Watch newbie

[Morio]

Been reading this forum and learning.... I need a watch and I would like some opinions and advice please.

I like simple and clean. No fancy buttons, light ups, super duper deep water explorer type of watches. I am also not into what is hip/trendy etc..... I like classic simple styling.... I also want an automatic and metal band.... I have small wrists so I need to keep it 40mm or under...

So far I have been attracted to Hamilton Watches... I really like the Jazzmaster Viewmatic 37mm (metal band and dark face)..... So finally my question is, am I missing out on another brand, watch that would be a better fit or quality than the Hamilton?

Thanks!

[Big M]

Check out the Seiko snk809.
Could be had with a metal bracelet. Simple automatic that screams "classic."
Only about 37mm, so its the right size that you want.

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f21/my-...809-22404.html

[JohnEcanuck]

Yeah Seiko automatics offer amazing bang for buck. Check them out too.

[ElixXxeR]

What is your budget?

Hamilton makes great watches and Seiko is probably the best value in all of horology - from the Seiko 5 all the way to the Grand Seiko line - but I have completely fallen for Nomos Glashutte. Unlike most brands in the price range, they design and create movements in-house and their designs define timeless. Nomos has its priorities in order and I believe they are one of the more intriguing companies out there.

Their popular Tangente and Tangomat models are a little dressier than a Viewmatic, but the Club might work for you. All of their models have a small seconds complication, which generally is not one I prefer, but Nomos integrates them much better than I'm used to seeing. The less expensive models are also manual wind and the bands are all leather (absolutely superb quality leather, mind you) in case those characteristics would bother you.

Unfortunately this site does not seem to have all of their models, but you can start here to see if you're interested:

http://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/nomoswatches.asp

Nomos Club Manual

[Morio]

Thanks all!!!

Didn't even think of the Seikos and never heard of the Nomos which is good to have other options.... I will start reading up on them...

My budget is around $700.00 ... if it is a little bit more I am flexible

keep them coming!!! I want to make sure I get one that last me awhile

[Big M]

Oh...well, if you're on a $700 budget, then **** the Seiko. I withdraw my suggestion

[Morio]

Oh...well, if you're on a $700 budget, then **** the Seiko. I withdraw my suggestion

LOL... but if that $120-150 Seiko is as good as the $700 whatever, I would definitely save the money and get the Seiko.... not too much of a "name" whore when it comes to watches...

[Big M]

I don't mean to put down out the Seiko name. I'm a fan. And Seiko has options at $700, but I can't think of one that I particularly like that fits your criteria. At that price point, you can beat the 809's accuracy and get a nicer bracelet and a sapphire crystal. I should have picked up on your pricepoint when you mentioned the Jazzmaster. My bad.

[Tim@VMG]

LOL... but if that $120-150 Seiko is as good as the $700 whatever, I would definitely save the money and get the Seiko.... not too much of a "name" whore when it comes to watches...

"As good as" is somewhat variable in the watch world. Any decent movement from Seiko is going to be just about as accurate as a Hamilton, more or less. Some of the materials on the more expensive watches might be nicer, as will be the construction, but if that's important or not is another question.

I am a huge Hamilton fan. I love the classic, simple designs that they use. My daily wear watch is a Hammy Navy Frogman in titanium. Hamilton has lots of choices for you, and the quality is actually very good for the money. If you look around, you will see that the same movements that Hamilton uses also are used in many more expensive brands as well. I think they're a great value, and great watches.

That said, if you like that aesthetic, I would also have a close look at Steinhart. They're a small (as in when you call them you can talk to Mr. Steinhart on the phone) company that makes watches using Swiss movements (some of the same ones used by Hamilton among others, actually) that are built with a "classic" flair to them.

Here's their "Military Automatic"


It goes for about $385 at the current exchange rate without VAT.

Here's their "Nav. B-uhr II vintage Titanium"


It goes for about $450 at current exchange without VAT.

And if you like the square aircraft insturment thing that Bell & Ross and some others have capitalized on, here's their "Aviation Vintage"


It goes for about $450 right now also.

If you're going to buy a Hamilton (or anything, really) it probably pays to buy it from an Authorized Dealer. There are a LOT of "grey market" watches sold on the internet, and if you buy one of them, you'll save some money but be without a warranty. I bought my Hamilton from Princeton Watches, and while I paid a little more, it was only $20 or $30 more than some of the discounters, and I have a warranty on it, which I like.

Good luck! For your budget, you can get a pretty nice watch.

-Tim

[abingdon]

Steinhart makes great watches for the money, but any of those are going to be too big based on the OP's specifications. The vintage Nav B is 47 or 48 mm, if I'm not mistaken.

Check out Stowa. German made, Swiss movements. I own two and love them. Look at the Marine and Antea lines - available with automatic movements, with classic, understated styling.

Marine Automatic:



Antea 390:



Both should be available in about that price range.

http://www.stowa.de

EDIT: By the way, not taking away from Hamilton. I've owned them and they are also fine watches. I don't think you'd go wrong buying one, just throwing out some others I'd be thinking about given your specs.

[Tim@VMG]

Steinhart makes great watches for the money, but any of those are going to be too big based on the OP's specifications. The vintage Nav B is 47 or 48 mm, if I'm not mistaken.

It's a 44mm, but you're right, I missed that requirement.

-Tim

[abingdon]

It's a 44mm, but you're right, I missed that requirement.

-Tim

Ooo, if they make that watch in a 44mm now I might need to grab one. I was able to handle the 47mm version several months ago and it was a really cool watch. I used to have a NavB 44mm and really liked it but sold it to fund another piece.

[Morio]

thanks!! This is great another couple brands to look into!!!

Stowa, I like the looks of this one but with their metal bracelet:

Stowa Partitio


Are these order only or is there a dealer in the US? couldn't find any info on their website so I am assuming order only


Keep them coming!!

[abingdon]

Are these order only or is there a dealer in the US? couldn't find any info on their website so I am assuming order only

You'll have to order directly from Stowa, unless you can find one secondhand. They show up used occasionally on Watchuseek or TimeZone. Really the biggest drawback to Stowa is that there is typically a wait for the watch. They are almost always a month or two behind - this is usually explained by the fact that Jorg Schauer (watchmaker and owner of Stowa) handles every watch personally before they are shipped. They are worth the wait, in my opinion (and many others).

[Morio]

Well, I thought I would update this since I just received my watch.

I went with the Hamilton Jazzmaster..... and I am absolutely in love with it!!!




I am taking into a dealer tomorrow to get the band adjusted!

Thanks again for all the suggestions!

[evosky]

wow, congrats! that's certainly a fine watch, and it's good to see you went with a solid, heritage brand like Hamilton. you gonna think about starting a collection now?

[Morio]

thanks!! and yes, I started the hunt for another watch