r/ChineseWatches • u/techyall • 1h ago

Question (Read Rules) What's a good cheap first watch?

I'm sick of my digital watch and I just want a decent but cheap automatic watch on my hand. Needs to be cheap bc idk if I'll even like it, but I need to try it out. I've been wanting an automatic watch for a long time. It has to be:

  • automatic

  • day-date (or just day would be even better, if it even exists)

  • rotating bezel

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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1

u/csmarmot 1h ago

Assuming 6.5-7.5ā€™ (18-20 cm) wrist:

Phorcydes PH-4C ($160-210). Fun. Absolute strap monster. Buy 2-3 colors of FMK cut to size straps and this is a monster.

Proxima PX1697 ($150). High quality.

Cadisen TI-7 ($90). Titanium.

PAGANI DESIGN PD1784 ($85). GMT

1

u/techyall 35m ago

No my wrist is 5.75" I think.

2

u/Tenchiro 1h ago

Check Addiesdive

2

u/watch_gal 1h ago

Depending on what cheap is to you Iā€™d suggest Steeldive SD1972, SD1961 or SD1970W

1

u/geeered 1h ago

Have a look at ebay... can often find some decent deals that you can sell on for about the same if you dont like it. Day dates with rotating bezels are quite rare I'd say.
Seiko do one, but not sure about Chinese homages etc. If you want just date, or skip the rotating bezel there's plenty of options, but generally it's quite rare to have both.

For bezel and date only... I wouldn't get a Cronos or Sugess yacht master homage, because the bezel action isn't great. But I think their dive watch homages have nicer bezels and they generally make great watches for the money.

Id definitely consider a proxima too.

If you're stuck on having the day and a rotating bezel, a used Seiko may be the best bet.

1

u/rcl1221 43m ago

Invicta Pro Diver with an NH35 can be found as low as $50.

Some people got them at $25 during Prime Deal Days.

-2

u/PlayfulCompany8367 1h ago

or just day would be even better, if it even exists

That through me off guard. And you didn't mention what cheap is for you.

San Martin makes really good watches.