Couldn't find a recent thread. I'm in the market for a watch. It's been years since I've worn one and it's about time to fix that. I have rather big wrists so nothing small. I've been looking at Swatch/Fossil/Swiss etc and really like automatic mechanical skeleton watches. Kind of like this one:

http://www.fossil.com/en_US/shop/men/watches/mechanical_watches/skeleton_black_dial_watch-me1027p.html?departmentCategoryId=30001&N=0&Ns=p_msc0|0||p_weight|0&rec=2&pn=c&imagePath=ME1027

My budget is around $250 but could go more if I really like the watch. Anyone a watch fanatic? Pros/cons to mechanical/skeleton watches?

Thanks!!

10/29/2010 12:38:00 AM

i'm pretty sure there's a thread in chit chat, but it's mostly people just showing off their watches (which, i guess, is what this thread will be )

anyway, i have a titanium citizen eco-drive (solar) that i've had for several years now...it was about $120 when i got it for christmas...i love it



IMO, watches like the one you posted are cool in theory, but they can be kind of hard to read if you just glance at it quickly

10/29/2010 8:12:09 AM

There is an Asian dude on here who has a big watch collection.

Search for older watch thread in the lounge and chit chat to see hundreds of users' watches.

10/29/2010 10:07:15 AM

message_topic.aspx?topic=549752

The old thread is above. I have a few watches as does both hgtran and Mr. Joshua.

As always, if you are looking into the high end ones message QTPie

depending on what you want this watch to be/do... get one that speaks to you


IF you need a link taken out or etc. I do have tools to do so. I wont touch the high end brands as you can get those kind of issues fixed/worked for free anyways for the AD.



[Edited on October 29, 2010 at 10:13 AM. Reason : 5rtgvb]

10/29/2010 10:10:02 AM

Do not spend $200 on a fossil.

If you really like that watch you might try calling the Fossil outlet in Smithfield. It will likely be much cheaper if they have it.

Take a look at these two sites:
http://www.blingdaily.com/
http://www.chronoshark.com/default.aspx?pmc=rss

I'd personally try to find a nice looking Victorinox in that price range. Something like this can always be had for around $300-$350, but if you do some searching you'll find them closer to $250:



It's leagues above that Fossil and I consider it to be a step up from the Seiko/Bulova/Citizen stuff in both quality and class.

http://www.jomashop.com/victorinox-maverick-ii-watch-v24136.html?ref=frgle
http://www.buy.com/prod/victorinox-swiss-army-chrono-classic-mens-watch-v-241126/q/sellerid/5990110/loc/64934/211411339.html
http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Army-Classic-V-241126/dp/B000WUFY9A

[Edited on October 29, 2010 at 12:18 PM. Reason : s]

10/29/2010 12:14:40 PM

Thanks! The biggest thing that draws me towards fossil is the 11 year warranty on all their watches. Whereas most Swiss Army have a 3 year warranty. Not a huge deal. I know these last a while. Also I'm really drawn towards the automatic skeleton watches. I don't know why. Probably being a mechanical engineer and all. I'm going to go look at some today and see what feels right. I believe most big department stores like Belk carry most of the big brands. Can try them on then order one online for half the price.

10/29/2010 1:23:29 PM

I, too, have a titanium Citizen Eco-Drive.

I've had it for about 8 years...no problems ever...never needs a battery. Great watch.

I'd also recommend titanium. After having a titanium watch, I don't think I'll ever go back. It's so lightweight you don't even know it's there

10/29/2010 1:36:41 PM

I wouldn't worry about the difference in a 3 year or 11 year warranty on a watch, but that's just me. In five years that Fossil will look pretty beat up and you'll be ready to replace it anyway. The Victorinox will actually be worth having polished & cleaned to look like new again. The Victorinox is the only one worth owning for 11 years anyway.

One of my first watches after college was actually a titanium Fossil. I still have it somewhere around here. It lasted about four or five years and then the pins in the band started coming out (or breaking...I can't remember). I'd get someone at a jewelry counter to stick a new one in there, but within a couple of months another one would come out. After abour 4-5 times of this I realized the band was just worn out and needed to be replaced or at least to have all the pins replaced.

I do like titanium for it's light weight. I've got one of these that gets worn all the time:

10/29/2010 1:48:21 PM

Awesome thanks for the advice. Yeah I guess I just liked the skeleton style of the Fossil watch. It's something to look at and a conversation topic. I do really like the Victorinox watches. I'll be shopping around for a while before I make a decision.

From what I gather every time a company releases new watches the old ones go for really cheap online and the new ones are about the same online as in a store. Like with the Victorinox Maverik series the new ones go for $400-600 and the old ones that used to go for that are now selling for $200-300. So it looks like that would be a good route to take.

10/29/2010 1:58:05 PM

I've got a citizen eco-drive that I picked up for a couple hundred. Good little watch.

10/29/2010 1:59:45 PM

I found that Fossil for $119 online:

http://www.nywatchstore.com/me1027.html

Might just pick it up because I like the skeleton style and it's a quartz/automatic combo. Then keep searching for a nicer watch for the long term.

I guess I'm looking at Seiko, Citizen Eco-Drive and Victorinox? So many brands!

I like this one:

http://www.jomashop.com/victorinox-chrono-classic-watch-v241122.html

[Edited on October 29, 2010 at 3:21 PM. Reason : a]

10/29/2010 2:54:12 PM

Quote :

"The biggest thing that draws me towards fossil is the 11 year warranty on all their watches. "

Just FYI if you're considering the outlet route. It used to be the case (about 6 years ago) that the ones from the Fossil outlet had a substantially shorter warranty period. I think the two I bought both said the warranty was only 1 year. I suspect this was because they were either selling much older models, or were selling watches manufactured differently (and cheaper) than the ones you find in the regular retail stores. I know a lot of companies have a separate line of merchandise for their "outlets".

Just thought I'd mention it so you can ask the right questions should you go to the outlet.

10/29/2010 4:11:16 PM

You want to see the mechanism?

Here:

http://www.jomashop.com/un-799-80.html
http://www.jomashop.com/ulysse-nardin-freak-diamonsil-un-200.html
http://www.jomashop.com/blancpain-leman-grande-2925-3642-53b.html
http://www.jomashop.com/jacob-and-co-quenttin-watch-quenttinrg.html (see pic at bottom)
http://www.jomashop.com/jacob-and-co-quenttin-watch-quenttinwg.html
http://www.jomashop.com/jaeger-lecoultre-217-64-40.html
http://www.jomashop.com/jaeger-lecoultre-300-64-20.html
http://www.jomashop.com/oris-williams-f1-watch-733-7613-4114rs.html (reasonably priced )
http://www.jomashop.com/oris-williams-f1-watch-733-7560-4114rs.html (VERY reasonable price)
http://www.jomashop.com/zenith-mens-watch-86-0526-4021-21-m527.html
http://www.jomashop.com/zenith-class-open-960520402192c646.html
http://www.jomashop.com/zenith-chronomaster-181260402301c505.html


This is not a skeleton watch, but is extremely geeky and cool (of course, it has its own price): http://www.jomashop.com/patek-5102g.html

Quote :

"Dial shows the sky visable from Geneva."

This is water resistant to a kilometer!



This is the Jacob & Co. from the list above with the s




[Edited on October 29, 2010 at 7:02 PM. Reason : ]

10/29/2010 7:01:11 PM

I've been looking at 50's/60's vintage Omega Seamasters. I just need to pull the trigger.

10/29/2010 7:11:58 PM

If you really like watches:

http://www.ablogtoread.com/parmigiani-bugatti-tourbillon-watch-bugatti-galibier-16c-concept-car/
http://www.ablogtoread.com/parmigiani-bugatti-super-sport-watch/

Unbelievable:

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/17092010/36/1-000bhp-pound-63-000-bugatti-watch-winder-0.html

$100,000 watch winder made from the engine block of the bugatti veyron... can wind 16 watches (16 cylinders!)

10/29/2010 7:12:07 PM

^^^Thanks for keeping within my budget range!!! What do people think of these:

Citizen:
http://www.nywatchstore.com/meciprcaca87.html



Victorinox:
http://www.jomashop.com/victorinox-chrono-classic-watch-v241122.html



[Edited on October 29, 2010 at 9:02 PM. Reason : s]

10/29/2010 8:58:54 PM

+1 Citizen titanium. I wear mine for everything, have beat the crap out of it for almost 6 years (wear it while working on the bikes and in the lab), and the front is barely scratched.

10/29/2010 9:23:55 PM

I wouldn't mind getting a citizen titanium if I can find it in a style I like. Doesn't it scratch easier than SS?

10/29/2010 9:28:53 PM

I have this, like it a lot it's pretty much indestructible

10/29/2010 9:37:08 PM

The Swiss one looks way nicer.

Here are some websites for you:

Name brands at cheap prices:
http://www.ashford.com

Great looking watches of strange/uncommon brands for very cheap (< $250):
http://www.timepiecesusa.com

Great looking watches of strange/uncommon brands for very cheap (< $200):
http://www.stauer.com

Here are some examples:
http://www.stauer.com/item/Stauer-Verite-Watch-%26-$100-Coupon/20108/3
http://www.stauer.com/item/Stauer-1930-Dashtronic-Watch/17469/3
http://www.stauer.com/item/Stauer-Series-7-Regulator-II-Timepiece/19783/3
http://www.stauer.com/item/Stauer-Titan-Chronograph/16684/3
http://www.stauer.com/item/Stauer-Casablanca-Watch/19337
http://www.stauer.com/item/Zeppelin-Flatline-Watch/18723

http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=857&vlang_id=1752
http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=856&vlang_id=1751
http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=245&vlang_id=291
http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=521&vlang_id=840
http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=52&vlang_id=96
http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=738&vlang_id=1394
http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=340&vlang_id=434
http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=667&vlang_id=1212
http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=592&vlang_id=1005
http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=100&vlang_id=144
http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=455&vlang_id=700
http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=960&vlang_id=2064
http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=961&vlang_id=2065
http://www.timepiecesusa.com/product_details.php?p_id=975&vlang_id=2089


Here is something amazing... WR to 3.75 miles!
http://www.stauer.com/item/Swiss-Military-20,000-Feet-Ultimate-Dive-Watch/18518/3

10/29/2010 9:37:32 PM

Quote :

"It's been years since I've worn one and it's about time to fix that."

I thought so too, but I quickly quit. Most of the time at work, it is as quick to glance at my cell phone as it is to check a watch. I have a nice Victorinox that LunaK bought me for Christmas when we were still dating (and owned a couple before that) but unless I'm wearing it for a formal occasion I don't really put it on.

Now, when I'm doing stuff with the Guard I wear one all the time, but that is a Casio G-shock so it doesn't really fit in this thread. Nevertheless, it has made it through Iraq twice and SERE school, so I'm pretty satisfied with it.


And if I had the $300k it costs for that Patek Philippe, I'd just fly to Switzerland any time I wanted to see the sky from Geneva.

10/29/2010 9:46:52 PM

I got this watch: http://www.orientwatchusa.com/cdbaa002w-orient-metro-p-256.html

It's an old school automatic which means if you don't wear it for a day you have to set the time, but it's pretty large, and really nice looking. Plus it has a partial mechanical skeleton reveal (whatever you want to call it) on the face and the back of the watch. They constantly send me these ~50% off coupons which was what provoked me to buy that watch (it's well built and nice for the money). They have an interesting selection. The current code is "boo48" which gets you 48% off and a halloween watch that costs $0.01 to make if you see anything you want that badly. You can also sign up for their newsletter where they will constantly send you coupons like that (sometimes with a better deal, like 49% off and a watch you might actually wear).

10/29/2010 9:57:34 PM

My vote would be the Citizen Navihawk series.

Quote :

"I've been looking at 50's/60's vintage Omega Seamasters. I just need to pull the trigger."

be careful for the fakes. There are tons of those out there.

10/29/2010 10:42:39 PM

After selling these brands of watches and knowing the reps here is the breakdown

-fossil, good for trends, they do not last long, it cost alot to send them in. Sometimes you get one that does last long but that is the exception

-citizen eco-drive, it is a toss up, it will either last forever or only a year or two.

-seiko - pretty decent, depends on what you get. if you get any with sapphire crystal or cronograph you are pretty much golden.

-Swiss army, the true swiss ones with sapphire crysal will outlast all the others hands down. They are made for a beating. great for everyday wear and sporty, I most customers had these last 10-20 years

-used swiss watches on ebay-this is my route. I have a used Raymond Weil with diamond markers, that an old bf got years ago for $250 on ebay. This thing is a champ! love it! can't kill it!
Make sure that the watch has sapphire crystal. This is the most important thing when buying a watch in making it last and usually is only on higher quality watches.


GOOD LUCK!

10/30/2010 12:11:26 AM

Quote :

"I wouldn't mind getting a citizen titanium if I can find it in a style I like. Doesn't it scratch easier than SS?"

I don't know the actual scientific hardness value of the two metals, but I know that mine's taken a beating and doesn't have any real marks on it. I actually believe Titanium is harder than Stainless...but I could be wrong there.

I've actually managed to put a small gash into the crystal (or glass?) face of my Citizen, but the titanium looks pretty good considering its age. (I bought it jr year in H.S. That was 2000, so it's actually 10 years old the more i think about it)

As far as brands go, I wouldnt even mention Fossil in the same breath as Citizen, Seiko, and Victorinox. Maybe it's just me, but I've always perceived Fossils as cheap watches that high school kids wore..

One other thing I love about Titanium, other than the weight, is the "Greyness" or flatness of it. My band actually has stainless accents, and I loved the contrast of the two when I bought it (10 years ago). The "U" shape down the middle of the band, I think, Is stainless
Shitty photo...and I realized how dirty the watch face was after I took it, but meh.

Kind of a plain watch, just uploading for illustrative purposes. It just wont die, so I'll keep wearing it until she does





[Edited on October 30, 2010 at 12:51 AM. Reason : ]

10/30/2010 12:35:31 AM

oh yeah titanium watches are good

very very light. not sure about harder.

10/30/2010 12:41:51 AM

Titanium is harder than stainless steel which means it will scratch less easily.
Also, titanium tends to be a flat finish whereas most stainless steel stuff is a polished finish. Polished finishes will show scratches much more than flat finishes.
The result is that a titanium watch will look better much longer.

Quote :

"-fossil, good for trends, they do not last long, it cost alot to send them in. Sometimes you get one that does last long but that is the exception -citizen eco-drive, it is a toss up, it will either last forever or only a year or two. -seiko - pretty decent, depends on what you get. if you get any with sapphire crystal or cronograph you are pretty much golden. -Swiss army, the true swiss ones with sapphire crysal will outlast all the others hands down. They are made for a beating. great for everyday wear and sporty, I most customers had these last 10-20 years"

I agree fully on the three that I have experience with...Fossil, Seiko, and Victorinox. I'll add a little though:

Fossil: Looks pretty cool. Nobody is going to be impressed by it. Will last long enough for you to get your money's worth.

Seiko: The Honda of watches. These things are quality. They last for fucking ever. Some of their designs are awesome, but you have to be picky. For $200 you can find the Seiko equivalent to a V-6 Accord with leather. Absolutely nothing wrong with it and it is built to last. I rock a couple four Seikos on a regular basis and have no complaints with any of them.

Swiss Army: Buy a Victorinox or don't buy anything. Wenger and Victorinox both make "Swiss Army Knives"; yet everybody knows the Victorinox knives are much better quality than the Wengers. Same thing holds true for the Swiss Army Watches. In addition, there are several brands that try to claim to be "Swiss Military" or whatever. Avoid anything that doesn't come from Victorinox.

10/30/2010 2:35:14 AM

Quote :

"I wouldn't mind getting a citizen titanium if I can find it in a style I like. Doesn't it scratch easier than SS?"

Mine has a matte finish. I literally bought the cheapest titanium ladies watch I could find with a titanium back and band to use as a beater watch (allergies, but at the time I was bicycling a lot and leather and fabric bands got nasty). It has been great, and even with all the crap I've done to it I'd only consider getting another watch if I got a job in a nice office. Definitely doesn't look like it's been abused as much as it has.

10/30/2010 2:35:24 AM

Get a riptide. Tells you time, temperature, high tide and low tide, altitude. Within that price range, and comes in a bunch of cool colors.

10/30/2010 9:18:25 AM

I had a fossil, it scratched up pretty bad. The luminox I replaced it with hasnt got a scratch on it in over a year of wearing it almost daily.

[Edited on November 4, 2010 at 1:01 PM. Reason : sdfvasfgv]

11/4/2010 12:59:07 PM

I like this one. I have one similar to that. Great watch. The only problem is the mineral crystal face.

It scratches really easily. Replacement is cheap. Watch keeps great time. It has never needed service, other than a crystal. I am considering getting a synthetic sapphire crystal installed.

I like my Citizen watch. One of the greatest features is the sleep mode. When I'm not wearing it or it's in a drawer, it will sleep and use very little power. When I expose it to light, it resets to the right time and date. Does not need an expensive winder like the other watches. As long as you wear it a few times a year (office light or sunlight) it will charge fully and keep running.

Great investment.

11/4/2010 4:18:14 PM

I haven't worn a watch in over 10 years. Really see no use in wearing one.

11/4/2010 9:33:19 PM

i wish my watch were 24-hour instead of 12

11/5/2010 7:22:34 AM

^,^^ WUT!!!

Still looking. Waiting for that first paycheck.

11/5/2010 9:27:29 AM

my point is that every digital clock i have that CAN be set to 24-hour ("military") time IS set to that...when i worked at duke hospital, most of their analog clocks were 24-hour...i want a watch that does that, too



[Edited on November 5, 2010 at 9:37 AM. Reason : image]

11/5/2010 9:34:51 AM

I got a free watch from work. Since my wrists are so scrawny I've got to take maybe two links out but I'm not really willing to take it somewhere and be charged to fix a free watch, so I never use it.

How much does a tool to take the links out set you back and where might you find one? I've got a feeling that some watch place would charge you $10 and the tool itself is probably only $8.

Tightwad.

11/5/2010 10:59:47 AM

Don't wear a link watch with out having it fitted.

11/5/2010 12:14:20 PM

^x2 Where are you, I can do it if we can meet.

11/5/2010 12:48:04 PM

I've got family in Raleigh that I visit from time to time. I could meet at the frisbee golf park... off Kaplan.

11/5/2010 12:50:05 PM

Quote :

"How much does a tool to take the links out set you back and where might you find one? I've got a feeling that some watch place would charge you $10 and the tool itself is probably only $8."

Any jewelry counter will do this for like $0-$2. JCPenny, Belk, Sears, any jewelry store, etc.

Baileys Jewelry never seems to charge me for anything, so you might want to try there.

[Edited on November 5, 2010 at 12:54 PM. Reason : s]

11/5/2010 12:53:21 PM

I have a genuine Swiss Military watch I got in Interlaken for ~$200 USD, it's lasted 7+ years of heavy abuse, lots of chips in the crystal but the watch keeps going. Love that watch.

11/5/2010 1:10:38 PM

Think I've decided on Victorinox for my first purchase. I might be inheriting a Rolex too.

11/5/2010 5:45:54 PM

Simple, and not something you described, but alas I shall share It has a couple scratches on the face, but this watch isn't pampered either. Pretty rugged. Overall, I'm very impressed with it.

Dress Watch BM6560-54H
Case - Titanium
Bracelet - Titanium
Case Width - 33mm
Dial Colour - Black
Mineral Glass
Eco-Drive Movement, Luminous hands, Date
Water Resistant 30m



[Edited on November 5, 2010 at 8:59 PM. Reason : .]

11/5/2010 8:57:25 PM

I get email all the times for ultimate replica watches. i can forward them to you

anyways, are there different types of glass for watches? I love my watch but the glass is scratched to hell... are there different types? something harder/scratch resistant? cost?

11/5/2010 8:59:28 PM

$8k. i will have it one day.

11/6/2010 12:59:38 PM

One of my biggest complaints in life is not having a watch that I can take below 12,000 feet when I go swimming.

11/7/2010 11:34:19 AM

^^ What makes that one special other than the fact that it's a Rolex? Is it like an incredible diving watch or something?

Not a bad looking watch, but for $8k, I could find one that looks alot better (Again, unless this is some ultimate diving watch. I'm guessing it is from the "Original Gas Escape Valve Ring Lock System" stamp and the fact that it's caled the "DeepSea")

11/7/2010 11:57:15 AM

the best thing about rolex is the perpetual date

[Edited on November 7, 2010 at 2:10 PM. Reason : but that's just me]

11/7/2010 2:08:12 PM

I've got a Rolex

11/7/2010 2:14:03 PM

for different types of "glass" for watches. there are all kinds. all you want is the sapphire crystal if you plan on owning it for a while.

I don't really like Rolexes, used to sell alot but they have to go in for work and are alot of $$ for upkeep.
Also they do not keep the best of time for the $, It's more of a name thing.

11/7/2010 2:23:44 PM