Sub £500 watch help
Discussion
Some advice please 
Essentially, id like a new watch to replace my 10 yr old Armani thing. Not too bothered on fancy brand perception (dont want to pay some of TAGs 2014 marketing budget for example), so just want it to tell the time, last a while and naturally be as well build as i can get for the money. Chrono etc isnt required, although i do love the look of a dive watch. Mr wrists are fairly small at 6.5", so dont want something that makes me look like ive attached a small dinner plate to my arm
Having browsed quite a lot of threads on here as of late, ive come up with the following, so would welcome thoughts from owners, etc.
Seiko SKX007J3 (£175): http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-auto...
Steinhart Ocean 1 (£285): http://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/OCEAN-1-BLACK,14...
CHR Ward C61 (£510): http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/dress/c61-tri...
The Steinhart/CR Ward both use the ETA 2824-2 movement that apparently is in the TAG anyways (or a version of it?). Is the C Ward worth more than £300 more than the Seiko for example, or shall i just put up with the Steinhart's obvious Rolex rip-off if it is of a better quality?
I look forwards to your responses.
Essentially, id like a new watch to replace my 10 yr old Armani thing. Not too bothered on fancy brand perception (dont want to pay some of TAGs 2014 marketing budget for example), so just want it to tell the time, last a while and naturally be as well build as i can get for the money. Chrono etc isnt required, although i do love the look of a dive watch. Mr wrists are fairly small at 6.5", so dont want something that makes me look like ive attached a small dinner plate to my arm
Having browsed quite a lot of threads on here as of late, ive come up with the following, so would welcome thoughts from owners, etc.
Seiko SKX007J3 (£175): http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-auto...
Steinhart Ocean 1 (£285): http://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/OCEAN-1-BLACK,14...
CHR Ward C61 (£510): http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/dress/c61-tri...
The Steinhart/CR Ward both use the ETA 2824-2 movement that apparently is in the TAG anyways (or a version of it?). Is the C Ward worth more than £300 more than the Seiko for example, or shall i just put up with the Steinhart's obvious Rolex rip-off if it is of a better quality?
I look forwards to your responses.
Have to say that I've been through the same thought process and my conclusion was the Steinhart Ocean One Vintage with the antique leather strap shown on the site pics. I'll get it the metal bracelet too so can switch as and when required., just waiting for it to arrive.
If it's a diver type watch you're after, you won't go far wrong with a Seiko Monster which will come in well under budget- you could probably have both for around your budget if you want two divers!
I'm new to all this and 3 months ago hadn't even heard of Steinhart, or realised that I could buy an automatic Seiko - or many other brands for peanuts from Creation watches.
I had heard of Christopher Ward and understand they make some pretty decent watches and many of them at really good prices, but as you've challenged is that one worth the extra?
Only you can answer that but if I've learned one thing from these forums is that £500 buys one hell of a lot of watch.....provided you don't expect a famous 'Swiss Made' name on the dial!
If it's a diver type watch you're after, you won't go far wrong with a Seiko Monster which will come in well under budget- you could probably have both for around your budget if you want two divers!
I'm new to all this and 3 months ago hadn't even heard of Steinhart, or realised that I could buy an automatic Seiko - or many other brands for peanuts from Creation watches.
I had heard of Christopher Ward and understand they make some pretty decent watches and many of them at really good prices, but as you've challenged is that one worth the extra?
Only you can answer that but if I've learned one thing from these forums is that £500 buys one hell of a lot of watch.....provided you don't expect a famous 'Swiss Made' name on the dial!
I'd have a look at the offerings from TimeFactors, the PRS82 (currently out of stock, I think), the PRS18 and the PRS3 might be worth a look.
Nothing wrong with the three you've already highlighted, though I'd probably go for both the Seiko and the Steinhart together over the CW if you were prepared to spend the entire budget. That 007 looks expensive though, could have sworn creation used to sell them cheaper than that.
Nothing wrong with the three you've already highlighted, though I'd probably go for both the Seiko and the Steinhart together over the CW if you were prepared to spend the entire budget. That 007 looks expensive though, could have sworn creation used to sell them cheaper than that.
If you have really small wrists you may be better with the SKX013 basically a slightly smaller version of the SKX007
http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-dive...
http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-dive...
Edited by magpie215 on Wednesday 7th May 23:50
I thought that the J with an oyster was cheaper than that. I must be getting out of touch
As you've said, a 013 may be good, however I think that the 007/009 wears slightly smaller than their quoted size. A K on rubber with an aftermarket oyster from wjean would make a good combo, and the older model Monsters are still great value.
As you've said, a 013 may be good, however I think that the 007/009 wears slightly smaller than their quoted size. A K on rubber with an aftermarket oyster from wjean would make a good combo, and the older model Monsters are still great value.
Edited by CardShark on Thursday 8th May 03:36
Get a Seiko. In fact, get two or three 
I bought an SNZH53K in January this year and it has barely been off my wrist; I prefer it to my expensive Longines, and in fact to every other watch I own. I nearly didn't buy one because at £93 it seemed too cheap, but it feels worth many times that.
I like it so much I'm almost tempted to get one of the black ion-coated ones as well, but if it shared wrist time I'd probably find I'd have to reset both of them every time I wore them.
I bought an SNZH53K in January this year and it has barely been off my wrist; I prefer it to my expensive Longines, and in fact to every other watch I own. I nearly didn't buy one because at £93 it seemed too cheap, but it feels worth many times that.I like it so much I'm almost tempted to get one of the black ion-coated ones as well, but if it shared wrist time I'd probably find I'd have to reset both of them every time I wore them.
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