Let’s Talk Watches

[Choupique]

especially interested in dive watches and field watches

Vaer has some stuff under $200. The Ole timex expedition is solid and way under that. G-shock 5610 series also well below and ubiquitous.

Suunto Core can probably be had under budget for an ABC watch

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I just use a pocket watch. It doubles as a phone and an internet browsing tool...

 

[bozeman]

Used Marathon watch on watchuseek....

 

[270-300]

Ahhhh too bad. I had a one of each and I don't think they went over $120 a piece. Bombproof back then and lasted years with just a battery change

They have some rubber and some paracord watch straps for that price now.

The exchange rate has not been nice to the price of swiss labor.

 

[Jimmmy]

Under $200 Citizen is the answer. There is a seller on ebay that sells factory refurbs.

 

[43.6N]

I bought an orient triton for $140 in 2022. I had to slightly adjust the regulation to get it perfect. It was off by about 20 seconds a day from the factory.

Its a very robust mechanical movement. The lume is bright enough to use as a flashlight when i get out of bed at night. It has a good one direction dive bezel. Very stout and comes polished well, with a sapphire crystal. Ive had it swimming in the flaming gorge, and spent many hours with it submerged in the saratoga hot springs. Going from the lobster pot to the river behind the springs when the river has some ice has not caused any issues with it. I have taken it hunting and fishing all over wyoming. Seems to be indestructible.

I like mine on a nylon band. Lets the wrist breathe.

For work i wear the seiko Seiko 7S26-02J0 that someone already pictured above. They were $75 when they quit making them in 2017. 21 jewel movement. Mine is several years old and keeps good time. Excellent for a small light weight watch.

I’m a big fan of how robust the seiko automatic movements are.

This was a used king turtle I picked up a couple of years ago for about what the OP has budgeted.

It has held time through literal thousands of handgun shots. Plus the cushion case shape is extremely comfortable.

I feel like anything seiko would be a great recommendation.

 

[jsig]

sheffield

 

[Trogon]

Im a bit of a watch nerd. I think this is the best watch you could possibly buy for 200$: Casio DW5000R-1A.

If you can save a bit, look for a mechanical seiko in the prospex line. If you like dive watches, the answer is pretty much always seiko until your budget gets above 3-4k.

 

[270-300]

I’m a big fan of how robust the seiko automatic movements are.

This was a used king turtle I picked up a couple of years ago for about what the OP has budgeted.

It has held time through literal thousands of handgun shots. Plus the cushion case shape is extremely comfortable.

I feel like anything seiko would be a great recommendation.
View attachment 1026610

They are. I have one of the save the ocean runs of the samurai. Its a hardlex crystal, ive never been rough with it but im sure it would do well daily carry in mountains.

 

[displacedtexan]

I'm not a collector or an enthusiast, but I think you can still find the Seiko 5 field watch around that price point. I've always been happy with mine (not my picture).

I'm in the same boat as you...

Watch guys regularly comment on my Seiko 5.

 

[eamyrick]

Used Seiko automatic dive watch to start. Then Tudor. Then Rolex.

You can have a detour to Omega (only if you buy used) but if you care about resell skip the mid tier boutique brands.

 

[HNTR_NW]

I will also throw another suggestion of the Seiko automatic field. They keep time really well, are nostalgic if you’re into Vietnam/MacV SOG history, to me they are the Tikka of watches.

 

[Hondo64d]

For those who are watch collectors, enthusiastic, etc.

What are some of the best watches under $200 to look for? I know that’s sort of a low price point but that’s where I’m at.

I’m especially interested in dive watches and field watches. Compass watches are also of interest.


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I got this G-Shock in 2004. It’s solar charging and sets itself via the USNO atomic clock. It’s been through several bands, but that’s it. Dang thing just won’t die. It’s never even had a battery replaced. Best $100 I’ve ever spent.

John

 

[akhunter3]

Used Seiko automatic dive watch to start. Then Tudor. Then Rolex.

You can have a detour to Omega (only if you buy used) but if you care about resell skip the mid tier boutique brands.

Tudor used as well, there are some good deals out there- heck, may as well get a slightly used Rolex and skip the whole "developing a relationship" drama

 

[omicron1792]

Seikos or g shock

 

[MeatMissile]

I’ve had my Citizen Eco-Drive since 2015. It cost me $185. The model that replaced it, the Garrison, is $200. I wish it had a sapphire crystal, but the scratches give it character. It’s been in saltwater a bunch, no issues.

 

[betelgeuse]

Yea, I was actually looking at the duro for an affordable dive style watch that has a functional bezel.

I don’t dive but I think having it to use for a timing function is cool.


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I use the bezel all the time

 

[Hondo]

Check out the Bertucci line of field watches at ultimatefieldwatch.com, particularly the titanium ones like the A2-T. This is one of my Bertucci A2-T watches next to a Seiko Field Auto, which is another good one.