Best watches under $500
I am looking to buy a decent watch that won't cost more than $500.
Any suggestions from watch enthusiasts here?
I am looking to buy a decent watch that won't cost more than $500.
Any suggestions from watch enthusiasts here?
Career Resources
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/180-9307628-0618624?asin=B000GB1RA…
Solid watch - Been wearing an older version for the last 4 years.
LOL, Seriously?
http://www.russia2all.com/vostok-europe-russian-watch-watches/vostok-eu…
http://chelseawatches.com/Timex-Mens-Digital-Black-Resin-Strap/M/B0000T…
the vostok is pretty sick
Fool. Don't you know Timex ain't got shit on Casio.
Stowa
I agree Casio's are pretty sweet, but I am looking for something with metal bracelet. I looked at Swiss Army watches or some Tissot ones, but I'm not sure if those are the best under $500.
Save up and get something better....put away at least 1.5-2k
Tissot is quite nice for the money
how about seiko or citizen? any nice models?
how about this?:
http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Army-Alliance-241324/dp/B002JT08…
or
http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Army-Stainless-241359/dp/B002KAQ…
Seiko has some nice stuff in that range http://www.jomashop.com/seiko-watch-spc043.html http://www.jomashop.com/seiko-le-grand-sport-skk690.html
Also Oris is roughly in that range, if you can cough up another $100-200 or so; if you like the look of Oris I'd definitely consider it over Seiko/Victorinox/Casio/etc.
Just checked it out, Oris watches are beautiful.
Stick to Patek Phillipe's aqaunot- just add (2) zeros
Haha.
BOOOOOM
I have this:
http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Flight-Alarm-Chronograph-SNA411/dp/B00068TJ…
Thinking about getting this:
http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Analog-Digital-Chronograph-SNJ017/dp/B000H7…
LIFinancier,
The one you have looks pretty good actually, similar to Citizen Nighthawk, which I also liked. Looks quite large though, I am afraid it might look ridiculous. I might have to try it on to see I suppose.
Its actually not that big. Check out the pic with it on my wrist, which is really small.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/lukieluc/DSC_0040-2.jpg
Once I get enough money I'm definitely getting a Stowa. I'm also still considering Oris and Hamilton.
Go with a Citizen Eco-Drive.
http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Titanium-Calibre-AV0021-52H/dp/…
Today I saw a ESQ (by Movado) Harrison and I thought it looked really nice and elegant. Plus it is quite affordable.
http://www.amazon.com/ESQ-Movado-Harrison-Genuine-07301283/dp/B001JP5L9…
I don't know if it is a good quality product though. Anyone had any experience with this one? Also does it look as well with a metal bracelet too?
Also, which online stores are good for purchasing watches?
Are PrincetonWatches or JomaShop good sites for watch shopping?
seiko sports
Alright, I continue to share my findings. I think Nixon watches look quite nice for the money. Most of them are not very dressy, but these 2 are OK:
http://www.nixonnow.com/za/NXN?PAGE=MENS_MATRIX20&PRODTOOPEN=A140&COLOR…
http://www.nixonnow.com/za/NXN?PAGE=MENS_MATRIX20&PRODTOOPEN=A090&COLOR…
I don't know either of those are dressy enough, but for under $200 dollars I think they look pretty decent.
Well, I decided to get a Tissot PR50 Chronograph in the end, but for those who are interested this one looks pretty sweet for just 170 bucks:
http://www.amazon.com/Golana-Swiss-Quartz-Chronograph-AE200-1/dp/B001LK…
This watch looks pretty classy and can be had under $400 on other websites: http://www.authenticwatches.com/tissot-le-locle-t411483531.html
The back of the watch has a cool open design where you can see the movement:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkU8axAMTfI
I agree that Tissot LeLocle looks very nice, but I must say I still haven't found a better watch then this one:
http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/Classic/F91W-1/
only ~15 dollars on Amazon!!
very original bro.
Armitron calculator watch
http://watches.gafortiby.com/image/3BRLD73U.jpg
Straight up baller.
sweet:
http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Perpetual-Calendar-BL8000-54L/d…
By the way, don't buy watches on the internet. You're virtually guaranteed to be purchasing a fake.
That's not true. Just buy from a reputable seller (Amazon, Macys, etc) for lower end watches. Don't buy an Omega or Breitling on eBay. That's common sense though.
overstock.com usually has some decent watches for cheap
For under $500, your best bet on a new watch would be Hamilton or Seiko - they have the most reliable mechanics of watches in this range. If you prefer vintage, you can actually find vintage Omegas on eBay for well under $500. I disagree with others that you can't find real watches on eBay; in fact, many of the ones that are sold there are either overstock or used watches. If you buy a used Omega, it's best to find one that has some type of paper documentation about when the watch was last serviced.
Tissot, Tag Heuer or Movado. Those are your best bets imo. Seiko is cheap. You can get a Tag Formula watch for $500.
Do not buy a watch for
[quote=dagobert_duck]Do not buy a watch for 10k. But yea, i agree with dagobert_duck, watches are an investment. Something more affordable would be IWC, Fortis, Raymond Weil, Baume & Mercier.
few http://www.watchesonnet.com/5571-p-40001.html http://www.ashford.com/ashford/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=6100S…
panerai are classy and you can get one for under 2k
..
I agree with the first part of your statement; however, getting a Panerai for under 2k is guaranteeing yourself getting a fake!
4-5k is the range for their lower end pieces.
Are you guys kidding me?
You can get a NICE watch for just under $200.
Emporio Armani Classic Watch - $195 - and it looks awesome. Anything above $200 for just a watch is insane.
http://store.emporioarmaniwatches.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product…
Haha not a real one. If you bought a Panerai used for under $4k or new for under $5k (aside from manual) I would take it to an authorized dealer and have the movement checked for authenticity.
Save your money, get a Rolex Submariner or an Omega Seamaster. Classy, and can be worn with anything.
How about Invicta watches?
They are quite cheap, and don't look so bad. Are they really bad quality?
Just got this guy, and I'm very happy with it (sub-$500 watch):
http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Perpetual-Chronograph-BL5250-02…
Used omega seamasters quartz usually run 550-700 depending on the condition. If you save a little more, you get get one and it will definitely last you a couple years until you can upgrade.
Check watchuseek or timezone for sellers.
I like the ESQ, and a nice simple, cheap Eco-Drive. I have this one and although no chronograph, still does the job.
http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Ion-Plated-Stainless-BM6555-54E…
What do you all think of this watch? Seems cheap, but good enough for an analyst, right?
If you want a simple looking watch like that, at least spend a little bit more to get a Swiss one by Tissot that you know is good quality: http://www.tissotwatchstore.com/watches/tissot&watch+T52.5.421.13.htm
Also people won't assume that it's that cheap, since there are Tissot watches that go for over $1,000.
Quartier
I always recommend Seikos to people in your price range, but not the American ones (which are either plastic or have quartz movements). You want the ones they make for the Japanese market, which are built like armored Lexus SUVs. Do not buy a Quartz Watch. You want a watch with an "Automatic Movement", which means that it winds when you wear it, and does not need batteries.
An automatic movement is the drivetrain of the watch and looks like this, in case you are wondering. This Seiko movement has 23 jewels, and is built like a Mack truck. It's a tiny, incredible little self-winding machine. http://bit.ly/crfJBT
Tag watches are of lesser quality than the Seikos, with cheap Quartz movements (battery). This does not apply to all Tags but it does to the ones we discuss in this thread. If you like the looks, that's fine, but otherwise people who are into watches will know that you're just buying it for the brand name, not for the quality. The day you have to open the watch to replace the battery is the day you should stop wearing the watch in the shower.
I wear a $200 Japanese Seiko dive watch which is built to last. I used to have a Rolex which was stolen. Both watches feature: Automatic movement (Rolex is slimmer/prettier/more artistic), Sapphire Crystal (essentially indestructible face), solid stainless steel constructoin, solid stainless steel band. But the Seiko also features Day, Date, and has the best lumination in the industry. Like all dive watches, it has a rotation bezel which is incredibly useful in day-to-day situations. A Rolex Submariner, another stainless watch with automatic movement will cost 20x the price of the Seiko and lack the Day and lume. Rolex will look much nicer, however, and Rolex's in house movement is thin, light, and beautiful (and more delicate than the Seiko.
I have the Seiko Black Monster, which is this: (mine has a stainless bracelet, this guy put kevlar on there) http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&th=1414521&mid=4891901&rid=…
It also comes in Orange (Which is fairly collectable/rare) but it's such a big watch and it looks too gaudy in orange. Here is a post where it was featured on Uncrate, which is all about men's items.
http://www.uncrate.com/men/style/watches/seiko-orange-monster-watch/
Seiko is not for everyone, but it is a real, respected watch maker. Go to timezone.com to learn more about watches and the types of brands that sell quality automatic timepieces for low cost. If you can find a watch with an ETA movement, they are very good movements often found in watches lower in cost than Rolexes.
Aren't quartz watches more accurate? I probably won't use my "analyst watch" for more than 3-4years before buying a serious one, so is there any other advantage to a mechanical watch other than the long life? Lastly, can anyone actually make out if a watch is quartz or mechanical just by seeing the watch?
Digital quartz watches are the most accurate. You buy an automatic watch because you appreciate the movements, the build, craftsmanship, etc. If these things don't matter to you (they don't matter to a lot of people) then get a quartz. You cannot tell the difference.
If you run into a watch guy and he asks about your watch and you tell him you went with quartz for a higher brand watch you better watch out.
How would you compare SEIKO watches to Tissot ? I herd their mechanisms where good too. I perceive them as great value for money (but I dont know much about watch mechanisms).
I bought my first Tissot, the T-Sport PRC100, two years ago for around 375 euros in the GUM luxury mall in moscow, the one next to the red square, and so far no problem. Im going to service it soon to be sure it runs smoothly :)
My watch --> http://www.jewelrywatchco.com/tissot-t-sport-prc100-mens-watch-t22-1-68…
If you want a classic look, somewhat refined but affordable watch I would definitely go for the Tissot Le Locle, less than 400 bucks on amazon !
http://www.amazon.com/Tissot-Locle-Mens-Watch-T41-1-483-53/dp/B000JKWXCO
Re: Automatic vs. Quartz.
You probably won't notice any difference in the function of the watch. Quartz movements will have an audible "click" every time the second hand moves. Automatic movements will have a sweeping second hand that is pretty much always in motion. You'll be able to hear the gears spinning inside the watch if you hold an Automatic up to your ear.
The quartz movements inside of cheap Tags cost around $0.30. That's why people who know anything about watches think those Tags are pieces of crap. I couldn't imagine paying $700 for a Tag. It would be like if your new car had a Porsche 911 exterior but a VW Golf engine inside. Even though it says Porsche, it's not a good car and you just look stupid.
If you want quartz, you can get better craftsmanship at a far lower price compared to Tag, which is the ultimate poser watch IMO.
BTW as you can tell I am fairly into watches, and I doubt that most people would care two cents about this stuff. Still, as with any purchase I'm just trying to educate you so you can make your own decision. :)
Love the sound of the sweeping second hand.... listening now, from a Yachtmaster 16622.
i'm super jealous :)
Have this one since 10 months. I always hated wearing watches but this is pure perfection for that price. http://www.entique.com.au/seiko_sna587p_realx.jpg
I don't know much about watches but I'm about to purchase a new one; could really use some of your guys' input/advice.
What do you guys think of this one? It was recently suggested to me...
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=214326&CategoryID=2…
Thanks
This Guess watch is too flashy for an Analyst. Also it's not worth spending $300 on a Guess watch since it's not a reputable watch maker. Better to get a Seiko, Citizen, Tissot, for that price range.
+1 for the Seiko Japanese watches. Probably your best bet in this price range...quality watch and some very cool styles.
It really depends on your wrist size, but generally 37-39mm case diameter is fine for the average person. My recommendations:
Seiko Spirit (around $350):
http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-SCVS013/SEIKO-Spirit-Automatic-Watc…
Christopher Ward C5 (around $250-$350):
http://www.christopherward-usa.com/men/dress/c5.html
And my favorite brand, Stowa (around $425-$800):
http://stowa.de/shop/cgi-bin/lshop.cgi?ls=e
[quote=Clever Name]It really depends on your wrist size, but generally 37-39mm case diameter is fine for the average person. My recommendations:
Seiko Spirit (around $350):
http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-SCVS013/SEIKO-Spirit-Automatic-Watc…
Christopher Ward C5 (around $250-$350):
http://www.christopherward-usa.com/men/dress/c5.html
And my favorite brand, Stowa (around $425-$800):
http://stowa.de/shop/cgi-bin/lshop.cgi?ls=e[/quote]
Great sites!
^^^^^
Really like your style man, thanks for the seiko site!
Agree, very much like his style as well. simple yet sophisticated...and affordable!
Yeah so, def. go with a citizen eco-drive or a seiko. For the money you can't beat them.
Also, I dont think it would look so good if you got an omega on the cheap, then when a guy says hey nice watch, and looks at it only to notice the quartz movement... not a good move
What do you guys think of Christopher Ward watches? They have Swiss movement and seem to be very classy and a good value. For example, an 18k gold watch with automatic movement for £246 ($375): http://www.christopherward.co.uk/c5gwt.html
They also have 20% off all men's watches until Monday (code: MEN20).
Check this one out:
http://www.usseagull.com/production.asp?cid=5&pid=30&dial=White&band=Ge…
Rolex Submariner
.
How about Casio EFX520SP-1A Carbon fiber dial, stainless-steel case
http://jameseller.co.cc/index.php?k=EFX520SP-1A&c=33
[quote=ZNYC].
How about Casio EFX520SP-1A Carbon fiber dial, stainless-steel case
http://jameseller.co.cc/index.php?k=EFX520SP-1A&c=33[/quote]
That is just nasty.
Those Sea-Gulls posted above look decent. I think their chronos are quite nice.
i personally dig the nixon watches, but not too sure if they look too "professional"
Splurge for the extra $25....
http://www.swissarmy.com/Timepieces/Pages/Product.aspx?category=chronog…
I've got a swiss army victorinox watch that I really like, but I've been intrigued by the Japanese Seiko watches that have been mentioned here. Here's my current watch (I really like it, looks more expensive than it is, but its still runs on batteries and I will eventually like to upgrade):
http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Army-Maverick-Black-24136/dp/B000GGTWUM/ref…
The Seiya Japan (seiyajapan.com) site seems to be down/not taking orders and I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions on other places to check out Japanese Seikos?
I got my SKX007 from Bluedial.com, and my SKXA35 (not Japanese, still good tho) from Princetonwatches.com. I bought the Jubilee band from Amazon I think, but I don't recall. Both of those stores had good prices and were very speedy.
You know what exudes confidence? Wearing a Casio or Timex. Hank Paulson, Clinton in his early years, etc. all wore cheapo watches and they did just fine. Plenty of guys wearing their Rolexes or Omegas but if you want to stand out among the herd and win the silent respect of people who inwardly contemn flash and glitz, rock that Timex Ironman.
The reason why people like Clinton, Obama, Bush, etc where cheap watches is that they are trying to appeal to the common man and avoid being called "elitist"...its politics. Its the same reason they wear cheap suits and shoes.
Orient has good watches for the money, particularly this one:
http://www.orientwatchusa.com/sdt00001s-p-433.html
They have deals/online coupons all the time where you can get ~40%off
and finally, this guy:
http://txwatches.com/300-series.html
ipod Nano with TikTok+LunaTik. Gorgeous!
Victorinox aka Swiss Army. Very reasonably priced
buy a folex
Definitely Seiko. You can get really nice ones from $350-450 range, I got mine for $430.
I've seen this brand called "Akribos" on online ads though and I gotta say their watches look reallly cool.
http://www.watchexclusive.eu/userfiles/productlargeimages/product_8613…
I like watches with a classic/old look, the type of thing that makes you think of the industrial revolution. Zeppelin is an unknown brand, but they make pretty cool pieces.
I bought this guy here. I think it looks cool because I like blue.
http://www.watchshop.com/mens-armani-exchange-chronograph-watch-ax1176-…
Stuhrling.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017ZW5LO/ref=wms_ohs_product
If you really want to be swagged out: http://www.gshock.com/watches/Limited/DW6930A-4
I'd go for a Seiko or a Citizen. Avoid big divers in the office because they are too flashy. Citizen divides its watches between sport, casual, dress and tech. I'd go for casual or tech.
IF you like divers and you dont mind wearing a big diver I'd recommend you deep blue watches, you can have a 25 jewels, sapphire and titanium watch for a really low price compared to other brands.
Casio.
commenting to get bannana points
check out nixon's watches!
Movado Bold got it on sale http://www.movado.com/movado-collections/movado-bold/movado-bold-360000…
Casio G-Shock works well enough for me. Survived a deployment and still continues to work.
My running/hiking watch is the Garmin Fenix.
Obviously, neither will be get you the image you need on Wall Street though.
get a vintage bulova tank (circa 1925-1945)....get it cleaned and serviced. You'll have a unique and timeless piece.
Can anyone recommend a nice watch in a $500 range? (Originally Posted: 11/14/2010)
I am thinking of buying a watch, but since I am no high roller yet, I don't want to buy something that's worth more than $500. What would you recommend are good watches/brands for that price.
I am looking for simple design and light weight.
Thanks a lot.
Why don't you just save up until you start and buy a nice watch?
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