Post: #26

AfgScarface: What watches do you never see? Ie which ones are the most durable?

Post: #27

Here are some suggestions from me, i'm pretty passionate about watches

Ingersoll Grand Canyon - 350$


Tissot PRS516 - 300$ -> 500$ (this one is the 500$ chronograph version)


Hamilton Khaki King Scuba - 500$


Christopher Ward C5 Malvern Automatic Mark II - 550$


Obris Morgan Explorer - 270 - 300$

Post: #28

I know this is going to make me into the douchebag of the thread, but...

It's ostentatious. For that same price you can upgrade your phone and buy a fancy handmade wallet.

When I see a guy wearing a watch like that, the engineer in me gets excited, but the rest of me just kind of assumes he's full of shit. Archaic machinery is a sign of status only for old people and gold diggers. If you like the mechanics of it, that's another thing...

Reality is that even a first-year banker can save up for a couple months and drop 5 grand on a watch like that before he even gets out of training, without affecting his other expenses too much.

Do what you like, but my personal suggestion would be to aim higher. Spend on items that actually serve a purpose, like nice shirts and slacks, well-made shoes, a handsome belt, et cetera. You don't need an expensive watch, and anybody with sense will notice if it is not matched by a quality wardrobe.

Post: #29

(12-30-2013 08:17 PM)polymath Wrote:  I know this is going to make me into the douchebag of the thread, but...

It's ostentatious. For that same price you can upgrade your phone and buy a fancy handmade wallet.

When I see a guy wearing a watch like that, the engineer in me gets excited, but the rest of me just kind of assumes he's full of shit. Archaic machinery is a sign of status only for old people and gold diggers. If you like the mechanics of it, that's another thing...

Reality is that even a first-year banker can save up for a couple months and drop 5 grand on a watch like that before he even gets out of training, without affecting his other expenses too much.

Do what you like, but my personal suggestion would be to aim higher. Spend on items that actually serve a purpose, like nice shirts and slacks, well-made shoes, a handsome belt, et cetera. You don't need an expensive watch, and anybody with sense will notice if it is not matched by a quality wardrobe.

A watch doesn't serve a purpose???

Post: #30

Check some rep watch forums, you'd be amazed at the quality of the replicas that are coming out of Asia.

I just picked up a Omega Seamaster rep for $300.

http://www.rwg.bz/board/index.php?showtopic=65056

Post: #31

(12-30-2013 11:37 AM)The Texas Prophet Wrote:  Jeez, man...for $550 you can buy a Rolex counterfeit from Hong Kong so good that only an experienced watchsmith would be able to tell the difference between it and the real thing, and only after opening it up and inspecting the movement thoroughly.

I agree with others, get a decent starter watch (like a Seiko) before you plunk down some serious cash for a watch.

You guys really shouldn't be buying replicas, no matter how "good" they are. The whole "only a watchsmith will know" isn't true. If you don't believe me check out timezone.com or watchuseek. Those guys are just mostly watch "fans" but they can sniff out even the most expensive replica like a bloodhound, from a computer screen thousands of miles away. They don't even need to pick up and hold the watch, which would then completely give it away. Anybody who matters, will know. And you will look like a tool.

Even the best chinese machines can't really compete with the brilliance of the techniques employed in making some of these finer timepieces. What I mean by this is that when you look at a fake one, no matter how good, you just realize there is something "off" about the overall picture. And anyone you run into (other than dumb golddiggers I guess) that can recognize what the watch is supposed to be will be able to tell. The only people you will impress with replicas are dumb, low class people that don't even know what the brand/watch is about anyway. Its just a shiny watch to them, it could have been a Kenneth Cole and they still would have said "nice watch".

For $500 you should be looking into something of substance, like a Hamilton Khaki or one of the entry-level Tissot watches. Hell, you can even find some decent Movados for that price if you scrounge around online.

(12-30-2013 11:46 AM)Vicious Wrote:  AfgScarface: What watches do you never see? Ie which ones are the most durable?

Well, if you want a watch that is both durable and not seen very often I would go with one of the models offered by Suunto.

Raw, unassuming, yet functional and badass. Almost unbreakable due to an ultralight carbon fiber case. They have a plethora of navigational instruments like compass, altimiter, baro etc. They are made in Finland. I don't know if this is what you meant or if you wanted something a little more formal, let me know. I have other recommendations.





When you hold them in your hand they ooze build quality.

BUT, if you are focused completely on durability then the toughest watch ive ever personally seen or handled will always be the simple, modest Casio G-Shock. I can't attest enough to the toughness of these watches. I still have the same one from the 7th grade. If you look at Youtube videos there are guys running them over with monster trucks and throwing them out of helicopters and shit. Cops use em. Navy SEALs tend to use them in place of the bullshit Luminox watches they are issued. They are the epitome of durability. The "Jeep" of watches. But they aren't anywhere near as stylish or sexy as the Suunto watches pictured above.



Has pretty much everything the Suunto has, plus solar power. Its just a little chunkier.

Post: #32

This thread is still going on, that watch is a joke and I thought the OP was trolling.

Yes, you can tell the time on your iPhone but that is not the point. A decent watch is a nice piece of jewellery that you can pass down to your son.

Girls notice a nice watch, trust me on that. Why waste money on a timex!

Post: #33

AfgScarface, what are your more formal suggestions?

Post: #34

(12-30-2013 11:01 PM)Rocket13 Wrote:  AfgScarface, what are your more formal suggestions?

Whats your budget?

Post: #35

Probably would not want to spend more than ~$500.

Post: #36

(12-30-2013 11:51 PM)AfgScarface Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 11:01 PM)Rocket13 Wrote:  AfgScarface, what are your more formal suggestions?

Whats your budget?

This was what I had in mind as well. I'm thinking real upper shelf stuff.

Post: #37

(12-30-2013 08:17 PM)polymath Wrote:  I know this is going to make me into the douchebag of the thread, but...

It's ostentatious. For that same price you can upgrade your phone and buy a fancy handmade wallet.

When I see a guy wearing a watch like that, the engineer in me gets excited, but the rest of me just kind of assumes he's full of shit. Archaic machinery is a sign of status only for old people and gold diggers. If you like the mechanics of it, that's another thing...

Reality is that even a first-year banker can save up for a couple months and drop 5 grand on a watch like that before he even gets out of training, without affecting his other expenses too much.

Do what you like, but my personal suggestion would be to aim higher. Spend on items that actually serve a purpose, like nice shirts and slacks, well-made shoes, a handsome belt, et cetera. You don't need an expensive watch, and anybody with sense will notice if it is not matched by a quality wardrobe.

I agree with you, it makes sense to spend money on nice tailored shirts, well made Oxfords and a quality belt. I would even add it makes sense to spend money on a MTM suit, however if you got your wardrobe to that point it makes totally sense to add a nice watch to your outfit.

I do not agree with the advocates of replica watches. "Fake it until you make it" is not a true statement for watches. I don't see the point in pretending that I wear a $10'000 watch if I can't afford it. We have to be honest here, just a $10'000 price tag doesn't make a watch beautiful.

So let's say you appreciate automatic watches and got a budget for $2000. In that case I would not recommend buying a new watch and I would not recommend buying a replica. The write-off by buying a new brand watch is just too high. Buy a second-hand watch.

There are a lot of watch forums where you can find second-hand watches (e.g http://www.watchuseek.com). Of course, it takes some time to find the perfect watch and you have to be careful that you don't buy a fake watch, however it pays off.

It is worth to mention that you should consider your wrist size when buying a watch and the situation when you will wear the watch. If you wear it with a suit at work, go for a dress watch, if you wear it mostly with casual clothing, go for a Chronometer or Dive watch.

Post: #38

Lately there are some good threads on watches. Just these last two years I really became interested in them. As I mentioned in another thread, I bought this TAG:



I really like it as a good dress watch. I thought that was the only watch that I wanted but now I want a watch for daily casual use, I'm looking at this Omega but it's a little bit out of my price range(3k USD):



I could save a few months buy it though.

I also want a dress watch that I could wear with brown/blue shoes, something with a white face like this TAG:



Or the well known Monaco:



So really I don't know that should I buy, if you have any casual suggestion more in my price range instead of the Omega or a nice blue/brown watch.

Post: #39

The Carrera you already have will go fine with brown or blue shoes. Brown shoes and black strap is generally frowned upon. A stainless bracelet will go with anything even when the dial is black.

Post: #40

(12-27-2013 08:41 PM)_DC_ Wrote:  This is much better. Gotta throw down another $5000 though.

I congratulate you on your taste since I'm wearing that watch right now.

Post: #41

Another option is to pick up a vintage watch. There is some cache to it. Hand winding, etc. Some distinction/classy.

I think with any expense a little research will open up possibilities. And there is some joy in just learning something new. And as long as you are not in a hurry - you can always find an underpriced deal because the seller needs cash. Just watch out for fakes (I think this is more of an issue with newer watches, but you should always be careful).

Post: #42

(12-31-2013 09:45 AM)Vicious Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 11:51 PM)AfgScarface Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 11:01 PM)Rocket13 Wrote:  AfgScarface, what are your more formal suggestions?

Whats your budget?

This was what I had in mind as well. I'm thinking real upper shelf stuff.

Vicious, if you are interested in high quality watches, I would suggest checking out this blog: http://www.hodinkee.com/.

I am not extraordinarily knowledgeable about high level watches, but the writers for Hodinkee are. It is a professional blog and the writers for the blog have made it their goal for the past five years to burrow themselves into the high level watch industry. Definitely worth checking out if you are interested in upper shelf watches.

Post: #43

(12-31-2013 09:41 AM)Rocket13 Wrote:  Probably would not want to spend more than ~$500.

(12-31-2013 09:45 AM)Vicious Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 11:51 PM)AfgScarface Wrote:  

(12-30-2013 11:01 PM)Rocket13 Wrote:  AfgScarface, what are your more formal suggestions?

Whats your budget?

This was what I had in mind as well. I'm thinking real upper shelf stuff.

Citizen Nighthawk



I've sold several of these to some very happy customers. Its got that raw sportiness in a very classy frame. The watch is very subtle yet the red accents catch the eye without being overpowering. The adjustable slide rule controlled by that crown you see at 8:00 is a cool little nerdy aspect. Its also one of the Eco-Drive models so it won't need a new battery for at least the next 8 years or so. Just keep it charged.

Citizen Nighthawk on Amazon At $274 on Amazon, thats a freaking steal. They retail for well over $400 at any actual store.

On the dressier side, Movado Bold Chronograph



Macy's has them on their website for exactly $495. Im personally not a big fan of the bold series as I feel its diluted the purity of the design behind the brand, but on a younger dude this watch would be COLD.

Movado Museum



Movado Museum on jomashop
These guys have it listed for $409 which is pretty damn good. I honestly don't know anything about this vendor, though. So do some research.

If you're nerdy about having a nice, automatic movement:

Already mentioned here but the Tissot PRS 516 is a damn good watch



Tissot Visodate, epitome of classy and subtle





Hamilton Khaki Automatic (also mentioned previously)




^^ The pilot model is a bit more pricey at a little over $600 but totally worth it

And finally, still to this day one of my favorites, Seiko 5 Pilot


They are so sublime and tasteful, and the best part? They can be easily found under $100! There is a reason I recommend these first. Another cool thing is that you can order all sorts of custom parts and mod them out like a car and personalize them. If you are on a budget this is undoubtedly the best choice overall. If you have more money to throw around then id mess with one of those Tissot I posted. If you wear a lot of suits/button ups/dress shirts then the Movados are the prime option, but avoid them if you are generally casual in the way you dress.

Post: #44

I'm glad I read this thread was seriously considering this watch just cause I really liked the light blue face, Now i'm iffy and on the fence because of the price and value, but anyway it looks like you got your pics for the watch from:
http://wornandwound.com/2013/12/18/lew-h...do-review/
so you probably saw their review.

Realize if you get a Automatic watch it is a little more care and work involved sometimes in maintaing it vs. a nice quartz one.

Try:

Orient Capital $99


or

the Automatic big brother to that

Orient Bambino $260


Tip: If you buy from Orient's website there are a ton of 30% off Coupons floating around

and if you want to add this honey calf strap to your watch,



go to Crown and Buckle

The Movado Bold Series is pretty cool


Of course watch enthusiasts will likely clown on it because of the price point and techs, But it will look good to the regular crowd and chicks... realize you are buying the watch for fashion not for usefulness. And it will make a statement

Macys has good sales where it can knock it back like 25% from time to time, so you can get a Bold for about 280 instead of 350, definitely for a 20-30s range crowd,

Note if you get the Black on Black (which I think looks very fashionable) you won't be able to see chit once it gets a little dark! so good luck trying to show that off in a club or bar! During the day time though keep hustlin' cuz!

Post: #45

Why buy a $100 budget Seiko (Orient is Seiko's budget brand) when you can have a real Seiko 5. The difference in quality and craftsmanship is physically tangible. Not that Orients are bad by any means, but just not that great of a deal considering the much better Seiko's are right around the price corner.

Post: #46

(12-31-2013 06:29 PM)AfgScarface Wrote:  Why buy a $100 budget Seiko (Orient is Seiko's budget brand) when you can have a real Seiko 5. The difference in quality and craftsmanship is physically tangible. Not that Orients are bad by any means, but just not that great of a deal considering the much better Seiko's are right around the price corner.

Drop a few Seiko one's that that are good, preferably minimalist, interested

Post: #47

(12-31-2013 06:33 PM)startedfromscratch Wrote:  

(12-31-2013 06:29 PM)AfgScarface Wrote:  Why buy a $100 budget Seiko (Orient is Seiko's budget brand) when you can have a real Seiko 5. The difference in quality and craftsmanship is physically tangible. Not that Orients are bad by any means, but just not that great of a deal considering the much better Seiko's are right around the price corner.

Drop a few Seiko one's that that are good, preferably minimalist, interested

Here's some Custom Seiko 5 models that people personalized and modded themselves. After the price of the watch and custom parts + labor to pay a watchmaker to install everything you're still looking at less than $200 worth of investment. Thats an awesome price.











I don't know about you but those look mighty dandy, and you have a better chance at boning scarlett johannsen than seeing another guy with the same setup.

Post: #48

(12-31-2013 02:09 PM)Gopher Wrote:  The Carrera you already have will go fine with brown or blue shoes. Brown shoes and black strap is generally frowned upon. A stainless bracelet will go with anything even when the dial is black.

You can change the strap on a watch in less than a minute with the right tool, which only costs a few bucks. Anything similar to this tool:

http://www.amazon.com/SE-Spring-Bar-Tool...strap+tool

Post: #49

   

I traded a pimped out ar15 for this with some rich guy looking to get ready for the zombie apocalypse. He even had 4 years left on the service plan. I know the all stainless steel versions go for around $2100. Its a TAG Heuer Link Calibre 5 Day-Date Automatic Timepiece with the 18 k gold. As a few others have said earlier, people notice the real deal when you wear it. usually i dont dress fancy, but when i add this watch, there is a whole lot more attention. you get alot more gold digging whores but you do get certain power types to think you are one of them on first impression. Its a mechanical watch so everytime I wear it i have to set the time. Its 100% pretension though. lol

Post: #50

Not worth 500 bucks to buy a watch. You can get a nice Citizen or Seiko for 100 bucks or less....and most people won't notice it any more or less than a 500 dollar watch.

Young early 20s girls dont't notice watches and I'm not interested in old ones yet.