First Watch Advice (brands?)

[patk]

I am looking to purchase my first respectable (in my income bracket) watch. My price limit is $500, but I would prefer spend around $250-300. I have been considering a Citizen Ecodrive or going the Seiko route, but a big part of me doesn't want to get such a common watch. I am a sucker for having a conversation piece, and was wondering if anyone had any input on quality brands that aren't particularly well known.

I know that my criterion is quite broad, but maybe if a few people have some "cult classics" that I could just browse through to get me started. I love doing my own research, but quite frankly I don't know where to begin when it comes to discovering a brand. My only real necessity is that the watch is automatic, and can be worn in every day use for business casual.

Thank you in advance

[brandon\]

I think you should research micro-brew and boutique diver brands like Armida, Bernhardt, Ocean7, Deep Blue, etc. There are tons of options under $500 and you will definitely get something unique that you more than likely will never see out in the wild.

[arktika1148]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Have a look at at Seagull & Beijing for formal Classic dress watch Sea-Gull M177S automatic Seagull items in Times International store on eBay! and for one of the iconic brands worth browsing this site Vostok watch Meranom Store - Vostok Watches -

all the best with your search, and please post some photos of choice(s) ;)

[Stargazer1]

What about a nice Orient?

[hoodyear]

If I was to own just one watch, and had $500 to spend, I'd probably get something in the Hamilton Khaki line.

Very respectable brand with a great history. Easily dressed up or down. Rare enough (in my neighborhood at least) that it stands out and gets a lot of comments.



Not my photo. Just my 2 cents.

[Chazman1946]

You said you were looking at a Citizen eco-drive, and then you stated that the watch had to be an automatic? You know an Eco-drive isn't an automatic, it is a quartz watch that is powered by solar power.

That being said, I own several watches, couple of cheap (but reliable) Invicta automatics, a nice Citizen eco-drive, a Tag Aquaracer, a Tag Link (both automatics) and several other brands quartz models.

My take on it is what style of watch do you want? Most automatic watches in your price range fall under the Sport/Diver catagory, if your looking for a thin dress watch, you are not going to find an auto that isn't considerably more expensive. The smaller the automatic movement, the higher the price.

If I were you, I would opt for an Eco-drive, here is a head turning model that can be had for well under $500 on Amazon

Citizen eco-drive AT4004

[Earlt3]

Would you consider going vintage? If you are looking for a conversation piece and an unusual watch I'd recommend considering it. Within your budget you could probably get a major brand in vintage, especially if you look around a bit. With use and half a century of history there may be some patina on the dial and hands, the unique pattern of which mean that there will be no other watch exactly like it around. I have a couple that have proven to be good conversation pieces.

Just as an example (if a bit too costly):
VINTAGE OMEGA 30 T2 steel case 1944 BIG BIG 37mm red star | eBay

If you want to go new, I second the recommendation for an Orient.

Best of luck

[Chazman1946]

If I was to own just one watch, and had $500 to spend, I'd probably get something in the Hamilton Khaki line.

Very respectable brand with a great history. Easily dressed up or down. Rare enough (in my neighborhood at least) that it stands out and gets a lot of comments.



Just my 2 cents.

That is one classy looking watch!

[Chazman1946]

If you want to pay an extra $95 above your price limit, you could have this beautiful watch off of Amazon. The Hamilton "Thinomatic"

[aznhomer16]

I wouldn't necessarily discount Seiko. You can find a lot of JDM models that look nothing like the ones you see in dept stores. Many of them are also cult classics including the monster, sumo, samurai, spork, etc. etc.
I'd also recommend looking at Hamilton. Though it's now part of the Swatch group, its roots are American and has great ties to the railroad industry. Also might want to look at Stowa which can be had around your price range in the second hand market. Nice history with this brand as well.