Top 3 "frugal" brands

[Adam]

Since we have this great new forum I would be really interested to find out what you guys think are the top 3 value brands, with one catch, no Invicta or Seiko. Lets comapanies that have many watches under $300

My top three:

1. Poljot
2. Vostok
3. Orient

[mamas]

ok, here are my 3 in no particular order:
i) alpha.. come on guys.. how many other mechanical watches can you get for $20! the ultimate frugal connoisseurs dream!
ii) Poljot.. some interesting russian watches at a difficult price to beat.
iii) O&W.. a swiss company with a great history producing some exceptional divers at the price point.
mamas

[jimm]

I'd say

Citizen
Timex
Alpha - The King of cheap

[clifton]

Heck I think you can buy one of each of thise for ~$300.

1. Seiko
2. Swatch
3. O&W

Seiko


Swatch


O&W

[Adam]

I really like that O&W Clifton, great looking watch

[Warren]

This is difficult because there are so many decent cheap brands to choose from but if I have to narrow it to three I'll say Seiko, Zeno and Invicta.
Seiko because of the incredibly robust 7S26 movement and about gazillion case configurations including the Great Monster Divers all offered at low prices.
Zeno because they're are Swiss company that offers high quality at great prices.
Invicta because despite some quality control issues, offers deep discounts on their already low retail prices. It can be hit or miss with Invicta but if you're lucky you can a great watch at a ridiculous price.

[bruces]

I don't think Seiko can be left off. My three would probably be
Seiko, Citizen, and Hamilton (under 300 with discounts for Khaki Field watches). I hear O&W is a great value, but I've never owned one.

[CHIP]

In no particular order....
Seiko
Poljot
Hamilton

[mike]

I would also say Seiko,along with Citizen and Hamilton.

[choppersdad]

As was stated earlier Alpha is the king of cheap, but not bad at the price point that they sell at. Mido, an all Swiss, very accurate and first class watch, many of these are selling at or under $150.00 right now... and Seiko, what else can I say...

[roloya]

IMHO, top 3 Frugal watch brands...

Alpha - they have some of best made watches in the under $200.00 category. The rectangular 'regulator' watch they recently started selling is a masterpiece.

Seiko - they make some of the longest-lasting mechanical watches in the Under $300.00 category

Here's my curve ball - I want to include my UK watchmaker friends, Roy Taylor at rltwatches.com and Eddie Platts at timefactors.com in the frugal category. Some of their watches are in the O&W price range but they provide a high level of quality control and uniqueness not available elsewhere.

Roy is exceptional at one-offs. He has recently replaced the compass inside bezel on the new Seiko SKZ 20* with a 12 hour bezel that is only a few $s more than the normal price of the watch.

[mamas]

hey rooloya.. welcome to the forum! i agree roy taylor and eddie platts offer some great watches for frugal prices.. i would say it is well worth checking their websites out.
mamas