Looking for a new watch

Snow

Snow

Joined
Jun 3, 2001
Messages
2,233
Okay guys, I've gotten the go-ahead to start looking for a new watch, but it needs to be around $100; I don't have alot to spend. Here's my criteria:

Must be mechanical; automatic or manual are both okay
Must be either a Diving watch, Aviator watch, or of similar style
I like only dark faces, like black or navy
Must be priced around $100
Alarm is a plus, but not absolutely necessary
I prefer clutter-free faces
Clear back with visible movement is a HUGE plus
Must be able to accept bracelet, NATO strap, and maybe leather band
Must have luminous hands and numbers
EDIT: I also have pretty small wrists, so watches bigger than about 100mm would look awkward.


That's all I can think of for now. Feel free to recommend watches that don't quite fit my criteria if you feel I might like it.

Thanks,
Snow
 
Seiko miltary style watches are dirt cheap.

http://www.chronograph.com/store/mli_viewItem.asp?idproduct=385
SNX427K2.jpg


or perhaps a 007 diver for $128.00?
http://www.chronograph.com/store/mli_viewItem.asp?idproduct=146
SKX007K.jpg
 
The Invicta is a good watch for the money, but I would spend a little extra for one of the Seikos.

Paul
 
PWork said:
The Invicta is a good watch for the money, but I would spend a little extra for one of the Seikos.

Paul
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Hi Paul,

Thanks for the opinion. Can I ask for your reasoning behind this? The only thing that comes to my mind about Seikos is the nickname "Monster", and I'm afraid it would look goofy on my small wrist.

Also, can anyone help me spot the differences between all the Invicta models? They all look the same to me. Are any significantly better than the others? Is the 8926 the best for the money?

One last question: Does "rotating bezel" necessarily mean that the bezel rotates to serve a purpose? Does it twist back on its own as a timer, or just rotate when you twist it?
 
From the same site quoted by buzzbait is a sports model with an omega style bezel. Classier than the diver's model. Price (~$100) and size (40mm) is between the military and the diver's model. If you have small wrists the diver's model is not for you. If you have big wrists the military model would be too small.

This model comes with either steel or rubber bracelet. It has a glass case back which is not as waterproof as the diver's model but better than the military. I used to dislike the glass case back but now appreciate its properties. It won't stink and almost hypo-allergenic compared with a steel caseback.

SNK031K.jpg
 
Snow,

The bezel rotates in one direction only and is used as a way to keep track of time. More specifically for divers who need to keep track of their bottom time. The reason it only moves one direction is so that if your using it to keep track of your bottom time and if it does move by getting bumped or something ...... you will shorten your bottom time not lengthen it. Also important if you plan on diving more than once within 24 hours as there is a cumulative effect which needs to be factored in on consecutive dives. This is important to keep you from getting the bends. I have used it for this purpose along with keeping tabs on my tater tots in the oven. :)

Mike
 
Snow,
Invicta builds a very good watch. I personally feel that Seiko builds as good or better with more original styling. Most of the differences in the Invicta diver series is in the cosmetics. Some of the more expensive models do use a better movement. In the end they are all Rolex lookalilkes.

Paul
 
PWork said:
Snow,
Invicta builds a very good watch. I personally feel that Seiko builds as good or better with more original styling. Most of the differences in the Invicta diver series is in the cosmetics. Some of the more expensive models do use a better movement. In the end they are all Rolex lookalilkes.

Paul
Click to expand...

Are there any Invicta diver's watches that are around 40 mm with all the same features as on the 8926? That watch really appeals to me, but the size might be a bit awkward.

Thanks for the info, everyone.

Snow
 
Snow,

Head on down to your local jewelry store and try some watches on that are roughly the same size as the ones your interested in. I don't have huge wrists (7") and I have always worn larger watches with no problems. In fact, I'm wearing a Seiko Orange Monster with the stock rubber watch band and it's fine. I ask my wife about such things because she will not lie to me ........ if I look like a total dork, she does not hesitate to tell me. She gave her approval on my Seiko.

Also, get what you like. Do a little research so you are confident that the quality is there, go try some on of similar size. Then get the one that appeals to you. To be honest with you, I like the Invicta 8926. Many James Bond fans get that one or the Sandoz, put on a Nato blue/black band and have an inexpensive look alike watch that Sean Connery as the character James Bond wore in one of his movies.

I chose the Seiko SKX781 cuz I think Seiko is a good brand, I like diver watches, it was a good value.


Mike
 
I agree with Buzz's recommendation about the Seikos (esp the Military) as they are rugged, dependable, affordable time pieces that will last forever. My cousin still wears my grandfathers Seiko that is over 25 years old and although it runs a bit slow (needs cleaning), it still runs. Another gem is the Zeno Explorer. If you search around Ebay, you can find these watches for about 75 dollars on a bracelet. An ecceptional deal for a great swiss watch (ETA movement, nice bracelet, mineral glass). My current EDC (while my Omega rests) is a Zeno orange military diver. ETA movement with incabloc, acrylic crystal, screw down crown, and 300M water resistance. Reminds me of the fabled Doxa 300T, one of my dream watches.
I've always enjoyed the Sandoz watches, where is a good safe place to buy from? Average price?
Matt
 
I agree...the Doxa 300T is one beautful watch! Unfortunately with the price tag that they tend to carry, it will remain a dream.
Matt
 
MelancholyMutt said:
Chronograph.com... is that Wayne Lee's outfit? if so, he's got a great reputation...
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The name on the e-mail address I received from Chronograph.com is Lee Wee Wah. But they do seem to have a very good reputation and that's where I just got my Seiko from. I was kind of nervous, but everything went without a hitch. In fact, they responded quickly to every e-mail I sent them (four to be exact). When I say quickly, I mean less than 12 hours ......... in fact some of them it was less than an hour. Considering I didn't even take into account the time difference between here and Singapore, I'd say that was pretty darn good.

Yeah, Doxa 300T .......... mmmmmmmm (drool). :)

Mike
 
I was a Timezone member for many, many years up till I gave up watch hoarding a few years ago, and a Broadarrow member still and Mr Lee's from Singapore name came up often with good feedback.
 
If the 100mm is your wrist size you may want to see the Ladies Seiko's. That's a small wrist that watch sizes are popular in the orient. And the Ladies Diver's are the same style just scaled down.
The watches are on my fat 200mm wrist.
I use the bezel to keep track of minutes lapsed. If you don't need this feature it does enhance the appearance of what I'm lookin for in a watch.
The Seiko 5's may be what you're looking for as they're smaller in diameter.
There are many Seiko diver's that are smaller cased than the MONSTER, which I think is ~ 44mm. There are some that are 36-38mm.
I've had very good dealings with some of the dealers in Singapore and receive my watch in 7 days usually.
I also buy used watches thru these knife forums or watch forums.
I had the Invicta 8926, Sandoz and have a few Seiko's.
The Invicta - ~ $100 paid, is a very classy looking watch, kept great time, bracelet SS looked very classy, 20 mm lugs, ~38mm case without crown, screw down crown, not pleased with the crown unlocking/unlocking, quick set date, bezel tough to rotate, lume brighter than Sandoz not long lasting. Traded
Sandoz - ~$110 paid,had it on a Bond Nato, looked more mil than Invicta, kept great time, ~38mm case without crown, screw down crown, quick set date, 20mm lugs, indices look green in daylight, lume so-so, traded
Seiko 5 - ~$50 paid, I think 36 or 37 mm, smaller than the above, classy mil type watch, no bezel, ss jubilee type bracelet, no screw down crown, nice lume better than the above, kept good time, traded
Seiko SKX009 - ~110 paid, came with ss jubilee band, cool looking with red/blue bezel, 40 mm case w/o crown, Screw down crown, GREAT lume, Quick set date, 22mm lugs have it on a blue Nato, Keeper
Seiko SKX031 - ~$80 paid, Black face w black bezel, All my SKX bezel rotate freely (one direction ratchetting), ALL the SKX have GREAT lume,
Just received the Seiko SKX171 with black face and black background day/date. I plan to put a black bezel on it for a cool factor. Had to send it back cause it skipped date rollover. I got this new in U.S.

I think Seiko is best bang for the buck and they are rock solid. Very broad price ranges.
Seiko 5's from $30 to Monsters $150
Citizen has a fine rep also.
PICS L to R Invicta, SKX171, SKX009, Sandoz
This is the first time I'm using the attachment feature and I don't have a clue as to how they're presented cause I can't see them in my preview....hmmmmm....are they even there.....
Tom
 

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Good Evening All-

Snow, as a longtime enthusiast and collector my advice would be to caution you against "overthinking" the appearance of a larger watch on your wrist.

I have a male coworker in my office who stands around 5'5" and wears a 44mm Breitling that looks fine. He carries himself with confidence and the watch looks great. It's all about attitude.

Purchase yourself a watch in the 40mm+ range and start wearing it. You'll love the legibility, presence, and outright functionality. Before long, you'll consider any smaller sizes as puny! If push comes to shove, you can always sell a larger watch and downsize...but you'll rarely find people who wish to purchase a midsized model on the used market. Enjoy.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
Blue Jays said:
Good Evening All-

Snow, as a longtime enthusiast and collector my advice would be to caution you against "overthinking" the appearance of a larger watch on your wrist.

I have a male coworker in my office who stands around 5'5" and wears a 44mm Breitling that looks fine. He carries himself with confidence and the watch looks great. It's all about attitude.

Purchase yourself a watch in the 40mm+ range and start wearing it. You'll love the legibility, presence, and outright functionality. Before long, you'll consider any smaller sizes as puny! If push comes to shove, you can always sell a larger watch and downsize...but you'll rarely find people who wish to purchase a midsized model on the used market. Enjoy.

~ Blue Jays ~
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Excellent advice!

Mike
 
Thanks for all the advice everyone. I think all of the great feedback about the Invicta, plus the personal appeal it has to me and the great advice from Bluejay about overthinking watch size is what clinched the deal. The 8926 is gorgeous, and hopefully it will last a while.

I told my mom, who has been pushing for me to pick out a new watch, about my decision, and she thinks $100 is high! It will probably be mid to late summer by the time I get it, but I think it's worth the wait, and I will probably head to some local jewelers to check out some other watches and try on some big diving watches. One last question for everyone, and that would be to ask where I can get the Invicta and a NATO strap for a good price from a reputable dealer.

Again, thanks for the help, everyone!

Snow
 
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