Since everyone needs to start somewhere, starting with an affordable watch is common when it comes to watch collecting. Though not everyone can initially afford a watch from a well-known Swiss brand, this does not always indicate that purchasing a cheap watch equates to purchasing a tacky watch. Today’s watch shopper is genuinely spoilt for choice; with so many boutique and microbrand watches becoming more and more popular, finding an inexpensive watch that may act as a stepping stone toward more costly purchases is simpler than ever.
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If this is your first time purchasing a cheap watch (we will define “cheap” as under $200 for the purposes of this article), it’s a good idea to ask yourself the following questions before clicking “Buy Now” on eBay, Amazon, or any other website. Although it is possible to get a properly working watch for less than $200, it is always advisable to do your research before making a purchase and, in the end, to consider whether it isn’t worth saving a little extra cash before you buy your first ticker.
In either case, we are behind you.
1. For what purpose will you be using this watch?
You could find it difficult to locate a serious diving watch for $200, for example, if you want to wear it underwater. New Seiko SKX007s used to retail for about this much, but since they were discontinued, the price has increased to about $400. However, finding one for this amount of money should be easy if you require a basic dress watch or a daily watch. Consider whether you want to use this watch for any severe physical abuse. The more damage you plan to inflict on your watch, the more caution you should exercise when making a purchase.
2. Must this be a mechanical watch to start with?
Your possibilities significantly increase if you decide that an automatic or hand-winding mechanical movement is not necessary for your first inexpensive watch. Even while the Timex Marlin instantly springs to mind as a fun mechanical watch for $200, there are several quartz-powered divers, dress watches, and even chronographs available, so you don’t have to settle for something little and unattractive for your money.
3. Do you think it matters to purchase from a reputable brand?
Disinterested in a well-known name on the dial? Exactly! Because the majority of what you’re going to get from large companies for $200 is cheap fashion, G-Shock, and Seiko watches. On the other hand, if you broaden your search parameters to include microbrands, you may find a $200 watch that offers excellent value. The bottom line is that a lot of the value in watches under $200 will come from unforeseen sources, so do your homework.
4. Are you able to wait and add a few hundred dollars to your savings?
Here’s something crucial to think about: why not add a little extra money to your savings? Yes, you may buy an older Seiko 5 and call it a day. For the money, you’ll get a really nice watch. For a little bit more money and a lot more resilience, though, why not have a look at one of the more recent models? Alternatively, if you can, try saving up $400–$500 and seeing what amazing field watches or chronographs you can acquire for that amount of money. These days, there are several excellent options in the sub-$1,000 price range. If you save up a little extra money, you may get a significant improvement.
5. In any case, is a watch really necessary? particularly one that is mechanical
After all, it’s 2021. Is it really necessary to spend your hard-earned money on a piece of outdated equipment that is only half as precise as one that runs on a $1.50 little battery? You do, after all, own an iPhone? Is there no way you could tell the time with that?
(Just so you know, we firmly believe that you ought to wear a watch. It exudes a “I give a shit” attitude. It completes your ensemble. It lets prospective partners know that you’ll be punctual for life. But if we didn’t force you to consider your options carefully before making a purchase, who would we be?)