I can't believe I'm saying this. but, I want a watch.

[jzuzphreek]

I've gone a long time without a watch. Then, a year and a half ago I started delivering pizzas, and was required to wear one. I got a $5.99 Academy sports special, and although my pizza days are behind me, I find that I wear it everyday. The only statement it makes is, "hey this guy wears a cheap watch."

I would like to give my wife some watch ideas for my birthday (in April), but I don't even begin to fathom what kind of watch I want, what I can get for a reasonable price, where to shop, etc. I know I want something with some class, but not flashy. I want it to make a statement, but not necessarily shout, "HEY LOOK AT THIS GUYS ARM!" I'm thinking of something with a black or brown leather band. But if the band is interchangeable that's even better. If I find I like it, I will probably get more watches in the future, so this one should be a nice "first watch."

The budget restraints call for spending no more than $75-$150. Where do you guys shop for watches? Are there any B&B vendors who sell watches? What else should I consider when shopping for one?

Also... I can't believe I'm on the haberdashery. Last subforum I ever considered finding myself on.

 

[The Don]

I'd recommend flipping through the Watch Ya Wearing sticky. Lots of good ideas in there. I'd also recommend checking out the Seiko5 series and Orient as a starting point. You should find a lot of options in your price range.

 

[jzuzphreek]

Thanks Don, I started flipping there and became overwhelmed.

 

[little Big feather]

There are brands you should stay away from...Seiko 5 is really good advice.When you have the funds try DealDoddy.com.
I've gotten info. for two of my watches...I warn you be careful of the brand...You will do no wrong with Seiko or Orient.
If you want specific info. on a brand....just ask. good luck...

PS ...Do you want Quartz or Mechanical?

 

[jzuzphreek]

There are brands you should stay away from...Seiko 5 is really good advice.When you have the funds try DealDoddy.com.
I've gotten info. for two of my watches...I warn you be careful of the brand...You will do no wrong with Seiko or Orient.
If you want specific info. on a brand....just ask. good luck...

What are some of the brands you would never buy and why?

 

[little Big feather]

What are some of the brands you would never buy and why?

Check your PM..

 

[Doc4]

What else should I consider when shopping for one?

Also... I can't believe I'm on the haberdashery. Last subforum I ever considered finding myself on.

Decide if you want a manual (wind-up) watch or quartz.

At your price range, you are unlikely to meet many of the more exotic watch-winding and watch-charging methods (kinetic, solar, and so forth) but that's fine.

And there is no right or wrong answer, just right and wrong "for you" depending on your preferences and lifestyle. (Quartz gives you more of a "set it and forget it" aspect and once in a blue moon the watch stops and you get the battery replaced. Wind-up requires daily attention or it stops, but you may get more satisfaction from knowing that you have all those little gears and cogs at the end of your arm instead of a little electronic gizmo.)

IF you want quartz ... this is one heck of a watch at the price ... made IN Japan ...

 

[jzuzphreek]

Although I LOVE thr idea of a manual watch, I'm not sure what would be available within my range. Do the big name stores (Macy's, Dillards, etc) carry many manual watches?

 

[little Big feather]

Although I LOVE thr idea of a manual watch, I'm not sure what would be available within my range. Do the big name stores (Macy's, Dillards, etc) carry many manual watches?

I think they mainly sell "fashion" watches...Not real watches IMHO.
Look good...But nothing under the hood...Lots of bling but not the real thing.

 

[jzuzphreek]

I think they mainly sell "fashion" watches...Not real watches IMHO.
Look good...But nothing under the hood...Lots of bling but not the real thing.

So if I were interested in looking in stores rather than the big, vast, internets, in which stores should I look?

 

[JaxJim]

IF you want quartz ... this is one heck of a watch at the price ... made IN Japan ...

+1, and Seiya-san is an absolute pleasure to do business with-- exceptional customer service.

 

[little Big feather]

So if I were interested in looking in stores rather than the big, vast, internets, in which stores should I look?

Beats me...I have bought Over $14,000.00 in watches on the internet! Only my ROLEX at a local AD.

 

[Leatherneck]

Russian Vostok Amphibia. Dive watch, automatic, tough, lots of designs to choose from. In your price range.

 

[StillShaving]

Sounds like you are looking for a watch with an analog dial instead of a digital. There is no one good place to go online, but if you are unsure about what style or features you like, Amazon is not a bad place to start. After you find one watch you like, there will be dozens more suggested to you that are similar, so you can start following that trail. Which may lead you to other online websites.

 

[dklaiman]

Check out watchuseek.com They have an affordable watch forum. It includes a daily thread of pictures that show whatever watch the members are wearing that day. If you see one you like, just pm the member--I think you have to be a member of watchuseek to do that. PMWF.com is a good place to start, too.

Before you buy online, I'd also check out a few stores, even if it's only to find out what size watch you like.

 

[Captain Pre-Capsize]

Go to this site: http://chistopolcity.com

Click on Categories on the left hand side and see what catches your eye. Myself, I like the idea of wearing a Russian watch - how many guys can say THAT? It did take three weeks but it got here. A recent thread: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/327312-Help-me-pick-a-watch-band

The other one I got is nicer all 'round and is an Orient. The guys were most helpful in guiding me toward a brand that fit my budget which just so happens to be the same one you have: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...x-appetite-but-a-Timex-budget-recommendations

I'll be candid and say that I am a "Little Leaguer" playing in the "Big Leagues" here with all the high end watches but everyone is most helpful.

 

[winstonage]

kenmarwatches.com Both my wife and I have bought several watches there. Perfect place for your price point.

 

[whavens]

If I was going to buy a watch in that price range, I would look at Skagen. Nice light weight and sleek looking. They are low profile, so you won't catch your shirt sleeves on them either.

 

[ironfist]

Don't know how available these are in the US but i got one of these for xmas and they look fantastic imo.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/325937-Xmas-Watch?highlight=

 

[smokeydave]

Sounds like you are looking for a watch with an analog dial instead of a digital. There is no one good place to go online, but if you are unsure about what style or features you like, Amazon is not a bad place to start. After you find one watch you like, there will be dozens more suggested to you that are similar, so you can start following that trail. Which may lead you to other online websites.

100% agree with you on that as thats how i found my watch .