Hi, new to the hobby and ready to buy my first mechanical watch, most likely a diver. Don’t want to go above $500ish. Thinking Seiko would be good choice but wanted to see if anyone else has other thoughts
In that price range there are lots of options. It's hard to go wrong with Seiko, in my opinion. Also Orient makes some very nice mechanical divers in that price range also.
I agree with the other comments so far, Seiko, Orient and Citizen will get you a great quality watch. But as an alternative a Zelos would be on my list, they are making watches that are a little bit different (in some cases) and exciting designs and specs. It is also worth mentioning that your $500 might bag you a much more expensive watch if it in a sale somewhere.
My advice: You're going to get alot of good suggestions... which is great for a starting point, but try not to be too influenced and make sure that YOU decide, through your own research (and try watches on if you can). $500 is a lot of money and will get you something nice I am sure. Seikos and Orients are well known and reliable. Lots of microbrands to look at, but obviously less reputed so adds some risk. If I had $500 for my first mechanical diver I would be looking to bag a Glycine Combat Sub. But that is what I would do. I reckon a good way to get some top advice is narrow down your choices to 4 watches, run a poll on here to ask for people's opinions and experience to give you an idea about each one. Top tip: don't pick 3 and then add the 4th option as "something else" as you'll have a load more suggestions over the ones you've narrowed it down to. Research, research, research. Check out #wruw and see what looks good to you then Google the hell out of it. Use the search on here to look for watches you want to check out, see what people are saying about them. YouTube is good but again guard against being influenced - some you tubers are affiliated to brands and will giving glowing reviews despite stating they are honest and fair (not all of them, but some). Finally, there is no rush to find your first mechanical watch... its out there somewhere, you just need to know what and where. And once you've bought your first, you're into this absolutely crazy, costly and obsessive hobby FOREVER. 👍
In that price range there are lots of options. It's hard to go wrong with Seiko, in my opinion. Also Orient makes some very nice mechanical divers in that price range also.
Seiko, Orient! For me it would also be the best
I really enjoy my Orient Kamasu. Which is on sale right now for $335!
Try this site. Some very good ideas here:
https://watchandbullion.com/best-dive-watches-under-500/#1-seiko-5-sports-srpd-53
I agree with the other comments so far, Seiko, Orient and Citizen will get you a great quality watch. But as an alternative a Zelos would be on my list, they are making watches that are a little bit different (in some cases) and exciting designs and specs. It is also worth mentioning that your $500 might bag you a much more expensive watch if it in a sale somewhere.
Check out Citizen as well, their divers are every bit as good as anything the competition makes.
Invicta..all of the quality with a fraction of the cost... and a better bracelet.
My advice: You're going to get alot of good suggestions... which is great for a starting point, but try not to be too influenced and make sure that YOU decide, through your own research (and try watches on if you can). $500 is a lot of money and will get you something nice I am sure. Seikos and Orients are well known and reliable. Lots of microbrands to look at, but obviously less reputed so adds some risk. If I had $500 for my first mechanical diver I would be looking to bag a Glycine Combat Sub. But that is what I would do. I reckon a good way to get some top advice is narrow down your choices to 4 watches, run a poll on here to ask for people's opinions and experience to give you an idea about each one. Top tip: don't pick 3 and then add the 4th option as "something else" as you'll have a load more suggestions over the ones you've narrowed it down to. Research, research, research. Check out #wruw and see what looks good to you then Google the hell out of it. Use the search on here to look for watches you want to check out, see what people are saying about them. YouTube is good but again guard against being influenced - some you tubers are affiliated to brands and will giving glowing reviews despite stating they are honest and fair (not all of them, but some). Finally, there is no rush to find your first mechanical watch... its out there somewhere, you just need to know what and where. And once you've bought your first, you're into this absolutely crazy, costly and obsessive hobby FOREVER. 👍
There's sooooo many options under $500.
Obviously if you buy eBay second hand or open box you get even better deals.
Here are some options:
Seiko:
Citizen:
Orient:
Swiss watches:
Glycine
Tissot:
Microbrands:
Long Island Watch
Dan Henry
Phobios
There's tons of other brands. The beauty of watches there's a watch for every budget.
If you search the pre-owned market, nice Swiss made brands might be found in that pricerange like Tissot or Certina.
Zelos for the money any day over Seiko