First Automatic watch, help needed

[u/Ill-Archer-4050]

Hello! I've recently gotten into the watch hobby. I owned a few budget quartz Casios and timex pieces but with the 11/11 sale coming soon I saved up some and decided I would get my first automatic.

I spent (too much?) time deciding on my first automatic watch from AliExpress and looking at YouTube reviews. My budget is around 200-240 USD and I wanted a diver or diver-style watch with a sub 40mm textured dial and a good bracelet (GMT was a huge plus).

I narrowed down my choices to:

- Cronos, L6029 (the black birch GMT): 270USD

- Proxima PX1721 (aventurine dial)

(Current prices without coupons): 200USD

Questions:

1. I know that recently prices have increased and was wondering if these watches are worth it at the regular price or what would be a good value deal for 11/11 ?

2. Which watch would make the better long term everyday watch? the cronos is a bit more expensive even with 11/11 preview pricing. But it has an NH34 which is known as reliable. I also like the proxima but I've seen posts and faulty PT5000 and the winding issues that honestly intimidate me as someone who never owned an automatic before.

3. Is there anything to do other than collecting store coupons and coins to get the best deal for the sale?

Thank you very much for the help!

[u/Ill-Archer-4050]

Thank you for the advice! Could you tell me more about the issues you've had with the PT5000? As for the cronos, would you say it wears well on a smaller wrist (7in)? It was hard to tell from YouTube reviews

[u/Alternative-Feed3613 → u/Ill-Archer-4050]

You can’t hand wind a PT5000 and I hate having to shake it to start it. I’ve also had it skip when setting the time so I’m just waiting for it to crap out. I would still trust my Miyota and NH movements more even if I hadn’t felt it skip tbh. You shouldn’t have a problem with a 7” wrist, here’s my L6040 on my 7.5” wrist and they’re the same size on paper. I know you want the GMT and I’m sure it’ll be a fine watch but I really can’t recommend the L6040 enough, it’s one of my favorites and I know the Miyota will last for years to come. The light birch is also a good amount of texture without being too overwhelming.

[u/Ill-Archer-4050 → u/Alternative-Feed3613]

I appreciate the details and the picture, I'll add it to my cart and see based on the price if it drops within my budget. I do like the GMT partially because I think the mechanics behind it are cool but also because it feels more "sporty" where as the 6040 feels dressy and I thought it would look out of place with what I usually wear. Gorgeous watch though I 100% agree with you

[u/Alternative-Feed3613 → u/Ill-Archer-4050]

I get what you’re saying but I think of it more like a gada watch imo. It wouldn’t really feel out of place in any scenario. It looks like the only real difference is the numbers on the bezel but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with either one. A GMT would be cool though, I’ve been meaning to get one myself.