alex
SuperDork
10/24/10 10:21 p.m.
I'd like a grownup watch to replace the beat-to-hell digital Timex on a giant pleather cuff band I've been wearing. The main hurdle is, I use the timer function on my watch hundreds of times a week - it's the timer I use when I'm baking. So, something with a quick and easy timer function with an audible alarm is pretty necessary.
Now, I do kinda like the chunky aesthetic of my band. And it's a big mother: wider than some of my belts. And since I wear my watch 'backwards', it mainly looks like a leather cuff with a big buckle. But I don't necessarily like a watch face the size of a wall clock, which seems to be a trend.
I do need something durable, and pretty water/shock proof.
And, of course, the cheaper the better.
Aside from going to a mall - which doesn't seem like the best choice - I don't really know where to start.
Whaddaya got?
Luke
SuperDork
10/24/10 10:36 p.m.
Citizen Promaster, or a G-Shock?
http://www.creationwatches.com/products/citizen-promaster-47/citizen-promaster-nighthawk-alarm-jt3034-65e-jt3034-watch-2024.html
$160
For those who are wondering, watch Casablanca again...the German couple..
+1 on the g-shock. had mine for over 10 years. had the battery changed five years ago. I have the straight digital one. for a c-note you can get the atomic clock sync and solar power. There's several styles to choose from. I currently wear a citizen eco-drive the most, but am looking at one of the new g-shocks for rough and tumble stuff.
Fossil:
Model - FS4473, <$100, apparently now only available from Fossil outlets/website (sketchy availability online). Its next on my list. The cage opens/is removable. Modeled after watches modified by WW2 mechanics who were tired of busting the glass while turning wrenches.
alex
SuperDork
10/25/10 9:10 a.m.
I'm digging the Promaster. I like the G-Shock, but there do seem to be about a bajillion models. And recommendations for a good single place to peruse the options?
alex wrote:
I'd like a grownup watch to replace the beat-to-hell digital Timex on a giant pleather cuff band I've been wearing.
Well I think you've come to the wrong place
Every plain simple Casio I've had has worked flawlessly, every G-shock I've had has died because it let water in.
Who wears watches anymore?
alex
SuperDork
10/25/10 2:00 p.m.
I love the brutal functionality of my Timex. And I'm asboutely smitten by the fact that I can navigate its (fairly numerous) features with 4 buttons, having never so much as glanced at the manual. The level of thought that went into the user interface is really impressive.
And I beat it to hell between work and play. The one I have now has a giant gouge across the face from dragging drywall across it, and it's constantly loaded with flour, bread dough, grease and other assorted muck that I only occasionally think to clean out. It doesn't care.
Maybe I'll keep this badboy as my daily driver, and have my great-grandfather's wind-up Bulova serviced back into usefulness, to be worn with my 'nicer' attire. My only real problem with that watch is that, with the trend of ever-bigger watches, it looks like a ladies' watch by modern comparison.
If you want to stay with the leather cuff look. This one is very big. Nemesis Model KIN080KN
I rock a Tag Formula 1 on the weekend and a Fossil at work. I love the Fossil. The band is darkish with a carbon fiber face. It looks pretty slick imo. I also wear a Folex that I bought out of a Chinese food bag in NYC for $30.
Timex Expedition Easy Set Alarm:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000TIJ4U/ref=s9_simh_gw_p241_d0_g241_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1HT5MEYK8HCCY4JMGDYF&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846
Joshua
HalfDork
9/18/11 12:19 a.m.
I really want a Swatch but can't afford them since they are stupidly overpriced. I also really want a Citizen but can't find many of them cheaply either. So I think I'll wait and see what I can turn up at TJ Maxx.
Use a cell phone timer, then find the fanciest, best looking watch to wear elsewhere. I actually love reading the Watch Snob on askmen.com even thought the time pieces he talks about are way out of my price range. Once I am employed for a few years, I might spring for a Milgauss or something of that caliber, but otherwise, I will pick up on of the older Casio G-Shock to congratulate myself when I get my next job.
spnx
New Reader
9/18/11 9:26 p.m.
Swiss Army Titanium.
I recommend going to pawn shops to get great deals on good watches.
PM me when you want your Grand Fathers Bulova serviced.
Porksboy, Certified Watchmaker 21st. Century.
"What watch" made me think of this
Have you been here yet?
http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/index.php
Good stuff and good ideas.
It's also where I bought my Soviet medial watch. I paid less than $100 for it. It looks just like this one, but I have mine on a rubber strap.
PS: And yes, on the back it's engraved with a giant CCCP.
alex
SuperDork
9/19/11 10:30 a.m.
In reply to porksboy:
You got it. Any ideas on how to make it look less like a ladies' piece? Between me not being exactly small, and modern mens' watches being so damned big, it feels a little odd on me.
It's basically this face, though it's on a generic expanding gold band right now.
PLUS
Timex Expedition. Waterproof, tells time and date, easy to read, indestructible.