Affordable Watches

[HoustonHorn 1059]

For anyone who likes the look of NATOs but not the extra height check it Nick Makey Designs Hook Straps and the Anachronist Zero Pass NATOs.

[CoachTex 2612]

Saw this one. Any one have it? Really like the color.

[HoustonHorn 1059]

A great affordable titanium watch, the RZE Resolute Pro. Love the angular case, fantastic bracelet, solid and clean design. Nice applied indices with good blue superluminova with green this at the end of the cardinal points. I think it's under $700.

[satyanash 14136]

On 2/20/2024 at 12:02 PM, CoachTex said:

Saw this one. Any one have it? Really like the color.

[AUinHsv 570]

On 2/1/2024 at 7:28 PM, GottaB said:

Arrived today. Its a good feeling watch. I like it. I would buy again. I did like the fact that the bracelet has screws for link adjustment and they included the screwdriver needed. I’m still pissed I have ditched OEM bracelets on my Seiko Monster as the pin came out of the collar at the worst time more than once.

I like the looks except for the back. Just guessing all those groves and stuff will catch a lot of dirt and sweat

[Prepuce of Doom 20905]

I wear the SKX the majority of the time, including whenever I'm at home. It's pretty much my "dad mode" watch.

I travel for work a lot and mix up the rest as appropriate. 

Edited March 10 by Prepuce of Doom

[Bevo&Pevo 4932]

I received an email from AnOrdain this week for a show in Atlanta.  My email said the event was free entrance, but I had to RSVP.  If you get email from AnOrdain, you want to check it if you are in the area.  If it were in the HTX, I'd figure out a way to go. I find the Arcanaut brand is piquing my interest.  Here's the link.

Atlanta — Intersect (intersectwatchshow.com)

Edited March 14 by Bevo&Pevo

[HoustonHorn 1059]

I received an email from AnOrdain this week for a show in Atlanta.  My email said the event was free entrance, but I had to RSVP.  If you get email from AnOrdain, you want to check it if you are in the area.  If it were in the HTX, I'd figure out a way to go. I find the Arcanaut brand is piquing my interest.  Here's the link.
Atlanta — Intersect (intersectwatchshow.com)

I'll be at the Atlanta show and I'm going to talk with them about having a show in Houston in the future. Several great independent brands at the Atlanta show including anOrdain, Arcanaut, Vortic, and Fears. Great microbrands as well. The Dallas show last year was good but only microbrands. I know the guy who runs the Atlanta Watch Society and he really busts his ass for that group.

I didn't have a Vortic, but I want one. Not inexpensive though. Here's the other three though.

[Txslnghrns 1348]

Finally got my watch back from the manufacturer who centered the bezel for me after two watch repair shops refused. Looking much better.

Couldn’t resist. Really like the look of this watch and had to order one for myself. Should be here in 4-8 days.

[solamente73 1129]

I know almost nothing about watches, so I need some help.  I'm looking for a replacement for this watch, which has been my go-to for out door activities / farm work the last several years.

 

Of late it's been very unreliable despite a battery replacement, and I'm heading to Africa in a few months and I need something damned dependable.

I don't want to spend a fortune since the watch will be for outdoor use, travel, and it's Africa.

 

What I'm looking for:

-Analog as I find that beneficial for tracking time and general sense of time

-Colors in earth tones, drab, etc - I like that look

-Need a divers bezel; I use it all the time

-I greatly prefer something that can be backlit so that my sucky old-ass eyes can see the time in the dark (e.g. Indiglo or Illuminator)

-Prefer to avoid shiny metal bezel, case, strap

-Water resistance a must for rain and slight immersion - I'm not diving with it.

 

I've perused Timex and Casio websites.  There's a lot of love for G-Shock in this space, but those don't seem to employ divers bezels.  I feel like I'm missing other brands, and perhaps y'all can point me in the right direction.  

TIA.

 

[HoustonHorn 1059]

I was critical of Jack Mason before. They were basically a mall brand. But they have recently been really working to reform the company. A few people I know have been very impressed with the Strat-O-Timer GMT and I was able to check that out along with the new Ellum last weekend. While neither is for me for different reasons, they are impressive. The linen dial on the Ellum is excellent.

Credit where credit is due.

[satyanash 14136]

10 hours ago, solamente73 said:

I know almost nothing about watches, so I need some help.  I'm looking for a replacement for this watch, which has been my go-to for out door activities / farm work the last several years.

 

Of late it's been very unreliable despite a battery replacement, and I'm heading to Africa in a few months and I need something damned dependable.

I don't want to spend a fortune since the watch will be for outdoor use, travel, and it's Africa.

 

What I'm looking for:

-Analog as I find that beneficial for tracking time and general sense of time

-Colors in earth tones, drab, etc - I like that look

-Need a divers bezel; I use it all the time

-I greatly prefer something that can be backlit so that my sucky old-ass eyes can see the time in the dark (e.g. Indiglo or Illuminator)

-Prefer to avoid shiny metal bezel, case, strap

-Water resistance a must for rain and slight immersion - I'm not diving with it.

I've perused Timex and Casio websites.  There's a lot of love for G-Shock in this space, but those don't seem to employ divers bezels.  I feel like I'm missing other brands, and perhaps y'all can point me in the right direction.  

TIA.

Recommend the Luminox Navy Seal. Analog quartz, black with durable Carbonox bezel and case, Tritium hands and markers so it's always illuminated, 100m of water resistance (200m on the pricier models), and unidirectional rotating diver's bezel. Comes in different variants and prices (the one below is $230 and change on Amazon). Only thing is they're usually black.

 

Edited March 29 by satyanash

[CoachTex 2612]

@solamente73

 

https://timex.com/products/expedition-north-ridge-chronograph-42mm-eco-friendly-leather-strap-watch-tw2w16000?_pos=22&_fid=b2bc01cc9&_ss=c

 

https://timex.com/products/expedition-north-freedive-ocean-46mm-recycled-fabric-strap-watch-tw2v40400?_pos=68&_fid=936d083d9&_ss=c

Edited March 29 by CoachTex

[Superhero 8631]

On 10/28/2023 at 10:26 AM, Dignan said:

Update: LOVE this watch. It’s become my regular wear. I put it on a black Barton rubber strap. LUM is great. Movement too. The second hand has an orangish red tint that really pops. Love it.

Does it bother you that the bezel isn’t lined up with the 12 marker?

I have a Seiko SBDC051 watch where the 12 marker isn’t EXACTLY top dead center - off by just a hair. The bezel just also a hair and it bugs the shit out of me.

Not as much as the 6R15 movement taking a shit on me. It’s losing a minute everyday, and lasts about 24 hours even if it’s fully wound. It’s supposed to last closer to 50 hours. I took it to get it serviced and it cost me $350!

But it’s still a beautiful watch and my daily wearer so I a $350 service is still worth it for me. 

[Superhero 8631]

On 12/9/2023 at 2:09 PM, FirstTimeCaller said:

Gulp. Starting to look through this thread and getting the bug. I'm a big fan of this Stowa watch... but it's going to end up being about $1,400. Anyone know of anything similar that's an easier to handle price?

 

On 12/10/2023 at 6:09 AM, HoustonHorn said:

On 12/9/2023 at 2:09 PM, FirstTimeCaller said:

Gulp. Starting to look through this thread and getting the bug. I'm a big fan of this Stowa watch... but it's going to end up being about $1,400. Anyone know of anything similar that's an easier to handle price?

Laco

There is a ~ $1,000 between the Laco Flieger Basic and the range. You can get the basic from $400 up to $1,200 for the “original”. They look the same and it’s all in the movement. I got the basic which has a Miyota movement which is pretty terrible - the watch keeps shaking after you shake to wind. Not the end of the world, but not something that happens with my other autos.

Be careful the watch wears BIG. I have a 7” wrist and the 42mm looks massive. I would go with the 39mm if I bought another Flieger.

[HoustonHorn 1059]

Tough to get but these are very nicely done for under $500. Imperial Watch Co.

[Dignan 356]

Just got this Citizen for $170. Couldnt pass it up. Changed out the brown leather strap for black rubber. For now anyway. .

[Storm the Field 5255]

2 hours ago, Dignan said:

Just got this Citizen for $170. Couldnt pass it up. Changed out the brown leather strap for black rubber. For now anyway. .

Love it. I've been wearing a very similar Citizen almost every day for the last 2 1/2 years. I probably only wear my "fancy" dress watch probably 20-30 times a year when the outfit calls for it. 

Edited May 10 by Storm the Field

[HoustonHorn 1059]

One of my favorite microbrands, Formex. Most of their watches probably fall into the other thread, but this Field comes in a little under $1,000.

[ScottS 1047]

Not a watch guy myself but saw this article and thought some who post on this thread would find it interesting.

I had no idea that championship watches were a thing but at least in college they are, thanks to a former Penn lacrosse goalie.

It’s About Time: How Former Penn Goalie John Kanaras Is Making AXIA Time His Focus

Quote

Three decades after John Kanaras helped take Penn Lacrosse to the Final Four in 1988, he founded AXIA Time in 2018. So you could say, AXIA Time was 30 years in the making.

You’ve seen a photo or video of John Kanaras — you just might not realize it.

Don’t take John’s word for it; don’t take my word for it. Take Kyle Harrison’s.

“Kyle says I'm the most famous person in lacrosse that nobody knows,” Kanaras says. “Everybody knows the Air Gait goal where Gary Gait jumped from behind the net and scored a goal. I was the goalie on which Gary scored that goal.”

Probably the most famous goal (actually, goals — he did it twice in that game) in lacrosse history was scored in the 1988 NCAA Semifinal in which Syracuse beat Penn 11-10 in the Carrier Dome. Kanaras was between the pipes, backstopping a zone defense devised by coach Tony Seaman to slow down Gary and his brother Paul. And Seaman’s zone defense nearly worked — it took Paul hitting Kanaras’ leg on a shot and the ball trickling in with three seconds left for Syracuse to advance to the title game, where they beat Cornell 13-8.

Kanaras isn’t necessarily proud of being the goalie in net when the Air Gait was scored, but he’s proud of being part of a team that pushed the Gait brothers and coach Roy Simmons, Jr., to their creative limits (which is a high bar).

“That year, Syracuse and the Gait twins dominated the college lacrosse season. Their average margin of victory was about 10 goals a game,” Kanaras says. “And we played them in the last game of the regular season at Franklin Field, and we were tied going into the fourth quarter. No one played them that closely. And in the fourth quarter, we made a few mistakes, and we lost by four or five goals.

“So [as the legend goes], driving back to Syracuse after that game, Gary and Paul were sitting with Coach Simmons in the back of the bus talking about, ‘Well, what if we play these guys in the playoffs? Like, how are we going to score against them?’ The Air Gait goal was really a testament to Tony Seaman and his zone defense. We played this zone defense where we kind of collapsed in front of the goal, and we didn't cover anyone behind the goal. The outside shots were relatively easy for me to save, they were shooting from a good 12 to 14 yards out. So they had trouble scoring on us because of that zone defense. And so on the bus ride back to Syracuse, Gary and Paul were brainstorming, ‘Well, they don't cover us from behind the goal. Is there a way for us to score from behind the goal’? And so through that brainstorm, the idea for the Air Gait came to be. But if you think about it, the foundation of that idea came from their frustration not being able to score on Tony Seaman's zone defense.”

 

It was a bitter end to a glorious season that included an Ivy League regular season championship. To commemorate that, he and his teammates received a watch — a cool twist on the customary championship ring that most athletes get and stick in a drawer, only to be pulled out and worn on the rarest of occasions. While the watch was eminently more wearable, Kanaras still didn’t find himself putting it on as often as he’d have liked.

 

“It was an amazing season with my brothers, a real special time in my life,” Kanaras says. “The watch was not the greatest quality, not the greatest design, but incredible sentimental value.  I'm a bit of a watch guy, and I never really wore that watch, mainly because the styling and quality just didn't fit with what I was looking for. And every time I would look at that watch, I would think, ‘Man, it just doesn't match the memories.’ The memories of that season were incredible, and the style and quality of the watch I had to commemorate it just didn't match up. And so, for 30 years, I was looking for a nice watch with a Penn logo, something subtle, elegant, good quality. And after 30 years of looking and not finding what I was looking for, I turned 50, and this basically became my midlife crisis. I'm like, you know what? I'm just going to do it myself. And so that's when I started AXIA Time.”

And just in time — after founding the company in 2018, Penn won the Ivy League regular season championship in 2019, the first one since ’88. Kanaras made timepieces for the team watches in a quality befitting his standards and significance of the memories created by the likes of Simon Mathias, Adam Goldner and Sam Handley’s offensive production or Reed Junkin’s saves.

But it didn’t end there. After Virginia won the 2019 NCAA Championship, Kanaras designed AXIA watches for Lars Tiffany’s Wahoos. Then came a partnership with the Tewaaraton. Then the College Football Playoff. Then the 2023 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Then this year’s Michigan football and UConn men’s basketball teams. And in between, many, many more high school and college teams.

So now’s the time. After juggling his watch microbrand and a day job in vaccines for nearly five years, Kanaras is finally following his dream, making AXIA Time his sole focus.

“In Greek, axia means worth or value. I am the product of Greek immigrant parents, and my Hellenic background means a lot to me. It's a part of my identity, it's part of who I am,” Kanaras says. “When I thought about naming this company, I wanted to name it something that would deliver what we're trying to achieve, which is value. We try and deliver a lot of watch for the money, something that's heirloom-quality but at a fair price. For watch enthusiasts, when they see the specifications of our watches in terms of the case, the movement, all the components that make up the watch, and they look at the price, they can quickly and easily say, ‘That's a really good price for the watch I'm buying.’”

Kanaras sees opportunity all throughout the world of sports, but his passion is lacrosse, and he wants to ensure that every lacrosse player — man or woman, college or high school — with a championship moment or memorable season can have a proper piece of jewelry to commemorate it.

“I created AXIA Time for myself, basically. I wanted to design a watch I would wear, at the kind of quality I would want, at a fair price, and treat people the way I'd want to be treated,” Kanaras says. “All watches tell time. These watches tell the time of your life.”

 

[Slacks 6712]

I think championship watches are a better idea than rings.

Also, any of my cheap watch homies down with Seiko Mods?

I've been talking myself out of something like this for about a year....

Edited May 13 by Slacks

[Dignan 356]

Not sure if they’ve been mentioned, but Zelos watch has a nice 41 mm titanium watch in burnt orange. $599. new game day watch? I don’t know much about them, stumbled upon while looking at microbrand watches. Looks great.

[HoustonHorn 1059]

Zelos makes good affordable watches. I like this one from Direnzo as my current burnt orange affordable watch.

[Superhero 8631]

I am enchubbened

https://usd.farer.com/products/mansfield

[Bevo&Pevo 4932]

^^ can't go wrong with any Farer, IMO. 

[SurlyGator 828]

On 5/13/2024 at 6:19 PM, ScottS said:

Not a watch guy myself but saw this article and thought some who post on this thread would find it interesting.

I had no idea that championship watches were a thing but at least in college they are, thanks to a former Penn lacrosse goalie.

It’s About Time: How Former Penn Goalie John Kanaras Is Making AXIA Time His Focus

 

This brings up a bad memory for me.  I should have received a SEC championship Tag Heuer watch from Florida after my team won a conference championship, but the assistant coach in charge didn’t add me to the form (I was the team’s athletic trainer).

 

The previous year they got rings, and I got that.  This was a women’s team, so the men’s version was designed for coaches instead of players so it is wearable and not a monstrosity.  That Tag would have made for a nice pairing.  I was (and still am) the opposite of gruntled.

[Prepuce of Doom 20905]

^^^Username checks out. 

[Rip76 4881]

[satyanash 14136]

Direnzo is relaunching the DRZ-02 in 39mm. Pre-order price is CHF 730: https://direnzowatches.com/drz-02r-aerolite-2024/

[GottaB 588]

It is amazing how much a strap swap affects how I feel about a watch.

The original bracelet on this Citizen diver broke. I liked the bracelet but have not repaired it yet. I tried a lot of options and nothing felt right. I started with a couple different brands of NATO straps, I tried a thick orange orange silicone from overseas, I even tried a couple of aftermarket bracelets (including strapcode) without any luck.

I finally tried a Barton silicone bracelet, and it was perfect. I’ve work this watch all week and enjoy wearing it again.

[GottaB 588]

Barton Link

NAVY BLUE ELITE SILICONE WATCH BAND




https://www.bartonwatchbands.com/products/navy-blue-elite-silicone?variant=19450650787894

[Dignan 356]

I was looking for something “different “ than what I already had on our trip to Italy. Came across Vagary watches, a Citizen brand. This one was $120. 40 mm dial. Automatic. WR 10 bar. And like I said, “different”.

[Bevo&Pevo 4932]

Direnzo is worth the money.  Will recommend. 

[HoustonHorn 1059]

Definitely agree on Direnzo.

[CoachTex 2612]

Finally broke down and got one today. 

[GottaB 588]

Wow.

[gsoda3 3194]

A shame it's not a few shades of orange more burnt.

[satyanash 14136]

On 7/12/2024 at 3:39 AM, CoachTex said:

Finally broke down and got one today. 

Looks like it came out at around the same time as Bulova's red-themed Lunar Pilot. I don't know what the deal is but it seems like red watches are all the rage these days.

 

[Rip76 4881]

Anything good or bad quality-wise on these watches?

 

[HoustonHorn 1059]

Anything good or bad quality-wise on these watches?
 

I haven't ever actually seen one in person. I've heard decent things. I can ask around. Are you only looking at quartz?

[HoustonHorn 1059]

Anyone looking for a nicely done chronograph which also has a dual time inner rotating bezel, these are really nicely done for $325. Quite a few different color options. Meca-quartz movement. Bracelet may be a little extra but so under $400.

[Rip76 4881]

2 hours ago, HoustonHorn said:

3 hours ago, Rip76 said:

Anything good or bad quality-wise on these watches?
 

I haven't ever actually seen one in person. I've heard decent things. I can ask around. Are you only looking at quartz?

Wasn’t really looking.  These just caught my eye.

[satyanash 14136]

On 8/3/2024 at 4:55 PM, Rip76 said:

Anything good or bad quality-wise on these watches?

 

Vaer is a solid choice if you want a midsize solar quartz dive watch with good specs. Their 38mm DS4 Meridian compares very favourably to the Seiko SNE573/575, at a substantial discount. They also make automatic versions with NH35 and Miyota 9-series movements for a bit more $$$.

If you decide to buy one wait until Black Friday, Vaer gives significant discounts.

 

[Celery Man 20607]

Khaki

[Txslnghrns 1348]

I had always avoided Citizen as it seemed that Seiko had the better product. I have a Seiko King Samurai that I absolutely love and have worn more than any other watch in my collection. But there was always an article that would pop up about Citizen. Or a YouTube video that would be linked in a description. Or someone would post a pic of one on this thread. Many said that most professional divers prefer Citizen. I am no professional diver. Just a fan of watches. It seemed it was time to go ahead and give it a shot. Amazon had a good deal on the watch and it just made sense. There are many versions of the Fugu but I chose the simple blue color. This one, however, comes with the textured dial of which I tend to gravitate. It supposedly mimics a pattern that the fish makes during mating season to impress a female. Whatever. I just like textured dials. Seems solid and the lume is really good. 200m of water resistance so I can wear it in any conditions. Sapphire crystal. Crown on the opposite side may take some getting used to but not a deal breaker. Bracelet isn’t super great IMO but changing out straps should be no issue.

[GottaB 588]

Long Island Watch varsity line

 

Long Island watch is asking for feedback on color combinations for college themed colorways. 

polling is closed but perhaps a burnt orange white combo in the works  

 

Edited August 29 by GottaB

[satyanash 14136]

19 hours ago, Txslnghrns said:

I had always avoided Citizen as it seemed that Seiko had the better product.

It's all marketing. Seiko and Citizen have been roughly equivalent for a while. Seiko's been boosting their prices recently to try and put themselves in a higher price bracket, but they haven't really improved their product to go along with this. By contrast, Citizen has relatively disorganized marketing and a lot of their best stuff is JDM only. Wrote more about it here:

Citizen leans more into solar-powered watches with their Eco-Drive releases, while Seiko is leaning more into automatic watches with the 6R and 6L series of movements. Seiko's QC is sloppier than that of Citizen's, but their watches have (IMO) better designs and dials. More significantly for me, Seiko's offerings are much more small-wrist friendly 😅.

[Elvis 3348]

I don't mind wearing my Citizen or Seiko for coahing and working and "contact sports" type of stuff.  They both do their job.  I reserve my Cartier, Omega, and Tag for fancy stuff.

[GottaB 588]

Sized up the bracelet on my newest (third from the left). The baby blue did not appeal online but in person looks great. The bracelet even comes with the divers extension clasp which made it real easy to find a comfortable sizing.

To say I have a type is an understatement.

Most of my watches are G shocks or dive watches. My favorite divers are the citizen eco-drive divers. They look great and can be bought for a reasonable price.

The outlet store in San Marcos has a weekly sales email and will ship for $20. Be prepared to sign for delivery which can be frustrating for working folk like myself.

[davidg 4015]

Titanium Eco-Drive Diver in the house!