Best Independent Watches/Brands under $1,000?

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guaranteed.rohu

·Dec 5, 2019

Hey all,

Got an itching for something casual/sporty, could be used for summer, and a bit different - not from a major brand like seiko - under the $1,000 USD mark.

Any suggestions?

Been looking at the Autodromo group b on the bracelet, and unimatic!

I do love the look of anordain, particularly the dials too, but currently a little dressier than what I'm looking for (might pick one up one day)

Not sure why but baltic has never really sparked my interest a whole lot.

 

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Dsloan

·Dec 5, 2019

I'm also curious if anyone's tried a Unimatic in person. I like the minimalist/sporty look they have, but feel like they are a bit overpriced for the quality of their movements. Also, so much of what they do is LE and are all bought up by flippers, which is annoying.

 

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Mouse_at_Large

·Dec 5, 2019

AnOrdain are beautiful watches with truly stunning dials. I had a chance to try a few on at a jewellers in Glasgow recently and was mightily impressed.

If you are looking for a grab'n'go watch, and are not overly prejudiced against quartz, then what about a Casio Oceanus?

 

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Larry S

·Dec 5, 2019·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Baltic Baltic Baltic.

Edited: Dec 6, 2019

 

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STANDY

·Dec 5, 2019·schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector

https://www.magrette.com/shop

 

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Vagante

·Dec 5, 2019

Marathon GSAR

https://www.longislandwatch.com/Mar...Fpv3NJBbsyw4uE7Zar25vrV4hWIWRljxoCyEEQAvD_BwE

 

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Spacefruit

·Dec 5, 2019·Prolific Speedmaster Hoarder

https://www.freesewatches.com/freese-101

I think these are all sold out, but next batch will be ready soon.

(Disclosure: I am an advisor on his project.)

 

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Geezer

·Dec 5, 2019

That anOrdain is very pretty. It's also a nice size and uses a very good and easy to service movement.

 

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guaranteed.rohu

·Dec 5, 2019

Spacefruit

https://www.freesewatches.com/freese-101

I think these are all sold out, but next batch will be ready soon.

(Disclosure: I am an advisor on his project.)

interesting - they're cool! how is he getting the lume made? the only negative really I can see is the water resistance at 3atmos is pretty low...

But a fair price overall for a decent workhorse movement in the ETA 2824

 

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guaranteed.rohu

·Dec 5, 2019

Dsloan

I'm also curious if anyone's tried a Unimatic in person. I like the minimalist/sporty look they have, but feel like they are a bit overpriced for the quality of their movements. Also, so much of what they do is LE and are all bought up by flippers, which is annoying.

yep it sure is annoying. but c'est la vie.

 

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Njnjcfp88

·Dec 6, 2019

I can vouch safe for AnOrdain ; having both Model 1 and 2 ... The M2 is def less dressier, as it’s their interpretation of a “field watch”....in the real AO’s enamel dials are stunning to look at. Both models are about $1500USD.

 

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guaranteed.rohu

·Dec 6, 2019

Njnjcfp88

I can vouch safe for AnOrdain ; having both Model 1 and 2 ... The M2 is def less dressier, as it’s their interpretation of a “field watch”....in the real AO’s enamel dials are stunning to look at. Both models are about $1500USD.

Any wrist shots/photos to share? which colour dial did you go with?

looks like it could wear well as a semi casual piece too! the m2 in particular, as you've mentioned.

I'd love anordain to build up more of a following and start making some more models and more complicated pieces one day, I love enamel dials overall but find them price prohibitive sadly

 

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guaranteed.rohu

·Dec 6, 2019

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/marnaut/marnaut-seascape

An interesting affordable vintage inspired diver, around $200 or $250 USD on kickstarter for a miyota automatic movement, not bad!

 

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Socks

·Dec 6, 2019

Spacefruit

https://www.freesewatches.com/freese-101

I think these are all sold out, but next batch will be ready soon.

(Disclosure: I am an advisor on his project.)

The look of the lume has sold it for me! composing email now...

 

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Wivac

·Dec 6, 2019

Another Magrette vote here.

 

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Tobimat2000

·Dec 6, 2019

have a closer look at christopher ward. a british brand having its watches manufactured in Swizerland. great quality imho.
https://www.christopherward.com

 

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connieseamaster

·Dec 6, 2019

I've handled Nodus and Traska watches, both very solid.

 

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Jokr

·Dec 6, 2019

I can only recommend a Halios Seaforth. Beautiful dial colors imo.

 

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Braindrain

·Dec 6, 2019

Halios

This is a one-off dial but he's got some other beautiful fume dials for sale.

 

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Njnjcfp88

·Dec 6, 2019

guaranteed.rohu

Any wrist shots/photos to share? which colour dial did you go with?

looks like it could wear well as a semi casual piece too! the m2 in particular, as you've mentioned.

I'd love anordain to build up more of a following and start making some more models and more complicated pieces one day, I love enamel dials overall but find them price prohibitive sadly