Nice Watch present for 180 euro. -Fool's errand?

fat bloke · 07-03-2026 04:24PM #1

Looking for help on this one. I can't say too much cos the recipient is a watch aficionado and could well be a lurker amongst us! 😊

Anyway. The budget is strict. But everything else is open. It's for a man. He has lots of different watches already, some valuable enough, most well affordable,some fun and frivolous. So really he'd like any watch. So, any suggestions? Wide open to a second hand watch too if you've something to sell or you've an adverts link.

Time is reasonably tight so I'm not sure about an online purchase.

And as I say the budget is strict for... reasons. So there's point in 200 quid, 300 quid options.

The other thing I was thinking of was a watch box but I really know nathin' about them.

fat bloke · 07-03-2026 04:59PM

There's a lad on adverts with a huge selection of seemingly lovely modded Seikos. They're close to budget, look great and should be decent with solid Seiko foundations?

Cyclingtourist · 07-03-2026 05:21PM

Get him a nice watch box on Amazon should arrive in 2-3 days. If in Dublin look in Weirs.

Buying watches for someone else is pretty hit and miss unless you know what exactly they like.

fat bloke · 07-03-2026 05:45PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124294097#Comment_124294097

Do weirs do boxes?

I'd have a good idea of what he'd like to be honest. Plus I've shown good form with your Seagull! 😁

fat bloke · 07-03-2026 05:59PM

With a measly 180 in my pocket I'd have thought Weirs would just politely ask me to leave, right now.

mik_da_man · 07-03-2026 08:16PM

If he likes multiple different types of watches there are a few options come to mind.

G Shock - I personally like this one.

https://amzn.eu/d/00pjQ9DD

Or a fun Timex

https://timex.eu/products/peanuts-x-timex-weekender-snoopy-40mm-leather-strap-watch-tw2y60900?_pos=1&_fid=3cd1b4e7c&_ss=c

fat bloke · 07-03-2026 08:22PM

That is nice, that's the new type LCD display as well is it?

I'm not sure he's an "out-there" coloured G-shocker. The steels are out of budget however and there's a good chance he has a plain black resin one already.

I took a run around the shops just there. Weirs have sweet Fanny Adams for my money and Fields only have fashion brands like Tommy Hilfigur / Boss etc.

Cyclingtourist · 07-03-2026 10:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124294160#Comment_124294160

Weirs do very expensive watch boxes.

Better off with Amazon.ie

If you knew what kind of watch he'd like I might be able to help with something from my collection in the low hundreds.

T-Maxx · 07-03-2026 11:28PM

Gift voucher? Yeah I know but at least it'll go towards a watch he really wants.

mik_da_man · 08-03-2026 12:05AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124294557#Comment_124294557

Yeah, it's a good negative LCD screen.

They come in a range of colours, could grab a gray or black one, I just posted the blue as it's what I have.

LuckyLloyd · 09-03-2026 11:03PM

https://timex.eu/products/timex-automatic-1983-e-line-34mm-stainless-steel-expansion-band-watch-tw2y07400?_pos=16&_fid=d8dc7e6c2&_ss=c

very popular recent issue that covers a lot of bases and is on trend. You can get 15% off your first purchase and it should arrive within a couple of days.

fat bloke · 10-03-2026 09:42AM

That's nice alright. Out of budget however.

SOPHIE THE DOG · 10-03-2026 01:00PM

with 15% off first purchase you are within shouting distance of it

fat bloke · 10-03-2026 01:18PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124300749#Comment_124300749

Sorry, yeah you're right. I didn't cop that!

Cyclingtourist · 10-03-2026 02:22PM

34mm bit small for the average man. Plus it's rather dressy. I wouldn't thank you if I got it as a present.

Under €200 you're looking at a Seiko five or a Citizen eco-drive (if lucky) or maybe a Casio G-Shock but without knowing the watch taste of the intended recipient it's a hard pick.

I'd say try H Samuels and see if they have anything 'nice' on sale within budget. You'll at least get something new in a box and with a guarantee.

fat bloke · 10-03-2026 02:57PM

That was my first thought on the size as well, though I think the square styles wear larger.

I have a few things I'm going to suss out get an actual look at in the flesh. I've actually been thinking of a dress watch because they're all fairly simple and… inoffensive, if you like. They're all "nice", y'know what I mean. And all the others involved in the purchase will also think it a "nice" present, which is part of the brief :).

Cyclingtourist · 10-03-2026 03:52PM

Yes, I’m not your typical watch-guy so take what I post with a pinch of salt. Legibility is of primary importance with my eyesight, so more into military and divers. Dressy isn’t me.

LuckyLloyd · 10-03-2026 06:33PM

It’s dressy, but the brushing on case and stretch bracelet gives it a somewhat sporty vibe, imo.

A 34mm square case will wear bigger - like a 38 - 40mm round watch.

Finally, there is a trend towards somewhat smaller / square shaped watches.

I’m not a salesman for Timex mind - so don’t care what you do! But do think it’s a cool issue from an historic brand.

saccades · 10-03-2026 09:17PM

Seagull bullhead

Accurist origin (or retro racer if you can find one)

Heimdallr - decent homages to a host of dive watches.

Adisdive racing chronograph/waffle elegance

Seiko Tank (solar)

flutered · 13-03-2026 10:28PM

i have an as new citizen eco drive box etc, plus a world wide garuntee until october 26, 190 posted, i can mail it to you for inspection, i bought it last october wore it for a week, it is now in the watch box

fat bloke · 13-03-2026 11:46PM

Would need a pic or model number. "Citizen Eco drive" is only slightly more specific than "watch". 😊

bop1977 · 15-03-2026 11:07PM

if he is a bit of a petrol head maybe try omologate tifosi range:

https://www.omologatowatches.com/search/products?keywords=tifosi

fat bloke · 16-03-2026 02:09PM

Well. This fool and his money were eventually parted.

Found an adverts guy selling Tissots. Picked a nice simple, classy, uncontroversial, inoffensive, non-divisive Gentleman dress watch. I think it's lovely and hopefully the recipient will be pleased with it. It is a pleasing piece. Nice weight to it, and the bracelet is lovely.

Lorddrakul · 17-03-2026 11:11AM

That, sir, is an elegant watch.

Well played.

fat bloke · 21-03-2026 04:29PM

Went back to the seller again for one of these! The Mrs wanted a birthday pressie for a mate. In the hand it's a very nice watch indeed.

fat bloke · 28-03-2026 06:18PM

Quick post to blow my own trumpet. 😊. I'm 3 for 3 now on watch present purchases. 3 very happy gift receiving-enders. Think I might set up a bespoke horological gifting service.

Nice Watch present for 180 euro. -Fool's errand?

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