Which Military style watch? Seiko, Citizen, ...

Macchina

Macchina

Gold Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2006
Messages
5,213
I'm thinking about getting a simple (but nice) Automatic with a "military" style face (all numbers on face + date). I like the two below, plus I can get the Seiko with a SS bracelet if I want for the same price. I would also be interested in any recommendations on a "military" style watch up to $200. Automatic is not that important (just happens to be both watches I like are automatic)

Here are the two I'm looking at right now.

Citizen Eco-Drive Military
Seiko 5 Military
 
They're both good companies. I think I read that Seiko actually makes the Citizen watches. Personally, between those two, I like the look of the Citizen better. It's less cluttered, which means more legible, which is the idea of a military watch. Afer all, simplicity is the greatest sophistication. :D
 
You can't really go wrong with both companys, My vote is for the Seiko because of the SS bracelet.
 
Well MORIMOTOM has offered me a very nice early Christmas present. I may pick up another, so keep the suggestions (and pics if you have any) coming, but most likely I will be content with just 1.

THANKS MORIMOTOM!
 
Both look like good watches from good companies.

The citizen is likely lighter because of the glass on the back and charging mechanism of the seiko. I have a seiko with the kinetic drive and it does add to the weight.
 
I think Seiko is a better watch than Citizen. I also like the 'B-Uhr' style dial on the Seiko.

One noticeable difference between the two is that the Citizen is larger so that may factor into your choice.

If you look around you can find a SandY (Stocker & Yale) or Marathon issue watch for under $200. Most of those are quartz though there are some auto versions.

michaelmcgo said:
Automatic is not that important (just happens to be both watches I like are automatic)
Click to expand...

FYI, only the Seiko is an automatic. The Eco-drive is quartz and uses light to charge a capacitor which replaces the battery used in typical quartz watches.
 
Eco-drive ? Why don't they call it a solar watch ? I have a solar watch and for me it's nice to have a no battery and no kenetic watch .
 
mete said:
Eco-drive ? Why don't they call it a solar watch ? I have a solar watch and for me it's nice to have a no battery and no kenetic watch .
Click to expand...

Marketing. ;) Your solar watch still has to have a way to store the energy. I think some of the early Eco-drives used a battery but they switched to a capacitor. IIRC they estimate the lifespan of the capacitor at 10 years.
 
I like the looks of that Citizen. The one I'd recommend is a Luminox Field watch. You should be able to find one for less than $200 and they have the tritium markers by the numbers. The Marathon is similar and countycomm has one with date and tritium for less than $150 I think.
 
The marathon is a real military watch and can be had for under 200 at countycomm but seikos and citizens are built a bit better than the marathons.
 
Check the Citizen BM6400 at the bottom of page four on your link. Cool blue lume that lasts all night, big numbers, water resistant to 200m. Strap or bracelet.
 
i been wearing a bulova military " hack " watch to work for appx. 4 years. beat hell out of it every day. ( construction ) best watch i ever owned. :thumbup:
 
For those with deeper pockets, you can consider the Precista PRS-10. That's what I got. Works well for me, but pretty costly in retrospect, at least in AUD.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
They're both good companies. I think I read that Seiko actually makes the Citizen watches. Personally, between those two, I like the look of the Citizen better. It's less cluttered, which means more legible, which is the idea of a military watch. Afer all, simplicity is the greatest sophistication. :D
Click to expand...



I think your right Esav. I read the same thing. I have had a Citizen for 10-11 years and it has done me right. It all comes down to the ergos and looks. Both watches would serve you right.
 
My tac watch is a Sea Dweller. It is also the only watch I will ever own for the rest of my life. It is the only thing I wear.
 
mnyshrpknvs said:
I think your right Esav. I read the same thing.
Click to expand...

I've been a watch nut for several years and I've never heard that. A quick look on the web finds no mention of it either. The only thing I could find that was close was this: "Domestic demand was declining and Japan-based companies saw sales slide by as much as 20 percent in 2000. In response to market conditions, Seiko and Citizen Watch agreed to combine their sales and distribution efforts in order to cut costs."

I know the movements aren't shared between brands. Seiko also makes some high end watches that are comparable in quality (if not better) to Rolex....the Grand Seiko line.
 
Looks like a Seiko spring drive can beat a Rolex hands down.
 
For a Seiko 5, I like the SNZG15 (google it). It's bigger than the one you listed and has a better dial. The Citizen is a more robust unit than any automatic watch. If you drop an automatic on a hard surface, plan on sending to a repair shop. If it's going to be your hard use watch get the Citizen.
62a56b6068ae9221333a21cc93f6f51b_6924.jpg
 
Last edited:
I've got the exact same Seiko 5. Runs quite nicely, gains a few minutes every couple of weeks. The shade of blue is actually a bit darker than what the pics on the website show.

Since my watch was a daily wearer, the band smelled a bit funky after a few weeks of use which necessitated a good washing. The SS bracelet is a welcome addition but the only downside I saw was it can snag on a few arm hairs which can be a bit annoying. Also, if you have a big wrist, the watch can look small on you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top