What is the least expensive yet first-rate automatic watch(es)? I'm looking for the point of diminishing returns, where further investment yields little additional quality. Can such a watch be had for under $1000? Thanks
Any time people ask about the best value chronograph, I always go to the ~$400 Seiko 6139. I love this watch.
Happy to have it in the collection alongside watches costing far more - I always enjoy wearing it.
2. A gold '71 Seiko 6139-6005 was the first automatic watch in space. It was worn by Col. Wm. Pogue on his 84 day Skylab 4 mission in 1973, setting a record for 12 weeks in orbit.
3. I'ts good enough for Flash Gordon, savior of the universe.
4. Single-crown day/date watch with a internal rotating bezel. Awesome.
5. Great vintage Seiko style, with a modern 41mm case size and a beautiful sunburst dial, which color shifts from pale yellow to deep orange. Always makes me happy to wear it.
6. It's the All-Man Man's Watch
7. It's the watch that Science built:
I have some other 6139 print ads on the way from Japan now. Like I said, I love this watch.
Also love the 6138 Bullhead and Panda, but they're less 'important':
I don't know of/have any high-value non-Chrono automatics.
Any time people ask about the best value chronograph, I always go to the ~$400 Seiko 6139. I love this watch.
Happy to have it in the collection alongside watches costing far more - I always enjoy wearing it.
2. A gold '71 Seiko 6139-6005 was the first automatic watch in space. It was worn by Col. Wm. Pogue on his 84 day Skylab 4 mission in 1973, setting a record for 12 weeks in orbit.
3. I'ts good enough for Flash Gordon, savior of the universe.
4. Single-crown day/date watch with a internal rotating bezel. Awesome.
5. Great vintage Seiko style, with a modern 41mm case size and a beautiful sunburst dial, which color shifts from pale yellow to deep orange. Always makes me happy to wear it.
Seiko, Orient, Citizen, Christopher Ward, Hamilton are usually the ones I recommend in the < 1K segment. The Chris Ward and Hamilton generally a bit pricier than their Japanese counterpart, but give you hacking movement, sapphire crystal and generally a bit better accuracy in the mechanical movement.
The Chris Ward and Hamilton generally a bit pricier than their Japanese counterpart, but give you hacking movement, sapphire crystal and generally a bit better accuracy in the mechanical movement.
But Seiko sarb/sarx/sarw/etc series, Orient Star and Citizen Signature series have hacking and hand winding movements, sapphire crystals (minus a couple exceptions) and comparable accuracy with the swiss. The Citizen users are reporting phenomenal accuracy, in fact.
The fit and finish of the dial, hands and case of my Orient Stars is nicer than a Tissot, Certina or Hamilton, easily on par with Oris and Longines. I'm not trying to play the blind fanboy here, but was a bit disappointed when trying to add a swiss watch from the mentioned brands to my collection some months ago and discovering the finish wasn't as nice as my japanese watches, at comparable price points.....
There is no best watch. Only watches that you develop an emotional connection to.
That being said, under $1000 USD
I would list the following.
Stowa Partitio with the Top Grade ETA2824-2
Seiko SARB065 / SARB033
Stowa Flieger no Logo with ETA2824-2
Junkers Bauhaus with the ETA2824-2
Sinn 556i (but it only has a elabore 2824-2 and non fancy steel) barks in at a whisker over $1000
And if you search carefully on chrono24 you can get a Nomos Club ref701 under $1000 but it's a handwind
And to that list (a good one) I'd add Archimede. Well under US$1000, top notch case, many styles to choose from, Selitta SW200-1 or ETA 2824-2 movement. ARCHIMEDE - Mechanical watches - Made in Germany
Resale value would have to go up at the rate of inflation plus any repair or maintenance cost in order to be free. Possible, but not likely. That's not even discussing opportunity cost.
Definitely Seiko or Orient! My opinion the Orient Sat Diver is the Best $1000 watch. It is a hulk of a watch with hacking, sapphire crystal, and power reserve indicator.
Watches aren't about finding the best value (though an skx007 is pretty hard to beat) since they are an emotional purchase for anything over about $50, but what you can afford which moves you on an emotional level
I think the $2000 price point is the sweet spot for very well-made watches for someone looking to get high-end (or near enough to it) quality without paying a brand premium.
Oris and Seiko divers
Junghans Chrono
Sinn and Stowa fliegers
Some Nomos
Longines
The watches at this price point - in my opinion - are at the sweet spot when it comes to diminishing returns.
No single watch. Anything from the big brands (Patek, AP, Rolex, Omega, Heuer and IMHO - GS, although that may take a little more time to sell depending on the market). Also, pre-owned and obtained at an okay price (do the homework), relatively sought after model, not too many scratches and dings AND you can trust the dealer not to stick you with a franken or fake watch.
That is usually the best value but requires some leg work.
Great thread leaving lots to think about. My current daily watch is the Seiko SNZG13 with a D-Modell Offroad strap in light brown. The effect is similar to this Fleiger/Offroad combo (pic beloe) Cost was $130 - $80 for the watch on sale, $50 for the strap. While I'm happy with performance per dollar of this watch, watches with superior quality and mechanics but similar price/performance must exist somewhere.
In my experience, there is significant additional quality gained by moving from the $100-300 price bracket to the $400-600. From $700-1,000 the gains diminish, but are still there.
But if I just say, "What's the best watch for under $1,000?"
This guy, the Stowa Flieger no logo, no date. New from Stowa is 782 euro without VAT; adding delivery, etc. and you are probably right around $1,000 delivered. I'm biased though because I love mine!
You get a display case-back with engraved rotor too. Looking at the specs for what you are buying today, you get the blued movement screws and a Top grade ETA movement. Nice right?
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