Mid-priced watches

The sapphire crystals are hard to damage. I believe the Eco Drive is quartz driven by a photo cell charged battery–more like a Seiko kinetic than an automatic (mechanical/springs/gears/escapement). Citizen still makes battery powered quartz watches and I believe some mechanical watches as well.
Check out Jomashop.com for some nice prices, though a sometimes limited selection. Overstock sometimes has some great deals as well.
chronograph.com has some great deals, too.
I still like used, though. I've bought a couple of good used watches here on Blade Forums!
Ovesrtock's got 10% off on watches now, and if you use PayPal an additional 10%. Not bad.
 
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I'll add another vote for the Seiko diver line, 007, 009, Monster, etc. I think they're the best buy in the watch world in terms of value for the money. You can also customize them as there are a couple of companies that make custom dials and hands for them.

I own an Eco-Drive and while it's a nice watch I think the Seiko beats it hands down in terms of quality.

The attachment is my modified SKX007. The case was bead blasted, the bezel PVD'd, the crystal is sapphire and the dial and hands are from Bill Yao. It's a little more trouble to go that route but you end up with a watch looking exactly like you want. Used ones do come up for sale from time to time and typically go for $250-$350 depending on the extent of the modifications.

The sapphire crystals are hard to damage. I believe the Eco Drive is quartz driven by a photo cell charged battery–more like a Seiko kinetic than an automatic (mechanical/springs/gears/escapement). Citizen still makes battery powered quartz watches and I believe some mechanical watches as well.

That's correct, the Eco Drive uses sunlight to charge the battery. They also do make a few mechanical watches.
 

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Nice watch :thumbup:

I keep thinking I'll pick up and mod a monster -- but I just never get around to it.
 
I have a Citizen Eco-drive Calibre that is very nice looking and has some interesting extra features (alarm, perpetual calendar, etc.).


I'd like to get an automatic Seiko, but I want one with a leather strap and Roman numerals, but can't seem to find one.
 
I really don't think I'll find the money for a (new) SAR though that is one NICE looking watch.
Looks like my old default of Seiko is winning out again, though this time with awareness of the mechanical autos, which I like the idea of.. something special about them. I just wish they were available with a chrono even though my real reasons for having a chrono on my watch are past.
I'm going to keep looking around, lets keep this discussion going!
 
Well, if you don't mind an older watch the Seiko 6139 Chrono can be found on ebay for a decent price. Even if you had it refurbished/relumed you'd still be under your max budget.
 
I can give up on the chrono, and I never realized how many automatic Seikos there are, the selection at chronograph.com is entirely overwhelming.
 
I admit I don't know much about watches, but I like mine - Victorinox Base Camp #24332:

EDC_1.jpg


More info here...
 
I can give up on the chrono, and I never realized how many automatic Seikos there are, the selection at chronograph.com is entirely overwhelming.
Yup, there are a bunch. The 007's are really good and use Seiko's "old reliable" 7s26 movement. Their more expensive automatics use the more recent 6R15 movement which hand winds and hacks (you can stop and set the second hand). Then there are the Grand Seikos and Spring Drives . . .
Check out mkiiwatches.com (Bill Yao) for the Seiko custom parts. I think that website has a link to a Rhode Island shop that'll install them. I've gotten two Yao customs here on The Forums–a Seiko 007 and an O&W M-4 diver–both are very cool.
The 007 divers are a great bargain.
 
imho the best looking mid range watch is the marathon i really like the look & they are pretty good watches for the $$ ~$450 or $500.

actually they are my favorite watch untill ya get into the $1500 to $2000 range then i like sinns for one, i guess i like a lot of them lol.
 

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I think I'm falling for the 007 model, though it seems that there are a handful of strap/bracelet versions- anything I should be aware of other than the difference in appearance? some are MUCH more expensive than others, even inside the SS bracelet category. There is a 007 with bracelet available for $173 & $278.. plus the range in the middle.
I'm looking at chronograph.com if anyone wants to give me direct comparisons.

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Uhoh, just came across the sumo. Course if I'm looking at that I need to stop ignoring the SAR..
the monster is a bit more unique too, though its not as classic

:confused:
 
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I think I'm falling for the 007 model, though it seems that there are a handful of strap/bracelet versions- anything I should be aware of other than the difference in appearance? some are MUCH more expensive than others, even inside the SS bracelet category. There is a 007 with bracelet available for $173 & $278.. plus the range in the middle.
I'm looking at chronograph.com if anyone wants to give me direct comparisons.

:confused:

It looks to me like the bracelet is the big difference in price. You can buy a "Super Oyster" aftermarket bracelet for $50 and the OEM solid link Oyster for $45. I can't give you any insights into which bracelet is better as I've never used a Seiko bracelet.

However, the $278 model also has a different movement, a 7S26B vs. 7S26 so that probably has some bearing as well. I can't find much information on the difference, although one post I found says all 7S26 movements made since Jan 07 are the B model even if the watch isn't advertised as having it. I imagine there are some pre-1/07 models still on the shelves though.
 
Thanks for the input on the price difference, blackhills.

Anyone know how long one of these two will keep ticking for if you set it down?
 
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