Watch people, need some opinions please

SVTFreak

SVTFreak

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Ok. I've been thinking about a nice watch. A mechanical one, an automatic. I like the Rolex air king (I have skinny ass wrists and like smaller watches. 42mm is about the max, I like my st morotz atlas which is listed as 40). But I'm not certain I wanna jump into mechanical watches in 4 digits yet. Or even high 3's. I am thinking I wanna try one out for awhile just to see if it's me before I spend more money.

I found a company, James McCabe, that makes mechanical watches (and Quartz too) for a decent price and I can get one for about half the going price on it. They close to 300$ normally and I can get one for 150$ right now. My buddy is a horologicist and says go for it even though it's a throw away movement (his words). He recommended a few others (all nearly Rolex prices) but said any mechanical under 200$ is really a deal.

I guess I'm just looking for other opinions. And would I look like a cheap tool or poser wearing something like that, I guess is a small fear.

It's the JM-1021-01 heritage if anyone feels like looking.

Opinions please.
 
I've worn mechanical watches for over 15 years now. I like the way they lose and gain time. I like the history and the craftsmanship. The one you referenced above seems to have classic lines. With a two year warranty and a good deal, it's a safe first step. Remember, if you want to keep accurate time, the digital watch with a quartz oscillator will win out over even the most accurate mechanicals just about every single time.
 
swonut said:
I've worn mechanical watches for over 15 years now. I like the way they lose and gain time. I like the history and the craftsmanship. The one you referenced above seems to have classic lines. With a two year warranty and a good deal, it's a safe first step. Remember, if you want to keep accurate time, the digital watch with a quartz oscillator will win out over even the most accurate mechanicals just about every single time.
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Thank you. Yes I'm familiar with that. And my phone is usually never far away for that. Like you, I like mechanical things and craftsmanship. Maybe that's why I build my hotrods instead of buy lol

Grouch said:
Get a Seiko auto for under $100 to test the waters.
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Solid advice. I looked around after you posted this but I don't see any I like. I did find one that was quite pricey. A classic one I guess. Thank you.
 
If you want a Rolex, get a Rolex. Don't waste any money on something you don't love, even if it's less expensive. And get at least a Rolex date. Wear it, enjoy it. Fwiw my first watch was a seiko monster and I still wear it from time to time but it certainly won't help you decide how well you like a Rolex.
 
The resale on most rolexes are fairlydecent. You have to remember pre 80s, Rolexes were just regular watches. I'm not going to go into the debate but if you want a cheaper alternative in a medium large size by today's standards there are tons of autos out there who all share the same basic semi modified valjoux or eta movements. This is the debate btw, why it might be stupid to own watches in the $500-$5K price range most of the watches are pretty much powered by the same ETA/Valjoux movement. I guess that's neither here nor there though.

Seiko skx, Hamiltons and tissot are some of the under $500 best bang autos for the buck.
 
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Other good choices these days that are frequently recommended in the sub-$500 Swiss "starter automatics" are some Swatch Group brands utilizing ETA's workhorse movements like the 2824-2 from Hamilton and Tissot. Lotta bang for the $$.
 
Thanks all.

I have decided against the initial one. It's 14mm thickness is just too much for me. That's over a 1/2". I prefer something about 10mm.

That's for the advice. I'll be checking out others and I think Im going to go shop in person a little.
 
10mm is very thin for a mech. If my memory serves me correctly, the Air King is still 12mm thick.

My first affordable auto was a Tissot Powermatic 80 driven PRC 200. I regret selling this watch, and will probably pick another one up at some point.

 
Cypress said:
10mm is very thin for a mech. If my memory serves me correctly, the Air King is still 12mm thick.

My first affordable auto was a Tissot Powermatic 80 driven PRC 200. I regret selling this watch, and will probably pick another one up at some point.
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That's a good looking watch!

Air king is listed at 11mm. Which is .44". Versus 14 which is .58. I'm still trying to figure out these measurements as my atlas is listed at 10.5 but measures actually 7.6 (5/16"). It's 10.5 about if sitting on the lugs which doesn't let the back sit flat on the table. But again, I'm new to this and trying to learn so maybe I'm measuring wrong thing.
 
The Intramatic, khaki and khaki king all have very clean faces, thin as does the tissot. If you want a smaller Gent's watch you can pick up a gold filled omega bumper for maybe 350 if you get lucky.
 
Get a Seiko auto if your wanting to first try an auto without spending very much money. Every bit as good as, or better than, the basic ETA movements you'll get in Swiss watches in the same price range.
 
Well that's not exactly true. I wear a seiko skx, my wife got it for me and its why I wear it.

It's plus or minus 20 seconds a day straight from the factory. A valjoux 7750 or your basic eta that are in the above mentioned watches are tweaked and you are getting plus or minus 10 seconds. This may be splitting hairs but in case it matters.

That said I wear an skx almost everyday. I've owned a lot of stuff includimg an A Lange & sohne saxonia. Loved it but I can't say I liked it anymore than this skx or a $400 khaki chrono or g shock for that matter. It isn't to say there's not a difference to watch nutters.

PS the Saxonia that I sold paid for a gsxr 750 new with money to spare. Crazy!
 
Maratac watches give you jeweled Citizen automatic movements, sapphire crystals and really clean designs for under 300. Customer service is bar none. I own 2 and i couldn't be happier.
 
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I bought a Rolex Milgauss 6541 in 1966. Everyone said I was crazy to spend $200 on a watch. It was waterproof and kept good time (ahead of its time). Now it is worth more than my Gold Submariner (the beater). I would never talk anyone out of buying a Rolex.
 
I would suggest a JDM Seiko. Here are a few in your price range.


Seiko SARB065 Cocktail time
d7da7d94631d221adfc2dd7f76f8644b.jpg



Seiko Sarb017 Alpinist
DSC_8305.jpg



Seiko Sarx017
S-SARX017_a_1024x1024.jpg




I would also recommend a Precista PRS-18A with a Miyota movement. The quartz version will be my next watch purchase.

4247752545_8b5dfd0e19_o.jpg
 
Don't forget all the really cool old vintage stuff like titoni, eterna, sandoz, orfina! Sometimes if you wait long enough you can pick up a Porsche design contracted out to somebody like iwc with a beat up crystal for 500 that you can get fixed up.
 
If you go with a used or vintage one better figure on a service as that should be done about every 3 to 5 years. Ask your friend for pricing on that and be sure to factor that in. Also be aware of the fact that you might end up with a low grade Chinese movement if you get a new one for $200 or less. Having said that some of the Chinese made mechanicals are getting to be fairly decent. One issue I have seen is that many watchmakers don't want to work on a Chinese movement at all and getting spare parts if need be can be an issue.

I suggest something with a Miyota 9015 from a micro brand.
 
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