Cheaper Automatic Watch
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I'd automatically recommend Seiko...Presage Cocktail Time or Sharp Edge lineups. Lots of color ways, best dials for the money, open casebacks.
If you're going Swiss, I'd think about the Hamilton Murph.
@SpecKTator is on point. Seiko makes some awesome watches for the money. You can also look at micro-brands. The Baltic MR01 is a beautiful watch that meets your criteria. Happy hunting!
@SpecKTator is on point. Seiko makes some awesome watches for the money. You can also look at micro-brands. The Baltic MR01 is a beautiful watch that meets your criteria. Happy hunting!
Oh my, that watch is absolutely stunning. That exhibition case is absolutely beautiful.
Oh my, that watch is absolutely stunning. That exhibition case is absolutely beautiful.
Yeah… it’s something else. If I wasn’t waiting on the call for a dress watch it would be in my watch box.
@SpecKTator is on point. Seiko makes some awesome watches for the money. You can also look at micro-brands. The Baltic MR01 is a beautiful watch that meets your criteria. Happy hunting!
Totally agree with you on the MR01. It is very nice. You're opening up a whole new world with micros...love Baltic, Zelos, Farer and Formex. Huge value proposition.
Totally agree with you on the MR01. It is very nice. You're opening up a whole new world with micros...love Baltic, Zelos, Farer and Formex. Huge value proposition.
Agreed… I am more and more drawn to that value proposition vs. popping thousands of dollars for a “name”. That being said, a Seiko Alpinist SBP121 is a watch that does everything in the price point.
I agree with @SpecKTator that microbrands can offer some pretty great value. Zelos is a personal favorite of mine, as I really like many of their unusual dial designs. If you like chronographs, there are several micro brands offering ST19 based movements with display case backs, such as Haim and Studio Underd0g. The ST19 isn't known to be an overly robust movement, but it's certainly a decent movement, and fairly attractive as well.
I agree with @SpecKTator that microbrands can offer some pretty great value. Zelos is a personal favorite of mine, as I really like many of their unusual dial designs. If you like chronographs, there are several micro brands offering ST19 based movements with display case backs, such as Haim and Studio Underd0g. The ST19 isn't known to be an overly robust movement, but it's certainly a decent movement, and fairly attractive as well.
Over the years I’ve become somewhat movement agnostic. If it’s COSC or META certified, fine… but it’s not a requirement. I’ve got the ST19 in my Seagull 1963 and will have it when my StudoUnderd0g arrives. It’s an objectively attractive movement especially with the gooseneck and accurate enough for me.
Long Island Watches. Marc uses a lot of Seiko movements. I don't know if you would really want to see a simple Seiko movement through an exhibition case back. However, Marc and the team make excellent and great case back designs. Good luck on your search 👊🏽
Over the years I’ve become somewhat movement agnostic. If it’s COSC or META certified, fine… but it’s not a requirement. I’ve got the ST19 in my Seagull 1963 and will have it when my StudoUnderd0g arrives. It’s an objectively attractive movement especially with the gooseneck and accurate enough for me.
I much prefer serviceable COSC or METAS certified movements, but that's not something to be expected for under $1K. I had an ST19 in a Geckota W-02 chrono that I recently traded. I thought that the movement was reasonably attractive, and it kept good time. It's my understanding that one of the biggest issues with the ST19 movement is related to quality control, and that brands such as Studio Underd0g go to great lengths to ensure that the watches they ship with that movement have been thoroughly tested so that they don't send out duds. I have a Desert Sky on order, so I'm really hoping that my understanding is correct. It's also my understanding that the movement isn't worth repairing, and would simply be replaced in the event of any problems, which is a chance I'm willing to take, given how much I like the design of the watch.
Are you sure you wouldn't prefer a hand wound watch with a solid case back?
I much prefer serviceable COSC or METAS certified movements, but that's not something to be expected for under $1K. I had an ST19 in a Geckota W-02 chrono that I recently traded. I thought that the movement was reasonably attractive, and it kept good time. It's my understanding that one of the biggest issues with the ST19 movement is related to quality control, and that brands such as Studio Underd0g go to great lengths to ensure that the watches they ship with that movement have been thoroughly tested so that they don't send out duds. I have a Desert Sky on order, so I'm really hoping that my understanding is correct. It's also my understanding that the movement isn't worth repairing, and would simply be replaced in the event of any problems, which is a chance I'm willing to take, given how much I like the design of the watch.
Agreed, I’ve got a Watermel0n on order was equally willing to take the chance. The Seagull was obviously pretty cheap, so if the movement failed so be it. 🤷🏻♂️
Get away from Seiko or Citizen and go and explore the world of Microbrands
Over the years I’ve become somewhat movement agnostic. If it’s COSC or META certified, fine… but it’s not a requirement. I’ve got the ST19 in my Seagull 1963 and will have it when my StudoUnderd0g arrives. It’s an objectively attractive movement especially with the gooseneck and accurate enough for me.
Just curious, what's a gooseneck?
Nodus makes terrific watches. Seiko movements in the Sector series that I own and I’m psyched for their upcoming releases featuring Miyota hi-beat movements. The owners and staff are terrific and deliver exceptional customer service.
The PRX is $700 and fits your budget. How did you consider it as expensive?
Just curious, what's a gooseneck?
Or Swan Neck. Basically allows more precise adjustment of the movement… plus just looks cool!
https://youtu.be/f-3Hmw0z8o8
A nice microbrand watch with a display caseback is the Tusenö Windseeker.
I prefer it over the prx mostly because I’m not a big fan of an integrated bracelet and the one on the Tusenö is very nice.
Otherwise maybe look at the Hamilton Khaki Field line. I’ve got a titanium model but the stainless steel ones are good value for money.
Get away from Seiko or Citizen and go and explore the world of Microbrands
Some micros are doing great work out there with reasonable price points.
Orient is a brand to at least consider.
Or Swan Neck. Basically allows more precise adjustment of the movement… plus just looks cool!
https://youtu.be/f-3Hmw0z8o8
In all the years I've been collecting (ok, so only 6 🙄), I've never heard it called a gooseneck. I thought maybe it was some other, rarer kind of regulation device.
In all the years I've been collecting (ok, so only 6 🙄), I've never heard it called a gooseneck. I thought maybe it was some other, rarer kind of regulation device.
Lol well, that’s what happens when you’re enjoying a Heineken or two while responding. Swans turn into geese. 😂😂😂