[TimothyO]

I am purchasing a new watch for each of my young adult sons (22 and 19) for Christmas. I got a Stenhart OVM for the younger one and a Swisstek 12630G model for the other (supposedly limited to 100 items and this is no. 1) One son is fashion forward the other a traditionalist. Both watches have sapphire crystals and ETA movements and cost about $400 each. I am happy with the Steinhart purchase but growing concerned about the Swisstek (have seen it on Amazon for $300 more than I paid for it but see similar items with diamonds for $550) because I don't' see much written about it and see nothing on this site. Are they legit?Also, I see inflated "suggested retail prices" for it. Should I return it and get something else like a Hamilton Khaki or a Tissot?
Thanks and I am excited about joining this site and learning more. I once had a Rolex (gift) and a Breitling Avenger (I purchased) Both stolen from my home.

 

[You]

I have not heard of SwissTek before, but looking at the watch you said on their website, it does say it has a sapphire crystal and an ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, which are both signs of a quality watch. There are lots of smaller brands making watches nowadays and to me they seem perfectly "legit," if not brand recognizable. I am under the impression there are strict laws regarding putting the words "Swiss Made" on the dial. The model you bought looks like a Cartier Tank, and if you like that elongated Roman numeral style then I would keep it, because I can't think of another watch in that style in your price range. As for price, it's often that some companies inflate the MSRP, but you will also pay a bit more if you buy from an Authorized Dealer with a full warranty (which I would recommend if possible). If you like the traditional style then Hamilton does have some cool vintage looking models, like the Intramatic.

Steinhart is well respected here, so nothing to worry about there.

 

[TimothyO]

I have not heard of SwissTek before, but looking at the watch you said on their website, it does say it has a sapphire crystal and an ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, which are both signs of a quality watch. There are lots of smaller brands making watches nowadays and to me they seem perfectly "legit," if not brand recognizable. I am under the impression there are strict laws regarding putting the words "Swiss Made" on the dial. The model you bought looks like a Cartier Tank, and if you like that elongated Roman numeral style then I would keep it, because I can't think of another watch in that style in your price range. As for price, it's often that some companies inflate the MSRP, but you will also pay a bit more if you buy from an Authorized Dealer with a full warranty (which I would recommend if possible). If you like the traditional style then Hamilton does have some cool vintage looking models, like the Intramatic.

Steinhart is well respected here, so nothing to worry about there.

Thank you . And yes I got good information about Steinhart here. I may purchase one for myself at some point too! My son will love the james Bond hommage with the OVM. Thanks foo for checking out the Swisstek watch. I'd never heard of them before and was attracted to the price and that style.

 

[TimothyO]

Best $500ish watch for a 22 year old man who is more fashion than traditional?

Gift for nephew…bracelet not leather.

 

[Stellite]

Re: Best $500ish watch for a 22 year old man who is more fashion than traditional?

Gift for son…bracelet not leather.

Not enough info. Do you want Dress watch, sports watch, or diver watch look?

 

[StufflerMike]

Re: Best $500ish watch for a 22 year old man who is more fashion than traditional?

???????????

You already bought a Swisstek right?! Why this thread now if I may ask.

https://www.watchuseek.com/f2/help-needed-beginner-swisstek-1326970-post10709938.html

 

[gagnello]

Re: Best $500ish watch for a 22 year old man who is more fashion than traditional?

???????????

You already bought a Swisstek right?! Why this thread now if I may ask.

https://www.watchuseek.com/f2/help-needed-beginner-swisstek-1326970-post10709938.html

Good question.

 

[Donf]

Re: Best $500ish watch for a 22 year old man who is more fashion than traditional?

If I read his posts correctly, he is concerned about the Swisstec . Prehaps he is looking for an alternative from a more respected brand.

 

[StufflerMike]

Re: Best $500ish watch for a 22 year old man who is more fashion than traditional?

Two threads merged.

 

[Donf]

Giving this some more thought, if your son is more into fashion than tradition are you sure you need to be limiting yourself to mechanical watches? There are vastly more quartz "fashion" watches out there.
As near as I can figure out, Swisstec started out as a repair facility and is now manufacturing watches. Certainly they are simply putting other peoples movements in their cases - but some pretty well respected manufacturers have slapped an ETA movement in a case and charged more for it. A lot more. The watch you bought him seems reasonably priced - ETA, sapphire crystals front and back, and is stylish. 500 bucks should buy you a decently finished case/bracelet that will stand up to the scrutiny it is likely to receive from a "non-watch person". I very seriously doubt it will increase in value or become a treasured heirloom - but he isn't looking for that, right?

I'd keep it and stop shopping. It should be fine.

 

[TimothyO]

Re: Best $500ish watch for a 22 year old man who is more fashion than traditional?

Hi Thanks
Pretty open, probably dress watch, but a diver would do too.

 

[TimothyO]

Re: Best $500ish watch for a 22 year old man who is more fashion than traditional?

Sorry, I made a rookie mistake, the other was a gift for a nephew, but I understand how they were merged. I should have put it all in one thread. No the Swisstek is for my son.

My apologies for the confusion. Thanks for your help.

 

[TimothyO]

Re: Best $500ish watch for a 22 year old man who is more fashion than traditional?

I made a rookie mistake and I apologize for the confusion. I meant nephew not son. I'd already purchased watches for my sons and was seeking guidance on Swisstek as I was getting nervous about that purchase and wondering if I should get something else; Hamilton, Steinhart etc.
The $500 question was because I have not yet purchased a watch for my nephew and I want to.

I am sorry about confusing things with two threads. It's my first time. I'll be more careful in the future.

???????????

You already bought a Swisstek right?! Why this thread now if I may ask.

Help Needed for Beginner - Swisstek?

 

[Mediocre]

Re: Best $500ish watch for a 22 year old man who is more fashion than traditional?

If you are not confident with it, then return it and go with something you are more confident in. Victorinox, Hamilton, Tissot, any of them would be great gifts.