Need Some Help Choosing a Beater

Kintarō Hattori · 28-12-2012 12:43am #1

Hey Folks,

I'm stuck in a rut currently where I'm picking up relatively cheap watches to add to the collection. If/when I'm made permanent in the new job the spend may very well go up and I'm sure I'll be back to you for advice.

In the meantime I guess I'd like some recommendations for an inexpensive everyday/work watch- something up to a max of €40/50. I'm not overly fond of digital watches for no good reason other than I guess I'm a little snobby. I do of course have the F-91W but that's stored away and not worn- everyone has to have one in their collection! I also don't like 'fashion' watches- again I think I'm just being snobby, perhaps they are actually alright.

In terms of what I'm thinking about I've looked at the following:

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/370686565446?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1302wt_1163

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/271125318591?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1524wt_1163

I generally don't like digital watches but I don't have one in my collection that I could wear, so maybe it's about time to plump down on one. I think they look nasty, I don't like the resin case but I feel compelled to buy a digital watch of some sort.
On the other hand, the Timex is inexpensive, looks quite well, has a metal case and a leather strap.

Do you have any recommendations?

*In my defense I do have a few Seikos, a few old Russian automatics and a few months back I bought Sparrowcars Getat from him. I like that a lot so will most likely invest in another in a few months time.

Eoin · 28-12-2012 2:07am

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

I generally don't like digital watches but I don't have one in my collection that I could wear, so maybe it's about time to plump down on one. I think they look nasty, I don't like the resin case but I feel compelled to buy a digital watch of some sort.

I wouldn't buy a watch just to tick the different watch style boxes - I've been doing the same and I've ended up with a good few watches that I'm just not into. Had I just saved the cash from the different purchases to put towards one watch, I'd be a happy camper. I know it's only 40 quid or so, but that's still a waste if you'll very quickly wonder why you bothered buying it.

Anyway, Casio have a huge amount of watches for around that price - here's a search page.

fishguy · 03-01-2013 5:49pm

I would suggest these:

Super tough and great looks imho:

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Casio-Mens-Analog-Black-Resin-Band-100-Meter-Low-Ship-MRW200H-1EV-/370721612097?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item5650bae141

Or:

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Timex-Mens-Expedition-Brown-Leather-100-Meter-Watch-Indiglo-Date-T46681-/230899454149?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item35c2ae10c5

Or any Timex weekender. They all look good on a nato!

g.

Cmar-Ireland · 03-01-2013 9:24pm

I have one of these, really nice watch for the money.
Under €50 on eBay

$(KGrHqFHJEIFBoB1ky+tBQfZTzYwNQ~~60_3.JPG

fishguy · 03-01-2013 9:29pm

:cool: Hell yeah!!!:D

My only problem would be this watch, since this is a truly functional diver, the minute hand should be more prominent than the hour hand. Other than that perfect beater!!!

And it's wise to take Eoin's advice.

If you buy expensive you cry once, if you buy cheap you cry and cry and cry...

g.

Kintarō Hattori · 03-01-2013 11:46pm

fishguy wrote: »

I would suggest these:

Super tough and great looks imho:

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Casio-Mens-Analog-Black-Resin-Band-100-Meter-Low-Ship-MRW200H-1EV-/370721612097?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item5650bae141

Or:

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Timex-Mens-Expedition-Brown-Leather-100-Meter-Watch-Indiglo-Date-T46681-/230899454149?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item35c2ae10c5

Or any Timex weekender. They all look good on a nato!

g.

Hmnn that's not a bad looking Casio for a beater but the Timex definitely looks nicer.

Cmar-Ireland wrote: »

I have one of these, really nice watch for the money.
Under €50 on eBay

That's a fairly reasonable looking Casio, I actually mistook it for a Seiko on first glance. Hmmn some excellent food for thought gents, I really appreciate it. I will of course let you know what I go for in the end.

fishguy · 04-01-2013 9:55am

ThebitterLemon · 04-01-2013 10:39pm

Cmar-Ireland wrote: »

I have one of these, really nice watch for the money.
Under €50 on eBay

That Casio is a great looking watch and superb value, if it wasn't for the proxy swordfish on the face I'd probably add it to my small collection!

TbL

Kintarō Hattori · 25-01-2013 8:41am

Bought the Casio in the end. Looks great and at less than €48 including delivery you can't argue.

ThebitterLemon · 25-01-2013 10:16pm

KH (haven't a clue how to type in your boards name),

Class watch, any chance you'd post some pics of it on your wrist.

Tnx

TbL

Cmar-Ireland · 25-01-2013 10:44pm

Quick wrist shot of mine...

Cmar-Ireland · 26-01-2013 3:05pm

Might as well put this up too...

Not so much a beater, but the same watch with bracelet and blue bezel.
I got both from an eBay seller in Switzerland last year.

Kintarō Hattori · 23-03-2013 11:20am

Rightyo, I'm on the look-out for another watch. I have to say I'm super thrilled with the Casio I ended up buying. I was somewhat snobby being Casio but after seeing the recommendation above I went off and read about the particular watch and all the reviews were glowing. It's definitely helped me look on the brand in a more favourable light.

I'm looking at buying another watch, somewhere in the €50-70 price bracket- maybe a little more if it's a real gem. I was thinking of something along the lines of the below:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CASIO-BESIDE-CHRONOGRAPH-BROWN-GENUINE-LEATHER-BAND-BEM506L-BEM-506L-7AV-/310526394439?pt=AU_Watches&hash=item484cd0c047

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Casio-Edifice-Mens-Chronograph-Watch-EF546D-EF-546D-1A-/130865944713?pt=AU_Watches&hash=item1e7837d889#ht_1339wt_1397 (This has absolutely glowing reviews on all the watch forums in the UK/US)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Casio-Beside-Mens-Dress-Watch-BEM506L-BEM-506L-1A-/130865886910?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item1e7836f6be

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SEIKO-AUTOMATIC-STEEL-DIVER-JUBILEE-WATCH-200M-SKX009-/350733277424?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51a95518f0 (If I can get it cheaply enough but it tends to be quite popular)

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/370776130000?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_5009wt_1163 (The seller has an excellent reputation and yep I looked it up after seeing it in another thread here)

Do you fine folk have any recommendations? I just realized that all of the above are Chronos- I'm not specifically looking for one so will of course look at non-Chronos too.

Lex Luthor · 23-03-2013 12:47pm

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CASIO-BESIDE-CHRONOGRAPH-BROWN-GENUINE-LEATHER-BAND-BEM506L-BEM-506L-7AV-/310526394439?pt=AU_Watches&hash=item484cd0c047

like this one

Kintarō Hattori · 23-03-2013 1:51pm

Lex Luthor wrote: »

like this one

That's my first choice too, I just wish it didn't have that grid pattern on the face.

johnthemull · 24-03-2013 12:18am

You cant go wrong checking out the chinese homages.
I ordered two recently. Good quality for the money and arrived in under 2 weeks with no customs interventions.
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/wangxiaohong522?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

Lex Luthor · 24-03-2013 9:04am

johnthemull wrote: »

You cant go wrong checking out the chinese homages.
I ordered two recently. Good quality for the money and arrived in under 2 weeks with no customs interventions.
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/wangxiaohong522?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

Nice to hear positive feedback here aswell from this seller
I ordered one of these from them last week, just waiting on it now

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/320945539948?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Which ones did you get jtm?

johnthemull · 24-03-2013 10:56am

This explorer is particularly good value for money
http://stores.ebay.com/PARNIS-WATCH-STATION?_trksid=p2047675.l2563
I also bought the portuguese hommage.
The explorer is better. The rotor on the portuguese is too noisy so would suggest a handwound one would be better. The explorer is faultless though.

blindsider · 24-03-2013 11:13am

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/42mm-Parnis-embossment-white-Dial-GMT-hand-winding-mens-watch-roman-number-120A-/320939609256?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item4ab97dcca8

If this had a date function, I would be all over it.

It's the closest I'll ever get to owning a genuine Breguet. :-((

Kintarō Hattori · 24-03-2013 1:56pm

The homeage look great but they don't really float my boat without knowing a little more behind the brand. For example I know a little about Getat and the chap behind it and that makes having one that little bit more interesting.

I was trawling eBay looking at Citizen watches as I've never owned a Citizen so felt I should put that right. The watch below is completely miles apart from the links I posted above but it's interesting on a few levels.

It's huge but with a simple uncomplicated face
It has Eco-Drive... a very interesting technology
Apparently the glow from the lume is outstanding
It's from a respected brand and one I've never owned a watch from at any point in time
I googled the seller as they have it listed way below what anyone else in the West is selling it at but the reviews come back very positive

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/190803457042?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:BIN&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2650#ht_2734wt_1163

BostonB · 26-03-2013 12:21pm

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

That's my first choice too, I just wish it didn't have that grid pattern on the face.

Kinda adds to the style though. Make it more 50/70's style. Without it, it would look more modern IMO

Amalgam · 26-03-2013 12:30pm

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

I was trawling eBay looking at Citizen watches as I've never owned a Citizen so felt I should put that right. The watch below is completely miles apart from the links I posted above but it's interesting on a few levels.

Apparently the glow from the lume is outstanding

This reviewer shows it off well.

(first URL link goes to YouTube and the lume show part of the review)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=437Uwo9aH-w#t=420s

Full review embedded below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=437Uwo9aH-w

BostonB · 26-03-2013 12:30pm

That Casio Diver how is the illumination at night? I used to have something similar as kid and loved it. Nice to get another. The blue one is especially nice.

I got one of these a while back. I wanted something with analogue face and alarms, as used to have one similar. I like the look of this, but the alarms are too quiet and the illumination is poor/none existent.

Kintarō Hattori · 26-03-2013 5:41pm

Amalgam wrote: »

This reviewer shows it off well.

(first URL link goes to YouTube and the lume show part of the review)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=437Uwo9aH-w#t=420s

Full review embedded below.

I'm pretty sure that's the review I watched that helped convince me I should get one.

Deep Thought · 28-03-2013 11:15pm

Love the Pilot speak....

Bravo Mike X-Ray

Amalgam · 29-03-2013 8:19am

Deep Thought wrote: »

Love the Pilot speak....

Talking of which, there's an ever so slight hint of Bell & Ross styling from the fascia\hands.

Snake_Doctor · 01-04-2013 7:04pm

I am looking for something along the same lines and very nearly bought the Citizen, it ticks nearly all the boxes, and then I spotted this Timex
http://www.watchreport.com/category/timex

and this PathfinderII (Second one down although the gmt is nice as well!)

http://www.watchreport.com/category/momentum

The alarm is an added bonus for me..thinking..thinking.. more beer required to make a rational decision

That is a really good review site as well.

Lex Luthor · 02-04-2013 3:14pm

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

The homeage look great but they don't really float my boat without knowing a little more behind the brand. For example I know a little about Getat and the chap behind it and that makes having one that little bit more interesting.

I was trawling eBay looking at Citizen watches as I've never owned a Citizen so felt I should put that right. The watch below is completely miles apart from the links I posted above but it's interesting on a few levels.

It's huge but with a simple uncomplicated face
It has Eco-Drive... a very interesting technology
Apparently the glow from the lume is outstanding
It's from a respected brand and one I've never owned a watch from at any point in time
I googled the seller as they have it listed way below what anyone else in the West is selling it at but the reviews come back very positive

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/190803457042?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:BIN&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2650#ht_2734wt_1163

Saw that Citizen in Liffey Valley yesterday for €180
No wonder we are buying online...

Lex Luthor · 03-04-2013 10:16am

My Parnis arrived yesterday. Loving the look of it but 2 of the 4 buttons dont work. SO its going back to get a full refund
On the lookout again once the money is back in my account for something in the €70-€100 bracket inc shipping
The Casio BEM506L BEM-506L-7AV already mentioned here is on teh shortlist

Kintarō Hattori · 26-04-2013 12:32am

Hey Folks,

Does anyone have a recommendation for a watch with a case diameter of at least 46mm and around the €100 mark. Only rule is no fashion brands.

Mitch Buchannon · 26-04-2013 6:59am

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

Hey Folks,

Does anyone have a recommendation for a watch with a case diameter of at least 46mm and around the €100 mark. Only rule is no fashion brands.

Getat do 46mm , 47mm , 50mm. Could be got for in or around €100.
http://www.siswatch727.com/index.do

Kintarō Hattori · 25-06-2013 8:42am

Hey Ho Folks,

I'm looking for another beater/recommendations if anyone has any. I was having a quick browse of sellers I'd bought from in the past and spotted the below. What's your opinions? I only have one Timex which while it has nothing remarkable to say about it has never missed a beat in the 10+ years that I've owned it. Timex usually look like they don't spend anything on styling their watches but the below looks surprisingly nice.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Timex-Mens-Expedition-Leather-Watch-Chronograph-100-Meter-WR-Indiglo-T49905-/231001446708?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item35c8c25934

I'm open to lots of other suggestions so long as it's not a fashion watch and has a metal casing. Chrono/non chrono doesn't matter. Budget of max €100.

peasant · 25-06-2013 3:54pm

How about a decent Wolex Sub clone ?

The Detomaso San Remo is a pretty decent example.

Comes with 43 mm diameter, 300m water resistance, sapphire glass and either as Miyota automatic or with a Seiko solar powered movement. Available in plenty on the bay in all sorts of colours. With a bit of patience and the right timing one can be had in and around 100 Euro no problem.

Comes well reviewed on all the watch fora. Only reason I personally don't own one is because I don't like the date cyclops.

Kintarō Hattori · 25-06-2013 4:12pm

peasant wrote: »

How about a decent Wolex Sub clone ?

The Detomaso San Remo is a pretty decent example.

Comes with 43 mm diameter, 300m water resistance, sapphire glass and either as Miyota automatic or with a Seiko solar powered movement. Available in plenty on the bay in all sorts of colours. With a bit of patience and the right timing one can be had in and around 100 Euro no problem.

Comes well reviewed on all the watch fora. Only reason I personally don't own one is because I don't like the date cyclops.

Ooh that's a handsome looking watch. Now to snobbily go and read up on their pedigree. Unless a company has been in the watch game for a while and it's their main form of business I won't buy from them. It's being snobby for no good reason.

Kintarō Hattori · 25-06-2013 4:20pm

Hmnnnnn...... I don't think it's for me as there isn't enough information/history on them. I have no problem buying a cheapo watch, I own a Getat after all but I like the story/information behind the brand which is why I can ignore the lack of history.

Thanks though peasant, really appreciated.

peasant · 25-06-2013 4:22pm

In that case forget it ...DeTomaso have zero pedigree

It's some anonymous marketing company that bought a fancy name to sell watches ...but they have been doing so for a few years and quality appears to be good ...think of them as a slightly upmarket "Parnis" with actual QC and Japanese movements.

peasant · 25-06-2013 4:31pm

Well, if it's history and pedigree for pocket money that you're after, it's time to get you on the Vostok wagon.

Stop faffing about and buy an Amphibia: http://www.meranom.com/amphibian-classic/090/vostok-watch-amphibian-classic-090916.htm

For 75 dollars you get a nearly 50 year old design that's basically unchanged from a factory that dates back to the second world war and has its roots in the 30's.

And in the case of the linked watch you even get a bracelet with it that (while still cheap and flimsy) is actually useable ...buy it already :rolleyes:

Kintarō Hattori · 25-06-2013 10:01pm

Right, a few things. I don't like the styling, namely the fact it's square but also the metal around the face looks rather like plastic. However I do like some Russian watches: I have a blue faced Vostok you recommended in the bargain thread, a Raketa you recommended another time and an old Poljot I bought years ago in the Czech Republic.

What I really am interested is why Homer, the owner/wearer of Panerai, IWC and Rolex watches has thanked a post recommending a €60 Russian watch- that has me intrigued.

So the styling doesn't really do it for me on this occasion.... which is something I usually have a problem with when it comes to Russian watches (sorry!) but on the odd occasion they really get it right.... for me.

peasant · 25-06-2013 10:26pm

No need to apologize

They are an acquired taste after all.

Well, with Vostok out that only leaves the Japanese with history and pedigree.

The standard recommendation for a beater under 100 Euro would be this then, the Orient Deep:

1116-CEM65006DV-2[1].jpg

Sorry, link only available in German
http://www.schoeneuhren.de/uhren-nach-marken/orient-uhren/professional-diver/orient-5-deep-pepsi-automatik-taucheruhr-cem65006dv/a-1116/

There also are some Seiko 5 in that price range, but the good looking ones usually are more expensive.

Citizens in that bracket are usually electric ...not my forte

Kintarō Hattori · 25-06-2013 10:44pm

Hmnn I have seen the brand alright but have to admit that I knew/know very little about them. Some quick reading and they:

Are part of Seiko - win win win
Concentrate mainly on mechanical watches
All movements are made in-house!
Have some pedigree - having been founded back in 1950

The only thing I don't like is their logo which is a little ugly but that's a minor point.

That watch seems like great value peasant but I very recently bought a Seiko SKX009 so it's too similar. However you've put me on a good path so I'll have a sniff around of their offerings.

Kintarō Hattori · 19-08-2013 10:07pm

Well I think I have my next beater sorted..... kinda. I've seen the brand mentioned here and there and then Eoin posted the below back towards the start of the month:

$(KGrHqNHJ!8E-FObdf33BPs)eijh8w~~60_12.JPG

$(KGrHqNHJ!8E-FObdf33BPs)eijh8w~~60_12.JPG

Parnis appear to have some really lovely looking watches and at about €100 they seem like good value.

I'm not expecting top notch quality but would they be a good purchase for some fun? Are they reasonably well made? Something like the above, or the below on a better strap has a lot of appeal:

596619d1326014146-mechanical-dress-watch-100-150-dollars-pn-048.jpg

596619d1326014146-mechanical-dress-watch-100-150-dollars-pn-048.jpg

Longford Leader · 20-08-2013 12:50pm

Ah Parnis the infamous right of passage for anybody interested in Chinese watches.

Parnis is not a true brand, even if it's now been trademarked by a guy in Guangzhou. It's a group of independent Cantonese factories and competing dealers making similar watches, at a similar cost, using similar designs.

The movements are usually unbranded SeaGull movements at the lower end of QC with a slight noisy rotor.

The majority of Parnis watches work fine and are reliable for a daily beater but there is also a chance of receiving one that is faulty. (loose hands, detached numeral, scratched dial,etc), so after a lot of trail and error the WIS community stick to a few reliable suppliers.

For the price they are worth getting.

I have the two that you have shown as well as this open heart version.

MiCr0 · 22-08-2013 8:15pm

rather than start a new thread, i'm on the look-out for a g-shock or similar.

Ideally i'd like a black dial and strap, i'm not too pushed between bracelet or resin strap.
Ideally with analogue hands.

I'm definitely looking for
- solar powered
- auto timezone update

Anything else is a bonus.

Are there any good sites to try and find this?

Ta,
MiCr0

corpo3030 · 24-08-2013 10:05pm

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Casio-G-Shock-Quartz-Watch-Analogue/dp/B007421B4G/ref=sr_1_34?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1377381605&sr=1-34&keywords=Casio+G-Shock

This is a good one, I have this exact model, actually I have this and a blue bezel version,
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Casio-G-Shock-Quartz-Watch-Analogue/dp/B007421BBO/ref=sr_1_44?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1377381677&sr=1-44&keywords=Casio+G-Shock

This is the cheapest version of the watch, it might be worth a go.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Casio-G-Shock-Quartz-Watch-Analogue/dp/B007421B3W/ref=pd_rhf_se_s_cp_1_CNSV?ie=UTF8&refRID=0XA0WV9811MWVVAAPAF7

However if you want to go all digital, there's this one too. I have it and it's a great watch. Reall you can't go wrong with Casio.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/G-Shock-Digital-Display-Bracelet-GW-M5610BC-1ER/dp/B007H5CKCM/ref=sr_1_60?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1377381732&sr=1-60&keywords=Casio+G-Shock

MiCr0 · 12-09-2013 8:31am

i just saw this Casio and i can't help feeling that its a little similar to another popular brand

fishguy · 12-09-2013 10:21am

:DDamn Omega stole the Edifice design:rolleyes:

Bullseye1 · 12-09-2013 11:34am

Longford Leader wrote: »

Ah Parnis the infamous right of passage for anybody interested in Chinese watches.

Parnis is not a true brand, even if it's now been trademarked by a guy in Guangzhou. It's a group of independent Cantonese factories and competing dealers making similar watches, at a similar cost, using similar designs.

The movements are usually unbranded SeaGull movements at the lower end of QC with a slight noisy rotor.

The majority of Parnis watches work fine and are reliable for a daily beater but there is also a chance of receiving one that is faulty. (loose hands, detached numeral, scratched dial,etc), so after a lot of trail and error the WIS community stick to a few reliable suppliers.

For the price they are worth getting.

I have the two that you have shown as well as this open heart version.

Hadn't seen this one before. What model is this?

Eoin · 12-09-2013 11:50am

second result on eBay!
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Parnis-White-Dial-Power-Reserve-seagull-automatic-deployment-bucke-watch-235-/221065250952?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3378840888

Bullseye1 · 12-09-2013 12:27pm

They also have a textured dial http://www.ebay.ie/itm/44mm-Parnis-white-rugged-dial-seagull-2505-automatic-deployment-buckle-watch-294-/321009028794?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item4abda10eba

Eoin · 12-09-2013 12:58pm

Bit too busy for me, I think.

Lex Luthor · 12-09-2013 1:36pm

Apologies if I jumped in on this thread, but I'm still lurking around for an avaiation style chronograph...

Anybody have any input to this one?
http://www.trintec.com/zulu-05-chronograph.html

Size wise its about perfect for my wrist...has the silicone strap which is good for summer wear on holiday, PVD, decent Swiss Quartz movement and in and around the price range

Would prefer it without the Day dial at 6..

There is one thing holding me back and its this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TRINTEC-IDENT-PILOT-AVIATION-WATCH-CHRONOGRAPH-STAINLESS-STEEL-BLACK-PVD-NEW-/140959753174

also made by Trintec but under the IDENT name and sold on ebay. Dial looks even more sterile than the zulu. No running seconds hand but then again its quartz so not bothered.

The IDENT is $110 cheaper

Need Some Help Choosing a Beater

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