Nov 11, 2009
103 Comments
 
barkatthemoon - Certified Professional
Senior Baboon IB
16y

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.

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DaCarez - Certified Professional
Neanderthal HF
16y
DirectourStick to Patek Phillipe's aqaunot- just add (2) zeros
I almost couldn't read your post. Aquanaut there champ. Not sure you should be recommending a watch that you can't spell - doesn't really speak to your ability to eventually acquire said piece.
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barkatthemoon - Certified Professional
Senior Baboon IB
16y

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.

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numi - Certified Professional
Neanderthal HF
16y

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.

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​* http://www.linkedin.com/in/numicareerconsulting
 
dagobert_duck's picture
Baboon CF
16y

Do not buy a watch for $500, if you want to buy one consider it as an investment for the long run and be sure you have the money which is 'proportional' to your salary and bonus. If you have the money go for an IWC, Jaeger le Coultre or Brequet.

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jneil's picture
Senior Monkey CO
16y
dagobert_duckDo not buy a watch for $500, if you want to buy one consider it as an investment for the long run and be sure you have the money which is 'proportional' to your salary and bonus. If you have the money go for an IWC, Jaeger le Coultre or Brequet.

Whoa, for a thread stating "watch $500", you recommend going for Jaeger and Brequet...MAJORITY of those watches cost more than 10k. But yea, i agree with dagobert_duck, watches are an investment. Something more affordable would be IWC, Fortis, Raymond Weil, Baume & Mercier.

few $500 classics: http://www.watchesonnet.com/5571-p-40001.html http://www.ashford.com/ashford/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=6100S…

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BespokeAnalyst2010 - Certified Professional
Orangutan IB
16y

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…

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-------------------------------------------------- "Whenever I'm about to do something, I think, 'Would an idiot do that?' And if they would, I do NOT do that thing." -Dwight Schrute, "The Office"-
 
Blago99's picture
Baboon IB
16y

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.

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Banker88 - Certified Professional
Neanderthal IB
16y
unqwertyfiedWhat 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.

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Authored by: Certified Investment Banking Professional - Vice PresidentCertified Investment Banking Pro
 
gamenumbers - Certified Professional
Neanderthal IB
16y

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.

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Authored by: Certified Investment Banking Professional - 1st Year AssociateCertified Investment Banking Pro
 
LTV - Certified Professional
King Kong HF
16y
Monument ManYou want a watch with an "Automatic Movement", which means that it winds when you wear it, and does not need batteries.

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?

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Authored by: Certified Hedge Fund Professional - 3rd+ Year AssociateCertified Hedge Fund Pro
 
Blank999 - Certified Professional
The Addict O
16y
Best Response
unqwertyfied
Monument ManYou want a watch with an "Automatic Movement", which means that it winds when you wear it, and does not need batteries.

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.

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16rl - Certified Professional
King Kong ST
15y
southernbelleI 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.

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

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Authored by: Certified Sales & Trading Professional - ManagerCertified Sales & Trading Pro
 
gamenumbers - Certified Professional
Neanderthal IB
16y

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. :)

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Authored by: Certified Investment Banking Professional - 1st Year AssociateCertified Investment Banking Pro
 
Banker88 - Certified Professional
Neanderthal IB
16y
DDGM1112I 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.

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Authored by: Certified Investment Banking Professional - Vice PresidentCertified Investment Banking Pro
 
Clever Name - Certified Professional
Orangutan PE
16y

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

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When one man, for whatever reason, has an opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself.
 
LIFinancier's picture
Orangutan O
16y

[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!

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BespokeAnalyst2010 - Certified Professional
Orangutan IB
16y
AnthonyD1982^^^^^

Really like your style man, thanks for the seiko site!

Agree, very much like his style as well. simple yet sophisticated...and affordable!

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-------------------------------------------------- "Whenever I'm about to do something, I think, 'Would an idiot do that?' And if they would, I do NOT do that thing." -Dwight Schrute, "The Office"-
 
samiam1234's picture
Senior Baboon IB
16y

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

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coffeebateman's picture
King Kong IB
15y

Rolex Submariner

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-------------------------------------------------------- "I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcom
 
brassmonkee's picture
Baboon ?
15y

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?

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tdr34 - Certified Professional
Senior Neanderthal HF
15y
brassmonkeeI'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.

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Jack: They’re all former investment bankers who were laid off from that economic crisis that Nancy Pelosi caused. They have zero real world skills, but God they work hard. -30 Rock
 
ivoteforthatguy's picture
Neanderthal O
15y

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.

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Bargaining Power of Suppliers Example
 
Bondarb - Certified Professional
Human HF
15y
ivoteforthatguyYou 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.

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Authored by: Certified Hedge Fund Professional - PartnerCertified Hedge Fund Pro
 
El Alcazar's picture
Senior Monkey ST
13y

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.

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Navy Blue - Certified Professional
Senior Monkey IB
13y

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.

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Authored by: Certified Investment Banking Professional - 2nd Year AssociateCertified Investment Banking Pro
 
knivek's picture
Gorilla ?
13y
barkatthemoonI am looking to buy a decent watch that won't cost more than $500.

Any suggestions from watch enthusiasts here?

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.

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monty09 - Certified Professional
Human ST
13y

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tdr34 - Certified Professional
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Jack: They’re all former investment bankers who were laid off from that economic crisis that Nancy Pelosi caused. They have zero real world skills, but God they work hard. -30 Rock
 
bossman - Certified Professional
King Kong ER
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