Three Watch Collection - $500 Total
So if I was starting a watch collection with only $500 here's where I'd start.
Timex Marlin- 34 mm hand wound $209
Your first foray into mechanical/hand wound movements. It isn't glamorous but definitely a staple for anyone looking for a funky dress watch, with vintage style. I personally own one, and it's was my most worn dress watch for quite sometime. It's also the watch I wore during my swearing in ceremony so needless to say I'll never get rid of it.
Seiko 5 - I'd go for a a field model like SRPJ89K1 or SRPG27 $150 to $220
A fun GADA watch you can dress up or down, with a leather strap or nato. No starter collection is complete without a seiko. If field watches aren't your jam, pick another Seiko 5. I bought mine for roughly $80 and frequently get complements on it, even from non-watch folks just because it's different.
Vostok Amphibian - $99
You need something to swim in and pretend you'll go diving with. Even though you know at best you might take it for a snorkel on your carribean family vacation. 200m of water resistance, screw down crown, and funky design. I'd give this one a go.
Okay in all fairness, going for the new Seiko 5 field watch will set you over the budget by $28 but you can find cheaper Seiko 5s to keep you under budget.
So moment of truth, $500 starting from ground zero, must buy three watches what are you going with?
Bringing cool watches to a courtroom near you. Watches, photography, travel, & wine.
Great picks for 3 under $500
Great picks for 3 under $500
thanks mate! What would you go with? I could have easily swapped one out with a g-shock or casio but I chose to hone in on mechanical movements.
I think the Timex Marlin is fine. You could also go with a Weekender or Expedition, too.
I like the Seiko SRPG27. If you wanted to switch it up with something a little different, there’s the SNKP21J1.
I’d maybe swap out the Vostok for the Casio Duro or a G-Shock 5600. However, I do like the quirkiness of the Amphibian, so maybe it stays after all.
Overall, I think all your choices are solid! Not bad. 👍
Great choices! No argument from me!
I have an amphibia and several seiko 5s. The only thing missing is I don't own a mechanical timex!
Great looking watches, excellent selection
Orient Kamasu ~$250 diver
2. Seiko SRPE ~$190 GADA
3. Casio A700 ~$30 beater (or $60 Baby-G if you can pull off the chunky look)
Heh, that looks like the core of my collection, albeit over the limit:
Vintage for about a 100
Vostok field diver for about 170
Alpinist, the goal watch.
Going the mostly vintage route I'd choose these. I've included a service in the price for fairness compared to a new watch, but if no service were needed the cost would be $340 less. First one I picked up on ebay, second from an online pawnbroker:
Dress watch - solid gold 1950s Rotary hand winding mechanical movement $75 + $170 for service
Field watch - West End Watch Co Sowar, ETA automatic movement $65 +$170 for service
Travel/Beater - Casio Royale AE1200WH-1A, 100m water resistance, world time, chrono, timer $20 new
I think the Timex Marlin is fine. You could also go with a Weekender or Expedition, too.
I like the Seiko SRPG27. If you wanted to switch it up with something a little different, there’s the SNKP21J1.
I’d maybe swap out the Vostok for the Casio Duro or a G-Shock 5600. However, I do like the quirkiness of the Amphibian, so maybe it stays after all.
Overall, I think all your choices are solid! Not bad. 👍
All good choices!
Going the mostly vintage route I'd choose these. I've included a service in the price for fairness compared to a new watch, but if no service were needed the cost would be $340 less. First one I picked up on ebay, second from an online pawnbroker:
Dress watch - solid gold 1950s Rotary hand winding mechanical movement $75 + $170 for service
Field watch - West End Watch Co Sowar, ETA automatic movement $65 +$170 for service
Travel/Beater - Casio Royale AE1200WH-1A, 100m water resistance, world time, chrono, timer $20 new
Love these! Vintage can definitely be scary to jump into but definitely well worth it with research and planning. Excellent choices!
Heh, that looks like the core of my collection, albeit over the limit:
Vintage for about a 100
Vostok field diver for about 170
Alpinist, the goal watch.
Alpinist is a beauty, been on my own short list for some time.
Great choices! No argument from me!
I have an amphibia and several seiko 5s. The only thing missing is I don't own a mechanical timex!
All fun and games here!