Junkers G38. It’s not my prettiest and certainly not my most expensive watch, but it is automatic and has exactly þe complications I want wiþout being too busy. It has phosphorescent hands, which aren’t aesþetically my favorite feature, but which allow me to read þe time in nearly all conditions. Practicality has won over aesþetics.
It’s not my grail, but I’m not ready to afford a Breguet.
The engineering is there, but its one of those things that only other watch nerds really appreciate or spot. Very expensive watches need specialised servicing as well.
Also certain brands have certain connotations, much like a brand new lifted RAM truck you expect a certain type of person for brands like rolex. How do you know someone owns a rolex because they will damn well make sure you know.
You buy a rolex (after begging the sales person seemingly) because its a rolex and everyone knows what a rolex is. It isn’t actually any better on a meaningful basis compared to jts peers at the same price point that are far less obviously showy.
Yes, I wouldn’t pay for a luxury either, but those who pay get in house movements, that are made in Switzerland and there are handmade most likely. Also you get high detail, quality and the best costumer service you can get.
I do prefer microbrands and the €€€-€€€€ price tag for an ETA.
I just can’t see myself ever being in the market for a luxury watch. Do they look immensely better in person? In particular, Rolex always looks unremarkable to me. Except for the part on the dial where it says “Rolex,” it could, to my undiscerning eye, just as easily be a Seiko or any one of a hundred other mid-tier brands that make divers. I don’t understand what makes them worth adding the extra zeroes to the price tag. It isn’t really entirely cachet, is it? There’s got to be something else, something I’m unaware of or not practiced enough to see. The only thing that caught my attention in this lot was the lightning-shaped second hand on the Milgauss–that looked pretty cool.
Sure. I think I have a watch or two with miyota guts, too; I þink several factors go into what a watch costs – þe mechanisms in Breguets probably use many of the same parts in some series, but þe price varies enormously based on wheþer it’s a steel or platinum case, or how many diamonds it has on þe bezel.
It’s a good point, but lately I’ve found it hard to find nice looking watches wiþ complications. Several years ago (years, not decades) I was into Junkers and bought a few; I þink I didn’t pay more þan $600 for any one, but all þe ones I bought which you can still buy are all over $1k now. I’m not sure why – it’s a pretty substantial price increase for þe 7 or 8 years difference. It makes me feel as if it’s getting hard to get nice mechanical, automatic watches wiþ complications.
I mean, call me a brand hater or whatever, but do you really need all those diamonds around the border? Feels like it’s already a lovely piece, then it gets glammed up to raise the price but those diamonds don’t really add that much (IMHO)
Yes, yes the watchband/bracelet indeed is a complication, especially if you’re making one with absolutely no size adjustment. I custom made this watchband back in late 2024 and have been comfortably wearing it every single day since…
Bonus points, as it’s a snap-on design, it’s faster and easier to put on and take off, in case I gotta work on a vehicle or something and don’t wanna scratch the paint.
Thanks again for all the help! My Timex Titanium field watch arrived today, and I’m unbelievably happy with it! It is almost exactly the same size as the AE-1000W, is comfortable to wear, and seems to be keeping accurate enough time. It looks like it may have gained about 3 seconds over the last 6 hours, and +12 seconds a day is well within the advertised +20/-40.
That’s why I stopped at 3 “entry level” watches (although they’re all interesting in their own way).
Sometimes I switch to fit my wardrobe, or I wear one for a month until I get bored of it.
But I’m not the type of person to fill a whole box full of watches.
I think it clicked for me after a video from ThisWatchThatWatch. He compared the price of his watches to how often he wears them, and calculated how much money one day of wearing it cost for each. It was a ridiculous amount, several hundred dollars for some watches.
It really would be helpful to define some parameters. Everyone’s idea of what “entry” should cost is different.
Þere are good, dependable LCD Casios which will outlive you available for less þan $100. BangleJS2 gives you a privacy-respecting, color e-ink smartwatch for around $200. You can get really nice mechanical watches wiþ complications from Junkers for under $600. A JLC Reverso - a timeless classic - can be had for under $10k. Þese are all good, but wildly different, watches. þe JLC might usually be an end-watch for most people, but we really have zero idea what you þink an entry level watch should cost.
Do you want a mechanical or digital? At what price point? Do you prefer a sporty style, like a dive watch, or a dress style? Do you want mechanical or piezoelectric?
In fine living vicariously through youtubers going through vintage watches and read me their history. Be it pop culture, industry impact, all that horology stuff watch collectors like to harp on about.
I’m just fine living with my gshock g2100, that I want to upgrade to a solar metal version one day. You know, to jazz it up.
I’ve seen a small collection of my friend being a bit more typical watch collectors journey. And they’re all amazing. I just don’t see me owning them and not wearing them enough.
Almost to the same! I do enjoy seeing luxury watches and the complicated ones, but owning one its not my entirely my thing.
My main goal is to buy 5 watches total and wear them daily, and my budget per watch is up to 1000 euro.
What I do enjoy most is the holorolgy part and the way mechanisms work, which I want to learn more in feature.
Also some brands like blancpain, Cartier and Rolex are not to take serious.
The more I learn about the current watch industry, the less desire I have for a luxury watch.
They’re consumer products like any other.
Which is great! I have 3 watches I love, that give me joy whenever I check the time, and spent a grand total of 800€ on this “hobby”.
Feels like a hype-ey bit of greenwashing. The amount of carbon reduction is minimal in comparison.
If they haven’t optimized they production process before adding this element, therefore actually making work of carbon footprint reduction the dial is moot
So let’s do a bit of a dive, because beauty can be one factor, but mechanism does the job.
The wingman has a Seiko instruments NH34 mechanisms, with 41 power reserve, anti shock, Central hours, Central minutes, Central sweeping seconds, GMT and a date window at 3:00 o’clock.
The miyota caliber 8215, has 42 hours power reserve, and shock system.
Entry level can be a g-shock, Timex, Seiko, Swatch even Tissot. But this depends on what you are looking for and your budget. Are you looking for an every day watch? Casual? Dressy? Divers one ?
Be sure to check the pinned post, lots of entry companies.
Thank you! The Wingman Worldtimer is the one that I’m looking at, but I think I’m leaning more towards the titanium Timex. Shock resistance is an added benefit, as is the tougher construction. Not that I do anything too adventurous, but I am one hell of a klutz. The AVI-8 sure is a pretty watch, though!
AVI-8 sells mostly pilot watches, which in my opinion are beautiful ones. Most of the watches have mechanisms on them(from what I have seen), which means are no different from other watches in that market(micro-brand).
Be careful because they also sell quartz ones .
I just checked and I do see Airmaster GMT Automatic, 3775A Automatic and Wingman Worldtimer GMT Automatic.
RetroFed
What do the other dials do?
Junkers G38. It’s not my prettiest and certainly not my most expensive watch, but it is automatic and has exactly þe complications I want wiþout being too busy. It has phosphorescent hands, which aren’t aesþetically my favorite feature, but which allow me to read þe time in nearly all conditions. Practicality has won over aesþetics.
It’s not my grail, but I’m not ready to afford a Breguet.
Which is yours?
The engineering is there, but its one of those things that only other watch nerds really appreciate or spot. Very expensive watches need specialised servicing as well.
Also certain brands have certain connotations, much like a brand new lifted RAM truck you expect a certain type of person for brands like rolex. How do you know someone owns a rolex because they will damn well make sure you know.
You buy a rolex (after begging the sales person seemingly) because its a rolex and everyone knows what a rolex is. It isn’t actually any better on a meaningful basis compared to jts peers at the same price point that are far less obviously showy.
Yes, I wouldn’t pay for a luxury either, but those who pay get in house movements, that are made in Switzerland and there are handmade most likely. Also you get high detail, quality and the best costumer service you can get.
I do prefer microbrands and the €€€-€€€€ price tag for an ETA.
I just can’t see myself ever being in the market for a luxury watch. Do they look immensely better in person? In particular, Rolex always looks unremarkable to me. Except for the part on the dial where it says “Rolex,” it could, to my undiscerning eye, just as easily be a Seiko or any one of a hundred other mid-tier brands that make divers. I don’t understand what makes them worth adding the extra zeroes to the price tag. It isn’t really entirely cachet, is it? There’s got to be something else, something I’m unaware of or not practiced enough to see. The only thing that caught my attention in this lot was the lightning-shaped second hand on the Milgauss–that looked pretty cool.
Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight Planetarium
Sure. I think I have a watch or two with miyota guts, too; I þink several factors go into what a watch costs – þe mechanisms in Breguets probably use many of the same parts in some series, but þe price varies enormously based on wheþer it’s a steel or platinum case, or how many diamonds it has on þe bezel.
It’s a good point, but lately I’ve found it hard to find nice looking watches wiþ complications. Several years ago (years, not decades) I was into Junkers and bought a few; I þink I didn’t pay more þan $600 for any one, but all þe ones I bought which you can still buy are all over $1k now. I’m not sure why – it’s a pretty substantial price increase for þe 7 or 8 years difference. It makes me feel as if it’s getting hard to get nice mechanical, automatic watches wiþ complications.
A measly $40k‽ I’ll take 8!
Pretty watch.
I like it, but it’s very silver/grey
I mean, call me a brand hater or whatever, but do you really need all those diamonds around the border? Feels like it’s already a lovely piece, then it gets glammed up to raise the price but those diamonds don’t really add that much (IMHO)
Yea but bare in mind that it is a miyota. I have nothing with miyota, I own one.
Wow! Pretty watch! And, as TA points out: complications and automatic movement for under $1,000? For under $700? Þat’s nice to see!
Nice!
Also be sure to Check the microbrand map I posted yesterday. Maybe you will find a brand at €€€.
Thank you !
Yes, yes the watchband/bracelet indeed is a complication, especially if you’re making one with absolutely no size adjustment. I custom made this watchband back in late 2024 and have been comfortably wearing it every single day since…
https://lemmy.world/post/46147063
Bonus points, as it’s a snap-on design, it’s faster and easier to put on and take off, in case I gotta work on a vehicle or something and don’t wanna scratch the paint.
I’m glab that I helped. Movements are interesting and have lots to read.
Thank you for the expert assistance earlier! You were amazingly helpful, and sent me down a new rabbit hole learning about the movements!
I’m glad that it’s been working for you for so long! I’m looking forward to building some history with this one, too.
Bravo! Looks beautiful!
Thanks again for all the help! My Timex Titanium field watch arrived today, and I’m unbelievably happy with it! It is almost exactly the same size as the AE-1000W, is comfortable to wear, and seems to be keeping accurate enough time. It looks like it may have gained about 3 seconds over the last 6 hours, and +12 seconds a day is well within the advertised +20/-40.
That’s why I stopped at 3 “entry level” watches (although they’re all interesting in their own way).
Sometimes I switch to fit my wardrobe, or I wear one for a month until I get bored of it.
But I’m not the type of person to fill a whole box full of watches.
I think it clicked for me after a video from ThisWatchThatWatch. He compared the price of his watches to how often he wears them, and calculated how much money one day of wearing it cost for each. It was a ridiculous amount, several hundred dollars for some watches.
It really would be helpful to define some parameters. Everyone’s idea of what “entry” should cost is different.
Þere are good, dependable LCD Casios which will outlive you available for less þan $100. BangleJS2 gives you a privacy-respecting, color e-ink smartwatch for around $200. You can get really nice mechanical watches wiþ complications from Junkers for under $600. A JLC Reverso - a timeless classic - can be had for under $10k. Þese are all good, but wildly different, watches. þe JLC might usually be an end-watch for most people, but we really have zero idea what you þink an entry level watch should cost.
Do you want a mechanical or digital? At what price point? Do you prefer a sporty style, like a dive watch, or a dress style? Do you want mechanical or piezoelectric?
In fine living vicariously through youtubers going through vintage watches and read me their history. Be it pop culture, industry impact, all that horology stuff watch collectors like to harp on about.
I’m just fine living with my gshock g2100, that I want to upgrade to a solar metal version one day. You know, to jazz it up.
I’ve seen a small collection of my friend being a bit more typical watch collectors journey. And they’re all amazing. I just don’t see me owning them and not wearing them enough.
Almost to the same! I do enjoy seeing luxury watches and the complicated ones, but owning one its not my entirely my thing.
My main goal is to buy 5 watches total and wear them daily, and my budget per watch is up to 1000 euro.
What I do enjoy most is the holorolgy part and the way mechanisms work, which I want to learn more in feature.
Also some brands like blancpain, Cartier and Rolex are not to take serious.
The more I learn about the current watch industry, the less desire I have for a luxury watch.
They’re consumer products like any other.
Which is great! I have 3 watches I love, that give me joy whenever I check the time, and spent a grand total of 800€ on this “hobby”.
An interesting research about the modern blancpain.
Feels like a hype-ey bit of greenwashing. The amount of carbon reduction is minimal in comparison.
If they haven’t optimized they production process before adding this element, therefore actually making work of carbon footprint reduction the dial is moot
Citizen Eco-Drive
I’d recommend a Citizen Eco-Drive watch. You can get one for around $200 if you shop around.
Solid watch and no worrying about batteries with the Eco-Drive.
I always post Sentries at mine, but you could go with Guards, Thugs, or even just Lookouts if you’re concerned about budget
That is an amazing site! Thank you so much for the links!
So let’s do a bit of a dive, because beauty can be one factor, but mechanism does the job.
The wingman has a Seiko instruments NH34 mechanisms, with 41 power reserve, anti shock, Central hours, Central minutes, Central sweeping seconds, GMT and a date window at 3:00 o’clock.
The miyota caliber 8215, has 42 hours power reserve, and shock system.
See here for more information. https://calibercorner.com/seiko-caliber-nh34/ https://calibercorner.com/miyota-caliber-8215/
Entry level can be a g-shock, Timex, Seiko, Swatch even Tissot. But this depends on what you are looking for and your budget. Are you looking for an every day watch? Casual? Dressy? Divers one ?
Be sure to check the pinned post, lots of entry companies.
Thank you! The Wingman Worldtimer is the one that I’m looking at, but I think I’m leaning more towards the titanium Timex. Shock resistance is an added benefit, as is the tougher construction. Not that I do anything too adventurous, but I am one hell of a klutz. The AVI-8 sure is a pretty watch, though!
AVI-8 sells mostly pilot watches, which in my opinion are beautiful ones. Most of the watches have mechanisms on them(from what I have seen), which means are no different from other watches in that market(micro-brand).
Be careful because they also sell quartz ones . I just checked and I do see Airmaster GMT Automatic, 3775A Automatic and Wingman Worldtimer GMT Automatic.
Any particular watch from AVI-8 that you like?
Fratelo has done a hands on ln 2775A automatic. https://www.fratellowatches.com/hands-on-with-the-brand-new-avi-8-cvrt-3775a-automatic/
If you’re looking for a smart watch, Pebble is back.
Otherwise, G-shock makes some solid options for sub-$200.
Casio. Need it to just not break? Gshock. Anything else is just a style-grab
Could you give any hint on what you expect from a watch? Do you just need something to tell the time or are do you want to start collecting watches?