Watch guys - Check out this prototype. Would you buy for $200?
 

I'm on a watch page on Facebook. A guy in Switzerland has put this together. He's planning to create a Kickstarter campaign in a couple of months for pre-orders. His target price is $150 for a quartz version and $200 for the autowinder.

Based on feedback, he already plans to reduce the size of the logo from what you see here. What do you think?

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I like it. The black case will get worn and/or scratched until the silver underneath shows through. The black is cool, but I'd rather have natural stainless for the case (black for the dial is fine).

Seems like a good price for the watch.

And of course, the chronograph function is pretty useless these days, but a lot of people like the look.

What movement is he using in the mechanical?

Mechanical: Seagull-ST1902
Quartz: Ronda-5030D

For $200 it seems reasonable. Seagull is a cheap Chinese movement, but that technology is so mature that even the cheapest POS is pretty good. Again, at $200 it's probably a decent buy, but he's going to have to move some volume to make any money.

Nice looking. I like it in grey strap and also gulf blue.

What about colored/glow hands, even if in outline?

There's a lot of background noise to see past the dial with a quick glance.

Those wrist bands...trendy man jewelry. Yes I am a troll. I have zero need for a watch. I really like watches but my practical side wins here with smart phone access I really want to like a watch but don't see the need. That said I think those would sell nicely at $79.

there must be a thousand different watches in that price point, I think I would stick with a Seiko or something like the Swiss Army military watches. Those I really like but have no need for another watch.

Meh. That's my gut reaction. I don't see anything about it that seems that unique? I like it but it doesn't jump out and grab me and anything different than what's out there already.

Timex comes to mind.

The watch itself is OK and I agree that the logo needs to be smaller.

Now that said, I would actually pay up to $25 just for the band. Martini please.

angela

I wouldn't. I bought an Orsa from a guy doing small batches of quartz and mechanical watches a few years back. He had quite a following and sold well for a while. I took the diver to Hawaii and it fell apart. No recourse. He'd gone out of business and was not taking care of issues like I had.

This one really appeals to me. Watches are such a personal thing. I see a lot of them that I appreciate, but have no desire to own. I probably own >30 watches (most Seiko or Citizen), and most are diver types.

I like the old tachometer look of this one. Don't like the microscopic date window. Would rather he just left that off. But, for the most part, I like this watch more than most. Don't know if I'll actually buy one. Most of mine came from Goodwill, garage sales, or as part of large lots where I sold off the ones I didn't want. Don't think I've ever spent more than $50-$60 for a watch for myself.

Yes, there are a huge number of watches in this price range. Out of curiosity, I went to overstock.com and quickly scrolled through hundreds of watches priced at $200-$300. Other than a Seiko that I already own, I didn't see anything else that caught my eye.

I do think I'll order a striped NATO strap for one of my Seikos after looking at these photos.

Buy cheap. Buy twice.

I don't wear jewelry, I have a phone to see what time it is.

That watch is -too Fat-.

Q: who wears a watch these days?
A: guys who show off their $$$$$ jewelry + wear too much man perfume

The instrument to the far right in a 911 is all you need.

I defintely disagree with using your phone as the only way to tell time.

There are plenty of times when you have your phone snapped into the holster, or in your pocket if it's cold outside, rainy, etc etc. A watch that is rugged, waterproof, accurate, and easy to read at a quick glance is as much a work tool as a phone. The difference is that the phone needs to be taken out, push a button, wait, and then put it back. Phones are also best stored where they won't be dropped, hit, or get dirty/ wet.

Having said that, I prefer a more utilitarian watch like a Casio for every day use. Rubber strap, washable, and nearly bulletproof.

The time when I most need to check my watch is the time I am least likely to have my phone visable: running late in the shower, in bed, on a plane, while driving.

In fact, in my world, almost every male I know wears a watch, and much less than 1% would I consider fancy or man jewelry.

Your phone is WAY more likely to be man jewelry these days than your watch.

and I would not buy the OP watch. It is a bit to "look at me" for me

Pfftt....


what a ridiculous watch.



THIS is the future of cool . . .




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I mean, with this ApplWatch (and an iphone, and a lover who also has a an appWatch and an iphone) you can send your heartbeat signature as vibe-pulses.
And what's not cool about THAT!?! --look honey, I have a pulse! (that's a daily use killer app rite thar)

Plus, look at all that high glare body cladding yet another battery in need of daily care.

Progress!


Read: yeah, the OP watch has some nice styling points.

Funny, in the same post you claim that guys who wear watches only do so to "show off their $$$$$ jewelry" while also stating that the clock in a 911 is all one needs.
This really shouldn't warrant an explanation (sigh) but...you could also claim that anyone who drives a 911 is simply "showing off their $$$$$".
However, I would say that most here own/drive their 911s because they are enthusiasts and fans of the marque.
Just as there are "car guys" there are also "watch guys" (with a lot of overlap incidentally).
You can be a fan of the craftsmanship, history, design, and mechanical precision/intricacy of a nice watch, just as you can with that 911. ;)


Oh and BTW, you might want to have a back up for that 911 VDO clock. They are notorious for failing... :p

Great post Eric.....Maniac post bugged me too but it had more issues than I cared to deal with :)

I like the watch the OP posted. The smart money would be on the Quartz version but it's the colorful NATO's I find a hoot!

Careful readers would have observed that the post is addressed to "WATCH GUYS."

Please tell me where can I buy those bands? I'll take one of each :)

I think that is a pretty nice looking watch. For $200, it looks a reasonable deal.

This site has Swiss military style watches and they are $300 to $3000. They have Swiss movements. If I were shopping for a tool watch, that would be what I'd compare this guy's product to.

Martini NATO straps:

Nato strap - Martini Porsche racing stripes 911 964 965 993 991 997
HNS Red & Navy Strip Heavy Duty Ballistic Nylon NATO Watch Strap With Polished Stainless Steel Buckle
(second one is cheaper, but not sure how reputable they are. Plus it's listed as out-of-stock currently).


Gulf NATO straps:

The Le Mans NATO Strap w/ Matte Hardware (Stitched) 20mm
The Le Mans II NATO Strap w/ Polished Hardware 20mm Only
The Le Mans NATO Strap w/ PVD Hardware (Stitched) 20mm
Blue/Black/Orange NATO - 20mm - Crown and Buckle

SmileWavy

Thank you Eric.

Unfortunately, most of those are sold out.

I like it, I'm flip flopping on the blue or orange, it would have to be a mechanical... but the point is moot because my watch collection is out of control... if anything I need to sell of a few.

And +10,000 on the cell phone comment... your $500 cell phone is just as much of a fashion accessory, spoiled rich kid statement as any expensive watch.