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01 - Seiko SKX779K "Black Monster" or SKX781 "Orange Monster"12042 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.
(65 votes)
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I got the beat...oh, yeah...1625 views
(23 votes)
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Steel...1580 views
(32 votes)
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Mother Of All Chronos1933 views
(31 votes)
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The Monster Deposed?1905 views
(32 votes)
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My New Beauty1177 viewsMarcell C Senatore
(31 votes)
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Seiko Landmaster2017 views10th anniversary edition 166/500, 8L35 movement
(20 votes)
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Marcello C Tridente673 views
(28 votes)
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Marcello C. Lunar Calendar1064 viewsUnitas + Dubuis Degraz Complication module
(32 votes)
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Summertime1009 views
(29 votes)
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Marcello C. Tridente903 views
(28 votes)
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Luminous Dials1322 views
(35 votes)
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Panerai Luminor Marina and Buck knive1335 views
(24 votes)
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03 Precista 89 / PRS-17A3714 viewsChosen by: paulc
Why:
I'd like to suggest one of Eddie Platt's Timefactors watches, such as the Precista 89 / PRS-17A that I own. With the current exchange rate, the 17A and 18A are great watches for their price (£180/$300 for the 17A). Closely following known military issue designs, these are made by Fricker in Germany and have the ETA 2824 inside. The size of the PRS-17A is comfortable, (43mm w/crown, 39mm across case; 11mm thick). It exudes mil-watch functionality and good looks without appearing like it borrows anything from the ubiquitous Sub design. Build quality is solid, with no plastic spacers and a double o-ring caseback seal. And although this will vary from example to example, it's by far the most accurate mechanical watch I've ever owned. I wore this most of the spring and summer this year, and timed it over a month, during which it gained 12 sec, with no more than 1.5 sec. variation over any 24 hr. period. That's an average of 0.4 sec/day, or better than most $5K+ COSC certified watches will run (I know it's an aberration: my next best 2824 watch runs at +2/day :) ). Accuracy aside, Timefactors watches are great looking, great wearing, and an incredible value for the money, and the customer service from Platts is unbeatable, in my experience.
(6 votes)
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A little Luxury...1990 views
(32 votes)
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07 - Hamilton Khaki Automatic or Handwind13168 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!
(31 votes)
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12 - Hamilton Khaki Chrono13479 views*Movement & Specs: Valjoux 7750
*Chosen by: Robmks (Bob)
*Why?:
(43 votes)
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11 - Orient Diver 200M11307 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.
(35 votes)
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Monster On The Rocks816 views
(9 votes)
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Oris TT1 diver after the thaw...1242 views
(17 votes)
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Sean and Daniel982 views
(15 votes)
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05- Zodiac Oceanaire Automatic 4021 viewsNominated by Chance:
During their first production run, the Zodiac ZO800x Oceanaire automatic divers were well-regarded for their retro styling (quite similar to the Seiko 6105 divers of yore), Swiss Made pedigree, stout bracelets and excellent build quality. There were a few flies in the ointment, however. Prices were high with little in the way of discounting. Upon discontinuation, prices for used examples skyrocketed beyond what the watches likely were truly worth. And the watch's "Swiss Made" badge found some opposition when it was revealed that the Claro-Semag CL888 movement was essentially a Chinese Sea-Gull ST16, albeit with more refinement and better finishing. Though reports of full-on failure have been quite rare, there were reports of seconds hand jumpiness, sometimes during regular operation and sometimes after starting the watch running after setting the time. Despite these issues, the Oceanaire remained popular as evidenced by their relative rarity on sales forums, as well as how quickly they were snatched up when they did appear.
Earlier this year, it came as a surprise (at least to me) that Zodiac resumed production of the Oceanaire divers. And even more surprising was the fact that prices had come way down. Just over a month ago, Metro Watch Company, Zodiac's eBay outlet, unloaded a bunch of 'em for less than $200 each. Same great watch, great new low price.
At its present price point, both when found new and when found on sales forums, the Oceanaire is a surefire nominee for inclusion on the Top 20 list. If new examples are all like mine, any rough edges on the CL888 have been smoothed out. The seconds hand on my example, a black-dialed ZO8000, is smooth, though it does move two or three seconds when set to run from hacking position. Not a problem, as 2-3 seconds later, it begins running as intended. It's also very accurate, just 5-6 seconds fast per day. Still present from the first run is the wonderful build quality, bold dial/hands/case styling, robust screwdown crown (10 turns worth), and nifty and deeply engraved caseback. My only gripe with this watch is with its bracelet, which unfortunately has links so big and clasp micro adjustments so few that precise sizing is difficult. Luckily, the Oceanaire is a knockout on rubber straps. (see below) Simply put, you will not find another Swiss Made diver with this much presence and such a rich set of features for $200.
(5 votes)
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10 -Casio G-Shock Mud Man (Nominated by PaulGeo)2875 viewsTough as can be, many colors to chose from, RC! option if you want it, all under the very poor man limit. It's really the epitome of what a tool watch is all about.
(5 votes)
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Millennium Zodiac819 viewsApproximately 500 of this deep blue dial color and round case style were made circa 2000 to celebrate the original Astrographic line introduced by Zodiac in 1971 (two other dial colors and a square case style were also made). This hallmarks of the Astrographic are the floating red dot orbiting around the edge to indicate seconds, and floating minute and hour hands. This particular dial and hands style was dubbed a "Mystery Dial."
(5 votes)
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Glowing Rivalry1579 views
(21 votes)
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Crown Lever...1040 views
(17 votes)
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Connie and her Pilot Man1518 views
(14 votes)
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2344 views
(6 votes)
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Ebony and Orange1902 views
(15 votes)
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A Pepsi and a Smile!2263 views
(15 votes)
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XWind on the Rocks868 views
(20 votes)
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Monster in Yao's Light1494 views
(14 votes)
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A Tale of Two Doxas2063 views
(14 votes)
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04 - Vostok Amphibia12483 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.
(36 votes)
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Reflection of a Sinn1294 views
(16 votes)
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Farewell SO1136 views
(17 votes)
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Oris TT1 Diver1399 views
(15 votes)
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Magnetized Seiko1142 views
(10 votes)
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Orient Open Heart Power Reserve1089 views
(13 votes)
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20 - Vintage or OOP: Seiko 63099056 views*Movement & Specs: Seiko caliber 6309
*Chosen by: Matt V.
* Why?: A great vintage Seiko diver and gaining in popularity lately!
(22 votes)
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