True 'skeletonization' also includes the trimming away of any non-essential metal on the bridge, plate, wheel train or any other mechanical part of the watch, leaving only a minimalist 'bare' skeleton of the movement required for functionality.

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[–] 11 points 4 months ago (13 children)

could someone recommend a good cheap starter?

I'm always over stimulated by the choice and want something nice and quality for the money.

Is 200 too cheap?

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  • [–] 6 points 4 months ago

    Seiko makes excellent mechanical wrist watches. What is your intrigue? I'm assuming you like the idea of mechanical wrist watches and want a timepiece that is accurate and built to last. $200 is just a little below their entry price point I believe but you can always find used watches on eBay/Marketplace and the like. If you learn a little bit more about the industry then you might be able to find a bargain and get it serviced to work like new.

    I got extremely lucky when I was fixated on the idea of owning or restoring a mechanical watch when I learned that my grandfather left behind a 1930's Hamilton. Nothing super high end, but a watch that would probably go for $600 today and was my style. I find it hard to match my style today because it seems everyone is searching for a massive statement piece on their wrist. I just wanted a watch that ticks when its quiet, has character, and can be passed on to my own children.

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  • [–] 3 points 4 months ago* (2 children)

    For a skeleton watch, yes.
    For a mechanical watch, also yes.
    Unfortunately, prices have gone through the roof in the past few years.
    Now I don't think there are any nice quality watches left in that price range.

    You can still get a Vostok Amphibia for that kind of money, which is entirely hand-crafted, definitely interesting mechanically, and will last decades. But buying from Russia at the moment (on a Russian website), waiting a month for delivery, and getting the Vostok experience isn't everyone's cup of tea. Also, I don't think it's even possible to get them shipped to the US.

    Even a nice Quartz watch like a solar-powered Citizen Eco-Drive will be slightly out of your budget.
    If you still do want a mechanical watch, look for Seiko, Citizen and Orient. Those are the best budget offerings.
    Chinese Red Star watches also fit the budget, but they're also not for everyone.

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  • [–] 4 points 4 months ago (1 child)

    I second Citizen Eco-Drive

    I have a ton of watches and I wear my Citizen Eco-Drive Primo Stingray 620 pretty much everyday.

    Definitely would suggest a solar or motion powered watch. Batteries are a pain.

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  • [–] 1 point 4 months ago

    Thirded, automatics are only if you plan on making it your daily driver though cause their power reserves rarely are 48+hours. Solar faces are nice, but honestly, batteries will last almost half a decade and cost $10 to replace at most jewelers.

    But if you want the best of both worlds, with a sweeping second hand and you don't have to wind it or wear it everyday? Lol for one with a TMI VH31 movement.

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  • [–] 2 points 4 months ago (1 child)

    Some companies have mechanical watches in the 400-500€ range that can go for 200€ used. I have a Junkers that I bought used for 200€ some years ago, and it's got a glass bottom (other models do, too). But honestly, I wouldn't make this a criterion, because you rarely see the back, and skeleton watches can sometimes look tacky.

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  • [–] 1 point 4 months ago (2 children)

    If you're any dexterous at all, you can build a completely custom one that you choose all the parts for~$150. And it's the same movement they use in some $1000+ pieces.

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