I like them because they’re the antithesis of hip.
I’m a big Casio fan, and yes, they have some very nice-looking ones. Got one for the wife’s birthday this year. Or our anniversary, one or the other. (They’re close together.)
I like both brands. My favorite watch is my Omega Speedmaster Pro, IMHO the best looking watch out there.
Now for my advice…
If you are going to go the route of (relatively) expensive mechanical Swiss watches, you are signing on for a fairly expensive overhaul every few years.
Omega takes my watch for months and charges several hundred dollars for this service. When you get it back, it is perfect, but the cost does sting.
I currently have one off in Omega-land, and when that comes back I have a Rolex Submariner to send off (afraid to even consider what that will cost for service).
This “nice watch” hobby really is out of my league.
I have a nicer Casio and a cheaper Timex. I wear neither because I hate wearing watches. But yes. Just go for the classic.
My last one of these: http://www.celtic-jewellery-online.co.uk/celtic-watches/ladies_gold_finish.shtml lasted 9 years. It’s the first waterproof I’ve ever had that stayed waterproof beyond the first battery change.
Specifically this one: http://www.celtic-jewellery-online.co.uk/celtic-watches/CC07LX2.shtml I can’t wait to have money again and get another.
At the time, you could buy them directly from Cairn, it seems now you have to order through a dealer. My first one came from Europe, but they had thoughtfully set it for my local time. Prices have risen a bit as well. (To be expected) for my first one I only paid $90-ish.
IMO… The best watch at a resonable price point are Citizen watches.
I love Seiko, too.
I’m P-O’s at Casio because the last watch or two of theirs I’ve gotten have the battery clip designed such that you can’t easily change the battery yourself. Their customer hot-line had the gall to tell me I have to send the watch back to the factory just to get a new og-damned battery put in!
(Be careful if you want to try this at home, kiddies. I totally ruined my watch doing that, even though I had no trouble with my previous one.) You might be able to get a local jeweller to do it for you, though.
I’ve never even tried to change my Casios batteries. Lots of watch-repair places here will do it for you quickly. Having to send it off seems rather extreme.
I’ve got a Citizen watch that I’ve had for 24 years. It does cost a few dollars for a battery change as it’s a 10 bar water resistant case and it gets pressure tested when the battery is changed.
I had the strap changed from a rubbery/plastic one to a stainless steel link one, and it’s much easier to get on and more comfortable.
I would definitely recommend a Citizen, with a stainless strap.
I bought a Tissot PRC 200 Chronograph (black/yellow) and it’s a SERIOUS watch. It’s hefty, gets a lot of compliments, and looks far more expensive than it cost. Got a T-Evocation for my wife and she loves it. Lots of bang for the buck.
This thread is nearly a year old - I’m guessing the OP has made his decision by now.
Still a useful thread for similar quandaries. Both models I mentioned are still available for purchase.