Best watch under 300 dollars

[King of Kailua]

If you're looking for a diver's I recommend the Seiko Diver's (case back#4N36-7A08). I think princetonwatches.com has models listed as SKX173 to SKX175 in this type.

An excellent watch that's rugged yet subdued. It has a day and date calendar window. You can find them new for under $200 if you look.

Aside: That west coast time website had me drooling a bit

 

[drandall]

everyone may think i'm daft, but if it were me, i'd look at the timex T-series. they're lovely watches that are far better than their average budget watches. they're good looking, solidly built, have perpetual calendar and indiglo and keep excellent time. best of all, you can get one for around $100 and take the extra cash and buy yourself a mint aristocrat or president!

 

[subrosa]

I have done some hunting on this and to be honest my initial resistance to Invicta, they do make some nice dive watches. They have one that is basically a copy of the Rolex Submariner called the "8926." I guess they just make a wide range of watches so the prices very drastically.

http://home.woh.rr.com/johnholbrook/8926.html

 

[Big Justice]

I received a Tissot Pocketwatch when I graduated from LSU. Very nice. Great quality. Very attractive.

Jonathan

 

[stobes21]

Well more than underestimating the american market they know they have an image of a cheaper brand. It will cost a fortune to be considered in the same scale as Longuiness, let alone Omega or Rolex. Very few people would buy a Spring Drive or a Grand Seiko over a Rolex. I would.
Finally you may want to check these
http://www.christopherward.co.uk/
They offer some of the cheapest sapphire cristal watches. I specially like the c5 collection though you may prefer the C6

Cool thread. I didn't know Seiko made such nice watches. Those CW C5s are beautiful. I think I would have a very hard time choosing between this Seiko and this CW.

Thoughts?

 

[TimmyBoston]

I'd look into one of the watches from the Seiko 200m Diver Collection

 

[jss]

You've got plenty of choices and some nice recommendations..

 

[blary54]

Movado classic museum. Swiss made and looks cool. I always catch people staring at it or asking me if thats a "real" movado/what kind of watch is that. (most movados are at least $600 and up this is a real bargain.)


Here is a link to the watch you can get it for around $289 or less.

http://www.movado.com/Details.aspx?Id=watchesmens&watchType=Mens&watchCode=&watchId=606085&page=3

 

[blary54]

If the movado is a little to dressy for you.
THen I would recommenced:
Swiss Army- Swiss made range from around 200-1000 dollars but pretty good.
Wenger
ESQ
Seiko-excellent watches. I like the sporturas
http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Sportur...1_10?ie=UTF8&s=watches&qid=1214594383&sr=1-10

Oris- may be out of price range....this is my next watch
http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Wa...1-Black-Automatic-Watch/2694264/product.html?

 

[Chairman Nemo]

I dont know if you have made your decision yet... but

If your willing to spend a little more than $300, there are some very superb brands out there (Hamilton, Frederique Constant, Raymond Weil). Usually in that price ranges the movements are quartz. I hate Quartz watches. I hate the concept of changing batteries. However, they are waaay more accurate than any automatic (except: maybe Patek Philippe *spelling?*).

Anyways, save up and invest in a quality Automatic watch. The mechanics are long lasting, though the require some general maintenance. However, well taken care will last a lifetime. You should check Tourneauhttp://www.tourneau.com/Tourneau/TourneauTemplate.aspx, as they have financing plans and generous warranties.

Best of luck to you.

 

[subrosa]

It is fun to hunt around and compare watches. I am starting to lean toward the Seiko Dive watches as I have gotten to hold them in my hands and notice the quality.

I am becoming fond of the Seiko "Black Monster" :

http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Black-Monster-Automatic-SKX779K1/dp/B0006IHHN4

 

[Bowcephalus]

The stainless band is worth the extra if you go with the Black Monster. As tough as the watch it comes on. Solid, not pressed links. I'm not sure you could get as good a band after-market. I actually bought mine with the intention of putting it on one of those wide leather '70s style bands but the stainless has been such a good band I haven't yet.

 

[Isaias]

Cool thread. I didn't know Seiko made such nice watches. Those CW C5s are beautiful. I think I would have a very hard time choosing between this Seiko and this CW.

Thoughts?

I know it is a difficult decision; I also considered buying one of those two watches. If you want it now, you better get the Seiko.
CW is actually a small vendor/watchmaker. He usually answers personally any questions or requests you may have (There is no way to prove it is actually him but I believe it is). He does not have any black dial watches right now and you will have to wait until Aug. for a new one.
However, I like the CW watch better than the Seiko. The C5 has smoother lines, it is thinner and has a sapphire crystal. It uses an the same ETA movement than The HAmilton Viewmatic and Tissot LeLocle so even if it is not dead on accurate the first time you get it, it can be adjusted easily.

http://www.christopherwardforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=625
http://www.christopherwardforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2&sid=01acf160f51b4d5a803130e6c3ff7c15

 

[Bill Smith]

May add to the suggestion of Seiko, in my case I am recommending the classic SKX007-009 dive watch. It has a timeless style with an automatic movement though simple keeps accurate time and it will never need servicing.

 

[MarSellus Wallace]

It's so difficult to decide on the right watch. Right now, I'm bidding on a vintage Omega Seamaster De Ville Duo tone with date. I also have an ongoing bid on a used Invicta 8926. If the bid on the Omega fails, I will buy a Seiko Velatura Kinetic Direct Drive (dress watch) and an Orange monster (sports watch).

Of course, if I had the cash, I would buy a Breguet...

 

[bishop]

I used to have a watch fixation but never bought anything more expensive than an Elgin. Now I just buy Timex Expedition and Timex bracelet-band watches.

Those are all under $300, by the way.

PS, I work in an elementary school, so a shiny Omega Seamaster or whatnot would be the first target of stray body fluids, throwup, flailing limbs, et cetera.

 

[MJB]

at features are you looking for.

IMO--ESQ quartz offers a great watch for the money.

It's more or less a Movado works watch without the full Movado cost.

Victorinox are great too.

 

[bishop]

Victorinox are great too.

Now there's a brand I would drop a few more dollars for. Awesome watches.

 

[OldSaw]

Movado classic museum. Swiss made and looks cool. I always catch people staring at it or asking me if thats a "real" movado/what kind of watch is that. (most movados are at least $600 and up this is a real bargain.)


Here is a link to the watch you can get it for around $289 or less.

http://www.movado.com/Details.aspx?Id=watchesmens&watchType=Mens&watchCode=&watchId=606085&page=3

While the Movado has great looks, it is only accurate at indicating time twice a day.

I think the entire line of Citizen Eco-Drive watches are great. Some of them are in the OP's price range.

My brother, who was the first to tell me about the Sky Hawk, just got one the other day. When he called me to ask how I liked mine I summed it up with this: If wanting a well made accurate watch with lots of features is a sickness, then the Sky Hawk is the cure. In fact I really don't even want to look at any other watches any more. I have my Hamilton for dress and the Sky Hawk for daily wear.

 

[subrosa]

The stainless band is worth the extra if you go with the Black Monster. As tough as the watch it comes on. Solid, not pressed links. I'm not sure you could get as good a band after-market. I actually bought mine with the intention of putting it on one of those wide leather '70s style bands but the stainless has been such a good band I haven't yet.

After doing quite a bit of research and trolling of watch forums, I have ordered the Seiko Black Monster. It just seems to be the best engineering for the price point. I found it for $153 off of Overstock.com. There is some concern about "gray market" Seiko watches that are not officially imported, however overstock gives me a 3 year warranty so my bases are covered.

Happy 23rd birthday to me!

http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Seiko-Mens-Divers-Automatic-Steel-Watch/2913281/product.html?searchtype=HP_Header&keywords=11082360