Watches- idiot question

[Combat-wombat]

In my near future, a relatively nice watch is a possibility. I like the Seiko diver watches ($200 price range is what I'm considering), but I know nothing about watches at all. What's automatic mean? How should I choose? What are other features I should take note of? Blah, blah-blah blah, blah. I just want to know how I should decide on a watch if I decide to buy one.

Thanks!

[c_yeager]

The Sekio dive watches have a great reputation. Automatic means that they are mechanical and self-winding (the movement of your wrist winds the watch). The Seiko watches are about the cheapest way you can get into that type of movement and they are pretty nice watches to boot.

For good prices you should at least take a look at http://www.chronograph.com I have no affiliation with them but, they are highly recomend by the "watch guys" on blade forums.

[Smoke]

I love my Luminox. Bought it from Sharper Image on Ebay. They do close outs there. About that $ range.

Smoke

[Schuey2002]

If you don't want to go thru the hassle of purchasing a Seiko diver from Singapore, and wish to purchase one from a retailer in the US (one with a stellar reputation among Seiko addicts), >>CLICK HERE<< (http://stores.ebay.com/BIG-TIME-INC_Seiko-Diver_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZQ2d1QQsclZallQQsotimedisplayZ2QQtZkm) ..

Now, if you're still wondering if this guy is legit, >>Click Here<< (http://www.network54.com/Forum/search?forumid=78440) , and then type the phrase " 99watches " in the search box.. ;)

[Combat-wombat]

Thanks- I've seen the Luminox, but I think Seiko has a better reputation- I like their products. I've found some I like on www.roachman.com. Does anyone know about that site's rep? It's based in Maylasia, but they have good prices, and the models I want.

[Schuey2002]

Does anyone know about that site's rep?
Yep, he's the REAL DEAL.

Another seach for " Roachman " on the link that I provided above will give you all need to know about Wayne Lee. ;)

[Combat-wombat]

Allright, if I get one, It'll probably be an orange monster. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31387&item=4924511670
It's a bit cheaper from 99watches, plus it's in the US- $140 for a watch is not bad, so I just might get it sometime. I'd just have to decide whether to get a rubber or SS strap...

[Fudgie Ghost]

check out these sites:
www.bluedial.com
www.campmor.com
www.overstock.com


Blue Dial's site tells you that for swimming, the watch should have a screw down crown (that's the winding stem) and a screw on back, and be rated, at the least, to 200 meters.

Campmor has some surprisingly good prices---check out their Wegner dive watches.

[chickenfried]

I love the seiko auto diver I bought a few months ago. But it's kinda a pain having an automatic if you're not going to wear it regularly. Sometimes I feel like wearing a watch sometimes I don't. If I don't wear it for ~ two days then I have to set the date and time again.

[AK103K]

Thanks- I've seen the Luminox, but I think Seiko has a better reputation-
I've owned both and so far, the Luminox has held up way better to abuse than the Seiko's ever did. Back in the day, the automatics were the ????, but why would you want something that is complicated and prone to breakage when you can have reliable battery drive and accuracy?

[Schuey2002]

but why would you want something that is complicated and prone to breakage when you can have reliable battery drive and accuracy?

If quartz divers are your thing, Seiko makes those too. Their Prospex line of quartz divers are every bit as rugged as anything that ever rolled out of the Luminox factory. :)

http://www.makedostudio.com/watches/seiko-divers/gallery/quartz-divers?page=1

[Billmanweh]

It's a bit cheaper from 99watches, plus it's in the US- $140 for a watch is not bad, so I just might get it sometime. I'd just have to decide whether to get a rubber or SS strap...


I got my Black Monster on the bracelet and it's very nice. Well worth the difference (if any) in price. Another option is to just purchase it from the Seiko compant store. I paid $149.99 and they ship for around $8.

[Harold Mayo]

I've owned both and so far, the Luminox has held up way better to abuse than the Seiko's ever did. Back in the day, the automatics were the ????, but why would you want something that is complicated and prone to breakage when you can have reliable battery drive and accuracy?

For the same reason that you have a high-dollar custom 1911 instead of a Glock.

AND...

Prone to breakage? Nah.

I once, only last year, as a matter of fact, said that I would never own a watch over $200. I have worn Seiko dive watches (all quartz) most of my life and haven't really had too much trouble and, to me, that was that. I started researching watches early this year and ended up buying an IWC Aquatimer in titanium "just because". It's a neat watch, keeps excellent time, looks great and is pretty much a guaranteed money-maker if and when I decide to sell it. A lot of Rolex wearers defend their watches with the reasoning (and it's actually true from what I've seen) that long-term wearing of one, along with the periodic maintenance, will cost you about $50 per year when and if you end up selling it. That's not bad.

But to each his own.;)

[chickenfried]

:cuss: You can't tease us with a description of the IWC and not post a pic!!

[Harold Mayo]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/hdmayo/P1010004.jpg

The picture doesn't do the watch justice, though.

Take a look at this site for reviews and AWESOME pics (but, of course, none of them include custom 1911's)

http://www.time2watch.net/IWChome.htm

[agony]

I love my Orange Monster. Surprisingly, with all of the watches I own, I tend to wear this one more than I thought...at least a couple times a week. Much more than an old Doxa orange-faced diver that I used to own. Keeps good time, it's heavy and solid, and you should have no worries regarding it's durability.
http://www.fototime.com/{3DFEAD28-973B-43D8-A6EB-E35070F0EA81}/picture.JPG

If the thought of an automatic being a hassle, consider a watch winder.

[AK103K]

For the same reason that you have a high-dollar custom 1911 instead of a Glock.

AND...

Prone to breakage? Nah.

My experience with Seiko's has been less than stellar. I've had a number over the years and they just dont hold up to "hard use". I swing a ten pound sledge as part of my job, and the self winding, and battery Seiko's too, for that matter, just never held up to the constant pounding. My Zodiac Sea Wolf self winder didnt either. My cheapie Luminox has lasted over 5 years so far, and while its not as pretty as it once was, its still running, water proof and keeping accurate time, (It also glows brightly 24 hours a day with no light source. :) ) something the Seiko's dont seem to be able to do. Seiko does have some cool looking watches though, but maybe for a dress watch.

[uafgrad]

Go with one of the Citizen Dive watches. You can't go wrong and they are darn near bullet proof.
Chris

[Harold Mayo]

Hmm...I don't swing a sledge for a living but I do work in a pretty hard environment (mining) and, although I don't do much physical work now I did as I was "coming up". My Seikos always held up pretty well. As a matter of fact, I only had a problem out of one once and that was when a luminous marker (the one o'clock one) came off when, coincidentally, I was hammering on a drainage pipe trying to get it unplugged. But, of course, YMMV. I just hate the "Navy Seals" crap on the Luminox watches. I wouldn't mind one if the face were replaced with a plainer one like those offered by Bill Yao at www.mkiiwatches.com

[Jonathan]

Go with one of the Citizen Dive watches. You can't go wrong and they are darn near bullet proof.


I received a new Citizen EcoDrive chronograph several years ago. Within about one year, the second hand slowly failed to function, ending with total loss of activity. The other hands were not affected.

It was shipped to the manufacturer, who fixed it at no cost to myself, no questions asked. Although this may have been due to a bad case (it was engraved, so I know they replaced just the internal movement), I consider it unacceptable.


Now, within 2 years of that repair, I'm seeing the same behavior with erratic second hand activity. I have no doubt it will also fail shortly. Although this may have been due to a bad case (it was engraved, so I know they replaced just the internal movement), I consider it unacceptable.


I will not purchase another Citizen, period.

[cimarron8889]

I have had very good luck with Princeton Watches.

http://www.princetonwatches.com

I would recommend purchasing the watch with a metal bracelet even if you intend to put a rubber strap on it. The original Seiko straps can be found on eBay for $20. If you want a bracelet later on you will pay much more for it and may have a hard time finding one to match it.