So, I’m asked this a lot:

“If you had $400 to spend on a watch, what would you buy?”

My initial thought for a new watch guy is always buy Seiko. In fact, if I had $400 and no watches I’d probably buy something like a Seiko Padi Turtle reissue. It’s an automatic, it’s built well, and it keeps time better or as well as any mechanical watch in the world. And if the thought of spending just less than $400 on a watch offends you, you could always just get a venerable Seiko SKX007/009 for under $200 and then add a StrapCode bracelet for another $100 to end up with a cheap watch that feels pretty damned high-end and works just as well as a $7000 Rolex.

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Irrational thinking makes me turn my nose away from any Apple watch and towards vintage calculator watches. I know, these were made for nerds and all… but damn, I love this thing.

Source: NEW RARE Vintage 1983 NOS █ SEIKO C-515 LCD Digital Calculator watch | eBay

Just stumbled upon this micro brand and… Wow. I did these.

Source: M2 BROOKLYN FIELD – Carpenter Watches

So you’ve reached that time in life where you feel like you need a watch that will last you the rest of your life? Don’t go buy some new Rolex… Seriously. Instead, get in the market for a nice vintage Tudor, Omega, or even Rolex. This “Big Block” chrono is a perfect example of a high-end watch with some history and some style. Plus, with service it will last the rest of your life and well into another.

Source: Analog/Shift – tudor ‘big block’ chronograph

I’m getting ready to start a watch build project using the venerable Seiko SKX007 as a foundation. I want the end result to go on a bracelet, so I’ve been on the hunt for something appropriate. By luck, I found this Hexad Oyster bracelet by Strapcode… and woah, is it amazing. The end links were made specific to the 007 and the ratcheting clasp is maybe the best clasp I’ve ever used.

If you are in the market. You had better check it out.

Source: 22mm Hexad Oyster 316L Stainless Steel Watch Band for Seiko SKX007, Wetsuit Ratchet Buckle | Amazon.com

Autodromo’s latest is flat-out gorgeous.

Source: Autodromo | Monoposto Chronograph | Autodromo

I use Nato and Zulu straps almost exclusively. I’ve owned just about all of them. Recently, Cincy Strap Works released their new “Seat Belt” Nato. It is, without doubt, the best Nato strap that I have ever worn.

Check them out here.

I’m not a quartz guy, but this recreation of the Timex Bullseye is just so damned choice. Nice price too…

Source: The Mod Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder by Todd Snyder