New Watch

[JAB]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a new watch for wearing to work/weekends. I was spurred by the recent post here http://dappered.com/2012/01/the-four...y-should-have/ I already have a black leather, metal banded, and matte black metal band watch. I am looking to spend under $300 at the most. Some I have been looking at...


http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNK807K2-Automatic-Cloth-Weave/dp/B000HGDWXE/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header


http://orientwatchusa.com/cem65005d


http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-H64451823-Khaki-Beige-Watch/dp/B001F7MIXY/ref=sr_1_25?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1327337161&sr=1-25


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00423N1M0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=dappered-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creative ASIN=B00423N1M0


I would change the band of the Mako to a NATO or leather strap most likely. Also, I really like the looks of the Hamilton and have heard good things about the brand but is it really worth 3-4x the Seiko 5? Any insight into any of the ones I listed or any other suggestions would be more than welcomed.


Thanks,


Jeff

[jicarv]

I think those are all good choices. My personal favorite from your list is the Hamilton Men's H64455533 Khaki King. I own Automatic watches from all three brands that you've linked, however the only model that is the same is the Seiko (different color - SNK809). I can tell you that the biggest difference I see is that my Hamilton is quieter than Seiko and Orient. The Seiko is actually little louder than the Orient. Also, when you put them side by side, you can tell that the Hamilton is made better. This is hard to explain for me but I can definitely see a slight difference in craftsmanship (not sure if worth 3-4x). With that said, all are beautiful watches and I don't think that you can go wrong with any of those brands. I would say that if you can afford it, go with the Hamilton.

[JAB]

Might have to save up a little more and spring for the Hamilton. Also going to try to see the Seiko in person to get a feel for the size. I am 6'4" 220#'s so I'm a big guy and don't want anything that will look too small on my wrist. Thanks Juan, is there any noticible difference in size between the Seiko (listed 37mm x 11mm with a 17mm band) and Hamilton (listed 40mm x 11mm with a 20mm band)?

[jicarv]

@JAB, I think that the Seiko you linked will be too small for a big guy. I'm 6'0" 175lbs with a wrist that is slightly bigger than 6" and the Seiko is perfect. If my wrist size was larger, then that watch would look too small on me. I think for a large wrist, I would not get anything smaller than a 39MM/40MM watch with a 20MM band. I recently ordered a 42MM watch online and it looked huge on me, but would look perfect on a 7" or larger wrist.

[ChrisW]

I have a Mako on a NATO strap. I couldn't be happier with it.

[jicarv]

@JAB, By the way, didn't want to discourage you from the Orient, or the Seiko. Just wanted to point out that there is a quality difference but all are fine watches. Actually, of all my watches, the one that I wear the most is my Seiko SNK809 on different Nato bands that I have for it.

[JAB]

@Juan Yeah I kinda figured that with the higher price would come higher quality. I actually have the Orient Thresher and really like it and know that Seiko is a good brand too. I'll have to keep looking and figure out exactly how much I want to spend.

[Chareth]

JAB, I'd recommend going to a watch store that sells Hamiltons and check the watch out in person if you can. Watches many times look different in person, and you'll also get a better feel for what size you want to wear. Without knowing your wrist size, my guess is that you're going to want something at least 40mm, but possibly more in the 42mm range. (2mm is a big difference, btw.)


Also, I'd say the how the watch wears -- perceived size -- is more important than the actual size. Watches with smaller dials and larger bezels (like many dive watches) are generally perceived to be smaller than they actually are, and conversely, larger dials and thinner bezels tend to wear larger than they actually are.


One thing to note, Amazon's case diameters are many times incorrect. It's correct in the case of the Khaki, but usually wildly off in the case of Seiko imports (like the 809).


If you're interested in the military, pilot or field watch look, take your time. There are many options in your price range.


Here's another possibility for you and it comes in different varieties/colors (most of which should be available on Amazon or eBay).

http://www.roachman.com/seiko/military/SNZG15.html