As above, is looking for a replacement watch for the old man but with limited budget - any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Would it also be cheaper to purchase it overseas?
What's a good mechanical/automatic watch for under $500
LTightarse Ted on 12/03/2013 - 11:59
Comments
I would always tend to buy such things overseas - prices in Oz are silly. Go in with a spec (Titanium, no wind, etc.) and compare across countries and brands - you will find that precise model numbers are varied to avoid comparison, but the rough spec will be comparable.
$500 should be more than enough for a good watch of a good brand.
Having had two Seiko automatics I cannot recommend them. After a couple of years both have become quite inaccurate. The first also had the setting shaft break multiple times.
Service costs and time from the official service centre was very good though.
I had (have) a Seiko Kinetic Auto Relay watch which was not cheap. The kinetic system, particularly with auto relay, is really good and I had no problems with accuracy. However, after a few years (about 6 I guess) the strap, which is a distinct combination metal and rubber strap that matches the watch, broke. The glass had a minor scratch and the casing was showing a few signs of wear so I thought I'd get a new strap, glass, and casing and give my watch a new lease of life.
To cut a long story short, Seiko no longer stocked any of these parts. I have been unable to source them from anywhere else either. I have come across the same watch being sold on ebay, and the like, but with no strap (obviously a common problem).
I was very disappointed that Seiko did not stock the parts for what I would consider is a reasonable period of time. Particularly for an expensive watch which, generally, people expect to last a long time. I still really like their watches, but will not buy nor recommend them because of their failure to stock common parts.
Mine were not the auto relay variety. Sounds like your band problem (and my shaft problem) is a design fault, so that alone is a reason to avoid them.
Tissot visodate is a very nice auto watch with a renowned movement. The Seiko kinetic range have automatic watches with the accuracy of quartz watches so win-win.
I agree don't buy watches in Australia. They're way overpriced here.
Have a look at Christopher Ward watches http://www.christopherward.co.uk . They are a UK owned company that sells swiss made autos with mostly sellita movements in them. Prices vary but I think I paid around $500 for my Trident diver's watch. CW has a great warranty and if there is any problem with your watch they will give you $$ back no questions asked. CW often has promotion/discount deals, I would expect an easter promo soon. I have one and it is almost as nice quality as several other watches I have that cost 5 or 6 times as much! Another interesting brand to look out for is Magrette, a Kiwi company selling auto watches. A bit different but very well regarded amongst the online collecting community.
If you are open to an online search, the Tissot Visodate mentioned is popular, Mido watches are owned by Swatch, have some interesting designs and will all have ETA movements inside. I've never bought from these guys so no idea about their customer service etc but this looks like it is just above your range by a couple of $$ (price is in US$) http://www.shop4brand.com/store/mido-multifort-m005430160310… or depending on your taste, just under your price range http://www.shop4brand.com/store/mido_commander_watch_m842942… These Mido watches are genuine Swiss Automatics, not Chinese copy watches or Chinese companies masquerading as Swiss like Invicta!!
There are literally hundreds, probably thousands of watch companies out there. I am biased but Auto watches are normally the type collected and possibly hold their value better. There are loads of options at the price you were after, if you want to ask for recommendations register on www.watchuseek.com and ask on there for the type of watch you are after. You will get recommendations from mostly US folk on the available watches. My 1st Auto was a Hamilton Jazzmaster which fits well inside your range and has the movement I recommended from the entry level brand in the Swatch group.
If you are open to 2nd hand have a look at www.watchrecon.com and knock your socks off. Everything from Vacheron Constantin to Timex on there!!
If you are going Auto (and why would you buy anything else??) I would look for a Sellita or ETA movement. The ETA 2824 is a well known movement, parts are readily available (you can buy a whole new movement on eBay for under $200) and it shouldnt be too hard to find a watchmaker that could fix an ETA if needed, even here in Aust.
Thanks for the helpful advice guys. I really like the Tissot Visodate and the Christopher Ward C20 Lido. Will wait until Easter before deciding, hopefully they will have a sale by then!
wasn't there a comment here where someone bought an Orient Blue Mako for $77 and if so what happened to it?! i was interested at that price
If you are interested in a Tissot, MrWatch in the US has some going cheap ATM. There is a St Patrick's Day Code for 10% off at checkout MWLK10 and here is a link to some Tissot Autos that should come under your limit.
http://www.mrwatch.com/tissot_t035.407.16.051.00_watch-16818…
or if you are more interested in a divers style watch
http://www.mrwatch.com/tissot_t044.430.21.041.00_watch-16818…
I have bought a watch from Mr Watch before and all went well, they ship to Australia.
My view is don't bother with cheap mechanical watches. If you are on a budget, just get a good quartz watch and be done with it, they are accurate, virtually no maintenance, battery lasts for a long time, light and thin.
Mechanical watches require regular maintenance, they are heavy and bulky. If you really want one, it better be one worth owning.
I understand your argument and, if you are simply after a functional timekeeping device I agree. If you are after a special gift that represents something enduring then i would stand by what I said earlier. I guess the best comparison is that you probably only need a Toyota Echo/Corolla to drive to work but many people still like to own a classic or performance car, even if it only gets out for special occasions. Read this article by James May of Top gear fame http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/James-May-on-watches-2012…
The heavy/bulky depends on the watch. A 47mm U Boat Quartz watch is going to be heavier and more bulky than a 37mm Auto. I have several 39 - 42mm Autos that maybe weigh a little more than a Quartz but, to be honest I dont notice it on my arm. If you buy the right watch it wont be bulky. Watchmakers know that people wear these under suits and shirts etc, unless you are buying a Panerai or a U-Boat (either of which you would need to move the decimal place in your budget to afford) or a large Diver's watch, most should fit under a sleeve and not be too bulky.
In terms of servicing, yes it can be expensive but it is probably relative. I have heard of people that have had Seiko autos that havent had them serviced in 15 years and they are still going strong. The Tissot's recommended above use standard ETA 2824 movements, they are very common and watchmakers to service them are easy to find, I dropped an ETA Auto off for servicing in Melbourne CBD yesterday.
had a read of that article - what an inspired perspective i have to say
Just found this thread and I hope I can help…
Have a look at Seiko 5, Seiko SKX series and Steinhart for this price range.Had my Steinhart Ocean Vintage Military for over a year now and it is one of the best watches I had even though it is less expensive than other watches in my collection.
I have over than 10 22mm straps now from nato to leather for this watch and it is so versatile..
http://wornandwound.com/2012/03/21/review-steinhart-ocean-vi…
Case: Stainless Steel
Movement: ETA 2824-2 25 Jewel Automatic
Dial: Black
Lume: Old Rhadium (Super Luminova)
Lens: Domed Sapphire with Double Internal AR
Case Back: Screwdown
Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
Water Res.: 300m
Dimensions: 42mm, 50mm lug-to-lug
Thickness: 13mm
Lug Width: 22mm
Crown: 7mm screwdown
Warranty: 2 year
Go for the 'Orient' brand, it's a subsidiary of Seiko but only sold in Asia and the US. Their OEM mechanics are found in all sorts of brands because they are good quality.