Hey, just got an email about a sale on Amazon and I had a question. I have absolutely no watch at all and I'll be starting my SA at a BB soon and I just wanted something to start with, I'm not a superb connoisseur or anything and reading this forum is really informative, but I have a much lower price point right now.
Anyone have any advice?
http://www.Amazon.com/dp/B0019K9WDQ/ref=pe_56980_18161160_pe_vfe_t6
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Eco-drives are really reliable and they're obviously fine for SA. That said, those are probably the low-end of the citizen range and not amazing watches. But you're "not a connoisseur" by your own account so one would assume your priorities to be price, value, reliability. All Eco-drives provide that in spades. Not too much else worthwhile you can get for that low a price level that's not going to turn your wrist green.
inb4, JLC or bust
do not get 'two tone' watches
You can get a bit more stylish and respectable Seiko for $200-300 or so that is a great value from a watch perspective if you care about anything like that. Not much more price wise, very reliable, and it will get more respect from watch snobs if you care about that sort of thing.
At this price level, your watch should tell time and look good. I wouldn't worry about automatic vs quartz, or even brand. It's not going to experience any meaningful appreciation, and you probably won't be passing it down to your kids. I'd go for a very conservative $50 Timex, then save your money for something really nice like an Omega or Oris (~$2000) in a few years if you are so inclined. Or just go watchless.
If you are set on something around this price, Victorinox, Hamilton, and Nixon all put out nice watches; the latter two have the plus of being American (which isn't really a plus in the watch community, but I digress). Go up a little higher and you can get a Movado or a Rotary. Just be sure to only get an automatic; spending big money on a quartz watch is ridiculous.
I second the no two-tone (more suitable for women, or when you're a bit older) and Seiko suggestion (look up Seiko Spirit), though a Citizen eco-drive is a respectable low-end watch.
You do not need a watch for your SA gig. If you're going to get a watch, get one because you want one, not because you think you need one or that you will be judged for not having one. I don't wear a watch, I have a bb and a clock on my desktop, and no one judges me for it. You'll learn quickly that once you start working, your higher ups are only going to care that you get your work to them on accurately and on time. They aren't going to care about your watch...
I'd also look at Tissot. above all get something understated that does the job
Tissot: Auto
If you want to spend a little more I would go for A Steinhart or Stowa Marine
/thread
Finally! Someone else on this forum that knows what a Stowa is. Nice to see.
OP a low end watch is fine... even wearing no watch is fine. But from your post, it sounds like you're looking for a nice looking beater watch that can go with a suit, or casual clothes after-work, and you won't cry a river if you accidentally bang or scuff it up on a drawer at work. Citizen is fine, I've only seen sports watches for Timex (but I assume they make some dressier ones too, so fine), Seiko... and if you want to pay a little more (over $300) - Movado, Tissot (good value, and you can probably find an automatic for a price that won't break the bank), Nixon (some may be a bit too casual vs. others), Stowa (though after shipping and taxes the cheapest watch will likely be $600+)...
Just make sure it's not gaudy (e.g., gold watches, two-tone is a stretch on a young guy), and go for a safe size (around 36-40mm).
One other option if you don't mind the silly name is Sea-Gull (yeah, I know weird name - it's a Chinese maker that does everything in-house, and they actually make a lot of the movements for other watches) that makes some decent looking watches, and there's a watch brand called Parnis known to make "tributes" to other brands (if you go this route, I would suggest something that doesn't look too iconic - like a panerai tribute - so people won't accuse you of buying a fake). These two options are things I've seen float around on StyleForum's 'Watch P0rn' thread (bunch of people who really like watches that post pics) and they seem to like them as low-end options. You can also consider going on SF's 'poor man's watch thread' to get advice.
End verdict on watches: No one cares in the office so if you don't personally derive value from a beautiful watch/don't have the extraneous funds, but a cheap Timex or Citizen (or none @ all) or whatever you guys wear. If you are a watch connoisseur and can afford to be, you'll know what appeals to you and you'll begin to form a collection to the level for which it's fiscally feasible given your budget
I'm partial to Movado
I don't want it just for my SA, I've wanted one for awhile and never got around to getting one, I meant that comment more to provide some context, i.e. I'll be in a professional environment, I'll have some disposable income, and I'm young. That's what I thought people could glean from that.
Thanks for the comments. I know I should be looking at automatic and not quartz, so Eco-drive and Timex are decent?
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