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I have 15 currently and want to stop at that number as I want to enjoy them all but also want to evolve my collection. I still have 6 on my wish list for now . For example, I don't mind selling a couple of my Seiko 5s (which I love and wear) and replace them with a SARB033. Or 2 of my cheapo field watches for a Hamilton one. You get the Idea. It's hard, I need to stop watching YouTube videos or FB watch forum posts because I will discover new watches that I want.
Getting my first SWC, an Ark GMT, I am excited, it's my first microbrand watch, looking forward for that AR coating . Their designs seems so fresh, and can't beat the specs for the price.
I have had better luck with my inexpensive Seiko 5 (SNKL23J1, SNXS79J1 and SNKL41J1) than my more expensive ones.
In my little bubble budget friendly is anything 200 usd so to me it is all of the above plus Orient and some Tissots.
I am just happy no one mentioned Fossil .
No differences by default, production should be the same regardless where its sold (which does not happen with clothing brands). However in general, there might be some differences deending on where you buy your watches, these are some, not necessarily related to department stores:
Packaging: stores like Jomashop buy in bulk and might sell watches with generic brand boxes and movement manuals (I saw this happening with the Tissots I have bought). Still a Tissot box but not the fancy ones with promotional material which Tissot usually include.
Signed and stamped warranty card: not sure if the department stores do this
Quality checks at good receipt points: Authorized ADs and some stores in some instances do check for some common things like misaligned chapters or second markers and might return them (maybe difficult todo with Seikos as its a common trait but do this for models and brands where this is not an expected issue).
Great rant , agree on all points. Also I am bothered by the "first watch" moniker. I have several watches and recently purchased a Seiko SNKL23 and a Casio A168, always wanted them not just as my first watches.