Good, cheap watch thread.

[Time Waster]

Looking for a good watch for day to day use, can't always use my smartwatch garmin due to restrictions in its use. So non smart watch is needed. Currently got steel casio that falls apart, cheapo plastic casio and a seiko solar with nylon strap. The last one was left on a drawer unused. Every so often I put it in the window and it restarts with a stuttering minute hand. I think it's goosed. So unless I get a new battery I'm looking at a new watch.

I guessing there's some watch fans and experts on here so I'm asking for advice on what to look at or where to go. I'm looking at sub-£200 price and no smartwatch features at all.

I've seen a citizen eco-drive for £150 in a very good, independent jewellers in Kendal. Plain, simple face with leather strap. Is this likely to be any good? I've seen a similar but slightly different watch for £110 on amazon but I'm not sure about warranty in that case. Not a citizen authorised retailer so 5 year warranty might not be valid.

Any other good but cheap watch brands like Citizen?

I'm looking for simple so I'm not into those chronograph watches that seem to be more commonly sold. Also, I've been put off metal bracelet watches.

 

[Time Waster]

My past watch letdown have been accurist bought for my 18th and a £160 Tissot bought in an independent jeweller's retirement / closing down sale for over half price. So it had an rrp of £320 or a bit more about 30 years ago. It lasted about 12 months then became irregular with its timekeeping. I took it to a high end, but cheap, watch repairer in Liverpool who said it was not worth repairing.

I have often bought decent brands like seiko, tissot, citizen, etc but not really had much luck with them. Casio seems to be the only brand other than garmin and fitbit to last with me. They're just not what I'm hoping to get.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Citizen eco drive are bombproof IME.

How about this. Tough as tough.

https://www.faithjewellers.co.uk/wa...saa3an8OkqqUyJ_GTH7m1zLvBF-qb_kRoCM_8QAvD_BwE

 

[Kingfisher101]

The best cheapish watch I've had is the Cestrian field watch from Watch Nation. It was £125.00 and its like a Seiko that's double the price.Its an automatic. They do a few different models.
I've got a Baltany field watch as well, that was cheap just over a £100 and its very solid.
I've had loads of cheap watches and these have been the best of the bunch apart from a Seiko solar diver but that one is £500 now.
Orient do some nice cheap watches as well, but I've not had one personally but they seem to be well thought of.

 

[Drago]

G Shock.

 

[johnnyb47]

How about a Lorus Luminbrite field watch.
Cheap as chips from Argos

 

[Cycleops]

All depends what style you like. Is it a beater? Or do you want something a bit smarter. Have a look a Jody's choices at each price point:


View: https://youtu.be/GsU2UxT9SsU?si=-IJ0qWUJCMNN3d9W


I have a Casio from the above and as Drago suggests a great choice. I also have a Bertucci as per the video but with titanium case.
If you want a daily best go with quartz, you can get 4 year batteries now.
If you want smarter there are plenty here from Watchduves:
https://m.aliexpress.com/store/1101...&terminal_id=3dff1d9b796d41b891ce85220c0d2737
This is their AliExpress store but you can buy from them direct which I would advise as they take PayPal there.
You could also try Serious Watches in Holland. Their price includes express DHL delivery to anywhere:
https://www.seriouswatches.com/
They stock Orient and Seiko, have a look at the Seiko 5 range, all mechanical.

Have look at Timex too.

 

[Time Waster]

Citizen eco drive are bombproof IME.

How about this. Tough as tough.

https://www.faithjewellers.co.uk/watches-c17/mens-watches-c19/citizen-gents-promaster-tough-grey-fabric-strap-watch-p33715/s38117?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=citizen-gents-promaster-tough-grey-fabric-strap-watch-00-43089&utm_campaign=product+listing+ads&cid=GBP&glCurrency=GBP&glCountry=GB&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgpCzBhBhEiwAOSQWQczaAnIEHKZ5ceYBO4se-usaa3an8OkqqUyJ_GTH7m1zLvBF-qb_kRoCM_8QAvD_BwE

Links not working, what watch brand and model is it?

 

[Time Waster]

I've read good things about seiko 5s and super 7 sports. The latter is about £199-249 depending on variant.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

I got a cheap supposedly waterproof one from Argos many years ago

When the battery ran out I got a new battery with a lifetime guarantee from Timpsons

still going and it has been swimming with me loads of times over many years

and if it break then I have lost very little - no point in getting it re-waterproofed as it was so cheap
On holiday I wear it during the day - then wear my semi smart one in the evening where the main risk is spilled wine!

The smart ones stay at home when I go on holiday

 

[Cycleops]

I've read good things about seiko 5s and super 7 sports. The latter is about £199-249 depending on variant.

The 5 is an excellent choice. The only problem with it is it's Hardlex crystal which will scratch if you're not careful. Unfortunately Seiko has become more expensive while reducing specs. You can get better value from Orient, who are owned by Seiko, and offer Sapphire crystal on models around the £200 mark. The Kumasu being a good buy if you'd like a diver.
What you need is a GADA watch:


View: https://youtube.com/shorts/eDQhOsQ9i0c?si=p6LpCQ4rIERx1cYy

 

[Spiderweb]

Casio MDV 106 Duro or sometimes called Casio Marlin.
It’s the watch Bill Gates wears.
I love mine.

 

[Cycleops]

Casio MDV 106 Duro or sometimes called Casio Marlin.
It’s the watch Bill Gates wears.
I love mine.

View attachment 733430

Probably the best value watch of all time.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Links not working, what watch brand and model is it?

Link's working for me?

CITIZEN
Gents Promaster Tough Grey Fabric Strap Watch
Product Code: 00-43089

 

[Atticus]

How about a Lorus Luminbrite field watch.
Cheap as chips from Argos

Completely bombproof at a great price, I used to wear one for sailing and surfing and fairly filthy high impact outdoors work, and it always kept great time. The strap used to wear out before the watch.