http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/list.php?77Sat, 18 May 2013 06:42:12 -0400 Phorum 5.2.11 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303774,303774#msg-303774 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303774,303774#msg-303774Movement: Citizen Miyota 8125

Why: While inexpensive Sub homages are a dime-a-dozen (and, to my mind, somewhat boring), Invicta topped their 8926 with an homage to the two-tone version that, to my mind, is simply one of the best-looking inexpensive watches around. The Miyota 8125 movement keeps excellent time, and the watch can be easily found, on Amazon and elsewhere, for under $100.

Chosen by: regnaD kciN
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]]> Reto TOP 10 Poor Man's Watches LESS THAN USD 100Sun, 27 Mar 2011 03:36:03 -0400 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303656,303656#msg-303656 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303656,303656#msg-303656Why: One of the best values for power reserve indicators under USD 100. Please note that the white dial version has no date and that the movements are different. The movement of the white dial power reserve without date seems to feature a lot more jewels and also shows the better finish. Interesting also that the shape of it's rotor and the bearing resembles an ETA 2892

Chosen by: Adam in NYC
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Movement: Sea Gull TY-2542, 38 jewels

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Movement? We are in the process of finding out

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Note: the ST denominator is only used for Sea Gull movements in Sea Gull watches. The TY-2542 corresponds to a ST-25 functionally. The finish might be better on a ST-25 since Sea Gull uses the best movement for their own watches]]> Reto TOP 10 Poor Man's Watches LESS THAN USD 100Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:27:39 -0400 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303479,303479#msg-303479 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303479,303479#msg-303479The Seiko 5 Series

While some in the Seiko 5 series go for over $100, there are many different ones to be had for less than that.

Why I like these watches:

-Although the diameters are generally 36-37.5mm (without crown), these watches tend to wear a bit bigger, as most of that is dial.
-They all have an in house automatic (the venerable Seiko 7s26 movement).
-Many have a display back.
-White dials, black dials, blue dials, yellow dials. Whatever color you want, they probably have it.
-Quality build. These watches have fit and finish that one is hard pressed to find elsewhere for twice the cost.
-Many come with a bracelet. How do they do it?
-Movement: most of them with the 7S26, but 7S25 (no date) and 7S36 are also popular

Chosen by: JFK3531/Joe
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]]> Reto TOP 10 Poor Man's Watches LESS THAN USD 100Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:48:42 -0400 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303342,303342#msg-303342 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303342,303342#msg-303342
Don't know whether this could be a sub-category for Catalin's suggestion (just make the selection "Atomic Solar G-Shock") or whether you want to include both separately. This watch lists for $130 almost everywhere (though a few places list the regular price as $220), but I can routinely find it for less than $100.

Here is a list that shows 2 places that will ship it for less than $100 (no affiliations): [www.amazon.com]

What I like about it:
-Atomic Solar (5 band-missing China)
-200m water resistance-wouldn't be my first choice as a dive watch, but it could go there and survive
-wears nicely
-analog hands (sorry, I'm just not an all digital display kind of guy)
-timer, alarms
-comfortable strap
-not too big

Chosen by: JFK3531/Joe
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]]> Reto TOP 10 Poor Man's Watches LESS THAN USD 100Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:51:01 -0400 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303320,303320#msg-303320 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303320,303320#msg-303320Why: ultra-tough watch and the most classic G-Shock that is still in production; the price is also good (the US model GW5600 is probably the least expensive solar radio G-Shock and DW5600 is even cheaper); there are also even more exotic versions if you really want something special. The perfect 'go to in case of emergency' watch, a complete watch (with chrono, timer, perpetual calendar and excellent world-time) that does not need any special care from the owner but instead takes care of itself. G-Shock models are also some of the very few watches approved for space flight by NASA

Chosen by: Catalin



Specifications: (from Casio site)

Auto-Illuminator
An electro-luminescent panel causes the entire face to glow for easy reading. Auto Light automatically turns on the EL backlight when the watch is tilted towards your face for reading.
Shock resistant
Shock-resistant construction protects against impact and vibration.
Solar Power
A solar cell provides power for operation.
DCF/MSF/WWVB/JJY radio signal receiver
In Europe or North America, in many parts of Canada and Central America or Japan - once the watch has been set to the local time zone, it receives the relevant signal ensuring that it always shows the exact time. In many countries the summer and winter time is also shown automatically.
World time function
Displays the current time in major cities and specific areas around the world.
Stopwatch function - 1/100 sec - 1.000 hours
Elapsed time, split time and final time are measured with 1/100-sec accuracy. The watch can measure times of up to 1000 hours.
Timer - 1/1 min. - 1 hour
For fans of precision: the countdown timers help you to remember specific or recurring events by giving off an audible signal at a preset time. The time can be set to the nearest minute and up to 1 hour in advance. Ideal for people who need to take medicines every day or those who do interval training.
5 daily alarms
The daily alarm reminds you about recurring events with an acoustic signal at the time you have set. You can also activate hourly time signal that indicates each full hour. This model has 5 independent alarms for flexible reminders of important appointments.
Snooze feature
Each time you stop the alarm, it sounds again after a few minutes.
Automatic calendar
Once set, the automatic calendar always displays the correct date.
12/24-hour timekeeping
Times can be displayed in either a 12-hour or 24-hour format.
Mineral glass
The tough, scratch-resistant mineral glass protects the watch against unsightly damage.
Resin case
Resin band
Natural resin is the ideal material for wrist straps thanks to its extremely durable and flexible properties.
Battery level indicator
An indicator shows the current battery level.
Water resistance classification (20 bar)
Perfect for free diving without scuba gear: the watch is water resistant to 20 bar / 200 metres. The metres value does not relate to a diving depth but to the air pressure used in the course of the water resistance test. (ISO 2281)
Type of battery
CTL1616
Dimensions
approx. 46,7mm x 43,2mm x 12,7mm (H x W x D)
Weight
approx. 51,7 g]]> Reto TOP 10 Poor Man's Watches LESS THAN USD 100Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:33:40 -0400 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303288,303288#msg-303288 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303288,303288#msg-303288Alpha Seamaster Homage
Why: I know this is an homage, but the quality of this watch is simply outstanding for $79.99 with 'free' shipping (It's included in the price of the watch, but please see below).
It also has a: - Unidirectional rotating bezel
- The movement hacks!
- Very smooth screw down crown

Movement: Seagull TY2806 21 Jewel Automatic Movement
Just that it is a 21 jewel automatic and it keeps insanely good time (mine's at +6 seconds a day)

You can find them at Alpha-watch [DOT] com
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I just got this email from a fellow PMWFer and think I should share it with you all:

Hello Reto,

I wanted to advise you about my dealings with Alpha, based on your recommendation in the top 10 under $100.
Despite your statement that shipping is included in the price, when I placed my order Alpha requested an extra $18 for expedited and insured EMS shipping. They stated that their watch would be stolen in the mail unless I paid this extra fee, and would take NO responsibility for non-delivery unless I paid it.
Having paid their extra charge, they then sat on my order for a week before shipping it out. Not really very expedited! I challenged them on this, and was told that the delay was
"It is because we need to check very carefully and ensure the watch is perfect condition before ship the watch to you ."
That's pretty weak, IMHO, after charging me 20% more for expedited shipping.
I thought I should let you know, in case you want to add a note to your recommendation in the top 10.

Regards,
D.C.
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Chosen by: Need_Omega

Here is a pic from their site - doesn't do it justice at all!, and a borrowed pic:

]]> Reto TOP 10 Poor Man's Watches LESS THAN USD 100Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:23:57 -0400 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303282,303282#msg-303282 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303282,303282#msg-303282
Most Eco-Drives are above $100, but this can consistently be found for $80 or less.

Chosen by: Wen
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]]> Reto TOP 10 Poor Man's Watches LESS THAN USD 100Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:20:52 -0400 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303277,303277#msg-303277 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303277,303277#msg-303277
Movement: 31 jewel Vostok 2416b Automatic

Why: Durable and inexpensive. All in-house manufactured. Not a copy of anyone's design. Possibly the least expensive automatic diver available.

Chosen by: Ed Brandwein
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]]> Reto TOP 10 Poor Man's Watches LESS THAN USD 100Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:15:33 -0400 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303253,303253#msg-303253 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303253,303253#msg-303253Why: Q&Q watches are a brand that belongs to Citizen , as we all know. They are mostly quartz and the original ones use a Miyota quartz movement ( the metal one not the plastic). They come in many designs and the one I have here as many others too, can be found in photo-shops or watch-shops as an offer for less than ten ( 10 ) euros or at the classic price of 18 ( eighteen ) euros . This makes them serious contest in this category. I also have to remind to all of us their endurance that goes beyond their price.

Chosen by: Ioannis Fassoulakis / Matala / Crete / Greece
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]]> Reto TOP 10 Poor Man's Watches LESS THAN USD 100Fri, 25 Mar 2011 07:16:14 -0400 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303251,303251#msg-303251 http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?77,303251,303251#msg-303251Movement & 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.

]]> Reto TOP 10 Poor Man's Watches LESS THAN USD 100Fri, 25 Mar 2011 07:13:35 -0400