New to Watches
Discussion
Hi all!
I'm new to the nice watch game , up until now my watches have all been in the £30-£50 price range.
After getting a promotion at work i have decided its time for a nice watch at Christmas. (One i will wear daily)
My Budget will be up to £300.
As i am new to watches i'm going to find it rather difficult to explain what i'm after so i'll show a couple of examples of watches i like and maybe you can recommend some more from them?
A few points i can say are , it needs to have a Metal strap and i would prefer the watch face to be reasonably large with a thick surround like the below examples.
First up is this Rotary Legacy
http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/d/8147647/Rotary...
I think it looks really good and fits what i am looking for. However i have heard bad things about Rotary watches. Mainly concerning the recent Chinese buyout and how they are basically selling rubbish watches on a heritage they no longer adhere to.
Are these concerns valid? Also this watch seems to change price every other day! It has gone from £230 , to £300 , to £150 and now £300 again!
Next up is this Seiko
http://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Seiko-Sportura-Mens-Wa...
I like this one a lot as well , i trust its build quality a lot more as its honest in where it is produced. I hear good things about both Seiko and Citizen watches.
And finally this Citizen
https://www.firstclasswatches.co.uk/citizen-bn0191...
I'm happy to hear any recommendations you have. I would like to have given you more info but i'm still new to this!
Thanks
I'm new to the nice watch game , up until now my watches have all been in the £30-£50 price range.
After getting a promotion at work i have decided its time for a nice watch at Christmas. (One i will wear daily)
My Budget will be up to £300.
As i am new to watches i'm going to find it rather difficult to explain what i'm after so i'll show a couple of examples of watches i like and maybe you can recommend some more from them?
A few points i can say are , it needs to have a Metal strap and i would prefer the watch face to be reasonably large with a thick surround like the below examples.
First up is this Rotary Legacy
http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/d/8147647/Rotary...
I think it looks really good and fits what i am looking for. However i have heard bad things about Rotary watches. Mainly concerning the recent Chinese buyout and how they are basically selling rubbish watches on a heritage they no longer adhere to.
Are these concerns valid? Also this watch seems to change price every other day! It has gone from £230 , to £300 , to £150 and now £300 again!
Next up is this Seiko
http://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Seiko-Sportura-Mens-Wa...
I like this one a lot as well , i trust its build quality a lot more as its honest in where it is produced. I hear good things about both Seiko and Citizen watches.
And finally this Citizen
https://www.firstclasswatches.co.uk/citizen-bn0191...
I'm happy to hear any recommendations you have. I would like to have given you more info but i'm still new to this!
Thanks
Hoofy said:
The last two watches are both respected brands BUT all of your watches are different styles. Which is your preferred style?
I like all 3 of the above , As i mentioned though i am new to this.I don't know what "Style" any of them are , just that these are the sort of watches i like the look of.
Sorry i couldn't be of more help.
how about a Seiko skx007? It is a classic design so wont go out of fashion and it is a respected watch within the watch enthusiast community. It looks great too and is under budget.
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-seiko-skx007...
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-seiko-skx007...
FIREBIRDC9 said:
Hoofy said:
The last two watches are both respected brands BUT all of your watches are different styles. Which is your preferred style?
I like all 3 of the above , As i mentioned though i am new to this.I don't know what "Style" any of them are , just that these are the sort of watches i like the look of.
Sorry i couldn't be of more help.
If you have to pick just one based on looks, which would you go for?
sandman77 said:
how about a Seiko skx007? It is a classic design so wont go out of fashion and it is a respected watch within the watch enthusiast community. It looks great too and is under budget.
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-seiko-skx007...
That is an extremely pretty watchhttps://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-seiko-skx007...
I shall add it to my list
FIREBIRDC9 said:
Hoofy said:
From memory (ie when I looked earlier), one is a classic chronograph, one is a modern chronograph and one is a diver.
If you have to pick just one based on looks, which would you go for?
Ok , I would go for the Rotary on Looks If you have to pick just one based on looks, which would you go for?
Looking forward to seeing what you suggest
If so:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seiko-SSB031-Silver-Stain...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seiko-Unisex-Analogue-Dis...
Too fussy?
I'd also keep a close eye on the Christopher Ward clearance site.
https://www.christopherward.co.uk/events/half-pric...
Always seems to be bargains on there and great watches for the price.
They also have a 43mm Quartz diver that is lovely, if you like that kind of thing, but needs a few more pennies. Step up in perceived quality though.
https://www.christopherward.co.uk/watches/dive/c60...
https://www.christopherward.co.uk/events/half-pric...
Always seems to be bargains on there and great watches for the price.
They also have a 43mm Quartz diver that is lovely, if you like that kind of thing, but needs a few more pennies. Step up in perceived quality though.
https://www.christopherward.co.uk/watches/dive/c60...
FIREBIRDC9 said:
sandman77 said:
how about a Seiko skx007? It is a classic design so wont go out of fashion and it is a respected watch within the watch enthusiast community. It looks great too and is under budget.
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-seiko-skx007...
That is an extremely pretty watchhttps://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-seiko-skx007...
I shall add it to my list
Before you buy one, have a look at the variations.
The SKX007 is the regular black one, very versatile.
The 009 is the so called "pepsi dail" (look up the watch, it makes sense)
Then there's smaller variants of both those (SKX013, can't remember the other one).
All of these can be ordered out of the box with either bracelet or rubber, rubber usually being a bit cheaper.
The price difference is usually negligable, so I'd go for the bracelet. Loads of people complain about the bracelet being too flimsy, but I like it, I think it's one of my most comfortable bracelets I have on a watch.
The somewhat higher up "Turtle" and "Samurai" will be in budget as well, SRP and SRPB numbers.
This forum led me to creationwatches, great site. Their pictures aren't all that but prices and service are top notch:
http://www.creationwatches.com/
PS: The biggest "downside" to these watches is that they'll outlast you, so pick wisely as you're going to own them for a long time!
Edited by ZesPak on Thursday 5th October 15:18
The first watch I thought of when I saw the OP, was the Seiko SKX007.
I have heard the same things about Rotary as you mentioned. I have always thought of Citizen as a bit of an Argos brand, but that may well just be my poorly informed bias.
I have read so many great things about Seiko in general and the 007 specifically, that for me that would be the best choice, despite it coming in well under budget. The excess could be used to acquire a leather, rubber and nato strap, so that you could mix it up a bit.
I had been on the brink of buying a 007 for some years, but have ended up being a one watch guy since I was in the fortunate position to be able to acquire a Rolex Explorer 214270. I have a few straps for that and mix it up when I get bored, I do generally revert back to the bracelet though.
Seiko would be my unequivocal advice and that is based on quite considerable reading on the subject over the last 4/5 years.
I have heard the same things about Rotary as you mentioned. I have always thought of Citizen as a bit of an Argos brand, but that may well just be my poorly informed bias.
I have read so many great things about Seiko in general and the 007 specifically, that for me that would be the best choice, despite it coming in well under budget. The excess could be used to acquire a leather, rubber and nato strap, so that you could mix it up a bit.
I had been on the brink of buying a 007 for some years, but have ended up being a one watch guy since I was in the fortunate position to be able to acquire a Rolex Explorer 214270. I have a few straps for that and mix it up when I get bored, I do generally revert back to the bracelet though.
Seiko would be my unequivocal advice and that is based on quite considerable reading on the subject over the last 4/5 years.
I have a couple of watches around that budget that I'm fond of. They may or may not be to your taste.
Citizen EcoDrive. £229 when I got it. It's a bit fussy and cluttered. I wanted a watch with a world time function but couldn't afford a JLC! It has a chronograph if that's important to you. It's powered as long as it's got light to it so no worrying about wearing it all the time. You can wear it or leave it lying around and it won't need a new battery every couple of years.
I also have a Steinhart OVM Mk2 which a step up in quality and feel. It's an automatic. If you can live with the homage aspect, it's a great watch and gets a lot of positive comments.
I paid about £300 at the time although I think they go for more now.
Citizen EcoDrive. £229 when I got it. It's a bit fussy and cluttered. I wanted a watch with a world time function but couldn't afford a JLC! It has a chronograph if that's important to you. It's powered as long as it's got light to it so no worrying about wearing it all the time. You can wear it or leave it lying around and it won't need a new battery every couple of years.
I also have a Steinhart OVM Mk2 which a step up in quality and feel. It's an automatic. If you can live with the homage aspect, it's a great watch and gets a lot of positive comments.
I paid about £300 at the time although I think they go for more now.
OP, would you prefer an automatic/mechanical or quartz movement? That might help narrow down your search.
The SKX007 has an automatic movement which is completely mechanical, and is powered by a spring. Some of your other options are battery powered quartz, which are likely to be a lot more accurate.
The SKX007 has an automatic movement which is completely mechanical, and is powered by a spring. Some of your other options are battery powered quartz, which are likely to be a lot more accurate.
ZesPak said:
The SKX is a classic, I love mine.
Before you buy one, have a look at the variations.
The SKX007 is the regular black one, very versatile.
The 009 is the so called "pepsi dail" (look up the watch, it makes sense)
Then there's smaller variants of both those (SKX013, can't remember the other one).
All of these can be ordered out of the box with either bracelet or rubber, rubber usually being a bit cheaper.
The price difference is usually negligable, so I'd go for the bracelet. Loads of people complain about the bracelet being too flimsy, but I like it, I think it's one of my most comfortable bracelets I have on a watch.
The somewhat higher up "Turtle" and "Samurai" will be in budget as well, SRP and SRPB numbers.
This forum led me to creationwatches, great site. Their pictures aren't all that but prices and service are top notch:
http://www.creationwatches.com/
PS: The biggest "downside" to these watches is that they'll outlast you, so pick wisely as you're going to own them for a long time!
Those both look fantastic!Before you buy one, have a look at the variations.
The SKX007 is the regular black one, very versatile.
The 009 is the so called "pepsi dail" (look up the watch, it makes sense)
Then there's smaller variants of both those (SKX013, can't remember the other one).
All of these can be ordered out of the box with either bracelet or rubber, rubber usually being a bit cheaper.
The price difference is usually negligable, so I'd go for the bracelet. Loads of people complain about the bracelet being too flimsy, but I like it, I think it's one of my most comfortable bracelets I have on a watch.
The somewhat higher up "Turtle" and "Samurai" will be in budget as well, SRP and SRPB numbers.
This forum led me to creationwatches, great site. Their pictures aren't all that but prices and service are top notch:
http://www.creationwatches.com/
PS: The biggest "downside" to these watches is that they'll outlast you, so pick wisely as you're going to own them for a long time!
Edited by ZesPak on Thursday 5th October 15:18
In regards to movements , i'm not really fussed.
Also , where does everyone buy their watches? Do you get them online or in store?
FIREBIRDC9 said:
Those both look fantastic!
In regards to movements , i'm not really fussed.
Also , where does everyone buy their watches? Do you get them online or in store?
I've got very good experiences with Creationwatches, and I know I'm not the only one on here.In regards to movements , i'm not really fussed.
Also , where does everyone buy their watches? Do you get them online or in store?
The Samurai is a very good looking watch indeed, either in blue (SRPB49), black (SRPB51) or pepsi (SRPB53).
I'm a sucker for blue dials but I have to admit that I prefer this one in black:
May I suggest this : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00DBR8A60/ref=asc_df_...
I love mine. Great looking watch from a well respected manufacturer. Well within budget also.
I love mine. Great looking watch from a well respected manufacturer. Well within budget also.
Re movements: If you are only wearing it occasionally a mechanical watch will need the time/date changed when you put it on unless you remember to give it a wind every couple of days.
Re where to buy: I bought my Seiko Stargate from Creation Watches. Sky Watches also have a good reputation. However, they come in from overseas so you may or may not have to pay duty. It is a bit of a lottery. Amamzon is worth a look or just get the model number and Google it. Online is often cheaper although you may have to pay a jeweller to take a couple of links out if you go for a bracelet.
Re where to buy: I bought my Seiko Stargate from Creation Watches. Sky Watches also have a good reputation. However, they come in from overseas so you may or may not have to pay duty. It is a bit of a lottery. Amamzon is worth a look or just get the model number and Google it. Online is often cheaper although you may have to pay a jeweller to take a couple of links out if you go for a bracelet.
Tissot might be worth a look if you like those Seiko watches. Bit more exclusive, equal quality, deals available online.
https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-gb/shop/all-our-w...
https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-gb/shop/all-our-w...
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