Seiko Club Singapore Museum

Looking to buy a new watch.

rzfrsm
Looking to buy a new watch.
Hello everyone, basically I'm new to the forum and I'd love to know more about watches as I'm going to get my first 'proper' watch soon. My budget is around $150-$200, brand new or used is fine. The only watch I'm interested in(which I know of) currently is the Seiko 5. Planning to use is as an all rounder everyday use. What other watches are good and where should I get them? Suggestions are welcome. Thanks! 8-)
balzebub71
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
Welcome to the forum. Seiko has so many styles...u need to let everyone know if u want..sporty..diver...dress style before they can make any recommendations...?



Sent from my Hongmi
rzfrsm
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
Thanks! :) Well, I'm open to all 3 categories in fact. But if you ask me to pick between those 3, I would go for the diver/sports category as I love how they look especially with NATO straps on. I already own a trustworthy dress watch by Swatch so I'd want the diver/sport Seiko's for my everyday usage.
Ed.YEO
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
Getting a mechanical dress piece under 150 new is not a problem. Orient and Seiko both hv. But when it comes to sport, a moderate WR of 100m is suggested. Most of the models with such features will not look very elegant, yet cost a little more than 200 mark.
balzebub71
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
Sporty dive style Seiko and orient offers plenty of choice. For the sub look the Seiko SNZF17 is around 150(parallel set) ever classic SKX007K on jubilee 240 (thong sia set), Orient black ray on bracelet 199(AD set).....very versatile dive style watch....that can be dressed up or down. Of course only the 007 is a true diver.



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madabt
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
Orient Ray is nice.

Can consider Seiko SKX007 too, looks good on nato. Or the SKX009 "pepsi" for a flashier look.

rzfrsm
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.

"balzebub71"

Sporty dive style Seiko and orient offers plenty of choice. For the sub look the Seiko SNZF17 is around 150(parallel set) ever classic SKX007K on jubilee 240 (thong sia set), Orient black ray on bracelet 199(AD set).....very versatile dive style watch....that can be dressed up or down. Of course only the 007 is a true diver.



Sent from my Hongmi


First of all, have to thank you for all the suggestions. Did a quick research on all 3 watches you recommended. Really love the look with all of the 3, hands down. As far as I know, first on my list would be the Seiko SKX007K. True diver, durable, versatile to dress as well. Next would be the Orient Black Ray, those look stunning & lastly would be the SNZF17. They look just as good as the 007's but from some reviews, most say they have a cheap feeling and isn't a true diver?



Otherwise, love the look of all 3! Wouldn't mind spending a little more to get the 007's if it's really as good as what most says. Which out of the 3 I would get the most bang for my buck? And where do I go to find these watches? Would be going to look around anytime now.
rzfrsm
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.

"madabt"

Orient Ray is nice.

Can consider Seiko SKX007 too, looks good on nato. Or the SKX009 "pepsi" for a flashier look.



Thanks for your suggestions! Really love the look of Orient Ray, Seiko SNZF17 & of course the lovely SFX007's. I'm already tempted to get the 007/Orient and rock NATO's on them.. 009's are cool as well but I don't think those pepsi colours work for me! Might change my opinion when I see them in person though.. But where can I find them & how much are they all in terms of pricing? Any clue on parallel import sets and also 'original' distributed by Seiko itself? What's the difference and how can I tell them apart?
rzfrsm
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.

"Ed.YEO"

Getting a mechanical dress piece under 150 new is not a problem. Orient and Seiko both hv. But when it comes to sport, a moderate WR of 100m is suggested. Most of the models with such features will not look very elegant, yet cost a little more than 200 mark.




Good to know I can find some dress piece under my budget! Would go for those if I can't find any sport/divers in my budget.. I'm guessing a WR 100m should cover most light underwater activities? I just want a timepiece I can rely on as an all rounder and all I'm looking for in it is durability & versatility so I could lut them on anyday anytime with any types of clothes on!
rzfrsm
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
And what is it about Seiko watches with the J & K's? I understand the J are those made in Japan while I'm notntoo sure about the K's. Either way, are there any differences in quality/pricing etc?
KKFA
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.

"rzfrsm"

And what is it about Seiko watches with the J & K's? I understand the J are those made in Japan while I'm notntoo sure about the K's. Either way, are there any differences in quality/pricing etc?

This is aquestion that has been discussed in depth in a lot of forums including here. Do a search and you will read them. As always, make up your own mind.



Basically most will tell you that both variants are exactly the same. The difference is probably perceived due the greater quality ascribed to Japan made products. Mostly is how good you feel wearing the wacth.



For me, I prefer the watch to be Japan made or at least claimed to be made in Japan (country of origin of parts vsercentage and assemble debate)



Hope this muddies the water even more for oyu..hehehe :lol:
madabt
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
Check out 3D and Win's at Bencoolen or Twinkle and Skywatches at People's Park Complex.

K's should be made in Malaysia. No real difference, maybe an additional line of words that says "Made in Japan" or in the case of the SKX007K, it does not have the "21 Jewels".

Mostly you feel better for having Made in Japan product. Its just a matter of whether you are willing to pay a premium for it.



In contrast to KKFA, I'd say, save the money and use it to buy more nato straps. :lol:



Dont worry too much about the water resistance. I have friends using the Seiko 5s to go diving down to 30m with no issues.

Dont limit yourself. Such a wide range to choose from, buy what you like.
roo7
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
http://forums.seikoclubsg.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=161" false;



There's a few good stores here.. it's always the usual hunts..
balzebub71
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
For 007 just get the K version...cheaper than J and no difference in quality. Yes the seiko5 with 100m WR is not a true diver and neither us the orient even though it us 200m WR. But swimming, showering, snorkeling which I have tried wasn't an issue even with my 50m WR speedmaster.

Pricing as many bros here have stated, check out the usual haunts. Go for a non thong sia set and u can get a 007 on jubilee for around 220. Lowest I was offered for a Thong Sia set 007 on jubilee was 240 at lucky plaza



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Cosmograph
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
K2 is another decent place to look for what you want. The bros here have given you a great idea about pricing so enjoy the hunt for the piece.
rzfrsm
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
Thanks to all for your great help in recommending the watches & giving heads up on best places to get them! Much appreciated guys. :D I have been doing some research online & also going down to various shops recommended to see the watches in person & also compare their prices.



Given my budget & also based on my research, I have come down to these watches to get as my everyday beater watch as many said I would get the most bang for my buck & couldn't go wrong with any one of these.



1) Seiko SKX007/009(K or J series both fine with me)

2) Orient Ray.

3) Orient Mako.(Only seen on the net, not sure if it's still in production?)



I love everything about the SKX series, but the damn Orient's are making me face a dilemma. Love them just because they look just a little more versatile than the SKX in terms of looks, can be dressed up or down just with a quick change of straps. Functionality/durability wise I guess both is just as good. Now I'll have to make a decision. :idea: :o
rzfrsm
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
Btw, just to add more to my dilemma, since I'm already facing one, are there any other brands/models that falls within the $150-$250 range? If there are do let me know. Currently deciding between these 2.
lunarin79
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
If you are referring only to mechanical range.



Only Seiko & Orient fits the price range perfectly.



Citizen are mostly Eco-Drive.



Mushroom brands are not really worth the price even if there is one within this price.



Seagull is another brand I can think of but there are not many diver style watches.



I'll still stick to either a Seiko or an Orient.
balzebub71
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.

"rzfrsm"

Btw, just to add more to my dilemma, since I'm already facing one, are there any other brands/models that falls within the $150-$250 range? If there are do let me know. Currently deciding between these 2.


I had owned both before and the ray wears considerably smaller and appears dressier. I prefer the bezel on the ray and the orient movement kept better time vs the 7Sxx. The endlinks on the ray totally sucked. Ultimately I would choose the 007 over the Ray.



Even though it cost more, it's a true diver 200m watch, better bracelet than the ray even on the jubilee. Most importantly, the possibilities for improving or modding it are endless...bracelet from Strathclyde with SELs, domed sapphire glass from Harold, any number of dial~hands combination from Harold or Dagaz...



Sent from my Hongmi
Ed.YEO
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.

"balzebub71"

[quote="rzfrsm"]Btw, just to add more to my dilemma, since I'm already facing one, are there any other brands/models that falls within the $150-$250 range? If there are do let me know. Currently deciding between these 2.


I had owned both before and the ray wears considerably smaller and appears dressier. I prefer the bezel on the ray and the orient movement kept better time vs the 7Sxx. The endlinks on the ray totally sucked. Ultimately I would choose the 007 over the Ray.



Even though it cost more, it's a true diver 200m watch, better bracelet than the ray even on the jubilee. Most importantly, the possibilities for improving or modding it are endless...bracelet from Strathclyde with SELs, domed sapphire glass from Harold, any number of dial~hands combination from Harold or Dagaz...[/quote]
ORIENT have a much more modern look, while 007~011 look kind of too dull and traditionally, conservatively a DIVER's watch design.

Pricing plays another part in affecting decisions. ORIENTs is quite competitive, should you compare combo vs combo... meaning, 007/9/11 will look very much ex than ORIENTs with sleek looks, both with bracelets.

Mod-ability, SEIKO have good selections of parts for the modding game. While ORIENTs.... so far i see very little...
madabt
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.

"rzfrsm"

Btw, just to add more to my dilemma, since I'm already facing one, are there any other brands/models that falls within the $150-$250 range? If there are do let me know. Currently deciding between these 2.


Have you seen the blue ray? The dial is really nice.

You may want to look at the Citizen NY0040 or NY0054 series for mechanical divers. If you're ok with Eco-Drive (solar powered), there's the BN0000. Its a monobloc case watch, my dp is the caseback.



I personally prefer the design fo the Citizen NY0040 over the SKX007, but somehow the Seiko build quality just feels better to me.
bluenote
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.




Hi,



does anyone know where can I buy bezel insert that looks like submariner's?



I know yobokies has one, but i'd like to know if there's any other person or place that I can buy or contact.



I called K2, but they do not carry aftermarket insert.



Please help? :)



Thanks!
rzfrsm
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
Hey guys! Just an update, I've already made up my mind after much consideration and went ahead to get the Seiko SKX007J on Jubilee strap. Purchased it at K2 for $240 plus a black Nato strap. Thanks to all for your suggestions and help, appreciate it alot guys! :D Just one more question, what's the difference between a Thong Sia set & an Export set?
kment
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.

"rzfrsm"

Hey guys! Just an update, I've already made up my mind after much consideration and went ahead to get the Seiko SKX007J on Jubilee strap. Purchased it at K2 for $240 plus a black Nato strap. Thanks to all for your suggestions and help, appreciate it alot guys! :D Just one more question, what's the difference between a Thong Sia set & an Export set?


Hi , congrats to your new purchase , the difference may be in terms of warranty , an export set might not include the original factory warranty , for the case of those claim to be export set, most likely their warranty is base on their in house warranty ,



Just to share my recent purchase of the Orient star seeker , initially I intend to buy it at watch fashion aka sky watches in peoples park complex, but in the end I choose to buy from orient dealer , the reason I choose to purchase my star seeker from the dealer is , I will get original factory warranty and all papers , but if I choose to buy it in sky watches , they can only offered me in house warranty .



And after gather both their list price and all discount ( sky watches charge GST ), after deduction I calculate that the difference is only less than $100 dollars , , so logic wise is of course buy from dealer as the difference is less than $100 , and I will get all papers and factory warranty , but I have to say not all watch models can be found with the agent or dealers , they might not bring in some of the models , so in some cases we might choose to source elsewhere , I got a orient guardian which I can't find it at orient agent and their dealers , but I managed to get it at skywatches , but after all discounts I still have to pay GST for it , but because I really like the watch , and I just can't find one in Singapore so no choice pay GST for it .



It's important that We get to choose and buy what we like , and get to enjoy ourselves wearing them on our wrist , that was so satisfying , and hey bro , enjoy your new watch and if you can , take a few shot with the watch and post here to share it with us k ?
rzfrsm
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
Thanks bro! Feeling really satisfied & happy with the new watch on my wrist. 8-)

Seems like what I thought so is true then. The only difference is paperworks/warranty wise. Went to a few shops before buying and some are warranted by Thong Sia while some only give in house warranty so I got a little confused there for a moment. Now I'm clear.



Pricings differs too.. so it's best to gather their list price and see how much difference they are in pricings like you did. I would get it from the dealer too if the difference is less than $100 definitely, but then again, different consumers different perspective. Some might not see the importance and would rather save the money and vice versa. Either way we're getting almost the same product regardless. Shouldn't restrict ourselves and go for what we really like. :D



Congrats on your recent purchase of the Orient star seeker, indeed a beautiful piece. Hope you're enjoying them as much I'm enjoying mine! Will post a few pics when I snap some nice shots of it man. You do post yours too, would love to see them! Thanks again bro. :D
Admin010
Re: Looking to buy a new watch.
thanks