best watch for less than $400?

shootist16

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I am getting into watches now. I would like some advice on the best watch for $400 or less.
 
I love my Swiss Army Officer's watch. It is such a nice chunk of well-made stainless steel. No, it is not as light as the titanium models out there, but I don't think the minute extra weight is something a man can't handle. It also has a beautiful scratch resistant Sapphire crystal, and a blue dial that gives it a great look.

It keeps perfect time, and I wear it everyday. It has your standard 100m water proof capability. It usually sells for $295, but you can get one for $206 somewhere on the net that I can't remember at the moment.

It may not glow in the dark like the Luminox varieties, but I personally have never needed to tell the time in the dark.
 
I'll 2nd the suggestion of a Swiss Army watch. I have a Wenger Battalion, and that Swiss-made watch keeps excellent time. The older Citizen Promaster series are also excellent, and well-made.
 
Seiko Kinetic. I have one (don't know the model name) that cost me right around the price you are looking to spend.
 
Dennis, If your getting into watches that probably means mechanical. I highly recommend Oris, its a great watch for the money. You can find some good deals on www.timezone.com. I have two of them and have been very pleased. Oris is one of the few companies that have never made a quartz watch. Enjoy your new madness.
 
Seiko Titanium, uh, I'll have to go find the model #... perpetual calendar something or other. My favorite.
I saw the one I have for close to $600, checked three other places (same mall, same day), and caught this one on sale for ~$375. Probably close to an internet price.
Really like the Seiko auto diver, and have had one since jump school 11+ years ago.
Paid $300+ back then. They're ~$185 online, now. My next watch will probably be a new one, since mine has taken many a beating, and the face finally came loose. I used to intentionally abuse it to show people how tough it was. The crystal has pockmarks all over it from welding splatter, and the black is half worn off the bezel. The case is covered in scratches, and it's been through half a dozen bands or more. Still runs fine. Great watch.
 
Without bein insanely priced , as some watches are, my vote is for
Pulsar & ye old Timex. Some of the prices paid for watched now days
is absoutly nuts.
 
It really depends on what style of watch you prefer, or what you're going to be doing when you wear it. Rick brings up a good point. If you're going to start collecting watches, the sky's the limit as far as selection. I've found that the gang over at the timezone.com forum are a friendly and knowledgable bunch.

The Swiss Army watches are nice watches. The Wenger line has a couple that I find particularly appealling.

For that price range, though, if you're looking at rugged outdoor or sport watches, you could look at the Luminox titaniums. If I need another watch, that's the one for me.
 
Do yourself one favor.....Be sure to really check out ebay first. I spent $335 for a titanium Citzen eco drive (GREAT watch BTW!), I have found the same one sell for around $175.

Just be sure to to your homework and check out the source. Most of the ones I have seen are coming from a store based front.

Watches are a hobby of mine also, and they are one of things which I dont "baby". I wear my "good" watches working on an engine, fishing, working in the yard...whatever. I personally like the Citizen, Seiko type of watch which does not need batteries to run on, I dont like the feeling of not knowing when my watch is going to stop.

The only first hand experience I can add is avoid the Victorinox Swiss Army ones...I removed the back of mine to replace the battery (the back pops right off) and I'll tell you now, you will NOT get that back back on unless you send it back...It takes some kind of a 2 ton press & an elephant to jam it back into place.
 
Originally posted by Kdarmy
Do yourself one favor.....Be sure to really check out ebay first. I spent $335 for a titanium Citzen eco drive (GREAT watch BTW!), I have found the same one sell for around $175.

I definitely agree! I bought my first Citizen Eco-Drive for about $300 (stainless steel) Since then, I have bought five from the guy listed below. ALL have been great!! I have given four out of the five as gifts and no one has had a problem. This guy is very legit and the watches are the real thing! Great bang for the buck and they never need batteries!!!!


http://cgi6.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISA...watcheswatches&sort=2&page=1&rows=25&since=-1
 
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