Bond watch on a budget!

Maherj1 · August 2009

Starting my first proper job soon and I want to buy a watch...obviously the bondier the better but I am very broke (also this wont improve much once I start working 8-)).

So basically I have set myself a budget of 100 euro....maybe for something really nice I would stretch to 150.

I know Casio used to do a submariner style watch, this is what I had in mind but unfortunately I cant find them anywhere now. ?:)

Also I have absolutely no interest in fake watches.

So any thoughts on this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Youknowthename · August 2009

Hi,
To be very forward: start saving up. The Bond Casio's are wanted collectibles thus expensive. Other options are Omega and Rolex....well, as you can guess 100 to 150 Euro will not get you close to those.

Alternatively you could score a Bond Swatch, but in my opinion those are pure marketing and have 0 true 'Bond' value.

drum007 · August 2009

I'd go in on an Invicta Pro Diver #8926. Great watches, very high quality for the price. They look very close to a Rolex Submariner. I would do your homework though. There are tons of watch forums online that are very helpful. Stay away from the cheap, chinese made stuff just because it looks good. Get something that will take a beating, that you can take in the swimming pool, etc....

http://www.amazon.com/Invicta-Diver-Collection-Automatic-8926/dp/B0006AAS4M

82Benedetto · August 2009

http://www.manbushijie.com/productinfo.asp?id=812&catid=315

You will not find a better submariner for the money. Sterile and unbranded, but it's a reliable beater.

Solid end links, sapphire crystal, hand winding/hacking automatic movement. Lume is a bit weak, like most watches in this range (seiko monster has a nice lume, but depends what you want in your watch.)

I'm not a fan of rolex style watches, and I've never been a fan of a cyclops on the watch crystal. However, I own this watch and it is absolutely untouchable for the price.

Higgins · August 2009

Well, if I may chime in.

For US$ 78,-- I'd think again about buying a mechnical watch. It may be good in the first months (it may also not be

) but you will definitely run into trouble after some time with such a movement.
So, Quartz will be a safer choice.

If the mentioned "Marina watch" is a fake, I'll let others decide :v

drum007 · August 2009

Again, do your homework. Find the watch "nerds" on the internet. Talk with the Omega watch gurus. They are all into budget Bond watch alternatives as well. The biggies to consider are: Make sure it is Japanese or Swiss made (not Chinese), AND make sure it is water proof vs water resistant. This is a great forum:

http://www.watchuseek.com/

This is only from my experience. There is a world of knowledge on the internet regarding Rolex and Omega homages, etc... Have fun with it. Best of luck!

petej2811 · August 2009

My view is this - if your budget right now is 150 Euros then just set it to one side. If you save up a bit regularly it won't take you long to be able to buy what you really want. You can pick up an Omega Seamaster for as little as £400-£500 from a dealer if you'd take a pre-owned (less if you buy on eBay but you really need to know your stuff to do that). Failing that you can buy a new version of the older model for around £800 if you shop around. If that's what you really want then save up for it. 150 Euro spent now on a 'make do' is 150 Euro that could go toward what you really want.

minigeff · August 2009

petej2811 wrote:

My view is this - if your budget right now is 150 Euros then just set it to one side. If you save up a bit regularly it won't take you long to be able to buy what you really want. You can pick up an Omega Seamaster for as little as £400-£500 from a dealer if you'd take a pre-owned (less if you buy on eBay but you really need to know your stuff to do that). Failing that you can buy a new version of the older model for around £800 if you shop around. If that's what you really want then save up for it. 150 Euro spent now on a 'make do' is 150 Euro that could go toward what you really want.

my thoughts exactly.

i spent my first pay packet on my seamy pro, and i've never once looked back and regretted it. if you want a bond watch, you either go omega or rolex. sure, theres other brands out there that bond has worn, but the most recognisable and imo nicest watches are the omega's and rolex's.

i think everyone has the same opinon on fakes, so i'll not go into that, but my advise is save up, then when you have enough money, get your dirtiest clothes on, shuffle into your nearest omega dealership and hand over a wad of cash for a watch the guy behind the counter can't afford. trust me, the looks you'll get are nearly worth as much as the omega itself. B-)

Higgins · August 2009

drum007 wrote:

: Make sure it is Japanese or Swiss made (not Chinese), AND make sure it is water proof vs water resistant.

I am curious: What is the difference?

And please give me an example, which watch is waterproof instead of waterresistant, thanks.

minigeff · August 2009

i think (don't quote me on this) that;

waterproof means it won't suffer from going underwater, this is usually stated on the face, with the depth to which the watch can travel to without incurring any damage. ie, on the face of the seamy pro you have '300m/1000ft'.

water resistant is not the same as waterproof. water resistant merely means it will cope with minor splashes and rain etc, but water resistant does not mean the watch is suitable for diving.

it would appear these days 'waterproof' and 'water resistant' get a bit mixed up. you often see 'water resistant to 100m' on watches, but i've always understood water resistant to mean exactly what it says, its resistant, not proof.

Higgins · August 2009

Thanks Minigeff. You should know that I know better after all, that have been telling you about watches on Mi6

http://www.mi6forums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=41498&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=90

Before I am repeating, what I have been saying about waterresistant watches (waterproof does not exist at all) and get critique from all directions who disagree with it, have a look what the industry says:

http://www.europastar.com/europastar/watch_tech/waterresistance.jsp#anchor660373

Please watch particularly 6. Is water resistance permanent? (The answer is no

)

There is only one thing to add: Gaskets are made out of rubber or special plastic. Rubber and plastic loose their elasticity and therefore their function in keeping a watch waterresistant.
To prevent too early aging, rubber seals and plastic gaskets are protected with silicone grease. If you are showering with your watch (and using any kind of soap) , you will infact wash away the protective grease and cause all the consequences.

The Bond Experience · August 2009

Like you need to hear this more, but I agree in biding your time for a used OMEGA. Since you are just starting your first job you will find that money has a new meaning to you and the value behind the investments you make are usually more thoughful and long term. Saving up for two months and socking away 50 Euros a week will get you the timepiece you will cherish for decades. Invest the time...I promise you will not regret waiting.

minigeff · August 2009

Bondtoys wrote:

Thanks Minigeff. You should know that I know better after all, that have been telling you about watches on Mi6
http://www.mi6forums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=41498&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=90

if you know better than me, why ask the question in the first place?

ok, so you know better than me about watches, fair play and hats off etc, but i was only trying to help.

Higgins · August 2009

well, I am always open to lean :007)

And that Miyota movement in the Invicta is definitely made in China.

I'd not judge mechanical movements (in this category!!) so much from where they have been made. It is more important, where the basic construction comes from. In that case: Citizen Japan and that's a good thing.

Besides this, The Mantis said it spot on!

The Mantis wrote:

... you will find that money has a new meaning to you and the value behind the investments you make are usually more thoughful and long term. Saving up for two months and socking away 50 Euros a week will get you the timepiece you will cherish for decades. Invest the time...I promise you will not regret waiting.

Donald Grant · August 2009

The Mantis wrote:

Invest the time...I promise you will not regret waiting.

Or rather, invest in time.

DG

The Bond Experience · August 2009

I knew someone would jump on that!

:007)

Maherj1 · August 2009

drum007 wrote:

I'd go in on an Invicta Pro Diver #8926. Great watches, very high quality for the price. They look very close to a Rolex Submariner. I would do your homework though. There are tons of watch forums online that are very helpful. Stay away from the cheap, chinese made stuff just because it looks good. Get something that will take a beating, that you can take in the swimming pool, etc....

http://www.amazon.com/Invicta-Diver-Collection-Automatic-8926/dp/B0006AAS4M

Thanks fella's, the Invicta is exactly what I am looking for. This watch is really only a stop gap, I fully intend to save up for a Rolex/Omega once I start working but Im just looking for something to wear for the time being.

Just one question though whats the difference between all the Invicta submariner style watches? There seems to be loads of them and they all look identical even though the price vary's wildly?

Also where do people stand with regards to wearing a diving watch with a suit? I would've thought something a little sleeker would be more elegant but Bond always pulled it off in the films.?:)

drum007 · August 2009

Two Movements Compared the ETA 2824-2 and the Miyota 8215 Automatic

http://www.17jewel.com/two.html

82Benedetto · August 2009

Bondtoys wrote:

Well, if I may chime in.

For US$ 78,-- I'd think again about buying a mechnical watch. It may be good in the first months (it may also not be ) but you will definitely run into trouble after some time with such a movement.
So, Quartz will be a safer choice.

If the mentioned "Marina watch" is a fake, I'll let others decide :v

I suggest you do your homework. I'm actually one of those "watch nerds" and a regular at watchuseek. I own several high end watches and I'm always on the look out for affordable, great watches. I'm pretty sure I know what I'm talking about.

Also, Miyota movements are Japanese, so please stop spreading misinformation. Invicta does utilize the Miyota movements made by Seiko. You will find in, in many watches, the movements are similar. Not every watch manufacturer uses in house movements. Furthermore, most of the Chinese movements are made by Seagull, and they are darned good movements. You should do some research on the company.

Finally, you should do a little brushing up on your history. Panerai was certainly not the first to develop a watch that looks like that. They took it into the luxury scene as a corporate powerhouse and maintained a stranglehold on the design. That being said, I think they are ugly watches anyway.

In conclusion, I suggest you do your research before you chime in. I'd really like to know what watches YOU own, high end or not, that gives you such authority to speak on a watch you clearly know nothing about and have not worn. To shoot down something because of it's price is childish and foolish. Quality watch, affordable price, and you can pick it up for about $50 if you register a username on the site.

So, once again, find me a watch with a sapphire crystal, 316L solid stainless steel bracelet with solid endlinks, and a hacking/hand winding movement for anything under 250 dollars.

82Benedetto · August 2009

minigeff wrote:

Bondtoys wrote:

Thanks Minigeff. You should know that I know better after all, that have been telling you about watches on Mi6
http://www.mi6forums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=41498&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=90

if you know better than me, why ask the question in the first place?

ok, so you know better than me about watches, fair play and hats off etc, but i was only trying to help.

Clearly he doesn't know more about watches, because nothing he's said is correct.

Maherj1 · August 2009

Found a nice seamaster look-a-like too:

http://www.rotarywatches.com/uk/catalogue/watch/rotary-aquaspeed-collection/agb00013_w_04.aspx

Although I am also tempted by this watch:

http://www.rotarywatches.com/uk/catalogue/watch/rotary-aquaspeed-collection/ags00009_c_20.aspx

Decisions, decisions.:D

Thanks for all the feedback so far fella's.

Higgins · August 2009

82Benedetto wrote:

I suggest you do your homework.

well, I am doing my homework, since 25 years. From then I am in the watch business. Enough for you? So now, what qualifies YOU to judge watches?

82Benedetto wrote:

Also, Miyota movements are Japanese, so please stop spreading misinformation. Invicta does utilize the Miyota movements made by Seiko. You will find in, in many watches, the movements are similar. Not every watch manufacturer uses in house movements. Furthermore, most of the Chinese movements are made by Seagull, and they are darned good movements. You should do some research on the company.

ditto, check this out:

http://www.citizen.co.jp/miyota_mvt/
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=56500

82Benedetto wrote:

Finally, you should do a little brushing up on your history. Panerai was certainly not the first to develop a watch that looks like that. They took it into the luxury scene as a corporate powerhouse and maintained a stranglehold on the design. That being said, I think they are ugly watches anyway.

What are you talking about? I have not even mentioned Panerai??

82Benedetto wrote:

In conclusion, I suggest you do your research before you chime in. I'd really like to know what watches YOU own, high end or not, that gives you such authority to speak on a watch you clearly know nothing about and have not worn.

Yes, you say it. I have lots of quality watches and I know them. I don't wear the mentioned invicta, but one thing is for sure: The Miyota (Citizen) movement in the Invicta watch has been made in China and the term waterproof does not exist.

82Benedetto wrote:

shoot down something because of it's price is childish and foolish. Quality watch, affordable price, and you can pick it up for about $50 if you register a username on the site.

Where did I shoot down any watch., I have just said my opinion, that instead buying an unreliable US$ 78 mechanical watch, I'd rather purchase a quartz watch. And I have good reasons for it.
And by the way, I bet, that the crystal of this particular US$ 78 "Submariner" watch is not sapphire.

Higgins · August 2009

82Benedetto wrote:

Clearly he doesn't know more about watches, because nothing he's said is correct.

Yep, you bet.....

82Benedetto · August 2009

Bondtoys wrote:

82Benedetto wrote:

I suggest you do your homework.

well, I am doing my homework, since 25 years. From then I am in the watch business. Enough for you? So now, what qualifies YOU to judge watches?

82Benedetto wrote:

Also, Miyota movements are Japanese, so please stop spreading misinformation. Invicta does utilize the Miyota movements made by Seiko. You will find in, in many watches, the movements are similar. Not every watch manufacturer uses in house movements. Furthermore, most of the Chinese movements are made by Seagull, and they are darned good movements. You should do some research on the company.

ditto, check this out:

http://www.citizen.co.jp/miyota_mvt/
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=56500

82Benedetto wrote:

Finally, you should do a little brushing up on your history. Panerai was certainly not the first to develop a watch that looks like that. They took it into the luxury scene as a corporate powerhouse and maintained a stranglehold on the design. That being said, I think they are ugly watches anyway.

What are you talking about? I have not even mentioned Panerai??

82Benedetto wrote:

In conclusion, I suggest you do your research before you chime in. I'd really like to know what watches YOU own, high end or not, that gives you such authority to speak on a watch you clearly know nothing about and have not worn.

Yes, you say it. I have lots of quality watches and I know them. I don't wear the mentioned invicta, but one thing is for sure: The Miyota (Citizen) movement in the Invicta watch has been made in China and the term waterproof does not exist.

82Benedetto wrote:

shoot down something because of it's price is childish and foolish. Quality watch, affordable price, and you can pick it up for about $50 if you register a username on the site.

Where did I shoot down any watch., I have just said my opinion, that instead buying an unreliable US$ 78 mechanical watch, I'd rather purchase a quartz watch. And I have good reasons for it.
And by the way, I bet, that the crystal of this "Submariner" watch is not sapphire.

First and foremost, Miyota movements ARE JAPANESE. If it is not made in Japan it is not a Miyota movement. Your customers should be wary if you run a watch business and don't know this....

Well if you have such an affinity for watches you'll have no problem picking it up and doing a review. I've already said I own the watch and mine runs about +/- 10 per day, which is virtually unheard of in this price range, and is pretty damn good standing on its own. Furthermore, you have absolutely nothing to show the watch would be unreliable. Manufacturing has come a long way, particularly in the past few years, in regard to mechanical watches.

In conclusion, it sounds like pure speculation on your behalf. You can "bet this," "bet that," and "think whatever" you want, but the fact of the matter is you have no first hand experience with the timepiece.

Higgins · August 2009

82Benedetto wrote:

Invicta does utilize the Miyota movements made by Seiko.

Well fact is, Miyota IS Citizen.

82Benedetto wrote:

Also, Miyota movements are Japanese, so please stop spreading misinformation.

just read this:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=56500
"Bear in mind also that Miyota have a couple of manufacturing facilities in Guangzhou"
and here it is more officially:
http://cfm.citizen.co.jp/english/company/outline.html

CITIZEN FINETECH MIYOTA CO., LTD.

(MCLG) GUANGZHOU MOST CROWN ELECTRONICE LTD.
NO.59 PUNAN ROAD YUNPU INDUSTRIAL ZONE HUANGPU GUANGZHOU, CHINA
(MALW) MASTER CROWN ELECTRONICS (WUZHOU) LTD.
No3 BUILDING 137.XINXING ER ROAD, WUZHOU, GUANGXI, CHINA
(CSL) CIMEO ELECTRONICS DEVICES (SUZHOU) CO., LTD.
No.388, South-Jinfeng Road, Mudu Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, 215101

Capital¥1,753,125,000
(Financed 100% by CITIZEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.)

Now, who is spreading false information here??

Good that your watch runs +- 10 sec/day, let's see for how long it's gonna keep it.

Besides this, you did not tell me, what qualifies you to judge watches besides the fact, that you have been spending US$ 78,-- for your "Marina" watch.

And this will be my last comment on this to you. I'd rather talk with people who really know about watches, sorry... ;%

82Benedetto · August 2009

Bondtoys wrote:

82Benedetto wrote:

Invicta does utilize the Miyota movements made by Seiko.

Well fact is, Miyota IS Citizen.

82Benedetto wrote:

Also, Miyota movements are Japanese, so please stop spreading misinformation.

just read this:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=56500
"Bear in mind also that Miyota have a couple of manufacturing facilities in Guangzhou"

Now, who is spreading false information here??

Good that your watch runs +- 10 sec/day, let's see for how long it's gonna keep it.

Besides this, you did not tell me, what qualifies you to judge watches besides the fact, that you have been spending US$ 78,-- for your "Marina" watch.

And this will be my last comment on this to you. I'd rather talk with people who really know about watches, sorry... ;%

Miyota is Citizen. I never disputed that. Miyota movements are made in Japan. There are copies made in China, but Miyota movements are Japanese. I'm sorry you can't stomach that, but it's the truth. Miyota does not have any facilities in Guangzhou, so the person who posted that has no idea what he's talking about, but it's nice to know you own a watch business and get your information from a public forum. Guangzhou is the replica watch hotspot of the world; Miyota does not operate there. Feel free to contact Miyota if you still have doubts.

And apparently, you're illiterate. I've stated I don't own the Marina watch. It's not my particular taste.

As for you statement about a watch keeping accurate time, I think you're off your nut for assuming more expensive and branded movements are miles ahead of some cheaper ones. Face it; Mechanical watches are no longer an art form. There are factories all over the globe replicating the best movements ever produced. You might think the movement in a genuine Rolex would be untouchable, but I can show you a budget watch that compares very favorably.

Finally, I am qualified to judge watches because mechanical watches happen to be a hobby of mine. I've owned quite a few expensive watches with gorgeous swiss or in house movements. I've owned some phenomenal watches of the cheaper variety. I've owned many in between; some that were overrated and others that were underrated. I've built my own and tinkered with those I own. I've an affinity for watches, I know what I'm talking about, and I'm not up my arse about it.

I know better to look down on a timepiece because of it's price. I've also learned to avoid judging something before I've had the firsthand experience with it. I suggest you swallow your pride and admit you've been bested.

82Benedetto · August 2009

Again, please show me evidence there are automatic miyota movements being produced in china. I'm sure you know Miyota produces more than movements. An address is not evidence Miyota is producing movements in China.

http://www.citizen.co.jp/miyota_mvt/info/index.html

UPDATE: I've taken the liberty of contacting Miyota directly regarding this issue. I will post their response when it is received.

Higgins · August 2009

82Benedetto wrote:

Invicta does utilize the Miyota movements made by Seiko.

82Benedetto wrote:

Miyota is Citizen. I never disputed that

82Benedetto wrote:

Also, Miyota movements are Japanese, so please stop spreading misinformation.

82Benedetto wrote:

Miyota does not have any facilities in Guangzhou

82Benedetto · August 2009

Bondtoys wrote:

82Benedetto wrote:

Invicta does utilize the Miyota movements made by Seiko.

82Benedetto wrote:

Miyota is Citizen. I never disputed that

82Benedetto wrote:

Also, Miyota movements are Japanese, so please stop spreading misinformation.

82Benedetto wrote:

Miyota does not have any facilities in Guangzhou

That doesn't mean movements are produced there 8-)

Like I said, I've personally contacted them, so we will see.

7289 · August 2009

What about this watch, The "Homage" Kingston model discussed at some length in this thread:

http://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/32133/connery-bond-homage-watch/

I thought this had a pretty reasonable price .....

82Benedetto · August 2009

7289 wrote:

What about this watch, The "Homage" Kingston model discussed at some length in this thread:

http://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/32133/connery-bond-homage-watch/

I thought this had a pretty reasonable price .....

The MKII watches are very nice...but 700 is a little more than the 250 cap he has.

Update: Bernhardt makes a decent watch for the money...google them. It's at the upper range of the original poster's price, but it's a pretty nice dive watch.

Bond watch on a budget!

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