[javadog]

I think that an old watch would not be a great idea for a "daily driver." Most aren't waterproof, most have easily damaged crystals and all of them will have been worked on by a bunch of different people of varying talent. A Rolex would likely be waterproof, if Rolex had serviced it, but the issue with the crystal would remain. They just get scratched too easily and they look crummy with scratches. In any event, $200 wouldn't buy an old Rolex.

Aside from Rolex, there isn't a watch out there that you could easily get factory service for, which means either a pain in the *ss getting work done (Omega, for instance) or you get to use an independent. I'm not going to say that independent watchmakers are all lousy, just that I've never found a good one. I have met enough that did a lousy job that I won't likely try another.

Finding parts for some of the lesser-known brands, or those that have been out of business for a long time, will likely be interesting. I once went down this road with an old gold watch my father owned for most of his life. Lot's of money spent, it never worked well and I couldn't tell you where the watch is today. That's how happy I was with the deal.

I have some old watches and would suggest you buy something newer, that has a vintage look, if that's what you are after. If cheap is the main goal, buy a new Seiko, or the equivalent.

Cheers,
JR