Sub £200 watch, opinions and guidance please

[The Horse Man]

Hello all,

I'm in the market for a lower tier everyday beater. Plan to get something a bit more special in a couple of years but for now I just need something smart for work / going out. I'm not the most knowledgeable with watches at all so any advice will be gratefully received.

Preferences are for a watch that does not have the extra dials on it, I just want the main hours/minutes/seconds dial, and I don't mind having the date on there but would probably prefer it if I could get one without. As you've probably gathered, I want it to be as "clean" as possible, not a fan of "busy" watches.

Therefore, I've picked out a couple that I like, both from brands that I know, interested to hear your opinions on them and any advice of similar watches would be great. Currently leaning towards the Skagen as I think it looks just so smart!

http://www.skagen.co.uk/index.php?SCREEN=scrListPr...



http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/Citizen-Gents-Eco+Dri...



Many thanks all,

Nick

Edited by The Horse Man on Saturday 19th February 16:20

[996nick]

Hi Nick,

Are you bothered about whether it is mechanical (handwind or automatic) or battery?

I'd recommend a look at timefactors, warners, parnis (have a look at ebay), seiko 5's on amazon which may give you some food for thought.

[Ikemi]

How about a Christopher Ward C5? Minimalistic, smart and well built!

Quartz is £195: http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/view-all-1/c5...
Automatic with display back is £230: http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/view-all-1/c5...

[The Horse Man]

Thanks for the replies.

Not too bothered about whether its battery etc... And will check out some of those thanks, looked at the Seiko 5's as I know they are popular on here, but don't float my boat unfortunately.

I rather like the Christopher Ward items, but I am looking for a metal strap so those you've suggested are out. They're interesting though, I get the impression the quality is perhaps superior to my suggestions?

Thanks,

Nick

[Ikemi]

The Horse Man said:

Thanks for the replies.

Not too bothered about whether its battery etc... And will check out some of those thanks, looked at the Seiko 5's as I know they are popular on here, but don't float my boat unfortunately.

I rather like the Christopher Ward items, but I am looking for a metal strap so those you've suggested are out. They're interesting though, I get the impression the quality is perhaps superior to my suggestions?

Thanks,

Nick

Christopher Ward do the C5 on a bracelet too

Quartz (£195): http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/view-all-1/c5...

There doesn't seem to be a black faced C5 on a bracelet though - You'd have to e-mail CW and see if this could be arranged. I can't see why they couldn't fit a black faced C5 quartz with a bracelet for £195 The C5 Auto with SS bracelet is £270:

http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/view-all-1/c5...

There will be a noticeable difference in quality between CW and Skagen. Citizen are very good and most likely better than Skagen, but I'd still opt for the CW over both

[Ecurie Ecosse]

I would go for an original late 80s / early 90s TAG F1 - plenty for sub £200 and a design classic IMHO.

[The Horse Man]

Ikemi said:

Christopher Ward do the C5 on a bracelet too

Quartz (£195): http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/view-all-1/c5...

There doesn't seem to be a black faced C5 on a bracelet though - You'd have to e-mail CW and see if this could be arranged. I can't see why they couldn't fit a black faced C5 quartz with a bracelet for £195 The C5 Auto with SS bracelet is £270:

http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/view-all-1/c5...

There will be a noticeable difference in quality between CW and Skagen. Citizen are very good and most likely better than Skagen, but I'd still opt for the CW over both

Yes...... I have spotted these. Damn you for showing me shiny things.

The budget could be pushed for a watch that was worth it, that C5 is bloody nice and the "quality fiend" in me is making me think I should go the whole hog and get an automatic one!

This is going to require some serious pondering!

Regarding a tag, I would love a tag, but the f1 is rather busy, not a fan of a bezel with numbers on it at all!

Thanks,

Nick

Edited to add: http://www.christopherward.co.uk/c15sks.html

hmmmm.... interesting...!

Edited by The Horse Man on Saturday 19th February 21:23

[ImDesigner]

I bought this recently;

http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/Citizen-Gents-Sports-...

Titanium, Eco drive and it looks fantastic in the flesh.

I'd highly recommend it. Shop around for a lower price for them to price match and you'll get it for less than £200. I did.