The respectable cheap watch

[TechnoViking]

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?

[Embraer]

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

[Heel n Toe]

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.

[Moses]

Originally Posted by Martin Smith

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?

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.

[Don Plumley]

Originally Posted by Martin Smith

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

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.

[Noah930]

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.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

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?

[kaisen]

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

[dbrisson]

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%7C 293%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/

[carnutzzz]

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.

[Rick Lee]

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.

[emcon5]

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.



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:



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

[m21sniper]

Fake tag, 30 bucks.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

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?

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

[cantdrv55]

Originally Posted by emcon5

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:



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

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.

[cantdrv55]

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.

[tangerine911S]

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.

[UconnTim97]

Citizen EcoDrive.

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

[holtjv]

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.

[tangerine911S]

Another nice pic of the Mako