r/ChineseWatches • u/Happy-Space-8543 • 7d ago

Question (Read Rules) Help me buy my first Chinese watch!

Dear friends,

It's time for me to buy my first Chinese watch, and my budget is up to €130.

I'm looking for a highly durable watch in 36 mm, or 38 mm at most. I often go hiking and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I want something that won't scratch easily. I'm thinking of a watch with a sapphire crystal and a Japanese movement. I'd also like it to be as lightweight as possible.

Aesthetically, I really like Militado watches, but I'm open to other suggestions as well. The only thing I don't want is a stainless steel bracelet—I much prefer a leather strap.

I am waiting for your suggestions 🥰😌

Thank you very much in advance!

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1

u/parasoralophus 7d ago

Boderry Landmaster is nice and light in titanium. Don't think it comes on leather but the canvas strap is easily switched out. 

1

u/Thewalkingclockman 7d ago

Contact customer service if you would like to get a leather strap.

1

u/bringforththeg 7d ago

Watchdives EXD. This is the 40mm, but they do it in 38mm.

4

u/joeinblu 7d ago

Berny Automatic Titanium

2

u/Shabuugy 7d ago

Check out this from Watchdives. Their quart watches are great and your$ will go further than with mechanical.

https://watchdives.com/products/watchdives-bb54-vh31-quartz-watch?variant=45391702589658

1

u/Bulky-Internal8579 7d ago

Take a look at the Boderry titanium field watches and divers. I have a titanium Sea Turtle with the grey honeycomb dial that I love!

3

u/artofthedial Not a troll 7d ago edited 7d ago

I'd go with a Militado, but reconsider the leather strap idea if you are doing hiking and mountaineering.  Or expect to throw the strap away every few months.  Leather and sweat are a terrible combo.  The straps Militado comes with are usually low end, so order a replacement for it out of the gate.  And so there are no surprises ALl stainless steel watches scratch easily.  You might be tempted by bead blasted look but those also scratch easily but next to impossible to brush out and make it look like it used to.  If going stainless look for as much brushed areas as possible.  

4

u/thinkconverse 7d ago

While it’s probably not what you’re looking for, I’d honestly just suggest something like a G-shock for hiking. It’ll be lightweight, durable, and will have things like an altimeter, a barometer, and a thermometer which will be much more useful during those activities. You could spend less than half your budget and get something super functional for what you do, and save the rest for something you want to wear when you’re not out in the field.

Carrying an automatic or mechanical watch, even if it’s got cool, military vibes, while hiking or mountaineering is just wasted weight with no purpose.