Recommend Which Brand Watch Should I Buy

Hi everyone

I am looking to buy a watch for myself, I want your suggestions which brand should I buy, I am more keen on buying TISSOT as its suits my budget I can max spend is $1200.
Also if you can suggest me from where should I buy as the stores in Sydney, they are selling more then the price the watch is worth. There is a link below as I have like one of this watch.
I would appreciate your suggestion, Brand, discounted price,pratcicualr model of a watch if you suggest me.

Tissot Couturier T0356271605100

Thanks

Poll Options

  • 21
    Citizen
  • 90
    Seiko
  • 35
    Tissot

Comments

  • +1

    I have a Tissot T660 - highly recommend.

    PS: I haven't worn it for a while since my FR235 is on my wrist all the time.

  • +6

    I have owned a few Citizens and currently have a J. Springs which is a Seiko sub brand. Am a happy customer.

    I like Japanese precision, efficiency and punctuality. If you have ever been to Japan I think you will know what I mean.

    Have a look at Starbuy for some deals or ask WatchNerd… https://www.ozbargain.com.au/user/57529

    • +1 ; although irrational, I like Japanese watches for the same reason :)
      I wear a Seiko which I bought in their outlet in HK

    • Which model J Springs did you buy?

      • +1

        I've got one of these, only as i wanted an automatic to stare at while it's off my wrist. Red second hand is critical.

        Of course you wanted to know.

        • Particularly good price for an automatic. Now I'm trying to resist this http://www.creationwatches.com/products/hamilton-watches-250…

        • +1

          I paid AUD 68.00 delivered - basically the cheapest automatic i could find with a Japanese movement, and a red second hand. BTW they don't seem to sell any J.Springs watches anymore.

          Problem for me is they're not waterproof, so i've got to be careful. As i've traditionally only worn waterproof watches i tend not to think of them when showering/swimming etc. With the cheap CCP watches i hardly care of course.

          That other one is almost AUD 500.00 ffs!
          I thought you mostly restricted yourself to eBay auctions where knowledge is the key to a deal?

          Now [13] days since i've bought a watch.

        • @AngryChicken: $68 delivered is indeed an achievement. 13 days? You are getting weaker! I previously avoided Creation Watches because I read negative comments about them, but yours prompted me to take a look and that is a fine Hamilton. Last week I hesitated prodigiously about a Wenger posted by Member WatchNerd until I missed out. But you are right, I am an eBay predator with lots of patience.

        • +1

          @PJC:

          Yeah i'm not sure about Creation Watches - we've probably read the same comments. For a cheap watch sure, but i'd hesitate punching hundreds of dollars their way in the one hit…

          I am an eBay predator with lots of patience.

          Ha! Yes, and it seems to be working for you so far…

        • @AngryChicken: Occasionally I do well, such as my audacious plan for last Christmas. https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/46870/52660/audacious_… https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/46870/52661/audacious_…

          All brand new, old stock because the manufacturer changed their Australian distributor last year.

        • +1

          @PJC:

          OK, now you're just bragging, but i guess you've earned the right.

          If i knew what i was doing i would do what you do.

          Holy crap, just realised your 'brand new' comment. Sweet Jesus…

        • +1

          @PJC:

          Which Wenger watch were you considering?

        • +2

          @WatchNerd: The 72801 Field Classic. Twice, I approached my wallet and my phone rang.

        • +2

          @PJC: That was a great price, I nearly bought one myself.

          The white Wenger 01.0441.162 Field Gear is available again for approx AU$57.00 shipped.

        • +1

          @WatchNerd: Bung full of value, but not quite so tempting for me. Many thanks for letting me know. Perhaps the 72801 will return eventually too.

  • +2

    Buy online.
    Jomashop
    Creation watches

    Big are great. I love seiko watches.

    • Is Jomashop selling authentic watches, the price they selling for is nearly 50% discount then what its been sold in Sydney stores.

      • +1

        Creation Watches in Singapore are cheaper again… and from my research their products are genuine and their price also includes DHL shipping.

        • I've bought 3x watches from Jomashop, they are a greymarket dealer rather than authorized dealer. often it's more than 50% discount.

        • @kiwijunglist:
          Overseas suppliers are usually grey market.. ie, no local warranty, and that is why you save money, no warranty.
          % discount is meaningless… what is the price including delivery and insurance??

      • I can vouch for jomashop. Also bought from creation, longislandwatch and poljot24 without any issues.

        I've also returned watches I've damaged for repair with poljot24 and Longisland with no issues whatsoever

    • +1

      I bought few watches from Jomashop but through their ebay store. They were all genuine and came in box. It took about 4-6 weeks for delivery. Once they sent me the wrong watch. When wrote back they, resent the correct watch and asked me to keep the wrong one because cost of shipping would have been more than price of watch … lol

      • asked me to keep the wrong one because cost of shipping would have been more than price of watch

        Good result!

  • +5

    I don't know much about watches in this price range, as I'm a professional tight arse at heart, so I mainly stick with brands that offer good value, like Seiko (Orient) Citizen and Casio etc. Japanese brands offer better quality for the price compared to Swiss brands.

    As others have said, you should be buying online if you want a good deal. If you really want to buy from a shop in Sydney, the only one I can recommend is Starbuy. They have a good name on Ozbargain, but don't stock Tissot and have a limited range.

    If you want to do more research, Watchuseek have themed forums.

  • +2

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NWT-Mens-Tissot-Couturier-T035627…
    $683.43 + $70.09 = $753.52
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TISSOT-MENS-COUTURIER-43MM-LEATHE…
    $746.88 + $31.85 = $778.73 … $396.27 cheaper than Angus & Coote.

    • +1

      Thanks for sending me the eBay link, but is the seller trustworthy and the price I have been offered in store was 1175 -20% discount so the actual price would be $940.
      So the saving would be $162 compared with EBay and discounted price in store.
      I was trying to get 30% discount in store but they said we don't give more then 20%.

      • +1

        Both sellers have excellent feedback.

        • +2

          and hold off for an ebay 15 or 20% off deal/voucher as well

  • +1

    IMO Seiko sets the bar these days when it comes to watches and Citizen and Casio are up there as well… unless you are into the ultra premium products like Rolex etc?
    I ordered one of these a couple of days ago.. Seiko Sports Chronograph Black Dial SNDC09P1 from Creation Watches, $113 less 10% with code CLEAR ($101.70). Mine was $98 delivered but they just raised the base price by $5 from $108 :-(
    http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-chronograph-wa…

    This new watch will replace my almost 40 y/o Casio (analogue/digital combined). Got my moneys worth out of that!!

    You do not have to spend large amounts of $'s to get a good watch these days.

  • +1

    Hamilton make some nice watches.

    • Never heard of them before.. just had a look.. impressive.

      • +2

        I'd also recommend Junghans' Max Bill collection in OP's price range and anything by Nomos if you're willing to spend some more. If you're on a budget and want an amazing watch with an automatic movement, the Orient Bambino is brilliant. I'm not a big fan of "showy" watches and prefer pieces that are more understated and minimalist. These three brands are great.

        At the moment I own a Junkers Bauhaus 6070 (quartz movement) and love it but plan to upgrade to either a Max Bill or Nomos down the track

    • I came across Jomashop and I am really attracted with the deal what they are offering, but I am bit concerned,that they are not selling a first copy watch and it's really hard to see any difference between a genuine and first copy. Do you know anyone who has bought any watch from Jomashop.

      • +5

        Your Op has a poll which clearly shows Seiko way out in front, so why aren't you considering this brand?

        What do you mean by first copy?
        Jomashop have been around for a while now and have paypal, so it's not a first copy or second or third, haha.

        • Why would any store have paypal & try to sell fakes?
        • Fake brand name watches are simply not that easy to come by on established online watch stores.

        Also did you get the pop up for US$20.00 off when you clicked on the link?
        Don't forget shipping is US$73.97, so the total is U$529.99 + $73.97 - $20 discount = $583.96 (approx AU$745.50)

        • Thanks for your reply, but isn't the amount In Australian dollars, on the way checkout it directed me in amazon and still the amount payable is $583 with $20 off and including shipping.

        • +2

          @TARA786:
          Where did it say AU$
          Why did you run a survey when you had your heart set on a tissot? ..
          … which by some accounts is most likely not 100% swiss made !!
          Have a read of this..
          http://www.asian-watches.com/2015/02/the-great-chinese-swiss…

        • +1

          @xywolap:

          I think you are mistaken for what I am asking, by running the survey I need your guys opinion and your experience you can share in here.
          Yes it does not state either it's US$, it's letting me purchase for $583 not sure it's US OR AU.
          I was only trying to check by going through a process of purchasing through Jomashop and see which amount would be the final to pay.
          I have not set a mind on Tissot, I am open with other brands, I would appreciate if you can send me the link of any particular brand and model. It's really hard to scan all the watches.
          Thanks

        • +2

          @TARA786:
          I agree with you on that… there are plenty to choose from .. and the prices vary like crazy with some. LOL
          The best place to start would be to figure out what features you want..
          Plain face?, Multi dial chronograph?, Analogue & digital combined?,
          Case material.. gold?, gold plated?, Titanium (very light, very strong), Stainless steel.
          Watch face.. Acrylic, Mineral glass, Sapphire crystal.
          Face colour.. Black, white, silver, or many other combinations..
          Power source… wind up, automatic wind up, solar, or just common battery?
          Band.. metal or leather? It is easy to change this with most watches anyway.
          The amount of moisture resistance it should have.
          Appearance… Maybe the most important to you.. This should be what appeals to you and not what others say looks the best.

          Dont decide on price… many expensive watches are not true value for money and unless you intend to wear the price tag attached they can be a big rip off. I knew of one guy who took the back off his very expensive watch and was shocked to see pressed inside the back "made in china"… He was very worried for a while until he found out that the back plate was made in china, not the watch.

          These days a watch is mainly a jewellery item as we all carry mobile phones that display the time anyway.

          Creation Watches sell Tissot and their prices are usually the best and include DHL shipping. Their prices are clearly marked as $AU also. Here is a link to their Tissot range.. (you can select seiko in there too hint hint :-) )
          http://www.creationwatches.com/products/tissot-247/index-1-3…

        • @xywolap:

          Have a read of this..

          A must read for anyone considering spending a large amount of money on a Swiss watch.
          And lets not forget that Japanese brands aren't much different either.

        • @WatchNerd:

          And not only does he know his watches, he knows Jesus as well.

          I'm sorry … about everything …

  • +27

    Title should have been -

    I'm Going To Buy A Tissot Watch, Don't Try & Talk Me Out Of It

    • +10

      'What watch should I buy, and why is it a Tissot?

    • I want to spend six times as much on a watch as I reasonably should. What Tissot should I buy?

  • +1
    • Nice painted subdials!

      • +1

        even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day

  • BIG error now rectified …

    Louis Erard
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LOUIS-ERARD-MENS-40MM-LEATHER-BAN…
    $950.69 + $10.18 = $960.87

    • Thanks for sending me the link above, really liked this watch and was not aware with this brand.

      • Certainly a premium brand. I suppose your preferences are 3-eye chronograph automatic with black dial?

        • Yes i like that kind of face.

  • I personally like rolex

  • depends what you want the watch for
    every day wear, then those brands youve mentioned are good

    But at that price range, if its an occasional wear or something special, I think some of the lesser known 'watch geek' brands are good value and wont be something you see on anyone else's wrist (unlikely anyway)
    e.g https://www.lum-tec.com/collections.html

  • i've actually converted to smart watches and havent looked back. not for everyone though.
    Some now look very much like traditional watches, so look great & have the smart-watch convenience factor.
    Check out the Samsung Gear S3 (if you have an android phone). THis is what i have an it's amazing. Retails for around $600.
    http://www.samsung.com/au/wearables/gear-s3/design/ (click on classic, that's the better design)

    The other thing is that the watch-face can be changeable to any style you like (via download), so there's rolex and similar watch faces available :)

    If you've got an iphone though then the iWatch would be the go, which is also great from what i hear.

    • I have the Gear S3. i actrually moved from iOS to Samsung just for the watch because i didn't want a smartwatch to look like a smartwatch if you know what i mean…i wanted people to be surprised when i showed them. Better yet, you can also get custom watchfaces of like me, create your own. I have both a digital and analog watchface i made for different events and environments

    • I have also converted to smart watches. I especially love the “charge me everyday” feature on my S3. I now wear xiaomi $25 watch as the battery life is aprox 2-3 month.

    • +1

      I already have a smart phone that requires charging every day, and does everything I want. I don't need a watch to do half the things my phone does half as well. My watch does one thing and it does it well. It will never need charging, software updates, or will it 'stop working with my phone'.

      • I think you are missing the point. Having smart watch is like using the volume button on steering wheel. You know you can adjust the volume on the radio but its a lot more convenient to do it on the steering wheel.

        • ^^ this
          a smart watch is an extension of your phone and let you do phone things without taking the phone out of your pocket.
          Dialling, answering calls [if you're wearing a headset], txt messages, maps, uber, various notifications. You can even use some as a contactless pay device. i couldnt live without mine now!

      • Good point, and basically why i don't bother with smart watches.

        In any case they're one the fastest depreciating gadgets on the market - there's always going to be something better and cheaper just around the corner.

  • +1

    Check these out, seiyajapan is where most people buy japanese seiko online.

    Seiko Cocktail time
    https://www.seiyajapan.com/collections/seiko/products/seiko-…

    Seiko SARB033
    https://www.seiyajapan.com/collections/seiko/products/s-sarb…

    Seiko Alpinist
    https://www.seiyajapan.com/collections/seiko/products/s-sarb…

    And this is one of the tissot i have (cheaper than the one your looking at, but I think it's just as nice)
    https://www.jomashop.com/tissot-mens-watch-t0356171605100.ht…

    • Thanks and appreciate a lot for sending me the link above, I love this Seiko Alpninist, I have nearly decided to buy this watch. If you guys have any comment or suggestion.

      https://www.seikoboutique.com.au/product/sarb017

      • +1

        If you guys have any comment or suggestion.

        yeah, dont buy it locally if its cheaper importing it

      • +1

        It's a popular watch, you can't go wrong with it. You can find it listed on lots of sites, I'd check amazon us & uk, jomashop, creation watches, seoyajapan, massdrop.

      • Sold out on that site, was overpriced anyway.
        It seems AU$420ish AU$ is the going price these days according to here..
        https://camelcamelcamel.com/Seiko-SARB017-Mechanical-Alpinis…

      • -1

        You do realise that the Seiko SARB017 Alpinist is 39mm and the Tissot Couturier T0356271605100 is 43mm.
        Others have mentioned that it's 38mm on Amazon, in the questions.

        That's a big difference.

  • Seiko is the better, if not the best, Japanese watch brand. I have been wearing my Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive for the last 5 years and loved it. I am impressed by its precision.

  • +4

    Some good recommendations on here - does the watch have to be new?

    If your budget is $1,200, I'd recommend getting a used quartz Omega Seamaster, Sinn or even an Oris.

    • +1

      If your budget is $1,200, I'd recommend getting a used quartz Omega Seamaster

      Logged in to make this EXACT recommendation. I bought a second hand quartz Seamaster about 9 years ago for ~$1000 AUD through eBay (in very very good condition). Changed the batteries roughly every 3 years. Understated, functional (300m waterproofing) and reliable. It's not one of those big lary watches that attracts daily comments, though whenever I do get compliments on it, it's from someone who knows watches and often sparks interesting conversation. Absolutely love it.

      • +7

        it's from someone who knows watches and often sparks interesting conversation.

        then you tell them its a quartz version and the conversation ends?

        ;)

        • Hehe, at least it will hold its value!

        • That does seem like a lot for second hand quartz watch.

          If you are looking for a dive watch then I would be starting with the legendary Seiko SKX007/009 automatic dive watch for around $230 - $250 on eBay. Link to old deal post for reviews & specs.

        • -2

          Not sure if joking or mechanical elitism - but I'm very happy with the accuracy, capital cost (half the price of automatic) and low maintenance cost of my quartz movement.

        • -1

          @johnno07:

          All of which you could have gotten a 50 buck Timex :)

        • -1

          @SBOB: Without the looks, durability or functionality? Sure. Not sure what you're trying to prove here, mate.

        • @WatchNerd: I have both the SKX007/009 as well as a couple of Omegas, but they are in totally different leagues.

      • I've got one of these and it also often sparks interesting conversation, and to top it off only cost me $8.20.
        Me no mechanical elitist!

        • +3

          Pretty. Do they make a version for men too?

        • That is the one for men, silly billy.
          It's got a Japanese movement you know.

          @WatchNerd is looking for something similar, but by Seiko…

  • +2

    Depending on the band, go try some out before ordering. I found it ridiculous how most metal bands would keep ripping hair off my wrist. Then I finally settled on a Citizen Eco-Drive, I've worn it every day for 10 years now. No maintenance, well except for the date some months. Keeps perfect time, no battery change so far.

    Edit: This is a ~$250 watch.

    • Which one do you have? I absolutely LOVE the Citizen Eco-Drives, about the best bang-for-buck watches you can get (when purchased from StarBuy that is). Here's my collection

      • I have no idea… googling the sn/pn numbers from the back got me no further. It's a gn-4-s but can't find a pic. Stainless, wr100, bought 10 years ago in Brissy (on sale). Best watch I've ever had.

  • I've got a frederique constant. Some very nice watches in that price range :)

    • Nice indeed, but I didn't see an automatic chronograph in OP's price range.

  • +3

    My Kind of topic…here's a few to consider if you don't want to buy just another run of the mill automatic watch and have ~$1200 to spare.
    Halios - Seaforth - http://halioswatches.com/seaforth/
    Mido Multifort - https://us.shopmido.com/multifort-escape-2.html
    Farer Endurance - https://usd.farer.com/products/endurance
    Christopher Ward C8 Flyer - https://www.christopherward.co.uk/watches/aviation/c8-flyer-…

    • +1

      Really nice recommendations. Those are all great. I especially like the Farer Endurance.

  • +1

    I had a Seiko I bought in Japan for AUD 220 (Don Quiote in Akihabara)… Went to get it repaired at the Seiko Service Centre in Sydney and they quoted 480 (was major work) upon questioning the quote and telling them they are crazy, they said the RRP on the watch here in Australia is 650. I rest my case.

    I have recently bought used Omega (Seamaster, Speedmaster) and Rolex (Submariner) from Japan, used dealers price there are among the best you will get anywhere. In fact I can buy used retail in Japan and sell here at Wholesale and come out ahead usually.

    For AUD 1200 you can easily get an Automatic Used Omega Seamaster in Japan from a dealer. The Japanese usually don't accept second best so the overall quality will be extremely high and they wont hide anything from you, usually send you close up high res photos from all angles.

    If you are going to buy an expensive watch don't buy Quartz, must be Automatic, Manual etc.

    To buy from Japan, use Buyee or some similar service (I used to live there so have a bank account and a local address, friends/family so can get it done with out using one of these buyer services)

  • +1

    JDM Citizen or Seiko in titanium. Great value.

  • OP:
    Its been said so many times now, but Seikos (eg: a sumo or a turtle) are great watches that will be in your price range. Alternative brands that will give you good bang for your buck in that price range could include some Oris models (I'm sure you could find a divers 65 on eBay under your budget). Someone above listed a few other brands like Halios, and they're also great. I'm pretty sure if you google "the grey NATO" Podcast they actually had a nice episode where they discussed a few good budget watches.

    If you're genuinely interested in watches then hop on to some watch forums like watchuseek and do some good reading. Alternatively ask a few questions on the FB group Australian watch forum.

    It seems however, that you are convinced that Tissot watches are your best bet for some unusual reason. In which case, we won't be able to change your mind easily, and I hope you enjoy your Tissot :)

  • I think most have covered all the bases here already.

    if it's going to be a daily beater, I would recommend a metal band. A seiko diver would be on a good budget.

    If you're a redditor, have a look at /r/watchexchange. Also, have a look at this one: https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/4o86qy/rwatches_bu…

  • Seiko.
    $500-$600 will get you a nice one.
    Online.
    Tip - go into shops locally, see and feel the watch you like, get model number and buy online.

  • My armitron watch band recently broke…

    Any recommendations to find a replacement band?

    Basically this watch:

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00451ZGCW/

    • +1

      Doesn't look like a standard band to me.

      The watch is so cheap anyway you could probably just buy another one, though i'd invest in a decent Casio if you like that kind of style.

      • Thanks.
        Appreciate it.

        • BTW you'll have trouble finding a comparable Casio on Amazon that actually ships to Oz.
          I just did a scan for you and didn't come up with anything compelling…

        • @AngryChicken:

          Yeah, currently using s Fitbit until I get a solution… May end up waiting till Amazon arrives in Australia, and then ordering.

          Cheers

        • @movieman: I just posted some Casio G-Shock deals here.

          Also there are some Skmei China cheapos in the description, which are probably in the same quality as the Armitron, but not as much.

  • Depends on what style of watch do you want….

    Dress watch? Diver watch? Etc…

    Automatic? Manual wind? Quartz? Etc…

    Chrono? Date? Etc…

    And don't forget to factor in custom fee if you ended up getting a watch over $1000 from Jomashop or other online store who ship the watch from overseas…

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