Comments on: Reader Mail | Sub $1200 Watch

By: Danny

Danny — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:53:50 +0000

Hey, where did you buy that black and orange zulu watch band?

By: J

Tue, 12 May 2009 17:03:59 +0000

I like the simple German watches (Sinn, Stowa, UTS, Glashutte), but in a military style I’d look for something a little more American. Hamilton is the classic brand, but the vintage watches are a little small on today’s wrist.
Hamilton’s Khaki line is classic and affordable for an new automatic. I have the Khaki King with the full day window across the top similar to the Rolex Day-Date. Timex is another classic American brand. I rotate the Hamilton with a Timex T-Series Perpetual Calendar (#T2M453) with a black zulu strap. It is a very clean design with a solid stainless case. It also shows the day/date in a window similar to the IWC Pilot Chrono, but the perpetual calendar keeps the correct date every month for the life of the 7-rear battery. I actually set all my automatic watches to it once they run down…

By: Lesli Larson

Lesli Larson — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:06:04 +0000

At a lower price point, I like the Traser classic automatic w/tritium hands… (same as Luminox). Traser has an automatic movement but is OK to wear during high impact outdoor activities like cycling.

One thing to watch for with some of these watch companies: down-the-line repair support. Make sure your brand of choice will sell parts to independent watchmakers to keep repair costs down. In some cases, you may end up paying more for a 5-yr watch overhaul than the original purchase price of the watch itself.

By: Biggie_Robs

Biggie_Robs — Fri, 08 May 2009 21:24:05 +0000

The first answer that pops into my head to the sub-$1200 military-styled watch question is a Stowa Airman Auto (no-logo version: http://tinyurl.com/qp7ge8 ).

If you want a big watch, I’d prefer the Hamilton X-wind to the Marathons, but the Marathons are tough watches, no doubt.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:38:29 +0000

The Gsar is an excellent value and is built like an M1 Abrams tank. Please consider buying the Marathon bracelet. It is looks great and is extremely well-built.

For the record, I have a Gsar, a Tsar and a Jsar. The stock rubber straps are great. But personally, I wear the watches on the Zulu band at work at NAS Norfolk and at the Beach, on the bracelets at home.

I consider the entire Marathon line and the Gsar in particular, to be an excellent value for the money. You will not be disappointed. The Tritium-vials are great. The ETA-2824-2 is a workhorse. Additionally, any scuffs can be easily removed wirh a “Scotch-brite” pad.

Best Regards from Virginia Beach,
Alan

By: JR

JR — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:00:19 +0000

Just checked the GSA website, and the G-SAR watch is available for $367! what a steal!

By: Big Kid

Big Kid — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:24:00 +0000

It’s not under $1,200, but I love my Omega seamaster professional. It was 50% courtesy of the Tourneau sale.

By: Rippley

Rippley — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:27:43 +0000

Second the LUM-TEC

Also – check out specialopswatch.com – the website is a little OTT with the Ramboness, but they are military watches in the truest sense. I own one, which took the same beatings I did for 8 months in central/eastern Africa – I recommend them.

I like to switch it up with a Hamilton when I have to dress fancy.

By: thedandyproject

thedandyproject — Wed, 06 May 2009 05:56:41 +0000

Great picks. Their obscurity provides a great antidote to the ubiquity of the Cartiers and Rolexes of today.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 06 May 2009 05:14:54 +0000

a couple others have mentioned this brand but I like Hamiltons, I feel you can get a great watch in your price range from them and the watches come in some very classic styles and from what I know they are very well made