watch under $500
A friend asked me to help her find a gold watch for her husband under $500 and I gotta say, I'm not sure what to suggest. So I turn to you all. Any ideas?
16 Replies
Watches are tough
Is he a "watch guy" or just wants something cool looking?
Solid gold, plated, or would gold colored work?
Does he prefer quartz or mechanical?
Does he prefer a new piece or vintage?
If it were me I would get a vintage hamilton (pre-1950s) that was serviced recently but no idea what sort of taste this person may have
It's a gift, but the woman shopping (and asking me for help) I think just wants something cool looking. Gold colored is totally fine. I am going to assume she doesn't much care quartz or mechanical either
https://www.kuoe-en.com/product-page/old-smith-90-001-gold-bar-index-with-lychee-leather has a bunch of good options
Kuoe Kyoto Global
OLD SMITH 90-001 Quartz, Bar Indices | Kuoe Kyoto Global
KUOE’s 1st model, Old Smith 90-001, was inspired by antique watches of the 1960’s. With a smaller, 35mm diameter and Seiko VD78A quartz movement, the OLD SMITH 90-001 maintains a classic look while still being accurate. The classic ivory color dial gives this model a vintage feel. It was designed with sleek, minimalist fashion suitable for a...
Citizen has a bunch of sportier looking eco drive ones in gold tones
I would just look for ones under 41ish mm in diameter
Orient bambino in gold tone or Tissot prx for something a bit funkier
Thank you!
Just would make it clear to her, quartz is the easier option to maintain and I generally recommend it for most folks
Mechanical/automatic will require servicing and is a bit more delicate sometimes but are (sometimes wrongly) looked at as more serious or interesting watches
Also look at the Seiko Essentials line-- most of the designs are pretty basic but that might be what they're looking for and they'll be really well-made for the price
I like the look of the swr080 and swr082 but they're both on the smaller side.
https://seikousa.com/products/swr080
Seiko USA
SWR080
From the Essentials CollectionGreen mother-of-pearl dialTextured gold markersCase diameter: 32.0mmSlim stainless steel case with gold finishBlack satin finish faux leather strapWater-resistant to 5 bar, 50 meters (165 feet)Caliber 4N30
Seiko USA
SWR082
From the Essentials CollectionBordeaux mother-of-pearl dialTextured rose gold markersCase diameter: 32.0mmSlim stainless steel case with rose gold finishBurgundy satin finish faux leather strapWater-resistant to 5 bar, 50 meters (165 feet)Caliber 4N30
If you don't know where to start when looking for watches I think this is a good guide. Personally I disagree with his advice to get mechanical unless you're a nerd 🤓 like me. https://youtu.be/4JIhQ3Gx7N8
Ben's Watch Club
YouTube
Everything You MUST Know Before Buying A Watch - Essential Beginner...
In this video, I go over everything you need to know before buying a watch. This beginner buying guide shows you the basics of movement types, case materials, finishing, sizing, the best brands and how much you should spend.
▶️ SUBSCRIBE here for more: http://bit.ly/Sub2BensWatchClub
No watch buying guide would be complete without product...
Also, don't take his advice about watch sizes too strictly--if anything, I'd steer most people to get smaller watches
Y'all are the best. I dress moderately well so it is assumed I'm a watch expert. I am not, but I have MFAD thankfully.
In vintage land there are a lot of gold filled options https://elginwristwatches.com/page414.html
Hamilton Dodson
Lord Elgin 14K
Omega De Ville
Brew Watches
Metric - Gold & Black
METRIC CHRONOGRAPH:Offering a classic - compact style with its 1970s style case. Blended steel and contrasting brushed components give this watch its industrial styling and clarity. Above all else, the 36mm size makes this watch distinctive to its era while making it comfortable and wearable for any occasion.