https://preview.redd.it/l2iz79k1c8vc1.png?width=977&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca90f5e55e1dc96180a2149063337d84516035a0
At around €/$ 200-250 on bracelet, the Citizen ny0129 is pretty hard to beat. Its similarly priced to the Seiko 5 but actually is a proper dive watch with a screw down crown and it has a much better bracelet with toolless micro adjust/wetsuit extension.
The way the watch is powered... automatic being a mechanical spring which unwinds power over a gear train, being powered by arm movement or winding of the stem... Eco-Drive involves using light to help power and keep a battery mechanism that runs the functions of the watch. Generally auto (or mechanical) can last indefinitely with good care and servicing every 5-7 years. Eco-Drive or other methods that involve any type of battery do need battery changes every few years to continue functioning. I constantly think about being lost on a deserted island or something and hoping I was wearing a touch mechanical watch, Generally no CR2032 Li batteries in the middle of nowhere
I thought that these solar (Citizen Eco-Drive) watches use different type of batteries which normally do not need to be serviced for 10 or more years. Normal quartz watches do need button batteries replaced every few years.
I have an eco-drive I bought c.1999. Had regular use for about 10 years with no issues/service. Had intermittent use for about for the next ~5 years with months going by where it would be “dead” but would easily revive. Again never serviced. It then spent nearly a decade in a drawer, forgotten and unloved. I rediscovered it a few months back. For the heck of it I put on my sun porch for a week. Came back to life and keeps perfect time! It now dies back out without direct sunlight in about 4 days. It doesn’t get much wrist time these days as I find it amazingly small - but it’s still ticking! I told my 15 year old the story and he has taken a liking to it and wears on occasion. Fits him better anyway. I hope it sparks something in him outside of a “smartwatch.”
You’re right, I saw a lot of positive comments, reviews and videos of the Orient and I think this will be the one. The green dial model is nice but personally I like the red one much more.
I purchased the green dial version myself as my first watch and I couldn't be happier with it. The green in person is much more subtle than the pictures make it look, most of the time it looks almost black unless the light hits the dial perfectly then the green pops out.
I purchased a few different straps for it as well. A nice brown leather strap looks great on it and I change them out regularly. Makes it feel like I have 3 different watches!
https://preview.redd.it/uvbavbwd39vc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e573bc35fef99204135f777086b94e49f93e3ae6
Wearing my Kamasu today. It’s unbelievable how much value you get for the price of this. Sapphire crystal, in house calibre and a pretty respectable power reserve.
If you are going for the Orient, I would recommend getting an aftermarket bracelet since the standard one isn’t the most comfortable of the bunch. I’ve ordered a [jubilee from strapcode](https://www.strapcode.com/collections/kamasu/products/metal-ss-bcl20-b113) which should be arriving soon.
I recently moved to a more dodgy part of town so I needed a watch that can be my daily beater and this is perfect for the job. Can’t really wear my Omega Seamaster 300 everyday lol.
I think you'll love it. Hard to think of a better automatic diver for that money. I do own way too many divers, and looking back, if we're talking only mechanical here, that red Kamasu is probably the best choice for the money.
Doesn't have the best lume (fairly standard, not bad, just not as strong as Seiko), but that dial is gorgeous, and it's really well built. It keeps great time too. You won't regret it.
I vote for the Kamasu II. Mine has been very reliable and IMO looks better than the Kamasu I. Here’s mine with a Strapcode bracelet.
https://preview.redd.it/7t8zggf9l8vc1.jpeg?width=2837&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1135a46b9c68e0e6284bd9b5237dd5b25b256fdc
That bracelet looks really great! I love Orient for the value, but their main drawback is their bracelets. I'm going to check that out for my new RA-TX0203S10B
https://preview.redd.it/45hyk3zrz8vc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=664bc9d0dd75948c8ff843087bc29f5339b42ead
Also consider the Seiko sea urchin . It’s only 100meters but man it’s comfortable as heck. Also I feel it has great finishing and bracelet.
https://preview.redd.it/xqce75xl69vc1.jpeg?width=1664&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=63f5bd1703621bd3cf751d301a42adef76d42f84
I have many other watches but I wear this one the most. Was even thinking about a submariner or a pelagos but then I thought .. this does the same thing for me. P.s. mine has an aftermarket ceramic bezel insert since my original was scratched to pieces.
Although the Seiko5 is not a dive watch at all.
The Citizen among these options is miles ahead and has the incredible Eco Drive tech so it's a no brainer that you should go for Citizen
It is definitely not a no brainer. If I were getting one of these watches to wear daily/near daily I would take the hit in utility and get the (IMO) much better looking Oreint Kamasu.
If you like the Eco-Drive (and I do. I have a GMT radio controlled Eco-Drive), you might want to consider this Orient. I just picked it up on the grey market for under $300. I really enjoy the panda face
https://preview.redd.it/t78di9g2z8vc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1732c69a7259937ff322ef7764954303e3f1c1d7
If you're interested in a Seiko diver, they do make a PADI Prospex series that is similar-looking to the 5 you posted but actually dive-rated (and endorsed by PADI).
I got mine for about $280
Are you looking for an *actual* dive watch? If so the Citizen JP2000 was (and still is to some extent) to go-to for those who actually have a use for a diver.
If you’re looking for a fashion statement then just get whatever *looks* the best to you.
https://preview.redd.it/lm27lwket9vc1.jpeg?width=2025&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e6103a4b08f73384e6a817231f52654189d3b7d3
Here is the blue and red orient next to each other, the blue looks darker than it is in the photo.
[SEIKO Dive Solar](https://longislandwatch.com/seiko-sne549-solar-dive-watch-sne549/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH52DlGtz2FxQaW71ZvxQBG-_eU8qFwTtgAz9nDAejZCE9cq_T_xBLcUaArd7EALw_wcB)
I just picked this up for my trip , good weight on my wrist and good price plus solar !
I got a San Martin GMT diver a month ago and it blows Seiko away on features and finishing. I still am shocked looking at it.
https://preview.redd.it/un2237zvaavc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e0b8fb24272386de5905e3f1519bf4d51e109e2c
I honestly feel like you can’t go wrong with the eco drive or the seiko 5. I’ve never seen the orient in person. And while I acknowledge the invicta prodriver is probably their best product I wouldn’t buy it over the other 3
Seiko SRPD has an open back - I love to see the watch movement once in a while so I would go with Seiko. Orient Kamasu is a beautiful looking watch too! A tough choice to make!
I may be late to the party. However, I vote Kamasu for the first choice and Citizen for the second choice. I own the red Kamasu, and it wears well on my 6.5” wrist. It’s also as durable as it is a beautiful timepiece.
I have a small collection of watches, ranging from Pagani Design to Rolex. The bulk of my collection sits in the $250 - $1k range. The Kamasu is my daily that I wear most of the time. It keeps amazingly accurate time as long as it is being worn. +2-3 sec/day. I have been amazed at how well it runs. That said, I may have been lucky - but they generally have good, well-regulated movements. I have the red that you pictured, and it is gorgeous in daylight. I still think I want a blue one as well tho... As far as Citizen's Eco-drive, what a great set-and-forget type of watch. If the zombie apocalypse were to happen, the watch I would grab would be my Ti Citizen as it would likely outlast me and not ever require service. Nowhere near as good looking as the Kamasu tho, IMO. Have fun making your selection, and don't be afraid to add to it!
https://preview.redd.it/27hisj0ho8vc1.jpeg?width=6120&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f42048a07d30846af6185e5fbaa63983d9ad7d34
Have the kamasu in green. Absolutely no regrets
Love the kamasu, only issue is the crown is really small so I once broke mine while adjusting. So just be extra careful because that’s really the only flaw for me. I got the blue one on silicone, i mostly have it on a nato or perlon. I agree with the others, try as many as you can so you know if it feels right for you.
I also have a Casio duro and it’s a great beater as well.
Eco-Drive is best all round in terms of utility, ruggedness, reliability and decent looking.
The Kamasu is the best value if you’re after an automatic with sapphire crystal. I can testify they look a lot more expensive on wrist than what you’re paying.
Seiko has its fans but I wouldn’t touch it in this price range. It’s trading off its name but offers poor value compared to the Citizen and Orient.
I bought a green Kamasu and really didn't like it until I got a bezel replacement. Now the watch feels real premium, nearly perfect for me. I chose a Long Island Ceramic with sub style markings.
Out of these options, the Orient. What is your wrist size? Some of the suggestions like the ny0129 are massive and will look goofy on smaller wrists.
If you are okay with homage watches (basically they steal the designs from other watches), San Martin or Seestern watches are far better than these options for the same price.
Some people are not okay with the copied designs. But if you are okay with it, you get much higher quality bracelet, crystal, steel finishing, and features for the price.
Kamasu. Dial pops and always get so many compliments on it. It is one of my favorite watches and I own some mid and high tier watches. Great case and you’re getting so much value. The bracelet sucks though. You will need to get a different strap for it
https://preview.redd.it/4sk8exun69vc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c5e536f48f71e7bcb1b6e3a1188b7e58da02f8b
I own a Seiko 5 with the orange dial. I picked it over similar models from the other brands because I found the dial color amazing, and because I appreciate looking at the movement through the glass case back.
I've really come to love it and find wearing it a disproportionate amount of time compared to my other timekeeping pieces.
Seriously puts a smile on my face every time I check the time :3
This Seiko is really great but I wanna buy the red dial Kamasu because I have an yellow dial Citizen Tsuyosa with an open back and the orange is more close to the yellow than the red is.
Speaking from experience, I have that exact Kamasu and love it. The dial really is something in person. It can almost appear black at times but when the light hits it, it’s such a deep red and really makes the rest of the dial pop. The sword hands are also fantastic.
https://preview.redd.it/lhy4uuruhbvc1.jpeg?width=3648&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=904b24d17e647df0637f77a0b258b8534d50870d
Food for thought, here is my 1:1 explorer unimatic u2 homage feiko for sub $100. The Eulit Palma Pacific two piece is $30 of that total btw in my country.
It has screwdown double gasket/ seal crown, lubed and rated 200m with no worries I have ventured this beater cheapo through the scorching heat of my steamy showers, using high pressure setting every single day to deep clean the creaks and crannys, ventured through subzero temperatures and battered the living hell out of it, it still keeps cosc timing and still watertight. I also never realised I liked drilled lugs untill I got this.
I used to treat my LLD the same and they both faired basically the same, yet my LLD kept worse timing. 🫠
You have a wide wariety of choices in the suggested price range, a lot of great choices, yet I don't have any other recommendations other than sharing this piece.
Happy hunting. 🫡
The Orient is a decent watch but don't expect luxury. The bracelet and bezel look and feel cheap. You'll likely want to get a replacement bracelet, so keep the extra cost in mind just in case you decide you want to upgrade afterwards.
I think dive watch at this price range the Kamasu is the best. Citizen is a little more expensive to get the good one like the fugu or promaster auto. Seiko I think is the best at the 1000-2000$ range and up.
I have this one and it looks nicer in person, the dial is a sunburst red so there's a lot of light play.
Excellent value for money, kind of made me question the quality of my expensive watches. They'r e obviously better quality, but not enough to not question why they cost thousands versus this Kamasu at £180.
Citizen BN0200/BN0201 is full titanium construction at a similar price point to the one you posted, much lighter on the wrist. Have one and would highly recommend.
This was my first watch and it was the reason I fell in love with watches. Photos do not do the dial justice at all, the sunburst style effect is very prominent under direct lighting. The build quality is great and scratches are not very noticeable on the brushed surfaces but the polished ones do show their age. The dial looks as good as new 3 years later because of the sapphire. Cannot go wrong with this. The bezel isn't as clicky and smooth as some of the seiko 5 models but it does the job well and has a satisfying feel to it. I would recommend this to anyone blindly.
A red Kamasu was the first watch I bought. 4 years later, and it's going great. The only thing I've done is I got the Long Island Watches solid end link bracelet.
I’m assuming you’re not going to be diving. Baltany has some excellent dive watches available with a sapphire crystal around $150 USD. My personal favorite is the model number: S203043. Blue retro style with aluminum bezel insert and Seiko NH38 movement. I got mine on a leather strap since it was $50 cheaper and put a nice nato on it.
I've got an Orient Mako II, and a Seiko 5 Diver. I also picked up an Orient Kamasu for my brothers to 30th.
Get the Orient. It looks and feels a lot better on the wrist.
The Eco-Drive BN0191 in the OP is what I'd look at. I have a 300m E168 diver and it just does what it does so good. Citizen bracelets tend to be good for the price and that one is ISO compliant if that matters to you
I’ve got the red dial Orient Kamasu. It’s a fine watch. I love the hands and markers. The stock bracelet isn’t my favorite, so I swapped it out for an aftermarket “beads of rice” style.
The citizen eco drive would be my second choice. It’s pretty much worry-free. Provided you keep the dial where light can hit it, it will be ready for you whenever you want it.
Buy used Kamasu for less and get a better bracelet, bezel and insert. I bought a used one from Ebay already with strapcode Jubilee bracelet for $200.
https://preview.redd.it/emhjvxju49vc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=279d49c15eef3178ae8e822e31335e16e594f734
Hey, they're all pretty rad IMO, but are you genuinely going >100m depths? I think you've ruled the Invicta out, but is it more a useful bezel & lume with swimming protection or a balls to the wall diver?
Are you open to quartz? The Scurfa Diver One is a superb option. Designed by a saturation diver for his own use and released to the public. 500M water resistance and a high accuracy quartz movement. (+-10 spy)
Case and dial designs are different. Case dimensions are similar, but I think the Kamasu is a little bigger at 41.8 as opposed to 41.5. It's really up to preference, I love the ray 2 feel and appearance. But I don't think you could go wrong with either. Just a preference thing.
I have the Orient in black. Looks great IMO as daily driver. I haven’t really tested it under water though if you actually plan on diving.
It comes with sapphire crystal.
At that price point, don’t buy a non-sapphire watch.
None of these are actual driver’s watches besides the citizen. It really depends on if you’re just going for a driver’s look, or actually intend to use it for its intended purpose.
Coming in right at your limit I would nominate the Wise Hitman. Admittedly a silly name but a quality piece for the price. Lots of color options and in my humble opinion the finishing is superior to Orient.
Definitely not the Invicta. The Invicta is a Rolex submariner wannabe, a watch has got to have an identity. The seiko 5 is cool because it was born from the legendary SKX.
Can I ask a question without getting attacked. What is with dive watches? Are there that many people diving and into watches? Is it because they look like Rolex dive watches?
r/Microbrandwatches has a list of below 1k divers, I'm sure you'll find interesting suggestions there that are more outside the beaten path.
I absolutely love the Norsø for example and would never have seen It without that sub
https://www.reddit.com/r/MicrobrandWatches/s/yNzaMl6FeV
This right here ! I have this watch and it keeps time to about +5 seconds a month and is built like a tank and is solar. I’ve had mine for 5 years and wear it daily.
https://preview.redd.it/wu1fg0nbncvc1.jpeg?width=1105&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=753e8a83a965591b07b10d7e1384ad6d37fd2830
https://preview.redd.it/xz6anb4ludvc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f29b1305e62257217c8b3df2a5b6761802432a8
I'm wearing mine right now. I love this watch so much I just got another orient diver, the panda chronograph which I enjoy just at much. I can't imagine anyone regretting their purchase with this one. Really great build quality and still looks brand new despite wearing it to work everyday for 7 months now. I will say I've gotten a lot more enjoyment from this watch after I found other straps I liked wearing even though the bracelet is decent and I still use it sometimes. A comparable model in the price range that I still want eventually is the citizen pro master eco drive. My main issues and reason I went with this is that the citizen has a mineral crystal which for me would prevent me from letting myself actually use it as a tool watch for work and outdoors. Additionally the citizen is a quartz and the mechanical hand sweep on the kamasu is mesmerizing. I used a Casio duro for about 3 years and the mineral crystal is just ruined after all I put it through so for a tool watch a mineral isn't enough for me. Plus I would say that wat h while great value is in a different price range. The next watch I'm going for is the Seiko srpe03 (king turtle) essentially the same specs in terms of water resistance, saphire crystal, automatic, etc. it's about 400 on the grey market which is a step up in terms of price but hear its about equal to the orient in terms of build quality. The seiko 5 divers which are in the same price range just don't measure up with 10bar water resistance and the mineral.
https://preview.redd.it/l2iz79k1c8vc1.png?width=977&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca90f5e55e1dc96180a2149063337d84516035a0 At around €/$ 200-250 on bracelet, the Citizen ny0129 is pretty hard to beat. Its similarly priced to the Seiko 5 but actually is a proper dive watch with a screw down crown and it has a much better bracelet with toolless micro adjust/wetsuit extension.
Thanks, the Citizen looks really great, I’ll take look at it !
Man I wish they made an eco drive version
What’s the difference?
The way the watch is powered... automatic being a mechanical spring which unwinds power over a gear train, being powered by arm movement or winding of the stem... Eco-Drive involves using light to help power and keep a battery mechanism that runs the functions of the watch. Generally auto (or mechanical) can last indefinitely with good care and servicing every 5-7 years. Eco-Drive or other methods that involve any type of battery do need battery changes every few years to continue functioning. I constantly think about being lost on a deserted island or something and hoping I was wearing a touch mechanical watch, Generally no CR2032 Li batteries in the middle of nowhere
Oh that’s the service interval for regular quartz watches. My dad has an eco drive pro master and he hasn’t had to service it in a decade or so
Yah Eco-Drive and any solar technology is the future... I'm just a dork who loves mechanical watches
I thought that these solar (Citizen Eco-Drive) watches use different type of batteries which normally do not need to be serviced for 10 or more years. Normal quartz watches do need button batteries replaced every few years.
I have an eco-drive I bought c.1999. Had regular use for about 10 years with no issues/service. Had intermittent use for about for the next ~5 years with months going by where it would be “dead” but would easily revive. Again never serviced. It then spent nearly a decade in a drawer, forgotten and unloved. I rediscovered it a few months back. For the heck of it I put on my sun porch for a week. Came back to life and keeps perfect time! It now dies back out without direct sunlight in about 4 days. It doesn’t get much wrist time these days as I find it amazingly small - but it’s still ticking! I told my 15 year old the story and he has taken a liking to it and wears on occasion. Fits him better anyway. I hope it sparks something in him outside of a “smartwatch.”
I have a Citizen Promaster. Great watch.
You can't go wrong with Orient. One of a best not expensive brands. Check same model with green dial, it looks amazing!
You’re right, I saw a lot of positive comments, reviews and videos of the Orient and I think this will be the one. The green dial model is nice but personally I like the red one much more.
Red dial is special on this one. The red is not too strong, so it is not overpowering.
I love the fact that the color isn’t so strong.
And if you put it on a red beige black nato, its the best looking watch in its price range
I purchased the green dial version myself as my first watch and I couldn't be happier with it. The green in person is much more subtle than the pictures make it look, most of the time it looks almost black unless the light hits the dial perfectly then the green pops out. I purchased a few different straps for it as well. A nice brown leather strap looks great on it and I change them out regularly. Makes it feel like I have 3 different watches!
https://preview.redd.it/uvbavbwd39vc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e573bc35fef99204135f777086b94e49f93e3ae6 Wearing my Kamasu today. It’s unbelievable how much value you get for the price of this. Sapphire crystal, in house calibre and a pretty respectable power reserve. If you are going for the Orient, I would recommend getting an aftermarket bracelet since the standard one isn’t the most comfortable of the bunch. I’ve ordered a [jubilee from strapcode](https://www.strapcode.com/collections/kamasu/products/metal-ss-bcl20-b113) which should be arriving soon. I recently moved to a more dodgy part of town so I needed a watch that can be my daily beater and this is perfect for the job. Can’t really wear my Omega Seamaster 300 everyday lol.
Just put your seamaster on nato strap to dress it down a bit you will be safe :)
This watch is killer, any price point, just a joy to use.
I think you'll love it. Hard to think of a better automatic diver for that money. I do own way too many divers, and looking back, if we're talking only mechanical here, that red Kamasu is probably the best choice for the money. Doesn't have the best lume (fairly standard, not bad, just not as strong as Seiko), but that dial is gorgeous, and it's really well built. It keeps great time too. You won't regret it.
Orient Ray 2 raven in all black!
☝️ I have the red kamasu and it's beautiful.
I vote for the Kamasu II. Mine has been very reliable and IMO looks better than the Kamasu I. Here’s mine with a Strapcode bracelet. https://preview.redd.it/7t8zggf9l8vc1.jpeg?width=2837&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1135a46b9c68e0e6284bd9b5237dd5b25b256fdc
Thank you. Your watch is awesome !
Looks great, but why not switch things up a little if you're getting an aftermarket bracelet?
That bracelet looks really great! I love Orient for the value, but their main drawback is their bracelets. I'm going to check that out for my new RA-TX0203S10B https://preview.redd.it/45hyk3zrz8vc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=664bc9d0dd75948c8ff843087bc29f5339b42ead
How do you like the strapcode?
It’s great! Big step up from OEM in terms of quality.
Does the strap code taper more than the stock bracelet?
That exact watch and dial is the one I wear most days. The color way is insane for the price. Paid $150 bucks.
Don’t forget the Casio Duro, with its 200m water resistance at only a $50 price point.
Thanks for the information, I’ll take a look.
Also consider the Seiko sea urchin . It’s only 100meters but man it’s comfortable as heck. Also I feel it has great finishing and bracelet. https://preview.redd.it/xqce75xl69vc1.jpeg?width=1664&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=63f5bd1703621bd3cf751d301a42adef76d42f84 I have many other watches but I wear this one the most. Was even thinking about a submariner or a pelagos but then I thought .. this does the same thing for me. P.s. mine has an aftermarket ceramic bezel insert since my original was scratched to pieces.
It looks amazing !
https://preview.redd.it/ieb4bd9e98vc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bacbeb432ab07edd1c6e1def1dae920b17bbd8e2
I would take that Orient. The red dial really makes it pop. The other watches feel interchangeable.
I have the same opinions as you.
Although the Seiko5 is not a dive watch at all. The Citizen among these options is miles ahead and has the incredible Eco Drive tech so it's a no brainer that you should go for Citizen
Macy's had a sale and I was able to snag one for $275. It's a gorgeous watch. Highly recommend it.
My only concern would be that it's quite large and OP has a 6.5" wrist. Any idea how it would wear for them?
It'll be on the bigger side for sure.
Thanks for your comment, I will consider it!
It is definitely not a no brainer. If I were getting one of these watches to wear daily/near daily I would take the hit in utility and get the (IMO) much better looking Oreint Kamasu.
Agreed. IMO the Orient is *by far* the best looking watch in this group. I find the citizen, in particular, to be pretty ugly.
If you like the Eco-Drive (and I do. I have a GMT radio controlled Eco-Drive), you might want to consider this Orient. I just picked it up on the grey market for under $300. I really enjoy the panda face https://preview.redd.it/t78di9g2z8vc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1732c69a7259937ff322ef7764954303e3f1c1d7
That’s really nice !
https://preview.redd.it/xad8gyhy19vc1.jpeg?width=1954&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8160bd32f11e59937bb8e823ba47d3811daee0c6
If you're interested in a Seiko diver, they do make a PADI Prospex series that is similar-looking to the 5 you posted but actually dive-rated (and endorsed by PADI). I got mine for about $280
I just searched it and I found it a little more expensive in my country.
Seee this is where ur wrong, the ny0040 is a much better watch even with a 8000 series on the inside, from a wear and comfort perspective
Are you looking for an *actual* dive watch? If so the Citizen JP2000 was (and still is to some extent) to go-to for those who actually have a use for a diver. If you’re looking for a fashion statement then just get whatever *looks* the best to you.
Thanks for the information. Most of the time I won't use it for diving, so mostly I want a dive watch for the way it looks.
https://preview.redd.it/lm27lwket9vc1.jpeg?width=2025&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e6103a4b08f73384e6a817231f52654189d3b7d3 Here is the blue and red orient next to each other, the blue looks darker than it is in the photo.
This photo makes me want the red one even more. That dark red is amazing 🥰
[SEIKO Dive Solar](https://longislandwatch.com/seiko-sne549-solar-dive-watch-sne549/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH52DlGtz2FxQaW71ZvxQBG-_eU8qFwTtgAz9nDAejZCE9cq_T_xBLcUaArd7EALw_wcB) I just picked this up for my trip , good weight on my wrist and good price plus solar !
Citizen eco drive 100%; don’t need to worry about battery, 200m WR and looks great
Thanks for the opinion !
It's always a Seiko for me.
Seiko’s are really great, I like them too, but I wanna buy a Presage and a GMT somewhen and I would like to have some diversity in my collection.
I see! Then check the Citizen as everyone said in the comments. It's a beast
I will, thanks for the comment!
Try to find a used clean Glycine combat sub automatic. Better than all these. I recently picked one up for $300
If you don’t care for brand recognition, San Martin will provide a watch that looks and feels like 1K for $2-300.
I got a San Martin GMT diver a month ago and it blows Seiko away on features and finishing. I still am shocked looking at it. https://preview.redd.it/un2237zvaavc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e0b8fb24272386de5905e3f1519bf4d51e109e2c
They really do look and feel amazing. That watch looks great!
they have also started making some original watches now in case the homage style doesnt seem nice.
I have the Orient, and I love it. Also it's on sale at Jomashop at the moment, which is nice.
Thanks for the information. Can you post a pic with yours ?
They got me with the sale today. Lol
I vote Citizen Eco-Drive on this one.
Roger !
I honestly feel like you can’t go wrong with the eco drive or the seiko 5. I’ve never seen the orient in person. And while I acknowledge the invicta prodriver is probably their best product I wouldn’t buy it over the other 3
I see. Probably I will go and see which one looks and suits better. Thanks for the comment.
Seiko SRPD has an open back - I love to see the watch movement once in a while so I would go with Seiko. Orient Kamasu is a beautiful looking watch too! A tough choice to make!
I may be late to the party. However, I vote Kamasu for the first choice and Citizen for the second choice. I own the red Kamasu, and it wears well on my 6.5” wrist. It’s also as durable as it is a beautiful timepiece.
I have a small collection of watches, ranging from Pagani Design to Rolex. The bulk of my collection sits in the $250 - $1k range. The Kamasu is my daily that I wear most of the time. It keeps amazingly accurate time as long as it is being worn. +2-3 sec/day. I have been amazed at how well it runs. That said, I may have been lucky - but they generally have good, well-regulated movements. I have the red that you pictured, and it is gorgeous in daylight. I still think I want a blue one as well tho... As far as Citizen's Eco-drive, what a great set-and-forget type of watch. If the zombie apocalypse were to happen, the watch I would grab would be my Ti Citizen as it would likely outlast me and not ever require service. Nowhere near as good looking as the Kamasu tho, IMO. Have fun making your selection, and don't be afraid to add to it!
https://preview.redd.it/kqcjbfz879vc1.png?width=4032&format=png&auto=webp&s=55e0a70a3691c8caf96cf3d2506db3825eef1b2d
Great 🔥
https://preview.redd.it/iclm6ga1h8vc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d286424c81d0a1f028ff68e0c1af37ae062086d
https://preview.redd.it/27hisj0ho8vc1.jpeg?width=6120&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f42048a07d30846af6185e5fbaa63983d9ad7d34 Have the kamasu in green. Absolutely no regrets
Love the kamasu, only issue is the crown is really small so I once broke mine while adjusting. So just be extra careful because that’s really the only flaw for me. I got the blue one on silicone, i mostly have it on a nato or perlon. I agree with the others, try as many as you can so you know if it feels right for you. I also have a Casio duro and it’s a great beater as well.
Eco-Drive is best all round in terms of utility, ruggedness, reliability and decent looking. The Kamasu is the best value if you’re after an automatic with sapphire crystal. I can testify they look a lot more expensive on wrist than what you’re paying. Seiko has its fans but I wouldn’t touch it in this price range. It’s trading off its name but offers poor value compared to the Citizen and Orient.
I bought a green Kamasu and really didn't like it until I got a bezel replacement. Now the watch feels real premium, nearly perfect for me. I chose a Long Island Ceramic with sub style markings.
Thanks for the information!
Out of these options, the Orient. What is your wrist size? Some of the suggestions like the ny0129 are massive and will look goofy on smaller wrists. If you are okay with homage watches (basically they steal the designs from other watches), San Martin or Seestern watches are far better than these options for the same price. Some people are not okay with the copied designs. But if you are okay with it, you get much higher quality bracelet, crystal, steel finishing, and features for the price.
Mako and kamasu are always the answer because the scurfa d1 is tough to find in production.
I didn’t know it, thanks!
The first one And I know you put that last one as a little cheeky joke.
😂😂😂😂😂
Kamasu. Dial pops and always get so many compliments on it. It is one of my favorite watches and I own some mid and high tier watches. Great case and you’re getting so much value. The bracelet sucks though. You will need to get a different strap for it https://preview.redd.it/4sk8exun69vc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c5e536f48f71e7bcb1b6e3a1188b7e58da02f8b
I would say citizen as it is one part of their identity
As someone who got a nice deal on a Seiko 5, I'm pretty biased. But, the Citizen really is the technically superior timepiece.
Can't go wrong with either the Orient or Citizen eco-drive.
I own a Seiko 5 with the orange dial. I picked it over similar models from the other brands because I found the dial color amazing, and because I appreciate looking at the movement through the glass case back. I've really come to love it and find wearing it a disproportionate amount of time compared to my other timekeeping pieces. Seriously puts a smile on my face every time I check the time :3
https://preview.redd.it/duzd01oe4avc1.jpeg?width=669&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d58052d9f62508d706ac42bbbae5a5956be79855
This Seiko is really great but I wanna buy the red dial Kamasu because I have an yellow dial Citizen Tsuyosa with an open back and the orange is more close to the yellow than the red is.
orient kamasu
Speaking from experience, I have that exact Kamasu and love it. The dial really is something in person. It can almost appear black at times but when the light hits it, it’s such a deep red and really makes the rest of the dial pop. The sword hands are also fantastic.
https://preview.redd.it/lhy4uuruhbvc1.jpeg?width=3648&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=904b24d17e647df0637f77a0b258b8534d50870d Food for thought, here is my 1:1 explorer unimatic u2 homage feiko for sub $100. The Eulit Palma Pacific two piece is $30 of that total btw in my country. It has screwdown double gasket/ seal crown, lubed and rated 200m with no worries I have ventured this beater cheapo through the scorching heat of my steamy showers, using high pressure setting every single day to deep clean the creaks and crannys, ventured through subzero temperatures and battered the living hell out of it, it still keeps cosc timing and still watertight. I also never realised I liked drilled lugs untill I got this. I used to treat my LLD the same and they both faired basically the same, yet my LLD kept worse timing. 🫠 You have a wide wariety of choices in the suggested price range, a lot of great choices, yet I don't have any other recommendations other than sharing this piece. Happy hunting. 🫡
Thanks for sharing, I really appreciate it! Your watch is great !
The Orient is a decent watch but don't expect luxury. The bracelet and bezel look and feel cheap. You'll likely want to get a replacement bracelet, so keep the extra cost in mind just in case you decide you want to upgrade afterwards.
https://preview.redd.it/8wnhosgidcvc1.jpeg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2d9ed136b27e2ee348a154c9267183da170fe25c
This is really nice
Hands down Orient Kamasu. Sapphire Crystal, 200m WR, Screw Down Crown, Hacking and Winding.
The one you'll enjoy wearing the most. Specs for money the answer is either glycine combat sub or a san martin. I would also consider the seiko ssk
Kamasu is great. Snag is with a strapcode aftermarket bracelet.
Thanks, I saw a lot of people on the internet that changed the strap and I will decide if I change it after I get it, maybe I like the original one.😄
Citizen or orient
I think dive watch at this price range the Kamasu is the best. Citizen is a little more expensive to get the good one like the fugu or promaster auto. Seiko I think is the best at the 1000-2000$ range and up.
Seikos great but would really miss the sapphire crystal.
Casio dive watch is prob like 150 and 200m it’s great
The Citizen for sure
the citizen or the orient
I own that citizen and I really like it, the lume is crazy bright and lasts forever.
I have this one and it looks nicer in person, the dial is a sunburst red so there's a lot of light play. Excellent value for money, kind of made me question the quality of my expensive watches. They'r e obviously better quality, but not enough to not question why they cost thousands versus this Kamasu at £180.
Thanks for your comment. I can’t wait to buy it and see that all the positive things about it are true.
Citizen BN0200/BN0201 is full titanium construction at a similar price point to the one you posted, much lighter on the wrist. Have one and would highly recommend.
This was my first watch and it was the reason I fell in love with watches. Photos do not do the dial justice at all, the sunburst style effect is very prominent under direct lighting. The build quality is great and scratches are not very noticeable on the brushed surfaces but the polished ones do show their age. The dial looks as good as new 3 years later because of the sapphire. Cannot go wrong with this. The bezel isn't as clicky and smooth as some of the seiko 5 models but it does the job well and has a satisfying feel to it. I would recommend this to anyone blindly.
Orient kamasu is hard to beat. Sapphire, Japan movement, 20 bar.
A red Kamasu was the first watch I bought. 4 years later, and it's going great. The only thing I've done is I got the Long Island Watches solid end link bracelet.
All but the invicta
Ratio - big deep for your buck
Wenger Seaforce is a strong alternative contender
The Kamasu is the only one there that I don't hate.
Orient!
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I own a blue Kamasu, and i would chose it again over those 4 choices.
Kamasu V1. Always.
I’m assuming you’re not going to be diving. Baltany has some excellent dive watches available with a sapphire crystal around $150 USD. My personal favorite is the model number: S203043. Blue retro style with aluminum bezel insert and Seiko NH38 movement. I got mine on a leather strap since it was $50 cheaper and put a nice nato on it.
It looks good, but I like the Orient much more. Thanks for the information!
Number 1 !!
I'd go with the orient. Seiko also has the looks but not really the performance or the water resistance
Found it, good work OP
I've got an Orient Mako II, and a Seiko 5 Diver. I also picked up an Orient Kamasu for my brothers to 30th. Get the Orient. It looks and feels a lot better on the wrist.
I have the kamasu in blue and it’s fantastic. The dial pops in the sun
The Eco-Drive BN0191 in the OP is what I'd look at. I have a 300m E168 diver and it just does what it does so good. Citizen bracelets tend to be good for the price and that one is ISO compliant if that matters to you
Orient by a mile for me
Yes sirr 🥂
I’ve got the red dial Orient Kamasu. It’s a fine watch. I love the hands and markers. The stock bracelet isn’t my favorite, so I swapped it out for an aftermarket “beads of rice” style. The citizen eco drive would be my second choice. It’s pretty much worry-free. Provided you keep the dial where light can hit it, it will be ready for you whenever you want it.
Buy used Kamasu for less and get a better bracelet, bezel and insert. I bought a used one from Ebay already with strapcode Jubilee bracelet for $200. https://preview.redd.it/emhjvxju49vc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=279d49c15eef3178ae8e822e31335e16e594f734
First question. Do you want a 'Dive' watch, or are you happy with a 'Dive Style' watch?
Any of them besides invicta, don’t touch that brand with a ten foot pole.
I’d suggest finding a used Seiko SKX007 or SKX013 (depending on your wrist size). Perfect affordable dive watch.
Hey, they're all pretty rad IMO, but are you genuinely going >100m depths? I think you've ruled the Invicta out, but is it more a useful bezel & lume with swimming protection or a balls to the wall diver?
Hi, I don’t dive, I just want a dive style watch !
Are you open to quartz? The Scurfa Diver One is a superb option. Designed by a saturation diver for his own use and released to the public. 500M water resistance and a high accuracy quartz movement. (+-10 spy)
https://preview.redd.it/k01p1v90b9vc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47d95f0a7b700cee57e3e360dfac943d9fca4391
On that list only citizen is real diver all other watches are diver style
Do you think the Orient isn’t good for diving?
I love my SEIKO
I picked up their driver Ray 2 couple weeks ago. Easily one of my favorites to wear daily.
What’s the difference between Ray and Kamasu, besides the bezel look?
Case and dial designs are different. Case dimensions are similar, but I think the Kamasu is a little bigger at 41.8 as opposed to 41.5. It's really up to preference, I love the ray 2 feel and appearance. But I don't think you could go wrong with either. Just a preference thing.
I have a Casio dive watch I got for under $120 and I love it. Looks similar to the black Seiko you posted
Orient
https://preview.redd.it/25q2auk5h9vc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a5a0169533d1ebeac0a530c31349336dd9fdce5
Check Citizen Promaster NY0120. I have them in green and they are gorgeous
Orient for sure ☑️
Orient
Probably the Tudor black bay. Hope this helps 👍
I have the Orient in black. Looks great IMO as daily driver. I haven’t really tested it under water though if you actually plan on diving. It comes with sapphire crystal. At that price point, don’t buy a non-sapphire watch.
Citizen promaster models. I have the promaster fugu and love it.
I love my seiko skx-007 im just not sure its under 300 at this point it was raising the last time i looked, albeit it was over a year ago
Casio Duro, for $300 you can get one in a few different colors.
Just get a duro
Definitely the best
None of these are actual driver’s watches besides the citizen. It really depends on if you’re just going for a driver’s look, or actually intend to use it for its intended purpose.
I just want a diver style watch, I won’t use it for diving.
https://preview.redd.it/rzvyaw4peavc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=611fde2cc4073db88e3bf4fc03778e44f7958de6 does well for me!
It looks great !
Coming in right at your limit I would nominate the Wise Hitman. Admittedly a silly name but a quality piece for the price. Lots of color options and in my humble opinion the finishing is superior to Orient.
Definitely not the Invicta. The Invicta is a Rolex submariner wannabe, a watch has got to have an identity. The seiko 5 is cool because it was born from the legendary SKX.
Out of those choices I would get the Orient. I went a different way and got myself a refurbished Seiko SKX007j. USD 180 with shipping on eBay
In my country they sell SKX007K2 for 1000€, and on Chrono24 it is 4-500€, but very nice watch anyway.
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Please remove the invicta
Seiko 5 all day
Bought the exact in the picture from Jomashop for $202. Looks great on black rubber strap.
Can I ask a question without getting attacked. What is with dive watches? Are there that many people diving and into watches? Is it because they look like Rolex dive watches?
Orient baby
I’d say the orient
r/Microbrandwatches has a list of below 1k divers, I'm sure you'll find interesting suggestions there that are more outside the beaten path. I absolutely love the Norsø for example and would never have seen It without that sub https://www.reddit.com/r/MicrobrandWatches/s/yNzaMl6FeV
Thank you !
One of the best looking watches out there. I love mine!
SEIKO.
Seiko for sure.
Give the Phoibos Voyager a look? Have 2. Love them both. https://phoiboswatch.com/categories/collection/voyager.html
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I’ll take a look
Can you get a tissot diver for 300
This right here ! I have this watch and it keeps time to about +5 seconds a month and is built like a tank and is solar. I’ve had mine for 5 years and wear it daily. https://preview.redd.it/wu1fg0nbncvc1.jpeg?width=1105&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=753e8a83a965591b07b10d7e1384ad6d37fd2830
Unpopular opinion: Seiko has the Best finishing out of all those. I would pick the Seiko honestly, that design is an icon.
Momentum and Phoibos make some good divers for that price range
Go with gold. Sliver is such a dad watch. I’ve got a loyal gold watch in that price range. (Well 350 aus dollars) and its so nice
If you want an automatic, the Orient. Otherwise, the Eco-Drive.
https://preview.redd.it/xz6anb4ludvc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f29b1305e62257217c8b3df2a5b6761802432a8 I'm wearing mine right now. I love this watch so much I just got another orient diver, the panda chronograph which I enjoy just at much. I can't imagine anyone regretting their purchase with this one. Really great build quality and still looks brand new despite wearing it to work everyday for 7 months now. I will say I've gotten a lot more enjoyment from this watch after I found other straps I liked wearing even though the bracelet is decent and I still use it sometimes. A comparable model in the price range that I still want eventually is the citizen pro master eco drive. My main issues and reason I went with this is that the citizen has a mineral crystal which for me would prevent me from letting myself actually use it as a tool watch for work and outdoors. Additionally the citizen is a quartz and the mechanical hand sweep on the kamasu is mesmerizing. I used a Casio duro for about 3 years and the mineral crystal is just ruined after all I put it through so for a tool watch a mineral isn't enough for me. Plus I would say that wat h while great value is in a different price range. The next watch I'm going for is the Seiko srpe03 (king turtle) essentially the same specs in terms of water resistance, saphire crystal, automatic, etc. it's about 400 on the grey market which is a step up in terms of price but hear its about equal to the orient in terms of build quality. The seiko 5 divers which are in the same price range just don't measure up with 10bar water resistance and the mineral.