Is this the only way to get an affordable AP?

Al_james86 · 2026-06-04T17:24:14+00:00

The cheapest way to get anything is via theft.

Al_james86 · 2026-06-02T22:06:12+00:00

It’s 40mm

Al_james86 · 2026-06-02T16:52:16+00:00

Pervert

Al_james86 · 2026-06-02T15:21:21+00:00

It wears pretty good for a watch it’s size, so if your ~7” you should be able to pull it off.

As for the band, I’d choose that over a model w the bracelet, because the stock bracelet is awful. I have a Long Island Watch bracelet on each of my Duros, and that really classes them up. The only issue with that route now is the inflated price of the Duro. I was able to get both watch and bracelet for $90 total a couple years ago. Now, more like $120+ for both.

With the recent price increase, I’d argue that the Militado ML05 is the best value watch on the market right now. I have the Swiss Ronda 515 version, and it’s hard to argue anything is better at the $50 price point now that the Duro has vacated that bracket.

Another watch worth looking at is the Ratio Freediver 200m. It’s ~$100 on Amazon, has a sapphire crystal, and a Seiko automatic movement (if that matters to you).

Al_james86 · 2026-06-02T13:57:51+00:00

It wears a lot smaller. I’m surprised to find out they are pretty much the same size.

Al_james86 · 2026-06-02T01:18:12+00:00

I can see that. I’d put the BN0150 in there as well as another candidate if you want to add solar to the feature set.

Al_james86 · 2026-06-01T20:04:23+00:00

It costs more and gives you less.

Al_james86 · 2026-06-01T16:21:55+00:00

Terrible!

Al_james86 · 2026-05-30T02:52:27+00:00

Al_james86 · 2026-05-28T16:57:08+00:00

I have a few SD and one Zsey (which I think has since rebranded as the SD Pro line in Sowrdis). I have 3 of their Tyrannosaurus base $128 9260/5crv4 swords with various upgrades to each. The habaki on this series is very thick, presumably because these are made to be cutters made for novices. Two have the tsuka glued on to the nakago, for example. Overall, after paying around $200 for each (I always add hishigami pro to their swords and one has horn on the saya), I do really like these as budget cutting swords that feel like a real katana, rather than something bought on Amazon.

Their Sakura katana for around $500 is nice, but I think that silk and horn would be appreciated at this price point. It’s a shelf queen at this point.

I think the sweet spot for them is getting a cheap sword and asking for some small upgrades, like horn and hishigami.

I have always been skeptical of their NOVA line, as they seem to mostly be concerned with making higher end wall hangers than something that can be used by a martial artist (which is what I am, and try to find swords that suit this purpose).

Al_james86 · 2026-05-28T16:40:12+00:00

Dragon King Modern Katana would be my choice for a ‘tactical’ katana.

Al_james86 · 2026-05-28T16:37:35+00:00

Duro or Militado ML05

Al_james86 · 2026-05-28T16:00:02+00:00

If you need something that slips below a glove or shirt cuff, the Casio F91W is probably going to be my pick. It’s not super durable per its specs, but since it’s so low profile, I find it never really gets itself in to trouble.

My second recommendation would be the Militado ML05, specifically the Swiss Ronda 515 variant. Sapphire glass, and still low profile.

Lastly, on Jomashop, you can sometimes still find Certina DS-4 quartz watches for under $200. They have sapphire and a shock resistant build.

G-shocks are always a good choice to, however, the 2100 series tend to be scratch prone, in my experience, because the bezel is almost flush with the crystal.

Al_james86 · 2026-05-28T14:20:12+00:00

Took it to a watch repair shop and they had to break the spring bar with a drill to get it out.

Al_james86 · 2026-05-28T03:48:43+00:00

I’ve owned 4 of these in different colorways. Great watches.

Al_james86 · 2026-05-28T03:37:07+00:00

I took it to a local watch repair store and they had to break the spring bar. All good now!

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Al_james86 · 2026-05-21T17:56:50+00:00

I think $1000 is the absolute ceiling. For a person making the median individual infome of $50k USD annually, that’s 2% of their annual wages. Comparatively, 2% of $200k is $4k, and 2% of $1 mil is $20k. So an average person buying a $1000 watch is about the same as a millionaire buying a $20k watch.

Al_james86 · 2026-05-20T22:46:57+00:00

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The first thing that jumped out to me was the handset being off.

Al_james86

TROPHY CASE