f13.net

So I am to receive a watch for Christmas, and need to select one soon.  I really don't know which brands are good, just want a nice quality watch.  Price range should top out around $400'ish.  Please post any suggestions/advice here.

Been looking at Seiko so far.  I like watch's that look like this one:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=192856&CategoryID=24074

Or for more bling, I might go for this one:
http://www.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=275678&cm_mmc=GoogleShopping-_-1-_-23-_-MP123

Another thing is that I don't like watches that are to big.  I was looking in Fossil the other day, and most of the watch faces were fucking huge.  I'd like it not to take up half my forearm if possible.

Please suggest away.

If it is a gift, and the price range is $400, you should look at mechanical watches. While they cost more than comparable quartz/electronic watches, they are simply more stylish and better manufactured.

I would suggest looking at something with a ETA/Valjoux caliber in your price range, at $400 you can get something from Revue Thommen, Festina or Zeno, which are usually very good watches. A decent movement in your price range is the "Valjoux 7750". Do an ebay search for that (click me (http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=valjoux+7750&_sacat=See-All-Categories)) and you'll see watches ranging from $200 to $4000 and upwards, just to give you an idea on how widely that movement is used, of course varying on the jewels and finish. It is the movement that is used in very high profile Breitlings, Omegas, Longines and so on.

My recommendation: if you spend $400 on a watch, buy a timeless piece of jewelry. For simple timekeeping, a $50 quartz would do too ;).

I hate watches. When I see somebody look at a watch, it always makes me feel sad.

That's a good thing because buying one of those monstrosities is like dropping hundreds of dollars on a butterfly collar.  I see these clowns walking around with Flavor Flav's clock on their wrist!  Oh yeah, they usually do have the clown (or elf) shoes to go with the ridiculous watches.

I have a Seiko Kinetic similar to the first link you posted (slightly different style, and in a silver/gold scheme).  I like it a lot.

I have one as well and I hate it.  I got it as a present for graduation and have worn a cheap timex ever since. 

Not sure what help this is beyond the fact that opinions on watches vary. 

I was a big fan of my Seiko Moon Phase Chronograph that I wore for over ten years, but I've been wearing a Citizen Eco Drive Perpetual Calendar Chronograph for the last two years and like it a lot.

Heh, yeah, I'm thinking this thread is only just going to show people have some wildly different views on watches, but thanks none the less.  Out of curiosity, what didn't you like about that watch?  It's kind of a prime candidate for me so far..
Yeah, a friend of mine who's into watches told me he prefers Citizen over Seiko.  They have some nice ones I'm looking into, though a lot of them seem to suffer from the aforementioned huge fucking watch problem.  Hard to judge from online though, so I'm going to run out to the mall after work to see some of these first hand.

Thanks for all the info so far everybody.

I was worried making the move as my Seiko was significantly thinner than my current Citizen  but after a while I didn't notice.  I went with a leather band which helps keep down on bulk a bit.

I stopped wearing a watch on my wrist when I started carrying a phone in my pocket.

I doubt if I will ever go back.

Yeah, I would have thought wristwatches would be obsolete as timepieces at this point.  I do occasionally eyeball fancy mechanical watches with envy, though, simply because they're low-tech engineering marvels.

I don't wear a watch or a phone. What's with you people, anyway?

Yeah, I always sort of felt the same way (I just used my phone as well).  But I got a decent watch a few years back, and its actually kind of nice to have one.  As Kageh said, its just a piece of Man Jewerly.  I don't spend much money on anything apparel related, but having a nice watch is pretty fun.  Makes me kind of feel like a actual adult for some reason  :awesome_for_real:.  

I also don't really have a choice, as its been decreed I shall receive a nice watch as my Christmas gift this year, and thats that.

Besides, if anything a snazzy watch works as a decent conversation starter at a bar.

Watches are awesome.  If you care about fashion on any level above jeans and a t-shirt, they're one of the few ways a guy can accessorize. 

I don't really like metal wristbands, so I wear this and get compliments on it fairly often:

(http://s7ondemand7.scene7.com/is/image/FossilPartners/ME1038_main?op_sharpen=1&rgn=0,0,1376,2233&scl=5.316666666666666&id=322MrFOv_1_uSpoDvOqLHs)

It's a Fossil, but it's a normal size, and only $115.  Of the two listed in the OP, I like the second.  The first one isn't exactly ugly, but it looks like a watch my grandfather might wear.  Whether or not you think that's a bad thing depends on your taste, I guess. 

Ooo, that one does look pretty nice.  I would like to get one of the more complex looking ones, as long as its not gaudy (like you mentioned, the second one I linked looked decent to me).  Some look cool, and then I see ones that look like this monstrosity:
(http://www.bluedial.com/images/site/watch/Seiko-Watch-Flight-Master-Flight-SNAD05.jpg)

It may be a little more than you want to spend, but a nice watch nonetheless.

http://www.amazon.com/TAG-Heuer-Formula-Professional-WAH1111-BA0850/dp/B000XEAII2/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=watches&qid=1260225213&sr=8-16

My current watch is a $120 Armitron automatic skeleton watch. It's pretty nice for a cheap watch and gets complimented quite regularly. I don't really do jewellery (I only wear a thumb ring and a closed ring in my ear) but if I had a lot of money I'd buy a really nice watch instead of a nice car.

This one is my watch

(http://ucables.com/img/ipics/ARMITRON-MENS-TITANIU-R54562.jpg)

If I had about 80k to drop though I'd get a Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Grande Complication which looks like this and has a tourbillon to adjust for the changing effects of gravity on the workings as your arm moves about.

(http://zeiteisen.at/page5/files/hybris-mechanica-gyrotourbillon1.jpg)

I've had a lower-end Swatch for a few years, and I like it enough.

For me, it's also very useful to have, as I don't have access to my cellphone during the day, so I DO actually need the watch to tell time when I am not at a PC.

I used to wear a Seiko that looked a lot like this one (http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Mens-Two-Tone-Watch-SGF204/dp/B00068TK70/ref=sr_1_36?ie=UTF8&s=watches&qid=1260237094&sr=8-36) but then I started carrying a cell.  I like the jewelry aspect to them, but I just can't be bothered to strap it on any more.

I have a $60 Fossil watch I've had for 10 years and have a cell phone that is just a cell phone - no texting, internet, or anything else.  I'm almost as archaic, but not quite.  I do have a fakie $20 Rolex I bought from a street hustler in NY about 7 years ago just because I felt like it was something I had to do while I was there  :drill:  Amazingly enough it keeps perfect time and I think I've changed the battery once or twice.

I'm leary of spending too much on a watch because I've got a mild case of excema that flairs up every so often when I wear a watch or my wedding ring.  Would suck to spend a bunch of money on something that's just going to make me itch an hour or two after I put it on. 

I don't like metal bands either (pulls my arm hairs - ouch) so I have one of these on my wishlist:
http://www.amazon.com/Torgoen-Swiss-Chronograph-Computer-T2-01-01-S02/dp/B000TR9TUG

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514Ku3es4YL._SL500_AA280_.jpg)

They have a few different styles and colors depending on what you are looking for, but they are around $350.

But!! It's always good to see a watch in person so you can tell how big it really is. This trend for HUGE men's watches sucks.

This is my watch. (http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Calibre-Watch-BL8000-03A/dp/B000EQRYPO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=watches&qid=1260241677&sr=1-7) I've been really happy with it. It has enough gizmos that it is fun but isn't overloaded with stuff to the point of looking really cluttered. I like the perpetual calender a lot because I am constantly dating things and like to be able to look down and see the date and never have to mess with it (you even set the leap year). There are a few color/band (including metal) combos that you can get this model in:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41bFVy5vBhL._SL500_AA280_.jpg)


I also dig that Fossil one up there with the exposed gears.

If you're going to buy a watch, buy a nice pocket watch. Screw those arm bands. Otherwise, yeah, I would use a phone. But then that is just my opinion, so take it for what it is worth.  :oh_i_see:

Say, I have a very slightly used Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk if anyone is interested.  :grin:

While on Amazon I ran into this watch, I think I know what my to-self christmas present is this year (if I don't get a nicer watch from the wife):

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dliw%2BJ9LL._SL500_AA280_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EQS1JW?ie=UTF8&tag=f13-20)

I'm another fan of the Eco Drives.  I've had my Stainless Steel Diver's watch for almost ten years and the only thing I've had to do to it is change the date occasionally.


I really don't see myself changing to something else any time soon.  In part because, unlike my similarly hairy Dad, I can't stand bracelet straps so it's either plastic or NATO straps for me.  Those two types pretty much scream Diver's watch and I've got quite a nice one now :awesome_for_real:.

As for using watches at all, I've grown up wearing them and even though I almost never leave the house without my phone and MP3 player I still feel strange dressed without a watch.

Jeans, shoes, and a t-shirt is all the accessory a guy needs. Cell Phones are the new watch. Though I do love me some skeleton faces.

I think this watch is one of the coolest I have seen in ages. Sadly it's still a concept and hasn't been put up for sale (It's made by the Japanese design house 100% design)

(http://www.filedump.net/dumped/watch1260277780.jpg)

If money was no object I would get myself something by MB&F (http://www.mbandf.com), probably the Horological machine No.3


Or Cabestan's Winch Driven Vertical Tourbillion, for a cool $400,000.


Lastly there is Haruo Suekichi (http://www.steampunklab.com/inventor/Haruo-Suekichi/5) who makes very steampunk-esque pieces at the rate of almsot one per day. Each one is unique and he makes them in his stall in a flea market in Tokyo. His watches aren't expensive, so I hope to buy one sometime just on the basis that they are so awesome.

If that's a Tokyoflash watch, those are of notoriously shoddy craftmanship.

From here. (http://www.100per.com/items/item01.html)

Heh, well Ab apparently has similar taste to me.  Turns out I needed to pick a watch by last night so some crazy coupon stacking thing could be used to get 60% off the price.  After looking online all day then going and looking at all the watch's in person, I chose this one:
(http://www.bluedial.com/images/site/watch/Citizen-Watch-Calibre-8700-Eco-Drive-BL8000-54L.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Perpetual-Calendar-BL8000-54L/dp/B00074HDAO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=watches&qid=1260295626&sr=1-1

Which I now see is basically a blue version of the one Ab posted.  Thanks again for the advice though everybody.  You may now continue posting insane $100,000 watches, and rants against wearing them.

This thread reminds me that I need to invest some Xmas dough into getting my grandfather's Omega repaired. I could take it to Macy's and send it out for service, but I'd really like to find a shop that does it in house -- and that will promise not to clean up the scuffs that he left on the crystal.

THIS (http://www.amazon.com/Timex-Reader-Brown-Leather-T20041/dp/B000B55AEA/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&s=watches&qid=1260294728&sr=1-23) is the watch that replaced my Seiko kinetic (http://www.chronograph.com/store/catalog/products/SKH218P.jpg).  

The Timex has been more reliable and is essentially a throwaway.  If it gets ruined by chemicals in the lab, I just spend $25 and I have another the next day.  

Edit: Ab, that's a great watch!  Nice choice. 

Heh, I just remembered that the last time I wore a watch was when I worked at a science museum in high school.  I accidentally magnetized it and I haven't worn a watch since.

I've lost more watches to acid and our NMR than I have to any other cause.   

Uh. How do you not get in to trouble for this?

I wrote the grant that purchased it.    :grin:

Cheap watches won't quench a larger magnet. 

Well now I know you are a very discerning person.  :awesome_for_real:

You'll like that watch. Take some time to learn how to do everything with it as the way you set the different functions is a bit odd with pulling out the crown one stop, setting what you are trying to do, then pulling it out a second stop to actually set it. You also just get the minute hand going with a twist of the crown and it will track around to get to the time you want and then you twist it a bit to stop the rotation. The first few times it seems like a huge pain in the ass but one you get the hang of it it is really easy and actually pretty slick. Keep the manual around for a while.

I really like that watch.  Great choice.


Couldn't disagree with that more.  Most people are going to notice a well dressed person (with or without watch) than just another guy in jeans, whatever threadless t-shirt they put on that day, and the latest iphone (obviously this doesn't apply in college or hipster circles). 

You all missed the pool-mate!

http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/pool-mate-watch-packs-built-in-accelerometer-to-track-laps/

A watch that can tell what stroke you are swimming, count number of strokes per lap and track your laps & splits w/o having to hit a button!

Many people notice a good watch. It's one of the few pieces of male jewelry you can own and still have a classic look.

My advice is go with something you know will last for 20+ years, hold the value, and pay accordingly.

I suppose that's what you buy if you can't stretch to this one:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51rKfBNLbAL._SS500_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/Breguet-Complications-Tourbillon-5335BR-9W6/dp/B002T4V3W4/)


I do like rose gold on watches and skeletons are pretty neat, but even if I somehow end up wealthy I can't see myself wearing anything that expensive on my wrist. Have you seen the belt-driven Tag Monaco?

(http://emcons.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/tag-heuer-monaco-v4-full.jpg) (http://www.monaco-v4.com/)

Clever but ugly. I'd still prefer one of their 'cheaper' watches:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51k6eHvbTZL._SS500_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/TAG-Heuer-Automatic-Chronograph-CAV515C-FC6231/dp/B002GOR1KK/)

I don't wear watches mostly because I either break them or they just stop working.  I've either thrown out or, if they were pricey, given away all my watches over the years.  I have one left that was a promotional item from something I worked on back in the olden days.  It's very rare and I've never worn it, but it's still somehow broken.  Anyway, it probably wouldn't help my issues with time or memory.  They're a habit it took a lifetime to cultivate, much to the chagrin of everyone I know.  I'm always either too early or too late or I forget to show up at all.

Anyway, I really like those ones with their innards out.  They're like very classy zombie watches.  But what the fuck is in a watch that costs over a 100K?  With ladies watches that cost tons of money, you can tell what makes them so pricey.  It's the diamonds piled all over them.  Mens, though, if they're not big giant ugly hunks of gold, what makes them special enough for that sort of price?

Some people just want to spend $100k on a watch.

I've just got a fairly low-key cheap Swatch. I tend to end up scratching any watch I own quite a bit so I wouldn't want one of those incredibly expensive watches. It's useful for knowing the time and I could never be bothered taking my phone out of my pocket whenever I wanted to check. I fail at wearing it as jewellery too since I have the watch face on the under-side of my wrist so I can check the time when I'm teaching without making it obvious and I've just gotten used to wearing it that way.

It's usually the complexity and durability that marks the value; although as with all things there are many watches that are simply fashion items and far overpriced.


This is one of only four Patek Phillipe Calibre 89's ever made. It is the most complex personal timepiece ever made, it has 1,728 pieces and is worth around $6m. It has 33 complications (functions other than telling the time in hours minutes and seconds) and is just a fantastic piece of work, both as a machine and as a piece of art. Simpler pieces derive their cost in a similar way, they may not be covered in jewels, but the materials are still often expensive and the cost is justified by having a watch that in theory doesn't break, while still being incredibly complex.

There is all kinds of interesting materials science that goes into very expensive watches.  Things like accounting for differences in movement as temperature or pressure or even gravity changes.  Watches so accurate that they only loose 1 second over years of use no matter what you do while wearing it.  Some people are willing to pay for that but that's still never going to seem 'rational' to 99.99999% of people interested in what time it is.

Or you could just get an atomic watch like I recently did (it was one of Amazon's "all-week Black Friday" deals) for < $100.

Edit: "atomic watch" as in a watch that can pick up an atomic clock radio signal and set itself to that

I'm really not much of a jewelry person.  The cleverness and art involved in those pieces are all well and good, but it's also not something you're likely to carry around with you to tell time, is it?  Even if it's on a fancy stick.  That $130K watch is, though, which is why I wondered what would make it cost that much.  I wouldn't think it would be worth it unless you're really, really careful or you just don't care about how much money you waste when you accidentally bang it on your desk or something.  When I see men running around with those giant golden Rolex watches or women with thousands of dollars worth of jewels piled on, mostly I just think it's kind of obscene.  Unless they've made it themselves or something.  I guess.  But then, I think I might secretly be a Georgist.  Maybe an Anarchist, too.  Depends on how much I take a dislike to the person showing off all their expensive shit.

Ok, maybe I WOULD carry around an expensive watch on a fancy stick for a laugh. 

You could also wear a top hat!

But can it track my arm motions to tell what stroke I am swimming? pffft!

I have an Omega Speedmaster Pro (Moonwatch), and with any luck it will be on my wrist and in great condition in 40 years time.

As for the previous posts mentioning magnets, the Rolex Milgauss is proof against that type of thing. Lovely looking watch albeit overpriced as with all other Rolex's.

Tabula Rasa paid for this watch  :awesome_for_real:

http://www.seikospringdrive.com/spacewalk/ (http://www.seikospringdrive.com/spacewalk/)

Richard Garriot's Seiko Spring Drive Spacewalk watch

(http://www.seikospringdrive.com/spacewalk/images/watchinfo/product0.jpg)

Specifications:

Caliber:
Spring Drive Chronograph 5R86

Case:
High-intensity Titanium
Diameter 53.0 mm (12-6h) , 48.7 mm (3-9h)
Thickness 15.2 mm
Weight 92.5 g

Glass:
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating

Water resistance:
10 Bar

Bracelet:
The final specification is yet to be decided. SEIKO is now working with
the Russian Federal Space Agency on the optimum design.

Spring Drive Chronograph Caliber 5R86:
Hour, minute and second hands with calendar
GMT hand
Power reserve indicator
50 jewels

Movement Diameter:
30.0 mm
Thickness: 7.6 mm

Other:
416 parts
Power reserve: 72 hours with/without chronograph function in use
Chronograph to 12 hours

==============
Available in 2010 in a 100 piece limited edition release:
SEIKO Spring Drive Spacewalk, the Commemorative Edition
Approximate recommended retail price:   US$28,000

If it wasn't for the price - I'd get one =)

More colorful than the game.

It's pretty with the glowy blue but I'm still thinking those inside out watches are the prettiest.  If I wore a watch and was a fucking rich asshole, I would definitely get one of those disgustingly expensive ones. 

I'll only get a 100k watch if it shoots lasers and can deflect bullets.

I have avoided this thread long enough...  I have quite a few automatics in my rotation, different watches for different suits and ties.  It is my secret shame. 

While you can not afford an IWC, Panerai, Audemars Piguet, Rolex or Omega at the moment; there are some nice watches out there under your four hundred dollar mark. 

For your budget, I would strongly suggest buying a watch on eBay from a reputable seller who is an authorized dealer.

I am not sure about the reliability of a mechanical watch in your target range.  So, if you are ok with a quartz movement, I would go with Citizen.

I can not remember if you are still in Japan, but Citizen has some amazing technological marvels such as the solar atomics.  You never have to replace the battery and they are extremely accurate.

I use this one while traveling in sketchier areas, if it was stolen it would not be a huge loss, but I have never worn it with a suit:

http://cgi.ebay.com/CITIZEN-TITANIUM-ATOMIC-SKYHAWK-BLUE-ANGELS-JY0050-55L_W0QQitemZ310186565834QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Jewelery_Watches_Watches_MensWatches_GL?hash=item48388f60ca (http://cgi.ebay.com/CITIZEN-TITANIUM-ATOMIC-SKYHAWK-BLUE-ANGELS-JY0050-55L_W0QQitemZ310186565834QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Jewelery_Watches_Watches_MensWatches_GL?hash=item48388f60ca)

You can get the same basic watch in steel or in black steel in your price range.

There is also this style if you prefer something with a bit less of a military look:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Citizen-BY0000-05E-Atomic-Time-Perpetual-Calendar-Watch_W0QQitemZ200416818075QQcmdZViewItemQQptZWristwatches?hash=item2ea9c5f39b (http://cgi.ebay.com/Citizen-BY0000-05E-Atomic-Time-Perpetual-Calendar-Watch_W0QQitemZ200416818075QQcmdZViewItemQQptZWristwatches?hash=item2ea9c5f39b)

Best of luck and enjoy your new accessory.


 

They aren't that amazing as I got my Casio solar atomic for $50.

There are some amazing models, as well as bargain basement ones as well, only available in Japan.

I am ashamed to say I have a titanium Casio pathfinder as well.

... from a legit looking guy on the street in New York City?

From Amazon. I mentioned it above. Here's the direct link: Casio Men's Waveceptor Solar Atomic Ana-Digi Sport Watch (http://www.amazon.com/Casio-Waveceptor-Atomic-Ana-Digi-WVA430J-1/dp/B001870P3Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=watches&qid=1260571935&sr=8-2)

Damn, that's a bargain!  I may be buying a new watch to break.

I actually really rather like that one.

How do atomic watches work, do they set themselves or do you press a button? If you travel do they reset themselves?

But does it tell you when to take decompression stops?

You could probably calculate it using the watch.  The thing looks like it has a built-in slide rule. 

For my Casio it's either. I.e it will scan periodically on its own or you can do a manual scan/update.

My Casio is designed to pick up the broadcasting atomic clocks in the US and Japan. Timezone is something you set manually. I.e. the atomic clock just broadcasts "UTC +0000" time (I believe) and the actual time you see on the watch is based on the time zone set. My Casio has timezones from all over the world so you can travel with it but again it won't automatically resync itself if it can't detect the clocks its set to scan for.

Meh. 10 bar is nothing. I have a cheapo than can go to 20 bar. Will test it out one day. Promise.

The Seiko is a Space Watch not a Diver  :awesome_for_real:

Its was meant to be the first watch rated for free space vacuum (for EVA)


Well why an astro/cosmonaut would need to time anything or actually use a watch in EVA is beyond me but its actually pretty cool. I don't think the Russian space agency really needs a specially designed watch for that but like space tourism - it (Seiko) pays the bills I guess.  
:why_so_serious:

Space watches are seriously cool though.
Omega Speedmaster "Moonwatch" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_Speedmaster) (Official NASA space watch; first watch on the moon and used in Apollo 13 to time the thrusters when the computer went down)
Omega Speedmaster X-33 (http://www.omega.ch/index.php?id=297&details=1&ref=32915000&no_cache=1) - The update on the original mechanical speedmaster - discontinued for civialian sales, now only sold to NASA.
Fortis B-42 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS (http://www2.fortis-watches.com/en/collection/contents/datasheets/details_6491011m.html) - another bill payer for the Russians too i guess...
Breitling Cosmonaute (http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=4034) - One of the earliest space watches - Scott Carpenter took it up with him on Aurora 7.
Yuri Gagarin probably wore a Russian Poljot, John Glenn wore an early Heuer (now TAG Heuer), dunno what Alan Shepard used (probably didnt wear one).

Ha!  When I created this thread, you where one of the people I was most interested in seeing their feedback from, considering all your rich/business/corporate/cool dealings (or what ever).  I knew you had to have a watch collections  :-P

Sadly, as I posted above, I actually was forced to make a decision earlier than I thought (the day I made the post....).  So while I appreciate your suggestions, it's a bit late.  Also, I've been back in the US the last 2 years, though hopefully that will change soon'ish.

However, you've increased my confidence as the watch I got was a Citizen Eco solar watch like you recommended (and Ab recommended), so wohoo!  This was the watch:
(http://www.bluedial.com/images/site/watch/Citizen-Watch-Calibre-8700-Eco-Drive-BL8000-54L.jpg)
http://www.jomashop.com/citizen-bl8000-54l.html

I liked it because it had lots of nice features, and looked pretty neat.  I do like the first watch you linked, but I'm sort of torn on those watches.  They look off (too..... busy?).  Not sure if they would really seam gaudy, though the one you linked looks better than most.  I just decided to go with a less busy watch that looked a bit more artsy (I guess).

Make sure to let us know what the water's like down at 190m :awesome_for_real:

It feels wrong to gloat about my watches in this economy.   Congratulations on your purchase, wear it in good health!

Cold.  And dark.  Very cold and dark.

Damn.. all these fancy watches.

Mine's just a Seiko Sealion M55 DX

http://seikoandcitizen.blogspot.com/2006/10/collection-part-6-flock-of-sealions.html

It looks like the second pic on the page.   Most of the watches linked that I've looked at are too damn chunky and busy for my tastes.

Arise!

We need more watch pictures in this thread. My wife is going to buy me a watch for my graduation next spring, so I've been scouring the net for options. Here's some of my favorites (though they aren't all in my price range!):

Longines Heritage 1954
(http://www.syohbido.co.jp/longineswatch/l27474524/l27474524-600-3.jpg)

Longines Legendary Diver
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc235/tl-sitorus_photo/New%20Camera/Longines%20Diver%20Date/DSC02610.jpg)

Bell & Ross Aviation
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3632/3374159828_3ac21f1f20.jpg)

Mido Multifort
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416ImmXY9zL.jpg)

Breitling Aerospace Avantage
(http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7141/breitling1tm6.jpg)

Sinn 857
(http://forums.watchuseek.com/attachments/f74/130310d1222444595-watch-u-wearin-26-9-2008-9-26-2008-20080529dj_857-1.jpg)

Omega Speedmaster Professional - one of my favorites
(http://forums.watchuseek.com/attachments/f20/605898d1325480603-alternative-oem-black-alligator-deployment-band-speedmaster-omega-moon-watch-speedmaster-leather-strap.jpg)


What else you guys got? Anyone with a new watch and want to show it off?

This one has been on my amazon wish list for three years now. Apparently the old lady isn't buying me a watch for xmas :p

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51R28%2BIHM9L._SX385_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/Eric-Edelhausen-Calypso-Calendar-Phase/dp/B000SMU4ZQ/)

Mmmm watch porn.   I really like that Longines Heritage 1954 you posted up.  Beautiful watch.   Sadly, my wife had gotten me was a nice little Kenneth Cole number which I'd be loathe to recommend now to anyone.  First one had an issue with moisture getting under the face, and after we returned it, the replacement died just over a year later.  Attractive watch, but the build quality is dubious.  

(http://media.liveauctiongroup.net/i/9079/10172936_1.jpg)

Oh hey, a watch thread!

A couple of months ago something snapped inside my head and I've been buying watches ever since.

(http://i.imgur.com/xlMTb.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/3IAxA.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/vYdVH.jpg)

Just came across this and it seemed appropriate -  16 will be made, each approximately half a million Swiss francs

http://www.beautifullife.info/fashion-design/jaquet-droz-the-bird-repeater-watch/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=q3-oBSwr_cY

Which Citizen model is this?

I like the first Longines, or the Omega. James Bond wears an Omega so you can't go wrong there, right?

I'm holding out for this watch, when funds permit.

(http://media1.iwc.com/site_media/uploads/images/2010/12/16/M02_IW371417_2011_grey.jpg)

http://www.citizenwatch.com/en-us/watches/watch-detail/?model=BJ7000-52E

I want this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0co6lNc7_8&feature=relmfu

Expensive automatics are soooo desirable but then I discovered that you have to service them every few years. Which cost several hundred bucks.

Funny that you mention James Bond .. I started looking at watches this week because I saw an ad with him in one of these:
(http://www.omegawatches.com/fileadmin/images/watches/additional/43133412103001-40.jpg)

I really like the Speedmaster, but it's pricey!

I also vote for the Speedmaster, it went to the moon! Plus it looks really good.

hmm, I may have to reread this entire thread.  The husband hasn't worn a watch in years but he's talked about getting one again recently.  Combined with losing a bunch of weight, maybe he'd be more willing to buy one now that he probably won't need an extra large band on it.  The most recent pics posted are nice watches, I really like the one Sky posted (moon watches  :heart: ) and the blue-faced Omega. 

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/33271127/AnimalWatch.jpg)

My watch which I bought in 1993 along with another with a yellow face and different bezel. The yellow one is somewhere in my boxes down in S.Carolina, but I still have both. I have not purchased another watch since. Many batteries though and a few straps.

This thread reminds me of how much I love watches.  I just wish I could get used to wearing one.  I work with chemicals so much that having one on my wrist makes me paranoid. 

Reminds me I need to send my Eco-Drive (titanium with gold accents on band, very spiffy) in to be serviced as it won't charge properly. My daily wear watch is an Invicta I bought on clearance at Sam's club in the spring for like $75. It is all stainless so I do t have to worry about the cladding on the brass wearing off and causing tarnish rings on my wrist like my last two "cheap" $50 relics did.

Since your style seems to be aviator watches, for me the standout watch, way beyond my wallet is this...

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/85841906/iwc-pilots-watches-classics-3717_001_l.jpg)

The whole IWC pilot range are the direct descendants of the watch commissioned for use by Battle of Britain pilots.

I'm partial to Luftwaffe pilot watches, like these two:

(http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/5492/lacostoware2.jpg)

edit: and they're not too pricey either, one from a company that used to make them during the war, like Stowa, runs about 700 euros. If you're not so strict about history, a Steinhart (a relatively new company) version of the Fliegeruhr costs only about 400.

I like the Steinhart, looks nice and not too pricey. Amazon has a Hamilton version of it for $332:
http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-H64611535-Khaki-Pilot-Black/dp/B0043RWFO0

My current daily watch is an Invicta - Amazon had a big sale on them last year for Christmas, I think they were $30 each. I bought 2, one to gift and one to wear.
(http://watchero.com/wp-content/uploads/IN0353.jpg)

I have

(http://oi46.tinypic.com/2elwio4.jpg)

Both bought used.  The strap on the Panerai isn't an original and isn't too good a fit or quality, but I've got something from Toshi Straps (http://www.toshi-straps.co.uk/) lined up for Christmas.  Some lovely watches on this thread.

Holy shit, this is just gorgeous.

I really like the IWC Pilots. They are on my short list of great looking watches. They are just a bit expensive, a bit more or a lot more than a new Omega Speedmaster.
This one has fun dials and a perpetual calendar, only $32k!
(http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/movadobaby_2232_1146806828)

Nice watches! Did you get them locally or use a watch resale site like chrono24?

The Speedy was from http://www.watches.co.uk The site is worth a browse, it has so many unusual makes and models and the prices definetly compare with anywhere else I've looked at. The vintage section on the drop down has a few gems. The Panerai i bought a few month ago in Brighton from a  guy who specialises in Rolexes. (http://www.theclassicwatchonline.co.uk/) I had a repair issue within a day (a hair or something left from the service done before putting on sale stopped the movement) but got some money back and an ever cheaper price overall so happy with his service, albeit not over so happy about quality of strap and the repair needed. I was offered a full refund too.  

A senior guy in a meeting I attended yesterday had that square Bell & Ross above. It's very nice, but more for dress down Friday and weekends than with a suit. It's even bigger than the Panerai.

 I want an IWC or Chronoswiss next.  Possibly not something as complex as this, but I like the onion winders and dial ridges that he uses on most models.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Chronoswiss_MG_2646.jpg/600px-Chronoswiss_MG_2646.jpg)

The Bell and Ross watches are Sinns with a fashion makeover. I struggle with brands selling aviator or other 'tool' styled watches where there is no even tenuous link the company has to building 'serious' watches.

I appreciate it is all marketing bullshit, this is just my personal damage.

I bought an Animal watch around the same time and it's still my daily wear - it's indestructible. I have a pretty nice Timex as my "nice" watch, but can't find a picture of it.

Damn this thread... I haven't worn a wristwatch in maybe 15 years. Now I want one. WHyyyyyy?

We need more watch porn ITT - post pics of what you like. I like to browse authenticwatches.com and the daily threads at timezone.com (example (http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=6325510&rid=0#msg_6325510))

Am I the only one who hates 75% of what people are posting as beautiful?

Well, based on what you just said and the law of averages, the answer is probably close to 'Yes'.

You must be broken. Is this beautiful?

(http://www.gizmodiva.com/entry_images/1108/27/hellokitty-2009-watch.jpg)

(http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/FossilPartners/ME1098_main?$fossilResponsive_pdpdetail$)

I have one of these.

Fossil makes good watches.

That's pretty sharp.  I like the exposed gears.

U-Boat U 42. When I bought a TW Steel I really wanted one of these. I just didn't know it yet.

(http://i.imgur.com/Uca3j.jpg)

I have to say, I like much simpler watch faces. Sometimes they can get too busy with all the shit they display - like the god damn news with all the shit on the screen. But then again, I am a more function over fashion type.

Maybe on their more expensive watches. The Fossil watches I have ($60 or so) are the ones that the outer electroplating wore off exposing the (increasingly tarnished) brass underneath.

I heard somewhere that Fossil overhauled their QC in recent years and now their watches are much better. It's still a fashion brand, so I suppose it all depends on where any given watch was made.

I want that watch.  It's amazing!

Edit: and expensive... yow.

Yeah, TW Steel is an acceptable substitute, if not quite as cool

(http://i.imgur.com/8xTCT.jpg)

I've been wearing this watch since 2004.

(http://www.watchsource.eu/gallery/rolex-gmt-master-ii-pictures/rolex-gmt-master-2-pictures-4.jpg)

Yeah... expensive.  :ye_gods:

I guess if you got the coin, have at it... but that is a different world entirely, to me.

Entry level U-Boats can be had for about 1,5k€, so it's not that bad. The one I linked was a limited edition watch.

Actually, that is bad when you are living paycheck to paycheck if you even have a job. That said, you probably have bigger things to worry about than if you have a watch or not. Like I said, I have had my Animal watches that I think I paid $80 for the grey one and $120 for the yellow one and that is probably my limit on wrist timepieces. Sadly, I will never have excess cash for the purples... I make due with my greens and blues.  :awesome_for_real:

I'm kind of the same, but whenever I seriously look at watches I can't get away from the fact that a £30 quartz job will keep better time than almost anything in this thread.

And the watches I really like tend to have simple designs that somehow imply complexity. And cost a bloody fortune.

I really like the ones with the exposed gears. I love the look of clockwork.

Sratch what I said about Fossil...my watches were Relic which I confused with Fossil due to that stupid movie in the 90s.

Yeah, everything's relative. It's not like I have that kind of money to throw around either, but 7k (what the fancier U-Boat costs) on the other hand is right out.

Here's some watch porn. Yema Master Elements, a French brand. Totally huge, I don't know if I could wear that non-ironically.

(http://images4.hiboox.com/images/3508/30e2c819bc02a4a7536d51bb79817447.jpg)

I haven't had a wrist watch for a long time, somehow a phone is a good enough for checking the time (and I do have an antique (more or less) pocketwatch for those occasions that a mobilephone just isn't proper)

Well, come on guys, its jewelry for men. Which is fine, but lets not kid ourselves about it being in any way practical.

Intellectually I accept that what you say is true.

I need to be able to pretend otherwise.

You've never worked in medicine, have you?  Watches do serve a purpose for some of us.

Side note: Owned an expensive (relatively) Seiko kinetic for years and the thing didn't keep time for shit.  My Timex Ironman has been the watch of choice ever since.  At $50, it does quite well.

(http://s.shld.net/is/image/Sears/04413307000-1)

Not too pretty, but meh.

8
I am fully aware that I look fabulous wearing one of my watches.

Not all of us carry phones.  My $25 Casio isn't pretty but serves its purpose well.

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_D5CKZxJRGXo/TIux2-vPpKI/AAAAAAAAAwk/v1yn_HOBiEc/s1600/oh+no+you+didn't.jpg)

Small wrists + too much arm hair = no watches for me.  Some of these are rather nice looking, however. 

Hardly. I can read the time on my watch in a glance. Why would I dig into my pocket, pull out my phone, and hit the home button to see the time?
But yes, we do like them to look good (generally).

I discovered Laco in my web travels. They make sexy watches.

(http://i.imgur.com/VwNgB.jpg)

Now that... that I must say is a fine looking piece and would be right in the upper most portions of what I would frivolously spend money on if I had it after the holidays.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51WHnDvNisL._SL500_SS500_.jpg)

This is the one I have.

I am exactly the same - I find pretty much all men's watches far too large for me.

What I want is one of these:

(http://news.cnet.com/i/bto/20080717/nailwatch.jpg)

or

(http://www.gearfuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/electric-watch-tattoo.jpeg)

TIL Seiko made $400,000 watches.

(http://www.credor.com/lineup/masterpiece/gbls998/img/image.png)

The Grand Seiko springdrives are nice too.

(http://www.grand-seiko.com/images/SBGA003-L.jpg)

Getting more into the grown up end of things, big fan of teh JLC designs...

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/85841906/q1548420-1.jpg)(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/85841906/movadobaby_2232_1350532180.jpg)

Here's another watch I lust after, a discontinued model (ZO2115) from Zodiac. It's an interesting watch company, and has a bit of a morbid history. The Zodiac killer got his name and signature from Zodiac watches. They were popular timepieces in those days, especially in the US military. One of the murder suspects wore a Zodiac Seawolf.

(http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/5219/dsc09466z.jpg)

Literally clockwork orange, well played.

Amazon is my enabler, they had this sweet Audemars Piguet Rotary Aquaspeed for cheap. It has a sapphire crystal and a Swiss movement and all. Put together in China however, but it's really well built.

(http://i.imgur.com/t0UTH.jpg)

Rise!

Figured this was the most appropriate thread for it, but WTF is this (http://www.razerzone.com/nabu-watch)?

(http://assets.razerzone.com/eeimages/products/23901/img/nabu-watch-button.gif)

My guess? An over-priced fitbit with a watch tacked on top?

It's more than a Fitbit with a watch cause none of those can receive and display messages from your phone.

Was going for a more generic use of the term fitbit... My friend's garmin will pick up phone alerts and texts.

Well bottom line is that its a Razer, and that company pumps out some utter crap. Good looking utter crap, but utter crap nonetheless. They haven't made a decent mouse since the adder.

Fixed

I'm satisfied with my Razer Abyssus which is basic enough for my taste though sometimes I miss the side buttons but I am somewhat hesitant about Razer buying Belkin since it means I'll probably have to buy their version of Nostromo n52te once my current one stops working (though it has so far worked for many years thru long hours of playing without any problems making it my favorite "controller" ever)

Same here  :heart: the n52te.  The numbers have worn off 4 of the buttons (8-10 and 13)

wow I forgot about this thread. I recently bought a watch and I never buy shit like this.

(http://i.imgur.com/csu2mEJ.jpg)

It's the watch from Aliens. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I don't know how we don't have a Veblen goods thread on here. :/

I like that watch, Schild.

Mine was a gift and weirdly has a dial for every part of the date. The thing that looks like the second hand is actually showing the day (seconds are shown on the lower dial, via a little hand that is hidden by the hour hand in this photo).

(http://i.imgur.com/RtxSIKS.jpg)

I have a policy of not buying things that are smarter than me.