What watch would you buy if

wolfmann601

wolfmann601

Gone, but not forgotton. RIP Ira.
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Mar 12, 2001
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What watch would you buy (and why) if you had $600-$800 to spend? Water resistance is important and it needs to hold up to being worn 24/7
 
I'm a big fan of the GSAR. Stainless case, Swiss Auto movement, Tritium tubes, Sapphire glass, 120 click rotating bevel and rated for 300 meters. I wear my 24/7 and only take it of to change the bands from time to time. On a Zulu or Nato strap it's casual and rugged. Put the bracelet on and it's dressy. The only watch I would take off for this watch would be an Omega Seamaster and that's not happening anytime soon:D

Some pics

On a Nylon Nato
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On a Leather Zulu
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I've worn one model or another of Seiko for over years. Most of my current models are kenetics. Check out the Seiko Orange Monster and Black Monster. They are divers models and good to 200 meters.
 
Get yourself a Seiko Dive watch, and spend the rest on knives. The Seiko SKX 007 and Monster are nearly indestructible. All the watch you'll ever need.
 
Likely a Made in Japan SEIKO Prospex 200M Diver Automatic SBDC001 Black which will run you around $500 - probably the best value going in quality mechanical divers. A sport's model from Tissot - because I feel like the relationship between Tissot and Omega is what Tudor and Rolex used to be. You're getting very close to pre-owned Doxa and Tag Heuer territory also. Or, start hitting the watch forums and for your price range you can pick up a custom/modded piece made more to your liking... a more exclusive piece on your wrist.
 
007 is annoying. Unless you wear it all the time, you're bound to dislike the fact that you have to set the day/date, it's non-hacking, you can't wind it with the stem. Overall a great watch and a classic... but SEIKO has come out with "nicer" alternatives since 30+ years ago more suitable to a watch user rather than aficionado.
 
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Scuba King for about $475

It's got an ETA 2834 in it.
 
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Sufler said:
007 is annoying. Unless you wear it all the time, you're bound to dislike the fact that you have to set the day/date, it's non-hacking, you can't wind it with the stem. Overall a great watch and a classic... but SEIKO has come out with "nicer" alternatives since 30+ years ago more suitable to a watch user rather than aficionado.
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It does meet his requirements for water resistance and durability though. I'm still waiting for Seiko to put the 4R36 or 6R15 in a SKX 007 style watch.
 
That's my everyday watch. I do wish I picked up the Kinetic version.

The-Stig said:
It does meet his requirements for water resistance and durability though. I'm still waiting for Seiko to put the 4R36 or 6R15 in a SKX 007 style watch.
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Mido Ocean Star Captain IV. It's got an Eta movement, and 200m depth rating. The best part is that it's not huge, like a lot of divers tend to be. It's 42mm diameter, and only 11mm tall. It's a stylish Swiss diver for an affordable price. It is my daily wearer, and I love it.

There is also a titanium version if that tickles your fancy.

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I'm a watch newb as far as brands are concerned, aside from the most popular and commonly available versions. I have to say that Citizen, Seiko, Timex, and Casio are among my favorite. They seem to offer enough variety without having to take out a payday loan to afford. I really like some of the Reactor brand watches, but what little I've heard about them the results are very mixed.
 
Reactors are too much watch to be comfortable. For something that you could wear with a suit or cargo pants that midi is a great choice. The tissot seastar 1000 is also a nice choice! These are typical watches that punch above their weight and you dont see them as often as some of the more classic Rolex or omegas that basically have the same eta movements but cost more...
 
wolfmann601 said:
What watch would you buy (and why) if you had $600-$800 to spend? Water resistance is important and it needs to hold up to being worn 24/7
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Seiko SXK007K1 and keep $450-$650 in my pocket. If you want the bracelet instead of strap, the SXK007K2. Still less than $200 out of pocket. Seiko's 7s26 is probably the most robust automatic movement made today.
 
Thanks guys, I do appreciate all the help in making this decision. There are some Casio G Shocks in the $650 range but there is little written about them. Also, Seiko has a line of watches that get real close to a grand (or more). It is hard to figure out why......
 
wolfmann601 said:
Thanks guys, I do appreciate all the help in making this decision. There are some Casio G Shocks in the $650 range but there is little written about them. Also, Seiko has a line of watches that get real close to a grand (or more). It is hard to figure out why......
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You are likely looking at Seiko GS --- Grand Seiko. They can reach well into the thousands of dollars.
 
Yeah - I have to agree on the guys suggesting the Seiko SK's. If you want something special hunt around for one that was modified by Yao at MKII. I have one of his and it's a great watch - good within a few seconds a day, durable, and the face is free of logos or other branding. I like that. Unless you are going to spend thousands on a watch that will appreciate over time or at least hold its value, I don't see the purpose of the other watches...and I've owned some very nice watches.
 
wolfmann601 said:
Thanks guys, I do appreciate all the help in making this decision. There are some Casio G Shocks in the $650 range but there is little written about them. Also, Seiko has a line of watches that get real close to a grand (or more). It is hard to figure out why......
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Seiko makes some very expensive and very well made watches, equivalent to expensive europian brands such as Rolex. Quality and value is in the eye of the beholder, much like the very expensive automobiles that Toyota makes under the name of Lexus. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a quality watch, especially with Seiko. The SKX007 that was mentioned is a good Seiko and will last a long time. Since your price range is higher you could look at the Seiko Sumo series- SBDC001, SBDC003 and SBDC005. I have the black one and orange one and they are some of my favorites.

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