Need a simple, tough, cheap watch

[Joe Bob]

The small detail most likely to make a vintage watch worth tons of money - AOL

[vash]

casio protek?

or the G-shock if you want to stay within budget.

get it at costco. $69, i think and it looks really beefy and tough.

[jwasbury]

Get a real mechanical watch. Orients are nice and cheap:

Orient Classic Automatic Military Aviator Watch with Date #ER2D009F

[craigster59]

Seiko has some nice watches under $100, some automatics......
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_6?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=seiko+5&sprefix=seiko+%2Caps%2C1148

This is a nice one at a good price......
https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNN233-Stainless-Steel-Watch/dp/B0044XG6FC/ref=sr_1_34?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1467730391&sr=1-34&nodeID=6358540011&keywords=seiko+5

[scottmandue]

I am hard on work watches and my last G-Shock lasted 17 year (probably could have got it fixed but the watch junkie in me wanted something new... and wanted to go from silver to all black) as noted G-Shocks are available in any color you might imagine:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00791YURC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3FF767VS1EV1Q&coliid=IEE0KN72E99BY

Something under $50:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MDPAPU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3FF767VS1EV1Q&coliid=I21QM1GJ0PDIBN

If he wants something more traditional (I have four or five Seiko's in my collection):

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNE331-Sport-Solar-Stainless/dp/B00I1KW2FW/ref=sr_1_5?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1467730552&sr=1-5&nodeID=7147441011&keywords=seiko+watches+for+men

Personalty I'm moving away from battery watches and trying to go all auto/solar but this looks nice:

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNN233-Stainless-Steel-Watch/dp/B0044XG6FC/ref=sr_1_50?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1467730905&sr=1-50&nodeID=7147441011&keywords=seiko+watches+for+men

A little over budget but I have one of these and it is one of my favorites... classic style... can be formal or go fishing.. nigh on indestructible:

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Stainless-Steel-Automatic-SNZF15/dp/B001ELSSOO/ref=sr_1_90?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1467731100&sr=1-90&nodeID=7147441011&keywords=seiko+watches+for+men

having said all that, the ironman is a great watch too (had one).

[wildthing]

So my G-Shock started to have moisture on a 3-hour bike ride up on the bay side of the hills. It was totally useless as I could not see the hands. Not sure how it would fare at 6500 ft. I guess if it was dry...

[craigster59]

Scott seems to have the same taste in Seikos that I do! Seriously though, you can't go wrong with a Seiko diver automatic with Pepsi bezel, it will never go out of style. Spend the few extra bucks it will be worth it.

[Charles Freeborn]

I've used Timex "Expedition" watches for work for years. Very hostile environment (dust, vibration). They hold up for at least a few to several years. Get it at Fred Meyer.

[Eric 951]

Originally Posted by Charles Freeborn

I've used Timex "Expedition" watches for work for years. Very hostile environment (dust, vibration). They hold up for at least a few to several years. Get it at Fred Meyer.

Seconded. I wear my Expedition in all types of scenarios and it gets rough usage, great watch.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by wildthing

So my G-Shock started to have moisture on a 3-hour bike ride up on the bay side of the hills. It was totally useless as I could not see the hands. Not sure how it would fare at 6500 ft. I guess if it was dry...

You must have got a lemon, any chance you can return it?

My buddy is a big time sports fisherman, owns a boat with in-laws, (furgetabout asking him to do anything on the weekend during fishing season). Wears nothing but G-Shocks. I'm also a pretty sweaty guy (ask my wife) and never had a problem.

YMMV

[rusnak]

^ +1. Casio G-Shock are built like tanks. If your life depends on the watch being tough, get a G-Shock. If your life depends on accuracy, and the watching being sort of outdoorsy, then get a Swiss Army. If you want to make a fashion statement, then get a foo foo automatic with bling bling stuff on it.

[gunlover05]

coming across this post just pushed me to order one of these today:

https://www.amazon.com/DW5600E-1V-G-Shock-Classic-Digital-Watch/dp/B000GAYQKY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1467852552&sr=8-4&keywords=casio+g-shock

thanks guys

[masraum]

Originally Posted by jwasbury

Get a real mechanical watch. Orients are nice and cheap:

Orient Classic Automatic Military Aviator Watch with Date #ER2D009F

Originally Posted by craigster59

Scott seems to have the same taste in Seikos that I do! Seriously though, you can't go wrong with a Seiko diver automatic with Pepsi bezel, it will never go out of style. Spend the few extra bucks it will be worth it.

I like the suggestions that you guys are making, and would have suggested the same or similar, but I think this is probably a pretty big requirement, and I don't think there are many nice mechanical automatics that have an alarm, are there?

Originally Posted by jyl

maybe an alarm or timer, so that he reports for work at the right time

[jyl]

I was seduced by gadgetry and ordered him this $45 all singing all dancing watch. The only beef in the reviews is that the display contrast is too low but it appears that can be adjusted. Guessing there's about a 75% chance of getting a good one.

Lad Weather German Sensor Weather Forecast/Digital Compass/Altimeter/Barometer Men's Sports Watches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IMWDYFQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4FDFxbJAV1TTY

[wayne robson]

Hi John, I have been wearing Timex for about 8 years now,as i work outdoors ,
land scape, using saws, cutters , blades ,etc, really thrash my work watch,
and the timex has never let me down, agree with --LWJ it has push button
indiglow light and WR 30 meters, so i purchased another new model only week
ago, like LWJ --A Expedition -only $40.00 from K mart, really pleased.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by jyl

I was seduced by gadgetry and ordered him this $45 all singing all dancing watch. The only beef in the reviews is that the display contrast is too low but it appears that can be adjusted. Guessing there's about a 75% chance of getting a good one.

I love you man... but please report back on the longevity of this unit.

[vash]

Germans make a $45 watch??


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by masraum

I like the suggestions that you guys are making, and would have suggested the same or similar, but I think this is probably a pretty big requirement, and I don't think there are many nice mechanical automatics that have an alarm, are there?

I have never heard of one... but given the vastness of watches there probably is one out there... but also probably not under $100.

I use my cell phone for an wake up alarm... because my wife's Hello Kitty clock radio apparently can't keep accurate time (but it still sits on the dresser )

[CurtEgerer]

If you have time, check some local thrift stores and/or estate sales. Recent finds from both in the last few weeks: Timex Expedition $5, needed battery, excellent basic watch, very comfortable. G-Shock Solar-Atomic, $10, smaller than most, syncs with Colorado every night, Seiko Chrono, $10, needed battery. Werax 70s mechanical, $5, Swiss movement, needed strap.

[jyl]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

I love you man... but please report back on the longevity of this unit.

I'm skeptical . . . but for $45, why not roll the dice.