Because batteries need to be replaced. I've had horrible luck in that department. I take it somewhere to get replaced and either it costs half as much as a new watch or they don't reseal it properly and no longer is as water resistant as before.Round face styling, ok. What are your reasons for not liking battery powered watches? I myself own and wear everyday a Seiko Quartz 3003 from 1975. I have no issues with the battery so far. I although I am a bit weary of trying to test its water proofness. lol
Thanks for the explainations. I knew quartez type watches "ticked", but thought the sweeping type were UBER expensive and not just mechanical in general.Here is my personal recommendation based on what I've seen in this thread:
http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-H38655785-Jazzmaster-Petite-Seconde/dp/B004FD38X4/ref=pd_sbs_watch_5
It's something like double your price range, though. Automatic Swiss movement, date window.
Edit: Oh, I just saw your reasoning for wanting an auto. You should be fine with one of those Citizen eco-drives, then. They'll be faaaaar cheaper and include things like chronographs/power indicators that cost excessive amounts of $$ to pair with an automatic movement.
2nd Edit: There are two types of movements, mechanical & battery (quartz). Under mechanical, you have manual (hand-wound), and automatic (there's a counterweight attached to the gears which winds it as you walk around). Automatics will still stop after maybe 40 hours or so once it's off your wrist. Side note: Mechanical watches have "sweeping" seconds hands as opposed to "ticking" (quartz). Some people prefer this aesthetic.
Watch enthusiasts/elitists/snobs will almost always trend toward mechanical watches because they appreciate the craftsmanship behind it/complexity of the movement. Quartz uses a battery but is far cheaper, tends to be slimmer, and keeps better time (automatics are expected to gain or lose a few seconds a day or so... still relatively accurate but nowhere near quartz). Eco-drive seems to charge the quartz battery via movement/sunlight.
You will pay a premium for a mechanical movement-- and if the only reason is because you're concerned about the battery stopping... You may want to check out those Citizens (as much as it pains me to recommend a quartz).
You'll still notice a mechanical watch "tick" - it'll just be much finer and not for every second. If you want to see a nice sweeping watch, look at a video of a Grand Seiko Spring Drive. It's one of my candidates for my next watch!
Does it have to be motion powered, or just not battery?
How about this Citizen Eco-drive Calibre 8700? It's powered by a solar cell that recharges a capacitor inside. $277 at Newegg. There are other colors too.
If you like something with even simpler face, Citizen 7080 might fit the bill. It has titanium body and bracelet, sapphire crystal, and eco-drive as well. Titanium and sapphire at this pricepoint is pretty amazing. I wish it had perpetual calendar though. $178 at Newegg
You'll still notice a mechanical watch "tick" - it'll just be much finer and not for every second. If you want to see a nice sweeping watch, look at a video of a Grand Seiko Spring Drive. It's one of my candidates for my next watch!
You'll still notice a mechanical watch "tick" - it'll just be much finer and not for every second. If you want to see a nice sweeping watch, look at a video of a Grand Seiko Spring Drive. It's one of my candidates for my next watch!
i have one of these:
http://countycomm.com/maratacpilotlarge.html
i am very happy with it. a black band for use with suit, orange for most other occasions.
ecodrives are great! here is mine:
a citizen stiletto which can be had for around $300, and will never need new batteries. The watch has sapphire.
Yup, Ive been looking at that GS Spring drive in titanium but it goes for ~8k$ and I have to go to Japan to buy it and send it to Japan every ~3 years for maintenance. The US shops that sell it look pretty sketchy...
Seems like a pita...
Wow not sure if I would spend that kind of money on a seiko.
Wow not sure if I would spend that kind of money on a seiko.