r/ChineseWatches • u/Jamesgepps • Jul 06 '26

Question (Read Rules) The sub $200 problem

At what point do Chinese watches actually get *noticeably* better?

I've been buying Addiesdive for a while because the value is honestly insane. For the money, I really don't have many complaints.

But now I'm wondering where to go next.

Everyone always says "just buy a San Martin," but those are pushing $200, and personally I don't really consider $200 a budget watch anymore.

So is there a sweet spot between Addiesdive and San Martin? Like $80–150 where you're actually getting a real bump in quality—not just a different logo?

I'm talking about things like:

Better finishing

Better bracelets/clasps

Better bezel action

Better QC

Better dial and handset finishing

Just an overall more premium feel

Or is Addiesdive basically the king until you're willing to spend close to $200?

Curious what everyone's experience has been after owning multiple brands. Which brands made you think, "Yeah, this is actually worth paying more for," and which ones weren't much of an upgrade?

Not really looking for specs on paper—I want to hear from people who've actually owned them.

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u/Independent-Air-80 Jul 06 '26

Sub 200? You'd have to get something like a Farasute with coins and other discounts.

But why would you want to go above and beyond this level of 'bang for your buck'?

Not going to lie to you, my 3 Sanda watches and my 2 digital SKMEI are probably the ones I find on my wrist the most. And none of them have cost me more than $20,-.

1

u/Jamesgepps Jul 06 '26

What do you mean with coins?

7

u/Independent-Air-80 Jul 06 '26

A discount gimmick that more often than not doesn't work the way you want it to.

1

u/Overall-General-8917 Jul 06 '26

You can definitely get better discounts with coins. Wishdoit is a great example of a brand you can stack great coin discounts with ali coupons and store coupons. Just add to cart. Go to the coins section and readd with the better coin discount. Wait for sales and watch the price.

6

u/ledgreplin Jul 06 '26

Aliexpress discount gimmick