help: Men's Watches

Jaggergirl · #1 11-19-2003, 11:57 AM

I'd like to get my BF a nice, new watch for Christmas. But I don't know mens' styles very well at all. He's a conservative guy (likes to shop at Brooks Brothers) and would definitely like a classic all metal watch over a cloth or funky plastic watchband.

which brands are good quality? I'm looking to spend between $100 and $150.

DeltAlum · #2 11-19-2003, 12:01 PM

If he's a fraternity guy, you might be able to get him a nice watch with the fraternity crest on the face. Check the fraternity website for officially sanctioned merchandise.

I had one -- I think it cost $150-175. Unfortunatley it was gold on gold and it got to the point where I had trouble reading it in certain light conditions.

Now, I use a very nice and extremely accurate $19 Timex.

#3 11-19-2003, 01:37 PM

Fossil watches are very nice for men. I have always thought they were a very classic look for men. My brother swears by Fossil watches. You can get them pretty much at any department store but the two department stores that carry them which I can think of off the top of my head are Belk's and Dillard's.

Hootie · #4 11-19-2003, 02:13 PM

There are some very nice, inexpensive Citizen Brand watches out there. I work in a jewelry store, so I'm very familiar with their line...and I love it!

Citizen has a FIVE year warranty (covers the inner workings of the watch only). They have a NEW line called Eco-Drive, which is actually a light-powered watch. I especially like this line because you then never have to open the back and risk it to water damage (because there is no battery)

I also sell Seiko's in my store, however they are a little more expensive - 3 year warranty.

I do not like Fossil. They are a PAIN IN THE BUTT when it comes time to change the battery - you will find that almost ALL jewelry stores refuse to service them. Why? Because you can't get the back back on (after changing the battery) and end up breaking the crystal.

CarolinaCutie · #5 11-19-2003, 02:23 PM

Ditto, ditto, ditto on the Fossil watches! I'm so glad to hear another jeweler say this. Fossil watches may have a nice look to them, but you are pretty much SOL if they break. You can get a nice Citizen, or if you're going for a plain, simple look, you can prob. get a Seiko for around that price.

DeltAlum · #6 11-19-2003, 02:41 PM

I think the Delt watch I mentioned above is a Citizen. The other thing is that whoever sells the watches gives a small percentage to the fraternity.

Hootie · #7 11-19-2003, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DeltAlum
I think the Delt watch I mentioned above is a Citizen. The other thing is that whoever sells the watches gives a small percentage to the fraternity.

Hmmmm, I didn't think Citizen did those. I could see Seiko, but I'm not 100% sure on that either.

Another thing....Pulsar is a sister company of Seiko (same warranty) so they're really inexpensive!

Kevin · #8 11-19-2003, 03:09 PM

You can find great deals for watches on Ebay. They're one of those items that have a HUGE markup so don't be too disturbed by the low prices you'll find on ebay.

valkyrie · #9 11-19-2003, 03:57 PM

Swiss Army watches are awesome. They come in styles for men & women and I think they're simple and stylish.

Hootie · #10 11-19-2003, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ktsnake
You can find great deals for watches on Ebay. They're one of those items that have a HUGE markup so don't be too disturbed by the low prices you'll find on ebay.

The only problem with that, is that you never know what you're REALLY getting. As stupid as it sounds, there are knock-off citizens and seikos wandering around out there...and if you buy something off ebay, you're not garaunteed to get a warranty or an authentic.

adpialumcsuc · #11 11-19-2003, 04:01 PM

I bought a fossil for mine about 6 years ago and it has been a great watch. I have never had a porblem getting the battery switched on it. No one has ever told me no. I also got my brother one 2 years ago and his is great also. I think they look very nice!

mullet81 · #12 11-19-2003, 04:03 PM

i got my fossil at a Marshall Fields Store and i have never had a problem with it! They can usually change the battery at the place you buy it from

Hootie · #13 11-19-2003, 04:26 PM

I know this thread doesn't talk about lady's watches, but another one to watch for is Anne Klein....even places you buy these watches from will not change the batteries. Gucci is another bad watch for future service.

Movados are a great watch...but you cannot change a battery in the store. They make us send them to the factory - and the battery costs $75! Just a little FYI

justamom · #14 11-19-2003, 06:27 PM

I asked this very question last May when my son graduated.
I shopped all over the place, looked at every single watch in this town. All the above mentioned brands and then some of the investment watches as well. I let my son make his choice and
at first he liked the Kenneth Cole watches, Citizens were very nice too. It was the Swiss Army that he chose. It is a very handsome watch.

CC1GC · #15 11-19-2003, 07:07 PM

If you can find a deal on a Tag Heurer watch, i'd recommend that. They're pretty sleek and in style for our demographic.