Looking for a new watch below £80
I'm new to the watch community and am trying to find a good timepiece from a reputable brand. A lot of lists I find online recommend pieces like the Seiko 5, which perhaps were at the price point I am after at some point, but currrently out of reach.
Currently I've been looking at the Invicta Pro Diver (auto variant with the Seiko NH35 movement I believe), the Rolex Submariner homage from a company everyone seems to hate, but reviews on this particular watch are particularly good. I do like the diver style watch, and so initially I thought the Casio Duro would be a good fit, but I think the size of it is too large for my skinny wrists and I'm not a fan of resin straps.
Anyone have any alternatives to the Invicta? Or should I take the Dive and purchase it.
(For context, I'm only 18, in full-time education and don't have a job to save up for more expensive models)
I had purchased an Invicta Pro Diver to practice watch modding. It's hard to argue against it from a price perspective. But is has a certain Bling-Factor, less so than other Invicta watches, but still above average. On the plus side, it has to be available in any color combination known to man. Mine worked flawlessly and has survived my watchmaking attempts. The clasp of the bracelet was brutal, but nothing that a metal file, pliers and some gun grease couldn't fix. The bracelet was later discarded in an attempt to de-bling the watch.
If I were you I would save up a little more for something that is just a tad easier on the eye. I don't know British import restrictions and import duties. Otherwise China would have something you'd likely prefer.
If you’re looking for an automatic, Orient 3 Star is a decent choice near that price range. Definitely a unique look and not for everyone.
I had purchased an Invicta Pro Diver to practice watch modding. It's hard to argue against it from a price perspective. But is has a certain Bling-Factor, less so than other Invicta watches, but still above average. On the plus side, it has to be available in any color combination known to man. Mine worked flawlessly and has survived my watchmaking attempts. The clasp of the bracelet was brutal, but nothing that a metal file, pliers and some gun grease couldn't fix. The bracelet was later discarded in an attempt to de-bling the watch.
If I were you I would save up a little more for something that is just a tad easier on the eye. I don't know British import restrictions and import duties. Otherwise China would have something you'd likely prefer.
Is the Invicta name on the side of the case super intrusive?
I was planning on getting the silver bracelet + case with the blue dial and bezel
I'd really need more criteria on what you want or like. Invicta is fine if the name, especially the debossed name on the side of the case, doesn't bother you. They're a popular whipping boy for the watch enthusiast crowd FYI.
I'd tell anyone to snap up a Timex Easy Reader. There are gobs of the old 35mm ones floating around unsold available for under 35USD. Or the Timex Camper, if you can deal with NATO straps. I imagine the conventional wisdom here would be something like an Orient 3 Star or just get the Duro.
If you’re looking for an automatic, Orient 3 Star is a decent choice near that price range. Definitely a unique look and not for everyone.
Oh wow, haven't seen this one yet, looks almost perfect for me! The smaller size is a huge plus imo! I may have dismissed orient earlier after seeing the price being way out of budget but it seems to be selling on Amazon for £72
I'd really need more criteria on what you want or like. Invicta is fine if the name, especially the debossed name on the side of the case, doesn't bother you. They're a popular whipping boy for the watch enthusiast crowd FYI.
I'd tell anyone to snap up a Timex Easy Reader. There are gobs of the old 35mm ones floating around unsold available for under 35USD. Or the Timex Camper, if you can deal with NATO straps. I imagine the conventional wisdom here would be something like an Orient 3 Star or just get the Duro.
I wanted a watch that has a stainless steel bracelet (not leather / resin); 40mm case diameter maximum and a decent water resistance rating
I got my pro diver for 72 quid off amazon and apart from the thickness and crap lume it's a pretty damn good watch for the money. It's an absolute strap monster. Are you looking at the coin edge or scalloped?
I got my pro diver for 72 quid off amazon and apart from the thickness and crap lume it's a pretty damn good watch for the money. It's an absolute strap monster. Are you looking at the coin edge or scalloped?
Coin edge since it looks better imo
Check out Casio Edifice, they are great!
Is the Invicta name on the side of the case super intrusive?
I was planning on getting the silver bracelet + case with the blue dial and bezel
No the lettering is not bad once on the wrist. I personally never look at the side of my watch case. The issue is more with all the polished surfaces, including the center links of the bracelet.
I have a few watches in my collection, and don't particular bother too much about the price range (as long as I can afford it within reason), which I think gives weight to this fact: I have 2 Seiko 5s, both purchased for under 80GBP (new, from grey market sellers in my country), and I actually like them about as much as some watches I have which are worth significantly more.
You might try a little searching in your local e-commerce sites for models like the SNXS79 or SNK361 (there are other similar models, generally in blue, black, and white variants). For the budget you're looking at, I believe these would please you if you like a very well-finished dial (and everything you can see inside the case). Word of caution, Seiko 5 straps leave a lot to be desired in terms of quality but they wearable. I swapped mine out for straps that are worth half the watch.
Check out Casio Edifice, they are great!
Will do! Any particular models you recommend?
No the lettering is not bad once on the wrist. I personally never look at the side of my watch case. The issue is more with all the polished surfaces, including the center links of the bracelet.
Oh right, can I ask, which colour variant did you get?
I have a few watches in my collection, and don't particular bother too much about the price range (as long as I can afford it within reason), which I think gives weight to this fact: I have 2 Seiko 5s, both purchased for under 80GBP (new, from grey market sellers in my country), and I actually like them about as much as some watches I have which are worth significantly more.
You might try a little searching in your local e-commerce sites for models like the SNXS79 or SNK361 (there are other similar models, generally in blue, black, and white variants). For the budget you're looking at, I believe these would please you if you like a very well-finished dial (and everything you can see inside the case). Word of caution, Seiko 5 straps leave a lot to be desired in terms of quality but they wearable. I swapped mine out for straps that are worth half the watch.
I tried searching and they're all lurking at the £110 - £140 mark unfortunately.
Oh right, can I ask, which colour variant did you get?
It was the steel blue dial with blue bezel pro diver. 9094 model, if I remember correctly.
P.S.: It's in my profile picture, just looks a tad different these days.
Casio Duro or Cooper Submaster for a diver
Cooper Pathfinder for a field watch
Will do! Any particular models you recommend?
EFV-130D
Great watch, I used to own it. Just keep in mind that is a bit large (42mm Casio Edifice style, it wears large) and it has 19mm lugs (but you can use 20mm rubber straps). The bracelet is not very good, but the watch is great and you have it in white, black and blue.
Parnis has a couple of dive watches in your price range and desired size, e.g. this one and this one.
The invicta is a little rough around the edges but its Seiko powered and can be dressed out with all the juicy mods out there. Get a new strap and you have a really good watch. Jomashop is one of the best deals out there but there are probably some dealers here. No one can beat Aliexpress as long as its Japanese powered. The shipping is subsidized by their government and you can't beat that.
I picked up a duro recently. Chucked it on a sailcloth strap. Fits really well. I have skinny arse wrists too.
If quartz works for you, the Duro and the Timex Expedition are good.
I tried searching and they're all lurking at the £110 - £140 mark unfortunately.
I did a little searching and found that you are right. It seems things are more expensive over there OR sellers/retailers are not as willing to lower their margins.
If you're looking for "reputable brand", many might argue that Invicta is NOT that (I suggest you just Google or YouTube some reviews and blog posts to form your own opinion there).
For your budget, you might want to opt for a quartz Timex piece. There are many, many out there within your budget. I'm sure one will suit your style. I personally owned one when I was perhaps around your age - I have misplaced it, but it has served me for many, many years and I bet if I can find it and replace the battery, it would run perfectly well today.
Personally I would be looking at AliExpress for something you like with a Seiko movement, there's always discount codes to take a couple of bucks off and free shipping, also being your first watch I don't think you could go wrong. When you start buying brand named watches that's exactly what your paying for, the brand name and their overheads are factored into the retail price, these big overheads don't exist so much on AliExpress, your just paying for a watch.
Just a thought, good luck with your search mate, that's half the fun.