Thread: Sub $500

My brother asked me at Christmas what I would recommend for an inexpensive to reasonably priced watch. Since this is arbitrary, let's say under $500. That would mean something like a Tissot or maybe a used Tag. I answered I would still go with my Invicta 9937. It has a Swiss movement that you can find in Breitlings, sapphire crystal (although the new ones may not), and it's rather affordable.

What else is out there in this range that you would recommend?

First of all, check this thread - The OFFICIAL I have $XXX, what should I get thread

Originally Posted by saintz

I answered I would still go with my Invicta 9937.

Oh boy... (prepare yourself for what is inevitably going to happen to this thread)

Originally Posted by saintz

I answered I would still go with my Invicta 9937. It has a Swiss movement that you can find in Brietlings, sapphire crystal (although the new ones may not), and it's rather affordable.

I kind of doubt that. Because it uses an ETA 2824 doesn't mean it's the same as the 2824-based movement in the Breitling. ETA supplies (or at least used to, not too sure who they're limiting themselves to nowadays) Breitling with movement kits of a variety of their calibres, but Breitling does the final finishing, assembly, and adjusting of the movements. All Breitling calibres are COSC certified too (whether or not that means anything is a whole other argument..), but I doubt that can be said for the 2824 found in the Invicta.

Yeah, I know. The case is made in China and it's a mass produced watch.

Now they use a Sellita SW200 (both Invicta and Breitling), but your point still stands. The rotor and finishing and other components are undoubtedly somewhat different. They switched after ETA stopped selling to non-Swatch companies, and Sellita has now filled that niche.

All good points, and I really do like the watch and don't want to get into a specification argument, I'm really seeking any advice on what else is out there in a similar price range that is better. Your link is helpful, thanks.

steinhart? Most(if not all?) use ETA movements. Looks beautiful and keep great time. I keep kicking myself in the face for selling my Triton.

in my opinion if you are looking for something brand new and want to be in that price range i would go for hamilton, you can find them nicely discounted and they will be around that price point. i do not care for the finish product of the invicta.

IBTL

If it's under $500, just make sure you like it.

After reading Lightweight's linked thread, I realize this was redundant. Although possibly a noob mistake, that thread should probably be stickied. Right now it's buried half way down page 2 and I didn't read that far.

Lum-tec Bull.

margarete roserette bronze