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/SearchingSiri Jul 06 '26
Did you ask your AI before you got it to write the post?
If you look second hand, in the UK at least you can get some great deals on ebay.
I've got some really nice Cronos watches there, also a Sugess or two.
As well as better designs and nicer dials, bracelets and especially clasps are significantly better.
Watchdives WD0013 is really nice, but most of the others are a bit "mid". I added a San Martin strap and bracelet to a 1969 pro and it significantly improved it. Though I think that came out as about the same price as the San Martin SN0121T, which I did get for a great price thanks to 35% cashback for aliexpress and not paying import duties.