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Best Affordable Style of 2012 – The Watch

January 2, 2013 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

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The end of the year means it’s time to hand out some awards.  No, there’s no little statues to pass along, but over the next few days we’ll still highlight some of the best in affordable men’s style from this past year.  And it was a good one. Feel free to send in additional nominations here.
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Quartz:  Skagen Slim 858 Silver Dial w/ Blue Hands – $55 – $110 (sold out)

The 858XLSLDN from Skagen has been around for awhile, but it disappeared in late 2011, showed back up this Spring, only to vanish and reappear once more in October.  Currently sold out at Amazon, Nordstrom, etc.  The leather strap is far from bulletproof, but that’s easily replaceable.  Super slim, modern without looking space-age, and the blue hands really jump against the grey dial.  Here’s to hoping it returns in 2013.  Also worth a mention: Citizen’s new Chronographs, Seiko Compass.  Timex Button Stud via FFF.

 

Dress Automatic/Mechanical: Orient Bambino – $182 w/ FALL2012

In 2012 Orient’s styling seemed to move away from the sporty/complicated and back towards vintage inspired, simple styles like the Bambino. Available in four different dial/case combos and priced under $200, this domed crystal beaut looks like an heirloom piece.  Automatic, a nicely sized 40.5mm in diameter, and just different enough.  Review here.

 

Casual Automatic/Mechanical: New Maratac Pilot & Maratac Pilot Mid – $195

Another couple of watches that are so popular they can’t keep them in stock.  Just under $200, made in two sizes (46mm and 39mm) and no branding.  The new versions for 2013 (on the left) have had their dials busied up just a bit. Efforting an in person with the new version of the 46mm.  Also worth a mention:  Seiko SNZG15, Anstead Oceanis.

Filed Under: Watches Tagged With: Best of 2012

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Comments

  1. A. Ali says

    January 2, 2013 at 7:03 AM

    Here’s to hoping the Skagen blue hands makes a cameo in 2013.

  2. Kyle says

    January 2, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    A trained eye, ebay, and a good watch specialist can yield incredible results.

  3. seriph says

    January 2, 2013 at 9:36 AM

    I’m looking for my first automatic dress watch. I’m 26 and it’s taking me time to save. I’ve been looking at the tissot le locle. It is a beautiful watch and everyone seems to have good things to say about the company and specifically that watch. Does anyone have feedback about tissot or recommendations where to get it. I would rather not get it grey market of I can help it. Any ideas?

  4. Kyle says

    January 2, 2013 at 10:19 AM

    to the (1-) guy: I got my first omega that way… once it arrived, i took it to Radcliff jewelers here in md and had it authenticated and then restored. $500 total for a $6k watch that someone sold not knowing what they had.

  5. Travis Brown says

    January 2, 2013 at 10:31 AM

    I bought that same Skagen with black hands on a daily deal site (brand new) for literally next to nothing ~6 months ago. Great watch.

  6. Jay says

    January 2, 2013 at 11:15 AM

    I have the Orient Millenium, which is about $100 more than the Bambino. It is a fantastic watch, and looks and works much better than a watch for that price.

  7. Chase Steel says

    January 2, 2013 at 12:54 PM

    Any tips on ebay watch shopping? I done some searches, but there are so many and the prices are all over the board that I find it impossible to even begin.

  8. Marshall Lilly says

    January 2, 2013 at 2:34 PM

    Agreed. I see pairs of worn Allen Edmonds selling on ebay for less that $50 all the time. Be patient, find your size, and then send them to Allen Edmonds to be recrafted. You’ll get back what amounts to a brand new pair for less than half what they would cost otherwise.

  9. Kyle says

    January 3, 2013 at 8:26 AM

    yes, visit watch forums and ask if a watch you are considering is authentic (post a link to the item) or at least seems that way.

    *Don’t aim for flashy watches

    *go for classic styles

    *go for esoteric brands skip/be wary of rolex, tag, and popular middle brand names. these are copied most. go for safe brands like Baume & Mercier and Oris… this is basic to mid luxury.
    (see also: http://www.chronocentric.com/watches/brands.shtml )

    *Any good seller will guarantee the authenticity of the good with a no questions asked return policy.

    *Use paypal only, they’ll CYA in the event of an issue.

    *Have it verified immediately upon receipt.
    ************avoid Brazilian sellers!!!!!!!!*

    typical forum:

    http://forums.watchuseek.com/f20/

    Auction examples-

    Good example(safe):

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/LONGINES-ANTIQUE-1900-Steel-Wristwatch-PORCELAIN-DIAL-/251204163765?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3a7cef58b5

    moderate example (risky):

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/STUNNING-LONGINES-VINTAGE-WRISTWATCH-/290836221178?pt=Vintage_Costume_Jewelry&hash=item43b7308cfa

    bad example (say “Peace” to your cash):

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXTREMELY-RARE-OMEGA-AUTOMATIC-SEAMASTER-DE-VILLE-WATCH-SWISS-SHIP-DHL-CALIB-560-/170964202474?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item27ce42b3ea

    I tend to go for manual 17 jewel movements. but on the weekend I rock Joe’s Dappered timex watch deals… no fear of shattering a work of art and so many options.

  10. Kyle says

    January 3, 2013 at 8:27 AM

    so true… i learned that from the guys at ask andy about clothes

  11. Kyle says

    January 3, 2013 at 9:24 AM

    i posted a response but, it vanished… i’ll assume it was a bad thing to do

  12. Joe says

    January 3, 2013 at 11:07 AM

    Nope. DISQUS gobbled it up because of all the links in there. The more links the more likely it is DISQUS will think it’s spam. Shoot me an email next time: joe@dappered.com and I’ll dig around in the comments system to see if it got caught up somewhere.

  13. Kyle says

    January 3, 2013 at 1:10 PM

    good man!

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