Watch recommendations for under $500

[thebikingengineer]

My father's 50th birthday is coming up and I, as the oldest son, would like to get him a nice watch for a gift. My budget is up to $500 and I'd like to stick with quartz or similar movements because he's not in the habit of wearing a watch all the time and I think that an Auto might get run down too often to keep good time. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[WastedResources]

Victorinox Swiss Army watches are quality and in your price range. I especially like their pocket watch. It's around $200.

TX Watches have many varieties. Kenneth Cole, Guess, and Fossil also fit in your price range. It seems like department stores specialize in the under $500 price range.

If you like pocket watches, check these out for starters.

http://www.gems4me.com/chhudoskpowa.html

http://www.buy.com/prod/victorinox-...q/listingid/37575689/loc/64934/209886712.html

http://www.titaniumkay.com/Colibri-Blue-Pocket-Watch-Key-Ring-Set-P103260.html

 

[buyandhold2018]

I have my eye on one of these...

http://www.steinhartwatches.de/

hand made and automatic; some beautiful designs.

They seem to have a cult like following and the prices are very reasonable.

 

[Norse23]

Seiko, Citizen, and Orient made good watches in this price range.

 

[pz93c]

What does he like in a watch?

What size?

What material, Steel, TT, etc?

 

[thebikingengineer]

He doesn't wear watches all the time, but from what I can recall he was always a metal band wearer (that or rubber, but I'm not getting a rubber band).

Size-wise I'd say anything 39-46 mm would work well (he's a bigger guy), maybe a 20-22 mm width band.

I was thinking of something a bit simpler, not too many complications. Maybe day/date, maybe chrono, no watches with six dials or anything like that.

For materials I was thinking stainless, but if I can find a nice Titanium watch that might work as well.

 

[Vlad]

I have my eye on one of these...

http://www.steinhartwatches.de/

hand made and automatic; some beautiful designs.

They seem to have a cult like following and the prices are very reasonable.

Wow, thanks for introducing me to this.

 

[Austin]

How about a classic Hamilton watch.

http://www.princetonwatches.com/shop/H24481131.asp

 

[WastedResources]

How about a classic Hamilton watch.

http://www.princetonwatches.com/shop/H24481131.asp

Elvis!

 

[thebikingengineer]

Well,the Hamilton is considerably more than I want to spend, and I don't see that one getting much time on my Dad's wrist. Very nice, but probably a bit out there. I'm sort of leaning toward this watch, it's not metal-banded but seems to be a classic enough look that it would get daily use.

 

[Austin]

Well,the Hamilton is considerably more than I want to spend, and I don't see that one getting much time on my Dad's wrist. Very nice, but probably a bit out there. I'm sort of leaning toward this watch, it's not metal-banded but seems to be a classic enough look that it would get daily use.

I like it very much. The price is very attractive as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-BL5250-02L-Eco-Drive-Perpetual-Chronograph/dp/B000EQS0WK

 

[colacowboy]

There are a lot of the classic Hamiltons that are less than $500. They're an incredible value and will last a lifetime. I would choose a swiss movement over a Seiko any day. Tissot is great as well and you can find some timeless designs that are inexpensive.

an example
http://www.classybrand.com/watches/watch_fs+watch-4671-brand-Hamilton-pid-H11411733.asp

 

[DS/B MCS]

I would choose a swiss movement over a Seiko any day.

At the sub $500 price...Maybe. Above that...Depends

The OP will have numerous solid choices from Seiko, Citizen, and Orient. Citizen Ecodrives are nice watches.

 

[Thebigspendur]

There are a lot of the classic Hamiltons that are less than $500. They're an incredible value and will last a lifetime. I would choose a swiss movement over a Seiko any day. Tissot is great as well and you can find some timeless designs that are inexpensive.

an example
http://www.classybrand.com/watches/watch_fs+watch-4671-brand-Hamilton-pid-H11411733.asp

Seiko makes movements that put most Swiss movements to shame and Seiko is totally in house.

 

[xtalicious]

Seiko makes movements that put most Swiss movements to shame and Seiko is totally in house.

I have a Seiko diver with a 6R15 movement that I absolutely love.

This is the one I have:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=277855

 

[Doc4]

Seiko makes movements that put most Swiss movements to shame and Seiko is totally in house.

http://www.seiyajapan.com/c=IurkrgrwhspIgZdxlzUWbyqt4/category/3_seiko_quartz_etc_/

These are the Seiko watches that they make for Japan

 

[AFG]

I doubt the Swiss quartz movement can be any better than the Japanese. Nevertheless one of my favorite brands is the Victorinox Swiss Army. Seldom discounted by authorized sellers though. Citizen eco drives are great and the already mentioned Seikos sold through Seyia and Chino are watches not found in this country. Lots of good choices in the under $500 range.

 

[Legion]

Just a thought, but if your old man is turning 50 he is reaching that age where his close vision may be failing. If he is anything like my father (who is considerably older than 50, but still...) he might have a bit of trouble reading the info off a chronograph or similar. I would probably recommend some sort of military dialed watch as they are designed to be easy and clear to read. Just my two cents.

For the record, I am thinking of pulling the trigger on a CWC divers watch. They look pretty nice and very robust.

 

[thebikingengineer]

You know I hadn't thought of that but he is starting to need reading glasses. Maybe this one, this one, or this one would work. So many choices.

 

[mark the shoeshine boy]

dang you guys make me feel old...