Classy, simple analog watch for around $100?

[tdw28210]

Originally Posted by LeeH

Anyone have a good Seiko mechanic? I have a nice 6309 7049 from 1980 that's not running. I've seen it run for as long as 10 minutes, but lately, nothing.

Lee,

Most of the really good vintage Seiko guys are absolutely slammed with work these days. The "go to" guy is Spencer Klein in Colorado. He emailed me a couple weeks back about a Seiko SOG watch I own that needs some work. His response was basically, "I'd love to work on this watch, but I'll contact you in 18 months or so."

There is a pretty cool place in Spartanburg SC called Hub City Vintage that specializes in vintage Seikos too. But... They too aren't accepting any new work.

Warning :I went to a local guy and literally had him steal a 73 Pogue Seiko from me. So in summation, vintage Seikos are stupid hot and be very careful who you take them to. Finally, if you find someone you can trust that does good work, PM me please.

[craigster59]

Liked the blue watch so much I bought the black one. Can't beat it for $147.00.....

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by LeeH

Anyone have a good Seiko mechanic? I have a nice 6309 7049 from 1980 that's not running. I've seen it run for as long as 10 minutes, but lately, nothing.

My wife had these guys rebuild a Seiko bullhead for my Christmas present. I purchased off eBay for $175, didn't keep time so I tossed it in a drawer, she took it to these guys and they did a full rebuild for $250, it works great now.

Found them on a recommendation from Pelican P-O-P back when he lived in Long Beach. (not sure if they do repairs by mail but don't know why they wouldn't)

https://www.watchandclockcenter.com/



These are going on eBay for $400-$800... some for less but you get what you pay for.

[jwasbury]

My 1977 Seiko World Time which belonged to my Grandfather.

It stopped working and I found a watchmaker who worked out of a local pawn shop who cleaned and repaired it. <$100 if memory serves.

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by stuartj

Sorry Dan, no first hand recommend. I got mine so long ago, I don't know where it came from. That said- "StrapCode" is a vendor that seems well regarded for aftermarket bracelets.

Stuart,

Thank you for the recommendation. I will give them a try. I ordered that Seiko, and should be arriving today.

Dan

[CurtEgerer]

The Chinese are doing some scary good cheap watches the last few years. Example: this Tevise diver for $20 Automatic movement, stainless steel case, screw-down crown, applied markers, rotating bezel, tapered stainless bracelet, etc. The best part? If you get tired of it or it breaks, you throw it in the trash.

Good review at JOMW: https://youtu.be/XPqlCela2MI



Or how about this automatic Parnis for $100:

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

I’ll have to ask my son where his Seiko watch is I gave him for his 15th birthday. He’s 22 now and I got it when I was 15 (59 now). It was an blue face with a red and blue dial sound it IIRC.

[CurtEgerer]

I had that same Seiko Pepsi Dial chrono. First good watch I ever bought. Probably around 1975.

[LeeH]

My Pogues... one on the left was a gift from my sister. She bought it for her husband early in their marriage. She gave it to me after he passed away from colon cancer.

[CurtEgerer]

Picked up this 1980s Timex Diver the other day for $2 and compared it to my current favorite cheapo watch - the Casio Duro Marlin. What a difference I suspect the Timex was more expensive in comparable dollars when new. The Casio street price is about $40.

The 38mm Timex features a chrome-plated base-metal case and a crude 0-jewel manual movement (same as all cheap watches back then). Dial is printed but does have lumed markers. Low-quality acrylic crystal. Rotating base-metal bezel with no indexing and lots of play. Non-waterproof snap-on back and non-waterproof crown-stem. Lightweight, cheap overall feel.

The 44mm Casio has a heavy stainless steel case with polished and brushed surfaces and a bulletproof Casio 2784 quartz movement. Dial has a sunburst effect and applied & lumed markers. Mineral crystal. Uni-directional 120-click stainless steel bezel with no play (better than Seiko) and a lumed ball at 12:00. Screw-on case back and screw-down crown. 660-feet water resistance. Same highly finished fit and feel of watches costing several hundred $$, if not more.

There are many other similar examples and even some with decent jeweled automatic movements for under $100. Despite the sentiment that watches are no longer needed these days, we are living in a golden-age of quality watches right now thanks mainly to the Chinese. 5-10 years ago I would never have considered a 'cheap watch'. Different ball game in 2018.

[Steve Carlton]

Always liked the Hamilton Khaki watches. Not at the $100 level, but nice for the money. Nordstrom Rack is blowing them out for $300- retail $545.



https://www.watchreviewblog.com/hamilton-h76552955-pilot-pioneer-chronograph-watch-review/

[tdw28210]

Black Friday deal on the previously discussed Citizens solar (eco-drive) diver watch. Not a great watch or cool vintage one - just a really good watch at a great price. $88.99

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016R90VBK?t=dealiggcom-20&tag=dealiggcom-20#customerReviews