Hi all,

Did some homework but figure that I may just ask for some advice here as well. I am looking for a watch ranging from RM500-RM800, so I think it's probably Seiko, Citizen although I find that I can reach the cheapest Tissot as well.

Was checking out in the Mines today and got quoted about 20-30% discount for Seiko and 20% for Citizen (can't they do better?) and a firm 15% for Tissot (and 10% for cheaper one). I think the discount on Tissot is fair (as what I read around) but would Seiko/Citizen be able to offer more discounts? Personally, I am not impressed with the Seiko at that price range but their watches look much better when the retail price hits four figure. My thought is to go for a Tissot, even though it's a bland one, at least it will not feel out-of-date and it's a Swiss. But if Seiko can offer steep discount for RM1,000 onwards watch then I would just get the Japanese.

BTW, my homework suggests me that Orient and Certina could be the dark horse, are they worth a look? What kind of discount should I expect for these two brands?

Quartz probably, I prefer accuracy over tradition. I am probably not into watch in the future (next 5 years), just a fresh graduate but really wish to get myself a decent watch (have been using watch since I was in primary school). I don't need chronograph, just something that pleases my eyes and do the job of time keeping will do. Will prefer sapphire/hardlex surface that could withstand scratch better. Don't mind leather strap but more inclined to uncoloured stainless steel one. Oh, must be able to handle frequent washing and no mold smell, I am an OCD.

Well, that is really subjective but I would prefer something minimalistic more over complex one. The Mondaine is indeed very nice, at least on pictures. Any idea where can I find one in KL region? Also want to know if it is serviceable here or not.

Edit: I also want to know what are the brands I can look for and what are the brands I should stay away from when I go shop for them myself. Budget as mentioned above, RM500 to 800. Oh, if possible it should be forgiving to scratches or dents etc. It's very hard for an OCD to get over those accidental damage I made myself.

This post has been edited by tanjinjack: Mar 29 2013, 08:08 AM

I think so far I am okay with scratches on the bracelets, if it's not reflective one it's still okay and it's still replaceable. My OCD is not that serious (yet?), LOL! I have my way to battle with the OCD evil within me.
My concern is actually on the dial surface, what I see daily (same thing, also cannot stand scratches on phone screen but phone body still okay with it).

BTW, my current watch is a leather and I am still okay with it, didn't really wash too often but I do wipe it occasionally. So I think I could still take a leather strap but I do love the coherence of using stainless steel throughout the watch. In the end, it's still about the subjective thing about how much I like the watch. So anymore suggestion although the Mondaine looks pretty nice - but really must see it in real-life first, anywhere can find that in Malaysia?

Saw that yesterday. It doesn't look as good in person than on the photo. In fact, I find most Seiko are like that (or most watches are like that?).

No problem, although I check within the Mines yesterday everyone seems to sell the same Seiko only. BTW, how much discount should I expect from watch by Seiko? The best I got is 30% and that's before I say I really really want to buy it.

I am not sure which Tissot I have seen as well, thought I could find it back just by checking out the pictures but apparently, they are all very similar (should have written down the model number). It does look something like this but it doesn't come with the roman numerals: http://www.bodying.my/tissot-watches-t033-...98#.UVU2shxHKCk

Strangely enough, I think the Seiko above 1k looks much better, but they must have significant discount until it falls into my budget. I am not a fan of reflective/glossy stuff. If possible, I will want to settle for a solar or kinetic-powered Seiko (and their solar watches are just plain ugly.) One Seiko did caught my attention, it's a chronograph (I am fine with it though, but the extra mini dials will just sit there doing nothing other than being ornamental) but I suppose I should still shop around (and I couldn't find back that Seiko online.) I was given a 25% discount but my bro thinks that Seiko can have much more discount (any ideas about that?). He has his one years ago.

The one I see has a 100m rating although I don't think I'll do any water activities with my watch on, so that's not a big factor. But I think I'll still look for 100m rating just to be on the safe side, had experience on condensed watch and not good I would say.

Oops, seems like a mistake in terminology. I didn't mean the dial, but the crystal surface.

So if I get the Mondaine and if I ever needs to claim for warranty, I'll have to go to Singapore.

Apart from Tissot, Certina, Seiko and Citizen, can you tell me what other brands can I consider that are carried officially in Malaysia? Sorry for asking so many questions, but spending about RM800 one shot is quite a big deal for me, so I want to make sure I am well informed about my purchase.

I am more inclined to pay for the workmanship than the salary of the fashion designer, so really want to steer away from fashion-based watch. But basically there are so many brands out there, how can I tell which one is making watch seriously and which one is making watch to just establish fashion presence?

I think for Swiss watch, Tissot, Certina and Hamilton are all within reach while Seiko, Citizen and Orient are the Japanese representative out there.
I just don't want to miss out any possible brand like how I miss out Certina on my first shopping. Should have taken a more serious look on their watches.
Also, can I expect a 50% discount on Japanese watches like how I see on bodying.my?

I think quartz vs mechanical, and fashion vs serious watchmakers (I regard Seiko in this group) are quite different right?
I still need to have a better look at Citizen first, and probably will look for more Seiko as well. I think I could grab a Eco-Drive/solar/kinetic as long as the price and design is right.

Yup, for now I still prefer quartz, don't think I can afford to get a decent automatic and maintain it well, not to mention the inaccuracy. Or automatic is not that troublesome to maintain actually. Then I can give Orient a serious thought - their design is more like a toned-down Seiko. And the smooth movement of the second hand is just so awesome to stare at.

So, Swiss that is within budget and can find one in Malaysia seems like Tissot, Certina and Hamilton only.
Is it safe to deal with lowyat.net seller for Mondaine watch? The more I look at it, the more I like it - but really wish to see one in real first.

Hmm, I still stick to quartz la unless there's an super attractive automatic with minimal inaccuracy. My OCD could kick in anytime to ensure the clock on my PC, phone, watch etc. to be synchronised. For these entry-level mechanical, how many seconds can they differ daily? Is it by luck that you may get accurate one, or all sure will be not accurate?

So you are saying that I could calibrate it a few times until it gets the time right for mechanical watch?

Finally found the two I saw that day.
The Tissot: http://www.paneraimalaysia.com/index.php/t...4101103700.html
The Seiko: http://www.bodying.my/seiko-watches-ssb001...83#.UVZyoFeuZFc

This seems to offer a lot of feature within reasonable price, but I am afraid that hardlex will still be scratched.
http://www.mywatchgallery.com.my/seiko-slt...tches-2409.html

LOL, I am now looking at the Seiko Premier, at least something pleasing to my eye from Seiko!
http://www.bodying.my/seiko-watches-srk021...27#.UVa_wVeuZFc
If only this has a date indicator!

Yup, I believe I have done enough homework and it's time to shop again, but today do cheng beng, not sure later still got energy left or not. LOL

Hi all,

Just went around Sunway Pyramid today and check out some of the Seiko, Tissot and Certina. Seems like Certina suits my taste the most. Nearly went for its DS Action for RM1,080 (this one: http://www.certina.com/Collection/Gent-Qua...tion.aspx?m=10)
But I really want to look for this watch (seems like discontinued already). Lelong has similar model but not all silver colour and it's going just north of RM1k. Any sifu know where can I check this out?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31yAUmedZtc

I guess somehow my budget has increased to 1k already. LOL!

Hi sifu here, looking to wrap up my purchase for watch already, else the next time I ask/make a post will be about this sexy Tissot PRS516 Automatic already, which is going at RM1,700 after discount.

Okay, here's my short list.
1. Certina DS Action
I have handled this watch and I must say it is very well built and it is the most affordable Swiss make with a sporty look. Some of the watch shop says I could order, so I suppose I could get a BNIB that isn't molested by others. I was quoted RM1,080 for a display unit but I think I can get the same price for a BNIB piece as well. It's over my original budget of RM800 but I don't think any sporty Swiss could come cheaper (Malaysia's Certina is even cheaper compared to others).

2. Certina DS First
I did not handle this watch before as I believe it has been discontinued (not available on Certina website) but from this youtube video, it seems to be extremely pretty (although the one is video has a silver bezel, but the one has a black bezel). I'll need to purchase from mywatchgallery.com.my, sight unseen, condition unknown, but still backed with the 2 years warranty. Similar price to option 1.

3. Citizen BM5005-69E
I handle this one and I do like it because it comes with sapphire glass and it's an Eco-Drive. I was quoted RM900+ but I could buy internationally for about RM600-700. I am aware about the warranty issue but the price difference is big enough for me to get international set. As inexpensive as it is, it's not a Swiss yet so sometime later I'll still have to get a Swiss watch for myself in the future.

I really want to handle #2 first before making a decision, but with it being a discontinued model, I am afraid I'll have a hard time finding one. Anyone knows where do they have the most Certina in Malaysia? Just FYI, I have been to Sunway Pyramid, MidValley and Paradigm Mall.

Any suggestion?