Watch?

mctrinket

mctrinket

Joined
Feb 26, 2012
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616
I am looking into getting a wristwatch. I'd like to get something dependable that can take some punishment and not break or scratch, but is not so massive and heavy I can't pick my hand up off the table: just a good, all-around field watch. Not looking to spend a small fortune either.

I have been looking at Lum-Tec and Armourlite watches--but they are both a little more expensive than I'd like to go. But that is the kind of watch I'm interested in. Just, you know, with a little less brand flash and a little bit more bang for my buck.

I'd very much welcome any recommendations, suggestions, etc. Thanks all!
 
I guess the obvious choice would be the Casio G-shock; that's about as durable and utilitarian as you can get. Can you be more specific about what you want in terms of type and price?

You also might need to decide between scratch resistance and everything else you want. Tungsten carbide cases, although rare, are as scratch resistant as you can get, but they're heavy. For the crystal, sapphire resists scratches the best, but acrylic has better impact resistance (which is why NASA's version of the Omega Speedmaster has a hardlex crystal). Also, you can polish out scratches from acrylic, which you can't do with glass. Titanium is strong and light, but it shows scratches more than other materials.
 
Thanks, Tsujigiri. I will check out that one you suggested.

I wish I could be more specific in terms of type but I am rather new to watches and the variations are mind-boggling. I'm more than a little overwhelmed at the moment trying to take it all in.

Price-wise: I guess I'd like to keep it under $300 so I have more money to spend on knives. :)
 
I'll second the G-shock. Mine has the solar power and "atomic sync signal" so it's always dead accurate.
 
mctrinket said:
Thanks, Tsujigiri. I will check out that one you suggested.

I wish I could be more specific in terms of type but I am rather new to watches and the variations are mind-boggling. I'm more than a little overwhelmed at the moment trying to take it all in.

Price-wise: I guess I'd like to keep it under $300 so I have more money to spend on knives. :)
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Plenty of options there. Do you like analog or digital? And the all important question: quartz or mechanical? Quartz is more accurate and durable, and cheaper. But mechanical doesn't require battery replacements, since it's powered by the motion of your wrist (automatic) or hand-wound. Also, the coolness factor of a mechanical watch makes it the preferred type of watch aficionados. Nothing wrong with it if you prefer quartz, though. Most watch collectors don't like G-shocks because they're ugly, but they do offer the best performance for the price; tons of features and robust construction.

Another thing; a lot of people just getting into the hobby get the impression that they need a Swiss watch for quality. This is incorrect. For quartz, the Japanese have better options at every price range IMO. Even at the high end, the most accurate wristwatch in the world is a Japanese quartz. If you like mechanical, the Swiss make some fine high frequency movements, but you can get much cheaper mechanical watches that are reliable and durable from Russia.
 
I'd second most of what Tsujigiri said :) The G shocks are the best "bang 4 the buck"....tho ugly as sin to me. If you're planning to beat the watch(and not wear it all the time) then quartz is the answer. The auto's don't stand up to rugged use.

There are many good quartz watches on the market today, from Timex Expeditions to Luminox to Victorinox(warranty suks tho). I'd advise finding the right size for you first, lug to lug length & diameter are critical. Then look into the watches that fit your needs, don't want to buy a great watch...just to have to sell it to ME, cause it doesn't fit you right :)
 
Although I wear a Seiko Monster for daily use, whenever I'm going to do something more active (sports, hiking, etc) I wear a G-shock. They're cheap, durable, water resistant, and have enough features.
 
I have way too many watches ,in all shapes,sizes and price ranges but my everyday beater for many years has been a Seiko Orange Monster. Automatic,indestructible great lume and accurate timekeeping. After all mine goes through there's not a scratch on it and it runs flawlessly. G-shocks are butt-ugly.
If the orange is too much,there's the black monster as well.Easily found for under 200.
 
I've had 4 G-shocks in twenty years. I love them and have abused them heartily and they love it. ONLY the regular model G shock, though. I know people that have bought some of the falshier models and they don't seem to hold up well to hard knocks.

I will admit that I've been thinking of trying out one of the Seiko Monsters lately. Both solid suggestions.
 
I've been wearing a Seiko Kinetic dive watch (200m) daily for the past several months. Stainless case and bracelet. Analog. Yellow face (There are other colors/models.). Japanese quartz movement. No battery. Has a pendulum like an automatic mechanical watch does, but the pendulum spins a generator which charges a capacitor. The accuracy spec for this watch is +/- 15 seconds a month. Mine is more accurate than that. Can't remember the model number offhand. This one retails for something over $500 but it can be found online for less. Be careful...there are counterfeits out there.
It might be too heavy for what you want. Mine weighs 7.2 ounces, but I don't notice the weight.
 
G-Shocks are great for the money and tough. I like to wear them when doing outdoorsy things, but for me they come at second place though. This is my first choice, a Citizen Eco-Drive diver. Solar powered, the case is one piece of steel and the water resistance is 300m. Proved to be a great company on several camping trips.

citizenbn0000-04h.jpg
 
i'm gonna kinda challenge the norm and say a Vostok Amphibia or auto Komandirskie. Both are decent mechanicals , the amphibia has an ingenious design for waterproofing, and both are almost indestructably simple. They are the AK-47 of watches- cheap, crude, reliable, and Russian.
 
thatotherguy said:
i'm gonna kinda challenge the norm and say a Vostok Amphibia or auto Komandirskie. Both are decent mechanicals , the amphibia has an ingenious design for waterproofing, and both are almost indestructably simple. They are the AK-47 of watches- cheap, crude, reliable, and Russian.
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I like that recommendation. I've got a Poljot alarm on my wrist right now, actually. ;) Not sure if the OP would be up for a mechanical, though.
 
G-Shocks are definately the best bang for the buck. Mine:
large.jpg


If you want a more traditional watch, seiko's and citizens are nice choices. The Seiko Orange monster seen here is probably one of the most popular auto's on the market (this one was mine):
4134564348_22b91e2d3d_z.jpg

The Orient Mako is a fine auto as well for a bit cheaper price:
4130608749_d2e5766c66_z.jpg

Of course if you want a very accurate watch with both regular lume AND tritium tubes there's always the reactor watches:
large.jpg

Mine's up for trade right now in the trade forum. I just have too many watches. :)
 
Bertucci A2-T can be had for about $100. Not real fancy, but the case is a single piece of titanium, including the bars that substitute for pins. I tend to break pins, so that a huge selling point for me, YMMV.

A2-T.jpg
 
Another vote for Seiko.
I've had Rolex's, IWC's, and Omegas.
I like my Seiko Samurai the best.
And I think it only cost a bit over $200.
If you're not into the style, Seiko has literally hundreds
of different styles to choose from.
Lenny
 
eyeeatingfish said:
I am in the same market, and for all the different features and prices I think I might get on of these watches. I was looking for analog rather than digital for more of a big boy watch.

http://www.amazon.com/Freestyle-FS75...5284279&sr=8-7
http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNE107-S...5284258&sr=8-4

Seiko is nice of course but freestyle a good price and never had problems after... 4 freestyle watches.
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Those links didn't work. :(

I have a couple myself.

I recommend the Monsters, a G-Shock and the LUM-TEC. :)
This is my collection.

20120417_195605.jpg


A nice new Monster can run you around $165-$180. Definitely set aside another $50-$75 for a new bracelet. Reliable watch for under $250.
The Watchadoo and Super Engineer II are really nice. Super Engineer will run closed to a Watchadoo price. I can help you find them. They are durable, auto and are an Iconic timepiece.

Yes, LUM-TEC will run you a bit more.

G-Shocks... when you find the one you want, they're not cheap. :( Lol.

Hit me up if you want to talk watches. I can help you out.
 
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