The respectable cheap watch
 

Is there one?

The fake Rolex thread got me thinking.

I can't afford a $5K Rolex, and the $40 Timex Iron Man watch from Target just seems too cheap-o for an aspiring young executive like myself.

I have a ~$200 Swiss Army watch, but it just doesn't say "business" like some watches.

So is there a respectable, professional-looking businessman's watch that doesn't kill the bank?

you can get a nice, used, certified Tag Heuer for $200-$300

Go here and look around: http://www.worldlux.com/watches.html

You can also jump on their toll-free line and get some friendly, knowledgeable, non-pushy help... at least that's the way it was a few years ago when I bought a watch from 'em.

My best friend sold his business a few years ago for $1.2B. He wears a $20 Casio.

I have a passion for mechanical things and I'd have a stainless Rolex Daytona if I could afford it.

This is a good question. The balance lies somewhere in terms of your interests and the industry/environment.

I had a friend that wore his Rolex on Friday nights/weekends, but his work environment was an import/export business so he parked the nice car and wore a cheap timex during the week to convey an appropriate impression on his customers and colleagues.

I'm surprised how expensive basic good quality watches have become. A reasonable Seiko is now up to $500. But I'd rather see someone wear a nice Seiko than a blatant Rolex or Tag clone (especially the blinged up ones) from the department stores.

I've had luck in the past finding nice, reasonable watches at www.watchseller.com - Oris in particular has some good quality, nice looking ones. But I just looked at it seems the best selection is between $500 and $1000.

Ultimately, the trick is to not wear a "sports" watch - e.g. digital Casio or Nike - unless you are in an environment full of athletes. A simple watch with leather band goes a long way.

I was going to suggest Swiss Army, but if you've decided against that already, maybe Raymond Weil? Invicta (if you can get beyond the HSN stigma)?

Re: Embraer's used TAG recommendation: I still have an inexpensive TAG Heuer I purchased 20 years ago. Runs just fine, so I'm of those who thinks quality counts.

What exactly do you want your watch to do? or say?

Do you want a piece that inspires conversation with "upper management" types? High dollar, but I seen people use these effectively.

Do you want a piece that impresses the secretaries and peers with a little oooh factor?

Do you want a piece that is understated, business-elegant and simply goes well with a suit? Do you wear a suit?

I have a Tissot PRC-200 that I think fits the bill. It's simple, not gaudy.

Go to www.watchuseek.com and go to the affordables section. Watchuseek has good info and feels like pelican in the way the members interact, especially in the affordables section. Many watches I pic up are because of seeing the pictures or reviews in that forum alone.

http://forums.watchuseek.com/forumdisplay.php?f=4

I am in govt business and wear a few watches that have the mystique and look of a higher price watch but are very affordable. The few that come to mind are a silver Invicta day date thats about $124

http://cgi.ebay.com/INVICTA-MENS-TWO-TONE-SPEEDWAY-DAYTONA-WATCH-9212_W0QQitemZ190309104700QQcmdZViewItemQQptZWrist watches?hash=item2c4f4e7c3c&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_ trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1326%7C2 93%3A1%7C294%3A25

http://cgi.ebay.com/Invicta-2686-Mens-Abyss-Watch_W0QQitemZ270421472855QQcmdZViewItemQQptZWris twatches?hash=item3ef6603657&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14& _trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1326%7C 293%3A1%7C294%3A25


I have a few Panerai homages, not fake since they do not represent Panerai, but they are the similar style. Sandwich dial, sub second hand etc. I get many compliments on those, around $80 -110 and can be built by yourself.

http://www.jacksontse.com/

I paid $1100 a few years ago for my Tag Carrera Auto and I get a ton of compliments on it. It's very clean looking in all stainless, not blingy, but looks like you have good taste. $1100 isn't cheap, but I'm sure you can find them used now for less.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247435214.jpg

What's your budget? I'd rather have a Swiss Army, Tissot or Invicta anyday than a Tag. If Rolex just made something in 44mm or larger diameter, I'd get one. I so wish they'd do the GMT with Pepsi bezel in 44-46mm. If you want a super nice watch that only other enthusiasts will recognize, don't get any kind of Rolex. Get a Sinn or Glycine.

The only way I would wear a Rolex is If I earned it, and I am well aware that is never going to happen.

I am on year 5 of my ~$90 Victorinox Swiss Army "Renegade". I have to get a new band every ~18 months or so, but a generic replacement is about $5 at Target. Form follows function. I have stuck with plastic bands because every metal band I have tried so far pulls my arm hair.

http://www.victorinoxstores.com/vict...DCJEJKGJOC.jpg

When it comes time to replace it, I am looking at Skagen, they make a few nice Titanium watches for around $100 street price. Probably this one:

http://www.skagen.com/productImage/2...N/full.size.fx

Very thin, very light, and a good looking watch, and I have heard from a few people that the mesh is fine enough that it doesn't pull hair.

Tom

Fake tag, 30 bucks.

Showing up to stuff appointments and meetings on time says more than any watch ever could.

I just received a titanium Skagen for my 15th anniversary from my employer. Nice watch and will wear it on company functions but I think I want something heftier, sportier but not gaudy for everyday wear. I wear a Casio stainless steel divers watch now but I'll go a little higher end next time.

I started that thread about spotting fake Rolexs because I wanted to buy a real one off craigslist. I never thought about eBay but that route is probably way riskier.

Orient Mako. Mako isnt the real name but thats what the forums know it as. Do a search on watchuseek.com and you will see raving reviews. Retails for $190 but can be had for $100 shipped from a reputable seller on ebay. I have one and its got the fit and finish of a watch many many times its price. Not to mention its an automatic. I recommend it very highly. Comes in black (I have and prefer this), blue (many people love but not me), orange, and yellow.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247444878.jpg

Citizen EcoDrive.

I got a titanium one a few years ago, best watch for the money.

When I wear a watch, I wear my granddad's watch: a Helbros Invincible. Or I have a 1960's winder Rolex that I wear with a $4 nylon strap.

There are lots of mid range vintage watches out there to buy. I think they look great and perform well enough. I get at least 2 days out of one winding on either watch.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247445002.jpg

Another nice pic of the Mako


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247445088.jpg