# How expensive a watch do I need to buy? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 21, 2013, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569 "2013-06-21T17:21:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2013, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/21 "2013-06-21T21:13:58Z")
Nothing too dressy; just something for everyday use that’s reliable both internally and externally. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2013, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/22 "2013-06-21T21:17:00Z")
I inherited a Rolex with no band. I ended up spending $60 for a nice metal link band that went well with it. $60 is WAY more than I ever spent on an actual watch. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2013, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/23 "2013-06-21T21:36:32Z")
Consider what industries, vocations where strong watches would be a requirement. Then look at the sites which cater to these. Suggestions? For example I was thinking outdoor sportsmen would be interested in this, so you might look at a site like Cabelas. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2013, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/24 "2013-06-21T22:11:12Z")
My dad’s everyday watch is a Rolex he bought used. It was made in 1954 and has been worn more or less continuously since, and has the original bracelet. You don’t have to buy a Rolex. Just don’t buy a Fossil or some piece of junk like that. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2013, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/25 "2013-06-21T22:17:21Z")
Considering that’s one of the brands brought up in post 18, I’m confused now. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2013, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/26 "2013-06-21T22:21:52Z")
Oddly I was just commenting the other day on how pleased I was with my watch. I always had digital LCD watches and switched to an analog watch (battery)about 10 years ago. And damn if the analog hasn’t lasted much longer and actually been more accurate. It’s a basic Timex Indiglo with day and date. The bands wouldn’t last so I got a metal one for about the same amount as the replacement leather. I treat this think like crap dunking it in water and smacking it into stuff all the time. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2013, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/27 "2013-06-21T22:39:17Z")
> [@Leaper](#): > > Considering that’s one of the brands brought up in post 18, I’m confused now. ☹ Designer-brand watches are invariably junk. ---
**Author:** ![DataX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@DataX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DataX)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2013, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/28 "2013-06-21T22:43:09Z")
> [@Leaper](#): > > Considering that’s one of the brands brought up in post 18, I’m confused now. ☹ Different people have different opinions on brands. I have been into watches for over 20 years and worked briefly at a jewelry store. I have watches that cost thousands of dollars and ones less than $100. I have handled watches that cost over $100,000 and read more about watches than any sane person should. I do not have a whole lot of experience with fossil, but for the price - I think they are ok. As I mentioned - seiko & citizen are probably the best bet for reliability. I have had two fossils - and other than the crystals getting scratched - no real issues. Rolexes are great swiss mechanical watches, but I was under the impression you were looking to spend a relatively small amount of money 😉 A Rolex will cost at least $5k (well pretty much). It is not any more reliable/accurate than a quartz watch (in fact less so). Any mechanical watch is supposed to be serviced every 3-5 years which will cost you about 10% what you pay for the watch (more or less). I wouldn’t buy a metal band watch from fossil - as I have less experience with the quality of their bands - and IMHO - cheaper watches often have a problem with the bands. I do not think this will be an issue with the leather bands. Ive seen seiko & citizens last a very long time with and without leather. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2013, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/29 "2013-06-21T22:48:58Z")
I did say: > [@](#): > > You don’t have to buy a Rolex. Anyway, I agree with everything you said otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![chewsick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6f9a4e/32.png) [@chewsick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chewsick)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2013, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/30 "2013-06-21T22:54:37Z")
2x post ---
**Author:** ![chewsick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6f9a4e/32.png) [@chewsick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chewsick)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2013, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/31 "2013-06-21T22:55:48Z")
I haven’t seen a younger man with a watch who wasn’t looked down a little bit as a poser since I was about 23 YO. Unless they wore a Kowalski watch, that is. ---
**Author:** ![pabstist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e99b99/32.png) [@pabstist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pabstist)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2013, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/32 "2013-06-22T02:49:47Z")
They do make watches without the removable spring pins. Instead of the pins there are rods attached permanently to the body, and a single long band winds over and under the watch body and rods. Does that make any sense? But yeah, nothing that could ever break. [http://www.watchco.com/bertucci-watches/a3t-vintage/13306.html](http://www.watchco.com/bertucci-watches/a3t-vintage/13306.html) ---
**Author:** ![tellyworth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/977dab/32.png) [@tellyworth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tellyworth)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2013, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/33 "2013-06-22T03:37:10Z")
pabstist, are you sure those are permanent? I thought NATO straps like that used regular spring bars. ---
**Author:** ![DataX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@DataX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DataX)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2013, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/34 "2013-06-22T03:46:22Z")
> [@tellyworth](#): > > pabstist, are you sure those are permanent? I thought NATO straps like that used regular spring bars. It is fixed: > **[introducing: Bertucci’s field watches, designed in the USA](https://www.watchprojects.com/2012/07/03/introducing-bertuccis-field-watches-designed-in-the-usa/)** > > I usually don’t write about quartz watches, but a US-based company called Bertucci caught my attention with their very nice field timepieces. Incorporated in 2003, Bertucci watches gradually … You are correct somewhat - most people that use NATO straps use regular spring bar watches. I think it is mostly a niche thing, but not a bad idea for those that really like NATO straps (looks like it slides easier - as spring bar isn’t just fixed, but in different position). I never really got the appeal, but I see them (NATO straps) on the watch forums quite often. A decent amount of people like them - even on their $5k Rolexes and Omegas. ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/35 "2013-06-23T01:18:28Z")
> [@DataX](#): > > I wouldn’t buy a metal band watch from fossil - as I have less experience with the quality of their bands - and IMHO - cheaper watches often have a problem with the bands. I do not think this will be an issue with the leather bands. Ive seen seiko & citizens last a very long time with and without leather. To each his own, I guess. I love my metal-band Fossil watch. It’s [similar to this one](http://www.amazon.com/Fossil-Womens-ES3083-Georgia-Stainless/dp/B007GNHF48/ref=sr_1_5?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1371950174&sr=1-5&keywords=fossil+watch), but a different color. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/36 "2013-06-23T01:43:49Z")
> [@DrFidelius](#): > > Band? My daily watch has a chain which attaches to a belt loop, or to a buttonhole when I wear a vest. I have a Timex carabiner watch that I bought for about ten bucks from Walmart. I wear it on a belt loop but since I always carry a smartphone, I only use on flights and at the movies (both places where the phone is off). (At the movies, I like to see how many minutes pass from the posted start time to the actual start of the movie.) ---
**Author:** ![pabstist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e99b99/32.png) [@pabstist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pabstist)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/37 "2013-06-23T02:04:55Z")
> [@tellyworth](#): > > pabstist, are you sure those are permanent? I thought NATO straps like that used regular spring bars. Yes I am sure, I own one! ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/38 "2013-06-23T02:26:45Z")
Timex. Seriously - cheap, good looking, and built like a brick shithouse. ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/39 "2013-06-23T23:47:14Z")
I bought cheap watches (usually Casio) with plastic bands, wore them until the bands broke, then carried them in my pocket until they stopped working or I somehow lost them. Then I’d buy a new cheap watch, and repeat the process. I’d love to buy a pocket watch, but I just can’t justify the expense to myself (even when they were on sale for $35) when I have my phone… ---
**Author:** ![nion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c5a1d2/32.png) [@nion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nion)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569/40 "2013-06-24T04:04:52Z")
> [@DataX](#): > > Any idea what style you are looking for? Dress/sporty? G shock is also a popular brand - and while not my style - I think it is used fairly often by men/women in the Military and supposed to be pretty rugged. I doubt they would put up with the bands coming off… The G-shock watch I wear was purchased for this very reason. One gentleman that reviewed it said his whole unit was given one before deploying to Iraq. It survived his entire deployment, with the battery surviving five years. It was still perfectly functional, but he wanted something new. He got another one, if I recall. 😃 Mine has worked flawlessly in the nearly year and a half I’ve had it. It’s got a rubber band, but looks brand new. I’m not gentle with it. It absorbs blows without a scratch. The thing is a brute! I think I paid about $50 for mine. I wouldn’t mind getting another in the future. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-a-watch-do-i-need-to-buy/661569.md?page=3)