I have a milestone coming up soon and have thought about buying a watch to commemorate the occasion. I’m currently wearing a garmin but I’m thinking of going back to a plain analog watch mainly so I don’t get notifications on it (I know I can turn off notifications on the Garmin). Let’s say you had a $500 budget for an analog watch, what would you buy?

I prefer a darker and non-chrome/non-silver band if metal, am open to a canvas/nylon/rubber band, date and time are the only requirements for the face, and I’d prefer one that can get wet but I will not be diving in it.

I went to my local jewelry store and they had a display case of Glock watches that looked nice- anyone with experience with those?

Thanks in advance.

In the under $500 range, I personally would look at Seiko, they have a metric ton of good timepieces both automatic and quartz. Dive watches for something sporty, or their Presage line for a more elegant look.

I guess it’s been a minute since I’ve looked at watches. Not many options for $500 or less.

If you don't mind waiting, HELM watch is good. I have 2 of them. There are few members here that have them as well. Check the GALLERY, Revival of the Watch Thread Section. I am on the list for another watch. Currently #452.

I would check with our very own Sig Forum member Dave Truong. He owns a Jewelry store and can tell you what he may be an Authorized dealer of or can get.
I have never done business with him however he has done several watch Karmas on the forum in the past.

quote:

Originally posted by ador:
If you don't mind waiting, HELM watch is good. I have 2 of them. There are few members here that have them as well. Check the GALLERY, Revival of the Watch Thread Section. I am on the list for another watch. Currently #452.

I have a Helm Komodo, Togiak-UTC and a Khuraburi - they are habit forming.

Another vote for Helm. Several choices. All with at least 200m of water resistance and under $500. Waiting list is the hard part, but it moves fast with all but the Khuraburi and Komodo models. I just got on the list for a Togiak Expedition about a month ago and received the email that it's ready to purchase today.

Hamilton Khaki. Go with Swiss.

$500 and under range-
HELM

https://helmwatches.com/khuraburi-titanium.html


I love mine. As said above, there’s a wait.
Interchangeable bands, also take a look at nato bands. There’s a ton of different styles and colors, relatively inexpensive options, and can be changed quickly.

And then there’s always the “Dave at Mimi’s Jewelry” option.
There’s no one here that has ever said a bad word about him and his business.
Great person all around. (Especially on an airplane)

Well…..I’m number 2205 on the list for a Togiak Scout. I’m guessing that will be a while.

I’m going to keep looking and decide if I want to wait on the Helm or buy something else now and have 2 when it’s ready.

Mars- the Hamilton’s look nice. I’m also interested in the luminox Atacama field watch. Those two have a classic look that’s not too busy.

Omega/Swatch Moon watch

bought one for my 63 for myself,
nice lightweight watch,

Another big plus vote for Seiko. Have my Monster on my wrist right now [thanks vthoky].
Hamilton would het a look as well.

But, the right answer before you do anything, Call Dave!

Between me & my wife, we have near a half dozen purchases and have never been disappointed

I went with the Trump 45-47 watch. It was $699. I think it looks great. I know nothing about watches. It seems to lose ~3 seconds a day. I bought it just to support our President.

I'm partial to the Lunar Pilot

https://a.co/d/0gnL0DXn

Ordered a beautiful Glock watch coming tomorrow. Will report back, Seiko, Citizen and Victorinox are all awesome watches in your price range.

quote:

Originally posted by cooger:
Well…..I’m number 2205 on the list for a Togiak Scout. I’m guessing that will be a while.

I’m going to keep looking and decide if I want to wait on the Helm or buy something else now and have 2 when it’s ready.

Mars- the Hamilton’s look nice. I’m also interested in the luminox Atacama field watch. Those two have a classic look that’s not too busy.

The Helm is worth the wait!
You won’t be disappointed. Their bands are comfortable and durable.

Take a look at NATO style straps.
$40 and you can change the look of the watch. It takes a minute to swap them out.

https://www.crownandbuckle.com...NYSTjC4TK1H09yJueu_i

Citizen Eco Drive line.

I did something similar recently, ended up with a Laco watch, made in Germany. It’s a lower end model, found a seller on eBay that took offers, $400.

It’s rather simple, but glows well in the dark.

https://www.laco-watches.com/en/

For trusted quality, I agree with Seiko and Citizen. Citizen Eco Drive are probably the best value for your dollar. But for something a little more unique at that price range, I like AV86 dive watches. They have sweeping quartz options around $300 and automatics right at your $500 mark. Vaer also has a lot of decent offerings in your price range that are a little more unique than the Seiko/Citizen route. I have a few of their field watches I've enjoyed.

I second the VAER watches, some are even American assembled. I have several and they have been great.