Best Watch Under $1,000? Help me decide.
I’ve been looking to purchase a watch. Currently have a budget of $1000 to spend and came across a video from Teddy Baldassarre on “Best Watches for $1000”. Narrowed it down to these three. Figured id make my first post a poll in order to help me decide. Thoughts? (Wrist size 7.5in)
Photo credits: Teddy Baldassarre on YouTube
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Manuel
New to the watch collecting hobby and just trying to see whats out there.
Member since
Last active: 8 months ago
For me it’s the Seiko Alpinist. The Khaki Field is nice as well but lack of AR coating on the crystal would be an issue for me. The Seiko has a beautiful dial that really catches your eye. Out of those three it’s the one that catches my eye.
A Doxa Sub 200 is worth a look, as well as some of Christopher Ward's offerings.
A and C are lovely watches but they are not dive watches.
You might want to do a lot more research before buying anything.
A and C are lovely watches but they are not dive watches.
You might want to do a lot more research before buying anything.
Good catch! The dive watch part was a typo, thanks for pointing that out.
A Doxa Sub 200 is worth a look, as well as some of Christopher Ward's offerings.
Thanks for the recommendation!
I own and love the Hamilton pictured. I was so impressed with it that I’ve another Hamilton incoming. But you might not like the lack of anti-reflective coating and the stock leather strap is crap.
I don’t like the cyclops on the Alpinist but it’s a great watch from what I’ve heard.
I have no experience with the Mido.
Browse the WRUW section of this forum for a few days. It will give you a better idea of what people love (and what you might love) than youtube binging can.
Remember, most YT watch channels are trying to sell you the watches featured. TB* is a dealer. Others have sponsored content.
Not all. But most.
*I think Teddy seems like a good guy and his reviews tend to line up with my experiences, and he’s not an in-your-face salesman. Just keep in mind that his videos are business videos.
PS on the lack of AR on the Hamilton, I’ve never had any problem at all seeing the time no matter what the lighting conditions are.
It’s just harder to photograph than AR coated watches, so it’s more a problem if you’re making a video about it than if you’re actually wearing it and want to know what time it is.
These are all solid watches and it really comes down to which one you want to see when you look at your wrist or night table every day. I have the Hamilton and love it. Incredibly reliable, sturdy watch. If you don't mind how busy the military-style dial is that would be my personal pick.
If you want a dive watch, get the Mido.
If you want a fiel/everyday watch, get the Alpinist. There is also no compass variant Alpinist SPB155 if you want another option.
The lack of AR especially with the glossy black dial and water resistance issues is not worth it with the Hamilton. If you want a Swiss watch, the Tissot Gentleman is better option at the same price point and makes a great every day watch.
You can get A and C for about $1000 but both are field type watches. If you’re looking at divers, there are so many to choose from for under $1000 that are comparable or better than the Mido.
FFS, don't pay MSRP on these; whatever you choose.
The Mido wears large. The Hammy has crap AR, if any. Of the three, the Seiko is better made/finished. But that 4 o'clock crown is a PITA on the Seiko.
Have owned all three and sold them all.
I highly recommend checking out Christopher Ward for the C63 line, or if you're not looking for a watch on a bracelet, the C65 Dune, either should come in around $1K USD.
C63
C65 Dune
Picked up a blue dial laurel aplinist a couple months back. Stunning watch for the price. Alpinist gets my vote and I own multiple Hamilton watches.
Buy used. Nearly new will get you much more watch for your money. I'd recommend one of the spb divers, the diashield coating is worth it !!
I may be a little biased!
I’m torn between Hamilton and Seiko… that Alpinist is stunning
If you can get by with a smaller watch, go the Alpinist. It's the stand out star here.
With a 7.5" wrist, I'm not 100% sure it would work, though. Personal preference - I've seen people with that size wrist think the Alpinist is fine; I've seen others baulk at how small it looks on them. Try one on.
I love dive watches, and love the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba dive watch. Really great quality for the price! Still under your price point I believe.
I’m really feeling this dial!!!
Those are really all very different options. Have you considered a Glycine Combat Sub? It's kind of like a cross between the field and dive watch aesthetics...
https://www.ashford.com/glycine-gl0076.html