OT: Watch suggestions <$1k (Sinn 556i)

[IJWS]

Hey forumites, I am finishing a master's degree in May and I'm starting to look at watches. I'm looking for a nicely made mechanical watch on a bracelet that won't embarrass me in front of clients/bosses/father-in-law's etc.. that will all inevitably have a bigger bank accounts than mine for some time to come. So far, the one watch that keeps catching my eye is the Sinn 556i. It's so good-looking, but it seems a little overpriced compared to it's competitors. Who out there has one, and who out there has an opinion about one?

Thanks!

[jr59]

http://www.jomashop.com/oris-watch-7...FdgQgQod6BUAxQ

[Louis]

Seiko SKX007 automatic diver. $150 grey-market on Amazon.

It has the legendary 7s26 movement and a cult following. (Google it and you'll see.)

Do you want to impress folks with how much you paid, or do you want a great movement?

http://monochrome-watches.com/seiko-...beater-divers/

[rugbysecondrow]

This is the watch I will get before the summer boating season. Classic

Originally Posted by Louis

Seiko SKX007 automatic diver. $150 grey-market on Amazon.

It has the legendary 7s26 movement and a cult following. (Google it and you'll see.)

Do you want to impress folks with how much you paid, or do you want a great movement?

http://monochrome-watches.com/seiko-...beater-divers/

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by rugbysecondrow

This is the watch I will get before the summer boating season. Classic

i've got one too, but i loathe that stock band, it's just too bulky for the watch to wear as nicely as it can. put that baby on a NATO strap, and it's golden!

[bcroslin]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

i've got one too, but i loathe that stock band, it's just too bulky for the watch to wear as nicely as it can. put that baby on a NATO strap, and it's golden!

NATO straps

[Steve in SLO]

Originally Posted by bcroslin

NATO straps

Not a great source for NATO bands currently, since all the nylon ones are sold out, and the leather ones are $85.
ZULU bands are really nice, but a bit on the higher end for NATO style straps. The famous auction site is a great place to find a variety of NATO straps, but buyer beware as far as quality is concerned.
I am not a fan of the extra metal rings and backing strip on most of these bands, so I modify them to get rid of the extra rings and strip. It makes the watch sit a bit lower on your wrist.

[choke]

Originally Posted by Steve in SLO

Not a great source for NATO bands currently, since all the nylon ones are sold out, and the leather ones are $85.
ZULU bands are really nice, but a bit on the higher end for NATO style straps. The famous auction site is a great place to find a variety of NATO straps, but buyer beware as far as quality is concerned.
I am not a fan of the extra metal rings and backing strip on most of these bands, so I modify them to get rid of the extra rings and strip. It makes the watch sit a bit lower on your wrist.

The Zulus are nice. I like the Maratac Mil-series bands as well.

This is a good source for both of those - http://www.broadarrow.net/maratac.htm

[buddybikes]

Nothing like a beautiful pocket watch. Funny used to wear one all the time back when I wore suits. Suits even had watch pockets.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

i've got one too, but i loathe that stock band, it's just too bulky for the watch to wear as nicely as it can. put that baby on a NATO strap, and it's golden!

I just bought one of these straps with white stitching for my SKX007. Haven't had a chance to put it on yet. (I decided that I didn't want to go with a Nato strap, mostly because my two other daily-driver watches are on Nato straps, plus they're a bit plain, unless you go color, which I did not want to do.)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/22mm-PVC-Com...item1c1a47f820

[rugbysecondrow]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

i've got one too, but i loathe that stock band, it's just too bulky for the watch to wear as nicely as it can. put that baby on a NATO strap, and it's golden!

Being a bigger guy, I am hoping it fits nicely stock, but if not, the Nato is good option too. That is part of the allure is the options you have to make the watch comfortable and stylish for little $$$.

[Ozz]

Originally Posted by Louis

Seiko SKX007 automatic diver. $150 grey-market on Amazon.

It has the legendary 7s26 movement and a cult following. (Google it and you'll see.)

Do you want to impress folks with how much you paid, or do you want a great movement?

http://monochrome-watches.com/seiko-...beater-divers/

Bingo....great watch, inexpensive enough to get a couple.....here is mine on a Zulu band:

Bonus info: get the skx007J (made in Japan)

[thirdgenbird]

Bumping this back up.

I am looking at:
Baume & Mercier Capland chronograph - new
Fortis B42 chronograph - used

The fortis is a few hundred more. I am also toying with the idea of a Heuer Incaboc. It looks to be in good shape, but the sub dial hands make me question if it is original. I would also need to find a nice bracelet. Not a strap guy.

[IJWS]

That Fortis Cosmonaut B 42 is very nice looking. The dial is cleaner and more purposeful looking than the Mercier. What is your price range? If you're close, you should consider holding out for one of these Damasko's The effort put into the bracelet alone is impressive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0OOy-GMqB0
On the lower end of the price-range, I am looking seriously at this Mido Multifort Chronograph That seems to get reviewed well and looks really great (to me) http://www.mcbroom.biz/PMWF/Mido_Multifort_review.htm

[buldogge]

^^^I really like the Damaskos...but...unless you need the extra functions, i would save some dosh and just get the DA34/36/38, personally.

Damasko will probably be my next watch purchase...FWIW.

-Mark in St. Louis