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Today's Newsletter

• 5 Under $500

• Summit Straps

• Chrono Uni

The Main Thing

Five Quality Watches for < $500

Five-hundred dollars. I don’t care who you are. It’s a lot of money, especially for a watch. There are watches that cost a lot more and a lot less than this. If you're wanting to "get into the game" of watches, a $500 budget gives you some solid options.

I don't want to give you paralysis by analysis. I'll give my two-cents and the specs on the watch. This way, you can make your own, informed decision.

Let's dive in.

(As always, pics are linked to websites)

Baltic HMS $400

If you're on Reddit, you know that Baltic is one of the hottest microbrands. And for good reason! This HMS 003 looks great. The contrast of the blue against the silver dial. It looks similar to the Rolex Explorer, with only .5 mm of a size difference. I really like this company

Brief history on the brand:

Etienne Malec's journey in watchmaking is a heartfelt tribute to his late father, a photographer and collector. Inspired by his father's diary, chronicling every watch, Malec founded Baltic in 2016. The name honors his father's roots on Poland's coast. Baltic blends tradition with innovation, reflecting Malec's commitment to preserving his father's legacy. Each timepiece embodies Malec's dedication to craftsmanship and creativity, keeping his father's story alive for future generations.

Some Specs:

Case diameter: 36.5mm

Lug to lug: 46mm

Thickness: 13mm (10mm without glass)

Lug width: 20mm

Glass: High-domed hesalite

Movement: Automatic Miyota 8315

Power reserve: 60 hours

Water resistance: 50m (5ATM)

A solid watch from a solid brand. I can see Baltic “blowing up” the scene in the coming years. Check them out!

Seiko 5 Sports SSK 019 $475

For many, Seiko is the "gateway drug" into watch collecting. And it's hard for them NOT to be. They have SO many incredible models. If you are even slightly into watches, there's a Seiko for you. I had to only pick one, so here we are with the SSK 019. If you THINK you may be interested in watches or want to try one out, go with this.

Some Specs:

Case diameter: 42.5 mm

Lug to lug: 46 mm

Thickness: 13.6 mm

Lug width: 22 mm

Glass: Hardlex crystal

Movement: Caliber 4R34

Power reserve: 41 hours

Water resistance: 100 m

Again, you can't go wrong with this watch. If you don't like this specific model, Seiko has about a thousand others to check out.

Would I Own The Watch: Nah, I'll pass for the next watch on the list.

Nodus Retrospect III $475

I'll be honest. I never heard of this brand before researching for this article. But that's why I love writing this newsletter. It allows me to find awesome, unknown brands out there.

In my opinion, this watch is a steal. The specs don't lie and this blows away many other entry-level watches.

Some Specs:

Case diameter: 42 mm

Lug to lug: 48 mm

Thickness: 13 mm

Lug width: 22 mm

Glass: Double-dome sapphire glass

Movement: Seiko TMI NH35

Power reserve: 41 hours

Water resistance: 200 m

You get some premium features for under $500 here. A few are a screw-down crown and Swiss Super-LumiNova. You also get an accuracy of +/- 10 seconds per day.

Incredible value for the money.

Would I Own The Watch: HELL YES

Dan Henry 1970 $290

Again, Dan Henry is another brand I've never heard about. What I like about this, in addition to the high-contrast colors, is the internet bezel. This is usually a premium feature found on more expensive watches.

Some Specs:

Case diameter: 40 mm

Lug to lug: 45.7 mm

Thickness: 14.8 mm (thicc boi!)

Lug width: 22 m

Glass: Sapphire

Movement: Seiko TMI NH35

Power reserve: 40 hours

Water resistance: 200 m

While I wouldn't personally buy this, you're getting a lot here. For less than $300!!! I'm not sure if I've ever seen an automatic watch for this low of a price. The specs are insane for this price point.

Would I Own The Watch: No. I like it but not enough to spend my money on it.

Steinhart Nav B $490

Steinhart. Yet another brand I learned about today. This one is also unique because it's the only pilot watch on this list. While at the upper tier of this price range, it's a solid choice.

I LOVE the white hands with a blue outline and how they pop against the black dial.

Some Specs:

Case diameter: 44 m

Lug to lug: UNK (Google was unkind here)

Thickness: 14.2 mm

Lug width: 22 m

Glass: Sapphire

Movement: ETA 2824-2

Power reserve: 38 hours

Water resistance: 30 m (ouch)

I actually don't have any pilot watches in my collection. If this one had better water resistance, it'd be a strong contender. The Arabian Superluminova looks bright in pictures. If you want a pilot watch and won't wear it in the shower, this is for you.

Would I Own The Watch: No, because of the low water resistance. If it was 100 meters, I'd be all-in.

Shoutout Of the Week

Summit Straps

I don’t like leather straps. There. I said it. They don't do well in the water and are too stiff. Also, who wants to wear a dead animal on their wrist?

Most rubber and silicone straps feel cheap. I know. I tried them all. But that's where Summit Straps comes in.

I found these guys on Reddit. We connected and chatted about watches. I decided I wanted to give their straps a try. I had a cheap silicone strap on my Hamilton that I wanted to replace. And I'm so glad that I did.

These straps were simple to install and feel great on the wrist. The stitching adds a sophisticated pop of color. I put the navy blue with white stitching on my Hamilton and it looks great.

I also got a black strap with white stitching for my Serica GMT. It's way better than what they sent with their watch.

These straps go along with any outfit and are just so practical. I totally recommend these guys.

I liked them so much that I asked if they offered an affiliate program Low and behold, they do! So give them a try. You'll be helping them and me out with your purchase.

Use code OwnTheWatch10 at checkout to save 10% on your purchase! 👇️ 

Lessons in Time

Chrono University

Learn something about watches. We’ve been learning about some of the big names in watch-making history so far. Today, we will continue that trend!

The Founder of Omega Watches

Louis Brandt, a Swiss watchmaker, started his journey in 1848 at just 23. He opened a pocket watch factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds, marking the beginning of a legacy. With the entry of Louis Paul in 1877, the business became Louis Brandt & Fils. Louis Brandt passed away in 1879.

His sons, Louis Paul and Cesar relocated the company to Biel that same year, where it still thrives today. Renamed Louis Brandt & Frère in 1891, it later became the iconic Omega at the turn of the century.

Continuing the Legacy

After Louis Brandt's passing, his sons Louis-Paul and César continued his legacy. They revolutionized watch production by centralizing it at Omega, allowing more innovation. In 1894, Omega introduced the world's first interchangeable watch movement, the Omega Calibre. This innovation streamlined production by standardizing parts.

The Omega Calibre propelled the brand to global fame. It achieved precision records in 1931 at the Geneva Observatory. As the 20th century began, Omega solidified its position as a leader in timekeeping technology and sports watches.

Looking To Buy A Watch?
You’re in luck

I spend almost all my free time researching watches. In fact, I've become pretty knowledgeable in them. So let me help you.

For only $20, I’ll be your personal watch concierge. We chat and you tell me your criteria. I do the research and email you what I find. Three watches that you'll love, guaranteed.

Out Of Time

Signing Off

This newsletter becomes more and more fun to write. I enjoyed the challenge of finding high-quality watches to recommend to you.

I couldn’t be more excited to start a partnership with Summit. From my old days of business consulting to today, I love seeing small businesses grow. Again, check out Summit Straps. You won’t be disappointed.

Know a fellow watch-lover? Want to learn about watches to make an educated purchase?

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Timelessly Yours,

—

Ian

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