My first Automatic / Mechanical Watch?
All the watches I own are either digital or quartz.
Currently I have: Citizen Eco-Drive E870 Casio DW5600UE Tissot Tradition rose gold T063637 Casio GBD200 Casio G9000 Mudman Seiko Sportura Chronograph Casio Duro Marlin Few fashion watches (Fossil, Giordano, SKMEI).
As you may have guessed already from the above and also through my previous posts and comments — I’m somewhat a budget watch enthusiast.
My grail watch is an Omega Speedmaster — but this may be a few years away from procurement.
Meanwhile, I want to experience owning a mechanical watch at a budget (<INR30,000 or sub-$400). This is something which I can wear regularly to office or to a social gathering (for home I prefer the Casios due to potential accidental dings).
After much research I have shortlisted a few:
Seiko 5 Sports (which one though? There are so many and I’m not sure if I would like the crown position), I will check them out at a local AD
Citizen Tsuyosa — new kid on the block and Citizen is quite reliable with good presence in India
Orient Bambino (love it but a bit too dressy for my use case)
Orient Mako or Komasu (was up for contention vs the Duro but didn’t follow through because I wanted to try it on before purchase but they don’t have a presence in India)
Indian Microbrands:
Ajwain Khakhi Mechanical (Walong) I like the dark green edition, somewhat like a field watch.
Argos Apollo II (I have actually ordered this because it was only $68 / ₹5400 — should be receiving it next week but it’s a gamble due to QC issues).
So looking to your views Watchcrunch family on the above or anything else you would suggest (different brands, models, case shapes, etc)!
Trying to keep it affordable!
For around $400 how about a Hamilton Field Khaki Mechanical
For around $400 how about a Hamilton Field Khaki Mechanical
For some reason they’re unreasonably expensive on Amazon. Like more than double the price. Perhaps because they’re imported to India.
For some reason they’re unreasonably expensive on Amazon. Like more than double the price. Perhaps because they’re imported to India.
Try Jomashop
https://www.jomashop.com/search?q=hamilton%20khaki%20field&sortBy=productionM2_default_products_price_default_asc
GLYCINE HAS SOME NICE WATCHES IN YOUR RANGE. sharp lookers too. Company has a solid reputation.
You could look at other Seiko 5 models, like the SRPG and SRPH series, which are updates to the SNZ and SNK series respectively from the discontinued Seiko 5s. You might also look at a Bulova Hack. There are lots of great options on AliExpress; San Martin, Baltany, Pagani Design, or Tandorio, to name a few.
I'd just get a hand wind vintage HMT myself, but in the new arena you may have Alba open to you.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/day_dreamer/posts/alba-is-the-new-budget-automatic-in-town-45783
I'd just get a hand wind vintage HMT myself, but in the new arena you may have Alba open to you.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/day_dreamer/posts/alba-is-the-new-budget-automatic-in-town-45783
HMTs on the market are nowadays frankenwatches disguised as genuine pieces. The recent craze for HMTs in India is unfathomable. Their website lists the undesirable models while the good ones get scalped within seconds.
I'd just get a hand wind vintage HMT myself, but in the new arena you may have Alba open to you.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/day_dreamer/posts/alba-is-the-new-budget-automatic-in-town-45783
Alba has been on my radar thanks, I should’ve mentioned it on my post.
I just ordered an automatic Maratac Titanium pilot: https://countycomm.com/collections/mechanical-watches/products/2021-titanium-x1-sr-35-diver-automatic-watch-titanium-mil-band-by-maratac Great specs for a fair price. I already own two other Maratacs and can vouch for value to dollar.