Watch folks

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

Not talking about those on here that can afford Omega and Rolex. Just folks that like watches and would like to spend under 300

I recently bought two from a small company that sells on AliExpress. And when I say small I mean it. It's one dude, that makes them all himself (if he's out of one that you want, check back in a few months, because, like I said, he can only make them one at a time)

I bought what is essentially a Seiko SKX look alike (in fact it uses the Seiko NH35 automatic movement)

(the lume on this watch is fantastic, and at half the price of what you can find an SKX for now.)


I also bought one of his dress watches, which looks a LOT like a King Seiko. That sweep second hand is actually heat treated blue, not lacquered. This watch, while it is Quartz, uses a VH65 movement which runs at 4 ticks per second, rather than 1, which gives it the feel of an automatic. The finish on it is fantastic.

And I think I paid about 75 dollars for it. LOL

Anyway, this guy makes great watches at great prices.

Peace.

 

[Kooky Kats]

Italian and German Divers for this guy.

 

[Kooky Kats]

I ignored the $300 criteria.

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

I just tried to go to his store, but he's on vacation. LOL

Love that Sinn BTW.

 

[WildcatFan1982]

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

I'll bet you're an engineer.

Bought this Neo Tokyo solar about a year ago.

 

[rudd1]

-I have quite a few expensive watches, however this is my daily wearer...and can be found pre owned at this price point...and new for <$500 ish:

 

[WildcatFan1982]

I'll bet you're an engineer.

Nah. Generally speaking engineers are smart. I am not.

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

rudd - Those are great looking watches. Debated getting one.

 

[rudd1]

^check ebay and poshmark.

 

[_Mav_]

I was looking at getting that very watch -- but, being a rube, I didn't know the difference between it and this one...

 

[rudd1]

^also: lord loves a working man, see a doctor and get rid of it...dont trust whitey.

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

The best line from that movie, and one that I quote often. LOL

 

[Anon1711055878]

Orient has some great offerings in the <$300 range. If you see something above that wait until Father's day to order and get half off.*

https://www.orientwatchusa.com/

*I'm not sure if they still run that promo, but I've taken advantage of it twice in the past

 

[vhcat70]

Why do people want something on their wrist to tell time when you have to carry a phone? I was addicted to watch (cheap) wearing till I got a phone & now haven't worn one in 20 years. I don't think I have one.

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

Well, just for my part, a watch is about more than telling time. I'll admit, on the surface that sounds silly. I've just always liked watches. I like the feel of wearing one. I appreciate the miniaturized mechanics of them. And I like the aesthetic.

It's not for everyone, I get it. Which makes me wonder, feeling as you do, why you even opened a thread that was titled: WATCH FOLKS (not trying to sound like a smartass, it's a legitimate question. IMO)

I started this thread to let folks that DO like watches about what I think is something unique. I like the idea of one guy running his own brand. Making/assembling each one himself, and charging extremely reasonable prices for them. Are there better watches out there? No doubt about it.* But somehow, knowing the same old dude builds these himself, each and every one, gives me a nice feeling.

*(don't get me wrong, these are great watches. The fit and finish would normally cost 2 to 3 times more for what you get.)

 

[gobigbluebell]

This was my first watch...

I wanted a gshock for some reason, so I got this one after trying another model and sending it back. This thing is dang cool. GA-800.

This was my second watch...

Seiko SRPE, but I put a Crown and Buckle "chevron" strap on it. This thing looks pretty classy, and it's what I wear every day pretty much.

My next watch will probably be a diver of some sort, and I really want a blue/black batman bezel'd one....which aren't as easy to find as say a pepsi one. I'm thinking I'll get a $44 Casio because...why not. Put a cool strap on that sucker and it'd look nice.

I really love this with the white face, too...

 

[BlueRaider22]

When I started dating my wife, she started me a watch collection......birthdays, anniversarys, holidays. So, couple this with my experience throughout my yout and I've had a bunch of lesser expensive ones.

As a kid
-I started with a Swatch. It was ok, but I broke the band quickly. Gave it to my brother.
-Timex - Did fine.....wore it until the battery died and it was beaten up.
-Casio - G-Shock.....was a beast. I bet that if I still had it and changed the battery it'd still run like a champ. I haven't owned another mainly because I've moved away from digital.....and discovered Citizen (see later)

In college
-Had a nice Seiko which did just fine.
-Owned 2 Fossil's.......turrible.......both of them.

My wife
-The first she bought was a Luminox. Great watch. I still have it, but the battery is dead.
-Then she bought me a cheap Movado which was on a mega sale. I wore it once. I'm not partial to more fancy, fashion styles. Eventually my wife sold it to someone for a little profit.
-Then she bought me a Victorinox which I still have. I've replaced the battery twice.....still love it.
-She bought me my first Citizen Eco about 15 yrs ago. It just died a yr or so ago.....and it wasn't worth the cost to have the solar repaired. I also have 2 other Citizen Eco's. Absolute beasts that won't die. I wear them camping/hiking/ boating/work.......everywhere.


This is my favorite currently.

I would love to get into Tag, Tissot, Omega, but this is in another tax bracket.

 

[_Mav_]

I appreciate the miniaturized mechanics of them.

I've always been fascinated by this, and by the people who can make and repair them. There was (maybe still is) a dude in Paducah a few years back who repaired watches, and he was one of the most serene people I've ever encountered. Legit had a Zen monk-like quality to him. Me? I'd be like this the first time a spring or gear popped loose...

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

this is 78 dollars Miyota (Citizen automatic) movement.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...1;85.68;-1;-1@salePrice;USD;search-mainSearch

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

I apologize for the picture, my bad.

It's worth noting that the bracelet is solid link (not folded) and the crystal is sapphire, not mineral (a nice upgrade, you'd be hard pressed to scratch it)

It's also a ceramic bezel, not aluminum, another nice (and necessary) upgrade.

Honestly, for 78 dollars (if you choose the Miyota movement), with a sapphire crystal, and ceramic bezel it is hard to believe you can get it at that price.

People see "Chinese watch" and think junk, but that is absolutely not true anymore. They're making better watches than Seiko or Citizen now at half the price (at least)

 

[funKYcat75]

First watch was this bad boy. Still have it and it's in great shape. Needs a battery.

Quickly moved on to Swatch. Had about three. Pretty sure one of them matched my Jams shorts.

By the way, why did we put this on the face?

Next was this thing. In case I didn't know what day it was or if it was daytime or nighttime. Dumb watch, but it lasted forever.

Then I didn't wear one for a long time because of Smart Phones, until I was gifted this (minus the gold part). Too heavy for my liking but I'll keep it forever.

Now I have a first generation Apple Watch which I don't even wear all that much.

As an aside, any middle schooler worth their salt wore one of these on their right arm to counter balance the watch on the left arm. Or maybe that was just specific to southwest Lexington. (I'm not Thomas, BTW)

 

[gobigbluebell]

Yea, maybe their watches are better than Seiko or Citizen, but I'm gonna buy the Seiko or Citizen.

I'm also probably gonna buy the Moonswatch if/when they're ever purchasable online. That's a cool little watch for $250ish bucks.

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

I would definitely buy the Moon Swatch.

I'm curious why you would pay so much more for a Citizen or Seiko, when what I shared IS a Citizen (or Seiko if you choose that movement) with a better case, crystal, and bezel.

To each his own, just curious.

 

[gobigbluebell]

I guess because I'm a snobby *****.

Or, at this point in my "watch career", I'm just not to the AliX deal part yet. I sort of want the OG SKX007 because it makes me feel better.

I've looked at em, a lot. Pagani Designs is what I've looked at the most. A Daytona knockoff is damn sexy...

I think I'd be more likely to get something like that, opposed to the diver.

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

Yeah, I get that. It took me awhile before I pulled the trigger on one. I always get them unbranded if I can, and I refuse to buy a clone, much less a direct counterfeit.

I hadn't heard about the Omega/Swatch collaboration. That Mission to Earth is fantastic looking.

I see where folks that could get them are selling them for 1000 on Ebay...

 

[vhcat70]

Well, just for my part, a watch is about more than telling time. I'll admit, on the surface that sounds silly. I've just always liked watches. I like the feel of wearing one. I appreciate the miniaturized mechanics of them. And I like the aesthetic.

It's not for everyone, I get it. Which makes me wonder, feeling as you do, why you even opened a thread that was titled: WATCH FOLKS (not trying to sound like a smartass, it's a legitimate question. IMO)

I started this thread to let folks that DO like watches about what I think is something unique. I like the idea of one guy running his own brand. Making/assembling each one himself, and charging extremely reasonable prices for them. Are there better watches out there? No doubt about it.* But somehow, knowing the same old dude builds these himself, each and every one, gives me a nice feeling.

*(don't get me wrong, these are great watches. The fit and finish would normally cost 2 to 3 times more for what you get.)

Trying to understand the fascination that I don't have.

 

[812scottj]

I have a Mont Blanc GMT, a Shinola, and a couple of Luminox’s….prefer quartz over automatic if it’s not worn daily….stupid winders cost as much as a decent watch

 

[The-Hack]

The first she bought was a Luminox. Great watch. I still have it, but the battery is dead.

I have a couple of Swiss watches, but Luminox (moderate priced Swiss) is still my favorite brand.

If I ever lose my mind (again) and want to spend serious money on a watch, it won’t be Swiss: it’ll be RGM, a hand-made AMERICAN automatic!!

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

Pulled the trigger on this. I like the Bauhaus/racing look of it.

 

[WildcatFan1982]

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

Well played. LOL

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Growing up in the tech world, working in tech.. I just can't justify spending thousands on a dummy watch, no matter how much of a statement piece it is. I'd rather be able to respond to texts, see the weather, track fitness and get notifications from work. When they can find a way to really merge technology with luxury watches, I'm all in.. But until then, give me something useful.

Also, we really gonna go this whole thread without hearing from that Albany poster who showed off his rolex with the hairy as **** hands he has?

 

[Rex Kwon Do]

[laughing] Albany’s arms were *really* hairy.

Watches are extremely cool and timeless to me. Very few things are made to outlive you anymore, generational etc.

I have a couple that were my Dad’s….one he gave me when I turned 18 that def lit the fire, one that was his daily that my Mom handed me the day he died. In turn, I bought one when each of my kids were born that I will give them when they turn 22 (18 was too young lols) and the rest of my collection they can have when I kick the can.

Admittedly I have gotten kinda caught up in the chase of the last couple years with the hard to get stuff, but it’s fun to me and watch people “get it”. There has certainly been an influx of Flippers to the watch world but is what it is.

I get it when people think watches are silly or just wear an Apple Watch…..I have an Apple Watch as well. In fact been wearing that quite a bit the last two months as my daily is being serviced which takes forever these days. I like some parts of the AW but honestly it’s a little too much sometimes….I digress.

At any rate….much like any other niche topic….I’ve learned via 20 years in The Paddock that there’s always something people spend time and money on that someone else thinks is stupid.

….wear it in good health!

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

I'm with you. I totally get, and fully reallize that watch enthusiasts are small segment of the population (and growing smaller)

Also, like you, I've been on here long enough to know that if you start a topic, you better expect to get some flack. Totally cool with that. In fact, I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[Father Torque_rivals16706]

Not talking about those on here that can afford Omega and Rolex. Just folks that like watches and would like to spend under 300

I recently bought two from a small company that sells on AliExpress. And when I say small I mean it. It's one dude, that makes them all himself (if he's out of one that you want, check back in a few months, because, like I said, he can only make them one at a time)

I bought what is essentially a Seiko SKX look alike (in fact it uses the Seiko NH35 automatic movement)

(the lume on this watch is fantastic, and at half the price of what you can find an SKX for now.)


I also bought one of his dress watches, which looks a LOT like a King Seiko. That sweep second hand is actually heat treated blue, not lacquered. This watch, while it is Quartz, uses a VH65 movement which runs at 4 ticks per second, rather than 1, which gives it the feel of an automatic. The finish on it is fantastic.

And I think I paid about 75 dollars for it. LOL

Anyway, this guy makes great watches at great prices.

Peace.

DId you link the guys store? I can't find it if you did.

Here's my daily, from a small British company, cept mine has the black face.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Hey no flack here.. just giving my two cents. I think they look great, but I'm always on the hunt for functional.. Not sure how old you both are.. but I get the sense that watch fashion is kind of dying with the younger generations, no?

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

DId you link the guys store? I can't find it if you did.

Here's my daily, from a small British company, cept mine has the black face.

I tried to link the store, but all I got was a message that he was on vacation, and he'd be back in a couple of weeks. LOL

You can find his stuff through ebay etc. but it's a significant upcharge.


When he gets back I'll drop a thread on the Paddock with the link.

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

Lineski - It's all good, Nobody has given flak. I was just saying that I get the other point of views. Peace.

 

[Drcats2025]

I’m not sure if you guys are aware, but your cell phone tells the time.