Likes Likes:  25
Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 35

Thread: What's your definition of affordable (because Ric already asked "what's high end?"

  1. #1

    What's your definition of affordable (because Ric already asked "what's high end?"

    Someone had to do it. Might as well be me.

    I say under $600 is enough to buy 90% of the watches with all my "minimum specs" and not be weighed down by "We're Swiss/We're 100 years old" pricing. There are a handful of really tempting pieces up to about $700-$800, but the Quaker mindset starts to kick in and I get all shaky when I think of spending that much, so I tend to stay under $600 in my mind.

    The two pieces I have stuck in my head above $600 are the Certina DS-First (about $660) and the Halios Delfin, for $720...




    (I gotta make a "Basic Black" watch soon.)

    What say you?
    Eight essential vitamins and minerals - Lew & Huey

    Please don't force me to put a lot of stuff here by asking me a bunch of questions with answers easily found on my website.

    Take $25 off your purchase of an in-stock watch with coupon code IWL.

  2. #2
    Dinger of Hum Chronopolitano's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    Chronopolis
    Posts
    1,561
    Quote Originally Posted by docvail View Post
    Someone had to do it. Might as well be me.

    I say under $600 is enough to buy 90% of the watches with all my "minimum specs" and not be weighed down by "We're Swiss/We're 100 years old" pricing. There are a handful of really tempting pieces up to about $700-$800, but the Quaker mindset starts to kick in and I get all shaky when I think of spending that much, so I tend to stay under $600 in my mind.

    What say you?
    Well, make up yer mind: Quaker or Shaker?

    I agree that 90% of watches that can deliver huge satisfaction can be found under $600.
    So, I kinda draw the line there for "affordable."
    Maybe the more accurate word would be "reasonable"; I can barely "afford" to buy shoes now.

    And as a matter of principle, I cap it at $1K. Crikey, it's just watches.

    EDIT:
    Yeah, so up to 1K is technically "afffordable" for me, BUT, after they cross that $600 barrier, they better have something dang special - for a 3-hander.
    Otherwise, I get cranky with em for being dbags.
    Frankly, I am most comfortable with most 3-handers under $400.
    Last edited by Chronopolitano; Nov 22, 2014 at 04:37 AM.

  3. Likes docvail liked this post
  4. #3
    I'd go with "enough to be a Seiko SARB". That to me is the top end of affordable.

  5. Likes docvail liked this post
  6. #4
    Affordable to me means around the $300-350 mark, some decent pieces at that price point but some scrap too, so need to shop wisely.
    The $200 Kommadirskie K-34 GMT i've just had is a great example to VFM.
    Though i do agree closer to the $500-600 mark does get a fair hike in quality, and there are some $700-800 i'm lusting after, but that needs more discipline and saving/planning lol

    Chris

  7. Likes docvail liked this post
  8. #5
    £400

    Though in reality 'affordable' seems directly related to post count.

  9. Likes whatmeworry, N/A, docvail, WillMK5 liked this post
  10. #6
    I'll pick up to $400. In my own head, I don't have to justify spending up to that amount. Beyond that, it's "How much do I really need/want this?" "There are plenty of good options in the $300-$400 range."

    [SIDE NOTE] I *hate* it every time Doc posts that DS First, because then I end up doing an image search because I like looking at it, then to horademoda to see what the price is, then to WR to see if anyone's unloading one for cheap, and generally spend a day or two thinking about it before almost but not quite buying it, yet again.

  11. Likes docvail, jsw41, hanshananigan liked this post
  12. #7
    My Nivrel was closer to $800 and I've never felt it to be out of place under the Affordable umbrella. Certainly I thought twice about spending that sum, but I would be doing that at $300, too.

  13. #8
    I go up to 1000$.... USD. Just an easier number to work with.

    But then there are vintage ones or 'steals' which may have cost me < 1000, but generally would be north of that. Bit tougher there, for me, anyway, in terms of what I would call it.

  14. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by Der Amf View Post
    My Nivrel was closer to $800 and I've never felt it to be out of place under the Affordable umbrella. Certainly I thought twice about spending that sum, but I would be doing that at $300, too.
    Yes, every purchase should be weighed up against the alternatives

  15. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by whatmeworry View Post
    Yes, every purchase should be weighed up against the alternatives
    Except manual Seikos going for £25 on ebay. Then you just pile in.

    And then spend £100 sorting them ou.... Ah. Hmm.

    Yes, good point.

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
About Us
We are an independent and wide-ranging forum for watch enthusiasts. From mainspring to microchip, from Europe to Asia, from micro-brand to boutique - we cover it all. Novice or expert, we want you to feel at home. Whether it's asking a simple question or contributing to the fund of horological knowledge, it's all the same hobby. Or, if you like, you can just show us a picture of your new watch. We'll provide the welcoming and courteous environment, the rest is up to you!
Join us