Narrowed down the watch selection - Which do you like?

[aphex]

Narrowed down my search to these two watches within my budget of $250 (though on the Hamilton I'm torn between the Leather Strap or the Bracelet - I could always get the bracelet and buy a leather strap later). Looking for something that's good for a suit, as well as everyday. Already have a nice Victrionox, so I don't want anything too sporty.

Hamilton Jazzmaster (Quartz, Sapphire Crystal, very thin at 7mm)

Same watch on a Bracelet

And the other watch

Bulova (Automatic, Mineral Crystal, high gloss bracelet, thicker & no power reserve)

All three are right about $200-$250

 

[BoomerD]

#1.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

Top one with a nato band

 

[Pliablemoose]

I like the Bulova

 

[Chapbass]

I wear a bulova myself, but that hamilton looks sharp, especially with the leather strap.

 

[Brainonska511]

I like the top watch with the metal bracelet.

 

[aphex]

Thanks for the opinions thus far!

I'm def. leaning towards the Hamilton as well.

Should i pay the extra $15 and get the Hamilton with the SS Bracelet? Then just pick up a nice leather strap for $20-$30 down the road? I worry that if i decide later that I want a bracelet and get the leather one, the bracelet alone will be $100+

Here is a better "real life" pic of the Hamilton on the SS bracelet

 

[gorcorps]

The 2nd one looks good enough, but it also looks like it would be too big for both comfort and aesthetics. The first one looks to be better in the size department though a little plain. I like leather straps better overall though.

FYI, this is coming from a non watch wearer.

 

[aphex]

The 2nd one looks good enough, but it also looks like it would be too big for both comfort and aesthetics. The first one looks to be better in the size department though a little plain. I like leather straps better overall though.

FYI, this is coming from a non watch wearer.

There are a few of the higher automatic models I like a little more that aren't as plain, but at about 2-3x the cost, i can't justify the extra price right now.

 

[Perknose]

The Hamilton with the leather band by far. Big clunky metal bands, like most ornate man jewelry, are for taste-challenged rubes or the penis-length impaired.

 

[yllus]

Just so you know, like Perknose just alluded to above, formalwear (like a suit) calls for a tasteful leather or cloth band, not a metal one. And one of these days I'll look into one myself!

 

[Fenixgoon]

i like #2

 

[Newbian]

Unless you can play video games on it the watch is not worth it.

 

[Numenorean]

That Bulova is ugly.

I'd go with the first one, metal strap. Never been fond of leather straps.

 

[Jaepheth]

Metal band will be easier to keep clean and new looking.

Also depends on where you live. I prefer pocket watches because wrist watches tend to get very sweaty and gross.

 

[lxskllr]

The Hamilton with the leather strap. The second one almost works. It has an art deco vibe which I'm into big, but something's just wrong with it. It's too much, while at the same time not enough :^/

 

[aphex]

The Hamilton with the leather strap. The second one almost works. It has an art deco vibe which I'm into big, but something's just wrong with it. It's too much, while at the same time not enough :^/

Yea, im almost thinking its just a bit too busy for me, even though theres not much going on.

 

[LegendKiller]

What are you going to be doing with it? Problem with the leather strap is that it gathers sweat/oil and will wear, none of these problems exist with the metal. I like #2 personally.

 

[aphex]

What are you going to be doing with it? Problem with the leather strap is that it gathers sweat/oil and will wear, none of these problems exist with the metal. I like #2 personally.

Mostly for work, have to dress up once in awhile and my Swiss Army is nice, but not dressy.

 

[coldmeat]

Definitely the first one. The last one is ugly and I think metal bands look bad in general.

 

[Newbian]

Plus metal bands almost always tend to pull hair out.

 

[x26]

Hamilton with the Leather band. Very Nice!!

 

[deadlyapp]

I myself have a bulova marine star automatic with an open heart like the one pictured, but the particular one you have shown is a little too...busy for me, with the radiating lines.

I love the hamilton automatics and had several for a while but I had to part with them due to finances. I know the entry level hamilton auto's are around the $400 mark but you may want to look into them if you can save a bit or if you're willing to look for a second hand one. I love the khaki auto's and a few of the other ones.

If you must get a quartz then the hammy is a good choice. I would opt for the SS bracelet and a nice leather band. I've personally replaced all the leather bands on my banded watches for higher quality leather in most cases. The only band I've kept is a croc strap on one of my older invicta autos. But nothing beats the heft of a nice SS bracelet, and they are so much nicer in the long run. My long term leather ends up stinking over time from sweat.

 

[zerocool84]

Hamilton with the Leather band. Very Nice!!

This

It's classy. I don't like super bright watches.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

May I humbly suggest an alternative?

http://www.amazon.com/Orient-CEM6500...6132322&sr=8-1

I have this and love love it. Its been mistaken for a Rolex more times than I can count eventhough thats not the reason I bought it.