably worth checking out.

As a watch nerd I would rank the Hamilton watches as head and shoulders above the others, but in your price range your options are more limited stylistically.

Hey everyone!
New watch buyer here, I'm still in highschool.

I just earned some money and I want to buy a nicer yet still casual watch for school
I really like Shinola watches, but they are incredibly out of my price range!.
My budget is from 0-200 max.
I am truly lost on what I should buy, but here are some that I like so far:
http://www.stuhrling.com/Mens/Aviator/129A.3315K1.html

http://www.stuhrling.com/Mens/Aviator/141B.331E1.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QIJ62M2/ref=twister_B01I9P1W4A?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

Are any of these good? Does something better exist that is still within my price range? I'd love it to last and have a durable glass/crystal; scratches really annoy me :P

Thanks for your time!

Citizen, Seiko, and Orient would probably be your best best in that price range, here are some examples you might like, all on the smaller side
orient
seiko
here
here
here
Citizen
here
here
here

the biggest one is 43mm, which would probably look fine, I wear a 42mm and have small writs as well and it looks good. good luck

So, I just received my 'first' ever watch in the mail today! I've owned a cheap G-shock and a Scuderia Ferarri Watch before, but I don't consider them as 'watches'.

So at the age of 16 I've purchased my first ever watch and it is a Casio Edifice EF-503D-7A. I absolutely fell in love with this when I first started looking at watches sometime last year and although it was a tough decision Between the black and the white dial I settled on the white dial as it was my original choice. My friends and family tried convincing me to get the black dial since they thought it would suit me better since they thought the white one suits older men. But after a tough decision I settled on this and finally managed to pick it up a whole month after I ordered it! (I accidentally messed up my shipping address and it took a little while longer for it to get here : / ) but it has arrived! And here are photos of my unboxing

I know it's a cheap watch, but it's my first watch, the beginning of a new hobby and hopefully the beginning of a collection :D

p.s i will post pictures of it once I change the strap in the next couple of days so look forward to that :)

It's good to think about the investment, but don't worry that you'll be wearing them for eternity. There's selling and trading any time you want. But more than that - one day, you will have some money to spend. Maybe not a lot, and maybe not every day, but I promise, it'll come.

I'd consider:

A Vertigo Diver One V2 (about $250) - the blue I think is particularly cool.

A Timex flieger (<$40US) - first watch I ever bought. I totally still wear it.

The Bambino ($150)- a fine little dress watch, modern and sleek.

A black-on-black diver, such as the Orient Ray Raven ($200) - this is a fine watch that also is a little different.

The perfectly lovely Seiko 5 (also comes in black, blue, beige) ($55), and/or a titanium Seiko ($88). A lot of watches that cost a hundred times as much as these will deliver less to you. I'm tempted to say "most," even.

I do have other shoes as options, but sneakers usually look too puffy on my for me to be comfortable with them. Because of that, I'm trying to move away from normal sneakers.

I don't know why I tucked in my shirt in hindsight, lol I will stay away from tucked from now on. I did like the chinos, but you're right, the fit is definitely off. I'll check out Uniqlo and try my luck there tomorrow.

As far as accessories go, I ordered this watch yesterday.

• $200
  
• Automatic
  
• Easy read
  
• Leather band
  
  By jove! This sounds like the prefect descriptor for an Orient watch!
  
  the only line item you're going to have trouble with would be the <40mm.....
  
  Orient Howard
  Orient Symphony
  Orient Esteem
  
  all of those are at 40 or 41m
  
  If case size is paramount, then Seiko 5 is also A good fit, though most come on a bracelet, finding and putting a leather strap on one is super easy.
  
  Seiko SNKL93K1
  Seiko SGG711
  Seiko SNE179
  
  I hope that these help you get pointed in the right direction :)

Seiko is a good brand and those both look decent for quartz chronographs (although you should probably ask others, since I have no experience with either).

Based on your preferences, maybe check out Timex such as the Weekender Chronograph (which has a blue dial version). I also personally like the Expedition Chronograph and the military style would probably contrast well with a Bambino.

If you're not set on a chronograph check out Seiko 5s, specifically the SNK80x series; they have a few different dial colours and are nice entry-level beaters/casual pieces. I've personally had an SNK809 and it's great for the price (as is the Bambino).

Also, I should probably clarify what I mean when I say the Bambino is dressy. I just mean that it's probably too dressy for realllly casual occasions, it's fine for school, uni, work, etc.

Good luck! :)

Got it about a month ago, I don't wear it all the time cause I forget, but when I do wear it, boy do I feel proud! I love the bauhaus style and I'm obsessing over which watch(es) to get next! This watch has just enough on it to not feel too bare, but it isn't cluttered like some other faces (which I have nothing against, there's a time and a place for every look). It is quite readable and I love that the hands glow in the dark. In my childhood the one thing I remember about my dad's watch was that it had glow in the dark hands (I know, very classy, but hey that's what my kid brain liked), so it's kind of the most important feature to me now as a bit of a nostalgia trip.

Link to the watch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006DDHQOQ/

Gotta agree with the other comments in here, the argument could be made for basically anything in life.

Anyhow I still try: How'bout spending that 400 into something you can liquidate easily later on? I'm not talking about profit, but it might make the purchasing easier if you know that you can sell it later for even $300? And if you really like it a lot, then you'll be just happy forever.

In that case the Junkers you linked might not be the easiest watch to sell, the automatic version could move faster but it's quite a lot more expensive. Just as an example, there are watches like Seiko Cocktail time which are in your price point and would be really easy to resell.

edits: ~200 typos.

what size are your wrists? do you prefer larger or smaller watches?

for an every day watch, I'd stick to black dials, probably NOT a strictly dress watch...but since you want to be able to dress up a bit with it, probably not a field watch or diver either.

maybe something like these:

37mm seiko solar

43mm seiko solar in dark blue

37mm titanium seiko non-solar quartz

and its hard to say how a cheaper bracelet will hold up over time. they get kinda sloppy over time and get scuffed up super easily. Leather on the other hand, will last quite a while as long as you take care of it (oil it every once in a while and keep it out of water). something like a perlon is cheap enough to replace every couple of years if need be...but they can be both casual and dressy IMO, they are tough, and water resistant. might be a good option. you can also buy multiple colors and swap them out in a couple seconds since they just slip through the opening between the case and spring bars.

The trinity that comes to mind is Certina, Tissot, Bulova.

Tissot and Certina have various nice models, you see many Tissots on the streets but Certinas are pretty rare and will be less known but more unique (at least where I live).

My friend however has this Bulova Precisionist and it is really really nice. I'm not into chronos and busy sundials, and most "impressive" quartz watches are complicated chronos, but you can find these simpler ones too that I think are more appealing and classy.

Also, if you want a less "nice", purely utilitarian watch, the Victorinox INOX is always the ultimate beater.

College is casual. You'll be wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers 95% of the time.

Get some dark, non-distressed, well-fitting jeans. Not baggy, but not ridiculous tight. No rips, tears, or holes - this way you can wear them when you're kickin' it during the day, or when you're hitting the clubs at night.

Next, get some socks and sneakers/casual shoes. There are literally hundreds of options, it's really up to YOUR personal taste. Just off the top of my head: Converse All-Stars, Converse Jack Purcells, Adidas Sambas, Clarks Desert Boots, etc.

Wear what you like for t-shirts. I always like to have some well-fitting solid color v-necks to keep it classy and simple. Try Target, mall department stores, etc.

Get a nice simple watch. I like Casio Men's MQ24-7E Classic Analog Watch because it's so versatile.

I got the idea from this thread: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f17/what-square-2638617-2.html

The ebay seller was long gone, but I contacted the OP and he helped me hunt down one down for me on Amazon, for which I am very grateful.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HZBOWM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This one is actually different than the one he has. I had to cut it to fit the 16mm lugs, and the outside diameter of the bracelet is slightly too short. The correct one was like $45 after shipping, and not prime. This one was $28 for Prime. I'm glad I did this one too, because it's barely a $28 bracelet. I like the bracelet itself, but the clasp is absolute shit. I may try and replace that in the future. There's a real composite bracelet made by Casio, but I just didn't like the way it looked.

The stock band for this watch is actually really good. It's soft (softer than the import model) and comfortable.

i was also looking at the same citizen you were looking at and after looking around i found this one and love it. I get compliments on it a lot and think it looks great with anything i wear. wearing it now actually :)

i also really liked both of the other watches you picked out. whatever you choose, you have good taste, sir.

Ok, here's my take on this. You're not a watch guy so let's go with a quartz watch. Quartz is just better in every way while being cheaper, except for the "cool" factor, which only watch guys really care about. You don't want to spend a lot of money on a watch. You don't mention that you want to impress people with your watch, just that you want a watch you can wear in a lot of places.

So I wouldn't spend even close to 10k. I would honestly recommend something like this Timex, this Seiko, this Casio, or maybe this Citizen. They're all nice enough to wear to work, casual enough to wear at home, and well within your budget. They're also all from respected brands that will get some respect from most people on this subreddit. If you decide you like wearing watches you can always get something nicer later, but for now, why spend more?

One thing these watches won't do is impress watch snobs, rich people, or pretentious co workers, so if that's one of your goals I'd go with one of the other recommendations in this thread.

So i am in the market for the same thing, I LOVE these watches. automatic is tough at under 500. So from what i found, $25 fashion watches do work, but lets stay away for quality reasons and go citizen, orient, and seiko for now, which is probably your best bet.
http://orientwatchusa.com/collections/mens-watches/sport Look there and grey market these.

http://www.amazon.com/Casio-General-Watches-Chronograph-EF-503D-7AVDF/dp/B007V317E2/

and seiko has some nice solar/quartz ones too.

I personally am a fan of the brietling navitimer look, so these are the best bet your going to get in the $200 range. I don't think you can do much worse with a edifice for $120.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HZBOWM/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

it's polyurethane, super light and strong, you have to trim a lil bit of the plastic with a razor blade. super easy and a great band.

Casio MQ24-7E

Price: ~$9.00

Movement: Quartz

Style: N/A

Size: 33mm

Image: From Amazon

Link: Amazon

Description: Utterly spartan and completely without frill are the best way to describe this watch. It is light enough to forget you are wearing it and so lacking in flash others may not notice it to begin with. Nobody will mistake you for an adventurer, deep-sea diver, aviator, playboy, or Navy SEAL wearing this watch. Despite this, the Casio MQ24-7E carries a character all its own not by what is is but what it isn't. It is not heavy, gaudy, fancy, horologically notable, or impressive. It is merely an accurate, comfortable, humble, and magnificently simple watch.

Ok I need a recommendation on a watch for work. I never wear watches, this will be the first watch I've ever bought. I'm not allowed to be on my phone but I need to check the time often, so I want something simple, minimalistic, and trustworthy.

I've been looking at the Timex Weekender and the Casio MQ24-7E. They are both simple and seemingly reliable. Does anyone have a preference of one over the other? Any questions I need to ask myself that maybe I'm not thinking of?

Also any further recommendations for a similar watch style (minimal, black/white, cheap) would be great. Thanks!

Here are some options.

1. Swatch Very inexpensive watch. Swiss made.
   
   
2. Bulova This is more of a silver dial.
   
   
3. Bulova Same watch as above, but in gold.
   
   
4. Tissot Very nice minimalistic watch, other options with different numerals and indices available. Swiss made.
   
   
5. Swatch Very cool mechanical watch, single screw holding everything together. Swiss made.
   
   
6. Citizen Kind of a translucent white, solar powered.
   
   
7. Tissot Very nice looking time piece. Swiss made.

Honestly, I'm not a big fan of roman numerals, they look garrish to me. I prefer simple tics for indices. It provides a much clearer, cleaner presentation. this is a good example (my personal dress watch).

Edit: For completely formal, depending on whether OP means a suit or a tux, a white face may not be the most appropriate. IMO, a white face watch shouild not be worn with a tux, as the light color makes it stick out too much, and compared to the very plain black and white tux, a little on the gaudy side. A black face with a tux looks good.

That said, I love a white faced watch (Like the Rodina), on a cognac leather band with a charcoal grey suit. It just looks fantastic.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HZBOWM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

By far the best one that I've had. It's highly adjustable to fit perfectly on any wrist, waterproof (water actually beads up instead of smearing all over the place), and has the look of a steel type link without the painful hair/skin pinching. Very lightweight. You just need to shave off a little bit off the end of the band for it to fit, which is a very fast and easy procedure.

heh...morning dump...i'm 12.

That pen is beautiful.....

Speaking of the watch band. Yea those do pull the hair. I found a polyurethane band that worked perfect for me to get away from the metal bands and still include links. Of course it's black, but it's super comfortable. Have to take care to check the occasional link barrel screw, one or two might loosen a little over time. I added a little blue loctite to fix that issue :D

Amazon Link - Watch band

This one? that looks a lot more faded cream than white to me.

To be frank, it looks like something my grandfather wore. Doesn't exactly have the clean aesthetic I was really going for.

The black however does look quite nice. But again, looks more like a dress watch than it does something closer to a bauhaus type design.

Thank you for the input. I do appreciate it. :)

It's one of my favorite sessions but that's unrelated - I dig his shirt and REALLY dig his watch. Any ideas?

If anyone wants to try their luck with a better quality shot, or just listen to some amazing music, here

EDIT: Could this be a Junkers Bauhaus?

First time posting,

Both outfits I wore to school this week. In both I'm actually wearing this watch (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00065FWR0/ref=pd_sbs_241_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AYK4RF63F9PMT9EH37QP) that /u/homahuey posted about in some thread I saw while lurking. I liked it way too much NOT to get, and I picked up like 5 so I could use em the same way he did, lmao.

I think its also worth noting that before I choose what to wear before I go out, I'm listening to music and whatever particular song I'm listening to usually plays a role in what I end up wearing.

The first outfit was inspired by Telephone Calls off of Cozy Tapes Vol. 1, and the second outfit "Down On My Luck" by Vic Mensa.

First fit: http://i.imgur.com/dKIUl1i.png
http://i.imgur.com/CABbJoD.png

• Vintage Chicago White Sox snapback,
  
  
• My uncles Tommy Hilfiger windbreaker (?), he doesn't remember when/where he picked it up unfortunately.
  
  
• I'm also wearing a Diamond Co. Grey hoodie underneath the jacket, but any other grey hoodie would've served the same purpose,
  
  
• Jeans from Topman,
  
  
• Nike Roshes.
  
  
  Second: http://i.imgur.com/BiVziii.png
  http://i.imgur.com/a44dCc5.png
  
  
• My dads aviators that I scooped up before heading off to class,
  
  
• GQ collab with GAP camo bomber (i'm wearing a large here because it was the only one available, but I would have much rather preferred a medium).
  
  
• h&m burgundy sweater w/ navy elbow patches (the colour comes up much better in the aerial close up shot),
  
  
• pair of thrifted jeans; I don't actually remember where I got these or what the brand is, but i will edit and update when I'm home.
  
  
• Doc Marten boots. I forgot which ones these are as well, will update in that edit.

1. No, Seiko is very safe choice if you want a no-thrill everyday watch. My only criticism is that they are all a bit boring.
   
   
2. No Quartz is 'superior' in the sense that it will be far more accurate and reliable than the Seiko 5's automatic movement. However, watch enthusiast prefer automatic movement over quartz because it requires a lot more effort to make -- it's like the difference between a hand-crafted item and a machine-made item. The machine-made item may be better in quality and much cheaper, but people would prefer the hand-crafted one for the aesthetic.
   
   
3. Depends... are you one of those people who are mechanical watch purist? If not, the Chrono offers better reliability & accuracy, and it's in my opinion the best looking of the three
   
   
4. You're talking about a Bulova Precisionist. Seiko also produces the Spring Drive series, which are a hybrid of automatic and quartz watch. However, the Seikos are sold as 'Grand Seikos' and price start at a few thousand dollars.

Hello all; thanks for doing this. I'm looking for a watch, around $500 which is durable and tasteful. I need a rotating bezel, perpetual calendar (if it has date complications) and luminous hands. I have a large wrist so large watches are preferred and not an issue. I prefer metal bracelets, so if it doesn't come with one, it would need to be able to take one (any recommendations for a bracelet would be appreciate as well).

I currently have this Citizen Eco-Drive 43 mm case watch and really like it. Quality, reliability, ability to take a knock, and looks are most important. Complications are always nice, but not required. Dual Time zone would be handy (L-TM on Citizen).

Thanks again, and Happy Thanksgiving.

My Pebble has been on my wrist everyday since it arrived last February. I agree with pretty much everything you said, and the only improvements I would want on this device would be smaller size/bezels and perhaps a microphone/speaker to trigger Google Now/Search. Metal chassis would be icing on the cake.

Battery life and daylight visibility are awesome on this thing, and I love that I can use any 22mm watchband with it.

Here's the band I'm using currently: http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Polyurethane-Bracelet-Luminox-Watches/dp/B004HZBOWM

Image of how it looks on my Pebble: http://imgur.com/kYmKsTv

Received my first ever watch in the mail yesterday, the Men's SNZG13 Seiko 5 Automatic Black Dial Stainless-Steel Bracelet Watch. I've always loved watches and browsing this subreddit and finally decided to get a watch of my own. I know I wanted an automatic one, but most automatics I found were quite expensive until I found this one for just $120. Although I've only had it for a day, I absolutely love the watch so far and I'm very happy I bought it!

You're basically looking for a dress watch from the looks of it. I set some filters and tried to find you a watch under $150. Also threw some expedition watches into the mix. I hope you don't mind that most of them are from Bulova. Their dress watches look pretty great.

• Bulova Men's 96B104 Stainless Steel Dress Watch
  
  
• Bulova Men's 98H51 Stainless Steel Dress Watch With Croco Leather Band
  
  
• Seiko Men's SNDC31 Classic Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch with Brown Leather Band
  
  
• Orient Men's FDB08004B Esteem Open Heart Dial Watch
  
  
• Seiko Dress Men's Quartz Watch SUR065
  
  
• Caravelle New York by Bulova Men's 43B137 Analog Display Japanese Quartz Black Watch
  
  
• Bulova 96B217 Mens Dress Brown Leather Strap Watch
  
  

this seiko offers a nice little contrast for the chronograph hand and outer indices

If you're willing to go a bit higher

there's this gorgeous orient esteem that offers a solid automatic movement, an open heart, and gorgeous hands.

The sad truth is that the particular black minimalist style you're looking for is mostly associated with low build quality watches, as you've observed. Just buying one of the ones you like heavily discounted would be fine - watch snobs like me might sneer but as long as you didn't pay full retail price it's not actually a bad buy.

Here are some "legit" brands to consider. These would last longer, I don't know if it's the style you want.

https://www.amazon.com/Tissot-Mens-Gentleman-Swissmatic-T0984073605200/dp/B07BZPNVR1

https://www.amazon.com/Tissot-Mens-100-Chronograph-T1014173305100/dp/B07BZLLC5P

https://www.amazon.com/Bulova-96B149-Dress-Classic-Watch/dp/B004TB226Q

https://www.amazon.com/Bulova-96B158-Precisionist-Leather-Strap/dp/B007006UA2 <- The precionist has a particularly notable quartz movement with a smooth sweeping seconds, almost like a mechanical. Comes with a few different color schemes.

https://www.amazon.com/Junghans-Stainless-Quartz-Leather-Calfskin/dp/B00M9CPXTK

https://windupwatchshop.com/collections/watches/products/moonlight?variant=12634394198082

https://www.codekwatches.com/shop/spiral-midnightblue <- This one is a microbrand but looks to be quality components with sapphire crystal and ETA automatic movement, huge coupon at the moment bringing price to $220. Dang, now that I've found this I'm super tempted to get one myself. Great value for money in terms of quality of components to price. You rarely see ETA-based automatic watches below $500, let alone $200

If you are not really a "watch guy", but just want something to wear out to tell the time, I recommend a quartz watch over an automatic. Automatics are often favored by watch enthusiasts due to their history and intricate engineering, but quartz watches have a lot of practical advantages.

Quartz watches tend to be cheaper, they are less delicate, and they are significantly more accurate. An automatic will run down and stop if left off your wrist for a few days and will have to be reset the next time you wear it. A quartz will continue to run and keep time on or off your wrist.

This is an "Eco-Drive". It's a solar powered quartz that does not require battery changes like most quartz watches.

Check these out: Timex Easy reader, Citizen Eco Drive (probably the closest aesthetically to what you're looking for), another Citizen Eco Drive, and yet another Citizen Eco Drive (this one's my personal favorite of the three) and bonus pic. Bracelets can be bought separately pretty easily. (Amazon)

If you're lucky, you can get one within -/+10 seconds a day which isn't bad for a cheap auto. But I have heard stuff where Parnises can vary from about a minute a day.

I love this model. It is simple and lovely I think. Your watch is really nice IMO!

Hello all, I'm looking to trade my Citizen Eco-Drive (https://www.amazon.com/Citizen-AR3015-53E-Eco-Drive-Stiletto-Black/dp/B002BWPDE8) on a gold bracelet, which I have 4 extra links for. I do not have the original band but I think it looks great on the gold! I'm most interested in a vintage watch but would be open to anything. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

Timestamp: http://imgur.com/a/9m43r

You can try a Quartz Mondaine. I believe they look nice and they are pretty cheap.

Another alternative would be to buy a Zeno Watch like this - this one is under 500$ and is automatic.

If you really like an automatic, you can also pick this Hamilton which is a little bit over your budget (~72$) but I believe worth every cent.

If you really like Bauhaus watches, but you don't have the money to spend on a Nomos or a Junghans, you can also take a look at those two brands: Zeppelin and Junkers (still I don't think those two are that sturdy). Examples:

• Graf Zeppelin LZ129 Hindenburg Series Swiss Quartz Dress Watch 7046-1
  
  
• JUNKERS - Men's Watches - Junkers Bauhaus - This one is automatic.
  
  
• JUNKERS - Men's Watches - Junkers Bauhaus - Ref. 6046-5
  
  
• JUNKERS - Men's Watches - Junkers Bauhaus
  
  Now, you must take in consideration if you work in a kitchen water will deteriorate very quickly any leather strap. A rubber strap won't look so good on a "Bauhaus" watch, so you need to replace your strap with something "metal" - like this.
  
  

This Hamilton Jazzmaster looks right up your alley, except it's a Swiss quartz and not an automatic. It would keep fantastic time though.

I think this Seiko SARB035 is your best option. It has a fantastic 6R15 movement, is a complete in-house design, and uses elements from the considerably more expensive Grand Seiko collection. For $350, I don't think there's a better watch available than this one.

The movement is the biggest difference as well as fit and finish. Generally these crappy quartz movements do not last long but the higher end ones last a while my dad has an ecodrive that is beat to crap he had it for 15 years and it still works the day he got it. These watches are what we call horological pieces. You can of course get the Armani it is a gorgeous piece i will give you that but why not get a quality watch for cheaper that is higher quality and looks great. Also the seiko 5 is a phenomenal watch the only thing to note is that it is automatic that means it charges itself when it is shaken such as when you move It has no battery. It is a piece of technological marvel. That being said it does lose time each day but it makes up for it in the cool factor.
What do you think of this watch it is one of the best bang for your buck watches and just about the same price as the armani
https://www.amazon.com/Orient-Japanese-Automatic-Stainless-Diving/dp/B01AK5TQRM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519227526&sr=8-1&keywords=orient+mako
I have also attached two guides to help you understand mechanical watches. Shoot me another message if you want to talk some more about it.
https://www.montredo.com/en/watch-magazine/ultimate-beginners-watch-guide/
https://manofmany.com/fashion/beginners-guide-to-mechanical-watches
Also Check out the reddit watch forum

Pulsar PSR 10 It's the only watch I'm wearing at the moment, having ditched the Orient Champion as I found it too bulky.


For those who don't know about the PSR 10, here's some specs:

• Case diameter: 36mm
  
• WR 100 (unit not specified, I'm guessing feet?) (see discussion below)
  
• WR 30m
  
• Sapphire crystal
  
• Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per year (claimed)
  
• Movement: Y301A
  
  It's a bit of a unicorn (both in terms of rarity and unrealistic myth). It's said to be not quite as accurate as the marketing claims make out (more like 15-20 secs/year apparently). I've been keeping a rough monthly log: http://imgur.com/cTS7uEJ
  
  
  I bought it because I'm a sucker for such unicorns, and I honestly really like the size and simplicity of the dial. It's also my first sapphire and my first bracelet.
  
  I really love it. I just wish a) the hour hand wasn't discoloured and b) it had a date window.
  
  I'm tempted by one of these as my next watch:
  
  
• Citizen AU1040-08E
  
• Citizen BM7190-05a (moar pics)
  
  Leaning towards the latter at the moment.

You definitely have options here. As the other person said there are a lot of different Seiko 5's that are pretty minimalist and under $100, so you could just pick any one and buy with confidence. All of the Seiko 5's will be mechanical automatics.

​

I also second the Timex recommendation. You should check out the Fairfield Collection and the Metropolitan which are both quartz. One thing to note about Timex is that the ticking can be pretty loud on some of their watches. It bothers some people, some it doesn't. Just take that into account if you work in a quiet environment because it will be audible. The Metropolitan does not have this problem as it lacks a second's hand, and neither do many of their chronographs or sub-seconds.

​

For something a little more dressy there's the Orient Capital v2 quartz. Idk how flexible you are on price, but for a little but more you can get the Orient gen. 2 v3 Bambino. The Bambino line are automatics, and come in a variety of different styles and colors all for around $100 - $200.

​

From Citizen in that style take a look at the BE9170 which is a standard quartz sub-seconds. But what Citizen has really become known for is their Eco-Drive movement, which is a fancy way of saying solar-powered (Seiko and some other brands do solar-powered watches, but Citizen arguably does it the best). My picks for you would be the Chandler (also comes in black and a dark blue), or the AU1040-08E/AU1043-00E which are all solar. Again, not sure if you're flexible on pricing, but for a bit more you have the NH8350 line which are mechanical automatics, and for a bit more than that there's the AU1080 line which are solar, and also net you a very scratch resistant sapphire crystal.

​

Some that are a little above budget, but worth mentioning is the Tissot Everytime line to scratch that "Swiss Made" itch, which are Swiss quartz and have sapphire crystals, and the more obscure Tisell Bauhaus, a Miyota mechanical automatic coming from a Korean watchmaker and which is pretty much a direct copy of the Nomos Tangente, but is still a reputable brand nonetheless.

​

In general for under or around $100 the main brands you're probably going to want to be looking at are Casio, Timex, Bulova (the 96B104 and 97B100, for example), Citizen, Seiko, and Orient.

Sure. The Japanese are kings of value at that price point, and you'll have a fair share of selections from a few brands, types of movement (automatic/mechanicals, quartz, UHF quartz, solar quartz, etc.) and styles (diver, field, pilot, chrono, etc.) all good for day-to-day wear.

A good place to start is look through listings from Seiko, Orient, Citizen, and Casio's Edifice line.

A few examples:

Seiko SNZG13 - automatic field/military style

Orient Defender - automatic field style - also comes in blue

Seiko SNZF17(black) / SNZF15(blue/pepsi bezel) - automatic diver style

Seiko SNZH55/53/57 - automatic black, blue, and black/gold diver style

Various Seiko chronographs on bracelets - quartz movements

Orient Mako II and Ray II - automatic diver style watches with an upgraded movement over the Seiko automatics

Various Casio Edifice chronographs on bracelets - quartz movements

There's a lot more not limited to these brands as well - I'm sure other people can recommend you something nice. I've excluded models not on a bracelet - but if you change your mind you can also look through Citizen and Bulova's offerings.

Here's the current buying guide on $0-$250 watches.

If you really like the MVMT, just buy it, but do so knowing what you're actually getting. The particular model you linked has a chronograph but doesn't even have markings on the subdials, so the chronograph is kinda pointless - how can you tell which dial is which?

I have a $150 AUD Lorus watch but am looking to pick up a cheaper but still nice watch for wearing to work (where it gets banged around a bit).

I've pretty much decided on this Timex Weekender, but want to change the strap.

Any recommendations for a nice, breathable watch strap that is casual?

Thank you for the detailed post on buying guide , $0 to $250. I have hardly used any watches before. Based on the guide I have decided to buy a Quartz watch. My budget is $100. Help me decide a watch from the list below. Thanks.

List: 1) Men's BM8240-03E Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Watch with Leather Band

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000EQS1D8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494270964&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=citizen+men+BM8240-03E+eco+drive&dpPl=1&dpID=41KCGnPIymL&ref=plSrch

2) Intelligent Quartz Fly-Back Chronograph Watch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0053EXKFK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494270993&sr=8-1&pi=AC_AA280_QL65&keywords=timex+intelligent+quartz+fly-back+chronograph+watch

3) Seiko Men's SNDC31 Classic Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch with Brown Leather Band

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004JY0KP8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1/130-9437886-7050325?ie=UTF8&qid=1494271471&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=seiko+men%27s+sndc31&dpPl=1&dpID=51gtIrWHCeL&ref=plSrch

4) Men's BM8180-03E Eco-Drive Analog Japanese Quartz Green Watch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000EQS1JW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494271069&sr=8-1&pi=AC_AA280_QL65&keywords=citizen+men%27s+bm8180-03e+eco-drive+analog+japanese+quartz+green+watch

5) Weekender 40mm Case Slip-Thru Strap Watch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LW3RCW8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494271119&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=timex+weekender+40mm+case+slip-thru+strap&dpPl=1&dpID=51OZU4ySzOL&ref=plSrch

6) Seiko Men's SNDC89P2 Leather Synthetic Analog with Black Dial Watch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005HIREJK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494271155&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=seiko+men%27s+sndc89p2+leather+synthetic+analog+with+black+dial+watch&dpPl=1&dpID=51QopEmf-uL&ref=plSrch

I'm looking to buy a watch that I can use everyday -formal,casual setting with minimal maintenance. I haven't used a watch in years so there may be times when I won't use a watch. Based on the buying guide, I feel a Quartz watch may be better suited for me than an Automatic. I can't really finalize a watch from the list. Your advice/recommendations will help!

I got this watch for Christmas (Link)
It came with a horrid red alligator skin strap and I finally got around to swapping that out for an old worm brown leather band I had laying around from my Timex, I think it looks great on this watch. Excited to finally have a watch with an off-white face, I really love it! Hope you all like the pictures and the time-lapse. I did not even realize the watch had a hour hand on the chronograph before I recorded this.

You're looking for a Bauhaus/minimalist style watch. Most companies will have an option but the Germans invented the Bauhaus style and the Japanese are also very adept at minimalist beauty.

Orient Bambino:
Orient Men's 2nd Gen. Bambino Ver. 3 Stainless Steel Japanese-Automatic Watch with Leather Calfskin Strap, Brown, 21 (Model: FAC0000EW0) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072K5JSF5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8qGpDb0KX2HKW

Casio (this is quartz):
Casio Collection Unisex Adults Watch LTP-E148L-1AEF https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786QLW88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uNGpDbMSG9TJK

Junkers (pronounced "yoonkers"):
JUNKERS - Men's Watches - Junkers Bauhaus - Ref. 6070-5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006DDHQOQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_eIGpDb2N1RDRR

Junghans is the sex but the most expensive of these choices:
Junghans Max Bill 2018 Edition Graphic Series Mens Watch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078XB17FJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MKGpDbS2KTGN3

These are all solid choices that you can be sure are well worth your money.

I would like to buy a watch that is affordable and durable, i like the style of chronograph watches, and prefer black leather straps, here are some options i was looking into, but have no idea which brands are best bang for the buck
Fossil Del Rey Chronograph Leather Strap Watch CH2972
Seiko SKS495
Casio Men's Edifice EF503L-1AV
Seiko Men's SNDC33
Fossil Grant Chronograph Leather Band Watch FS4812
Fossil Decker Chronograph Watch CH2573

which one of these/ or other than these do you recommend?

You've got good taste for a sixteen your old ;)

There was a time when everyone who owned a watch owned an automatic, from school kids to grandmothers, so there's no experience necessary for owning them. They don't require any maintenance on your part.

Otherwise, Citizen Eco Drives are a great choice. They're powered by light can keep running on a full charge while being kept in a dark drawer for six months and are expected to run at 80% charge after twenty years. Ther's some models that are similar in style the kind you've mentioned:

BF0580-06E

BM8240-03E

BM7190-05A

I'm sure you could find more if you wanted. Depending on what watch you choose, you could have enough left over for a Seiko 5, that way you've have both quartz and automatic, so you've got options.

Just make sure whatever you pick is absolutely the watch you want, no second guesses, otherwise you'll regret it. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Of the two, the Akribos is in better taste by far, but it’s not a good brand or a very interesting watch.

Mechanical and automatic watches are much cooler, and get more respect from watch nerds. And Seiko 5s are pretty decent entry level automatics.

Here’s a Seiko 5 with some military design elements: Seiko Men's SNZG13 Seiko 5 Automatic Black Dial Stainless-Steel Bracelet Watch https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B006ITF2H8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_huTUAb4QFN34N

This one is a little sportier: Seiko Men's SNK793 Seiko 5 Automatic Blue Dial Stainless-Steel Bracelet Watch https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B002SSUQF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1uTUAbNPD9XGC

I can understand the worry about a battery running out. That being said, batteries last at least a couple years in watches, often longer, so if you replace it at regular intervals then you should be able to avoid any issues. A battery swap by a jeweler usually only costs about $10 with the new battery included.

When it comes to automatic watches you would want to make sure to wear the watch about once a month at least; because automatic watches have components that are made to move, they are lubricated, and need to remain in motion in order for that lubricant to not clog up the gears and other components. So, if you were to get an automatic watch, you would still want to wear it or wind it every few weeks to keep it in good working order - it shouldn't sit for months at a time, which might be an issue for you.

So ultimately you'll want to decide which type of movement will work better for you. Given your price range you will have countless options to choose from in quartz watches using the companies I mentioned. But Seiko also has the Seiko 5 line, with very affordable automatic options, so I'd check those out.

Another option is Citizen's eco-drive watches, which are solar powered and can hold a charge for about 6 months at full capacity - this might be your best bet in terms of having a battery powered watch that can get going as soon as its exposed to light for a minute. The batteries in these watches are a different kind of rechargeable battery, and typically last about 20 years each. They also have some minimalist eco drives like these onse, which you might like:
https://www.amazon.ca/Citizen-AU1060-51E-Analog-Display-Japanese/dp/B00KCF7F10/ref=sr_1_15?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1482253806&sr=1-15&keywords=eco+drive

https://www.amazon.ca/Citizen-Watches-BM7251-53L-Contemporary-Stainless/dp/B00PXVTU5C/ref=sr_1_35?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1482253806&sr=1-35&keywords=eco+drive

https://www.amazon.ca/Citizen-Mens-AU1040-08E-Eco-Drive-Watch/dp/B004JKBDYO/ref=sr_1_54?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1482253932&sr=1-54&keywords=eco+drive

Both are using Bauhaus design. Braun has been using Bauhaus design since Bauhaus was starting as an actual school, from what I can tell. Not so much as watchmakers, but as everything makers.

Both are copies of a much nicer (and far more expensive) watch: the Junghans Max Bill.

If that's your thing, I'd strongly consider the Junkers version of the Max Bill. It's quartz like the Braun and the Skagen, but to my eye it looks a bit better and more minimal (which is what Bauhaus is about).

[Mod] So I really want a Mako II with the seconds hand from the Ray II, the bezel from a SKX007K and enclosed with sapphire glass.

Where do I begin? What's a good watch modding form to buy/trade parts from?

I haven't looked at the sizes of the cases to see if I could potentially drop the movement from the Mako II into the case of an SKX007 after swapping the seconds hand from the Ray II.

I wish the SK007 hacked and had a lume pip on the indicator instead of the counter weight. Like the SKX013 does.

The SNZH55 would be perfect with a hacking movement and a bezel with more graduations.

Edit: I guess at the end of the day "saving" up for a Prospex SRPB51 would probably be easier and probably cost less in the long run but I still prefer the hour/minute hands from the Mako, and the seconds hand from the Ray.

Edit 2: This photoshopped watch is basically my "perfect" dive watch except with this bezel I just didn't want to do more photoshopping than necessary and the SEIKO SAMURAI bezel insert already lined up with the other watches.

Seiko is probably your best option.


Here's another Seiko worth looking at

Timex also make great value for quality watches. The one I've linked seems to fit your criteria the most, not too sporty, not to elegant, definitely age appropriate for a high schooler

Skip the armanis. they are cheap "designer" watches. basicly they make the case and drop a citizen movement inside (if you´re lucky. you could find a cheap generic chinese movement inside)

the Victorinox is nice becuase it carries a ETA movement.

you can also have a citizen eco drive one which are pretty reliable and solar powered. Citizen movements are a dime a dozen and half the non swiss made industry uses them, but if you buy citizen directly insted of a 3rd party that using citizen movements, you usualy get a better movement at a lower price.

http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-BL5250-02L-Eco-Drive-Perpetual-Chronograph/dp/B000EQS0WK/ref=sr_1_2?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1320801509&sr=1-2

Or if you want swiss you can have a nice tissot V8 for cheap.
http://www.amazon.com/Tissot-T0394171105700-Black-Chronograph-Watch/dp/B002IVGKJY/ref=sr_1_2?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1320801621&sr=1-2

I have always liked this Skagen. It is minimalistic like the Seiko you like, at a great price, and it is a great looking watch (imo). Here is a better picture that was posted on Reddit a while back.

edit: Now after looking at that picture again for a first time in a while I want one :(

Some suggestions off the top of my head, most of them /r/watches favourites:

Similar to the first example: Orient Symphony/Bambino and so on, Tissot Visodate and LeLocle, some of the dressier Seikos like SARB033 and Cocktail time, some of the dressier citizen Eco-Drives like this

Similar to the second example: Braun watches, Mondaine watches, also some Citizen Eco-Drives

Similar to the Submariner: Orient Mako/Ray

Except for Braun and Mondaine and some Orient models those are all automatics, but that is just what you will get in this sub.

If you don't care about either of those and just want to buy a stylish quartz, do buy from a respected watch brand, not just any store/fashion brand. Fossil and Skagen make okay watches, Nixon are okay too (a bit overpriced). Casio, Timex, Citizen, Seiko would be better.

First - as someone who has many friends who are doctors, you want your everyday/hospital watch to have a metal band so that you can easily sanitize it. If you're doing primary care you may want a watch with a chronograph and tachymeter so you can easily time things like heartbeats.

Second - the problem with black bands is that the color comes from a PVD coating process, and any scratches will show as silver. A conventional SS bracelet doesn't show scratches unless you look very closely, because the color of the scratches matches the color of the bracelet.

That having been said, many companies make darker bands.

These are some simple seiko titanium day-dates you may like: http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SGG711-Black-Titanium-Watch/dp/B000SSPML6

http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Mens-SGG709-Titanium-Watch/dp/B000WFZU30

Well you aren't going to get an automatic chrono for $150-$200. You can get a manual mechanical chrono that looks similar for $500ish from Techne, but it has a display back without much room for engraving.

You could try this eco drive which won't require battery change, but it is a quartz movement (and also $40 over your limit), and doesn't have much room for engraving.

I just honestly don't think you're going to get everything you want, so it'd be helpful if you could identify which factors are most important.

I bought this watch from Amazon a few weeks ago for about $170. My whole life I have been wearing big chunky stainless steel monstrosities from Swatch and Fossil and I finally realized I wanted something slim and sexy.

I looked into Skagen and Timex but I was a bit turned off by their small diameter faces. I'm a pretty big dude so small watch faces look awkward on my wrist, but I still wanted something that looked refined and sexy.

I considered automatic movement but ultimately decided against it due to accuracy reasons. Needing to adjust my watch every two weeks would drive me nuts. I am a "set it and forget it" type of guy. Plus, I was impressed by Eco-drive technology and wanted to give it a shot.

Although this watch could be considered a dress watch, I wear it everyday. I find that it goes well with nearly anything and actually adds a bit of sophistication to T shirt and jeans.

http://amzn.com/B00843L6ZI

Stowa Antea line, still not "cheap" but cheaper than Nomos

Tissell Bauhaus straight up cheap Nomos rip-off that's hard to find but can be had for under $200

Junkers Bauhaus Automatic - different style but worth a look

Junkers Bauhaus Quartz - same watch but quartz at half the price

Junghans Max Bill - great watch in it's own right, but like the Stowa's, not exactly cheap - just a lot cheaper than Nomos

I would recommend sticking to brands like Casio, Timex, Citizen, or Orient. Brands like Sturhling, Invicta, Nixon, Fossil etc. aren't quite as good quality and frankly won't be too well received here, not that you should care too much what other people think. Citizen makes really good pieces in that price range, check out these:

1

2

3

4

5

6

I've got a Seiko 5 that cost $130. Fantastic mechanical movement, works great, looks great.

I've heard it rated as the "world's cheapest luxury watch". Mechanical artistry on your wrist.

Maybe it's the additional bezel/strap, but the watch isn't even worth half what you're asking.


As the proud owner of a Ray 2, good luck...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AK5TQRM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wh2TCbQGRQVDE

EDIT: This watch is not the same as I had originally linked to on Amazon. Please don't let my err influence your choice in purchasing this piece.

I saw this watch/band combo here about a year ago and was immediately hooked. /r/watches has been my go to during my search for the perfect watch, so thanks for all the help. My goal was to find a mechanical, but a combination of accuracy and functionality kept leading me back to this Edifice. Two shout-outs: first to /u/space-butler for helping me find a seller, and second to longislandwatch.com (/r/hailcorporate, I know) for allowing me to exchange my band for the right size (don’t trust Amazon for accurate band widths… this band is 20mm btw).

edit: watch model: EF-503D-7AV & band

Hey I got a message saying my previous comment was removed bc it contained an affliate link, the comment still looks to be up, but just in case you don’t here it here it is again (fixed the link this time hopefully):

Personally that’s a lower price point than I would look at. I think it would serve you well to save up a bit more and get something in the $300 range, where you can get some really excellent and long lasting quartz watches. My father randomly got himself a cheap little Citizen (I can’t find a link to it atm and don’t know the name), it had no comlications and was mineral glass instead of sapphire, it wasn’t bad but it didn’t leave much of an impression. The movement seems to be standard citizen quality tho, the hands looked like they hit all their marks. For $130 I can offer any alternative to what you’ve shown in the link, unless you want a different style: https://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Stainless-Steel-BM7100-59E/dp/B004JKBEUM/ref=asc_df_B004JKBEUM/

If you like the watch then by all means, you can’t go wrong with a Citizen. Even for a cheap watch (I know when you’re getting your first watch it seems crazy that $100 is a “cheap” watch), Citizen will be the top tier in that price range. If you can wait, I’d recommend trying to save up a bit more, if not, enjoy your new watch

So I really want this Junkers Bauhaus watch. The Quartz watch its about $250. The automatic however is about double the price. Just curious as to why that's so when according to the faq quartz is more accurate and durable? Not trying to sound like i'm trying to dismiss or understate mechanical watches. Just a legitimate question in trying to understand the two better.

Edit: found a better example with the black dial Quartz | Automatic

Take the #1. Its the most versatile of all. Black coated cases will wear out over time and look cheap and destroyed.

For everyday wear I personally would prefer a steel bracelet, but this is up to you. Chronographs are "casual" or "informal" but you could dress them up by adding a good leather strap (if possible with a butterfly clasp).

Take a look at this: it's fas is inspired by Fortis watches (these are famous for beeing in the outher space).

I also think you #4 looks way better with the black face.

I think the Orient Bambino would be a good pick (it's also available in a silver finish but black band so you'd have to change that yourself), more interesting than a sea of similar Bulova, Citizen, and Seiko quartz dress watches.

This Seiko Chronograph might be nice also but busier. And coming in well below budget is the Timex Forty Weekender.

The buying guides on the right of the page are designed to answer just such a question. They are really useful. If you don't know where to begin, spend 20 minutes browsing this guide.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/wiki/buyingguide

I recently went through a similar struggle. I wanted to get back into wearing a watch after years of not doing so. Because I didn't know if I would stick with it, I didn't want to drop a lot of money on a watch. I ended up going with this Seiko. It met my criteria: medium sized, light weight, quartz, numbers on the dial, and under $150.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SSPML6?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

It was on sale for about $112 at the time I bought it a few weeks ago. Very happy with it so far. If I still enjoy wearing a watch in a few months, I'll upgrade to something nicer.

i did some more lookingI looked some more and found this, the Orient Esteem. The styling is very nice, although i can't say it's the exact font i would choose. It's on the dressy side but i think the right band would make it work, and i tend to wear nicer clothing. But the simple styling is nice, the window is why i like it, a skeleton is too much, the peak just sucks you in (although the plate covering a good portion is annoying). I haven't been looking at mechanicals much but i know it would need to be worn every other day at least to keep it running, and isn't it necessary to be more careful with them (try to to hit my wrist on something hard for whatever reason)? This is way over what i originally said, but there's 30% off, so it's 120. I doubt i'll get it for that, but the price just changed to that and hopefully it will go back down as it was 130 until 4:30 yesterday according to camelcamelcamel, which discounts to 90.
Other than that the only thing i found was the Seiko snn241 which is a little higher than i wanted to pay, especially compared to the orient.

I get that. I thought the dial was too busy when I first got it, but it doesn't get in the way of reading the time, so I would call it well executed, but still busy.

I think most people associate Citizen for the busy dials ( like the Nighthawk and AT ), but they have some simple dress watches, and even some simple sport models. The Corso is their best known simple sport model -- https://smile.amazon.com/Citizen-BM7100-59E-Corso-Drive-Stainless/dp/B004JKBEUM/

A simple white dial dress watch -- https://smile.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-Drive-BM7190-05A-Stainless-Steel/dp/B00843L6ZI/ -- they have a number color and metal combinations on this model.

A sunburst blue mechanical -- https://www.longislandwatch.com/Citizen_NH8350_83L_Watch_p/nh8350-83l.htm -- this particular blue model is in stock about a 4 days every 6 months. I bought one a while back for about $110, and it is a nice simple dress watch, but at 40mm. These get insanely priced on some of the grey site due to availability issues.

I own two three hand models from Citizen, that NH8350-83L ( sorry bad light and worse camera ), and a blue promaster diver.

Of course you can go cheap, if you embrace it. Get a Casio F91W-1 or a MQ24-7E and wear the shit out of it.

But if you spend $100 you can get a really awesome watch. Orient Mako, SEIKO 5...etc.

Check out this Junkers watch below. I don’t know what you consider cheap, but ~$500 is very affordable for a great, respectable mechanical watch.

JUNKERS - Men's Watches - Junkers Bauhaus - Ref. 6060-5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0066GKTM6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uyrFDbD70N0RG

For the average person, a quartz movement is the best option. It is typically more convenient than automatic, and almost always more accurate. Some of the best quartz watches in your price range come out of Bulova and Citizen, and I might throw Casio in there too. I own and love my Bulova Precisionist, which has a souped up quartz movement and was under $200.

If you know or expect that your boyfriend would be interested in a mechanical movement, then the first place you should look is Seiko (this is mine) or Orient (the Ray and the Bambino are popular). They offer very high quality pieces for reasonable prices. Bulova also makes some mechanical pieces.

EDIT: You mentioned that he wants a stainless steel band. I expect what he's talking about is a "diver," which often comes on a bracelet (think James Bond's Omega Seamaster, or the ubiquitous Rolex Submariner). If that's the case, I would look hard at Seiko divers like the SKX007, 009, 173, etc. and Orient divers like the Ray or Mako. These are all well within your given price range, but for a bit extra you can look at the Steinhart Ocean.

Just a general sense I've gotten here and on /r/watches, but basically they're like these watches but at a 1000% markup. Similar to the reasons keyboard enthusiasts aren't fans of razer/logitech/etc: bad value proposition relative to nicer (by enthusiast standards) things that can be bought for less

I was about to pull the trigger on this watch last night but went with the precionist instead. Great looking watch though. Very nice.

Here's the one I ordered last night. Should be here Wednesday:

Bulova Men's 96B158 Precisionist Leather Strap Watch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007006UA2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tZsmxbFZ8AY9Y

I know it's a bit over budget but I can't help but recommend the Seiko Sarb035. It's a legendary watch and seems like it would be a great fit.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HZBOWM/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_L6vUub0QRDXJT I got this one a couple weeks ago and I love it. It's not metal, but it looks like it, and is really comfortable

Citizen Men's BL5250-02L Eco-Drive Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Watch

Stock Photo | Photo of Item

Asking Price: $180 shipped | Amazon Price: $240

Received this watch as a birthday present from my parents a few weeks ago. Still have the box and manuals to go with it. No scratches or damage, very good condition. The strap you see in my picture is one that I bought and changed myself, so I still have the strap that came with the watch (the one in the stock photo) which is literally still brand new (haven't used it once). Please let me know if you would like a better picture, the one I took has pretty bad lighting because I was in a hurry this morning. One thing to note is that the stock photo has the dial with a relatively bright blue color, but the actual color of the dial is more darker blue and could be even seen as almost black.

Also to note: Completely solar powered and the hands also glow in the dark. Has stopwatch/timer setting and any other functions that normally come with a chronograph watch.

It's a beautiful watch, I only sell it because I think I might want to buy a more dressier watch for the money.

Honestly I have found amazon to be perfect. I have picked up some nice watches for a good price.

Out of the price range you stated but a personal favorite of mine - https://www.amazon.ca/Junkers-Bauhaus-6070-5-Vintage-style/dp/B006DDHQOQ/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_241_lp_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=793TDRWT8JPC943BSF0S

I have a black Pebble, but I was never a fan of the gloss finish - I felt it made it look cheap. I therefore decided to make it matt which in my opinion makes it look much better. I combined the Gadget Wraps black matt screen protector with a Luminox black silicon strap. The blacks are not a 100% match but the difference is so small that I don't even notice.

Matt Black Wrap: http://www.gadgetwraps.com/devices/pebble-watch/matte-black-pebble-watch-wrap.html

Luminox Strap: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HZBOWM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004HZBOWM&linkCode=as2&tag=withnaiulti0b-20

I really like the end result. It's very understated. In fact most people don't even notice the watch, which I like.

Here's a pic!

Not sure if you meant Skeleton watches or display caseback when you said "see inside" but This is my favorite budget military style watch. You can get various color dials, on bracelet or strap, are a great size, have a display caseback and all for $100-115. If you look around you can find them cheaper or even used. Seiko SNZG13/SNZG15/SNZG09

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG13-Automatic-Stainless-Steel-Bracelet/dp/B006ITF2H8/

First of all, exact time is relative, no watch will ever tell the exact time as set by a reference atomic clock at NIST (even that will lose a second every 300 million years or so), it will always be off whether it be by seconds, milliseconds, or microseconds.

Pretty much any time-telling technology will drift eventually. Affordable (like under $500) mechanical watches seem to drift around 5-10 seconds per day, high-end mechanical watches like Rolexes, Seiko Spring Drives may drift 5-20 seconds per month which is probably on par with a standard $100 Quartz watch. Better Quartz movements like the Bulova Precisionist boast 10 seconds per year drift do to a higher frequency oscillator.

Even your computer running at 3Ghz still has to deal with Oscillator drift, more likely it's running at 2.999 or 3.001GHz and the computer clock would be wrong if it weren't for periodic network time protocol syncs with a reference.

So the closest you will ever get is with a device that uses wireless signals to keep in sync with an atomic reference. There are some RF controlled analog watches under $500 which are probably the best, followed by a Garmin GPS smartwatch (they sync time with the GPS signals coming from the satellite), and really any smartwatch that syncs time with your phone is going to be pretty close. Phones and computers use network time protocols to stay in sync with the reference. Any of these I would expect to be accurate down to the second. My Garmin Vivoactive is perfectly in lockstep with the RF controlled clock I have in my living room.

So short answer, every watch will gain/lose time. If you want a watch that auto-corrects itself so that this time loss never results in you getting the wrong time, get a smartwatch or an RF controlled analog watch. If you want a watch that is as accurate as can be without any syncing, then get a high-end Quartz watch. The Bulova Precisionist is actually quite affordable: https://www.amazon.com/Bulova-96B158-Precisionist-Leather-Strap/dp/B007006UA2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485456899

So the obvious question is why mechanical watches still exist if they are so poor at keeping time. The answer is partly that they are jewelry, but for me and many others here they are just cool. An electronic or digital watch will be more accurate but mechanical watches are a feat of engineering, an intricate series of gears, springs, and levers that somehow tells fairly accurate time without requiring a battery. I recently got my first mechanical watch after every single one of my Quartz watches needed battery replacements and something completely self-sufficient appealed to me. Many of these mechanical movements have been known to run for decades without any maintenance and aren't that expensive (Seiko 7S26 for example).

Most really rugged watches will be durable, like a Casio G-Shock. The Casio DW-5600 is excellent for that. I'll make a list of some other options!

Dressy-

Orient Bambino ~$130-$200

Seiko SARB035 ~$400

Citizen Eco-Drive AW1236-03A ~$100

Rugged-

Cadio G-Shock DW-5600 ~$50

Casio G-Shock GA100A-7A ~$70

Victorinox 241675 ~$150

Digital-

Casio F91W ~$10

Casio "World Time" ~$25

Timex Marathon ~$15-$20

Entry Level Mechanical-

Seiko SNK809 ~$60-$75

Orient Mako II ~$150

Invicta Pro-Diver (Submariner Homage) ~$80

Fantastic Quartz-

Timex Weekender ~$20-$30

Timex Expedition ~$50

Casio "Duro" MDV-106 ~$45

Minimalist, then you're probably looking at junghaus style.

High end you're definitely looking at a Nomos Tangente. http://www.nomos-store.com/en/Watches/Model-series/Tangente/Watches-with-manual-winding/Tangente-38-Datum-sapphire-crystal-back.html

Your upper mid-ish range would probably be something like a Stowa Antea. https://www.stowa.de/en/Antea/

or a Max Bill.

http://www.junghanswatchesusa.net/Max-Bill-by-Junghans_c_11.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjwrYbIBRCgnY-OluOk89EBEiQAZER58nO2IalZwynqiUaYaCttFPUbtb7AyYybVYGWMv6cx-oaAo-P8P8HAQ

If you're feeling a little bit more adventurous, you could look at something like the Hamilton Pioneer http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/collection/khaki/navy/pioneer-small-second/h78465553

If you want something more steam-punk-ish or grandfather-clocky you could go for a zepplin. http://www.longislandwatch.com/Graf_Zeppelin_7060_4_Watch_p/7060-4.htm

Something a little bit more modern would be the Junkers
https://www.amazon.com/JUNKERS-Watches-Junkers-Bauhaus-6060-5/dp/B0066GKTM6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1493345757&sr=8-6&keywords=Nomos+watch

Going down to even more affordable now you're looking at this watch.

https://www.amazon.com/M002-Automatic-Bauhaus-Seagull-Movement/dp/B017G0ENBS/ref=sr_1_52?ie=UTF8&qid=1493345820&sr=8-52&keywords=bauhaus+watches

Anything from Seiko, Orient, or Citizen will be solid (Orient is actually a subsidiary of Seiko). They all make excellent quality watches for the price. At this price range, it pretty much comes down to what design you like more.

If you're looking for something as low maintenance as possible, quartz is probably the way to go. You might want to look in to solar powered movements, like Citizen's Eco Drive or the Seiko Solar line, as these eliminate the need for battery changing. These would tend to be a little more than $100, though. This is similar to watches you posted.

One other thing, FYI, the quality of Seiko's metal bracelets on their lower end watches seems to be hit or miss. The one I got on my Seiko 5 felt really cheap, although if you're planning on changing the strap that may not matter.

Primria is top quality, and the seller is a community member here so if you have any questions, I'm sure you can get them answered.



I get most all of my Pebble bands from either GadgetWraps or Clockwork Synergy, save for my favorite that I can't stop talking about:



eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/282220673803


Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Polyurethane-Bracelet-Luminox-Watches/dp/B004HZBOWM


Where I got mine: http://www.militarywatchexchange.com/black-polyurethane-link-bracelet-band-for-luminox-watches/

Up for sale is my Casio Edifice EF-503D-7AVDF Chronograph. It's quite a good looking watch and made it's rounds on r/Watches as the poor man's Speedmaster. The case diameter is 42mm and sits comfortably and well on the wrist. This watch does need a new battery as the current one in it is drained. Selling to slowly add to my fund for my grail.

Included is the watch + all the original additional links for the bracelet. I believe I may also have the original box and packaging, so I'll update this space once I confirm that (just need to look in storage). The watch and bracelet is in excellent condition. I've only worn this about a half a dozen times.

Here are some additional photos of the watch: https://imgur.com/a/b1RJG3T

You can read all about the specs of the Edifice here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007V317E2/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_OfJ-AbZKEV4WJ

Asking price is $110.00 USD (SOLD) shipped in the continental US. Not looking for any trades at the moment. I haven't bought or sold much on u/watchexchange but I'm happy to provide references on other forums or on my eBay account. Don't hesitate to PM me any questions you may have.

Sold That was quick.

All of these would be solid buys:
Slightly out of your range, but an amazing watch


Sporty and can be dressy


I have this watch and I'm obsessed with it


This can be found pretty cheap on Amazon


Decent all-around watch

Well in that case I'll echo what I said above. An all black watch, in my opinion, would be an interesting 3rd or 4th piece maybe, but I would not recommend it as a daily wear.

Here are a few Seiko watches in 3 different styles that I personally think will be better suited for daily wear. I also like seikos, they offer many solid options across the price spectrum, but they arent your only option:

http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SKS405-Stainless-Steel-Watch/dp/B00GX7NA74/ref=pd_sbs_watch_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1SY785GTYZH8T4Y4SCYS

http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Silver-Brown-Leather-SGEG97/dp/B00I14ALCY/ref=sr_1_46?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1418404534&sr=1-46&keywords=seiko+watches+brown+leather

http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNDC33-Classic-Leather-Chronograph/dp/B004JY6X90/ref=sr_1_4?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1418404630&sr=1-4&keywords=seiko+watches+black+leather

That's a chronograph. Start by browsing Amazon. You can filter by price range, brand, features, color, ect. Read the brand guide in the side bar if you want to know if a brand is any good. Would you consider something like this Seiko or a Tissot PRC200? These are just a couple of options, you should do your own search and see if you can find something you like.

Edit: Keep in mind you can easily switch out the band on the watch if you don't like the one that comes with it.

I've been interested in getting a new watch, I just got paid this week and i'm on the fence between four watches. My Weekender was pretty good, but I just need something that looks more formal.

The four watches:
Watch 1 - Citizen BM7190 - 05A
Watch 2 - Invicta 1203 II
Watch 3 - Invicta 0620 II
Watch 4 - Invicta 9211 Speedway Collection

For the three Invicta watches i'll obviously have to take them to fix the band length, but that's not really a big deal for me. Any advice is appreciated!

I am looking for a watch for my father.

We found a few watches that he likes, but are a bit too expensive. Here they are: C3 Malvern Chronograph MK II, Tissot T0636171603700.

This one already has too much stuff on the dial.

So I'm looking for a watch with a chronograph, pretty clean dial and that's not too big (45mm is too big). And the budget is 200 Euro, (~220 USD).

Thanks, I appreciate it!

This is the Fossil with this strap on it. This is the Casio with this strap

I'd recommend checking out the Cultural Dispatch guides that I linked in the post. He's influenced my choices a lot. I have some more of his recommendations sitting in my Amazon wishlist right now.

So here's what it is... The link to purchase is Replacement Black Polyurethane Link Bracelet Band 22mm for Luminox 3000 and 3900 Series Watches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HZBOWM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LN1myb2Z2PMT2
You will then just need an exacto knife to carve out the tabs to 16mm in order to fit the factory g shock lugs. This, however is not a metal band. It is a PU hard rubber that is very comfortable and light. Great alternative and custom fit compared to the stock strap. Hope this helps!

Here is a much more interesting automatic

Orient Men's ER27008W Classic Automatic Watch
http://amzn.com/B00A6GFCXI

And another

Orient Men's FDB08005W Esteem Open Heart Dial Watch
http://amzn.com/B005HZU7LU

Nice eco drive quartz
Citizen Men's BM6758-06A Eco-Drive Black Leather Strap Watch
http://amzn.com/B009G6XWGI

For anyone who is starting their collection, I highly recommend Seiko (the gateway drug for many of us). They make very reliable and versatile automatic watches and you can likely buy one in within your budget. It's not a chronometer, like the Moonwatch, however this watch is $120 on Amazon and would leave you some cash to buy a nice cognac strap and get close to that look (black dial, brushed finish, etc.). I would look at Jomashop as well as Amazon when you're ready to buy.

For bauhaus watches you might want to look at mondaine or braun.

http://www.mondaine.com/mondaine-watches/

http://www.braun-clocks.com/watches

With the more military look, these are always popular http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seiko-Mens-Automatic-Watch-SNK805K2/dp/B000LTAY1U/ref=sr_1_6?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1370202169&sr=1-6 there are a few choices of dial color, and you can get a better case for a little more money.

This kinda fits and would be good for a bartender
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seiko-Mens-Automatic-Watch-SNZH55K1/dp/B0045D6570/ref=sr_1_110?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1370202318&sr=1-110

or http://www.amazon.co.uk/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Canvas-Watch-BM6400-00E/dp/B000ZPMYCC/ref=sr_1_109?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1370202318&sr=1-109

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Stiletto-Ion-Plated-AR3015-53E/dp/B002BWPDE8/ref=sr_1_59?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1370202602&sr=1-59

don't know yhis brand http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jorg-Gray-Commemorative-Edition-Italian/dp/B002R86V10/ref=sr_1_167?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1370202707&sr=1-167

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Casio-EF-509L-1AVEF-Analog-Chronograph-Leather/dp/B000VE41PU/ref=sr_1_174?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1370202707&sr=1-174

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Chronograph-Stainless-AT0550-11X/dp/B0012IR0BG/ref=sr_1_439?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1370203076&sr=1-439

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mondaine-Swiss-Railways-Chronograph-Watch/dp/B0009362BE/ref=sr_1_443?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1370203076&sr=1-443

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seiko-SKA371P2-Black-Rubber-Quartz/dp/B000VJRV9I/ref=sr_1_468?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1370203076&sr=1-468

After watching this lovely piece of propaganda, I'm looking to pick up my first mechanical watch. I'm currently leaning toward an Orient Esteem. I like the Arabic numerals, open heart, and the blue hands on the white face.

Is there any reason I should avoid an Orient Esteem? If so, are there any similar looking mechanical options out there?

Junkers comes pretty close and I certainly love mine. The quartz version can be had for ~$252.

This TIMEX is pretty damn close to the Runwell Chrono.

I've compared them side by side and, save for the much nicer leather strap and the slightly better finishing, the Shinola is not worth almost $750 more.

The Waterbury that u/Finchios recommended is even closer.

I found one on Amazon

Is this the same one? Also, it's a quartz watch, are these good quality? I feel like most people on here aren't a fan of quartz watches. I think it's a really beautiful watch, i may get one soon.

I use a Casio MQ-24.

• Dirt cheap (about 10 bucks)
  
• One minute intervals
  
• Clutter-free, good readability
  
• Hasn't failed me yet
  
• Light and cheap, so it's feasible to carry a spare if you want dependability.
  
  I prefer analog watches, solely because in training we'd fly standard rate turns under the hood, and I find the motion of an analog seconds hand easier to relate to the heading indicator.
  
  Only thing I miss would be something that improves readability in low-light situations.

Exactly. A watch is like a pair of shoes: you wouldn't wear penny loafers when going out for a run, and you wouldn't wear sneakers at a funeral. There are a ton of different kinds of watches (like the Rolex Submariner compared to an Omega Speedster...different functions for different types of people and different activities), and within those categories there are different stylistic choices that are based on personal tastes (modern and sleek, big and bulky, etc).

I could recommend something like the Hamilton Khaki Field, or something like a Seiko diver, or a Citizen Eco-Drive chronograph, or the popular Seiko SARB065. Very different watches for different types of people and different occasions.

Titanium watches might work for you. Here's one, a Seiko, that might fit your requirements. The only one of your requirements that it doesn't really meet is the leather/cloth band, but you could easily replace the metal bracelet with another band of your choosing. This one is 37mm wide, which is a bit on the small size for men's watches, so it might suit you. To be honest, I don't know if it meets the EU Nickel Directive - it's possible the caseback is not titanium.

edit: Here's another.

Not sure if these are the kind you're really looking for (and I don't know much at all about watches), but they're similar to Bauhaus style:

Skagen (34mm), $55: http://www.amazon.com/Skagen-Unisex-39LSLBB-Quartz-Movement/dp/B009A2SE9I

Fossil (35mm), $30: http://www.worldofwatches.com/detail.asp?bo_products_variance_id=188301

Casio (37.5mm), $10:http://www.amazon.com/Casio-MQ24-7E-Classic-Analog-Watch/dp/B00065FWR0/ref=sr_1_29?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1337575040&sr=1-29

EYKI (??mm), $11: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2UD10C0203

Skagen (36mm), $60: http://www.amazon.com/Skagen-433LSL1-Brown-Leather-Watch/dp/B00024CDD6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395453636&sr=8-1&keywords=skagen+433LSL1

Boccia (various), $85+: http://teno.com/Boccia-Titanium/Boccia-Watches-Men

I spent some time looking for minimalist, Bauhaus style watches for a while, and these are the only ones I've found for under $50 (except the Boccia). You might have better luck searching than I did.

Looking for something similar to the Junkers Bauhaus Ref - 6060-5 but with a sapphire glass, preferably under $1000, but flexible. Anything out there? I really love the face on that junkers, so hoping to be close to that. Amazon

SKX and OBR are robust and sporty. Don't wear them with oxford unless you want to make a contrast. I only ever wear my Orient Black Raven when I wear t-shirt or when it is raining.

Smaller, less robust watches pairing with leather straps will give you a nice formal look. I have the Timex Easy Reader and Casio Edifice

I'm a big Orient fan. I've got this [esteem] (http://www.amazon.ca/Orient-FDB08005W-Esteem-Heart-Watch/dp/B005HZU7LU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394302201&sr=8-1&keywords=orient+esteem) And I absolutely love it.

I really like this watch too, might have to get it next.

I'm looking for a watch for my SO!
Ideally, no more than $100.

I'm looking for something in this general style: Watch

He likes simple, black band only, something that's going to be pretty durable and something that has a glow feature (not sure what to call that? Where the whole face can light up and stay light for some seconds).

awesome, i just got this orient and i'm pretty damn happy

Zeppelin is made by PointTec, which also makes Junkers watches. They are fairly well respected for a budget pricepoint. I'm not sure which particular model appeals to you, but you might also like the look of the Orient Symphony, Esteem, or maybe the Monterey. Seiko also has the SNDC31 and SPC131P1 that you might like, both of which are quartz.

Watch geeks will always recommend Seikos to start of with.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004JY0KP8/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1522451046&sr=8-16&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=seiko
I’d recommend something like this, or if you would want an automatic movement I’d go with a Seiko 5.
Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0058VJWTQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1522451128&sr=8-9&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=seiko+5&dpPl=1&dpID=41TL1wEIF4L&ref=plSrch

From that description, a Timex Weekender or Weekender Chrono wouldn't be a bad choice. I think amazon has a deal on them now too.

*Edit: the strap on these watches are easy to change. Depending on the model, you could get a nice leather strap for it and still come in well under budget.

Yeah, so what? I drive a Porsche now because I can afford it 😁😁. I got a raise from my job and I still save/invest an average of $9k/month (so far this year anyways).

What about you? How much do you save/invest every month??

Edit: Oof, never mind. Yeesh...

Well thanks all for the ID.

Bad news (well not bad, just news) is that i can get it cheaper in Canada, so I'll be putting htis purchase off for a few months when I return.

I was hoping that it would be cheaper in Japan; it would have made a great souvenir.

OK so it sounds as though you want a black case as well as a black bracelet. That is usually referred to as PVD (for the type of coating that is used on the metal to make it black), and it is very uncommon in dressy watches. This is an Orient available on black leather that is nice and dressy. It has a stainless steel (non-PVD) case, which is generally considered to be a normal thing to pair with a black leather band. This is more of an all-black look if that is what you are going for. With a low-end budget, your best bets for a good quality watch are going to be Japanese: Citizen, Orient, and Seiko. My personal favorite is Orient (wear a blue Mako XL almost every day), but none of their offerings will get the internet epithet "fashion watch" applied to them.

This Seiko SNDC33 looks good, and is your price range with the features you want. Good luck on your proposal.

You and u/Frith_Inle have been extremely helpful, so I’ve narrowed it down to 3
This Seiko
The Timex Farfield with a black band
And This Citizen
You decide which one Alakazam, I trust you. Also I will probably need a new pair of dress shoes so if you wanna be a real help link me to a pair of size 13 shoes

Here's a few to get you started:

http://www.amazon.com/Mondaine-A660-30314-16SBB-Quartz-Classic-Leather/dp/B000ODISL6/ref=sr_1_16?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1334849885&sr=1-16

http://www.amazon.com/BRAUN-Gents-Wristwatch-Classic-Simple/dp/B005FHM7AO/ref=sr_1_39?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1334849930&sr=1-39

http://www.amazon.com/Skagen-Denmark-Watch-Chrome-858XLSLC/dp/B003ZUMB5E

All of them are probably comparable quality to the UW ones posted. Personally, if I wanted to spend more than $150 on a watch in that style, I'd save up a little and try to get one of these. They are probably considered more "investment quality" with mechanical ETA movements and German assembly. Hope that helps.

For a quartz chronograph, I personally like the Tissot PR100 and the Citizen Eco-Drive BL5250-02L.

As you may know, true automatic chronographs can be a little pricey ($500+) so it may be more difficult to find them based on your price point. Nevertheless, my favourite black-faced automatic watch (roughly) in your price point is definitely the Hamilton Khaki Field.

Hope you find what you're looking for!

I have the same watch in black dial version. Great watch for the price.The fly back chronograph is amazing.

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNDC33-Classic-Leather-Chronograph/dp/B004JY6X90/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483692976&sr=8-1&keywords=sndc33p1

I know this is probably heresy here but I just want to buy one watch and wear it for everything for the next decade. Is the blue orient mako II good for uni, work, formal, parties, etc? https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01AK5TQRM/ref=s9_hps_bw_g241_i6

Looking for a new watch, just wondering if there are brands or model suggestions I've overlooked:

Price: Cheaper the better, not beyond $300ish

Features I'd like, in descending order of importance

• sapphire face
  
• no numbers or extremely discreet numbers
  
• 'paper' looking face with thin lines (im not against other colors, this is just what I've found I liked)
  
• discreet complications
  
• relatively large on the wrist
  
• water proof
  
• not breaking the bank
  
  Style I like:
  
  
• Nomos lambda
  
• Junghans MAX BILL
  
• Bauhaus junker
  
• Just the blue hands on this omega speedmaster '57
  
• IWC Regulateur
  
• skagen hagen steel mesh watch
  
• seiko spirit svce003
  

Sorry I couldn't provide details earlier, I've been busy with work.

The watch is a Citizen BL5250-02L. I've always wanted an Eco-Drive and decided to pull the trigger on this one as a birthday gift to myself. It's just so beautiful! If you're looking for nice quartz in the $250 range, I highly recommend this watch.

The shirt is from Land's End (ON SALE for $20!)

Not sure if all of these are quite what you want, but here are some ideas.

Skagen for under $100

Citizen Eco-Drive for just over $100

Orient, IMO this model is great bang for your buck b/c sapphire crystal is unusual at this price point

Orient with open heart

Automatic Orient

Really cheap Orient

Orient Symphony automatic

Orient Capital quartz watch

Someone just submitted this project 30 min before you... i think you're just selling an Ad here...

but how is this different or better than a Timex?

simple design for $30 or this one

or a nicer one for $45

Tissot makes a few watches that are similar albeit more basicl.

The Luxury powermatic lacks the chronograph http://www.jomashop.com/tissot-watch-t0864071603100.html

They also make a quartz watch that looks similar
http://www.jomashop.com/tissot-watch-t008-417-44-261-00.html

A Swiss automatic watch with those features will exceed your budget, unless you get lucky and find a vintage watch.

The Seiko premiere a quartz mechanical hybrid may interest you.
http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Premier-Leather-Chronograph-SRX003/dp/B004LGEIJ8/ref=sr_1_5?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1408793772&sr=1-5&keywords=seiko+automatic

edit another seiko you may like the SARB035 http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-MECHANICAL-SARB035-Wrist-Watch/dp/B001AE9XS0/ref=sr_1_3?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1408794723&sr=1-3&keywords=seiko+sarb033

If you can front a little more cash, or even save a little more, you can get a MUCH better watch.

http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-BM8242-08E-Eco-Drive-Gold-Tone-Leather/dp/B000EQU0NW/ref=sr_1_1?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1333510220&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-AU1040-08E-Strap-Drive-Watch/dp/B004JKBDYO/ref=sr_1_5?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1333510220&sr=1-5

Citizen Eco drive work off of solar power. Depending on the watch, they can last up to something like 12+ years (I think even more; a lot more) in complete darkness.

No batteries, which means you NEVER have to open up the watch, which equates to better reliability/quality.

are you mostly looking at chronographs, here's a similar chronograph from Seiko.

I would say that both Bulova, Seiko, and Citizen are great introductory brands for people who are starting to collect. Also do you care about automatics vs quartz?

I've decided to purchase the Seiko SARB035. A few questions:

1. I see it's available on Ebay for $309, compared to $340 on Amazon. Amazon provides a 2 year warranty; the Ebay seller said that they provide a 1 year non-manufacturer's warranty. Long Island Watch has it for $379, also with a 2 year warranty. Is the difference of 1 year the reason that the Ebay one is cheaper, or there some slight difference in the model I'm not seeing?
   
   
2. Will this go cheaper than $340/$309, or it's just worth buying it now? Based on my research these prices are fine.
   
   
3. With a quality black leather band, can this watch be worn for basically any formal situation? My research says yes, but looking for confirmation.
   
   Thanks.

Looks good! I think you made the right choice -- I'm wearing a Weekender right now and the tick is audible. Though I'm good at tuning things like that out so I don't notice it.

Though I also have the Weekender Chronograph and the tick is much more quiet.

I like diver watches, hehe. This band is a replacement for the Luminox 3000 series dive watches. It's 22mm in size so it doesn't fit our watches. Have no fear. Since this band is polyurethane, it can be easily modified. I used a x-acto to notch out 2mm on both sides. You can't even tell it's modded. :) You can get it [here] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HZBOWM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage) But it's currently out of stock. There's a 23mm band here. Good luck!

It's this one. Pretty popular around Pebble HQ, although you do have to do a slight modification for it to fit the Pebble (it's not quite a standard 22mm band).

I don't anyone has ever regretted buying a Seiko 5 automatic. Just over $100 well spent. The open case back is a nice intro to watches. You can dress it up with a leather strap easy or go casual with a nylon strap when the occasion calls.

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG13-Automatic-Stainless-Steel-Bracelet/dp/B006ITF2H8/ref=sr_1_11?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1494473901&sr=1-11&nodeID=6358540011&psd=1&keywords=seiko+5

Tissot has a some nice automatics but they tend to just be north of $300 and definitely under $1,000.

Amazon.ca just put up some great deals on the blue Ray 2 and blue Mako 2.

https://www.amazon.ca/Orient-Japanese-Automatic-Stainless-Diving/dp/B01AK5TQE0/ref=sr_1_2?s=watch&rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1511632536&sr=1-2&nodeID=2235620011&psd=1

https://www.amazon.ca/Orient-Japanese-Automatic-Stainless-Diving/dp/B01AK5TQRM/ref=sr_1_7?s=watch&rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1511632536&sr=1-7&nodeID=2235620011&psd=1

Much better than American deals when you factor in currency conversion.