Favorite Quartz (Quality, not "Luxury") ~36mm GADA?

A big hole in my knowledge of what's out there is analog quartz. When you first start collecting I think the "common knowledge" is that Quartz = Bad, Automatic = Good, which, like everything "people say" is overly reductive.

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I think my collection could use a QUARTZ GADA around 36mm.

I do not want to spend Grand Seiko / Omega money on a quartz watch (let’s say under $500), BUT I also don't want something that feels disposable.

Is there a middle ground between the relative flimsiness of the Casio MTP-1302PD and the "Wow that's good quality but I'm not going to spend 2K on a Citizen Chronomaster?

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I’m almost sure Seiko makes what I’m looking for, as they are usually the answer to most things, right?

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If u are open to brands like Bulova precisonist they have 262 kHz quartz movements that r 8x than reg quartz. The eyes are with the beholder though, so YMMV.

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I nominate the Vaer C3.

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PoorMansRolex

I nominate the Vaer C3.

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That’s funny I had one of those (it’s my profile picture) and everyone complimented it, but I sold it because I was embarrassed that it was quartz. Full circle!

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Valor70.86

If u are open to brands like Bulova precisonist they have 262 kHz quartz movements that r 8x than reg quartz. The eyes are with the beholder though, so YMMV.

Aren’t the precisionists all mega big though? Those movements are definitely cool.

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88MilesPerHour

Aren’t the precisionists all mega big though? Those movements are definitely cool.

Yeah for sure. I cant pull it off, for sure. That accuracy though👌🏼

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Prx series

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Valor70.86

If u are open to brands like Bulova precisonist they have 262 kHz quartz movements that r 8x than reg quartz. The eyes are with the beholder though, so YMMV.

This was my thought! 👍

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I am biased but it's Seiko for me, particularly the vintage types. I am fortunate to receive this today, at considerable expense too it has to be said but it rounds off my Seiko Superior Set and I can imagine they will be appreciating assets. The Superior's were ridiculously expensive back in the day, but having king Quartz and grand Quartz I can say that the quality doesn't end with the superior lineup. It goes without saying Genta had a hand in designing a few of these..

QGA020

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QGA 010 / QGA804

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Holding up to the +/- 5 spy accuracy

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I think there is but the tricky part is 36mm ! WC peeps more knowledgeable than me will have the answer, was going to say Casio Oceanus but smallest is 42mm I think.

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dsoyke

Prx series

Hmmmm...

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toffee_pie

I am biased but it's Seiko for me, particularly the vintage types. I am fortunate to receive this today, at considerable expense too it has to be said but it rounds off my Seiko Superior Set and I can imagine they will be appreciating assets. The Superior's were ridiculously expensive back in the day, but having king Quartz and grand Quartz I can say that the quality doesn't end with the superior lineup. It goes without saying Genta had a hand in designing a few of these..

QGA020

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QGA 010 / QGA804

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Holding up to the +/- 5 spy accuracy

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Gorgeous. I had a similar 1980's Type II Seiko but that one also went out in a fit of misguided elitism.

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weedge

I think there is but the tricky part is 36mm ! WC peeps more knowledgeable than me will have the answer, was going to say Casio Oceanus but smallest is 42mm I think.

I have a Citizen Nighthawk that is awesome looking and eco-drive but it's just too big. Maybe I should just learn to love it.

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88MilesPerHour

Gorgeous. I had a similar 1980's Type II Seiko but that one also went out in a fit of misguided elitism.

Seiko Superior are a different kettle of fish to a Type II in terms of finishing and accuracy. I don't know why you are chucking out quartz watches, the Superior's I have are expensive, but the king Quartz which is a level above the Type II is quality also. Having the original bracelet is key, second from left.

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PoorMansRolex

I nominate the Vaer C3.

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What he said! You posted my answer. 🤝

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Seiko SUR series.

Great price with sapphire glass

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Lorus RJ655AX9, okay maybe it's 38mm, but it has a seiko movement and full lume dial - lumibrite, the good stuff.

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If you can get it where you are, I also recommend the Alba Gelato series. Alba is a brand under Seiko, mainly targeting the market under Seiko current prices.

They look like a quartz 36mm alternative to Rolex yellow dial lol

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Have you considered Longines with their Conquest VHP? A high precision quartz watch with excellent brand history and prestige. Maybe slightly over your budget but well worth considering.

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These VHP's are great.

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Almost bought one of these in the 11/11 aliexpress* sale. 36mm with a Seiko VD78 quartz movement.

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Watchdives has loads of 36mm quartz models powered by the Seiko VH31 sweeping seconds hand movement. Lots of different dial variations in the same case. Less than $100 each, too! I bought a white dial one that’ll get to me in a few days.

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Bulova Lunar Pilot. Beautifull watch with great story and great movment

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justnathania

If you can get it where you are, I also recommend the Alba Gelato series. Alba is a brand under Seiko, mainly targeting the market under Seiko current prices.

They look like a quartz 36mm alternative to Rolex yellow dial lol

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Whoa

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Check out the new 40mm Bulova JetStar model with amazing Precionist movement and 16 beats per second sweeping seconds hand.

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Casio MDV 303 for sure, nice white dial and nice looking Quartz watch for beginners also rare too

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Consider the casio lineage- check my profile for a few wrux shots of it. Super comfy titanium watch thats light but looks amazing. Great sunburst and very versitile with its modes. Can be dressed up or down. The only thing u may not light is the titanium. Other than the tone of titanium its ultra light so it doesnt feel premium but sure does look like it. And with casio 5atm mean u could prolly swim and its be fine and a splash wont even phase it. I got mine on amazon btw. Roughly $200

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Vintage #seiko quartz is where you want to be if you're looking for something a little dressy that can also serve as a tool watch:

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1979 #sq

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1977 #type2

Both use the cal. 7123 which is an I stoppable workhorse of a movement even after 45-50 years. Have owned both of these for a while now and neither has caused a single problem despite being seriously best up versions.

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stafford

Vintage #seiko quartz is where you want to be if you're looking for something a little dressy that can also serve as a tool watch:

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1979 #sq

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1977 #type2

Both use the cal. 7123 which is an I stoppable workhorse of a movement even after 45-50 years. Have owned both of these for a while now and neither has caused a single problem despite being seriously best up versions.

I briefly had a Type 2 and foolishly got rid of it! Great watch.