ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

crossplatform · 19 May 2010, 03:03 PM

This is just a list of the brands that I think are good for people who cannot afford a Rolex.

Seiko-Monster, SKX series *Best for the value* Tons of Mods.
Orient- Nice Diver models that are cheap, automatic movements made by the company.
Dievas- Best for your $$$$ for a professional diver watch or vintage military.
Swiss Army- (Air Boss models are nice for manual wind)
Glycine- Good prices for Military inspired/Rolex styled watches that are Swiss.
Tutima- Good german brand that focuses a lot on flieger/diver watches.
Sandoz- Best Rolex styled watches out there if you can find em. Cheap too.
Citizen- Good for the $$$ as well, but they are moving away from Automatics more and more now.

Those are just some, there are plenty others. Feel free to list your own.

gaopa · 19 May 2010, 10:32 PM

I would add Lum-Tec to the list. The Lum-Tec is assembled in the USA using either quartz or automatic movements. They are good looking, well built and a great value, I think.

Cheers, Bill P.

Psmith · 19 May 2010, 10:47 PM

Off the top of my head...

Oris (Swiss)
Fortis (Swiss)
Stowa (German)
Laco (German)
Tourby (German)
Azimuth (Swiss)
Sinn (German)
Muhle Glashutte (German)

Cheers

johnswatch · 20 May 2010, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psmith

Off the top of my head...

Azimuth (Swiss)

Azimuth?

Pretty expensive.....

Another vote here for Oris. They are fantastic watches.

Psmith · 20 May 2010, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnswatch

Azimuth?

Pretty expensive.....

Another vote here for Oris. They are fantastic watches.

Not as expensive as Rolex

You can get some pretty deep discounts online... I've seen 30-40%

Oris and Fortis are good value, and it's not hard to get a decent discount from the ADs

Cheers

dkpw · 20 May 2010, 12:10 AM

MK II - would also be in my list.

ess45 · 27 June 2010, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkpw

MK II - would also be in my list.

I would not recommend a MK II right now. I ordered a Vantage custom from him 1st week of Dec. 09 and the delivery time have been extended several times. Still no definite time on when as of this moment. And Bill has not been responding to emails.

Mockingbird · 20 May 2010, 07:07 AM

I kinda like Lum-Tec.

lorsban · 20 May 2010, 12:25 PM

Oris, Fortis, Seiko for me as well. And lets not forget Hamilton.

Psmith · 20 May 2010, 10:02 PM

Archimede - another German company. Mostly flieger/pilot and sport watches.

Cheers

Deyn Man · 20 May 2010, 11:35 PM

my list includes the prometheus...

Deyn Man · 23 May 2010, 05:25 PM

the you should add tudors too to the list if the criteria would be "less expensive than a rolex"....

arnisador · 24 May 2010, 12:39 AM

More expensive than most that were mentioned here..but still way less than a rolex.
Eterna-swiss made -medium range prices,nice quality.
Doxa-same as above.
CERTINA-nice sporty models.
Longines- good history,on a way for restoring their former glory.
Tissot- good solid watches.
seiko- you never can go wrong with their diver models.

asadtiger · 8 July 2010, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnisador

More expensive than most that were mentioned here..but still way less than a rolex.
Eterna-swiss made -medium range prices,nice quality.
Doxa-same as above.
CERTINA-nice sporty models.
Longines- good history,on a way for restoring their former glory.
Tissot- good solid watches.
seiko- you never can go wrong with their diver models.

thats a list I most agree with...Certina and Tissot are both that I own from and they are absolutley fantastic

MJCox · 27 June 2010, 12:29 AM

Glycine is posted here as one of the good mid-range watches. When I see models of theres that look like a sub and are priced the same as a sub, why wouldn't you just buy a sub? Michael

kilyung · 27 June 2010, 01:01 AM

I don't disagree with the watches on the OP's list but I think "mid range" is a very relative term. I had always classified mid-range to be around the $5k-$10k range (Rolex, IWC, JLC), low-range up to $5k, and high-end over $10k (PP, AP, RM, Hublot). Keep in mind that I'm not judging or denigrating any level of watch (I love my Luminox and G-Shock) or that price always has a bearing on a watch's merits/quality. And yes, I realize that to some folks what I'm calling "mid-range" is their high-end (which would make "high-end" - like Ferraris to me Unobtanium). But I think we sometimes tend to measure scales around what we have. Just a humble opinion.

Mockingbird · 27 June 2010, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilyung

I don't disagree with the watches on the OP's list but I think "mid range" is a very relative term. I had always classified mid-range to be around the $5k-$10k range (Rolex, IWC, JLC), low-range up to $5k, and high-end over $10k (PP, AP, RM, Hublot). Keep in mind that I'm not judging or denigrating any level of watch (I love my Luminox and G-Shock) or that price always has a bearing on a watch's merits/quality. And yes, I realize that to some folks what I'm calling "mid-range" is their high-end (which would make "high-end" - like Ferraris to me Unobtanium). But I think we sometimes tend to measure scales around what we have. Just a humble opinion.

There are very little JLCs below 10k, so I tend to characterize them in the range with PP, AP. AL, VC, Hublot.

kilyung · 27 June 2010, 04:24 PM

I was thinking of my Hometime when I was typing but maybe I should have been thinking of my Reverso Grande GMT. I can see JLC categorized in the high end range alongside AP, PP, and VC (particularly since they have made movements for such brands in the past). I've always thought of the brand as a tremendous value.

MJCox · 30 June 2010, 02:46 AM

Interesting how Kilyung thought of the range of watches. Not that I disagree with him I've just always looked at low end under $1000 mid-range under $5000 and High-end over $5000. I have a Corum that cost $2,999 and friends that I have thought I was crazy to pay that for it because it was so expensive. I guess it is based more on what your wallet can handle than a real range. Just my 2 cents. Michael

kenhiraihnl · 27 June 2010, 03:38 AM

Forgive my ignorance...Breitling isn't on any list because it is "high-end?" I've been looking at the B. Colt auto or quartz for street price under 2K...

Chipmunk · 27 June 2010, 04:12 AM

How about a Rado.............no?

(Sorry can't resist)

cody p · 27 June 2010, 06:20 AM

any of the sarb seiko spirits are excellent value.

htc8p · 1 July 2010, 01:29 PM

Luminox should be in there

fc3s2k · 8 July 2010, 03:46 PM

HOW ABOUT MOVADO?????

__________________________
14060M
EXPLORER I
SS DATEJUST WG BEZEL
RD CELLINI DANAOS
PAM 177i
RG HUBLOT BB CERAMIC BEZEL

lorsban · 26 August 2010, 05:02 AM

As a new owner, I definitely think Ball should be on the list! Im now a huge fan of their watches.

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

SLRdude · 26 August 2010, 05:35 AM

Can't have such list without a Hamilton on it.

About 500 bucks brand new, Swiss Made, looks and feels like ten times the money.
ETA 2824.

kelly23 · 29 August 2010, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLRdude

Can't have such list without a Hamilton on it.

About 500 bucks brand new, Swiss Made, looks and feels like ten times the money.
ETA 2824.

Good choice.... classy watch in any situation

I like/love Oris and Tudor too. Longines and Tag not so much

JimSnyder · 29 August 2010, 11:41 PM

Seiko

jeremyam · 24 September 2010, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLRdude

Can't have such list without a Hamilton on it.

About 500 bucks brand new, Swiss Made, looks and feels like ten times the money.
ETA 2824.

Guys,

Hamilton watches look timeless, have a lots of quality parts and are reasonably priced. Plus, they're one of the few American watch company's I adore. Ball is in the same league, albeit more expensive, say, double...

brrrdn · 26 August 2010, 06:07 AM

Mido
Frederique Constant (non in-house models)
Louis Erard

19 May 2010, 03:03 PM	#1
crossplatform Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: USA Posts: 22	Good Mid Range Brands This is just a list of the brands that I think are good for people who cannot afford a Rolex. Seiko-Monster, SKX series Best for the value Tons of Mods. Orient- Nice Diver models that are cheap, automatic movements made by the company. Dievas- Best for your $$$$ for a professional diver watch or vintage military. Swiss Army- (Air Boss models are nice for manual wind) Glycine- Good prices for Military inspired/Rolex styled watches that are Swiss. Tutima- Good german brand that focuses a lot on flieger/diver watches. Sandoz- Best Rolex styled watches out there if you can find em. Cheap too. Citizen- Good for the $$$ as well, but they are moving away from Automatics more and more now. Those are just some, there are plenty others. Feel free to list your own.

19 May 2010, 10:47 PM	#3
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	Off the top of my head... Oris (Swiss) Fortis (Swiss) Stowa (German) Laco (German) Tourby (German) Azimuth (Swiss) Sinn (German) Muhle Glashutte (German) Cheers __________________

20 May 2010, 12:10 AM	#6
dkpw "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: David Location: Scotland Watch: 16610 & 214270 Posts: 1,294	MK II - would also be in my list. __________________ Sub 16610, Explorer 214270, Ω Speedy Pro & many others. David

20 May 2010, 12:25 PM	#9
lorsban "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Philippines Posts: 1,199	Oris, Fortis, Seiko for me as well. And lets not forget Hamilton. __________________ Rolex TT Datejust, Panerai PAM 312, Omega Connie C-Shape, Anonimo D-Date II, Squale 20 Atmos Blue Ray, Concord Impresario Triple Date Chrono Seiko SKX007, Monster Tuna

20 May 2010, 10:02 PM	#10
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	Archimede - another German company. Mostly flieger/pilot and sport watches. Cheers __________________

19 May 2010, 10:32 PM	#2
gaopa "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: .. Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 1,820	I would add Lum-Tec to the list. The Lum-Tec is assembled in the USA using either quartz or automatic movements. They are good looking, well built and a great value, I think. Cheers, Bill P.

20 May 2010, 07:07 AM	#8
Mockingbird "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: -- Posts: 2,097	I kinda like Lum-Tec.

20 May 2010, 11:35 PM	#11
Deyn Man "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Dean Location: Philippines Posts: 1,037	my list includes the prometheus...

23 May 2010, 05:25 PM	#12
Deyn Man "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Dean Location: Philippines Posts: 1,037	the you should add tudors too to the list if the criteria would be "less expensive than a rolex"....

24 May 2010, 12:39 AM	#13
arnisador Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Guy Location: Israel Watch: submariner 1680 Posts: 24	More expensive than most that were mentioned here..but still way less than a rolex. Eterna-swiss made -medium range prices,nice quality. Doxa-same as above. CERTINA-nice sporty models. Longines- good history,on a way for restoring their former glory. Tissot- good solid watches. seiko- you never can go wrong with their diver models.

27 June 2010, 12:29 AM	#15
MJCox Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: SATX Watch: Air-King Posts: 57	Maybe I'm a snob but....... Glycine is posted here as one of the good mid-range watches. When I see models of theres that look like a sub and are priced the same as a sub, why wouldn't you just buy a sub? Michael

27 June 2010, 01:01 AM	#16
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	I don't disagree with the watches on the OP's list but I think "mid range" is a very relative term. I had always classified mid-range to be around the $5k-$10k range (Rolex, IWC, JLC), low-range up to $5k, and high-end over $10k (PP, AP, RM, Hublot). Keep in mind that I'm not judging or denigrating any level of watch (I love my Luminox and G-Shock) or that price always has a bearing on a watch's merits/quality. And yes, I realize that to some folks what I'm calling "mid-range" is their high-end (which would make "high-end" - like Ferraris to me Unobtanium). But I think we sometimes tend to measure scales around what we have. Just a humble opinion.

27 June 2010, 04:24 PM	#18
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	I was thinking of my Hometime when I was typing but maybe I should have been thinking of my Reverso Grande GMT. I can see JLC categorized in the high end range alongside AP, PP, and VC (particularly since they have made movements for such brands in the past). I've always thought of the brand as a tremendous value.

30 June 2010, 02:46 AM	#19
MJCox Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: SATX Watch: Air-King Posts: 57	Interesting how Kilyung thought of the range of watches. Not that I disagree with him I've just always looked at low end under $1000 mid-range under $5000 and High-end over $5000. I have a Corum that cost $2,999 and friends that I have thought I was crazy to pay that for it because it was so expensive. I guess it is based more on what your wallet can handle than a real range. Just my 2 cents. Michael

27 June 2010, 03:38 AM	#20
kenhiraihnl "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Ken Location: Hawaii Watch: 5512 Posts: 911	Forgive my ignorance...Breitling isn't on any list because it is "high-end?" I've been looking at the B. Colt auto or quartz for street price under 2K... __________________ Rolex Milgauss GV (100m 330 feet) (2010) * Rolex Submariner 5512 (200m 660 feet) (1961)

27 June 2010, 04:12 AM	#21
Chipmunk "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Alvin Location: So Cal Watch: ROLEXES Posts: 5,390	How about a Rado.............no?(Sorry can't resist) __________________ "A thing of beauty is a joy forever"............John Keats

27 June 2010, 06:20 AM	#22
cody p "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Canada Watch: Air-King 114200 Posts: 2,878	any of the sarb seiko spirits are excellent value.

1 July 2010, 01:29 PM	#23
htc8p "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Bert Location: philippines Watch: 116710 ln Posts: 3,472	Luminox should be in there

8 July 2010, 03:46 PM	#24
fc3s2k "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Barry Location: california Watch: OFFICINE PANERAI Posts: 1,289	HOW ABOUT MOVADO????? __________________________ 14060M EXPLORER I SS DATEJUST WG BEZEL RD CELLINI DANAOS PAM 177i RG HUBLOT BB CERAMIC BEZEL

26 August 2010, 05:02 AM	#25
lorsban "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Philippines Posts: 1,199	As a new owner, I definitely think Ball should be on the list! Im now a huge fan of their watches. Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk __________________ Rolex TT Datejust, Panerai PAM 312, Omega Connie C-Shape, Anonimo D-Date II, Squale 20 Atmos Blue Ray, Concord Impresario Triple Date Chrono Seiko SKX007, Monster Tuna

26 August 2010, 05:35 AM	#26
SLRdude "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Chip Location: Dallas TX Posts: 6,194	Can't have such list without a Hamilton on it. About 500 bucks brand new, Swiss Made, looks and feels like ten times the money. ETA 2824. __________________ Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try. Yoda, Jedi Master CHIP Member # 87

29 August 2010, 11:41 PM	#28
JimSnyder "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Jim Snyder Location: Ohio Watch: Ask me later..... Posts: 7,726	Seiko Attached Images __________________ "You ain't lived, 'til you've had your tires rotated by a red-headed women."

26 August 2010, 06:07 AM	#30
brrrdn "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: meeko Location: austin, tx Watch: gmt iic Posts: 103	Mido Frederique Constant (non in-house models) Louis Erard

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