Best bargain watches?

[Chomp]

I haven't worn a watch since I was a child, I just don't like things on my wrists. My wife got me an A.E. williams journeyman watch a while ago [maybe Christmas 2016]
and has pretty much lived on my belt and tucked into my pocket since then.

https://www.pewtergiftware.com/plain-fronted-journeyman-430-p.asp

It took me a long time to get used to a watch on my wrist but I ended up losing a few that I kept in my pocket. That was over 30 years ago, now, I get twitchy if I don't have my watch on my wrist, I'll always have a phone for a second opinion but its just so easy to glance at your wrist. Not sure how I'd be with a mahoosive thing but I daresay I'd get used to it.

 

[sunndog]

Have a look at the Timex Indiglo range, just what you're looking for ☺

Bullet proof. Best watches i'v ever had

 

[Klenchblaize]

Just press the button and you can see the time clearly if in bed or the woods:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004EFQ...t=&hvlocphy=1006616&hvtargid=pla-406332890293
Still going strong after 2 years on same battery.

K

 

[The Lord Poncho]

I just accidentally posted this in the wrong thread, but here it is again!:

I brought a chinese clone of a Luminox style tactical watch about three years ago. Its made in metal (i think Luminox are usually polymer?) and uses the Tritium vials so its great at night. Been extremely impressed with it, looks as good as new, and had rather a lot of abuse. I believe i purchased from China via ebay originally, but this is the model:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/T25...b169-4a87-bbef-e4c53e5a4cfe&priceBeautifyAB=0

 

[Janne]

My travel/bush/fishing watch is a Tissot T-touch.
Has some superb features. Had one for around 12 years, and when some of the functions became erratic, late last year, I got a new one from Tissot.
For free.
I went in to our authorized watchmaker to have it fixed, and he told me Tissot would replace it free of charge.

Fantastic.

 

[ProjeKtWEREWOLF]

I bought a SMAEL super budget Mudmaster copy on the recommendation of Nutnfancy. It's big, stupid and cheap!! Keeps time Ok, survived rain and looks cool

 

[Klenchblaize]

I just accidentally posted this in the wrong thread, but here it is again!:

I brought a chinese clone of a Luminox style tactical watch about three years ago. Its made in metal (i think Luminox are usually polymer?) and uses the Tritium vials so its great at night. Been extremely impressed with it, looks as good as new, and had rather a lot of abuse. I believe i purchased from China via ebay originally, but this is the model:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/T25...b169-4a87-bbef-e4c53e5a4cfe&priceBeautifyAB=0

Luminox are cool & bright:

K

 

[Tonyuk]

Anything digital from casio or timex will see you right.

If you want something a bit more fancy then look into a divers watch by seiko or citizen.

 

[Buckshot]

during the week I'm close to either my phone or pc so don't need a watch
Ironically the only time it's useful is when i'm in the woods - just when time 'shouldn't' matter!
For that i use a timex (explorer or similar i think it was called)
the big problem i find with many watches is the fasion to be big.
I don't want big. i want as small and lightweight as possible so I don't walk in circles with the thing!
Tell the time is all i want really. day and date might be nice. I was in Costa Rica last week and really struggled to figure out which day it was - kinda nice really!

 

[mylofitz]

I've got some very expensive watches and some very cheap watches too. Enjoy them all. On the budget side of things, my Seiko Kinetic diver- BFK is excellent value for money and built like a tank. For a cheap auto the Vostok Amphibia is a good buy as are the Seiko 5's.

My diy watch is a Casio G shock 5600 fitted with bull bars from JaysAndKays on etsy. Damn near indestructable and always perfect timing. Think I got it from the Argos ebay store after a heads up on the TZUK forum.

 

[Janne]

Seiko 5 if your budget is tight. Important it is analog ( can be used as a compass) and with a mechanical movement housed in a sturdy case.
Water resistancy of minimum 50 meters.

 

[Janne]

The watch I wear when I can expect possible damage is a Sinn U2.

 

[nitrambur]

The watch I wear when I can expect possible damage is a Sinn U2.

Your definition of a bargain is a tad different to mine

 

[Janne]

If you have seen the abuse I have given to the Sinn you would faint.
So in a way it is a bargain.

 

[Robbi]

You call a two thousand pound + watch a bargain ?

You're a richer man than me Sir

 

[Janne]

It was less than £800 when I bought it....

Value is not only the cost you pay when you buy something.

If it lasts for many years - a seemingly more expensive item can become good value!

The U2 looks like it did when it left the factory. If I wanted to sell it, I should get most of my money back. It even has an extra black PVD bezel.

 

[foobar]

I'm a big fan of solar powered and radio controlled watches, wear and almost forget. I bought a Casio G-Shock in 2014, a GW-M5610BC. Then I bought a GW-7900 because it was on sale in a local shop and visiting the North Kent coast a lot visiting my parents, wanted to know the tides. A few weeks ago I bought a Rangeman GW9400BJ-1JF, well out of your budget mind, to replace my old Suunto Core All Black, it's big but I love it.

 

[lostplanet]

I know its an old thread, but Tony, If you ever see a second hand/used Suunto Vector, grab it.

https://www.suunto.com/en-gb/Products/sports-watches/Suunto-Vector/Suunto-Vector-Black/

I have managed to bust quite a few G shocks, and most watches that use spring loaded pins strap to housing, but this vector has taken all sorts.
easy replaceable battery, compass, altimeter (questionable), barometer and Time.

Weak points:
Not under £50.
Big.
Need to memorize quite a bit to use all the functions, but so far my best watch by a long way.
Crap fabric strap option.
Annoying strap keeper, can be rectified easily.

Avoid the Suunto Core series, research the bad rep.

 

[hog]

Yup Casio all the way, even if you pay 100 Quid for one you will have a hard time busting it, you will realy have to go out your way to destroy it.
Worth every pence spent.

 

[Paul_B]

Bought a world time casio with 10 year battery, 100wr (or equivalent static bar rating) for £29.99. Metal bracelet watch too. Argos special I guess. It's my "don't care if I break it at work" watch but it's always on my wrist now.