Check out www.westcoastime.com The O & W watches are extremely tough and durable, and look good on the wrist. I have dealt with Howard Marx for years and he is honorable and reliable. Not Rolex but not a cheesy knockoff either.

I paid $1100 for my Tag back in 1999. I bought it with all of my graduation money from High school. I've worn it everyday for over 10 years now. It's the most rugged watch...It was crushed underneith the wheels of a '67 912, and the sapphire crystal didnt even have a scratch on it.

If you look around, you can get a nice, quality pre-owned one for well under $500. (Like a 2000 Quartz). There's no comparison between a swiss army watch and a TAG...i've owned both.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247447171.jpg

I have two rolexes - One a stainless steel one that I got for my 21st Birthday and a 2nd one I got for 10 years of service at my company.

But my favorite watch is this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Casio-Edifice-Mens-Analog-Chronograph-Watch-Great-Buy_W0QQitemZ270423528400

http://i.ebayimg.com/21/!BSU)DCQ!2k~...1lZGzg~~_2.JPG

Seiko's are nice watches, lots of different styles.

Ollech and Wajs makes some nice looking watches that are good quality.
Check here
http://westcoastime.com/milandmilsty.html

Same here. I got mine as a gift. I thought it was crazy to spend that much on a watch.

I wear my watch to work on my car, the machine shop, basically everywhere. It still looks like new, as long as I remove the grease from it. No scratches on the crystal.

I liked it so much that when I lost mine (long sad story) I bought another one right away. The second was about $400 used on timezone.com.

Depending on your budget, Tissot, Oris and Omega have something that will fit the bill.

I have a second TAG Heuer (like Embraer's Quartz 2000 but without the chornograph that he has pictured) that I received as a gift about 9 years ago. Like P_monkey, I've worn it through everything, and it looks fresh. It was purchased for about 25% off list ($600-650 back then, down from $850), so it might only be a bit more expensive, today.

I have a few vintage Omega watches ranging from the early fifties to the late seventies. They are good conversation starters, and are very high quality watches. Many of the vintage models will not break the bank, but watch out because they are addictive.

Agree on the www.watchseller.com post. I've done business with Ed before. If you're going to buy a used watch on the more expensive side I'd go that route. If you're going to buy a used automatic like a Rolex make sure it's not due for service, that can be expensive. You can also peruse the classifieds at www.timezone.com and get a feel for used pricing on a wide variety of watches.

Wow... seems like a few of you have received expensive watches as gifts. Who do you guys hang out with that can give Rolex and Tag watches as gifts???

Watch style is such a personal thing. There are lots of web sites that sell watches. Pull up one like Overstock.com, set your price range and start browsing. Buy something that YOU like in your price range. In my opinion doing anything else is as fake as a $20 Rolex.

Hmm, my phone has a clock on it. Always correct.
I have destroyed every watch ever put on my wrist. Certainly not going to put an expensive one on.

tru dat

I have to carry a phone, time is right there.

I have a nice looking Seiko with a faceted crystal, flashy on a sunny day. Have not worn a watch in 15 years.

i have two TAGS that have given up the ghost.. i paid decent money for them, but i did abuse them.

i lost a Seiko. nearly indestructable, until you take it off to wash your face in a youth hostel..those effers were FAST!

i now work in a dark dingy tunnel. i have a cheap G-shock that i am about to bury in the earth. the face is too small to see in the low light. i always blast it with my hardhat lamp and blow out my retinas..."ohhh, look at all the pretty colors around that big blue dot"...i am going to get a Suunto. BIG, like a clock.

Check out Fortis watches. I have a Spacematic Chrono that has been very reliable. Very nice watch, not flashy at all, understated but gets a lot of compliments. Used by Russian Cosmonauts and a lot of European special forces.

http://www2.fortis-watches.com/en/collection/index.html

Suunto Observer

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247548308.jpg

The altimeter is great for moving around the mountains. log able tells me how many vertical feet skied per day.

Compass
Chrono
Baro
Very Tough
Great watch for outdoor people.

$300-$400

I just bought one of these, from the Seiko Motor Sports collection;

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...snac27p1-2.jpg

Seiko #SNAC27 P1. $190 on eBay, and I think it looks great!

Cheers,

Paul.

^^^ Same here - I have a few Omegas (50's thru 90's) as well and find them to be very well-made, accurate and good looking. 'Affordable' is relative of course but they can be found in the low $ hundreds.

For day-to-day use I have been avoiding the bling lately and wear either a Luminox most days or a G-Shock if I am hiking or whatnot. I like the rubber/plastic bands for everyday use as they do not get as grungy over time compared to leather or metal.

LOL, I've posted before that all I ever wear is a cheapo timez indiglo, but I just found out my company wants to buy me a nice watch as a special recognition award.
Now we're not talking expensive, just nice. I'm not sure what these things cost but I'm pretty sure they are no where near the rolex/TAG type of price range, much lower. Maybe in the $300 or $400 range? EDIT: I did some checking and it looks like they are more in the $200 range. still, free is free.

I guess I wouldn't be against wearing something nicer than my timex, especially when the watchband is broken on it.

Problem is there are hundreds to choose from. I've picked out a few that caught my eye but I don't know squat about watches except how to tell time. Opinions?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248732812.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248732954.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248732979.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248732989.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248732998.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248733009.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248733152.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248733170.jpg

I bought an older Bulova (around 1962 year model) at a garage sale some years back.
It didn't have a band, the winding stem was missing and crystal cracked. Paid $5.00 for
it. Took it to a jeweler and had everything repaired and cleaned for $70.00.
I have alot of watches, but I get more compliments on the Bulova than any other.
It really is a great conversation piece.

For every day use I have a Russian mechanical watch Poljot Aviator. Basic swiss movement (from the fifties) in a solid case. Prices have gone up but they are still relatively cheap
http://www.aviator-watch.com/ click to chronographs
My dress watch is an Oris. Dual zone