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High-end Watches Locally?

1,888,047 Views | 15503 Replies | Last: 13 hrs ago by Quo Vadis?
bayouaggie
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AG
Ok not sure if you guys can (or want to) help, but I've been spying on this thread for a while and a bit jealous of some watches that I'll probably never have. Anyways, I'm looking for a silver/stainless band watch to wear mostly for work but also on weekends or for traveling. I'm not a diver but really like the look of the diver style watches (bulk, large numbers, etc). My budget is around $500 and mostly been just snooping around Amazon for ideas. I realize I need to probably go to the mall or something and try to find some of these to try on for fit and comfort. Below are my current favorites so welcome any thoughts or other ideas. Particularly looking on feedback on the brands or if one should be avoided. To be open, I am currently wearing an 8-year old Citizen watch in black stainless. It still works and looks decent but band starting to wear and has a nick or two in the glass. I do travel internationally for work several times per year, so not sure if buying a duty free watch in Asia or Europe would be cheaper than Amazon. Appreciate any thoughts.

Citizen Eco Drive Promaster (I like the layout and been happy with current EcoDrive but know it's probably lower tier than others below):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0837NR2KF/?coliid=I3POCERYKKY1S7&colid=OJE2K45J5FK6&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Citizen Eco Drive Promaster Titanium (a bit simpler/clean look with titanium band)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079SSDBY5/?coliid=I208KGV8HD1SB5&colid=OJE2K45J5FK6&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im

Tissot Seastar 660/1000 (probably my favorite based on aesthetics alone, not familiar with brand)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JW9MXHL/?coliid=IU69O4WPV0IBR&colid=OJE2K45J5FK6&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba (simpler design, but clean and looks nice, also not familiar with brand)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CHBF9N7/?coliid=IF13NYE1ZLJEY&colid=OJE2K45J5FK6&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
schmendeler
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AG
Consider this one. It's just a little bit above your range. But has more panache in my opinion.

https://www.gnomonwatches.com/collections/squale/products/20-atmos-classic-ceramic-1545-sel-bracelet
jh0400
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AG
For $500 or less it's going to be hard to beat a Hamilton auto. The Khaki Navy uses a good movement with an advertised 80 hour reserve.
MarathonAg12
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My local watch group in Austin is super annoying.

If this is you. I am sorry. But not really.
Sea Speed
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AG
Those gloves.
Serotonin
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AG
Sweet glove bro
Serotonin
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AG
Beat me by a second!
Coog97
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Oh, dear…

https://hypebeast.com/2022/8/supreme-rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-fw22-rumor-info

“Things weren’t gentle and politically correct in those days. We weren’t candy asses. Okay?”
-Frank Borman

“Who are you to doubt El Dandy? ‘Cause this guy’s a serious professional.”
-Bret Hart
MarathonAg12
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God I hate that brand

Nothing screams asshat like wearing something supreme branded
ChemAg15
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AG
These are all great brands at the price point you're looking at. I wouldn't buy either of the citizens because the watch face is mineral glass and that scratches too easily for me. The tissot and hamilton both have sapphire crystal faces so scratching won't be an issue. I'd go with the hamilton because I like an automatic watch but that's just my preference. I don't like having to change watch batteries.
Coog97
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MarathonAg12 said:

God I hate that brand

Nothing screams asshat like wearing something supreme branded


I'd much rather wear the Domino's Rolex.
“Things weren’t gentle and politically correct in those days. We weren’t candy asses. Okay?”
-Frank Borman

“Who are you to doubt El Dandy? ‘Cause this guy’s a serious professional.”
-Bret Hart
jamesf
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AG
bayouaggie said:

Ok not sure if you guys can (or want to) help, but I've been spying on this thread for a while and a bit jealous of some watches that I'll probably never have. Anyways, I'm looking for a silver/stainless band watch to wear mostly for work but also on weekends or for traveling. I'm not a diver but really like the look of the diver style watches (bulk, large numbers, etc). My budget is around $500 and mostly been just snooping around Amazon for ideas. I realize I need to probably go to the mall or something and try to find some of these to try on for fit and comfort. Below are my current favorites so welcome any thoughts or other ideas. Particularly looking on feedback on the brands or if one should be avoided. To be open, I am currently wearing an 8-year old Citizen watch in black stainless. It still works and looks decent but band starting to wear and has a nick or two in the glass. I do travel internationally for work several times per year, so not sure if buying a duty free watch in Asia or Europe would be cheaper than Amazon. Appreciate any thoughts.

Citizen Eco Drive Promaster (I like the layout and been happy with current EcoDrive but know it's probably lower tier than others below):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0837NR2KF/?coliid=I3POCERYKKY1S7&colid=OJE2K45J5FK6&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Citizen Eco Drive Promaster Titanium (a bit simpler/clean look with titanium band)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079SSDBY5/?coliid=I208KGV8HD1SB5&colid=OJE2K45J5FK6&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im

Tissot Seastar 660/1000 (probably my favorite based on aesthetics alone, not familiar with brand)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JW9MXHL/?coliid=IU69O4WPV0IBR&colid=OJE2K45J5FK6&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba (simpler design, but clean and looks nice, also not familiar with brand)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CHBF9N7/?coliid=IF13NYE1ZLJEY&colid=OJE2K45J5FK6&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
I am in a very similar situation and price range. I have too many kids to spend too much money on watches, so I am looking for an everyday watch that can be versatile in pretty much whatever I am doing. I looked at all of the watches you listed and I had originally settled on the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba, but now I am leaning more toward the Hamilton Khaki Field Auto. The Hamilton brand is best known for producing field watches for the United States military during WWI & WWII, so the field watch is more of their "classic" watch. Plus, I like the versatility of the watch appearance with different bands to change things up.
TulaneAg
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I've been leaning toward the Omega Seamaster 300M Coaxial w/ white face for my next purchase but the Panerai Luna Rossa came across my news feed a few weeks ago and I'm kinda smitten with it. Purpose of the watch would be sailing and snorkeling a few times a year, swimming in the pool, no scuba diving. Otherwise, I'd be wearing it on a regular rotation w/ Omega Speedy and Glashutte Senator PR, etc.

The Panerai (PAM01342) is listed at $5,900 msrp on their website but I'm only seeing it online for $7k plus. Is Panerai really trading at above msrp?



Edit: removed Omega pic because it was HUGE!
bayouaggie
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AG
Thanks schmendler. Will definitely check out the Squale. Never heard of that brand but looks great!
BBRex
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AG
I like the Hamiltons in that price range. I know Seiko is hit or miss for folks, but you get some options with that brand. The blue cocktail time, the samurai, several Prospex watches and the Presage Style60s all fit in your price range.

https://www.gnomonwatches.com/collections/seiko?sort_by=price-ascending
schmendeler
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AG
Glad you are at least intrigued
AgLA06
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AG
I like everything about the Panerai except the paddle crown protector.

Once it's seen, it just can't be unseen. For a $5K+ watch it's just out of place.
Serotonin
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AG
Under $500 I would personally go with a Seiko or Hamilton if you want a mechanical watch. G-Shocks are a great option if you're into that aesthetic.

There's a reason watch forums recommend Seiko often for a first mechanical watch. The movements are great and they often come with clear casebacks so you can see the movement. The fit and finish is really good for the price point. And they can easily be modified if you want a different look.


Here's a video on the SRPD51:

$220 right now: https://www.amazon.com/SRPD51-Sports-Silver-Tone-42-5mm-Stainless/dp/B07ZHQDQB2

The SZSB012 is another great option at ~$220:

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Automatic-Watch-Model-SZSB012-dp-B08LJSWT35/dp/B08LJSWT35/
Silian Rail
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TulaneAg said:

I've been leaning toward the Omega Seamaster 300M Coaxial w/ white face for my next purchase but the Panerai Luna Rossa came across my news feed a few weeks ago and I'm kinda smitten with it. Purpose of the watch would be sailing and snorkeling a few times a year, swimming in the pool, no scuba diving. Otherwise, I'd be wearing it on a regular rotation w/ Omega Speedy and Glashutte Senator PR, etc.

The Panerai (PAM01342) is listed at $5,900 msrp on their website but I'm only seeing it online for $7k plus. Is Panerai really trading at above msrp?



Edit: removed Omega pic because it was HUGE!
It's only selling above MSRP because it's out of stock on the website, I don't think there's going to be "run" on this one. It's a "special edition" but they're making 1500 of them.
jh0400
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AG
I've recently gotten the itch for a world time. I'd like a 39-42mm with a preference toward 40mm. Obviously the PP fits the bill, but I'm not looking to spend $40k. I do like the look of the Frederique Constant, but I'm not super familiar with the brand. Any others I should look at?

https://us.frederiqueconstant.com/collections/mens/products/fc-718nwm4h6
Silian Rail
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jh0400 said:

I've recently gotten the itch for a world time. I'd like a 39-42mm with a preference toward 40mm. Obviously the PP fits the bill, but I'm not looking to spend $40k. I do like the look of the Frederique Constant, but I'm not super familiar with the brand. Any others I should look at?

https://us.frederiqueconstant.com/collections/mens/products/fc-718nwm4h6

?
That frederique constant is typically held up as the absolute pinnacle of world time elegance for the price. You won't find anything that looks as good near the price. The only thing that comes close is the Omega World timer which is almost double.
YouBet
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AG
My official grail watch at this juncture:

AgLA06
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AG
That is a busy, busy watch.

Cool concept, but man my eyes swim looking at it.
AgLA06
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AG
YouBet said:

My official grail watch at this juncture:


So basically a GMT that looks a lot better than a 2 tone GMT?

Appears you can get them about 20% under MSRP around $17K.

You can't get a Rolex GMT, and they look nicer. Interesting.
MarathonAg12
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AgLA06 said:

That is a busy, busy watch.

Cool concept, but man my eyes swim looking at it.

Charismatic Megafauna
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AG
Zelos and alpina have a lot of options i like in that range
YouBet
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AG
AgLA06 said:

YouBet said:

My official grail watch at this juncture:


So basically a GMT that looks a lot better than a 2 tone GMT?

Appears you can get them about 20% under MSRP around $17K.

You can't get a Rolex GMT, and they look nicer. Interesting.


Yeah, blasphemy, but I don't like any Rolex except for the Milgauss, which I own, and maybe the Air King which many Rolex people don't like (the Air King).

I'm counter culture!
Serotonin
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AG
Beautiful.

For ~$10k I love the Panomatic Lunar in Green:

Silian Rail
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I love glashutte, but for some reason I just can't do asymmetrical dials.
TSJ
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AG
You could always get a Seiko built to your liking. My Skx crown stopped working so it was time to rebuild. Ended up only keeping the dial, case, and case back.



Serotonin
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AG
Silian Rail said:

I love glashutte, but for some reason I just can't do asymmetrical dials.
Ah, so no Lange 1 for you then?

I didn't used to be a fan but the German design style has grown on me.
Silian Rail
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Serotonin said:

Silian Rail said:

I love glashutte, but for some reason I just can't do asymmetrical dials.
Ah, so no Lange 1 for you then?

I didn't used to be a fan but the German design style has grown on me.

no, but I would take a Zeitwerk or Odysseus
YouBet
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AG
Serotonin said:

Beautiful.

For ~$10k I love the Panomatic Lunar in Green:


Not big on asymmetric but that green draws me in.

I'm thinking the Senator will be my 50th bday present to myself...instead of getting that vette. So I'm about 1.5 years away.
schmendeler
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AG
Yeah that green is gorgeous
nealan
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I recently modded my SKX. Domed AR sapphire, charcoal grey bezel insert and new rubber strap. It's a fun project
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