If I’d got that sort of money but couldn’t have a Seiko then I’d turn to Orient.

 

If I'd got that sort of money but couldn't have a Seiko then I'd turn to Orient.

Ditto. Orient makes stellar watches.

 

+1 for Orient. It is taking the place left by Seiko for sub-300 affordable ones.
Defender and Kamasu are awesome for what they bring at that price.

 

At exactly $300 (as of today 19 July), the Orient Kamasu is a lot of watch for the money. Screw-down crown, sapphire crystal, excellent lume.

 

Do you mean the new set like the SRPE53/SBSA043? If so, I feel they are absolutely a solid value. This is having owned several Orient divers including the Makos, and numerous Seiko. They are well finished, look gorgeous, and offer appropriate functionality. It is at the top of my "buy next" list. If you're unsure, the only way to settle it, taking it out of the realm of the theoretical, is to get off the computer and go try one on. I did at the local mall, and you probably could too.

Orient mid-line divers are fine watches. Good watches. But the characteristics that make them so are the ones I eventually found wearisome. Heavy cases. Untapered bracelets, pin link system. They also offer good internals with accurate hand-winding movements. Overall, compared to slightly more expensive Seiko's, they seemed just more...brutish. Of course that is its own appeal.

 

Better how?

I'm not a spec chaser and don't really understand that approach to buying watches. Seiko seems determined to move their pricing up and many folks that desire VFM above all else find this offensive.

I find it more helpful to ask if the quality of the product is appropriate for the price being asked.

Crystal - Hardlex is a perfectly acceptable material here, tough to scratch and better than sapphire without anti-reflective coatings.

Movement - 4R36 offers hacking, handwinding and likely Seiko bulletproof operation.

Bracelet - Nothing <$300 is going to be spectacular and the aftermarket options for the Seiko will explode before too long.

WR - Are you going deeper than 100m?

Screw down crown - How often do you find your crown accidentally left open?

I agree there are places you can squeak out better finishing options, especially with Orient but the differences will be minor and dependent on what you value. Swiss in the <$300 range makes no sense to me as servicing will likely run you close to replacement cost in 5-10 years if you choose to do so. Watches in this price range are basically disposable due to the cost of servicing unless you want to keep it running for sentimental reasons; even then, swapping in a new Seiko movement will likely be cheaper than servicing a Swiss movement.

So, really, better how?

The Seiko, IMO, is worth the $250 - $300 if you really like it. Should serve you well for many years.

A low price on a watch you don't like does not make a "good deal".

I feel like you're both confirming what I thought - people weren't judging the SRPE53 for what it is. Thank you.

If anyone's reading through this thread and wondering if I'm trying to justify the purchase, nope (I'm waaaaay past that point haha), I want to understand why people were saying there were better options for the same price.

 

Beter than Seiko 5 under 300? Any Chinese watch under 200...

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A demonstrably false comment.

Beter than Seiko 5 under 300? Any Chinese watch under 200...

 

A lot of Hamilton watches are barely above that $300 mark. And these are significantly better watches than a Seiko 5. Those Hamiltons would have ETA movements and sapphire crystals. Also look at Tissot Powermatic 80. And if you are looking for something with a higher water resistance, try a Glycine Combat Sub Automatic.
But I thought you originally said you had a $1000 budget? If that is still the case, there are a far greater amount of options once you get above the $400 mark.

 

A lot of Hamilton watches are barely above that $300 mark. And these are significantly better watches than a Seiko 5. Those Hamiltons would have ETA movements and sapphire crystals. Also look at Tissot Powermatic 80. And if you are looking for something with a higher water resistance, try a Glycine Combat Sub Automatic.
But I thought you originally said you had a $1000 budget? If that is still the case, there are a far greater amount of options once you get above the $400 mark.

Yes, the budget still sits at $1000, and I'm sure if I REALLY wanted something over that amount my wife would let me go for it because she knows I buy things and hang onto them. Most of the watches I know I want are above that line. When I started thinking about this purchase, before there was a budget, I envisioned ... you guessed it ... a ~40mm diver without the bezel, blue dial, with a more sporty look. The Tudor Black Bay was close (didn't do it for me in person).

I determined my budget at the beginning of 2020. I looked at watches at a number of ADs and started focusing on field and pilot watches. Saw cool watches online that might fit the criteria. Covid-19 hits, we're all at home... THEN Seiko puts out the new lineup, I see the SRPE53, and I'm smitten.

What I'm trying to figure out is why a number of people said the Seiko 5 isn't worth it at $275. My hunch is that (a) people are comparing today's price to yesterday's price on SARBs, (b) they know it'll be retailing at ADs for closer to $200 at some point, and (c) my budget was much higher than $275 so people would compare the specs of more expensive watch directly to the Seiko 5.

 

In respect of this new question from the OP, my reply is a follows:-

The Swiss watches mentioned are probably better made & finished than the base level Seiko watches. But I have a personal issue with Swiss made watches, in that several years back I was bought a nice Tissot automatic that lasted/worked just fine for about ten years and then packed up. Try as much as I could I was unable to get somebody to service it. Which has coloured my impression of Swiss made watches ever since. My local watch repair guy won't touch a Swiss watch with a 15ft barge pole, not because they are bad watches per se, but he says that the availability of spares from the distributors and their attitude puts him off from ever dealing with them.

I have two Orient watches that so far work exceedingly well and I would recommend them as a good alternative.

Some of the Chinese watches I have, albeit with Japanese Automatic and Quartz movements from both Miyota and Seiko are great and terrific value for money, but are no where near as good as the Seiko and Citizen watches I have that I bought as "JDM" aka Japanese domestic market products IMHO.

So this comes down to the fact that in the end analysis it does come down to "You pays your money and takes your chances I am afraid"

Very best regards,
Jim 👍

 

But I have a personal issue with Swiss made watches, in that several years back I was bought a nice Tissot automatic that lasted/worked just fine for about ten years and then packed up. Try as much as I could I was unable to get somebody to service it.

Swatch Group will service that Tissot. They have service locations all over the world, just look it up. They will only use quality, OEM parts. And they will even pay the shipping.

 

Another vote for Orient. I’ve got two Orient Stars that are almost a decade old, still running perfectly. Both under $400 (retrograde and open heart).

You can also find the Mako/Ray II for $120~, which is an amazing price considering the watch.

 

Better how?

I'm not a spec chaser and don't really understand that approach to buying watches. Seiko seems determined to move their pricing up and many folks that desire VFM above all else find this offensive.

I find it more helpful to ask if the quality of the product is appropriate for the price being asked.

Crystal - Hardlex is a perfectly acceptable material here, tough to scratch and better than sapphire without anti-reflective coatings.

Movement - 4R36 offers hacking, handwinding and likely Seiko bulletproof operation.

Bracelet - Nothing <$300 is going to be spectacular and the aftermarket options for the Seiko will explode before too long.

WR - Are you going deeper than 100m?

Screw down crown - How often do you find your crown accidentally left open?

I agree there are places you can squeak out better finishing options, especially with Orient but the differences will be minor and dependent on what you value. Swiss in the <$300 range makes no sense to me as servicing will likely run you close to replacement cost in 5-10 years if you choose to do so. Watches in this price range are basically disposable due to the cost of servicing unless you want to keep it running for sentimental reasons; even then, swapping in a new Seiko movement will likely be cheaper than servicing a Swiss movement.

So, really, better how?

The Seiko, IMO, is worth the $250 - $300 if you really like it. Should serve you well for many years.

A low price on a watch you don't like does not make a "good deal".

 

Better how?

I'm not a spec chaser and don't really understand that approach to buying watches. Seiko seems determined to move their pricing up and many folks that desire VFM above all else find this offensive.

I find it more helpful to ask if the quality of the product is appropriate for the price being asked.

Crystal - Hardlex is a perfectly acceptable material here, tough to scratch and better than sapphire without anti-reflective coatings.
Movement - 4R36 offers hacking, handwinding and likely Seiko bulletproof operation.
Bracelet - Nothing <$300 is going to be spectacular and the aftermarket options for the Seiko will explode before too long.
WR - Are you going deeper than 100m?
Screw down crown - How often do you find your crown accidentally left open?

I agree there are places you can squeak out better finishing options, especially with Orient but the differences will be minor and dependent on what you value. Swiss in the <$300 range makes no sense to me as servicing will likely run you close to replacement cost in 5-10 years if you choose to do so. Watches in this price range are basically disposable due to the cost of servicing unless you want to keep it running for sentimental reasons; even then, swapping in a new Seiko movement will likely be cheaper than servicing a Swiss movement.

So, really, better how?

The Seiko, IMO, is worth the $250 - $300 if you really like it. Should serve you well for many years.

A low price on a watch you don't like does not make a "good deal".

Thank you for saving me a whole lot of typing. You captured my thoughts precisely.

Experience has shown me that "getting a deal" especially a lot of spec for the dollar is ultimately a futile exercise if you don't bond with the watch. It has never worked for me.

 

Personally I'd just buy a lightly worn Seiko on eBay for a huge discount and go that route.

 

All these are more sensible purchases, specs-wise:

1. Orient. Kamasu is cheaper @$220 and has sapphire (plus a bezel and a more detailed dial). I would recommend some Orient Star watches, but like the SARB they are mostly discontinued and $400+.

2. Direct-from-China brands. Find the good brands and basically everything $75+ has better specs. San Martin / LugYou / Cronos, Sea-Gull, Heimdallr/Sharkey, Steeldive, Beijing Watch Co., etc.

And people that say Chinese watches are bad don't realise the majority of sub-$1000 watches are mostly Chinese anyway, and sometimes even come from the same factories (i.e. San Martin makes cases for the likes of Glycine).

3. microbrands ~$300. Usually also have all the specs like the Chinese have (sapphire, solid links, screw down crowns etc).

4. Save up a bit more and go entry-level Swiss. Why spend $275 for a Seiko with a crap bracelet and Hardlex, when you can get a Swiss Made automatic and sapphire etc for $400? Hamilton, Glycine, Steinhart, etc.


That said, it's not all about specs. I also really like the SRPE.

 

All these are more sensible purchases, specs-wise:

1. Orient. Kamasu is cheaper @$220 and has sapphire (plus a bezel and a more detailed dial). I would recommend some Orient Star watches, but like the SARB they are mostly discontinued and $400+.

2. Direct-from-China brands. Find the good brands and basically everything $75+ has better specs. San Martin / LugYou / Cronos, Sea-Gull, Heimdallr/Sharkey, Steeldive, Beijing Watch Co., etc.

And people that say Chinese watches are bad don't realise the majority of sub-$1000 watches are mostly Chinese anyway, and sometimes even come from the same factories (i.e. San Martin makes cases for the likes of Glycine).

3. microbrands ~$300. Usually also have all the specs like the Chinese have (sapphire, solid links, screw down crowns etc).

4. Save up a bit more and go entry-level Swiss. Why spend $275 for a Seiko with a crap bracelet and Hardlex, when you can get a Swiss Made automatic and sapphire etc for $400? Hamilton, Glycine, Steinhart, etc.

That said, it's not all about specs. I also really like the SRPE.

Thank you, you seem to have summarized all the options nicely right here.

And I wish a Hamilton or Tissot spoke to me. Been to multiple ADs for both brands, too.

 

Tisell?

 

At this moment, the Orient Kamasu is $250 usd. So your reason NOT to buy is what?

 

For a little more than $300 but less than $400 you can get a Hamilton Khaki Field Auto 38mm which has the size you like on the Seiko but with a nicer dial, better movement, better bracelet, and sapphire crystal. I got mine lightly used for right at $300.

There’s also lots of “off brand” Chinese watches that use that same Seiko movement but often have better finishing, better bracelet, and better crystal for a lot less than $300. Look at Cadisen, Loreo, Guanqin, etc. If you’re not overly attached to the brand on the dial that is.

 

I'm with all the other folks who said Orient. The designs might be a little more tame than the cool new Seiko 5s, but it's a solid watch for the money.

 

Marc from Long Island watches sells his own branded SKX-style watches for $299 but with upgraded specs. NH36 movement, sapphire crystal with AR coating, lumed ceramic bezel, Superluminova dial, drilled lugs, solid endlink bracelets.

 

Here's a video for the Islander watches. Great watches and a great guy to deal with!

 

Orient Star watches that pop up every now and then in the $350 range. Better crystal and much better bracelet than the new Seiko 5 SRPExxx models.

A Hamilton Khaki auto can be found in high $300s every now a then. Much better bracelet.

 

Sheesh $300 for a Seiko 5? That sounds like robbery. They were a hundred bucks just a year ago. If you hunt around you could get a decent vintage Omega for around that much.

 

Orient and Helm slightly above $300 if you can catch them on preorder on their site because they go fast. A LOT of watch for the money. ISO certified, solid stainless bracelet, seiko movement, saphhire etc.

Like another has said you can also find a Hamilton for around $300 used in good condition. Deep Blue is another option. $249 and 40% off coupon is hard to beat brand new

 

I prefer Citizen and Casio Oceanus over Seiko. The higher end / Japan models are just a small step below Grand Seiko. The Signature Collection US models such as Courageous/Grand Classic / Grand Touring are superb.... Citizen still offers models of equivalent quality & pricepoint in the Japanese Models.

 

I like Seiko, Casio, Oceanus. Generally, I like automatics or "Quartz with extras".

Oceanus OCW-S100 "Titanium Sapphire Solar Atomic" (has a nice ring to it, right?), remember I said "Quartz with extras". If you look for one of these second hand, make SURE there are enough links in the bracelet, that it also includes the HALF LINK for sizing to fit your wrist. It has proprietary lugs which means no straps for these, one of their few shortcomings. Be aware that Ti is light and strong but also scratches a little easier. Everybody goes for the black face, me too, but there are other color ways if you feel like hunting. Get ideas by searching images or browse ebay quickly with picclick. I saw black a bezel version the other day, thought it was beautiful. Still, that SRPE .... I like the plain black face on a bracelet ....

Happy Hunting!

I'd take a used Casio Oceanus or used G-Shock gmw-b5000, but if you're looking for an automatic I'd get a Seiko Samurai. You can find them for $250 brand new and way less used.

Okay, I do have to admit, the Oceanus might be the best watch under $1K. If you don't mind mind quartz(albeit solar, atomic and world time) this is THE watch to own. The finishing and how well it wears is unreal at its $500 price point. It's one of my favorite watches in the collection. Also, if those signature citizens weren't so big, they would for sure be in my stable. Great value for money.

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I don't want this thread to get derailed... there's a reasonable chance my final decision ends up being a Casio Oceanus or a higher-end Citizen, especially a Ray Mears styled one. If I buy the DressKX then the Citizen goes on the short list of options to replace my Weekender in the near future.

 

The SRPE is a great watch, and personally, it looks pretty damn attractive. And if I were young and trendy, Id be all over that watch, might still buy one myself. But don't overpay, look around for $225 or so or till the craze subsides. If you cant wait, I find the Citizen NY0040 or the Fugu limited editions to be great, more toolish than the Orient's suggested above and way more dive and tool watch than the SRPE (you may or may not be looking for that) I returned my Orient Ray II, crown action was crap and Mark @ LIW said a lot of them are like that, so adios amigos. (NOT knocking Orient! I have several!) The NY0040 is bullet proof, trust me. I have four of them. And $300 is a good number to stick to, lots of choices. I like Seiko, Casio, Oceanus. Generally, I like automatics or "Quartz with extras". How about this Asia Limited Edition FUGU!? NY0098-84E: On bracelet with blue bezel.

You'd be the only person you knew who had this very durable and handsome automatic diver. The great thing about this diver is it is smaller than a SKX007 (I have both) I've worn this many more hours than my SKX. It's just a smidge bigger than the SRPE. And if you know where to shop, well below $300. Honestly, the Fugu's are cool, but the straight Black Dial NY0040 is still a great watch. I like the ProMaster logo and 200M in RED and the high-contrast dial. Negative day/date, great sleek case. Approved by the Italian Navy. These run forever and parts from Citizen are very reasonable if ever it needs service or it gets banged up. This watch goes everywhere I go, Sauna, Jacuzzi, pool, gym, garden, track, ocean, I DO NOT take if off and it runs like a top. $225. You can mod this watch too, like an SKX, I've done a signed crown and signed strap, just some fun you can have.

Masters of Time in Holland has these at reasonable prices: (no affiliation).

Used Oceanus S100:

This is an example of a sub $200 OCW-S100, a little "too used" in my opinion (scratched bezel and crystal, this is in Japan) but you could look for one in better shape for around $300 in near(er) to new condition. They come in four or five color ways. Here is my silver dial version I wore today:

Oceanus OCW-S100 "Titanium Sapphire Solar Atomic" (has a nice ring to it, right?), remember I said "Quartz with extras". If you look for one of these second hand, make SURE there are enough links in the bracelet, that it also includes the HALF LINK for sizing to fit your wrist. It has proprietary lugs which means no straps for these, one of their few shortcomings. Be aware that Ti is light and strong but also scratches a little easier. Everybody goes for the black face, me too, but there are other color ways if you feel like hunting. Get ideas by searching images or browse ebay quickly with picclick. I saw black a bezel version the other day, thought it was beautiful. Still, that SRPE .... I like the plain black face on a bracelet ....

Happy Hunting!

 

Tissot, Hamilton and Glycine are all solid choices but look at Certina too. They're a Swatch group brand and can be found in a huge variety on Jomashop around $300, with great specs: 100M WR, sapphire, some with ETA 2824, and pretty much all with an optional bracelet. This is just a sample under $300, I have the black DS Podium and it's great, both dressy and sporty.

 

The black DS Podium is really classy.

 

I'd take a used Casio Oceanus or used G-Shock gmw-b5000, but if you're looking for an automatic I'd get a Seiko Samurai. You can find them for $250 brand new and way less used.

 

I'd take a used Casio Oceanus or used G-Shock gmw-b5000, but if you're looking for an automatic I'd get a Seiko Samurai. You can find them for $250 brand new and way less used.
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Okay, I do have to admit, the Oceanus might be the best watch under $1K. If you don't mind mind quartz(albeit solar, atomic and world time) this is THE watch to own. The finishing and how well it wears is unreal at its $500 price point. It's one of my favorite watches in the collection. Also, if those signature citizens weren't so big, they would for sure be in my stable. Great value for money.

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