"Entry Level" Watches
A phrase that's starting to annoy me... "Entry level." Especially when pertaining to more affordable watches. I take exception to calling a Seiko 5 or other affordable watches "entry level." I get where people come from when they say that, but it pigeon holes it into something that "only people who are starting out would or should get." which I think is hogwash. I get that most everyone "starts" with more affordable watches, but I don't think that those watches are limited to being "only starter watches."
I've owned watches ranging from $75-$4,200. I've owned multiple Seiko 5's, Sinn's, a Tudor, a couple Grand Seikos and even higher end Seiko (SLA). I currently wear pretty much a couple of Seiko 5's now a days and I don't see these as "entry level." Much more affordable than the SLA057 I wore for most of last year? Absolutely, yes. Are these watches reserved for only people who are just starting their "watch journey?" Absolutely not. I don't think just because a lot of people start with more affordable watches means that affordable watches should be categorized as "entry level." For me, the 5KX I've been wearing for a couple weeks straight now isn't entry level. It's the perfect watch design, feel and build for exactly what I'm chasing after at this point. It's taken owning watches that cost thousands for me to land where I am currently with what I want in a watch.
Current collection: Seiko SARB033, Seiko SBSA057, Seiko SZSB011
No need to put labels on anything. Just enjoy and appreciate what you have.
Entry level or not I love the watch you posted!
Entry level or not I love the watch you posted!
Which one? 😀
No need to put labels on anything. Just enjoy and appreciate what you have.
Agreed. I just hear that "entry level" label a ton.
Which one? 😀
All of them 😂
Agreed. It's condescending and foolish, especially as diminishing returns rapidly set in for any watch over $50-100.
Fundamentally an Invicta Pro Diver or Glycine Combat Sub watch is a very similar product to a Rolex Submariner in its capabilities. Beyond "entry level" you pay more and more for brand aura, which is fine, we should just be honest to ourselves that's mostly where our money is going.
Amen. I question saying “affordable “ for watches starting at $350. Reasonable? Popular? Value-brand? Modestly-priced? Hard to label something that is unimportant in the big scheme of things.
Amen. I question saying “affordable “ for watches starting at $350. Reasonable? Popular? Value-brand? Modestly-priced? Hard to label something that is unimportant in the big scheme of things.
100% I find that a useful thought experiment is asking my family and friends how much an affordable and "nice" watch cost. The gulf between their estimates and online watchdom is often striking.
I don't think there's anything wrong with calling something "entry level", per se. But what's striking to me is that "entry level" is being used all over the place. "Entry level watches", "entry level luxury", "entry level [brand name], etc.
When I compare that to my other passion, guitar, I don't think anyone has uttered the phrase "entry level Pensa Suhr", because a beginner isn't going to buy a guitar like that, it just isn't "entry level" and I'm struggling to think where else this term is used so broadly, other than watches.
[but it pigeon holes it into something that "only people who are starting out would or should get."]
How did you come up with this assumption? No it doesn't. Entry level means money wise it's the initial step, most affordable level of watches in the watch market. Ideally for most people this category of watches are below $500. But it doesn't say anything about the financial status of the buyer necessarily. For example I have enough money to spend on big name watches but I just don't like to do that, I like buying watches below $1000 mark as it keeps me sane and well grounded personally speaking. Yes, frugal less fortunate people are the ones who go for this category of watches for the most part but that's just nature.
Agreed. I just hear that "entry level" label a ton.
Entry level is my level so everyone just be cool and do your own thing and stop being judgmental. It’s more a reflection on the person judging. 🤪
100% I find that a useful thought experiment is asking my family and friends how much an affordable and "nice" watch cost. The gulf between their estimates and online watchdom is often striking.
Ha! I get “I have a phone or smart watch” or blank stares when I try discussing watches with my fam.
Now this is my idea of entry level...
Fookin‘ stunning pieces you got there👌🏻
Nice entry level watches.
Spot on. 🎯 Totally agree. I do appreciate the good clarification made by @77red96 re. the term being an architectural term. Entry level = ground level = cost. However, @kentuckyman30 is referring to certain people in the community who use a seemingly neutral term, but in a condescending manner, equating lower cost watches as inferior, of lower value, of lower quality, etc. It's this snobbish tone that ticks us off.
End of the day, it is the owner of the watch who really assigns the value of the timepieces he/she keeps, regardless if it's a $20 Casio, or a $20,000 Grand Seiko. Price doesn't determine its true value. https://www.watchcrunch.com/hakki501/posts/what-makes-a-watch-valuable-9570
Yeah, the "manager" of the Pieces of Time store on the last cruise we were on (who seemed a knowledgeable young gentleman) kept referring to Tissot as an "entry-level Swiss watch." Damn, with my budget a PRX or Le Locle is towards the top of the wish list!
I really don't care. If I think a #Tissot is a wonderful watch for my desires and budget, then so be it. "Entry-level" is a relative thing.
@kentuckyman30
Entry level is a term directly related to architecture.
As in a buildings entry level. Which is usually the ground floor (here in Ireland) the first level.
In watch collecting this translates directly to cost, nothing else. Not quality, reliability, desirability or status. Only cost.
All this talk of it meaning beginner is insane.
Rather than getting annoyed, come here share your problem and get educated! Win win! I've learnt so much on here. Glad I can share this little nugget, as over 60 people have commented here and not one has made the connection.
EDIT: also, what is the ref number for the black Seiko 5 in your OP? It's stunning on the leather NATO.
Yeah, I mean, the context around the term always seems to be meant as "as starting point" or "beginning point" before "moving on" or "moving up." At least, that's how I interpret it when I see it in reviews and what not. And you know, it's something that always made sense until recently when I changed my watch collection. I no longer own watches that cost thousands, but rather affordable watches that people consider "entry level" except, I see it very differently now. I think I mentioned it in another comment, but I don't look down at my 5KX and think, "What a lovely entry level watch I have on" but rather, "Man! I love this case design and these classic SKX hands. And WOW it looks so cool on this nato." There's nothing "entry level" about it, even when compared to other more expensive watches I've owned. In all honesty, it mostly doesn't matter. Just random musings I've been having the last 48 hours or so. Haha.
As for the Seiko 5, I'm not sure which one you're referring to as I don't have any leather natos. Is it the one without the bezel? The DressKX? 😀
I'm here to say I totally agree with you but also that the GS on the green nato looks incredible.
Thanks! Man, I kinda miss that GS. I loved it on that nato, but it was so shiny. Haha.
Yeah, I mean, the context around the term always seems to be meant as "as starting point" or "beginning point" before "moving on" or "moving up." At least, that's how I interpret it when I see it in reviews and what not. And you know, it's something that always made sense until recently when I changed my watch collection. I no longer own watches that cost thousands, but rather affordable watches that people consider "entry level" except, I see it very differently now. I think I mentioned it in another comment, but I don't look down at my 5KX and think, "What a lovely entry level watch I have on" but rather, "Man! I love this case design and these classic SKX hands. And WOW it looks so cool on this nato." There's nothing "entry level" about it, even when compared to other more expensive watches I've owned. In all honesty, it mostly doesn't matter. Just random musings I've been having the last 48 hours or so. Haha.
As for the Seiko 5, I'm not sure which one you're referring to as I don't have any leather natos. Is it the one without the bezel? The DressKX? 😀
Yes I hear what you are saying, it's often used out of context to be condescending.
My old eyes! When I zoomed in I realised it isn't leather, it might be on a dark grey nato. The dress one, stunning.
Yes I hear what you are saying, it's often used out of context to be condescending.
My old eyes! When I zoomed in I realised it isn't leather, it might be on a dark grey nato. The dress one, stunning.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/kentuckyman30/reviews/seiko-srpe67-review-2-27793
😀
Look you butthurt poor schmucks, this annoys people for the same reason the term "poor man's Rolex" does, because it hits too close to home.
Never mind my impoverished circumstances and just acknowledge that you aren't in the realm of Laurent Ferrier or FP Journe because you are a poor. Keep working or stealing or murdering and you'll get there one day.
Some fool will say that filthy lucre and flashy baubles are not the most important things in life. Those sour grape fools are just lazy and stupid. You, we, have a Casio because we aren't good enough, we are not beneficial to society and don't pursue our dreams.
Consume. Obey. Work. The important thing to remember is that people with more money are better than you and to keep on straining and embrace the grind.
Correct, it is total hogwash. The "entry level" thing sort of annoys me a bit, too. It has always seemed like an arrogant thing to say, IMHO.
Agreed. I just hear that "entry level" label a ton.
Yeah and it is applied universally. Maybe groceries aren’t entry level but I rest assured there’s some Whole Foods ad imply Kroger is “entry level”. 😂
I have been looking for a Seiko with the kanji day display. Would you mind sharing where did you find it?
You'll find any JDM Seiko has one. Lots to choose from. I like SARV001.
Yeah, the "manager" of the Pieces of Time store on the last cruise we were on (who seemed a knowledgeable young gentleman) kept referring to Tissot as an "entry-level Swiss watch." Damn, with my budget a PRX or Le Locle is towards the top of the wish list!
I really don't care. If I think a #Tissot is a wonderful watch for my desires and budget, then so be it. "Entry-level" is a relative thing.
Without being obvious though... that's the whole point.
A Tissot PRX is a lovely little watch, but if you put it next to a Swiss watch that costs $5,000, and another that costs $10,000, are they the same thing? No, they're not. So it's more than fair to say they're the base level - the entry level - for such watches, relative to what else is out there. The OP is banging on like it's the most egregious thing you can say, however, it's a pretty straightforward concept to most people.
Agreed. A Patek could be your "first watch", but would anyone call that "entry level" out loud?
Agree. It's all relative too. A Rolex can be entry level compared to a PP. My most expensive watch is a Longines but some of my favs in my collection are my seiko 5 and g shocks. Price means very little unless you're buying simply to invest imho.
Look you butthurt poor schmucks, this annoys people for the same reason the term "poor man's Rolex" does, because it hits too close to home.
Never mind my impoverished circumstances and just acknowledge that you aren't in the realm of Laurent Ferrier or FP Journe because you are a poor. Keep working or stealing or murdering and you'll get there one day.
Some fool will say that filthy lucre and flashy baubles are not the most important things in life. Those sour grape fools are just lazy and stupid. You, we, have a Casio because we aren't good enough, we are not beneficial to society and don't pursue our dreams.
Consume. Obey. Work. The important thing to remember is that people with more money are better than you and to keep on straining and embrace the grind.
Great movie!
I don't like that phrase either, it's meaningless. I'm also in KY. Maybe it's a Kentucky thing not to like it.
I have 12 Seikos ranging from $60 to $180. These are watches anyone could like. My favorite is the Seiko SGEH49P2. Beautiful black dial, applied silver indices, applied SEIKO name, sapphire, 100mWR, long lasting bright lume, super accurate 7N42 quartz movement with steady and precise second hand, 3 year battery life, and 2 week warning when battery's low. You can buy its battery for a dollar. I put it on a rubber rally strap for an everyday look, but it came with a good looking brown printed leather strap that gave it a more formal appearance. This watch was $95.