Hello! I absolutely love my SMPC 300M, but I cannot wear it while at work. I've worn a quartz Bulova Marine Star daily for the last 7 years while on clinicals and in practice, and it looks the part. Over the last month the Bulova has started losing 4-6 minutes per day even after I replaced the battery. The crystal has multiple scratches/chips, the bezel is beat all to h@ll, it's been a decent watch for the price, but I don't care to have it repaired now that I've got a taste for mechanical time pieces (and I only paid $100 for it to begin).

So my question is this: What is the "ultimate" mechanical watch to be had for under $100? Can it be done? Here are my criteria:

1) Water resistance. This is a must. I wash my hands at least 75-100 times daily while at work; outside of the office I don't dive, but I do fish frequently and kayak infrequently and feel most comfortable with a dive-type watch with 200M water resistance.

2) Quality bracelet. I mostly wear scrubs but on occasion will wear a shirt and tie.

3) No blatant homage pieces.....
I work in an extremely economically depressed area and I don't want anything too flashy, I can just imagine clients grumbling "I paid for that Rolex he's wearing".

4) ....but still looks good.

5) Hand winding/hacking are nice features, but not absolute necessities for this watch.

I'm not real keen on Invicta, I've heard horror stories on their QC and customer service, and then there's the homage/replica/copy angle as well

The reasons for the price limit are 1) I'm interested to see what everyone thinks, 2) my other hobbies are getting expensive (according to my wife) and I've got my eye on a new 7'3" 4wt. fly rod for this spring as well as my first kayak and roof rack.

I'm interested to see what everyone thinks.

cvh

 

Take a look at the Seiko 5 series.

I'll forgive you for spending your disposable income on fishing gear instead of watches, but that's the only other hobby that anyone is allowed to divert watch funds to.

 

I like the looks of the Seiko 5's. This popped up when I was researching the Seiko:

I've never heard of Orient watches, but apparently they are one of "The Big Three" in Japan and use all in-house movements. Any thoughts?

 

Here's my Seiko 5 sports diver - 100m, fully automatic, display caseback, rotating bezel and a bold, unique look





Another one to consider is the Seiko Monster - 200m, screw down crown, solid caseback, lume that is quite simply unbeatable. Mine sadly died after being exposed to too much heat - I'm planning on doing some DIY work on it, might document it on camera!





Both excellent choices, and feel far more expensive than they actually are

 

Orient makes a decent watch for the money. I owned one of their cheap autos just to test it out. The only thing I didn't like was the bracelet, specifically the clasp. But I don't like bracelets in general and it was inexpensive so don't put too much stock into that assessment.

 

I've heard and read quite a bit about the Seiko Monster. This looks and sounds like a very good value for money watch.
This would be my choice,
Orange Monster automatic dive watch, Screw down crown. Screw in case back. Case diameter: 45 mm. Case thickness: 13 mm. Tang clasp. Water resistant at 200 meters / 656 feet.

 

The Seiko Monster is a nice watch and a great value. It wears more like 42 mm. I know a guy letting his Black Monster go for $100 plus shipping and it's in great shape. Hell, I might buy it myself!

 

That sounds a good New Year purchase Dennis !!.

 

Yeah, but I just bought an SKX009 last year. That covers all my beater duty. I did like my OM quite a lot though.

 

$100 plus shipping...!!, Its worth buying, wearing for 6 months, and selling. You'll still get your money back.

 

I've seen one on a shark mesh, looked really good.

 

I agree Trev, these do look nice. Black dial, st/st shark mesh !.

 

Well, it was a bit delayed, but I finally pulled the trigger on a Seiko Orange Monster which should be here later this week. I must admit, initially I was in the same camp as Trev regarding the orange dial; but the more I researched and "stalked" it online the more it grew on me and I'm almost certain that I'll be picking up a mesh strap for it in the future, thanks to dsio and Steve's pics.

I really like it's more atypical style. When I'm fishing it's usually by myself, so I've become quite adept at taking the one-handed "fish porn" photo - I like having a more unique watch so none of my buddies can dispute that it's my hand in the picture .

Thanks for all of the advise and suggestions, I'll post pics once I figure out how to size the bracelet. I did find a series of very helpful cartoons/diagrams on pmwf.com. Wish me luck!

 

Sick dude..

 

good man, kayak fisherman!
Love a bit of one handed porn...