Need some advice from watch enthusiasts -Update- I've chosen a watch

[tunasnacks]

Originally Posted by XDMickey

Ah ok....
Anyway. I've been buying and selling and collecting Rolex for 16 years and never have I met someone that thought that their authentic Rolex was a dud.

I'm on watch forums way more than on gun forums and I guess you and your friend might have the only "crappy" Rolex out there.

Love to see a picture of the watch if you ever can take one. Its a passion of mine.

The only Rolex that people think are no good are fakes and/or ones that haven't been properly serviced in 10 or 20 years. They are remarkable timepieces.

Take care.

They are good and I agree that the only duds you will see haven't been maintained in years.
I've seen a few in my day that have made me shake my head.
Rolex is good but I rate it mid level luxury timepiece. Higher than Panerai and Breitling but no Richard Mille or MB&F.

[Minkman555]

Originally Posted by Ocean82

I've always worn generic Timex, Casio, and Fossil watches. I've always wanted a quality dive watch. Classic, timeless, rugged yet dressy. My budget is under $500, so no Omegas or Submariners. What's out there besides the mall jewelry store selection of Seikos, Invictus, and Citizens? Not saying they are bad watches, but I know there are lots of other quality watch makers that fly under the mall radar that only the watch enthusiasts know of.

You can get a 1:1 submariner for around $450 that could possibly even fool an authorized dealer...

"fake / folex" is one thing ... But a $500 1:1 rep is definitely not that. Some Replica Subs sell for $7-800 ... Go here , join , and I'm sure you won't regret it.

http://www.rwg.bz/board/index.php?act=idx

[XDMberto]

Take a look at Hamilton watches. They can be had with either a Quartz movement or a Mechanical movement. I have a Khaki Automatic. It has the 25 jewel self winding movement. I have been very happy with it. I paid around 350 for it 7 or 8 years ago... Not sure what they are going for now. Check out http://www.hamiltonwatch.com

[Devin.Morris.007]

I mostly wear cheap Timex watches because they take a beating at work. But, I do have some nice ones that I wear out occasionally. I've been eyeing a nice one here lately. It's a Casio, and its one of the kinetic ones that never needs a battery, and you can see all the works through the face. Pretty nice. May have to buy it, or at least put it on layaway.

[XDMickey]

Originally Posted by Minkman555

You can get a 1:1 submariner for around $450 that could possibly even fool an authorized dealer...

"fake / folex" is one thing ... But a $500 1:1 rep is definitely not that. Some Replica Subs sell for $7-800 ... Go here , join , and I'm sure you won't regret it.

RWG - Replica Watches Guide: THE Replica Watch Forum

Why would anyone buy a "fake" anything?

So bizzare to me.

[drs1321]

Originally Posted by XDMickey

Why would anyone buy a "fake" anything?

So bizzare to me.

I don't consider my Invicta 9937 Pro Diver a " fake rolex", even though it's almost identical. It's still a premium watch: Swiss automatic movement, sapphire crystal, solid stainless steel bracelet (which some say may be better than Rolex's) for under $300.

Is it in the same class as Rolex? Not even close. Is it a steal for the features you get at $300? Absolutely.

I like to think of it as a "homage" to the classic design of the Submariner. If anyone asks what it is, I proudly tell them it's an Invicta.

So far I haven't strayed too far from the mall variety. I have an Orient and Movado for dress, two Invictas and a Citizen, and my G-shock for everyday/work wear.

[WirePaladin]

I wasn't besmirching Rolex, and I am not claiming them to be the worst ever or anything crazy like that... what I am saying is that it does drift and even though they are COSC certified that still means they can drift by -4/+6 seconds per day and I find mine is within that, but just. Again that doesn't make it trash by any stretch but a similar Breitling and my daily wear Seiko have it beat as far as accuracy and it isn't a service issue. My friend's is a 16610 LV (The 50th anniversary/green-faced model) and it was sent in twice with issues in warranty and actually sent back to Rolex I believe at one point and he's just retired it as more of a cool showpiece. I have had a handful of people at different events ask me if I had various issues with mine since they had some with theirs, so I don't think I'm entirely alone there. I think it is more noticeable because people don't expect to have any issues and expect it to be perfect all the time, and while they are excellent they aren't infallible. Just like Glock, Springfield, Ferrari, Porsche, etc. make a dud or two.

I don't want to derail things more, and I think the OP got a lot of great suggestions in or near his price range which was the point. There are a lot of excellent timepieces out there in the <$800 range and the only other bit of advice would be to buy a watch that doesn't imitate another too much (or a "fake") because it kind of defeats the purpose and will just cause comparison or be a bit of a letdown since it isn't whatever it is trying to ape.

[BadHabitBand]

I really like and appreciate Rolex, but do not own one. There is something to be said about any time piece that could basically be used as currency in any country around the world...should you find yourself in a pinch.

I'm a huge fan of Omega, Ball, Oris and a few others and have a fairly decent collection.

Here's my Omega Seamaster Professional...




To the OP...if you're looking for a decent quality, somewhat affordable dive watch, Seikos and Citizens should fit the bill just fine. Invicta's are ok as well. I bought this one on a whim because it looked like one of my favorite Rolex Submariners, and have grown to really like it.



I still think one of the best bang for the buck dive watches out there with an automatic movement is the Seiko Orange or Black Monster.

[Bostoned]

Raymond Weil is a good watch and you should be able to pick up something for under $500. I also like a luminox for when I'm not at work.

[Brickboy240]

Raymond Weils are good watches for the money.

My wife has a Weil two-tone with a black face (forget the model) that I bought her for Christmas about 15 years ago. Ran me about 850 back then.

The thing is still going strong and she wears it all the time...even playing tennis and has never broken the band or had troubles.

They are Swiss made and the bands are tough like the Tag Heuers.

My 20 year old 2000 Model Professional Tag Heuer is still going strong as well.

My experience with watches under, say 800 or so is that the bands are the weak point. Both of my Luminox watches have had band work needed. The Tag has not and it has seen much more use.

So you really need to spend in the 800-1200 range to get a quality watch that has a band that is as tough as the tank and will stand up. Many sub 800 dollar watch makers skimp on the band.

-brickboy240