I think that the Orient Leo is a great looking watch in any of its color options, but particularly the combination reviewed here. Unfortunately, no matter how I tried to adjust the bracelet I was unable to get it to sit flush with my wrist- an annoyance that taints an otherwise good entry-level automatic watch.
As a photographer, I’ve failed to truly showcase how attractive the M02 is. Guilloche and steel contrast, drawing your eye toward a finely decorated prize. Yes, it looks better in person than it does in photo, but there’s more to the M02 than looks. It’s heavy, built to last, and uses a high-regrade and retouched ETA movement. Then there’s the tie-in with Armand Nicolet’s other pursuits, and to me, that’s worth the cost of entry on its own.
It’s hard not to appreciate what Seiko offers in the 5 series. The SNK809 is a good looking, basic automatic watch that offers little frills… and has a diminutive price point to match. Whenever anyone starts getting into watches, the most popular recommendation for a first automatic is – by far – a Seiko 5. Buy a couple of complimentary straps and you can wear it just about anywhere, anytime. This is such a great watch.
Proving that some stereotypes are well earned, the KC2508 is a disposable ladies automatic. Even with a bargain-basement price of $125, the entire watch is a total let down. It takes relatively attractive packaging, fills it with an unknown automatic movement, and then puts little care into anything else. Total junk.
There’s a lot of competition in the $500 to $1,000 price bracket, and the Hamilton Jazzmaster is a bit of a heavyweight in the segment. As a daily wearer, the Jazzmaster Day/Date is a great watch- it’s good looks, reliable ETA movement, and sapphire/stainless steel combination make for a watch that will look and run great for years. I like it’s somewhat understated styling, its weight and balance, and the quality of its build. Recommended.
The Cookoo is far from the smartest smartwatch you can buy. Offerings from Apple, Samsung, LG, Pebble, and a host of competing brands keep the smartwatch market fresh. But, they are all much more expensive and much more elaborate than the Cookoo. Ultimately, the value of the Cookoo depends on how much you value quick connectivity to your social circle. If you’re in love with Facebook and the like, the Cookoo will be a good fit for you.
The Sea Gull ST16 movement used inside the T2N289 is pretty good and well-known in the affordable watch world. Timex did a good job styling the T2N289, though the build quality is average at best. If you can find it priced around $150 or less it’s good value, too. I’ve seen it as high as $250, and frankly, it isn’t worth anything close to that.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in my opinion the Buccaneer really doesn’t deliver on that. Where it does do well is function, rated for 500m of depth (with the screw-down crown secured). If you want an inexpensive and capable dive watch, the Buccaneer is a pretty good choice.
The Stuhrling Original Delphi Acheron, assuming that it follows the standard the brand now sets, is not a bad purchase when acquired for its $150 street price. It’s absolutely an attractive automatic that gets attention, and it’s built pretty well. Time will tell about longevity, but my experience with it so far has been positive.
I’m in love with the Auto Chrono. Of course it’s beautiful, but it’s the fine details Hamilton put into this version of the Jazzmaster, along with the new H21 automatic movement, that created something genuinely brilliant. I can’t think of a single watch that retails for under $2,000 that I’d recommend before the Hamilton Jazzmaster Auto Chrono.
The Winston is a completely adequate watch for its $40 price tag. Powered by a Miyota quartz movement, the Winston is a simple and minimalist timepiece. The stainless steel case/bracelet are ultra-lightweight.
The unique Jazzmaster Open heart is designed to let the exposed movement do the talking. Lacking any complications, the Open Heart is an attractive and understated watch despite the open heart dial. It’s built well and uses an ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. Recommended.
The Infantry Vintage Chronograph is designed to do its job and do it well. Excellent visibility – day or night – and solid build means that you can confidently wear this watch almost anywhere. This is an excellent watch for someone that wants a chronograph and wants something that will work and look like new for many years.
I quite enjoy the Valiant Auto for being an overall elegant and affordable timepiece. Its $645 price tag buys you higher-grade ETA automatic movement, good quality of build, and a sapphire crystal. It’s comfortable to wear, compliments just about any outfit, and won’t break the bank. Recommended.
My experience with the Citizen CA0427-08E is mixed. I’m not a big fan of how it looks overall- they tried a little too hard to be techno-sporty. With an MSRP of $295, they are also on the expensive side of entry-level quartz chronograph, and the fact is that I’m not sure I’d spend $300 on this watch. Technically it’s a good watch, and if you like how it looks, I suppose that’s all that matters.