I bought a Seiko 5 blue for my son’s Christmas present last year. He just graduated from high school so I bought him a Seamaster Pro. I am also holding a Submariner for when he graduates from college. Just picked up a Datejust for my daughter for when she graduated college next year.
For anyone purely looking for features, a solar g-shock will do just about anything without the constant notifications or charging. Plus it's way cheaper and will last forever.
People interested in a fitness watch aren't interested in traditional watches. I had smart watches before the fruity watch and before Android wear. Those were good. The batteries were replaceable and they lasted a week on a single charge. Now they don't have replaceable batteries and they last 2 days if you're lucky. I hated the day after spending the night at my girlfriend's place because I'd have a dead watch on the way home or worse; when going to work. Even though the charger is in the bag the watch doesn't exist in my brain for various reasons. This experience sent me straight back to real watches. Now my watches will last for decades instead of 2 years (lithium ion).
I haven't worn a watch in over 20yrs because I was a mechanic and a watch got in my way plus my phone did the job. Then some years ago I went into tech and self employed. I never got into smart watches despite wanting to because of Dick Tracey as a kid. Then I decided to get a watch because in checking the time on my phone, I would get sucked into emails or social media. Little did I know I was finding a new hobby. First watch being a Seiko 5 sports. I was inheriting the distaste for quartz from most YT videos until I realized I could test drive watch styles way cheaper and learn my style with Citizen Eco-drives and such. I came to realize I do like higher accuracy quartz and solar watches. I own an Accutron DNA and Longines Conquest VHP alongside Citizen and Bulova 262hz watches. I have a list of mechanical watches I want when money allows from a JLC Polaris, Longines Spirit and Formex watches. No one else I know is like me other than 2 guys at the coffee shop lol
I don't hate quartz but I don't like it either. For me, it exists for those that need it. I'm glad you found something that seems to fit your needs perfectly. I view watches as a tool, jewelry, and they feed my fascination. I just love the idea of seeing all those gears and springs come together and tell the time without the need of a mini computer.
@@orangeyellow-me1pz Well said. I will say, I guess my stance comes from my primary need for the watch is to be a tool. Even then, with the mechanical watches on my wish list, I would likely just use them on weekends when I am more free with my time. One thing to note, I won't buy a quartz that has a second hand that doesn't hit the markers (must be SUPER close or it bugs me).
I have a Garmin fenix 7. Although its MIP screen isn't that pretty, it's more visible under sunlight & consumes less power. If I don't do any activity & have no need to connect bluetooth, my fenix 7's power could last 2 weeks on normal mode (health tracking). Not to mention Garmin watches are pre-loaded with the entire world's map/topography, I can check them any time, I don't even need to load maps onto the device before I go traveling or hiking. It's now my go-to travel watch, just in case I get lost in unfamiliar places, I could still navigate myself back to where I started.
What’s a starter watch? For adult toddlers? Or just a snobby way of saying it’s cheap compared to big boy watches that you’ll need to eventually upgrade too when you’re an expert?
Gotta be honest… I would consider my self a watch enthusiast, but if I was not, almost none of those watches would convince me to pass on a $200-$800 Apple Watch. Smart watches deliver on what people are looking to compliment or enhance their lives, and are the great equalizer in terms of fashion accessories.
It's weird that the Apple watch has replaced every single brand, as well as Rolex, as the business wear watch. One day Apple will be sponsoring Formula 1 racing and Wimbledon. 😂
You can like apple watches and still be an enthusiast. People get caught up in wearing or buying in consideration of what others think. I buy and wear what I like. Example, I just bought the seiko sbtr017.
@megacab I would agree that you CAN be an enthusiast and wear an Apple Watch but that segment is incredibly small and probably dwindling or at the very least not growing
After starting my watch collection with a SKX007, then a 009, I went Swiss with a Hamilton Khaki King Auto. I always found traditional field watch dials a bit boring so the day date complication of KK was perfect for me .
There are so many great options in that price range it's hard to pick one. A 39mm Glycine Combat Sub, a Vaer A5 Field, or a Zelos Swordfish 40 diver in Ti would probably be near the top of the list for watches in that price range.
Maybe the G-Shock cause I like all the health/activity data the apple watch gives me. However, my main use for the apple watch was to have the ability to text and talk in areas where cell phones aren't allowed (they say nothing about watches with cellular and I don't ask). Also, once I had the watch I found i liked leaving everything at home besides my watch, drivers license, and a couple $20 bills when I went out for the night. I used my watch to call users, get walking directions, and pay for most stuff at most places
@@austinh7967 I don’t know. I feel like I should be wearing something a little more minimal, black leather strap. Rather than my chunky chronograph. I’m not in the US but I feel Apple Watch and suit are still considered inappropriate where I am.
From a far I love the Hamilton Khaki 38, but don't have it in my collection as I would have too much overlap. I own the Sinn 556, Seiko Sarb033 and the Hamilton Cooper just to name a few. But maybe one day I will have to try one out! Great Video Max and thanks for all your terrific content over the years!
I have the Timex panda and it’s gorgeous. But for the best bang for the buck I took a Casio Duro and replaced the crystal with sapphire and put on a high quality matching bracelet from Long Island Watch. Rolex who?
I’m a watch enthusiast and have many watches like Tissot PRX and Gentlemen, Seiko Cocktail Time, Longines Conquest to name a few. But I’m also a tech enthusiast and before you say anything please listen to me! Apple watch is not a watch but piece of tech to make your life easier and I’m sick of people comparing it with watches! It can do a lot of things the normal watches cannot! I love the features Apple watch provides as a tech but I love my watches when I want to appreciate the art!
Rocking my summer watch, a Casio EFR-S108 Tiffany Blue 🩵. Has that AP/PRX vibe, but is its own design. Braclet could be a tiny bit better, but it’s decent and a great everyday watch. Better than an Apple Watch and with no measurable radiation.
I would go for the Orient Mako 40 salmon dial (Orient Mako 40 RA-AC0Q05P10B) a somewhat dressy diver with a gorgeous dial and lovely proportions. Only $250-$300 too with a tiny bit of digging.
I know you have the Forza in there but still, the PRX. Also an Orient is a great starting watch if you're looking to get away from the "apple watch" craze or just getting into watches altogether I recommend either the mako 2 or Bambino, both are stunning and very affordable.
Aren't you critiquing the 40mm integrated bracelet PRX? Why would the 40mm Citizen Forza have the perfect size? The lug-lug is probably a little bit smaller, but I would've still expected you to call it "a little to big" instead of spot on "perfect"
Khaki auto... Already have the marlin, great piece, still love it alot but that mineral crystal easily gets scratched... I suppose that's how it's meant to be since it's a classic piece... But stillll would've paid more for sapphire
Well looks like citizen is stepping up their game. My everyday wear is an omega speedmaster, but that citizen may be the next daily and use the omega for nicer occasions.
Garmin on for workouts, and for casual errands, etc. And a real watch if I want to look good. Simple. Smart watches are good for FITNESS, and that's about it. Everything else is just senseless overconnectedness that we need less of
garmin or g shock if we are talking utility, seiko alpinist if we are talking just price. Apple watch ultra looks nice to me though, not a fan of the regular one
I picked the Timex Marlin panda chronograph. Still can’t get into the Khaki. Just picked up a 41 mm solar Timex Expedition North w/ anti reflective sapphire glass and a screw down crown (TW2V64100JR), and I’m sure I’ll be happy with it.
Any watch is better than an Apple watch, irrespective of the price point. Apple watch is a gadget, whereas, a proper watch is a beautiful piece of jewelry.
I used to have an Apple Watch, but ditched it because it didn't make financial sense to spend $700 on plastic that is based on ever advancing technology and loses battery power overtime. I prefer stainless steel DIVERS... Citizens, Seiko, Rolex, Hublot
I used to wear a smartwatch but i realized how little i use it and how mentally draining it can be because it made me less productive and i was constantly on it alkng with my phone. Yes they are probably nice for sales people or business people, but i will take a classic watch all day and have already started collecting and wearing. My DW5600 is my everyday workwatch and can take way more punishment over a smartwatch at a fraction of the price.
My sister-in-law was just in a wreck on the interstate, she was in standstill traffic and a car behind her rear-ended her at 68 mph. The driver died, and her Apple Watch automatically called 911 and my brother to alert them of her accident. I don’t think I’ll ever *_not_* wear an Apple Watch. No offense to these watches though, they all look great!
As a watch nerd i really think the watch market at the $500-$800 segment is basically useless. A Apple watch is the new G Shock. It full-fills the role the GShock had. But does it better. My guess the low-mid range watches will eventually disappear to a certain degree. Killed by the Apple watch. The high end will always exist. Not going anywhere. I think high/low range will see the most market share. The $3000-$6000 range. Your Black Bays, Aqua-Terras, Seamasters, Spring Drives, GS autos etc. Rolex price wise has long left this tier. Even though i consider Omega, GS, IWC on par with Rolex quality wise. I would feel comfortable saying GS is actually better. The high end with Patek, JLC, Lange, etc will continue to do well.
Citizen Forza for sure!! Great looking piece!
I bought a Seiko 5 blue for my son’s Christmas present last year. He just graduated from high school so I bought him a Seamaster Pro. I am also holding a Submariner for when he graduates from college. Just picked up a Datejust for my daughter for when she graduated college next year.
What a father 🥹
For anyone purely looking for features, a solar g-shock will do just about anything without the constant notifications or charging. Plus it's way cheaper and will last forever.
That Timex is sick. My pick is still the GOAT SARB033
People interested in a fitness watch aren't interested in traditional watches. I had smart watches before the fruity watch and before Android wear. Those were good. The batteries were replaceable and they lasted a week on a single charge. Now they don't have replaceable batteries and they last 2 days if you're lucky. I hated the day after spending the night at my girlfriend's place because I'd have a dead watch on the way home or worse; when going to work. Even though the charger is in the bag the watch doesn't exist in my brain for various reasons. This experience sent me straight back to real watches. Now my watches will last for decades instead of 2 years (lithium ion).
i love the Hamilton Auto ♥
Some great options were highlighted but the Citizen and Hamilton stand out. Great looking watches.
The Hamilton is not a "in between starter" watch. It's a connoisseur's watch.
Citizenn forzaaaa titanium for sure but that seiko pretty good to😊
I think the murph is more every day than the Khaki, the khaki just looks too busy. Can get the hamiltons fairly discounted off full retail as well.
Expedition is the best IMO
I haven't worn a watch in over 20yrs because I was a mechanic and a watch got in my way plus my phone did the job. Then some years ago I went into tech and self employed. I never got into smart watches despite wanting to because of Dick Tracey as a kid. Then I decided to get a watch because in checking the time on my phone, I would get sucked into emails or social media. Little did I know I was finding a new hobby.
First watch being a Seiko 5 sports. I was inheriting the distaste for quartz from most YT videos until I realized I could test drive watch styles way cheaper and learn my style with Citizen Eco-drives and such. I came to realize I do like higher accuracy quartz and solar watches. I own an Accutron DNA and Longines Conquest VHP alongside Citizen and Bulova 262hz watches. I have a list of mechanical watches I want when money allows from a JLC Polaris, Longines Spirit and Formex watches. No one else I know is like me other than 2 guys at the coffee shop lol
I don't hate quartz but I don't like it either. For me, it exists for those that need it. I'm glad you found something that seems to fit your needs perfectly. I view watches as a tool, jewelry, and they feed my fascination. I just love the idea of seeing all those gears and springs come together and tell the time without the need of a mini computer.
@@orangeyellow-me1pz Well said. I will say, I guess my stance comes from my primary need for the watch is to be a tool. Even then, with the mechanical watches on my wish list, I would likely just use them on weekends when I am more free with my time. One thing to note, I won't buy a quartz that has a second hand that doesn't hit the markers (must be SUPER close or it bugs me).
I have 3 Citizen watches, A Blue Angel,a Pro master & Eco Drive,all good Dailey wear as well as my Seiko Presage but My Tudor b panda Is my favorite.
Citizen is the no-brainer pick.
Tissot PRX is also not to be forgotten. Still a great watch
I’d rather have any other watch known to man in place of an Apple wrist phone!! 😂😂😂😂
I have a Garmin fenix 7. Although its MIP screen isn't that pretty, it's more visible under sunlight & consumes less power. If I don't do any activity & have no need to connect bluetooth, my fenix 7's power could last 2 weeks on normal mode (health tracking). Not to mention Garmin watches are pre-loaded with the entire world's map/topography, I can check them any time, I don't even need to load maps onto the device before I go traveling or hiking. It's now my go-to travel watch, just in case I get lost in unfamiliar places, I could still navigate myself back to where I started.
Citizen Challenge Diver (stainless steel) is my choice. Tool watch goodness and vintage inspired vibe.
A beautiful Steinhardt Swiss made parts .
What’s a starter watch? For adult toddlers? Or just a snobby way of saying it’s cheap compared to big boy watches that you’ll need to eventually upgrade too when you’re an expert?
Well said
Something you can jump into without paying too much to see if you even enjoy wearing watches, dork.
To me, my CW trident pro is THE watch for me. I guess some would put it in the "starter" watch category.
Gotta be honest… I would consider my self a watch enthusiast, but if I was not, almost none of those watches would convince me to pass on a $200-$800 Apple Watch. Smart watches deliver on what people are looking to compliment or enhance their lives, and are the great equalizer in terms of fashion accessories.
It's weird that the Apple watch has replaced every single brand, as well as Rolex, as the business wear watch. One day Apple will be sponsoring Formula 1 racing and Wimbledon. 😂
You can like apple watches and still be an enthusiast. People get caught up in wearing or buying in consideration of what others think. I buy and wear what I like. Example, I just bought the seiko sbtr017.
@megacab I would agree that you CAN be an enthusiast and wear an Apple Watch but that segment is incredibly small and probably dwindling or at the very least not growing
Love the forza, citizen has become one of my favorite brands.
The sicko 5 Screams: " I don't actually keep accurate time with my 6r movement."
That Hamilton Khaki🔥
That Seiko looked good but I like Citizen Eco watches. Have one on now in turqoise.
After starting my watch collection with a SKX007, then a 009, I went Swiss with a Hamilton Khaki King Auto. I always found traditional field watch dials a bit boring so the day date complication of KK was perfect for me .
Hamilton all day every day.
Wow, that is a nice collection I esp liked the Citizen. Maybe my choice would be the Steinhart Ocean 39 double green ceramic. It costs 630 euros.
Some great pieces here…
This is not in the choices, Orient Bambino Small Seconds (RA-AP0002S10A) it gives off JLC Master Control vibes.
Ooh, nice Citizen!
all of them! fab selection. thanks.
There are so many great options in that price range it's hard to pick one. A 39mm Glycine Combat Sub, a Vaer A5 Field, or a Zelos Swordfish 40 diver in Ti would probably be near the top of the list for watches in that price range.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm with a green face and stainless bracelet.
Maybe the G-Shock cause I like all the health/activity data the apple watch gives me. However, my main use for the apple watch was to have the ability to text and talk in areas where cell phones aren't allowed (they say nothing about watches with cellular and I don't ask). Also, once I had the watch I found i liked leaving everything at home besides my watch, drivers license, and a couple $20 bills when I went out for the night. I used my watch to call users, get walking directions, and pay for most stuff at most places
Having family from Lancaster County Pennsylvania I'd have to go with the Strap Monster 🤔 History Represented 😎
Every one of these is a "strap monster"
Citizen Forza
The design and 40mm size is perfect for ma wrist.
Also VFM would be Timex Marlin Chrono@199.
Id love to see something like this, but for watches suitable for suits etc. So a little more on the elegant side.
At this point I feel like almost any analog watch is good enough for a suit. The usual alternative is an Apple Watch or no watch.
@@austinh7967 I don’t know. I feel like I should be wearing something a little more minimal, black leather strap. Rather than my chunky chronograph. I’m not in the US but I feel Apple Watch and suit are still considered inappropriate where I am.
Why do I love that Marlin so much???
You mean the Casio Duro?
@@haroon2972 timex
Love your channel, you got me to get a Seiko 795 with Custom Sinn 556a dial and hands by Yobokies for it, been a perfect watch for me :^)
From a far I love the Hamilton Khaki 38, but don't have it in my collection as I would have too much overlap. I own the Sinn 556, Seiko Sarb033 and the Hamilton Cooper just to name a few. But maybe one day I will have to try one out! Great Video Max and thanks for all your terrific content over the years!
"Any of the above", Max.
So many great choices
I actually switched from an Apple Watch to a fancy solar powered G-SHOCK square. That was 5 years ago.
A Wise Adamascus for me, given that price range.
I have the Timex panda and it’s gorgeous. But for the best bang for the buck I took a Casio Duro and replaced the crystal with sapphire and put on a high quality matching bracelet from Long Island Watch. Rolex who?
I’m a watch enthusiast and have many watches like Tissot PRX and Gentlemen, Seiko Cocktail Time, Longines Conquest to name a few.
But I’m also a tech enthusiast and before you say anything please listen to me! Apple watch is not a watch but piece of tech to make your life easier and I’m sick of people comparing it with watches!
It can do a lot of things the normal watches cannot!
I love the features Apple watch provides as a tech but I love my watches when I want to appreciate the art!
A radio-controlled Citizen Eco-Drive Titanium.
Timex Q GMT is a solid choice in that price range. I picked up a used one for $80 and I'm shocked by the quality! I got one for my brother for $125 😎
Timex killing it!
Same. Such a great classic integrated design.
Rocking my summer watch, a Casio EFR-S108 Tiffany Blue 🩵. Has that AP/PRX vibe, but is its own design. Braclet could be a tiny bit better, but it’s decent and a great everyday watch. Better than an Apple Watch and with no measurable radiation.
I have the Khaki King and love the look. Very comfortable to wear.
I would go for the Orient Mako 40 salmon dial (Orient Mako 40 RA-AC0Q05P10B) a somewhat dressy diver with a gorgeous dial and lovely proportions. Only $250-$300 too with a tiny bit of digging.
I know you have the Forza in there but still, the PRX. Also an Orient is a great starting watch if you're looking to get away from the "apple watch" craze or just getting into watches altogether I recommend either the mako 2 or Bambino, both are stunning and very affordable.
Aren't you critiquing the 40mm integrated bracelet PRX? Why would the 40mm Citizen Forza have the perfect size? The lug-lug is probably a little bit smaller, but I would've still expected you to call it "a little to big" instead of spot on "perfect"
I love my Khaki king!!!!
Khaki auto... Already have the marlin, great piece, still love it alot but that mineral crystal easily gets scratched... I suppose that's how it's meant to be since it's a classic piece... But stillll would've paid more for sapphire
Wow, that Citizen Forza is gorgeous. I’ve never owned a Citizen, maybe it’s time to get one???
For around $200 you can get a quartz Glycine Combat Sub. $300 Orient Panda Chrono. Mid 400s you can get a Seiko Sumo GMT solar.
Well looks like citizen is stepping up their game. My everyday wear is an omega speedmaster, but that citizen may be the next daily and use the omega for nicer occasions.
Why does everyone overlook "not gaudy" Invicta🤷. I got my dive automatic for $60
Max, you've seen my #1wc entry this year (SimonB). So you know the Aragon DiveMaster EVO crushes the apple watch
Erebus Ascent, orange fumee dial.
Citizen forza is magnificent!
The thing about it is that the Apple “Watch” isn’t really a watch. It’s a mini smart phone on your wrist.
Can't think of a use for an Apple watch but in that price range an Islander Brookville with blue dial would work for me.
I’m a Citizen guy but I do like that Timex!
G Shocks turning into smart watches is upsetting me.
I’d suggest the G-Shock GW-B5600 🤩👌
Garmin on for workouts, and for casual errands, etc. And a real watch if I want to look good. Simple.
Smart watches are good for FITNESS, and that's about it. Everything else is just senseless overconnectedness that we need less of
Probably the Seiko prospex solar SSC813P1
Hamilton for me
garmin or g shock if we are talking utility, seiko alpinist if we are talking just price. Apple watch ultra looks nice to me though, not a fan of the regular one
Hamilton Khaki definitely but beside this choice probably something from microbrand world.
Deep Blue Daynight T100
NH35 movement and large flat tritium markers.
It’s impossible to be better than the apple watch , so ergonomic , does a lot of things etc
I picked the Timex Marlin panda chronograph. Still can’t get into the Khaki. Just picked up a 41 mm solar Timex Expedition North w/ anti reflective sapphire glass and a screw down crown (TW2V64100JR), and I’m sure I’ll be happy with it.
Doing gods work
Any watch is better than an Apple watch, irrespective of the price point. Apple watch is a gadget, whereas, a proper watch is a beautiful piece of jewelry.
I used to have an Apple Watch, but ditched it because it didn't make financial sense to spend $700 on plastic that is based on ever advancing technology and loses battery power overtime. I prefer stainless steel DIVERS... Citizens, Seiko, Rolex, Hublot
I used to wear a smartwatch but i realized how little i use it and how mentally draining it can be because it made me less productive and i was constantly on it alkng with my phone. Yes they are probably nice for sales people or business people, but i will take a classic watch all day and have already started collecting and wearing. My DW5600 is my everyday workwatch and can take way more punishment over a smartwatch at a fraction of the price.
My sister-in-law was just in a wreck on the interstate, she was in standstill traffic and a car behind her rear-ended her at 68 mph. The driver died, and her Apple Watch automatically called 911 and my brother to alert them of her accident. I don’t think I’ll ever *_not_* wear an Apple Watch. No offense to these watches though, they all look great!
Replacing my Apple Watch 5 with my Citizen Super titanium is exactly what I did this year.
Hamilton khaki ofcourse
Everything is better than an AppleWatch! I could even find reasons for the Spaghetti Scammetti from Ben's Watchclub to be preferable.
As a watch nerd i really think the watch market at the $500-$800 segment is basically useless. A Apple watch is the new G Shock. It full-fills the role the GShock had. But does it better.
My guess the low-mid range watches will eventually disappear to a certain degree. Killed by the Apple watch.
The high end will always exist. Not going anywhere. I think high/low range will see the most market share. The $3000-$6000 range. Your Black Bays, Aqua-Terras, Seamasters, Spring Drives, GS autos etc.
Rolex price wise has long left this tier. Even though i consider Omega, GS, IWC on par with Rolex quality wise. I would feel comfortable saying GS is actually better.
The high end with Patek, JLC, Lange, etc will continue to do well.
unlike the gshock, it needs bubble wrapping for almost every single everyday task.
I do own Apple Watches but for that price point I would get a bulova lunar pilot archive (350 on Amazon) or maybe another G shock or moonswatch snoopy
THANKS MEN
If the Seiko was any thicker you could use it as a desk 😂
Brew Retrograph in bronze for sure
Hamilton of course. Leagues ahead of any of the others especially the seiko.
Seiko Laurel Alpinist series
What does a strap monster mean? Also thinking of getting Hamilton soon
That citizens is a bad ass piece old sport.
I don’t think you can compare an Apple Watch with a regular watch, I think the Swedish Kronaby hybrid watch is the best alternative.
Its every brand against Apple Watch now
I would take any of these over an apple watch
I have a Hamilton Automatic watch😂 but theres some screw came off from the back n the watch not working where can i sent for repair
Hamilton KFA and KFM
The forza looks amazing for the price
Imagine if Murph had apple watch in Interstellar 😂😂😂
Timex and Casio and Citizen
I choose the Hamilton