The BEST Mechanical Watches for $300?
Today, we’re showcasing 5 watches you can buy for a similar price of a MoonSwatch’s retail price - ALL with mechanical movements and from trusted brands. Let’s dive into the 5 watches you should buy before purchasing an OMEGA x Swatch MoonSwatch.
Timex HODINKEE Review: • Is This the BEST Watch Under $300?
Read More About Each Watch on the List: https://watchincrements.com/
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:36 Seiko 5 Sports SRPH31
1:37 Timex Waterbury HODINKEE Limited Edition
2:34 Swatch SISTEM51 Petite Seconde Black
3:41 Orient Kanno Green Dial
4:31 SEIKO SRPE53
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About this video:
First up is the Seiko SRPH31 as part of the Seiko 5 Sports collection. Although certainly not a chronograph like the MoonSwatch, the SRPH31 is a vintage-inspired pilots watch with a caliber 4r36 movement. For $275, you’ll have one of the best entry level sports watches with an automatic movement, multi-language day/date calendar, and water resistance up to 100m.
Unlike the MoonSwatch, the SRPH31 features a stainless steel case, transparent caseback, and presents itself as one of the best values around. It comes on a nylon strp finished in blue to match the dial with orange lining for contrast. While it’s personally not my favorite strap around, it’s a small downside to overlook when you consider the value this watch has for the price.
You’ll never really have to worry much about this watch having issues, making it a perfect daily watch.
For entry-level watches under $300 new, I firmly believe Seiko offer some the best options around. But next up is a very strong second place contender - the TIMEX Waterbury HODINKEE Limited Edition.
I felt the TIMEX Waterbury HODINKEE colab deserved a place on the list for a few reasons, but the main one being that it’s a collaboration piece done better than the MoonSwatch - as if that would actually be difficult..
The watch features the Miyota 8215 movement with 100 meters of water resistance and a stainless steel case. The watch certainly doesn’t stand out as much as a MoonSwatch, but I think a lot of people would appreciate it’s minimalistic approach to being a dive-inspired watch.
We’re moving onto watch number three - the Swatch Sistem51 Petite Seconde Black.
The Sistem51 Petite Seconde Black stood out for a few reasons, earning it’s place on this list. For starters, it’s a Swatch, which I would assume you’d be okay with if you were already considering a MoonSwatch. But more than that, it’s actually a quality watch for only $215.
Being the first Swiss watch on the list, it features an automatic movement from Swatch. In fact, it’s one of the most interesting mechanical movements you can get for under $1,000. Take a look at how stunning this movement is. The model name SISTEM51 was inspired by the 51 parts that make up the movement.
It also features a transparent caseback (obviously) and is finished in Stainless Steel, making it feel much nicer than the MoonSwatches bioceramic case.
Oddly, this is probably the most unique watch on the list, as it’s not really the first choice for many people, but I think it truly is a fantastic option compared to the MoonSwatch.
Moving onto number four on the list is the Orient Kanno with the green dial. Right now, you can pick this up on Teddy Baldassarre’s website for just $305. Sure, it’s a bit more than the retail on a MoonSwatch, but how many people are finding those at retail at the moment anyway?
Last, but certainly not least, is another Seiko. This time around it’s the SRPE53, another in the Seiko 5 Sports collection. This watch makes it to the list for it’s stunning blue sunray dial mixed with unique crown placement. It features a Caliber 4R36 movement like the SRPH31 we mentioned before, so you’ll still have a day-date function.
The watch is all stainless steel including the bracelet, and water resistance is rated up to 100m. You’ll also be back to see the movement through its clear caseback, which always adds a new dimension to a watch.
I felt this watch belonged on the list for similar reasons to the first one. Solid brand name, great quality, and some of the best value out there entry-level watches. Without repeating myself too much, I feel almost anything from the Seiko lineup in this pricepoint would be a great contender for an alternative to a MoonSwatch.
But if you’re still interested in the MoonSwatch, I get it. It has a lot of appeal for a lot of people, so be sure to check out our review on the screen now to learn more about what it’s like to own.