best automatic for under $200

[fasfan22]

I am looking for a good sturdy daily wear auto for under $200. I am fascinated with the Orients but also like the Seiko 5's. Any advice? Be advised I am new to this watch stuff and only own a Seiko Perpetual but have always loved watches.

[JasonLCKo]

Seikos are great, i have a rolex style auto,and a kinetic style. also look at invictas, they have great qualities as well.

[JP]

Sandoz with ETA 2834 is probably the best value for money. Yes, their design is Rolex ripoff... but I used to own 2 Sandoz Singapore watches with Swiss ETA movements... both very good quality for the price.

[fasfan22]

Thanks fro the help. Do you consider the ETA Swiss movements better in quality and durability than the Seikos and the Orients? I looked at the Sandovs on the web and most seem to be the diver configuration. I do like the style of the Orients better but will forgo this for durability and accuracy. Perhaps I am asking too much bang for my buck.
I did read about the different ETA movements though and the 2824 seems to be well received.

[JasonLCKo]

Personally I associate Swiss made products to be great quality...i have that ETA movement in my invicta and it looks great. Asthetically and reliability, the eta movements will be a good choice over japan movt...but it both works the same way, my seiko five has been running fine these past 7 years and no maintanance is planned for it.....so i guess it just really depends if u associate quality to places of origin..hope this helps, i'm kinda drunk right now haha...dunno what i'm saying....

[jasman]

Just to chime in with my 2 cents.

For automatics, you cannot beat the reliability of the Seikos (and Citizens for that matter). I personally do not know anything about Orients and never had experience with them.

The nice thing about Seikos is that there are literally hundreds (maybe thousands) of styles to choose from, much less with Citizens. You can actually get a Seiko Automatic from the bay for about $50 shipped (to the US) if you are patient enough. The Citizens are a little more difficult to come by.

As far as Sandoz goes, most of their models, as JP mentioned, are essentially Rolex clones, they do not seem to have any original designs (at least the price range you are talking about - HK and Singapore models). I have one of the smaller diameter divers which I think is a great watch for under $200. The ETA as usual keeps great time. I personally think these are much better watches than the Invicta divers in the same price range. Better and more consistent quality.

You may want to research our forum sponsors, Reto at PMWF, or chronograph.com to see most of the available choices out there.

[Datsun240Z71]

For $125 +/- off ebay, the Seiko White Knight is a great watch for work or play.

[MikeS]

invicta 8926 in my opinion

[JP]

I agree with Jasman 100%. I used to own a lot of "budget watches"... I had that kind of "period" in my watch "career". I had Invictas, multiple Sandoz watches, Seikos, Citizens, etc. Sold them all eventually to finance more expensive pieces...

but I wholeheartedly recommend Sandoz Singapore watch... very, very good quality for the price and yes... better and more solid feel than Invicta (just my opinion of course).

It didn't have a SEL bracelet though (at least that's what I recall). Reto from PMWF is a great guy and a friend... he sells all these watches. Whatever you buy I can always recommend buying from him.

PS: You might want to check Marcello too. It's a good watch with ETA movement. However I still find it a bit overpriced. The Marcello design is also a Rolex ripoff (surprise surprise). And don't forget Vostok... John did a great review of that blue beauty.

[cinbobs48]

Hi Guys,

You got'a love the Invicta 8926 for $100 or so!

- Bob

[boscoe]

Seiko and Citizen both make very reliable movements. Nothing to fear with either, though conventional wisdom is that Swiss-made or Swiss automatic movement is better. If you want a Swiss automatic, check out Tissot. With careful shopping, you'll get one in the $200 range (plus or minus 15-20 bucks). Invicta makes nice watches, but I think the quality control in this price range is probably better with Seiko/Citizen, However, Invicta's designs are more exciting (IMHO). In other Swiss/German watches, you should also time a hard look at Limes. An excellent brand.

[fasfan22]

Thanks for all your help! Since I started this thread back in November I have aquired a Seiko White Knight
and a cool Orient Classic Re-edition. I have really been bitten by the bug. I do a lot of drooling over on e-bay. (see my new thread on the Seiko 5 I aquired). I would like to show you a picture of it as well as the Orient. I am currently becoming educated on old Omega's and have fallen in love with the Seamasters. I still wear a Seiko everydat though!