I want a new wristwatch

archcommus

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2003
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Right now I have a cheap (but functional and fine) quartz analog wristwatch. I want a new one, something a bit more expensive (not much, like $60-80), with a silver link band and black face. Any suggestions? Should I look into an automatic watch or stick with a standard quartz? I like the idea of never having to replace a battery, but then again, it's probably more money, less accurate, and has more moving parts so maybe less reliable.

UPDATE 11/4: Well I chose a Skagen 105LTX because of its unique styling, titanium casing and band, price, and lifetime warranty. I received the watch on Monday, got it sized and got it back Thursday. I was under some suspicion as to the material of the band since it said titanium on Skagen's website and stainless steel on Amazon, but it turns out the casing and the band are indeed both titanium.

In short, I love the watch! I have to get adjusted to having a tighter band, my old watch was pretty loose and when I first put this one on I thought it was way too tight. But it still has room to slide and I realize this is just how a watch should fit and I need to get used to it. I liked the watch at first, but the more I look at it everyday the MORE I like it. The chrome markers and hands shine under all light settings and make it look very classy. But it is not a showy watch and has a subtle tone to it so it's appropriate to wear everyday with casual clothes. Really happy with it, hope it performs well for the long run.

One thing I am confused by though is how to get the date function working right. I know how to set the date, but the problem is it keeps advancing to the next date at the wrong time, like in the morning, or in the afternoon, depending on when I last set it. I'm not surprised by this, after all, it's not like the watch is aware of what time it is. But how do I align it so it advances to the next date at midnight?
 

jpeyton

Moderator in SFF, Notebooks, Pre-Built/Barebones
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Aug 23, 2003
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Stick with quartz for your price range.

You are not going to get a great deal buying watches at a B&M store.

Do you like thinner watches or heavier 'diver' style watches?
 

archcommus

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2003
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Originally posted by: jpeyton
Stick with quartz for your price range.

You are not going to get a great deal buying watches at a B&M store.

Do you like thinner watches or heavier 'diver' style watches?
A bit heavier.

I was just going to check out some places at the mall. If you have any links though and suggest an online purchase I'm open to ideas. I just liked buying B&M so I could get it sized right there.

 

jpeyton

Moderator in SFF, Notebooks, Pre-Built/Barebones
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Well if you do decide to purchase online, you can get a good automatic diver watch. Link It's on sale too, about $10 less than before.

Quartz version here.
 

nsafreak

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 2001
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Offhand I'm not sure where the best place online to get a deal on them would be but the Seiko Automatic 5 watches are within your price range and specifications.
 

archcommus

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2003
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Originally posted by: jpeyton
Well if you do decide to purchase online, you can get a good automatic diver watch. Link It's on sale too, about $10 less than before.

Quartz version here.
That is nice but the outer rim is a bit too thick for my tastes.

Should I even be considering automatic? Any "real-life" advantages besides not having to replace a battery?

Some of the Seiko 5's do look very nice.

Here is the exact style I'm looking for. Is Dakota an *okay* name?
 

Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
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I just snagged a Casio G-Shock (model that updates from atomic clock via radio) for $80 at Target.
 

archcommus

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2003
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G-Shock's nifty but I don't like digital.

I like this one from Kenneth Cole.
I like this one and this one from Fossil.

Thanks for the options, I'll compare to what I see at the mall tonight.

Is there any way to measure to get the right size if I order online?
 

doze

Platinum Member
Jul 26, 2005
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All watches are the same size and the bands have to be adjusted after you buy it. Metal bands are adjusted by removing links. And to answer your other question yeah they are all quartz, fossil only makes mid to low end watches but they look nice and hold up well. My current fossil is for work and general wear and is over 5 years old with everyday wear. I think it's on battery #3.
 

Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
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When I bought mine they also had an analog version of the same thing for $20 more.... it did have a rubber/plastic sport band, but you could easily swap it out for a metal one if you prefer.
 

AnyMal

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
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That Invicta watch is great for the price but has a ofyen-copied look, which is actually copied from Rolex Submariner (I think) In general, I think Fossil watches offer the best bang for the buck. Here is my latest addition.
 

archcommus

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2003
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Okay well I went to the mall and checked out some Citizens, Seikos, Pulsars, and Fossils at Penny's and Macy's. I liked a lot of them but didn't buy one right then because it was too close to closing and they wouldn't have been able to size it right then. But that is a good thing, because I almost bought a Seiko for $101 + tax, and found the exact same watch on Amazon for $74 with free shipping.

So now I can take my time a bit more, pick something I like, buy it online, and get it sized somewhere locally. I have to admit that Invicta IS growing on me a bit more. Here is the Seiko that I really liked. Now, comparing that watch (quartz I'm guessing) to that automatic Invicta, how is the Invicta better or more of an "amazing piece"?
 

Colt45

Lifer
Apr 18, 2001
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i have one of these. its auto, cheap as hell, and it's like a tank.

only problem is it weighs like a tank, too. :D
 

Staples

Diamond Member
Oct 28, 2001
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All nice watches I have had cost $100+.

I have a Skagen watch now. It was $125 at Dillards. Metal bands are getting ridiculous with their weight but mine is titanium so it is very light weight.
 

archcommus

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2003
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Originally posted by: Staples
All nice watches I have had cost $100+.

I have a Skagen watch now. It was $125 at Dillards. Metal bands are getting ridiculous with their weight but mine is titanium so it is very light weight.
Wow, I am liking Skagen. Titanium bands and a lifetime warranty. Found this one on Amazon for only $73.
 

Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
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Originally posted by: archcommus
Originally posted by: Staples
All nice watches I have had cost $100+.

I have a Skagen watch now. It was $125 at Dillards. Metal bands are getting ridiculous with their weight but mine is titanium so it is very light weight.
Any links to watches with titanium bands under $100? If they exist?

No idea who actually makes this Smith & Wesson, but its pretty close to $100:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000BM30WW/sz-category576-20/ref=nosim

Heres a Skagan thats less then $100:

http://www.princetonwatches.com/shop/105LTX.asp?login=y&p=shopzilla

Heres a really nice Titanium Citizen Eco-Drive for $139:

http://www.princetonwatches.com/shop/BM6060-57F.asp

Theres quite a few more listed on Princetonwatchs.com ... go have a look. :) *(Never purchased from them before myself)
 

archcommus

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2003
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Thanks for the links! I think the Skagen 105LTX is my pick. Looks great, lifetime warranty, titanium band, and only $73 on Amazon with free shipping. I'm definitely okay with getting another quartz watch. It's simpler, more accurate, and replacing batteries isn't a big deal.

Does anyone see ANY problems with this watch at all before making a purchase? Can I resize the band by removing links just like with any other stainless steel band? I do not have big wrists so I know I will have to remove a lot.
 

RollWave

Diamond Member
May 20, 2003
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The Invicta just looks a lot better and its definitely fun to have a Auto movement. It has the same japanese movement that much more expensive citizen watches have, and it is a pretty damn sturdy piece of work. I had one before I moved on to watches in the 700+ category
 

RollWave

Diamond Member
May 20, 2003
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Originally posted by: archcommus
Thanks for the links! I think the Skagen 105LTX is my pick. Looks great, lifetime warranty, titanium band, and only $73 on Amazon with free shipping. I'm definitely okay with getting another quartz watch. It's simpler, more accurate, and replacing batteries isn't a big deal.

Does anyone see ANY problems with this watch at all before making a purchase? Can I resize the band by removing links just like with any other stainless steel band? I do not have big wrists so I know I will have to remove a lot.

The links will probably be normal push pins...one thing about titanium watches is that they dont look as good as stainless steel pieces. They dont have that nice sheen that steel watches havev(and kind of look cheap). Additionally, they more and more dull as the titanium gets oxidized and as a result they always end up not looking so great unless you spend time with a proper grit sandpaper to refinish the watch.
 

archcommus

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2003
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You make good points. However now I'm not sure if I prefer the shiny look or not. Originally I was thinking I wanted shiny stainless steel with a black face, but after looking at the grayish Skagen I kind of like the more subtle look.

We are comparing this watch to this one.

I'll probably choose one of these two very soon!
 

mattlear

Senior member
Jun 2, 2000
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I'm looking for a watch as well, and not a Fossil.

I've had 3 fossil watches - they all broke within 2 years time.

The first watch I had just completely went to pot... the minute and second hand were getting stuck on one of the numbers on the face of the watch!

I wound up getting another fossil watch - this was an ana-dig, it had this pretty neat hologram thing... well, that one decided to stop working. Either the digital display would work OR the analog, but not both. I sent it back to Fossil, adn they sent me ANOTHER watch - apparently the model I had was no longer available.

I've had my current Fossil watch about 2 years now, and it's fogging up like crazy... the waterproof seal is somehow busted? I've never replaced the battery in the thing... so I'm not sure how the heck that happens.

I toyed with the idea of getting a Luminox watch... anyone have any experience with them?

Thanks,
-Matt
 

SSP

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
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Originally posted by: archcommus
I like the idea of never having to replace a battery, but then again, it's probably more money, less accurate, and has more moving parts so maybe less reliable.

Maybe less accurate, but my Timex automatic is 27 years old.

Its not an great watch, but my dad gave it to me.