Help picking watch under $500

[lamp_shade_2000]

Hey everyone.

My GF is buying me a watch and gave me a $500 budget obviously less is better. I am really hoping to get into something automatic and I am a sucker for skeletons.. I am open to leather bands and metal. I found one I liked but can't find a local retailer. It was the Emporio Armani AR4629. I would attach pics but my work comp sucks..

Any advice on movements or models would be great. I have thought about visiting our sponser here but I may be priced out of his selection.

Thanks

[CanmoreOrLess]

I'd buy a used watch (better value), Brinkhaus was where I went a few years ago.

[Sugarphreak]

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[FraserB]

I think Justin has some stuff under $500, have to factor in the Beyond discount as well.

[lamp_shade_2000]

Originally posted by FraserB
I think Justin has some stuff under $500, have to factor in the Beyond discount as well.

Will be going to see Justin. I just hate pestering people's time a if I'm out to lunch on budget.

[Cos]

.

[Weapon_R]

Tissot, Citizen ecodrives, a few decent hamiltons, swiss army, steinhart, and many others make good watches in that price range.

[03ozwhip]

if youre looking for automatics though, youre going to be hard pressed to find anything remotely near $500. i have 2 Lum-Tecs, one an auto and one a quartz with a price difference of $450 and its pretty much the same watch, just a different movement.

if you can go with a quartz, there are a thousand different choices for under $500, my choice would be Citizen Eco-Drive, Tissot and Lum-Tec, not biased because i have all 3, its because theyre all awesome watches.

[Euro_Trash]

Buy my automatic Lum-Tec

[03ozwhip]

^^agreed! best bang for your buck. if i didnt already have 2 that looked like it but different colors, id buy it.

[lamp_shade_2000]

Thanks for the input guys. I would prefer to stay new but if you could pm me some details Euro_trash, I will definitely consider it.

Any insight on Bulova? I know they're owned by Citizen but not sure about quality at that price point. Looking at the 98a118 in particular. Sucks having wine taste on a beer budget.

[Asian_defender]

Why dont you consider a kenneth cole? You can get an automatic skeleton watch around the 200 mark. You could also go with Seiko again, the Seiko 5 line runs around the 250-300 mark and those are solid watches. Best budget line IMO

[msommers]

I recently busted my Fossil auto skeleton which is a damn shame because I love that watch. Definitely need to get it fixed up, probably take it to Joe, where ever he is now that Sears is gone...

[03ozwhip]

^^because kenneth cole and their movements are garbage, thats why theyre $200 and other automatics start at about 1k. bulova is nice too, but im unsure about what movements their autos use, probably the same as citizen which i think is pretty good and thats a good price for an auto if its a decent movement.

[msommers]

Fortunately the movement is unharmed but when I dropped it on my tile floor, it was enough to take the minute hand off the pin(?). Still was spinning fine after but I haven't done anything in gear it'll get caught in the heard and totally be fucked.

True there is only so much to expect from a $200 auto vs 1k+ but I really like the design and the strap is quite good. Plus I've daily'd for well over a year and being anything but nice to it. I'm hard on watches and refuse to spend a lot on a daily.

Maybe a quartz for now would be better if the OP is against buying a fossil watch.

[A790]

Hamilton Khaki Field - ETA 2824-2 tried and true automatic movement.

$375 off Amazon - http://www.amazon.ca/Hamilton-HML-H7...3300414&sr=1-1

More pics/info: http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en/gent...38mm/H70455553

I'm sure Justin could hook you up for around the same price.

[Sugarphreak]

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[Justing]

Originally posted by lamp_shade_2000


Will be going to see Justin. I just hate pestering people's time a if I'm out to lunch on budget.

Come in any time, I love talking watches
I have some auto's that will fall within your budget for sure.

[JRSC00LUDE]

Originally posted by Justing
Come in any time, I love talking watches
I have some auto's that will fall within your budget for sure.

Would you mind posting a few images or suggestions in that range when you have some free time? I've been wanting to get something as well one of these days so I have two watches haha

I'm not in Calgary but would be happy to still deal with you as I do come there occassionaly and, mail is cheap as well.

[Justing]

Hamilton Valiant auto 2:
http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en/gent...to-2/H39515734
$650

Hamilton Khaki King Scuba auto:
http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en/gent...atic/H64515133
Stainless steel: $660
Rubber: $595

Khaki Officer auto:
http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en/gent...auto/H70615733
As shown: $695

Khaki Field auto:
http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en/gent...42mm/H70555533
Leather: $495
Stainless steel: $550


Tissot Le Locle:
http://www.tissot.ch/?collections/products/373
Leather: $625
Stainless steel: $695

Tissot PR100 Automatic:
http://www.tissot.ch/?collections/products/553
Leather: $550
Stainless steel: $625


All prices are MSRP, please pm me for beyond pricing