The respectable cheap watch
 

Is there one?

The fake Rolex thread got me thinking.

I can't afford a $5K Rolex, and the $40 Timex Iron Man watch from Target just seems too cheap-o for an aspiring young executive like myself.

I have a ~$200 Swiss Army watch, but it just doesn't say "business" like some watches.

So is there a respectable, professional-looking businessman's watch that doesn't kill the bank?

you can get a nice, used, certified Tag Heuer for $200-$300

Go here and look around: http://www.worldlux.com/watches.html

You can also jump on their toll-free line and get some friendly, knowledgeable, non-pushy help... at least that's the way it was a few years ago when I bought a watch from 'em.

My best friend sold his business a few years ago for $1.2B. He wears a $20 Casio.

I have a passion for mechanical things and I'd have a stainless Rolex Daytona if I could afford it.

This is a good question. The balance lies somewhere in terms of your interests and the industry/environment.

I had a friend that wore his Rolex on Friday nights/weekends, but his work environment was an import/export business so he parked the nice car and wore a cheap timex during the week to convey an appropriate impression on his customers and colleagues.

I'm surprised how expensive basic good quality watches have become. A reasonable Seiko is now up to $500. But I'd rather see someone wear a nice Seiko than a blatant Rolex or Tag clone (especially the blinged up ones) from the department stores.

I've had luck in the past finding nice, reasonable watches at www.watchseller.com - Oris in particular has some good quality, nice looking ones. But I just looked at it seems the best selection is between $500 and $1000.

Ultimately, the trick is to not wear a "sports" watch - e.g. digital Casio or Nike - unless you are in an environment full of athletes. A simple watch with leather band goes a long way.

I was going to suggest Swiss Army, but if you've decided against that already, maybe Raymond Weil? Invicta (if you can get beyond the HSN stigma)?

Re: Embraer's used TAG recommendation: I still have an inexpensive TAG Heuer I purchased 20 years ago. Runs just fine, so I'm of those who thinks quality counts.

What exactly do you want your watch to do? or say?

Do you want a piece that inspires conversation with "upper management" types? High dollar, but I seen people use these effectively.

Do you want a piece that impresses the secretaries and peers with a little oooh factor?

Do you want a piece that is understated, business-elegant and simply goes well with a suit? Do you wear a suit?

I have a Tissot PRC-200 that I think fits the bill. It's simple, not gaudy.

Go to www.watchuseek.com and go to the affordables section. Watchuseek has good info and feels like pelican in the way the members interact, especially in the affordables section. Many watches I pic up are because of seeing the pictures or reviews in that forum alone.

http://forums.watchuseek.com/forumdisplay.php?f=4

I am in govt business and wear a few watches that have the mystique and look of a higher price watch but are very affordable. The few that come to mind are a silver Invicta day date thats about $124

http://cgi.ebay.com/INVICTA-MENS-TWO-TONE-SPEEDWAY-DAYTONA-WATCH-9212_W0QQitemZ190309104700QQcmdZViewItemQQptZWrist watches?hash=item2c4f4e7c3c&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_ trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1326%7C2 93%3A1%7C294%3A25

http://cgi.ebay.com/Invicta-2686-Mens-Abyss-Watch_W0QQitemZ270421472855QQcmdZViewItemQQptZWris twatches?hash=item3ef6603657&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14& _trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1326%7C 293%3A1%7C294%3A25


I have a few Panerai homages, not fake since they do not represent Panerai, but they are the similar style. Sandwich dial, sub second hand etc. I get many compliments on those, around $80 -110 and can be built by yourself.

http://www.jacksontse.com/

I paid $1100 a few years ago for my Tag Carrera Auto and I get a ton of compliments on it. It's very clean looking in all stainless, not blingy, but looks like you have good taste. $1100 isn't cheap, but I'm sure you can find them used now for less.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247435214.jpg

What's your budget? I'd rather have a Swiss Army, Tissot or Invicta anyday than a Tag. If Rolex just made something in 44mm or larger diameter, I'd get one. I so wish they'd do the GMT with Pepsi bezel in 44-46mm. If you want a super nice watch that only other enthusiasts will recognize, don't get any kind of Rolex. Get a Sinn or Glycine.

The only way I would wear a Rolex is If I earned it, and I am well aware that is never going to happen.

I am on year 5 of my ~$90 Victorinox Swiss Army "Renegade". I have to get a new band every ~18 months or so, but a generic replacement is about $5 at Target. Form follows function. I have stuck with plastic bands because every metal band I have tried so far pulls my arm hair.

http://www.victorinoxstores.com/vict...DCJEJKGJOC.jpg

When it comes time to replace it, I am looking at Skagen, they make a few nice Titanium watches for around $100 street price. Probably this one:

http://www.skagen.com/productImage/2...N/full.size.fx

Very thin, very light, and a good looking watch, and I have heard from a few people that the mesh is fine enough that it doesn't pull hair.

Tom

Fake tag, 30 bucks.

Showing up to stuff appointments and meetings on time says more than any watch ever could.

I just received a titanium Skagen for my 15th anniversary from my employer. Nice watch and will wear it on company functions but I think I want something heftier, sportier but not gaudy for everyday wear. I wear a Casio stainless steel divers watch now but I'll go a little higher end next time.

I started that thread about spotting fake Rolexs because I wanted to buy a real one off craigslist. I never thought about eBay but that route is probably way riskier.

Orient Mako. Mako isnt the real name but thats what the forums know it as. Do a search on watchuseek.com and you will see raving reviews. Retails for $190 but can be had for $100 shipped from a reputable seller on ebay. I have one and its got the fit and finish of a watch many many times its price. Not to mention its an automatic. I recommend it very highly. Comes in black (I have and prefer this), blue (many people love but not me), orange, and yellow.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247444878.jpg

Citizen EcoDrive.

I got a titanium one a few years ago, best watch for the money.

When I wear a watch, I wear my granddad's watch: a Helbros Invincible. Or I have a 1960's winder Rolex that I wear with a $4 nylon strap.

There are lots of mid range vintage watches out there to buy. I think they look great and perform well enough. I get at least 2 days out of one winding on either watch.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247445002.jpg

Another nice pic of the Mako


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247445088.jpg

Check out www.westcoastime.com The O & W watches are extremely tough and durable, and look good on the wrist. I have dealt with Howard Marx for years and he is honorable and reliable. Not Rolex but not a cheesy knockoff either.

I paid $1100 for my Tag back in 1999. I bought it with all of my graduation money from High school. I've worn it everyday for over 10 years now. It's the most rugged watch...It was crushed underneith the wheels of a '67 912, and the sapphire crystal didnt even have a scratch on it.

If you look around, you can get a nice, quality pre-owned one for well under $500. (Like a 2000 Quartz). There's no comparison between a swiss army watch and a TAG...i've owned both.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247447171.jpg

I have two rolexes - One a stainless steel one that I got for my 21st Birthday and a 2nd one I got for 10 years of service at my company.

But my favorite watch is this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Casio-Edifice-Mens-Analog-Chronograph-Watch-Great-Buy_W0QQitemZ270423528400

http://i.ebayimg.com/21/!BSU)DCQ!2k~...1lZGzg~~_2.JPG

Seiko's are nice watches, lots of different styles.

Ollech and Wajs makes some nice looking watches that are good quality.
Check here
http://westcoastime.com/milandmilsty.html

Same here. I got mine as a gift. I thought it was crazy to spend that much on a watch.

I wear my watch to work on my car, the machine shop, basically everywhere. It still looks like new, as long as I remove the grease from it. No scratches on the crystal.

I liked it so much that when I lost mine (long sad story) I bought another one right away. The second was about $400 used on timezone.com.

Depending on your budget, Tissot, Oris and Omega have something that will fit the bill.

I have a second TAG Heuer (like Embraer's Quartz 2000 but without the chornograph that he has pictured) that I received as a gift about 9 years ago. Like P_monkey, I've worn it through everything, and it looks fresh. It was purchased for about 25% off list ($600-650 back then, down from $850), so it might only be a bit more expensive, today.

I have a few vintage Omega watches ranging from the early fifties to the late seventies. They are good conversation starters, and are very high quality watches. Many of the vintage models will not break the bank, but watch out because they are addictive.

Agree on the www.watchseller.com post. I've done business with Ed before. If you're going to buy a used watch on the more expensive side I'd go that route. If you're going to buy a used automatic like a Rolex make sure it's not due for service, that can be expensive. You can also peruse the classifieds at www.timezone.com and get a feel for used pricing on a wide variety of watches.

Wow... seems like a few of you have received expensive watches as gifts. Who do you guys hang out with that can give Rolex and Tag watches as gifts???

Watch style is such a personal thing. There are lots of web sites that sell watches. Pull up one like Overstock.com, set your price range and start browsing. Buy something that YOU like in your price range. In my opinion doing anything else is as fake as a $20 Rolex.

Hmm, my phone has a clock on it. Always correct.
I have destroyed every watch ever put on my wrist. Certainly not going to put an expensive one on.

tru dat

I have to carry a phone, time is right there.

I have a nice looking Seiko with a faceted crystal, flashy on a sunny day. Have not worn a watch in 15 years.

i have two TAGS that have given up the ghost.. i paid decent money for them, but i did abuse them.

i lost a Seiko. nearly indestructable, until you take it off to wash your face in a youth hostel..those effers were FAST!

i now work in a dark dingy tunnel. i have a cheap G-shock that i am about to bury in the earth. the face is too small to see in the low light. i always blast it with my hardhat lamp and blow out my retinas..."ohhh, look at all the pretty colors around that big blue dot"...i am going to get a Suunto. BIG, like a clock.

Check out Fortis watches. I have a Spacematic Chrono that has been very reliable. Very nice watch, not flashy at all, understated but gets a lot of compliments. Used by Russian Cosmonauts and a lot of European special forces.

http://www2.fortis-watches.com/en/collection/index.html

Suunto Observer

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1247548308.jpg

The altimeter is great for moving around the mountains. log able tells me how many vertical feet skied per day.

Compass
Chrono
Baro
Very Tough
Great watch for outdoor people.

$300-$400

I just bought one of these, from the Seiko Motor Sports collection;

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...snac27p1-2.jpg

Seiko #SNAC27 P1. $190 on eBay, and I think it looks great!

Cheers,

Paul.

^^^ Same here - I have a few Omegas (50's thru 90's) as well and find them to be very well-made, accurate and good looking. 'Affordable' is relative of course but they can be found in the low $ hundreds.

For day-to-day use I have been avoiding the bling lately and wear either a Luminox most days or a G-Shock if I am hiking or whatnot. I like the rubber/plastic bands for everyday use as they do not get as grungy over time compared to leather or metal.

LOL, I've posted before that all I ever wear is a cheapo timez indiglo, but I just found out my company wants to buy me a nice watch as a special recognition award.
Now we're not talking expensive, just nice. I'm not sure what these things cost but I'm pretty sure they are no where near the rolex/TAG type of price range, much lower. Maybe in the $300 or $400 range? EDIT: I did some checking and it looks like they are more in the $200 range. still, free is free.

I guess I wouldn't be against wearing something nicer than my timex, especially when the watchband is broken on it.

Problem is there are hundreds to choose from. I've picked out a few that caught my eye but I don't know squat about watches except how to tell time. Opinions?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248732812.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248732954.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248732979.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248732989.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248732998.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248733009.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248733152.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248733170.jpg

I bought an older Bulova (around 1962 year model) at a garage sale some years back.
It didn't have a band, the winding stem was missing and crystal cracked. Paid $5.00 for
it. Took it to a jeweler and had everything repaired and cleaned for $70.00.
I have alot of watches, but I get more compliments on the Bulova than any other.
It really is a great conversation piece.

For every day use I have a Russian mechanical watch Poljot Aviator. Basic swiss movement (from the fifties) in a solid case. Prices have gone up but they are still relatively cheap
http://www.aviator-watch.com/ click to chronographs
My dress watch is an Oris. Dual zone