Hey guys, I intend to get a sub $1-2k mechanical watch for my next purchase. Currently have the following watches in my collection the past few years:

[Rolex Batman 116710BLNR] [Rolex Explorer 214270] [G shock DW5600 and Frogman]

I’m strongly considering getting independent micro watch brands as I like unique designs. Unfortunately, I don’t have much tactile and user experience with watches using off-the-shelf movements (ETA,Sellita, Miyota, etc). And I intend to use it as a mechanical beater since it will be a lot cheaper than my Rolexes and I’ll feel a lot safer wearing it on certain occasions due to its $1-2k price tag.

The watches I’ve narrowed down, are between:

[Studio Underd0g 02series field watch] [Christopher Ward The Twelve]

Been holding off my next watch purchase for the past 1.5 years due to anxiety of handling Sellita movements over a significant period of time, as a naturally heavy-handed guy.

What I like about off the shelf watch movements, is that they are easily serviceable/replaced. However, is this something that’s done often? Should they be considered as ‘disposable’ watches since such movements tend to be on the lower cost spectrum? Is it worthwhile to service/fix ETA/Sellita/Miyota?

Thanks, trying to muster more confidence in going ahead with my next watch purchase. Any other advice/watch recommendation is most welcome.

  • KnifeheadddBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    C Ward is Nice but for the price and if your wrist is big enough Ill go for Ollech and Wajs. If you want a beater their model are perfect, used by many adventurers and with a very long story as a brand (so not a micro brand).

    Then there is Sinn, Damasko, maybe Oris ?, Laco with their Pilot Pro…

    For 1k to 2k I would avoid the miyota movement, as they are not as precise as the Sellita or Soprod for example (and yes angry redditors you can have an amazingly regulated miyota but you need to find the micro brand that will do the régulation well and blablabla)…

    C Ward is a good option for dressier classier brand. But I would go for the ones I mention mostly O&W as theyr regulate their movement themselves and all in switzerland and they are just made to take a shitload of abuse !