Classy, simple analog watch for around $100?

[aschen]

Seiko 5 is the miata of the watch world, seiko sary055 is fantatic if you can spare a bit more at around 250

[stomachmonkey]

My SIL got me an Eco Drive for my birthday a few years back.

I'm a fan of heavy watches like my Bulova.

But the ecodrive is an interesting watch.

Simple and dresses up or down.

Never really looks wrong no matter what you are wearing or what the activity.

Never needs batteries or winding.

https://us.citizenwatch.com/us/en/mens-chandler/BM8180-03E.html?cgid=mens#start=57

I like it so much I my pick up another.

I'm partial to these

https://us.citizenwatch.com/us/en/mens-chandler/BJ6500-12L.html?cgid=mens#start=55

https://us.citizenwatch.com/us/en/mens-chandler/BJ6500-21A.html?cgid=mens#start=56

[Cajundaddy]

+1 on the Citizen eco drive. I am on my 2nd one over 15 years and both have kept perfect time. I choose a dive watch specifically for ruggedness and waterproof at depth. Mine have been wreck diving all over the Pacific including 143' in Truk Lagoon with no issues.

[JavaBrewer]

IMO watches have transitioned from a useful timepiece to jewelry. Since the evolution of the mobile device I have not needed a timepiece on my wrist. The only jewelry I wear is my wedding ring. So with that mindset, I don't understand why anyone wants cheap jewelry on their wrist? Tons of posts on this forum from folks who are really into expensive stuff like that. Granted some are just into ultra high quality construction and engineering, but IMO most are buying for bling and recognition the piece signifies. I'm only saying this because Richard is a tech geek at heart and so being not really challenged to know the time of day. That, or I am totally off base and talking out my butt.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

IMO watches have transitioned from a useful timepiece to jewelry. Since the evolution of the mobile device I have not needed a timepiece on my wrist. The only jewelry I wear is my wedding ring. So with that mindset, I don't understand why anyone wants cheap jewelry on their wrist? Tons of posts on this forum from folks who are really into expensive stuff like that. Granted some are just into ultra high quality construction and engineering, but IMO most are buying for bling and recognition the piece signifies. I'm only saying this because Richard is a tech geek at heart and so being not really challenged to know the time of day. That, or I am totally off base and talking out my butt.

You know why the digital watch ultimately failed and analog dials still rule the day?

Analogs are user friendly.

They require no thought.

You can look at a dial and the two hands and have an instant visual reference for how much time until............or how much time has passed since.....

Digital requires mental math.

Phone, yeah always have one with me but there is still nothing more convenient or simple than casually glancing at your wrist and instantly knowing.

YMMV.

[Cajundaddy]

Yep, I use a wristwatch for instant time mgmt. I am often working with my hands and to stop, pull out my phone, press home to see the time requires a lot more effort than a quick glance at my wrist. I expect I will always wear one.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by aschen

Seiko 5 is the miata of the watch world, seiko sary055 is fantatic if you can spare a bit more at around 250

I agree about the Seiko 5, there is a wide range in style and price, the one I posted is around $100.

+1 on a dark face may look classy but at night or in a dark room/bar/restaurant they are difficult to read.

+2 on the Eco drive, I could convert my whole collection over to eco drive... but not my Seiko divers, you will have to pry those out of my cold dead hands

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

You know why the digital watch ultimately failed and analog dials still rule the day?

Analogs are user friendly.

They require no thought.

You can look at a dial and the two hands and have an instant visual reference for how much time until............or how much time has passed since.....

Digital requires mental math.

Phone, yeah always have one with me but there is still nothing more convenient or simple than casually glancing at your wrist and instantly knowing.

YMMV.

I have noticed most of the smart watches are set to an analog face.

I do wear a Casio G-Shock at work, I don't wear one otherwise dunno if I would say they are dead.

[MBAtarga]

MVMT brand watches have been advertised somewhat on TV lately. They seem to have quite a following and have many choices in what style seems to appeal to you and many right around $100:



https://www.mvmtwatches.com/collections/all-mens-watches

[Gus Berges]

May be a bit too shiny for your taste, but most will find this alternative unbeatable: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/a-seventy-five-dollar-watch-that-looks-like-a-million-bucks

Regarding straps, go to www.strappedfortime.com and take some time to figure out what you think would best suit your needs and style with this watch. David is super helpful.

[scottmandue]

And now for something completely different:

The Field Tested Collection | Nixon Watches and Premium Accessories

[Rodsrsr]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

IMO watches have transitioned from a useful timepiece to jewelry. Since the evolution of the mobile device I have not needed a timepiece on my wrist. The only jewelry I wear is my wedding ring. So with that mindset, I don't understand why anyone wants cheap jewelry on their wrist? Tons of posts on this forum from folks who are really into expensive stuff like that. Granted some are just into ultra high quality construction and engineering, but IMO most are buying for bling and recognition the piece signifies. I'm only saying this because Richard is a tech geek at heart and so being not really challenged to know the time of day. That, or I am totally off base and talking out my butt.

A mens wedding band has but one function and being an artistic accoutrement is not one of them. This is why 90% of them are a plain gold band.

[tdw28210]

Get a vintage Seiko that is still appreciating.something in the 6139 range from the 70s. Unfortunately Pogues,most divers and MACV SOGs are all $350 or higher.

[RKDinOKC]

The watch on the left was roughly $100. It is a Seiko 6 with a custom face and hands.
There were a LOT of Seiko 6's to choose from and lots of faces etc to customize one.
The 928 group on rennlist got together and had a custom face designed.
You bought the Seiko 6 you liked the design of and had it delivered to the guy that put the face/hands.

The watch on the right is an $800 limited edition LACO custom watch.
The same group got together and designed up a limited edition collector watch.
The watches came with a certificate of ownership with the watch number or 100 and three bands.
Basic leather, custom leather with the red stitching, and a stainless bracelet.
Understand they are going for around $1K now.
I have 2 and wear one every day. Have replaced the leather band from wear once so far.

I designed the faces for both of these watches.

[motion]

I ended up with a Skagen and am really happy, although I can't see the tiny little date. I'm glad I didn't splurge on the Month

[stevej37]

^^^ Nice! The slimness of the watch is a nice feature...keeps it from catching on things.

[craigster59]

I just picked one of these. Very nice, even has the "Indiglo" feature. https://www.toddsnyder.com/collections/watches/products/timex-mk1-chrono-black-strap-black-dial-black

[A930Rocket]

It’s more than $100, but I’ve been looking at it for a year. Finally bought one last week. A Seiko SKX007 made in Japan.

Seiko Automatic Diver's SKX007 SKX007J1 SKX007J 200m Made in Japan Watch

I may get a leather strap soon.

[red-beard]

Slightly over budget

https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-249088-Original-Analog-Display/dp/B00AYE1C36/ref=sr_1_6/143-6021348-1839022?ie=UTF8&qid=1526266787&sr=8-6&keywords=victorinox+watchs

But the Wenger is way under budget at $47

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D40KIYU/ref=sxr_sxwds-rbp_3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3173875765339991093&pd_rd_wg=ZOfOt&pf_rd_r=9RWT1JMMH0BTDSW243W4&pf_rd_s=desktop-rhs-carousels&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B01D40KIYU&pd_rd_w=OPxnL&pf_rd_i=victorinox+watchs&pd_rd_r=bab9f4d1-ac18-4962-89ef-7be7b9e9347e&ie=UTF8&qid=1526266883&sr=3

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by craigster59

I just picked one of these. Very nice, even has the "Indiglo" feature. https://www.toddsnyder.com/collections/watches/products/timex-mk1-chrono-black-strap-black-dial-black

That's a good-looking watch at a great price. And the Indiglo is pretty effective, too.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

IMO watches have transitioned from a useful timepiece to jewelry. Since the evolution of the mobile device I have not needed a timepiece on my wrist. The only jewelry I wear is my wedding ring. So with that mindset, I don't understand why anyone wants cheap jewelry on their wrist? Tons of posts on this forum from folks who are really into expensive stuff like that. Granted some are just into ultra high quality construction and engineering, but IMO most are buying for bling and recognition the piece signifies. I'm only saying this because Richard is a tech geek at heart and so being not really challenged to know the time of day. That, or I am totally off base and talking out my butt.

I like wearing a wrist watch precisely so that I don’t have to look at my phone as much. I look at it way too much.

I like these cheap Swatches but they don’t hold up to the knocking around I give them. Of course I remove it when I’m working on a car but still I manage to bump them and they stop working. That Timex on page one looks enticing, are they more durable? I’ve had G-shocks like the cops wear but I really don’t like a big, chunky watch. Just something simple.

Here is one of the three identical Swatches I’ve managed to kill: