Some do. Some luxury watches get their movements from varying grades of Swiss ETA. Many Japanese watches get theirs from Miyota. Orient a budget friendly brand makes their movements in house.
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Talk to Me about Watches!
- Thread starter BISCUT
- Start date
Have a 1965 stainless Datejust 36 on a Jubilee bracelet from my dad that I just sent off for servicing again. It is a nice wearable watch and I have kept the patina on instead of letting Rolex do a full restoration. Was serviced and certified about 11 years ago so was time to do it again.
Others I own that I like are a few Tag Heuers, a Carrera Calibre 5 on bracelet, a more recent Formula 1 on bracelet (was my everyday work watch for over 12 years), and a 1964 Carrera Panamerica re-issue on a strap. Been about to pull the trigger on a Sinn 556 auto for a few years now and hate that I waited since the T-word on imported Swiss watches made it 2K+. Of course my holy grail watch is an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional steel on steel, Hesalite, and the engraved back. ALMOST bought one on my last cruise for $6700 (yes it was authentic with papers), but the wife was with me
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Since everyone likes pics:
Others I own that I like are a few Tag Heuers, a Carrera Calibre 5 on bracelet, a more recent Formula 1 on bracelet (was my everyday work watch for over 12 years), and a 1964 Carrera Panamerica re-issue on a strap. Been about to pull the trigger on a Sinn 556 auto for a few years now and hate that I waited since the T-word on imported Swiss watches made it 2K+. Of course my holy grail watch is an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional steel on steel, Hesalite, and the engraved back. ALMOST bought one on my last cruise for $6700 (yes it was authentic with papers), but the wife was with me
.Since everyone likes pics:
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Personally I would star small. There are so many affordable brands as well as micro-brands that there is something for everybody.
Buy what you like and are going to wear. I would not trouble myself with specific brand and re-sale values, as that's taking this hobby the wrong way IMO.
Buy what you like and are going to wear. I would not trouble myself with specific brand and re-sale values, as that's taking this hobby the wrong way IMO.
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2026
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- 8
I have eight watches and they're all Citizen Eco-Drives. No batteries or winders for me, thanks! Solar powered is where it's at.
The downside is that you need to wear them quite regularly to keep them charged. A mechanical watch, on the other hand, can be stored for years/decades without any detriment, provided it's not a humid environment.
In house is such a vague term. Even the top Swiss brands outsource certian parts and components to others from other companies and countries. to be considered swiss made At least 60% of the watch's total manufacturing and production costs must be incurred in Switzerland. This includes costs like technical development, labor, and materials. There are great movements that are not "in house" ETA and some selllita movements are great for example. I would hazzard a guess that even the holy trinity outsource some of their parts.
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2026
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I have a glass-top watch box on my dresser near a window in my bedroom. They all stay charged just fine, but I see what you're saying.
Nothing fancy, just this guy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CF4N6NLT
I am sure I will get laughed at for this but is is hard to beat an INVICTA brand watch. Just look on ebay for all the styles they have and many Rolex looking styles. I have several and they are nice. I used to be a watch lover and have probably 40-45 watches from cheapies to a Rolex. Haven't worn a watch in years but your post has me thinking about it again. I did try a nice Citizen smart watch a few months ago because I loved all the faces you can use - but charging it and all the blue tooth BS had me toss it in the drawer too - I think I will start back wearing a real watch tommorow!
Highboy
$100 Site Donor 2026
I have no interest in an expensive watch. If I ever replace my 10 yr. Citizen ecodrive, it might be one of these. Usual disclaimers, I have no financial interest in this company, dont know the owner or employees. I think these are handsome watches.
sternglas
sternglas
The first question to ask yourself -- what do you want to buy a watch?
Is it simply to tell time? People who don't wear watches will often chime in to tell you that there are many, many ways to tell time these days, and they will be pinpoint accurate sources as well, like your cell phone. And won't need to be reset every half year or so for DST, LOL.
If it's more than that, as a fashion accessory/jewelry, then you have to ask yourself how much do you buy into the intangibles, like heritage, brand history, brand perception, self image, and all the stuff that luxury goods ply their trade on.
If those things are of value, then the next question is how much you're willing to spend to buy something that will satisfy those desires.
Viewed objectively, a luxury brand Swiss watch is very poor value, as an intrinsic timepiece. "Swiss Made" has a formal definition, and it may be disappointing to some to discover that there is a lot of leeway in what qualifies to bear the mark, and what it implies doesn't necessarily meet what many might expect. China is part of the supply chain for most every product, and fancy watches are no exception.
The truth of the matter is that most watches, even luxury brands, are mass produced goods, and any sense of exclusivity, scarcity, and demand mostly resides in the owners' heads. Rolex cranks out a million watches annually, even with their strategy to artificially limit supply to drive demand and prop up values.
Quality watches, a brand with lots of history, but special, or exclusive? Not really. Nor a member of the "holy trinity" of watchmakers.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you're after, and how much you can spend. There are options at every price point that can satisfy, if the "luxury" part is not the primary factor.
Is it simply to tell time? People who don't wear watches will often chime in to tell you that there are many, many ways to tell time these days, and they will be pinpoint accurate sources as well, like your cell phone. And won't need to be reset every half year or so for DST, LOL.
If it's more than that, as a fashion accessory/jewelry, then you have to ask yourself how much do you buy into the intangibles, like heritage, brand history, brand perception, self image, and all the stuff that luxury goods ply their trade on.
If those things are of value, then the next question is how much you're willing to spend to buy something that will satisfy those desires.
Viewed objectively, a luxury brand Swiss watch is very poor value, as an intrinsic timepiece. "Swiss Made" has a formal definition, and it may be disappointing to some to discover that there is a lot of leeway in what qualifies to bear the mark, and what it implies doesn't necessarily meet what many might expect. China is part of the supply chain for most every product, and fancy watches are no exception.
The truth of the matter is that most watches, even luxury brands, are mass produced goods, and any sense of exclusivity, scarcity, and demand mostly resides in the owners' heads. Rolex cranks out a million watches annually, even with their strategy to artificially limit supply to drive demand and prop up values.
Quality watches, a brand with lots of history, but special, or exclusive? Not really. Nor a member of the "holy trinity" of watchmakers.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you're after, and how much you can spend. There are options at every price point that can satisfy, if the "luxury" part is not the primary factor.
Not laughing but Invicta did bring a lot of the disdain it has by ridiculous MSRP's which can then be marked-down to make it look like someone is getting a screaming bargain at the marked-down price. There are also creations like this:
Now that I got that out of my system, they also make some very solid watches like the various Pro Divers, including the 1953 series, at a reasonable price. I have a couple in my collection.
A dear friend had your lust for time pieces.
His descriptions of the features and differences among models were complete. His clock oratory was notable and refreshing,
He got me to 'see' watches even though there was a rectangular Omega -an Art Deco beauty, not a TV watch- and an Angelis (sp?) chronograph, both in gold, in the family.
And my sincere and attentive listening didn't hurt.
FF 30 years: Just learned a niece's fiance' likes watches. That's all I know.
I'll make sure to wear a watch when he's around
Why? What watch enthusiest wouldn't be impressed with any of the following.
1) A black plastic Casio with a white face and a second hand. $10 at JC Penny.
I had a coupon and the checkout girl repeatedly hit some button.
2) A grey mesh wire banded Skagen which I love. Likely $110 new. I call it my Movado.
3) A Swiss Army Watch with a major corporate logo added to the face (quality swag).
4) A grey mesh wire banded Boccia w grey face and boldly colored hands.
I've seen the same watch with artsy hands for sale in tourist kiosks.
His descriptions of the features and differences among models were complete. His clock oratory was notable and refreshing,
He got me to 'see' watches even though there was a rectangular Omega -an Art Deco beauty, not a TV watch- and an Angelis (sp?) chronograph, both in gold, in the family.
And my sincere and attentive listening didn't hurt.
FF 30 years: Just learned a niece's fiance' likes watches. That's all I know.
I'll make sure to wear a watch when he's around
Why? What watch enthusiest wouldn't be impressed with any of the following.
1) A black plastic Casio with a white face and a second hand. $10 at JC Penny.
I had a coupon and the checkout girl repeatedly hit some button.
2) A grey mesh wire banded Skagen which I love. Likely $110 new. I call it my Movado.
3) A Swiss Army Watch with a major corporate logo added to the face (quality swag).
4) A grey mesh wire banded Boccia w grey face and boldly colored hands.
I've seen the same watch with artsy hands for sale in tourist kiosks.
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2005
- Messages
- 10,325
In the mid 90s I went into a local Rolex dealer in Huntsville, AL and asked if I could try on a few Rolex watches, with the understanding that I couldn't afford to buy one yet. The nice sales lady let me try on several, and the Submariner was my absolute favorite. I don't remember the others. If I ever buy an expensive watch, it'll be the Rolex Submariner.
If you are looking for something you like regardless of pedigree, then the world is your oyster.
There are plenty of cool things available at almost all price points.
This is the joy of the hobby - there is price point for everyone and plenty of net things to discover at all prices.
Rolex is a safe bet for value retention or appreciation if its real- its very hard to tell and Id recommend you have a watchmaker vet any used purchase.
That said these pieces are common and boring.
To this posters point - if you are looking for something that holds, or appreciates in value that's almost always going to be a company with an in house movement.
There are only about 10 or so of these left in the world and these pieces command more money.
Just because a watch may have a 3rd part y movement doesn't mean its performance is substandard, it just means it's probably not ever going to be rare or hugely desirable piece. You can get ETA service and parts everywhere and this is good.
ETA is the small block chevy of watch movements, especially the 7750 and 7750 variants. Just because its got a
I’ve got a 20yr old timex expedition, $20 when I bought it. Some batteries and two bands, that’s it. However I do appreciate the craftsmanship of beautiful watches.
Watches are a sickness with me. I have way too many and I am on & off of whether I really need a grail watch. My grail watch would be an OMEGA but I'm not sure which one in particular or how many different models I'd want.
I have to say that I am really enjoying my Eco-Drive watches from CITIZEN. I leave them exposed to some light regularly and they never run down. I don't put them away in a dark drawer from months on end.
However, I do love simple mechanical hand-wind & automatics. I am also liking some really well made/well finished watches from MONTA & FORMEX. I love a well made, high end watch however, I don't need to spend 4 & 5 figure$. I can get really good watches for under $1K. It's all about personal taste.
I have to say that I am really enjoying my Eco-Drive watches from CITIZEN. I leave them exposed to some light regularly and they never run down. I don't put them away in a dark drawer from months on end.
However, I do love simple mechanical hand-wind & automatics. I am also liking some really well made/well finished watches from MONTA & FORMEX. I love a well made, high end watch however, I don't need to spend 4 & 5 figure$. I can get really good watches for under $1K. It's all about personal taste.
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Or under $2K such as:
