Bomb Proof... reasonably priced watch

[Terrytori]

Originally Posted by RoyB

This is the PERFECT ADV watch...............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOzSbWWzjz4

Tissot T-Touch

I thought so when i bought mine a couple of years ago.
It's crapped out on me twice. The time function continued to
work but everything else... compass, altimeter, barometer
just gave up the ghost. Movie Star tough.

[Josephvman]

Originally Posted by Terrytori

I thought so when i bought mine a couple of years ago.
It's crapped out on me twice. The time function continued to
work but everything else... compass, altimeter, barometer
just gave up the ghost. Movie Star tough.

Mine has been flawless and I abuse it horribly.

[Josephvman]

Originally Posted by Badger278

I know...I know...

But I have to say. I've had my Explorer for years, and have abused and abused it. There isn't a better investment out there. It actually appreciates.

This is my 'nice' beater, a 5513 Submariner, 70's model. It's not my nicest watch, but definitely my favorite. Probably the only thing I own that I will never, ever sell.

[TebKLR]

Timex Expedition - analog (battery has lasted 4 years so far), date, Indiglo (lights up by pushing in on the crown), fabric strap, very light weight. I think it was about $25 at Wal-Mart.

[Sasquatch]

There is a balance between cheap and functional (ala KLR) and expensive bling that is not worth the price (BMW GS ).

Almost 15 years ago I bought my first "nice" watch. A stainless Citizen Chronograph analog watch. I think I paid $450 for it. It is heavy and feels like quality. (I like heavy watches, I have massive wrists).

In 15 years I have only replaced the battery twice, the crystal once (it is due for another), and exploded 3 bands. I never go anywhere away from the house without it. I even weld, ride dirt bikes, wrench on cars/bikes, swim, pretty much everything with it on.

Being the big, wide, ape that I am I am constantly slamming it into walls, desks, cabinets, cars and small children. I have hit rocks so hard I shattered the crystal. Movement never failed to keep perfect time.

Once I beat it up enough (like now) I send it to the local watch place and for about $150 he puts a new band and crystal on it, installs a new battery, and I am off again.

It blows me away that I actually get "nice watch" comments from people. Usually girls at coffee shops, etc.

If it finally dies, I will get another. Yes, a cheaper watch will work, but I do like some level of "jewelery" factor.

[mafpolo]

I'd stick with the Panerai. If it worked for the Italian Navy for all of those years, it will hold up for you. Also, talk about value....per-owned Panerai watches sell for the same price of new or higher (depending on what model).

The ex Chief Marketing Officer of the holding co. that owns Panerai (he retired last year) tells me that they are still on allocation - their dealers can't get enough of them.

[Bucko]

Originally Posted by TebKLR

Timex Expedition - analog (battery has lasted 4 years so far), date, Indiglo (lights up by pushing in on the crown), fabric strap, very light weight. I think it was about $25 at Wal-Mart.

I'm hard on watches but my 5-year-old (at least) Timex Expedition (digital) just takes it in stride. Still on the same battery and I use it as an alarm clock everyday. Still soak in the hot tub with it, too. I like the dual time zones and countdown timer, plus Indiglo lighting. Hard to go wrong, especially when you find them on sale.

[Josephvman]

Originally Posted by mafpolo

I'd stick with the Panerai. If it worked for the Italian Navy for all of those years, it will hold up for you. Also, talk about value....per-owned Panerai watches sell for the same price of new or higher (depending on what model).

The ex Chief Marketing Officer of the holding co. that owns Panerai (he retired last year) tells me that they are still on allocation - their dealers can't get enough of them.

I love my Panerai but it's hard to wear on the bike, as it just doesn't fit well under leather jackets, gloves, etc. It's very durable but the size makes it vulnerable to damage in tough environments. I'll stick with the old Sub when I want to wear a 'real' watch that might get roughed up. They definitely hold their value. I had one of the first PAM127's, the "1950", which I bought new for $6500. I wore it sparingly for a couple of years and thought I'd hit a home run when I sold it for $9k. Lately I've been seeing them priced in the mid $20k's and I'm kicking myself for selling it!

[Terrytori]

Originally Posted by Joseph Maniaci

I love my Panerai but it's hard to wear on the bike, as it just doesn't fit well under leather jackets, gloves, etc. It's very durable but the size makes it vulnerable to damage in tough environments. I'll stick with the old Sub when I want to wear a 'real' watch that might get roughed up. They definitely hold their value. I had one of the first PAM127's, the "1950", which I bought new for $6500. I wore it sparingly for a couple of years and thought I'd hit a home run when I sold it for $9k. Lately I've been seeing them priced in the mid $20k's and I'm kicking myself for selling it!

My wife called mine 'the wall mount' which speaks well to its' size.
I gave it to a good pal. Damn... i would have done far better to invest
in Panerai's than dump money in the market.

[NJ Moto]

The Seiko divers are pretty hard to beat for their value, ruggedness and reliability.

This is a custom job. Very nice http://www.newatchworks.com/index.php

[Yellow Pig]

My new favorite: Seiko SBDC001 "Sumo"

(the one on the left)

[NJ Moto]

Originally Posted by R12GS HOOLIGAN

The Seiko divers are pretty hard to beat for their value, ruggedness and reliability.

But one of my favorites is the Omega Seamaster Pro.

[Montford]

Another vote for Seiko.

I am 47 and have only ever owned three watches,one Pulsar and two Seikos.
I lost the Pulsar in 1985 on a bike tour and bought the Seiko I am wearing just now.
I was given the second Seiko as a birthday present by my then girlfriend in 1987,I still wear it at the weekend.
I work as a floorlayer so my older Seiko gets a bit of a beating during the week and is pretty scratched but it has never let me down apart from a few new batteries over the years.
The newer one I wear for riding and working on the bike, and I even managed to zap it with a Mig welder with just a slight burn mark to the case,superb watches.
I am just trying to justify to myself buying a Seiko Honda BAR F1 watch to keep for good as I have never owned a 'dress' watch.

[dynamos2000]

I love my Seiko but this guy looks pretty cool:

[Spankye]

I replaced a 10 year old Timex ironman with another Timex. The old one used one battery in that time period and is still going strong, i only replaced it because i wanted something new. Like most other posters it never left my wrist and while it isn't as pretty as some of the other watches mentioned it kept excellent time and never let me down. My new Timex is beefier, and is supposedly more durable. if so i look forward to 10 more years of service from my $60 watch.
http://www.amazon.com/Timex-Ironman-...9552309&sr=8-1