top 5 current watches under €1,000 Tissot PRX

Fratello’s Top 5 Current Watches Under €1,000 — Featuring Tissot, Christopher Ward, Seiko, And More

Affordable watches that offer the best in design, specs, quality, and serviceability

January 05, 2024

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Another Friday, another Top 5! It might be a new year, but our weekly lists are going nowhere. We completed our Best Of 2023 series last week with our top dress watches of last year. This week, we move on to our regular series of lists covering various topics. In this first Top 5 of the year, we will look at what we feel are the best mechanical watches under €1,000. What five watches would we buy that tick all our boxes? This is our collective answer to that question.

It seems like an easy question to answer. But finding the best five watches under €1,000 that we collectively agree on is quite the task. Many of our writers covered personal picks in a series of articles last year. I then wrote a summary of all of them, and you had a chance to vote for your favorites. But what five watches do we agree on that represent the best under €1,000? We never answered that question collectively, so that’s why we will cover the topic in this article. We picked watches between €500 and €1,000 that could impress us regarding brand, design, quality, specs, and reliability. On top of that, we looked at watches that are mechanical and easy to service. So, without further ado, let’s jump in.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

Our #1 pick was a unanimous decision. The Tissot PRX is one of the watch industry’s biggest success stories of recent times and for a good reason. Multiple Fratello team members own a PRX, and everyone understands its great success. It seems unnecessary, but let’s go over the story in more detail.

The PRX was inspired by a Tissot Seastar model with an integrated bracelet from the 1970s. The designers updated the design to hit the sweet spot of retro charm and modern appeal. Currently, the PRX is available in quartz and mechanical variations and comes in 35mm and 40mm versions with various dial colors.

But our favorites are the 35mm and 40mm Powermatic 80 versions. Both have a design that is instantly recognizable and easy to love. They each feature a dial with a texture reminiscent of the great Royal Oak’s Tapisserie dial. But when put in the context of the PRX, it becomes its own thing that works very well. Inside the cases of these PRX models, you will find the reliable automatic Powermatic 80 movement with an 80-hour power reserve.

At €775 (regardless of size), this is the total package. As a PRX owner, I can say that the watch looks, feels, and wears like a watch worth two or three times its €775 retail price. That is the real strength of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. The feeling of a true luxury watch that it gives you is hard to beat at under €1,000.

Hamilton Khaki Field Auto (38mm)

Next up is the 38mm Hamilton Khaki Field Auto. You could debate whether the Auto or the Mechanical should be on this list. We opted for the practicality of the automatic version over its manual counterpart.

As Nacho explained perfectly in his article about the watch, “The Auto gives you everything the hand-winding model does but with the added convenience of a date, automatic movement, and a 100m water resistance rating.” I would also add that the dial design is slightly more refined, making it easier on the eyes than the Khaki Field Mechanical.

Although it’s also available in 42mm and 44mm sizes, our chosen Khaki Field Auto features a neat 38mm case that measures 11mm thick. The display case back reveals the Hamilton H10 automatic movement inside. This staple of the Hamilton collection is another version of the Powermatic 80 that powers so many great affordable options from the different Swatch Group brands. It is a modernized version of the ETA 2824-2 with, once again, a healthy 80-hour power reserve.

If you are looking for a watch with plenty of military-field-watch charm and a modern appeal and execution, look no further. At €825 on a stainless steel bracelet (H70455133) and €745 on a strap (H70455533), this is our second pick for this Top 5.

Seiko Prospex SPB317 “Turtle Origin”

Our third pick for this Top 5 was the undisputed winner of last year’s reader poll for the best watch under €1,000. With 22% of the votes, the Seiko Prospex SPB317 won that popularity contest by a landslide. And we agree it is a stellar watch that is now available for exactly €1,000. The SPB317 “Turtle Origin” has everything that makes a vintage-inspired Seiko diver so appealing.

It combines good looks with a great story and has the size and build quality to guarantee a standout everyday watch. The 41mm case is a breath of fresh air when considering that many Seiko Prospex divers are significantly larger. Luckily, to many watch lovers’ delight, Seiko has released increasingly more modestly sized divers in recent times.

Fratello’s Daan owns an SPB317, and besides being a great-looking watch, it is also an absolute strap monster. Daan has worn it on various straps, and the watch looks great on all of them. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a NATO, leather, or rubber strap; the design lends itself well to pretty much anything you pair it with.

Inside the case, you will find the in-house Seiko 6R35 caliber. As Daan explained, it might not win any accuracy awards, but that didn’t keep you from voting for the SPB317 as the most popular watch under €1,000. We agree that it is a great, affordable daily wearer, and that’s why it is part of this Top 5 list.

Christopher Ward C65 Dune Automatic

There are multiple contenders from Christopher Ward in this price category, including the C60 Trident Pro 300, C60 Atoll 300, C63 Sealander Automatic, and the C63 Celest. If one thing is clear, the brand offers some best-in-class watches under €1,000. But the one model that thoroughly impressed us when we had it in for review was the C65 Dune Automatic.

The Explorer-esque watch is part of the brand’s Dune series and is available in four dial colors. Of these, the most striking is the White Sand version. Combined with a canvas or a leather strap, the C65 Dune Automatic offers plenty of charm and makes a perfect daily wearer with its desert-inspired looks.

The charm combines an unmatched quality and finishing within the price bracket. On top of that, Christopher Ward equips the watch with the Sellita SW200-1, a reliable Swiss engine. Many watches arrive at the Fratello offices, but none offer better quality at the sub-€1,000 price point.

I would even go as far as to that the combination of the watch and the bracelet beats many watches under €2K. Granted, the C65 Dune Automatic bracelet option is slightly above the €1,000 threshold at €1,165. But at €950 on a canvas strap and €965 on a leather strap, the 38mm C65 Dune Automatic is a brilliant watch for the money.

Certina DS Action Diver (38mm)

We have a vintage-inspired diver with the Seiko SPB317, but we also wanted to add a more modern-looking dive watch. We feel that the best option is the 38mm Certina DS Action Diver. Last year, Lex reviewed the titanium version of the watch that could be your pick at €995 on a NATO strap. But as most of us want a diver on a bracelet, the pictured titanium version is just out of scope with its current €1,095 list price.

However, the stainless steel version on a bracelet could be yours for €890, and it offers great bang for the buck. The watch is built according to ISO 6425 specifications and is water resistant to 300 meters. The case measures a modest 38mm wide, 45mm long, and 12.20mm, making it a great fit for various wrist sizes.

Just like the case proportions, the dial design also feels balanced. The stainless steel version comes with either a blue sunray dial with a blue bezel (C032.807.11.041.00), a green sunray dial with a green bezel (C032.807.11.091.00), or a black dial with a black bezel (C032.807.11.051.00). The titanium version (C032.807.48.081.00 / C032.807.44.081.00) offers more excitement with the darker titanium color and a brown bezel.

On top of that, as you can see in the pictures, the hour markers and hands feature blue lume for a bit more “pop.” Inside the case of the DS Action Diver, you will find the Powermatic 80.611 movement. Yes, this is another Swatch Group watch with another Powermatic movement. It is a great caliber to power this modern diver, our fifth and last pick for our list of the best current watches under €1,000.

Final thoughts on our top five current watches under €1,000

There you have it — our top five current watches under €1,000. All of them are great picks from reputable brands that tick all the boxes mentioned in the intro. Three of our five options are from Swatch Group brands with Powermatic movements inside. As I already stated in my article wrapping up all of last year’s picks, in the sub-€1,000 segment, the Swatch Group offers many great choices from brands with a good reputation and history.

Hamilton, Tissot, and Certina also have many more great options under €1,000. But so do Christopher Ward and Seiko, so we’d understand if you picked a different watch from any of them.

You might be thinking, “What about smaller brands like Baltic, Serica, Traska, and so on?” We have to admit that we threw you a little curveball. There are so many great options from microbrands these days. That’s why we want to take the opportunity to create a separate Top 5 list for them.

As I explained in our overview of options from last year, smaller brands have changed the landscape of affordable watches forever. We want to give these brands a separate article next week because five spots are not enough to cover all the best options under €1,000.

So we hope to see you next week for another Top 5 list. In the meantime, let us know your favorite pick in the comments section.

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Fratello’s Top 5 Current Watches Under €1,000 — Featuring Tissot, Christopher Ward, Seiko, And More

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MB
MarkBu says:

Jan 05, 2024 at 15:42

Based on my experience, pretty much anything with a Powermatic 80/H10 is worth considering – just pick the style that suits you best. As it is, I’ve got both a slightly different Hamilton and a slightly different Certina and am happy with them both. It’s similar with C. Ward; no Dune in my line-up, but I do have a C63 automatic, a C65 Dartmouth and a C60 Atoll 600. The SPB317 is the problem child for me; I would have got one by now if I wasn’t so wary of the movement.

Reply
1. Enuona says:
  
  Jan 05, 2024 at 23:29
  
  The SPB317 case is brilliant design, simply billiant. Would you have picked it ahead of your beloved DS 2 titanium if the SPB had PM80?
  
  Reply
  1. MB
    MarkBu says:
    
    Jan 06, 2024 at 15:44
    
    Easy answer to that question is yes, because the SPB317 was released before the DS-2. Movement aside, it’s the Certina’s titanium build vs. the Seiko’s probably better lume and larger and better positioned crown. Tough choice and neither are too expensive for me not to have both if I so wished.
    
    Reply
    1. Enuona says:
      
      Jan 08, 2024 at 12:37
      
      Haven’t digged into it really, but the DS tech may speak to the advantage of Certina. I get the impression that people view DS as “double seals”, whereas my understanding is that it involves seals and how the case absorbs mechanical impacts through a cushion layer. Double security means seals and shock absorbers.
      
      Don’t believe it was developed by Certina though, but their casemakers Huguenin Frères which also made cases for Speedmasters I believe.
      
      Anyway, not sure if Seiko and everyone else has catched up thus of vintage/development importance only, if not, it speaks for the Certina cases. But for crown placement and sleek protection, I’d go SPB. Both Planet Ocean and Speedmaster case/crown/pusher protection seems based upon a similar approach to the SPB, but SPB really nails it better than anything I’ve come across, in a practical sense.
      
      https://www.europastar.com/highlights/1004091548-certina-60-years-of-double-security.html
      https://www.vintagecertinas.ch/en/certina-ds/
      
      Reply
2. Christoph says:
  
  Jan 06, 2024 at 09:16
  
  Citizen NB6021-17E Promaster Supertitanium is a watch worth to consider for way less than 1.000.
  
  Reply
  1. MB
    MarkBu says:
    
    Jan 06, 2024 at 15:45
    
    Definitely. It was on my list for a while.
    
    Reply
3. GP
  Skip72 says:
  
  Jan 08, 2024 at 16:24
  
  I own many of those movements. I have owned even more that I sold on. If you buy it new, you will know very quickly if you got a dud. 99% of the time when you send it back to Seiko it will return running equal to or better than a Powermatic 80 (though not as good as a regulated 2824). Seiko will take their sweet time with your watch once they get it (I have sent a few in, including last summer–3 months).
  
  Reply
Homme says:

Jan 05, 2024 at 16:52

Of the watches featured here, my favorite is the Seiko. Great design, good finishing, in-house movement. Seikos are usually more accurate than quoted, but if you’re worried about accuracy, you can have the movement regulated by your local watch expert. The Certina and the Tissot both suffer from being inexpensive members of the Swatch Group, who are applying their Sistem51 thinking to brands other than Swatch and using plastic parts for some of Powermatic movements used by both Tissot and Certina (and Longines). As for the Christopher Ward, I can’t get used to the look of their hands. The Hamilton offers great value, and unlike its other Swatch Group brethren, it uses an ETA base movement, but I just find the design, although well executed, a bit too plain and boring for my taste. If I was buying strictly on looks, I’d go for the Certina.

Reply
1. Andrew says:
  
  Jan 05, 2024 at 18:43
  
  I keep seeing this same comment about “plastic parts” in the Powermatic 80, which make it something to avoid.
  This couldn’t be further from the truth. Be patient and let me explain.
  The origin of plastic parts in a movement is the Actualis/Tissot “Autolub” movement of the early 80s. The thinking was genius- one of the Achilles heels of a manual movement is the need for lubricant, and the fact that lubricant degrades as it ages. This degradation means that a conventional mechanical watch needs a service every 5-10 years. The Actualis movement was made almost entirely of polymers (except for the keyless works, the mainspring and the balance wheel and hairspring). The reasoning was that polymers are robust and self lubricating,so a movement made of polymer requires no lubrication and is essentially maintenance free.
  And indeed, it did everything it said on the tin. You can buy an Autolub watch on eBay today, and find that even 40 years after it was made,it will still run OK. If you had bought one in your 20s, it will still run for your retirement and will have cost you a fat zero in maintenance all that time. What more could you ask for?
  But alas, commercially, the watch was a failure. For the same reasons as today, people said “ugh. .. a watch with plastic parts? I’m not spending my money on that!”
  So, the watch was dropped, but the technology was not forgotten. Along came Swatch group to absorb Tissot, and some clever engineers saw the opportunity to go plastic again, this time in a cheap Quartz watch which we know as Swatch. And once again, a Swatch may have plastic components, but they will perform faultlessly for decades…,
  And now, with the Powermatic 80, we’re on the third iteration of plastic. A hybrid between the ETA 2824 and the Actualis movement, this time mainly metal, but just with the lubricant critical parts (most importantly, the anchor and escape wheel) made of polymer. But again, the intention is the same- to give you a watch with reduced maintenance requirements, which should give you trouble free ownership for decades.
  What I would say to readers is that the first 2 iterations of the polymer technology have delivered exactly what they said, and still do 40 years later. There is no reason to think that the Powermatic will be any different. Again, you are probably looking at a watch you can buy in your 20s,just enjoy, and it will probably still work for your retirement. All for less than the cost of a single service on your Omega.
  What’s not to like about that? And no, I have no commercial interests in Swatch group, I’m simply a happy collector of Actualis/Autolub and Swatch watches.
  
  Reply
  1. AlexB says:
    
    Jan 05, 2024 at 23:18
    
    Great explanation. Thanks Andrew!
    
    Reply
  2. Enuona says:
    
    Jan 05, 2024 at 23:20
    
    You know way way more about powermatics than I do, but if anyone would be kind enough to advise me about better alternatives within the say sub +/- € 1.000 segment in terms of an expected combination of accuracy, reliability, endurance and resilience, I’d be happy to broaden my horizon. After 33 days mine (PM 80.611) has slowed 3 s in total which should be – 0,1 s/d avg. Biggest deviation abt 0,5 s/d 2-3 times that I’m aware of. No timer, no lab, daily use +25C to -24C (occasionally).
    
    Most certainly anecdotal thus I cannot claim that as universal performance for the lot, but where would I go if I were to, with good reason, expect similar performance? Beats me, and I’m all ears.
    
    Reply
    1. MB
      MarkBu says:
      
      Jan 06, 2024 at 15:47
      
      My Murph was -1s/d straight out of the box and has now settled at a near-perfect zero. It was recently in an ‘accuracy battle’ with my wife’s Tissot SeaStar Precidrive quartz. I knew given enough time that the Tissot would win, but it was fascinating to observe.
      
      Reply
      1. Enuona says:
        
        Jan 06, 2024 at 23:10
        
        Can’t ask for more within this price bracket really. I’ve taken Andrew’s points about the other iterations, and I have the impression that Nivachron now covers more or less the entire PM80 range? Do believe it is a tad foggy and unclear wrt what is used where, and that’s my only beef with them really.
        
        Reply
        
        Andrew says:
        
        Jan 07, 2024 at 15:39
        
        The key think with a Powermatic 80 movement is to look at the jewel count. 25 jewels means close to standard ETA 2824 which will need a service every 5-10 years. 23 jewels means polymer anchor and escape wheel. The latter is the one to go for if you want a very extended service interval.
        Otherwise, I believe all the Powermatic 80 movements nowadays have a Nivachron hairspring.
        
        Reply
        
        Enuona says:
        
        Jan 07, 2024 at 19:05
        
        Not too worried about service, yearly days though.
        
        I believe all fresh iteration for sale uses Nivachron too, but in earlier days, that was limited to the “top tier”. It was a tad confusing when Nivachron moved down the foodchain as it was the main easy indicator, and they didn’t really announce it when they moved another iteration.
        
        It makes sense though, shifting production line by production line until full capacity. When that occurred I fail to see any advantage in keeping old production tech and double stock.
        
        Believe the different brands can opt in / opt out a bit on things for additional ruggednesss and soforth.
        
        Given pricing was competitive, I’d argue many microbrands would have picked PM80 if they had the opportunity.
        
        Reply
  3. Rick says:
    
    Jan 06, 2024 at 02:55
    
    This following is just my opinion. Plastic is cheap, and has no place in a fine mechanical watch. In some cases, it renders the movement unserviceable if it fails. If plastic were superior, it would be in use by the best mechanical watches in the world. Needless to say, it’s not. Indeed, not even by some of Swatch Group’s own higher end brands. Plastic’s true purpose is cost cutting, not functional improvement.
    
    Reply
    1. GI
      Ozziedog says:
      
      Jan 06, 2024 at 12:45
      
      Maybe you should just do some research. Google “Silicium Mainspring.”
      
      You should see an article at Prestige Time. They go into great detail about Patek Philippe, Ulysses Nardin, Rolex, Omega amd other luxury brands using hybrid components in specific watches and specific parts.
      
      I hope you give it a look and see for yourself.
      
      Reply
      1. Thomas says:
        
        Jan 07, 2024 at 16:20
        
        Using a Silicone mainspring is not the same as using plastic parts on an escapement. Silicone should not be confused with plastic. They’re not the same thing. Even so, Silicone has its detractors when it comes to watch movements. I second the opinion that plastic parts shouldn’t be used in mechanical movements.
        
        Reply
        
        GI
        Ozziedog says:
        
        Jan 07, 2024 at 17:14
        
        I meant it as a search term sir to find a specific article online…by following specific steps. Breadcrumbs if you will.
        
        I hope you follow what I’m saying.
        
        Reply
    2. Andrew says:
      
      Jan 06, 2024 at 13:56
      
      I disagree- I suspect you are coming from a high value watch collectors perspective and you are probably not in the target market here.
      Polymer is an intentional choice here to give a watch which will keep good time for a long period without service. The target market is almost certainly not watch aficionados, and not people who will be wanting to spend big bucks every 5-10 years to get their watch serviced.
      If you are a collector, and you are happy with the 5-10 yearly service intervals and costs, then a Powermatic is possibly not for you. You will be wanting an all metal movement which is serviceable indefinitely.
      But on a watch priced well under $1000, it’s a very intelligent materials choice. At this price level, you will be spending as much on a service as the watch is worth in the first place, so better to fit it with materials which will give a very long service interval (recognising that many will never be serviced and just be worn till they stop). Not so different to something like a Seiko 5, but here you have technology which will give far superior timekeeping to a Seiko 5.
      
      Reply
      1. Ralph says:
        
        Jan 07, 2024 at 16:22
        
        Yet, there are many mechanical watches, including from Swatch Group, that don’t use plastic parts at the sub $1,000 price point.
        
        Reply
    3. JM
      Joma117 says:
      
      Jan 06, 2024 at 15:29
      
      Expensive watches don’t use cheap plastic parts.
      Plastic parts are cheap because they aren’t used in expensive watches.
      A bit circular there, don’t you think?
      
      The illogical leap that is unsaid- “less expensive parts are inherently worse and more expensive parts are inherently better.” If “worse” and “better” don’t refer to actual performance of a function or reliability or longevity but only to how much someone is willing to pay…
      
      That seems like one of the definitions of luxury goods. And that is okay.
      The free market will prevail!
      
      Reply
      1. SW
        Chronocanuck says:
        
        Jan 06, 2024 at 23:11
        
        A similar argument is often made in parts of the motorcycle world. I have a friend who insists that I should swap out the plastic front fenders on a couple of my bikes (a Yamaha and a BMW) for something metal. No matter that they’re much lighter and take a lot more abuse without damage than his metal-fendered Harley. I’ve pointed out to him that his metal fender is functionally inferior and his defence then is that he likes that it could be modded (cut shorter, stripped and repainted a different colour, etc), not that he’ll ever do that, besides which I could ‘mod’ my bike by simply replacing my fender for likely less than he could have someone make fabricated changes to his.
        
        My theory is that there’s been a generational bias against plastic passed down from, say, the 50’s. My grandfather dropped a plastic transistor radio on the floor and it shattered into a million pieces, as many plastics did at that time. He announced then to my dad that he’d never buy another plastic item. Before he died he had come around and owned many cars that were literally bumper to bumper plastic, but some will still insist that in every instance plastic is inferior and I doubt any reasoned argument will change that.
        
        Reply
        
        Enuona says:
        
        Jan 07, 2024 at 11:11
        
        Second that, and your bike comparison is a great one.
        
        One significant reason would be that “plastic” is a very generic term leaving anyone to apply any prejudice based upon anything one would like to use as a reference. It’s a bit like using “metal” to cover anything like platina, gold, titanium, brass and clad iron.
        
        Reply
        
        SW
        Chronocanuck says:
        
        Jan 07, 2024 at 16:40
        
        Yeah, on that topic, I wish watch publications would dive deeper into the proprietary characteristics of the same materials across different brands. Tissot and Tudor both released carbon cased watches this year but I’ve only ever read passing and generic reference to the material in reviews of both watches. How does this carbon compare to the carbon that Breitling uses? We know that Rolex has their own proprietary steel but we don’t often hear about how other brands compare. We are told that Tudor uses grade 2 titanium compared with Rolex’s grade 5, but I’m not sure ppl are aware of how significant that difference is. I’d love more info.
        
        Reply
        
        Enuona says:
        
        Jan 07, 2024 at 19:35
        
        A bit difficult to figure out as the materials are proprietary and business/engineering secrets.
        
        Carbon has a lot of varieties both in materials, lay-up, resins and process. I like carbon for thermal qualities in watches, otherwise I don’t care. But I do try to “get it” for carbon and alloys for bicycle parts where I take an interest in mainly German and Spanish tech like Trickstuff (fantastic brakes), Carbon-Ti (Italian), Beast Components, Intend BC and RideGemini plus frames from Orbea and Mondraker. It’s a jungle and picking up other’s experiences is a must to get around to the best parts.
        
        There are composite materials comprising of both titanium and carbon too…
        
        As far as titanium goes I don’t believe grade 2, 5 and 23 +++ is the most important issue as far as quality goes. I belive the production processes are just as and far more important. (In reality just as relevant for stainless, but many more has experience with such production).
        
        Not sure if Rolex has nailed it, and I don’t have any reason to claim they have not. Do believe Blancpain and Omega is in the forefront as far as titanium and alloys goes, but have no reason whatsoever to be bombastic.
        
        Reply
        
        Andrew says:
        
        Jan 08, 2024 at 10:02
        
        Just to say that Rolex still is not “proprietary”, it is a standard grade of stainless steel that’s available from steel suppliers (904L). Some other brands also use it, from memory Maen being one of them.
        Compared to the more usual 316 steel, it has a higher nickel content, and better resists surface corrosion and micro cavitation. Because of the higher nickel it will also take a higher polish, which is why current Rolexes look so shiny.
        But there’s downsides as well, which is why 316 is more common. The steel surface is softer, so it will take deep scratches more easily, and if you are an individual with a nickel allergy, there is a greater risk of poor toleration of the watch, especially in a tropical climate where you are sweating more. The watch will stay shinier as it’s not corroded by your sweat, but the skin on your wrist may get irritated!
        
        Reply
        
        Enuona says:
        
        Jan 08, 2024 at 11:41
        
        I have no idea whether Rolex alters the common 904 alloy to slightly change the physical qualities, but one could assume that they may process the metal differently than others. Probably “every” manufacturer have their own twists which may or may not add to certain aspects of quality.
        
        For instance what temperature, heating and cooling plus what gases they are using for the casting atmosphere will influence upon the qualities of titanium as it will for aluminium or titanium in bike frames. If the hardening processes are done wrong, potentially great parts will be total crap even if the base metal is identical.
        
        Returning to watches, I saw some preloved top tier (way above the Rolex/Omega class) highly regarded titanium watches for sale, and they really didn’t look good. No damages and so on, but the surfaces looked really really bad.
        
        Reply
        
        SR
        SPQR. says:
        
        Jan 08, 2024 at 14:17
        
        The “Oystersteel” used by Rolex is standard 904L steel, if they processed it “differently” or altered the composition beyond the parameters of 904L steel it would no longer be 904L steel. as Andrew explained the reason Rolex used 904L steel is it alleged resistance to corrosion but 904L steel has a higher chromium content as well as a higher nickle content, however it is the higher molybdenum content that provides the resistance to corrosion. Typically 316L steel has a molybdenum content of 2% to 3% whereas in 904L steel it is 4% to 5%. according to a metallurgist I know it would take years of continually submerged use in salt water for 904L steel to demonstrate its superior resistance to pitting and corrosion over 316L steel. In fact 904L steel is often used for maritime components that will be constantly submerged while in use for that reason. Rolex starting using 904L steel in 1995 as marketing move and because 904L steel has a subtly different colour to 316L steel that looks like white gold when polished. Unfortunately because the chromium content is around 19% to 23% compared to 16% to 18% in 316L steel it is actually difficult to machine 904L steel to provide razor sharp transitions between polished and brushed surface finishes as the chromium cause microscopic fractures which cause a “fuzzy” line as opposed to a “clean” line. As my metallurgist friend explained it is similar to titanium in that regard where the transitions between surfaces are not terribly well defined at a microscopic level. You can actually see the difference between titanium and stainless steel easily if you compare a stainless steel Omega PloProf Cal.8500 from 2009 with the titanium Master Chronometer Cal.8912 version from 2016. The titanium version looks like a “fuzzy photocopy” when you look at the very thin polished bevels on the case band. Ablogtowatch pointed this out in their review of the titanium PloProf. It is also why most modern Rolex watches have smooth edges to their cases and are nearly always highly polished.
      2. Enuona says:
        
        Jan 08, 2024 at 15:00
        
        @ SPQR JAN 08, 2024 AT 14:17
        
        Yeah, I get that and accept your arguments for what I don’t get (😁) but as far as I’m aware it’s everyone else who uses the term “904L” whereas Rolex uses “Oystersteel” which may cover modifications in process and alloy.
        
        Am a bit curious about the processes Blancpain are using for their FF and Tech Gombessa, and if the microscopic imperfections are less evident, perhaps due to the gas mixture, temps and heat/cooling procedures in use. Just read briefly about it, thus there are voids to be filled both in knowledge and curiosity as far as I’m concerned. What I am convinced of, is that differences in process will provide different qualities and as such features.
        
        My interest to the “metallurgic” aspects arises from doing mildsteel/stainless metal work as a youngster, various heavy machinery, “geometrical” constructions like ships related to rigidity and weak spots from a.o. welding to alu bikes and hard steel knifes. To be very polite with myself, I’m very far away from being knowledgeable beyond the generic practical usage perspective. Thank you for adding missing elements to that 👍🏻
        
        Reply
      3. SC
        Tam O’ Banter says:
        
        Jan 09, 2024 at 10:06
        
        “Free Market”
        That’s funny!
        
        Reply
    4. GP
      Skip72 says:
      
      Jan 08, 2024 at 16:50
      
      No watch in this price range is a “fine mechanical watch.” Now, Cartier’s use of plastic movement holders in $10,000+ watches, that may legitimately cause concern about which corners were cut, but using modern organic compounds in a sub-$1,000 watch is perfectly acceptable. In addition, many higher priced watches would use plastic in their movements if it were not for the uneducated opinions that plastics are somehow inferior (they are not). Lemania used to make a chronograph movement with plastic parts for NATO spec military watches. That movement cost MORE than the 7750 because of its superior resistance to shock. Militaries buy watches to spec (thank the Gods), not to the quaint norms of European mountain folk.
      
      The only real contention with the Powermatic 80 is the inability to regulate it. That is unfortunate given how well even the base model 2824 movements can be regulated. I met a guy who appeared to be building a museum to Hamilton, and he had every one of them running at COSC using this little Chinese time grapher he bought for $150. Those days are over with the Powermatic 80, but the use of plastics in movements should be progressing where they improve performance, but this will most likely occur in Japan or Germany where technology is valued over superstition, ahem, I mean tradition.
      
      Reply
      1. Enuona says:
        
        Jan 09, 2024 at 09:14
        
        “The only real contention with the Powermatic 80 is the inability to regulate it. That is unfortunate given how well even the base model 2824 movements can be regulated.”
        
        Why would anyone make corrections to an element of the movement that doesn’t need any correction?
        
        https://monochrome-watches.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Powermatic-movement-regulator.jpg
        
        “Focus on the regulating organ of the Powermatic movement”
        
        Beat error can be adjusted, and rate can be regulated.
        
        Reply
  4. Jim says:
    
    Jan 08, 2024 at 12:16
    
    Yes, thank you for the clear and insightful explanation.
    
    Reply
TW
Berlin_Tony says:

Jan 05, 2024 at 17:51

The only one that really takes my fancy is the Certina & because I’m awkward I want it in titanium with a titanium bracelet which is over the €1000 budget – unless I can haggle that is

I’ll probably just wait until it’s 1st owner is bored of it & buy one for half price in a couple of years time

Reply
1. Renesse says:
  
  Jan 05, 2024 at 20:49
  
  I’m a 1st owner Certina Titanium and the “bad” news is I will not get bored with it as the watch is excellent (original, handsome, extremely comfortable and light, accurate to 2 seconds a day, etc). The good news is I got it new with a 20% discount (generic promotion at a jewellery) , very early after launch.
  
  The bracelet is titanium and not bad but finally I preferred a very thin Nato with a final total wight of less than 50g, you literally forget you’re wearing a watch and the very definition of a skim diver.
  
  Reply
  1. TW
    Berlin_Tony says:
    
    Jan 05, 2024 at 21:57
    
    Makes me happy that you find it to be a good watch – ok, maybe I won’t get one for as little as I’d hoped but as it’s got the making of a classic already I won’t mind so much
    
    Reply
MG
maciej-g says:

Jan 05, 2024 at 18:11

I’d pick:
– Hamilton Murph 38
– Seiko SPB403
– Tissot Gentleman
– Citizen CB0260-81E
– Nomos 701.1 (€1,3K, I know)

Reply
1. GP
  Skip72 says:
  
  Jan 08, 2024 at 16:56
  
  Yes, but we all know you could get that Nomos for under a grand. I like your list.
  
  Reply
Carlos says:

Jan 05, 2024 at 18:43

CW really does well, takes a great twist on existing styles to create CW unique pieces even with neotina. Like no buy.
Certina, great, the italian style colors choice take it out of the typical rather boring homage context. Like no buy.
Serica, consistency, unique twist and balance on existing styles, excluding neotina. Like to buy.
Baltic, every time something new copying old into unbalanced mixes, overdone and thus shouting for attention. Not for me.
Tissot, yeah if you want a more expensive watch direct homage for budget. Not for me.

Reply
ML
MartyDK says:

Jan 05, 2024 at 22:08

Good choices, however the Certina DS Action Diver does not seem to meet the ISO 6425 standards as it seems to be missing a lume dot at 3 o’clock. For the same reason Seiko had to modify the SBP143J1, the first generation of that model did not bave lume at 3, the second generation did.

Reply
1. SR
  8giorni says:
  
  Jan 06, 2024 at 07:19
  
  There is a lume dot at 3 o’clock.
  
  Reply
2. SR
  8giorni says:
  
  Jan 06, 2024 at 07:21
  
  Sorry, 12 o’clock
  
  Reply
Robert says:

Jan 06, 2024 at 00:00

Certina watch is an outstanding looking watch. The Hamilton is one of my favorites since I own 8 watches of this brand.i am intrigued by by the Tissot’s eleff gf snce

Reply
GI
Ozziedog says:

Jan 06, 2024 at 13:10

Tissot Gentleman…just hold it in your hand and put it on your wrist. It’s stunning. Mine runs consistently 3 seconds fast a day over the last 2 years measured against US NIST Time by eye.

I have two other P80 watches.

The Mido Multifort Powerwind is also a beautiful gada watch with that popular retro styling. It’s so comfortable and mine is accurate about 3 seconds fast a week. That’s the truth.

My third is Tissot’s Le Locle. I don’t wear it as often these days, but it’s also a stunner and in this price range. There’s a reason Tissot’s Managing Director always mentions it. Outstanding elegant watch.

Why pay more? My watches are for my own satisfaction.

Reply
1. Andrew says:
  
  Jan 07, 2024 at 13:00
  
  Yes, absolutely. As I was saying, the Powermatic 80 movements have some very intelligent materials choices. It’s also the case that the balance and hairspring is poised and timed as a unit before fitment, hence the excellent timekeeping right out of the box, and the consistency from example to example (exactly the same as Rolex and Omega are doing).
  These watches give fantastic performance for the money you are paying, and the polymer components (which are self lubricating) will ensure consistency over time and a very long service interval.
  I have said this before, and it’s a bit controversial, but I think that within the Swatch group, the Powermatic movement is far cleverer and provides a superior experience for the buyer than the expensive Co-axial does…..
  
  Reply
  1. GI
    Ozziedog says:
    
    Jan 07, 2024 at 17:27
    
    I think what’s at play frankly is ego.
    
    Some people feel a need to be recognized for their wealth and hence pay for what they perceive as status symbols.
    
    And then, they feel compelled to point out that something that cost 10X more is certainly 10 times better.
    
    We all know that intrinsically a 50,00o euro/pound/dollar watch isn’t better than a 5,000 piece. Maybe some gold and jewels, but not nearly enough to justify the price difference. And how many of us really want to wear a jewel encrusted thing without our personal security?
    
    I’m delighted that this site, which is based in the Netherlands right, is taking on the discussion of wealth and how we choose to express it. I love the Netherlands for their pragmatic and adult outlook on life.
    
    As I said above…my watches are for my own enjoyment, and getting a beautiful watch that performs with great accuracy at a great value delights me. I work too hard to make my money and got where I am by valuing it and remembering who I am. I don’t give a rat’s ass what other people think or know about how much money I have. I don’t need them to be impressed or their approval. My dad and grandfather called it being a man. They were right.
    
    Reply
    1. 1Gav1 says:
      
      Jan 07, 2024 at 18:14
      
      https://www.fratellowatches.com/why-budget-mechanical-watches-dont-make-sense/
      
      Reply
      1. Enuona says:
        
        Jan 08, 2024 at 00:01
        
        Can only speak for myself, but I don’t have any illusions whatsoever pertaining “grandness” within the budget ranges i reside. I simply prefer not to replace batteries and having to presstest toolwatches every so often, and I don’t want batteries to die on a “walkabout”, winters in particular. (I basicly don’t do that stuff anymore, but I stick to the requirements).
        
        While at it within the budget brackets and mech, I just want it to be as precise, resilient and reliable as possible at that level. If service means that the movement is stripped and reassembled with new parts and shipped to another customer, and I get a refurbished one from another, I’m fine with that as long as it has the same qualities as the one I handed in. I believe this should be expected in the low budget bracket.
        
        The question becomes more interesting moving up the ladder. But I do believe the “handmade illusion” and soforth moves quite high up the ladder and that a lot of “handcrafted” watches basicly are factory made with a dash of fluff.
        
        I believe the budget mech watches are made to be mech competitors to budget quartz, keeping costs down whilst adding PERCEIVED value thus increased profit margin. They are not made to compete with or be an alternative to Rolex/Omega, but the budget brands are of course happy as clams when that illusion sticks.
        
        Reply
        
        1Gav1 says:
        
        Jan 08, 2024 at 06:31
        
        @ Enuona
        
        Can’t disagree with any of that, particularly the ‘dash of fluff’. ¦D I’m under no illusions.
        
        Reply
      2. GI
        Ozziedog says:
        
        Jan 08, 2024 at 00:04
        
        You still think lower cost is lower quality every time…like an ostrich burying head in sand…
        
        Reply
        
        1Gav1 says:
        
        Jan 08, 2024 at 06:19
        
        @ Ozzie
        
        I don’t think to that extreme – I was just focusing on it being a Fratello article to lightly jest at your love of the Netherlands’ pragmatism.
        
        Reply
        
        GI
        Ozziedog says:
        
        Jan 08, 2024 at 19:24
        
        Ahhh I see thanks for explaining. Yes there are many opinions out there…everywhere.
        
        Note the sub heading on this article from Jorg….it mentions better Serviceabilty.
        
        All of the watches are Automatics right? Better Serviceability.
        
        Except, when you wait months for your little beauty to be returned, all polished and with its bag of parts…you can feel privileged and special for being without it all that time. Special for the opportunity to pay so much.
        
        This is literally the fable The Emperor’s New Clothes. It’s idiotic to think you are getting better. You are getting worse…and being sold a fable that you should eat it and like it…because it’s good shit.
        
        Reply
      3. Fred says:
        
        Jan 08, 2024 at 00:15
        
        Exactly! Ironically, the same PRX photo is used in that article as well. It’s good to know at least one Fratello writer agrees that plastic shouldn’t be used in mech movements, and that the whole point to a mech watch is that it be serviceable, rather than disposable.
        
        Reply
      4. JP
        jorge_peredo says:
        
        Jan 08, 2024 at 00:19
        
        Couldn’t agree more. Thanks for sharing that Fratello article. It seems to me that an unserviceable mechanical watch is a contradiction of an object. One that shouldn’t be made. It’s perfectly possible to offer a mechanical watch sans plastic parts at a reasonable price.
        
        Reply
        
        Enuona says:
        
        Jan 08, 2024 at 10:27
        
        They are not unserviceable, and as far as I’m aware, a full replacement of “all” parts prone to wear is as much service as you’d get anywhere. You’d just don’t get back the same “fixed” movement parts.
        
        Further, when the “plastic parts” helps the user by extending service intervals towards never, it makes “the full replacement issue” far less relevant.
        
        I picture these made for the average Joe not particularly into watches, who still want good perceived value for a worryless watch used every day. The PM 80s does that job, probably better than everything else, and the synthetic compound contributes to that in accordance with Andrew’s experience with the subject.
        
        The trouble is not technical, the trouble is that illusions trumps the reality check.
        
        In my opinion there is a need to discuss how “Luxury” is used related to watches. When I see the term “Luxury” used for watches within my sensible budget bracket, it adds to the illusion at the expense of common sense.
        
        As I have argued before, everything is luxury if one has nothing and nothing is luxury if one has everything. My take is that the Rolex/Omega levels are the bottom entry point for luxury, which means that Oris, Tudor, Longines, Fortis and many more is not despite being perceived as such. That perception is what makes watches way more expensive than they should be. People pay for the illusion.
        
        They might be very fine and decent watches (most aren’t) like the budget level watches for what they are. They can very well be enjoyed for what they are, without the illusions.
        
        Reply
2. Jim says:
  
  Jan 08, 2024 at 20:17
  
  Agreed, my Gentleman is very accurate, +/- 3 seconds a day. The PM80 movement is amazing. Great watch for the money, wish the bracelet had a traditional clasp and was more comfortable.
  
  Reply
Andrew says:

Jan 08, 2024 at 10:44

I just don’t understand some of the comments on this article. Who became the arbiter that “the whole point of a mechanical watch is that it’s serviceable” or that “plastic has no part in a mechanical movement”?
It has never been that way. For example, who ever serviced a 7001 mechanical movement in a Seiko 5 or a Timex movement? You just wore and enjoyed those watches till they stopped, and then you either got another one or swapped the movement out if you were sentimentally attached to it. And Lemania have been using polymer parts in their much loved and respected chronograph movements since the 1970s. Are you suggesting Lemania chronographs in some of the most respected watches around are rubbish???
Absolutely not! A watch is a tool, first and foremost, to tell the time. Some people like the accuracy and convenience of Quartz, others like the ruggedness and independence of mechanical which doesn’t have a battery which may go flat on you at an inconvenient time. And that’s it. Beyond that, manufacturers have always used whatever engineering materials make best sense for their specific function. Once upon a time it was wood, then brass, steel, gold, sapphire, polymers, silicon, carbon and so forth. This obsession that if it isn’t metal it isn’t right is rubbish, frankly. You probably have sitting on your drive a motor car with a substantial component of polymers, and you’re saying that’s not a proper car, whereas a Ford Model T is????

Reply
1. MB
  MarkBu says:
  
  Jan 08, 2024 at 13:08
  
  I suspect that if you took the intersection between those who believe a watch should live forever, those who change their car every three years and those who change their phone every one year, you’d have something approaching a full circle.
  
  Reply
  1. Andrew says:
    
    Jan 08, 2024 at 14:51
    
    I bet you would! According to at least one of the respondents on this blog, they are themselves committing a crime by using a tablet or phone made of plastic which they are going to throw away when it breaks!
    
    Reply
2. JP
  jorge_peredo says:
  
  Jan 08, 2024 at 13:25
  
  The way I see things, any watch that has to be simply thrown away because it no longer works or can no longer be repaired is a crime. A true mechanical watch should be designed to outlast its owner’s lifetime. There is no romance in plastic parts for mechanical watches. You’re free to disagree. There are plenty of good mechanical watches at the same price point as the PRX that don’t use any plastic parts.
  
  Reply
  1. Enuona says:
    
    Jan 08, 2024 at 14:04
    
    So, you want them to last forever and disregard tech that makes them last… “forever”…?
    
    You want them to be repairable and …disregard tech that removes …the need for repair?
    
    There’s a third issue with these. The lack of opportunity to regulate an element that no longer needs regulation is very problematic.
    
    Reply
3. GP
  Skip72 says:
  
  Jan 08, 2024 at 17:01
  
  I serviced a base, no hand winding Seiko movement. I believe it cost me $70 all in including postage. Seiko USA has benefits and annoyances, but historically they charge very little to service movements (save for the Astron line which cost me $407 for a QUARTZ movement!). I do not know what it costs now, but not too long ago it was really cheap to service those Seikos, and they always come back running insanely well for an $80 watch. As to why I would not buy another one, those old Seiko 5 models are all gone or cost over $200 now. AND, Seiko often replaces worn out parts and does not charge (very nice with Hardlex crystals).
  
  Reply
4. GI
  Ozziedog says:
  
  Jan 08, 2024 at 19:11
  
  I think Jorge -Paredo should also believe no vehicle is a real vehicle if it isn’t made of Horse.
  
  Reply
Jim says:

Jan 08, 2024 at 12:19

OMG, the Hamilton Khaki is just so overrated, what an uber boring looking timepiece but it makes every top 5 list I see.

Reply
Jim says:

Jan 08, 2024 at 12:44

A Certina on the list? Well done. I have anyways loved the Action Diver, good to see it get the respect it deserves.

Reply
1. Enuona says:
  
  Jan 08, 2024 at 13:55
  
  Probably would hurt sales, but there are a couple of things I’d like to see to make them even better. For instance learning from the best Seikos in terms of lume, add lume and loose the gloss of the ceramic bezel inlays, preferably matte dials, and finally, screw-in lugbars. I believe they can handle a bashing and rough use better than most already, but sharpening them up a tad on the practical side would be great. From my perspective.
  
  Having said that, the present iterations are more than a step up from the previous generations, the bezel in particular. I wear it on strap, thus the improved clasp on the 43 is great, but with no implications for me. Screw-in lugbars would have made great difference.
  
  Justifiable trust in rough use capability adds a ton of value to me.
  
  Reply
  1. GI
    Ozziedog says:
    
    Jan 08, 2024 at 19:16
    
    How many here really need maximum lume?
    
    Reply
    1. Enuona says:
      
      Jan 09, 2024 at 10:03
      
      What’s the point with lume that isn’t proper? Fluff.
      
      Reply
      1. GI
        Ozziedog says:
        
        Jan 09, 2024 at 14:35
        
        Sure if you do it then do it well. Especially as it’s on other watches costing under 1000.
        
        And I know some people actually use it…but I suspect over 80% or maybe over 90% never really need it at night.
        
        Reply
        
        Enuona says:
        
        Jan 09, 2024 at 15:12
        
        For tool watches I’d argue it is good functionality, and of good use to me, seen from the field perspective.
        
        Reply
MS
MATT SPARKES says:

Jan 08, 2024 at 14:54

The fact that most of these basely scrape into the blow 1K category is disappointing, you should have highlighted pieces that truly deliver withing the said parameters.

Reply
GP
Skip72 says:

Jan 08, 2024 at 16:21

I own a very similar turtle to the one listed, but after wearing non-stop after purchase, I never wear it any more. I do own a much older turtle (but a lower quality hardlex model), and perhaps that took away from the long-term usefulness of the watch, or the fact that I collect Seiko Sumo models.

The real stunner here is that Christopher Ward. I adore the fauxtina on a white dial. I NEED that watch. I have an alert set up on ebay, but I have not pulled the trigger the one time I saw a great example. I think this is because I cannot decide between that and the Twelve. I almost bought the Twelve in the New Year’s sale when they were 30% off, but part of me keeps thinking that I do not need another affordable watch. I feel like I need to sell some watches if I buy another like that. Then again, I do not have any Christopher Ward models, so perhaps I should buy one. I suspect this is one of those situations where I will buy one if I see a good deal, and that deal is not after Christmas.

Reply
JP
jorge_peredo says:

Jan 09, 2024 at 00:14

There are several things people should know about t the PRX. First, there’s no way for you to regulate the movement at home. Second, plastic escapement wheel and plastic pallet fork. What this means is that you’ll likely have to send the watch back to Tissot every time it needs servicing. You won’t be able to have the watch serviced by a local watch professional, who may charge you less and get your watch back to you more quickly. It also means Tissot will likely just replace the entire movement. Now, whether or not a watch that was designed to not last very long, not be easily repairable, and fitted with a disposable movement is a deal breaker or not is up to each person. For me, it most certainly is. I’d rather buy an inexpensive quartz watch for a small fraction of the price, or else buy a different mechanical watch with no plastic parts in its escapement. I feel mechanical watches should not be purposely designed in an unsustainable way. But that’s just me. As I said, every person must decide what’s best for them.

Reply
1. Enuona says:
  
  Jan 09, 2024 at 09:42
  
  Really?
  
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPf042EIyF0
  
  Would be wise to be a tad more careful than shown in this video though. With the tools at hand even I could regulate PM80.
  
  How would a synthetic escapement wheel and pallet fork differ from metal in terms of where a watch can be serviced?
  
  Do you have links to any information confirming that they toss the entire movement away? No recycling of mainplates, rotors and soforth? Where is that info coming from?
  
  I haven’t come across any info indicating these being less sustainable than any other watch in this pricebracket.
  
  Reply
2. Andrew says:
  
  Jan 09, 2024 at 13:53
  
  So, the misunderstandings continue. For how much longer will this anti-polymer “plastic” obsession go on?
  The engineering here is very clever. The first thing that stops a watch as the lubricant degrades is the sliding friction between the pallets and the escape wheel. The lubricant degrades and gets lost, and then the pallets don’t slide over the escape wheel and timing goes off or the watch stops.
  The actual torque at this point is very low- by the time the mainspring has run through the gear train, the torque has diminished to a tiny amount.
  In that environment, the use of polymer parts suddenly makes sense- polymers are self-lubricating, so no lubrication is necessary; the sliding friction stays constant for the life of the components; and with the correct polymer choice (possibly nylon but I’m not sure), the lifetime will be considerable.
  We are talking potentially decades here. Certainly, the original Actualis Autolub polymer movements will still work fine40 years after they were made,and you can buy nice working examples on eBay.
  Yes, once the parts wear, replacement will be the only option, and by that time other components will be suffering from lubricant degradation (mainspring barrel,reversing wheels etc), and it’s likely that Tissot (or anyone else) would just swap the movement out.
  But hey, you will have been wearing a watch that cost under $1000 for 20 years or more by that point, and have spent zero in maintenance in the meantime. Yes, it’s not a watch to pass onto your kids, but not every watch needs to be like that. Something relatively cheap that gives dependable service for 20 years or more is a very attractive proposition to me and to many others judging by the sales.
  
  Reply
SC
Tam O’ Banter says:

Jan 09, 2024 at 09:57

Love The Turtle.

Reply
Frank says:

Jan 09, 2024 at 21:44

1) Durability Concerns: Plastic is generally less durable than metal. Over time, plastic parts may wear out or degrade faster, affecting the overall longevity and reliability of the watch movement. They are more prone to damage, deformation, or breakage compared to their metal counterparts.

2) Susceptibility to Temperature Changes: Plastic components can be more sensitive to extreme temperatures. They might expand or contract differently than metal parts, potentially affecting the accuracy and functioning of the watch, especially in harsh environmental conditions.

3) Impact on Precision: The stability and precision of a watch movement can be compromised due to the potential flexibility or deformation of plastic parts. This can impact the accuracy of timekeeping and the overall performance of the watch.

4) Limited Resistance to Wear and Tear: Plastic parts may not withstand friction and stress as well as metal components. Continuous movement and interaction within the watch mechanism could cause premature wear, leading to a decrease in performance and potential failure of these parts.

5) Service and Repair Challenges: Repairing or replacing plastic parts in a watch movement might be more challenging. Finding exact replacements or suitable alternatives for worn-out or broken plastic components can be difficult, especially if the watch is no longer in production.

6) Perception and Prestige: Watches are often seen as luxury or high-quality items, and the presence of plastic parts may affect the perceived quality or prestige of the timepiece, particularly among watch enthusiasts who value traditional craftsmanship and premium materials.

7)Long-Term Reliability Concerns: While certain high-quality plastics can offer good performance, the long-term reliability of plastic parts in a watch movement compared to metal components is often questioned due to potential degradation over extended periods.

Reply
1. Enuona says:
  
  Jan 09, 2024 at 23:14
  
  I’m with you pertaining prestige, but the rest is utterly generalised to the extent it cannot be neither seconded nor repudiated. Unless there is a specific synthetic compound/material matched against a specific metal/alloy your argument cannot make sense.
  
  Plastics or synthetic materials of various types and compounds have extremely different capabilities and are used for very different things. The same goes for metals, hybrids and alloys.
  
  It is extremely easy to pick a lot of synthetic materials and many different metals/alloys, putting them up against each other to prove whatever case, but first one has to know the compounds/alloys and their qualities.
  
  The prestige aspect is cultural and emotional, the rest is technological.
  
  Reply
2. GI
  Ozziedog says:
  
  Jan 10, 2024 at 06:10
  
  Frank what you just wrote can be described as conventional wisdom. Or common knowledge.
  
  So when a bunch of people tell you there’s more to it than you may know, as it relates to parts used in virtually all watches at all price points, doesn’t it maybe pique your curiosity?
  
  Or are you just going to drone on as if the world needs to be educated on the differences between these materials?
  
  Gee…I always wondered why molded plastic isn’t used to build bridges…thanks!
  
  Reply
Martins Onzuls says:

Jan 11, 2024 at 07:25

Correct me if im wrong, but while most of watches under 1000£ is great value, especially second hand…. it just feels wrong to pay 30-40% of watches value for servicing if you bought new or sometimes as much or more than you paid for watch when second hand… i have a dilemma currently. Hamilton viewmatic. On paper it ticks all the boxes for me. On wrist i just dont “feel”? It. Runs at about 30 sec a day off. Got it for 250£. Now do i pay 220£ to send it to hamilton? 300-400£ to service somewhere else? Or just sell it with “possibly needs service” remark..

Reply
1. Enuona says:
  
  Jan 11, 2024 at 13:50
  
  Depends upon what’s important to you, for instance cost, provenance, environment and so on.
  
  If you are more attached to the watch than the watch is to you, I’d argue repairs would make sense.
  
  If it’s just a pragmatic calculation of cost/value, it would make sense to toss it, given that you get something you find useful and/or desirable to replace it at a potential higher cost. For instance it may not make sense in terms of the price paid 2-3 years ago and the 2nd hand value of today, but it may make sense compared with what you’ll have to pay for the replacement today. Tomorrow discounts may cause the calculation to be different.
  
  It’s a matter of individual judgement and preference.
  
  Reply
CroMe says:

Jan 21, 2024 at 21:27

In that price range, I bought that Tissot Gentlemen Emerald green for my father two years ago as a birthday present (then it was cheaper and I managed to get it for 700 something. Sadly he passed away two months ago.. 🙁 . I’m wearing it now and it’s really nice and essentially a great watch espeatially for the price. Love it. Gaining time only if I leave it flat (over night). On side or on hand its verry accurat. For week less then 1sec

Reply