Check out orient....or Bulova.
Hi I'm new to the automatic watch world and got my first ones this week. (Pics attached)
I'm looking for another one and would like some suggestions please. I have around £250 to spend. I'd prefer non seiko as I have 2 of those already. Thanks.
I was looking at the Orient Mako II. Are they good?
Everest (you are welcome)
http://www.timefactors.com/smiths.htm
http://forum.tz-uk.com/search.php?searchid=13761266
The search link will not work but gives you an idea. A lot of Orient Mako threads,mainly positive.
I know you said non Seiko but I would really look at the SRP777. Such a good watch and will dominate the wrist time after the SKX above.
Have you looked at the Orient brand?
They have a nice range of watches within your budget. The only problem is there is no retailers here in the UK. Can be bought within the EU or direct from Japan.
Have a look at the Mako range..............has a huge following for those looking for value and decent quality to boot.
http://www.orient-watch.com/products...category_id=39
If my budget went up to £350 could I get something better?
If we are talking non-sale items, then £350/360 also brings you into the Swiss Tissot and Hamilton brands (both good, value for money brands of the Swatch stable).
I know you said non seiko but have you considered the japan domestic models? The quality and value for money is second to none at that price range
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As mentioned already Steinhart would be my choice, I have a couple and would gladly take another.
Hamilton is one I haven't tried but seem to get very good reviews.
I always hate it when people specifically say they don't want xxxxx brand and a bunch of folk suggest that very brand... but I'm going to join in with the others and do that.
If you're new to this watch thing and haven't really got a handle on what you like/want/need, there is no better brand than Seiko as an introduction (gateway drug) to pretty much every style and pricepoint under the sun.
You will soon find that any Seiko watch you buy will be of decent quality, reasonably priced and easily moved on if you decide not to keep it.
Haha thanks. It's looking like a steinhart for the win.
I recently purchased a Steinhart legacy, imo at that price point it would be very hard to beat (I own a Smiths Everest- and its lovely but the noisy mechanism and acrylic crystal are drawbacks imo) , just saying. good luck with whatever you decide.
I keep looking at the Steinhart range, must say they do look very nice. I particularly like the Military 42 STE.
Has anyone used www.chronomaster.co.uk before?
Seiko gateway drug 😅, love that. Think it needs a thread of it's own.
I'd also throw Citizen into the mix. My Nighthawk cost £100 on eBay a while back and gave 200m water resistance, a GMT function and a great looking dial too. Granted, it is an eco drive watch, however, auto Citizen divers are still available with some digging.
£250 gives you a lot of choice, whatever the outcome enjoy the search!
I have recently started to expand my small watch group.
In your price range I also can recommend Orient.
Owned by Seiko, they are very nice quality, big bang for buck. They make their own in house mechanisms as well, and have plenty of choice under £250 (obviously they go higher as well)
I recently bought a Ray II and loved it so much I bought a Flight which arrived yesterday.
I also like Seiko, but Orient just have something slightly different about them (in a good way) and are rarer to see in the UK.
Here are some pics:
I sourced my Orients from SeriousWatches.com in the Netherlands- excellent website and excellent service. Price includes courier delivery to UK.
The other Orient I bought from Creation Watches- based in Singapore, have a wider range of watches including Tissot, and include courier delivery in the price- my watch from them took 60 hours from ordering on line to delivery, and that was over a weekend. Ordered Fri night and delivered perfectly via DHL Mon morning. As based in Singapore you may be asked to pay duty though, but if you get a good sale price may still be cheaper than other sources.
I like the Steinharts as well, but price wise they are a step up from your initial £250 price range.
Don't shoot me down, but what about a Russian Vostok Amphibia for under £60? I know on the surface this sounds crap, and there is some case finishing roughness, BUT, great history, lovely domed plexi, and surprising accuracy. I really love mine, and it holds it head high in some exalted company.
Dave
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Thanks for all the suggestions so far.
So payday has arrived and was slightly better than expected. My budget is now a maximum of £400. Criteria is smart diver, black face and bezel, non seiko and preferably with an eta movement.
The Steinhart ocean one ceramic is currently my favourite. Thanks.
Order went in this morning for a steinhart ocean one. Thanks guys.
Arrived today. Beautiful.
Blimey that was quick.
I think you made a very wise choice, it looks great.