re: Watch snobs... Best watch for around $100?

Do you have a style in mind? The Seiko 5 series has some decent options in that price range.

G-Shock Military

I've taken a swing at one of these with a baseball bat. Didn't phase it at all.

Best deal in watches, ever.

I love Suunto as well as G-Shcok but nothing beats a G-Shock in dollar for dollar value.

Timex Ironman is OK if you're doing yard work. But they are fragile.

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Daniel Wellington is more than $100, but you could probably find one on sale that is close

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DW is usually $200+, but as you said maybe they have a sale right now or something.

Seiko 5 looks like the winner. I like that one link and your womanlike wrists don't make me think less of you.

Seiko Automatic - $100.00

Dont think anyone has mentioned Costco yet.. They have some pretty nice Citizens and Bulovas in the $100-$150 range.. Better selection in the stores than on their website in my experience.

There is no doubt the Seiko 5s are the best value in a mechanical watch. One note about the field watch shown (SKN809) it is rather small (37mm) by modern standards, which may or may not bother you. The SNZG15 is a similar watch but 40.5mm and while more expensive still sits right at $100. The 7S26 movement in most Seiko 5s is nothing to look at and not really finished at all but it is a workhorse that can run for 20 years without service (they are too cheap to service) but they aren't particularly accurate unless you get lucky. I give them to guys in my family to try to get them hooked on mechanical watches and always put them on the Timegrapher and regulate them as best I can, some are +/- 20 seconds a day and the rare one is pretty accurate at +/- 5 seconds a day but they honestly aren't worth paying someone to regulate. Most come in the +/- 10-15 sec a day range.

There are a whole host of Seiko 5 designs, though a lot of the coolest ones are JDM only. I would suggest avoiding the ones with bracelets as the bracelets leave much to be desired.

I would suggest you consider moving up the the SKX007 or 009, they are a much better watch, though over your set budget but probably the best budget knock-around/sports mechnical watch you can buy. The bracelets are much better as well if you prefer that to rubber.

Seiko 5 (skn809) on amazon for around 50 bucks right now. Is that a good snag?