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Old Top Dog- Seiko White/Orange/Black Knight (auto or quartz)11876 views*Movement & Specs: 7S26, Automatic, non winding, non- hacking; Quartz: 7N36
*Chosen by: Bjorn Keizers
*Why: It's a high-quality watch in all respects. Superb fit & finish allround, outstanding bracelet, nice weight, excellent movement - everything we love in the Monster in a dressier, friendlier package. Available in white, black & orange dials and with both the 7s26 movement as well as the quartz 7N36 movement.
Additional Comments (paulc): This is one of several Seiko 7S26/36/35 divers and it represents them all in terms of a best buy. This might help people new to watches who look at the Top 20 as a place to pick one out.
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03 - Yao-ized Seiko SKX007K11820 views*Movement & Specs: 7S26, Automatic, non winding, non hacking
*Chosen by: Cafe (Evan)
*Why?: A $205 customized watch that gives the rugged Seiko Diver a British MoD dive watch look.
We need a new photo of this watch! Have one? Email dude.with.watches@gmail.com.
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15 - International Watchman Marine Diver11119 views*Movement & Specs: Unitas 6497
*Chosen by: Paulo
* Why?: A PAM 111 hommage with excelent quality all polished stainless steel case, sapphire crystal on both sides, glossy sandwich dial and an Unitas 6497 ticking at 18,000 bph inside. Just 60m WR, so it doesn't qualify as a diver, still water resistant enough for everyday use.
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12 - Hamilton Khaki Chrono11059 views*Movement & Specs: Valjoux 7750
*Chosen by: Robmks (Bob)
*Why?:
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07 - Hamilton Khaki Automatic or Handwind10550 views*Movement & Specs: Mechanical: ETA 2804-2 (latest version); Automatic: ETA 2824-2
*Chosen by: Durable & Andrew F
*Why?: Reason: One of the most legible combinations of dial and hands I have seen; the sapphire crystal and matte finish of the stainless steel is very resistant to scratches; it also looks good with many different types and colors of straps; the oversized crown makes winding easy and a joy; the diameter is a very comfortable 38 mm while the 11 mm height of the watch allows it to fit under one's long sleeves with ease; it beats at 28,800 bph, which provides a silky sweep of the second hand; and finally at under $250 it is a definite bargain!
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04 - Vostok Amphibia10092 views*Movement & Specs: Cal. 2416B Automatic ball borne, bi-directional rotor winding and handwinding, 21,600 vph, 31 jewels
*Chosen by: Micha & TakesALickin' (Jeff)
*Why?: I'd like to nominate the Vostok Amphibia. This is a real VPMW! Can be had for as little as $25 to $40 and comes in a wide range of varieties! It's rated 200m and comes with an automatic movement (vintage ones can be hand wound). The case is stainless steel. The only real disadvantage? The standard strap is crap - you're gonna need a new one. I included a picture of the only recent model I own, but remember - there is a wide range available.
As a watch that's more representative of the kind of watch that a lot of us poor men have, I think the Amphibia's a great candidate. Super affordable, with it's own clunky Slavic charm, and reliable as a Sherman tank. Powered by the cal. 2416B, it's a dependable entry level water resistant auto - here's a different pic.
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13 - Archimede Pilot9869 views*Movement & Specs: Stainless steel case with satin finish, sapphire crystal, screw down case back with mineral crystal showing the robust ETA 2824-2 inside, 50m WR, optional pilot's crown, diameter 42mm or 39mm (excluding crown), thickness 9.9mm and 20mm lug width
*Chosen by: Paulo
* Why?: A great quality watch with Flieger aesthetics for 245 euros plus shipping (Jan 2007) from a company created by Ickler (a well known quality German case supplier for various companies and also owner of Limes).
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Old Top Dog- Tissot Seastar 1000M9779 views*Movement & Specs: ETA 2824-2 movement, Water Resistant 300 meters; Stainless Steel case - 45mm diameter, 16mm thick, Sapphire crystal, solid link braclet with hollow end links, Display back attached with 6 screws.
*Chosen by: Dan (Zeb)
*Why?: First off, it's great looks and large size. The faceted shape of the case with it's sharp edges is mean looking, and the very square and angular bracelet add to the tough look. It fits right in with the tastes of todays WIS. Second, where else can you get a Swiss made 300 meter diver with automatic movement and sapphire crystal for around $400.00 USD retail? I'm truly amazed at the value this watch represents.
Summary: A Swiss made monster of a dive watch for only twice the Under $200 limit. It can't be beat.
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01 - Seiko SKX779K "Black Monster" or SKX781 "Orange Monster"9220 views*Movement & Specs: 7S26, Automatic, non winding, non hacking, 21'600 beats per hour or 6 beats per second
*Chosen by: Reto
*Why?: Because you can rarely find a better case and bracelet with even a hidden diver's extension on a watch in this price class.
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11 - Orient Diver 200M9192 views*Movement & Specs: Model # : CEM65001D; Orient Japan Automatic Movement 21 jewels; Case width: 41.5mm
*Chosen By: Bob Collins
*Why?: A great watch at just under $100 delivered on a thick stainless bracelet. Has day date complication and is quite accurate from my experience. Wet ink blue dial, good lume, red-tipped sweep, screw down crown and pusher, 200M.
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Old Top Dog- Oris TT1 Diver Titanium8278 views*Movement & Specs: ETA 2824
*Chosen by: TMK (Ted)
* Why?:
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Old Top Dog: Seiko "Samurai"8221 views*Movement & Specs: Cal. SEIKO 7S25 (same as 7S26 without Day), 21'600 bph, no hacking, automatic but no manual handwinding
*Chosen by: TakesALickin' (Jeff)
*Why?: It's just a heckuva good watch and a great deal at under $300 w/bracelet!
*** Moved out of the Top 20 Jan. 9, 2009 - Discontinued ***
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20 - Vintage or OOP: Seiko 63097463 views*Movement & Specs: Seiko caliber 6309
*Chosen by: Matt V.
* Why?: A great vintage Seiko diver and gaining in popularity lately!
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06 - Citizen Diver NY0040 (Black, Blue, Yellow, Lume)7460 views*Movement & Specs: Miyota Caliber 8203, handwinding but not hacking
*Chosen by: Paulc, supported by Chris L
*Why?: The Citizen NY0040 series (in black, blue, the rare yellow, and black dial with two-tone case) comes with the robust and hand-windable 8203 auto movement (mine runs less than a minute fast per week). A true 200m diver's watch, it wears a little lighter than other popular 200m divers due to its slightly smaller, rounder case. Visually, however, it wears about the same as a Seiko SKX (ie, 007/009/A35) due to its dial size. Other nice features include the screw-in crown at 8 o'clock (great for those of us with wrists that get dug by traditional 3 o'clock crowns), inky black dial (on the watch pictured) and applied indices. The lume on this one is also very good. Dimensions are: about 41mm across the bezel, 44mm incl. crown, 47mm lug to lug, 12mm thick and 20mm lug width. At just around the $100 mark on the internet, the NY0040 series offers a great deal for your money.
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02 - Casio G-Shock MTG Series7375 views*Movement & Specs: Solar & Atomic Casio
*Chosen by: Jittery Jim (James)
*Why?: Everyone needs a beater they can truly rely on, and the G-Shock series of watches provides just that. Beyond the durability, this series adds the extra perks of atomic synchronization and solar power, meaning no pesky batteries to change and it's always on atomic time. It's big and it's thick (everything popular in watches today ) and it is just FUN TO WEAR! Thanks to G-Moy for turning me (and half the PMWF gang) onto these great watches!
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Old Top Dog- STOWA Antea Automatic (not limited edition)7250 views*Movement & Specs: Handwound ETA 2660, originally designed for a ladies wristwatch, Beats at 28,800 vph and does not hack. 39 mm across excluding crown, 7.5 mm thick, 48 mm lug tip to lug tip, 20 mm between the lugs
*Chosen by: Micha, Bas and Wen
*Why?: Since the Nomos Tangente is about to be "banned" to the "old dogs" list, I thought another German watch should take its place. The Stowa Antea LE has the same clean Bauhaus looks as the Nomos, but at EUR 285 (incl Shipping, it's much more affordable than the Nomos (the basic Tangente costs EUR 690).
We need a new photo of this watch! Have one? Email dude.with.watches@gmail.com.
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08 - Citizen Eco-Drive "EcoZilla"7234 views*Movement & Specs: Citizen Eco Drive
*Chosen By: Mike Lipphardt
*Why?: In the "My diver can beat up your diver" category has to be the Ecozilla. It's big, it's bad and it's very cool. While the all stainless versions can be very fun to wear they are also very heavy, which to my eyes makes the titanium and rubber version preferable. Nice blue lume, HUGE legible hands, great bezel, and a nicely designed, well guarded crown at 9 instead of 3 to improve wearability. Ecodrive means no batteries, quartz means few accuracy worries. Practical and fun, but you have to like them big at 48mm diameter.
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17 - Marcello C Nettuno 3 model #2007.527083 views*Movement & Specs:
*Chosen by: Matt V.
*Why?: It demonstrates that you don't have to sacrifice quality and value on a mechanical watch selling for under $1,000.00 and has been one of my favourite new watch releases of 2007. A far cry from your typical "homage" watches, it is the only other 300m diver watch in my collection (besides a $4,000 Panerai) that features a sapphire crystal viewback and the bracelet is still tough to beat at this (or even a higher) price.
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16 - Citizen Power Reserve Chronograph 21006332 views*Movement & Specs: Citizen Cal. 2100
*Chosen by: Micha
* Why?: Nine hands, Eco-Drive, awesome lume and all this with a little searching for under $300! Need I say more?
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05 - Seiko Spirit5454 views*Movement & Specs: 6R15, the long awaited SEIKO automatic movement with handwinding and hacking feature
*Chosen by: Paperboy Part Deux
* Why?: For less than $300, you get a Seiko with: impeccable fit and finish with a very, VERY distinct Grand Seiko look, the hacking and hand winding 6R15 movement which runs (in most cases, if you believe what you read on watch forums) within (+) or (-) 5 seconds per day out of the box, sapphire crystal, a nice, big signed crown for easy winding and setting, mineral crystal display caseback, solid stainless steel bracelet which is actually the watch's only real weak point because (a) it's too short even with all the links in it and (b) it's difficult to get the sizing just right due to the clasp having only two fine adjustment settings. But, this gives the wearer a great excuse to try a leather strap, a change that really brings out the beauty of this watch, in my very humble opinion.
We need a new photo of this watch! Have one? Email dude.with.watches@gmail.com.
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Old Top Dog: Débaufré Nav-B4582 views*Movement & Specs: Unitas handwind
*Chosen by: old skool
*Why?:
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Old Top Dog: Orsa Quartz Diver4504 views*Movement & Specs: Swiss Ronda Quartz Caliber 515
*Chosen by: Ed Brandwein
*Why?: $105.00 for looks and build quality like this. A real PMW (Poor Man's Watch)
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Old Top Dog: Seiko SKX0314482 views*Movement & Specs: 7S26, Automatic, non winding, non- hacking
*Chosen by: Mike Stuffler
* Why?: Where do you get such much watch for USD 95?
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Old Top Dog: Invicta 89264232 views*Movement & Specs: Miyota 8215
*Chosen by: John Holbrook II
*Why?: The 8926 has gained a near legendary status on the Internet with it's reputation of being one of the greatest values ever in watches. The 21 jewel automatic movement in this watch is rock solid and etremely accurate. The stainless steel bracelet is of the highest quality and has even drawn praise from Rolex owners. The Invicta 8926 retails for $315.00, but can be easily obtained on the Internet for $100.00 - I've personally never heard of anyone who was disapointed by this watch.
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Old Top Dog: Stowa Seatime4148 views*Movement & Specs: ETA 2824
*Chosen by: Micha
* Why?: For 590€ you'll get a 300m Diver with a design of it's own. The finish of the case is just perfect. Despite it's size, it's very comfortable to wear - even on a small wrist.
We need a new photo of this watch! Have one? Email dude.with.watches@gmail.com.
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Old Top Dog: Moscow Classic Amphibia3729 views*Movement & Specs: Molnija
*Chosen by: jaym
*Why?: this is a cool watch, and it's a lot of bang for the buck, that's why. has a lot of the appeal of the Panerai, but it's an original, not a copy or homage. it's quite big, but due to the short lugs it's comfortable to wear. the Molnija pocket watch handwind movement is a joy to wind by it's big knurled crown. a real head turner but not "blingy".
readily available for under $220, less if you shop victoriously
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Old Top Dog: Orsa SeaAngler3691 views*Movement & Specs: ETA 2824-2
*Chosen by: Tom P
* Why?: I think Martin Berg's SEA ANGLER should be considered. Now that it's made in Switzerland, and still available for under $500, it is one of the best quality watches I've handled in under that price range. With a 2824-2 movement and several dial colors, as well as a limited production run, these 44mm watches can not be mistaken for any other watch out there!
*** No longer available new - Moved out of Canidates 1/9/09 ***
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Old Top Dog: Alpha Grenade3499 views*Movement & Specs: 21J Japanese Miyota automatic movement
*Chosen by: bjohnson
*Why?: Big stainless steel case. Stainless steel bracelet with solid links. 21J Japanese Miyota automatic movement. Lots of wrist "presence" for well under $100.
What pmwf is all about.
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Old Top Dog: Zeno ref. 1249G "Explorer"3457 views*Movement & Specs: ETA 25j 2824-2 automatic movement. 28,800 a/h. Stainless steel "Oyster" style case. Screw down crown and back. "Oyster" style bracelet. Domed acrylic crystal. $230.00 USD
*Chosen by: MikeDB
*Why?: Zeno ref. 1249G "Explorer "36mm excluding crown.
While this watch is inexpensive it truly is a quality timepiece. It's classic style (based on the 1016 Rolex Explorer) is timeless and with the domed acrylic crystal it has quite the vintage look to it. The thickness of the watch (13.5mm) gives it the appearance of being a little larger than it actually is. IMHO, this is one of the nicest looking "Explorer"-like watches on the market. So, for those that want that classic Swiss styling coupled with a fully automatic Swiss movement that hand winds, hacks and has a screw down crown this is just the ticket.
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Old Top Dog: Ollech & Wajs MP3367 views*Movement & Specs: AS 2063
*Chosen by: Alejandro Rojas
*Why?: The Ollech & Wajs MP is a really nice watch. Very easy to read. Good size, all stainless steel, glow great in the dark, and the AS2063 movement has proved to be very accurate. the price: only US$ 149.
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Old Top Dog: Sandoz Diver 2003 Model3365 views*Movement & Specs: ETA 2824-2
*Chosen by: waypoint (Colin)
*Why?: The MOST bang for the buck IMHO
- Sapphire crystal with a working cyclops
- Quality of finish on the full SS case and improved screwdown crown & back
- Great bracelet; solid links
- ETA 2824 with SANDOZ trademark decoration; assumed until Reto returns =)
- 100 WR
- Classic design
- Product distribution-wise; I am sure it will come round to your part of the world soon enough
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Old Top Dog: Elysee Power Reserve3309 views*Movement & Specs: 47mm diameter excl. crown; 12mm thick; Stainless steel; Mineral glass; 21 jewels automatic & hand wind, non-hacking; Date; Power Reserve meter; Small seconds hand at 6
*Chosen by: john (NL)
* Why?: The reason I like this watch is the massive size of it. I don't think I have ever seen a watch this size and weight. It's a real PMW with a RMW appearance (less than $100).
ADMIN NOTE: Still available new as of Jan. 9, 2009.
We need a new photo of this watch! Have one? Email dude.with.watches@gmail.com.
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Old Top Dog: M-163199 views*Movement & Specs: ETA 2824-2
*Chosen by: Waco Kid
*Why?: $398, stainless steel O&W case, ETA 2824-2, screw-down crown and back, domed mineral glass, Marathon dial with Tritium vials that glow all night and day for a dozen years, any strap/bracelet you want, GMT or 60 min bezel, 200 m. A unique and practical watch that can go anywhere. Image stolen from Westcoastime.com.
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Old Top Dog: Strela Chronograph3185 views*Movement & Specs: Poljot 3133
*Chosen by: TMK (Ted) & TakesALickin' (Jeff)
*Why?: With the Strela I have purchased one of the finest examples of Russian watch making in existence. What leapt out at me initially was the improved level of finish on the Strela compared to other Poljot watches I’ve owned. It begins to approach the price of some introductory level Valjoux 7750 powered watches, such as Hamilton or Movado. But it carries with it a cachet that is hard to match.
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Old Top Dog: Orient Star Power Reserve 2EX01003M3010 views*Movement & Specs: Orient in-house Caliber ER (487)
*Chosen by: GMF (Gary M. Frazer)
* Why?: Power reserve complication, decorated manufacture movement, classic style, solid link bracelet with deployant clasp. Where else can you find a Japanese (or Swiss) watch with all that for less than $300.00 US?
Moved to Old Top Dogs January 2008
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Old Top Dog: Citizen Nighthawk EcoDrive3005 views*Movement & Specs: Eco Drive Miyoata Cal. 0870
*Chosen by: Wen
*Why?: The Nighthawk is the modern interpretation of the aviator watch: solar powered dual time zone with a flight computer (slide rule). Unique design, large size and great quality. All for less than $200.
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Old Top Dog: Casio G-Shock GW-56002985 views*Movement & Specs: Casio Quartz, atomic
*Chosen by: Adam in NYC
* Why?:
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Old Top Dog: Orient Star GMT2973 views*Movement & Specs: Caliber FE03-A000
*Chosen by: Mike Stuffler
*Why?: Where do you get a GMT for USD 250?
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Old Top Dog: Omega Speedmaster Reduced (Vintage or OOP)2970 views*Movement & Specs: Caliber: Omega 3220 (the Omega name for the 2892 coupled to the DD module), Self-winding chronograph movement with rhodium-plated finish, Power Reserve: 40 hours, Reference: 3510.50.00, Hesalite crystal, Stainless steel case, Black dial, water resistance down to: 30 meters/100 feet
*Chosen by: Ron Corimer
*Why?: The Omega Speedmaster Reduced is cosmetically similar to the Omega cal 321 or cal (1)861 Moonwatch complete with Hesalite crystal, but this is where the similarities end.
The Reduced model uses heavily modified and decorated version of "the tractor" ETA 2892 movement as a basis, but the Omega engineers have coupled it to the VERY thin Dubois Dépraz Chronograph module. This lends the Reduced it's very slim profile and allows the watch to be produced more inexpensively than traditional column wheel or shuttle-cam chronographs, without the loss of functionality or reliability. This, of course, results in both the "reduced" model's smaller size and lower profile than its predecessors. Additionally, the watch is commonly sold within the PMW pricing limit, often much lower.
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Old Top Dog: Omega Speedmaster (Vintage or OOP)2890 views*Movement & Specs: Omega Cal.861 = Lemania 1372, ticking @ 21600 BPH
*Chosen by: Bas
*Why?: About 8 months ago, I bought this Omega Speedmaster Mark II and it's been my favorite watch ever since. This model was only produced between 1970 and 1972. Vintage Omegas are now in the PMW price range, even the vintage Speedmasters can be found for prices well below USD 1000. I paid USD 640 for this one, Add 20 dollar to get the money to the seller, 22 dollar to have the watch sent to my doorstep and 126 USD import duties (that really hurts).
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