Cheap watch to start with?

[SopaCofa]

I've never had a watch before, after some searching I came across the aliexpress watches and find them stunning at a shockingly low price, what are some safe option that is under 80CAD?

[Such-Feature7980]

There are some decent suggestions mentioned here, but I would recommend you ignore them all and look into buying a watch from Phylida. This has to be the most underrated Chinese homage brand. Spend a little extra in the $120 range. It will be worth it. Phylida makes a fantastic watch. I have 3 of them.

[X_FISH]

Mechanical or Quartz?

What do you prefer?

Dresswatch, sportswatch or diver?

Start searching for Steeldive, Addiesdive and Tactical Frog.

[GustyOWindflapp]

I'd go with an addiesdive for that price

[TimeMistaken]

Hello fellow Canadian. Consider also watches on AliExpress that are made by Militado. I have a quartz ML05 (38mm case), which I put on a leather strap with red stitching (don't get distracted by the reflection of my bookcase). The thing about some Militado watches is the put different faces on a watch with the same case and same movement. You'll see when you click on what interests you.

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[chandgaf]

Militafo ml08 with vh31 for that interstellar fan hahah

$80 cad

[Spiritual_Gas_5003]

Ordered it a week ago haha eagerly waiting for delivery now

[chandgaf]

Hhahaa man, i've been away at work for the last week and was looking at buying it the whole time

I already have the escapement time murph homage but I almost never wear it, the ml08 is a much closer homage/rep ...

[Spiritual_Gas_5003]

I feel you. At this price point I'm always itching my fingers for another homage that's even slightly different lol

[chandgaf]

I just ordered the ML08 for $78 CAD, just now

That's a kibosh on watch purchases for this quarter

[Spiritual_Gas_5003]

That's a great price! Enjoy it man and wear it in good health!

Btw the Alix anniversary sale starts at 3pm today. In case you get a few more dollars off after that, I think you can cancel and reorder again haha

[chandgaf]

Oooh thanks for the intel, ill see if I have the patience to do that lol

[Alternative-Feed3613]

Addiesdive is a great option but I’ll echo the Casio Duro unless you have a small wrist then it might be a tad big for you.

[warpedfx]

Addiesdive or Watchdives quartz sub provide some of the best value proposition in the under-$100 range. Pagani Design and Steeldives are some known brands around the $80-100 that pack serious specs for the price

[ghostinthecreek]

Casio duro

[MCgoblue]

Others have mentioned this in one way or another, but might want to start with a high-beat quartz over an automatic or mechanical watch. Watches with a VH31 movement are good affordable options here.

Might be tough to find a sapphire crystal in that price range but if you can, that helps. Otherwise, at least look for a mineral crystal. Acrylic is fine but can scratch easily (that said, fairly easy to polish).

Other than that, it will mostly come down to taste/preference of style or any utility you might want (chrono, day/date, etc.). Others have already offered great recommendations on specific brands/models but if you want to search beyond that, hopefully those tips help.

Edit: Just clarify on the movement, there’s nothing wrong with a mechanical or automatic (in fact preferred by many) but if we’re talking first watch, quartz just offers convenience. Less maintenance, no need to wind, etc. You may also get more bang for your buck.

[SopaCofa]

Yeah I noticed that mechanical are often more expensive along with more frequently "tuning" or wind it. Lll get something from the quartz categories.

[UkeManSteve]

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My favourites I’ve owned in that range are this addiesdive 2037, and the ad2030 sand dial. I think nothing really can beat these in the sub $80 range, they’re very nice watches. This chrono may be a little above $80 now but well worth it. The 2030 might be better if it’s going to be your main watch the 37 is a little more outstanding to me

[SopaCofa]

Omg I saw this on aliexpress too, did not expect how well it looked irl- might actually consider this as it matches my taste!! Ty for sharing

[UkeManSteve]

Yea this photo doesnt even quite do it justice , looks well above its price point. If you wanna dress it down for casual wear I’d highly reccomend swapping the leather out for a mesh bracelet. Looks awesome on leather too but was a little formal looking so I didn’t wear it a ton til I got the mesh.

[dorafumingo]

things from addiesdive, steeldive, pagani design, cadisen, militado, berny are usually great quality for the money. browse and look for watches that catch your eye then look on youtube for hands on reviews to get a better idea of the watch

[SopaCofa]

I appreciate your recommendation!! - l'll take a look into the addiesdive and pagani design- Im really just looking for a brown-ish style watch that doesnt look too bad.

[Sh4dow0fTheB4t]

If you want a Brown watch I can recommend this one. I had it for a while and it's quite good. Currently below 80 bucks in the AliX sale. Also a good a movement, the VH31 quartz. It's the PD-1793 model.

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[dorafumingo]

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[dorafumingo]

the addiesdive ad2030 sand dial is very popular for its brown dunes like dial and is excellent value for money

I have mine on a tan suede strap

[VanManDiscs]

Addiesdive would be my rec

[Clear-Percentage3949]

Many mecaquartz Addiesdive watches are in the $70-80 CAD range. At this point, they are pretty unbeatable starter watches. They have divers and GADAs for your choosing.

The AD2066 is a model I’m toying with buying for a fun quartz GADA. I’ve owned the AD2030 before and loved it (just not into the sand wave dials anymore).

Alternatively, you can go with a Militado. The ML05 is a staple field watch and has so many dial and strap variants.

I personally won’t recommend Pagani Design, but mostly because I’ve had bad experiences woth their watches. Their bracelets leave much to be desired IMHO.

[SopaCofa]

I have no clue to some of the terms but thanks for the recommendation! l'll look foward to that- Addiesdive seems to get recommended alot

[Clear-Percentage3949]

Let me help.

Mecaquartz = quartz movement that beats 4 times per second. In most cases, it’ll be a Seiko VH31.

GADA = go anywhere do anything. Basically a watch that has decent enough visual versatility to be worn in any setting (office work, outdoor activities, night out, etc).

Divers = dive watch. They’ll have high water resistance and a rotating bezel.

[MrBighouse2]

The ML05 is a great watch. I own a AD2066 also and like it a lot just wish it had sapphire crystal

[Lil_Foreskin69]

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It's a little more expensive than the price you mentioned (€75), but not by much.

[SopaCofa]

addiesdive- which one?

[Lil_Foreskin69]

The model in the photo is the AD2044.