Best Watches under $1000

[SDot]

Hey im looking to get a new watch, im thinking the hamilton khaki pilot. Any suggestions?

[Andad]

Have a look at the Ball Fireman II.

Similar ETA movement but without the day feature and a cleaner dial IMO.

It's also a good size and the gas tubes are a plus.

[Alcan]

Marathon deserves a hard look.

[Dan Pierce]

I'm with Al. Marathon's are rugged tool watches that present a great value.
dP

[SoCal C4S]

Lum-Tec puts out a solid product as well.

[robsteve]

Another vote for the Marathon brand. You get a solid well made case and a dependable ETA movement. A lot of other brands charge thousands for the same thing. I bought my SAR new less than a year ago and it was under $600 with the rubber strap.

The Ball watches are nice too, but I don't think there are many under $1,000. If you are looking for Tritium tubes, the Marathon watches use them as well.

Robert



Here is the tritium tubed version of the Marathon SAR/Diver.

[SDot]

thanks so much for the suggestions, im really looking into the marathon now and im quite impressed by the ball as well. watch collecting is sure an addiction.

[mpaone]

I'm learning new stuff all the time on this forum... had never heard of either of those brands!

-Mike.

[anonymousmoose]

Pre-owned Omega Seamaster Professional Quartz. Hands down best watch under $1000 IMO. Love mine.

[Baco Noir]

Here's another vote for the Marthon SAR - rock solid, ETA movement, and very comfortable optional metal bracelet. Problem is it takes a bit of work to find a well cared for one on the sencondary market since I think they are out of production.

[diablo982]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Have a look at the Ball Fireman II.

Similar ETA movement but without the day feature and a cleaner dial IMO.

It's also a good size and the gas tubes are a plus.

I second the vote to look at the Ball. They are very well made, mine keeps accurate time, and there is a '"heritage" behind the line. (Railroad watch.)

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

I'm with Al. Marathon's are rugged tool watches that present a great value.
dP

I love the Marathons but how can I buy one? I am not in the military nor working for any government agency.

Thanks

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by Submarino

I love the Marathons but how can I buy one? I am not in the military nor working for any government agency.

Thanks

Here ya go. I bought mine from a member here at TRF, but have bought 3 different versions and a couple of bracelets for friends from http://www.broadarrow.net/, including the one below:

[vukotab]

I think that Hamilton is best idea!
I would also seriously consider Marathon and Longines Hydroconquest automatic, great watch with Sub-like appearance.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by vukotab

I think that Hamilton is best idea!
I would also seriously consider Marathon and Longines Hydroconquest automatic, great watch with Sub-like appearance.

Hamilton makes a great watch as well for the $$.

Bought my Marathon from www.westcoastime.com .
dP

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Here ya go. I bought mine from a member here at TRF, but have bought 3 different versions and a couple of bracelets for friends from http://www.broadarrow.net/, including the one below:

Thanks Al.

[gaopa]

Have a look at the Lum-Tec line of watches. They are made in Ohio. The watches are of the highest quality and the customer service is outstanding! I have 4 of their watches and all 4 are keepers!

http://www.lum-tec.com/

Cheers, Bill P.

[George Ab]

Another vote for Hamilton.

Victoronix is continuing to step up their game. ETA movements. Nice, really nice.

Those Marathon watches are very cool. I would like to see one up close and in person.

Since you said < $1K, that means $999 would fly, eh? I really like Sinn watches, can't find new for that price. Sinn 556 for $990. I have owned the Sinn 857 and thought that was a great watch. I mean a great watch!

[barstoolman]

MTM watches along with Victoronix Swiss Army Dive Master 500, quartz or mecha...good luck

[brrrdn]

also check out mido: swatch owned, high grade ETA mvmts

http://www.midowatch.com

[SDot]

i really like the look of the sinn watches. Are they hard to find? do you think tourneau carries them? and also how do you guys feel about the longines hydroconquest. Its another watch that ive also considered heavily.

[joe100]

Hey SDot, I'm a Sinn fanatic and the ONLY ONLY ONLY way to buy a new Sinn in the US is from watchbuys.com. They are the only Sinn AD here. Sadly no brick-and-mortar dealers. I have the Sinn U2 UTC. If I had to do some sort of extreme activity and needed the most rugged timepiece I could lay my hands on, I'd probably choose a Sinn. This is coming from a guy who owns more than one Rolex. Sinn technology is outstanding and their build quality is up there with the best of them and the price can't be beaten!

Best regards,

Joe

[L-16610]

Longines, but might be more than 1000
otherwise Tisso t is also a very good and well known brand

[greg8125]

For under $1k I'd look at Tissot and Hamilton. I have a Tissot Sea-Touch and a Hamilton Khaki Navy Automatic. Love em both and both well under a grand. Neither of them have giant crowns that are going to gouge into your wrist daily. If you are going to wear it often or everyday then comfort should be a consideration. How do you guys wear those Marathons?

[blackmsport]

I have three

Longines Hydroconquest Valjoux 7750 - LNIB I paid $850
Hamilton Khaki Valjoux 7750 - Brand new I paid $450
Ball Skylab Valjoux 7750 - Mint I paid $880

Out of the three under $1000... all use same movements, three different brands

Ball = best out of the lot, well built, good looking and very comfortable to wear

Hamilton is great watch but many people think it's a cheap swiss brand

[Demosthene]

Seiko Monster



Bulova Precisionist






But Ball > Everything else

[chestercopperpot]

i've always been partial to my seiko diver. i paid less than $300 for it and i end up wearing it more than almost any other watch i own.

[blackmsport]

Originally Posted by Demosthene

But Ball > Everything else

agree... can't go pass a BALL...... like we all say " we are having a BALL"