Looking for a Nice Watch

H

H2600

Joined
May 4, 2003
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I'm thinking about getting a new watch. I'd like an automatic (non-quartz) watch that has the mechanism visible through a crystal on the bottom side. I don't have loads of money to spend so I'm wondering if anyone here could give me an idea of what brands to look into and what kind of money I can expect to spend.
 
If Omega, Sinn and Breitling are out, you might want to look at Invecta. They are not the best watches on earth, but they can be pretty nice. They have great style and the automatic display backs run under $300.

If you look hard enough you can find Omega autos (non-display back) used for under $600.

Here are a couple links to get you started.

http://www.watches4less.net/Merchan...=W&Product_Code=9302&Category_Code=MATODVRTIT

http://www.watches4less.net/Merchan...de=W&Product_Code=9527&Category_Code=MCHRNDVR
 
Invicta. They have several automatic models that can be had for around $100. They also have the Rotomatic line that can be had for around $50. Great bang for the buck watches.
Seiko. Auto divers under $200.

Omegas are worth every penny.:D :cool:

Paul
 
Good choice avoiding the quartz watches.

Invicta makes a good product, but their model range is fairly limited.

I would recommend you take a look at the Russian company Poljot. You can get a Poljot in a variety of styles with an automatic ETA 2824 movement (the same movement used in many expensive Swiss watches) and a display back to show the movement for under $200. I am a big watch nut. I own several Poljots, and I find the quality to be excellent and certainly comparable to considerably more expensive watches.

If you are willing to have a manual wind-up watch instead of an automatic you can get a Poljot with an in-house time/date movement and display back for less than a hundred dollars or an all mechanical in-house chronograph for less than two hundred.

In my Opinion Poljot is by far the best deal in the watch industry today, and completely bucks the usual cost/value ratio that you see in these products.
 
I've had a Seiko 5 with a display back for about 8 months now and have been very happy with it! I got it new off of Ebay for $40. I would highly recomend a Seiko. Hope this helps!

Ryan W
 
Which of the above watches has a saphire crystal? I don't want my watch to get scratched up like the last one.
 
The Fortis Flieger Automatic can be special ordered with a sapphire crystal and a display caseback. It should be worth noting that with the Fortis, adding a display caseback reduces its water resistance, according to the specs in this page .
 
Originally posted by H2600
Which of the above watches has a saphire crystal? I don't want my watch to get scratched up like the last one.
Click to expand...

Since you're looking for a sapphire crystal I'd recommend IWI. They are a smaller company that makes very nice watches with ETA 2824 movements, display backs, and sapphire crystals.

The problem that you will run into with these qualifications is that sapphire crystals are generally used on tough sports and diving watches, which tend to avoid display backs because they can compromise water resistance. It is tough to find a watch that has both since they are really playing to different markets.

I belive that Invicta also has a sapphire front display back auto in their Swiss made collection.

Alternately you could get a watch with one or the other and have a watchmaker install a crystal or display back.
 
fishbulb, do you have any idea what a good price would be to have a saphire crystal swapped in?
 
You should check out MK II Watches. Bill Yao does some really nice work. I would check out the Custom Seikos. They can be had for under $300 depending on the options you chose. Mine should be coming any day now.
 
For a good tool watch, Fortis offers a lot of value. Okay, the display back may cut the depth rating but, my bathtub is only 4 feet deep and I don't own a pool. One of the advantages of living in the Sonaran Desert I guess :)
 
I've got a water resistant Fossil if I ever need to go swimming so ultra-deep water resistance isn't nessecary.

If I lived in the desert I'd kill for a pool. ;)
 
The see through case back will definitely limit your possibilities. If you can live without that there are many great auto watches to be had at a reasonable price. Some economical autos that I can recommend are Ollech and Wajs, Marcello C Nettuno III, Marathon SAR.

The Marathon can be seen at www.broadarrow.net
Ollech and Wajs at www.westcoastime.com
Marcello C at http://www.marcelloc-watches.com The Nettuno III is just now becoming available.

I have a custom Seiko on order from Bill Yao. I can't wait to get it. He does great work and there is something cool about getting a watch customized to fit your tastes. His site is www.mkiiwatches.com

If you are set on Invicta check out http://www.invictas4less.com This guy is also a knife guy, which is always an added bonus. ;)
 
Another brand that seems to have just what you are looking for is Limes. Their Nightflight series has sapphire glass, display back, and an ETA 2824 auto movement.

Limes is a the house brand of Ickler, which is a German company that makes many of the cases for the more common brands. All their cases and such are made in-house, and the prices are very reasonable.

I'm not sure what style you are looking for, but I have seen the silver face Vintage Nightflight in person and it is a really good looking watch.

www.limes-watches.com
 
I like the look of those Limes! I've got my eye on the Nightflight Vintage (or Cartouche depending on price) with the leather strap. Now the hard part, finding somewhere to buy it. I searched e-bay with no luck. Any ideas? I'm also open to more suggestions.

BTW Shootist16, thanks for all those references, but I'm looking for something a little dressy and not as millitary or sporty.

P.S.
Does anyone know where I can find prices for these watches -- I wouldn't mind (in fact I'd prefer) to buy used.
 
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