A nice watch on a b...
 

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[Closed] A nice watch on a budget?

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I've got a big birthday coming up and been asked by my Mum if I want to get a watch

She's probably going to spend £200, I could maybe put some more to that so looking at around the £200-300 price range

I've been looking at watches by Victorinox, Junkers, Tissot but I don't know anything about these brands, quality and reliability wise

Anyone got any more info or ideas?


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 3:03 pm
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i've just got a Nite MX10 201:
[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 3:07 pm
 GJP
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I have a few seiko watches, I would add these to your list. Most I paid for any of mine was £200. I also bought my dad one for £225, and he is thrilled to bits. First present I have bought him in years that he actually uses.


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 3:07 pm
 GJP
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Ooo... Nice watch that one!


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 3:09 pm
 beej
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Tissot are good at that price - I've got a PR50 chrono, was about £160 at the airport.


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 3:12 pm
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Rotary have some nice watches for that kinda money.. Usually deals about too..


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 3:30 pm
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I've got a genuine TAG that I could let you have for around that price (it's actually at the jewellers now for a service) RRP about 700 quid I think. (I'm saving up for a CX bike)


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 3:32 pm
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Also got a Nite MX10 300T very pleased with it and bombproof
[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 3:37 pm
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Those Nite watches look nice, but I think you'd come accross as a bit of an idiot if you wore one - unless you often undertake military training exercises and venture out into the field of combat and/or your nickname is "The Terminator"


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 3:50 pm
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@ MACKEM .
Might be interestd in that TAG.
First dibs to Jools obviuosly .
Otherwise high res piccys and model / function description .
TVM
rob


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 3:57 pm
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Citizen ecodrive?


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:00 pm
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Tissot is the way at that price, really good value watches and they lat as well, my oldest is 15 years old and has only needed a battery change.

Have a look at the PRC200, you can get various faces and straps and if you're anywhere near Brum I know where you can get one for well under £200.


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:01 pm
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save some cash and get a Mondaine 🙂


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:06 pm
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Wife's chrimbo present to me.. Think she got a good deal!

[IMG] [/IMG]

Edit- yes, I have skinny wrists.


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:32 pm
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Vintage all the way.


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:33 pm
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Yep! Nice vintage seiko etc for that sort of money.


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:38 pm
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That Nite looks like something I would have worn when I was 15.


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:39 pm
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Have a look at the Christopher Ward site...

[url= http://www.christopherward.co.uk/ ]http://www.christopherward.co.uk/[/url]

I have one, it's very nice.


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:40 pm
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That Nite looks like something I would have worn when I was 15.

Along with a 12" survival knife with a fishing line concealed in the hilt, eh?


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:41 pm
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Along with a 12" survival knife with a fishing line concealed in the hilt, eh?

Had designs on one, but never upgraded my sheath knife - had a 5" blade, bone handle and leather sheath. Back in the days when you could walk into an army stores as a teenager and buy any knife you wanted.


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:44 pm
 Hoff
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CWC - Suppliers to the British Army....get to see a bit more action than the Swiss 😉

http://www.cwcwatch.com/

Or A Casio G Shock??


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:48 pm
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I got a G Shock MT-G 1000, cost £400 but the link below has them for £220 at the moment.

Receives an update from the atomic clock 5 times a day and looks badass

[img] [/img]

http://www.pluckpoint.com/casio-mtg-1000-1aer-g-shock-gents-watch/product


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:50 pm
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I'd get a Seiko for that money they are pretty much unbeatable for the cash.

This or something like it

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-SEIKO-KINETIC-DIVERS-200M-WATCH-SKA371P1-RRP-325-/270859710568?pt=UK_Jewelery_Watches_Watches_MensWatches_GL&hash=item3f107f3068


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:56 pm
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Have a look at Traser: [url= http://www.traserwatches.co.uk/ ]Linky.[/url] I've had one for the past 12 years, serviced every 2 years by Graham Green (turned around in a few days every time) and it's been brilliant. Very easy to read at night, very low profile on your wrist and looks decent. No bells or whistles but can take one hell of a beating.


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 4:59 pm
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Traser for me.

I also have a Sinn U series divers watch - a little more money but class act, bought mine secondhand a beautiful thing


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 5:33 pm
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My wife bought me one of these Skagen watches for Christmas from John Lewis. I didn't want anything fancy, not into the knobs and dials thing, just want time and date. Mines got a black face, not the blue shown. Very thin and light, and a leather strap which is better on my skinny bony wrist!

£99. Spend the rest on bike bits.

[img] http://s7v1.scene7.com/is/image/JohnLewis/231303302?$fash_product$ [/img]

(Actually looks much better than this pic too)


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 5:58 pm
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Got this for my birthday from my parents. The clarity is amazing; the quickest glance and you can see what time it is.

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 6:42 pm
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Seiko Orange Monster...


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 6:47 pm
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Titanium seiko kinetic.


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 9:18 pm
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always quite liked the tissot prc 200

[url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tissot-Gents-Chronograph-Quartz-T17152652/dp/B000KKO894 ]here on amazon[/url]


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 9:36 pm
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Victorinox?


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 10:22 pm
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I have a [url= http://www.gshock.com/ ]G-Spot[/url] but can never find it. 🙂
Seiko would be second choice at this price point.


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 10:25 pm
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Prs53...


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 10:50 pm
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Go onto the Timefactors website and take a look at a Precista PRS18Q
http://www.timefactors.com/precista.htm

It may not look that fancy ,but its a seriously nicely made bit of kit,the quartz movement is the same as what you get in Tag Heuers costing 3/4x as much.

If you can stretch a bit more then you can get the same watch with a Auto movement.
And yes I do own one ,and its possible my favourite watch in my collection which does include considerable more expensive stuff as well.


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 10:53 pm
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I have one of these for sale if you dont mind second hand.

http://www.watchshop.com/mens-citizen-skyhawk-titanium-alarm-eco-drive-watch-jr3060-59f-p458.html


 
Posted : 11/02/2012 11:41 pm
 DT78
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Some lovely watches above, Seiko monster is on my current wishlist


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 12:48 am
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"Looks badass" 15yearoldLOL!


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 7:55 am
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As above, Skagen & Mondaine do some nice watches.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:16 am
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Mrs Mugsy got me a similar Mondaine as Capt John above, mine does not have the day on it though, but still has the date.

Very happy with it. Nice and simple and suits my skinny wrists.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:19 am
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Ollech & Weiss. Lovely watches, same movements as tags & Breitlings but not as highly priced. The watch of choice in the Vietnam war (not really sure why that is a good advertisement though).

I have a M2 Kartago with a Hirsch strap - has a submariner look about it and cost around £150 2nd hand.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:21 am
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How big are your wrists?
http://www.watchshop.com/mens-nixon-the-player-diamond-watch-a140-2062-p99940117.html
Nixon have some very nice designs in my opinion. I'm sure someone will come on here and say something about them being "fashion" watches, but they're all the same mechanisms inside and the 2 I've had have been very nicely finished.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:45 am
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For me you won't beat Festina at that price, also I will never buy a Seiko Kinetic again, it will break as you need to adjust the time constantly.

My 14 year old Festina 6566 has been faultless.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 12:09 pm
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For me a good watch should be an automatic or mechanical. I have an old Rolex which keeps awful time and a Seiko 5 that is about bob on month in month out. You can't buy Seiko 5's easily in the UK so would need to go through Ebay. The Seiko Kinetics are more expensive but they have a mixed reputation for reliability, the Citizen Ecodrive seems to have a better reputation for a similar system.

[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEIKO-5-MENS-AUTOMATIC-WHITE-NUMERAL-S-S-WATCH-SEE-THRU-BACK-SNKK33K1-/120856673903?pt=UK_Jewelery_Watches_Watches_MensWatches_GL&hash=item1c239e7e6f ]Seiko 5 watch[/url]


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 1:05 pm
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Like the look of those Olech & Wajs.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 1:13 pm
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I'm also thinking mechanical or automatic

Some nice suggestions so far


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 1:31 pm
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I have a Seiko 5 for the everyday/work watch, for the money they cannot be faulted .
Lots of jewellers/watch shops round Manchester have them in just not a big range.

There's a Dutch guy on the web who sells and modifys them ,can get pretty much any Seiko 5 you want.
The kinetics are famed for a failing capacitor,these can be fixed or modified before they fail,personally I'd rather just have a normal Auto.
Web linky
http://www.monsterwatches.nl/index.php/modificaties


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 1:50 pm
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Anyone know much about fakes? I understand that some can be good quality?
Anyone know where the quality ones could be found?
Can't justify a luminor or IWC but would love the bling!


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 2:09 pm
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I have one of these and love it:

[img] [/img]

They have a 40% replacement policy which I needed once too - i.e. give them your old watch back and pay 40% of the retail for the new one.

Alessi have a whole range of watches.

I know they're all about style, but the casings and faces are really well made too. They're all made by Seiko I think.

I think all of them are under £200.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 2:16 pm
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Waiting on this Orient Automatic 200m water resist here. Nice and clear, relatively cheap. Good reputation, owned in part by Seiko I believe.

[img] [/img]

ebay skynet_sg £85


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 4:20 pm
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Best place I've found online for Seikos, Orients and so on is [url= http://www.creationwatches.com/ ]Creation Watches[/url]. They deliver fairly briskly from Hong Kong and their watches are legit.

One thing to bear in mind is that if you get an import Seiko or similar, the Seiko dealers I the UK get a bit sniffy, but any reputable watchmaker would be able to service and repair a seiko movement.

As another option, the [url= http://www.creationwatches.com/products/hamilton-250/hamilton-khaki-field-automatic-h70555533-mens-watch-3002.html ]Hamilton Khaki[/url] is a lovely looking watch that wouldn't look out of place when your smartly dressed as well as looking good with jeans.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 4:52 pm
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Best place I've found online for Seikos, Orients and so on is Creation Watches. They deliver fairly briskly from Hong Kong and their watches are legit

My wife wanted to buy me a watch for chrimbo as I wanted a Seiko divers style watch for a while and used Creation, great service and very good price compared to the rip of prices here.

[url= http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-diver-s-60/seiko-kinetic-diver-s-ska371p1-ska371p-ska371-200m-watch-1235.html ]I got this one[/url]

retails for between 250 and 300 here


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 5:06 pm
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mugsys_m8 - Member
Mrs Mugsy got me a similar Mondaine as Capt John above, mine does not have the day on it though, but still has the date.

Very happy with it. Nice and simple and suits my skinny wrists.

Ditto. As well as the design (which is a modern classic) the size on my skinny wrists looks good.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 5:15 pm
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I've got a tissot prc 200 and love it, got it from empirewatches £185 when it retailed for 250. If I could have stretched the budget then a christopher ward chrono would be a big contender. If you fancy something a little different then try here [url= http://www.wernersflyingwatches.com/ ]werners flying watches.[/url]


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 6:17 pm
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Hard to look beyond japanese autos at this price - but oddly Seiko and Citizen stock hardly any in this country so it either means finding a grey import dealer or mail ordering.

[url= http://www.creationwatches.com/ ]Creation Watches[/url] are great.

Current everyday watch is a [url= https://www.google.com/search?q=seiko+SNZH55&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=7wk4T9SFIKO_0QWHzbi-Ag&biw=1378&bih=648&sei=9Ak4T7SYGYLH0QXz_PS2Ag ]Seiko SNZH55[/url] (on a black leather strap) which is a lovely homage to the 1950s dive watches - glossy bezel, raised crystal and all.

I have a few Seiko 5s and a Citizen titanium divers, most I've paid is about £120, all autos, all very nicely made. So far I've struggled to see quite why I'd want to pay ten or twenty times that for the swiss equivalent.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 6:54 pm
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CaptJon - Member

Got this for my birthday from my parents. The clarity is amazing; the quickest glance and you can see what time it is.

I really like your Mondaine.

Is that the Swiss railway one? I seem to recall something about them modelling it after the clocks at Swiss railway stations. Anyway, it's a great example of simple understated style.

I'd probably opt for a nice Japanese auto given the budget. I'm wearing a Luminox Chrono at the moment (not those Navy Seal ones, for I am not a Navy Seal!).


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 7:05 pm
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My everyday watch 4r16 military watch SRP011K ... 🙂

Bought it at one of the Durham watch shop near the bridge for I think under £199.

[img] [/img]

I also rather fancy this one ... Orient WZ0141ER ... can't find one in the UK at the moment.

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 7:30 pm
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I've got a couple of Orients

[url= http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3614/3629276835_c13043a27a_z.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3614/3629276835_c13043a27a_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewjb/3629276835/ ]Orient Star 300m[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/matthewjb/ ]Matthewjb[/url], on Flickr

[url= http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4003/4585497132_9fcefca526_z.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4003/4585497132_9fcefca526_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewjb/4585497132/ ]DSCN0867[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/matthewjb/ ]Matthewjb[/url], on Flickr

A lot of watch for the money. Although can be tricky to get repaired if anything goes wrong.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 7:47 pm
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2nd for Creation Watches. I bought a Seiko Orange Monster from them a few months ago at ~£120. Fedex'd to my door within a week. Bargain!


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 7:50 pm
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Nice Orient matthewjb ...

For the Orient if it goes wrong then just buy another one as they are not expensive at all but then I doubt it will go wrong at easily.

The Orient WZ0141ER is rather difficult to find at the moment. Should have got it when it was available ...arrghhh ....

Hopefully, I will be able to own one of this in future ... Seiko 5M22-6C20 AGS Military SUS ...

[img] http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bpOE-ZVeAi4/TQyFlBdCanI/AAAAAAAAB0w/SU6whCVGbbM/s320/002.jp g" target="_blank">http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bpOE-ZVeAi4/TQyFlBdCanI/AAAAAAAAB0w/SU6whCVGbbM/s320/002.jp g"/> [/img]


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 7:56 pm
 csb
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Can anyone tell me what jewels are in a watch? Are 23 much better than 21?


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 9:44 pm
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csb - Member

Can anyone tell me what jewels are in a watch? Are 23 much better than 21?

Scroll down the page ...

[url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanical_watch ]Mechanical watch - Jewels[/url]


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 9:51 pm
 csb
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Thanks. The answer appears to be 'no', more jewels aren't necessarily better.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 10:12 pm
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coolhandluke - Member
Citizen ecodrive?
POSTED 1 DAY AGO # REPORT-POST

Argos just had some on a great offer - £200 reduced to £80. I decided to treat myself to one.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 10:19 pm
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I have one from the people below. Very well made a a propper Swiss auot movement

[url= http://www.steinhar****ches.de ]Steinhart[/url]


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 10:22 pm
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bravohotel9er - Member
I really like your Mondaine.

Is that the Swiss railway one? I seem to recall something about them modelling it after the clocks at Swiss railway stations. Anyway, it's a great example of simple understated style.

Thanks. I didn't wear a watch for about 5 years because i didn't like any of the styles (and i was under the false impression having a phone was a replacement for a watch). But then i saw this one, loved the style and decided to get it for my 30th. I've worn it everyday for the past 3 months.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 10:29 pm
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The Smiths Everest on timefactors new arrivals looks interesting:

http://www.timefactors.com/new1.htm


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 10:46 pm
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[img] [/img]

£150

[b]Spec.[/b]

No battery change ever required!
World Time: Local time and date for 22 world time zones (30 cities).
Perpetual for 100 years.
Quick Interchangeable Time from analog to digital.
Hand-Retracting System (world first)
Three City Alarms
Timer: 99 minutes
Help Function (LCD)
Chronograph feature: 24 hours, 1/100 second
Rapid Change to Standard or Daylight Saving Time.
Max 100m water Resistant
Rotating Side-Rule Bezel.
100 m water resistant
Titanium Case and band.
99 minutes countdown timer.
Screw-Back case.
Alarm & self-Adjusting Calendar
4-Years Power Reserve
Power Saver Function
Low Charge Indicator
Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 12mm


 
Posted : 13/02/2012 7:36 am
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That one's just lacking any detail. 😆


 
Posted : 13/02/2012 7:52 am
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I've got one of both of these (both are about £250):

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 13/02/2012 9:05 am
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This would be my choice:

[img] [/img]

A lot cheaper than you wanted though:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004X4KVUI/ref=asc_df_B004X4KVUI6535431?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B004X4KVUI


 
Posted : 13/02/2012 9:17 am
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MMMM... Citizen BM6560-54H

[img] [/img]

Simple, Ti, never runs out of battery and a smidge under budget at £180
I bloody love mine 😀


 
Posted : 13/02/2012 9:54 am
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When my old tag finally gives up the ghost I'm going to get one of these or something by the same person.

http://www.watchshop.com/mens-jorg-gray-6500-obama-commemorative-edition-chronograph-watch-jg6500-p99939237.html?source=froogle

Given to Barack Obama by the Secret Service. I like it a lot.


 
Posted : 13/02/2012 12:47 pm
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Some lovely watches

I like the citizens, seikos, steinhart , mondaine

The ollech & wajs seem really good value, struggling to find out where to get one from though


 
Posted : 13/02/2012 10:24 pm
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Well if you fancy my Citizen then £150 and its yours.

I need the money for bike bits!!!!!


 
Posted : 13/02/2012 11:03 pm
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After reading this, have brought myself a Mondaine-Seems to be a very nice watch so far, very clear to read


 
Posted : 14/02/2012 3:12 pm
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Do Festina make good watches?


 
Posted : 14/02/2012 4:41 pm
 rogg
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Definitely mechanical, preferably automatic.
I can recommend the Seiko Monster, mines orange like the one on the right. Standard colours are orange or black and should be well under budget, limited edition colours (blue, yellow, red, purple) are more expensive. I've always hankered after the Citizen Orca on the left, it is flippin' massive though:

[img] [/img]

The lume on both is awesome, you can read by it.


 
Posted : 14/02/2012 4:57 pm
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