I Found The BEST Affordable Mechanical Watches on AliExpress

Kaan Uluer
5 min readMar 10, 2024

--

A Splash of Retro: The New Merkur Top Hill Series

Watch enthusiasts with a penchant for vintage style, rejoice! Merkur has unveiled a new addition to their Top Hill series: a hand-wound mechanical watch that oozes classic charm. This timepiece, boasting a sophisticated salmon dial and a versatile rice strap, is a perfect choice for the modern gentleman seeking a touch of the past.

A Design Inspired by Bygone Days

The Merkur Top Hill Series embraces a retro aesthetic. The 38mm round case size delivers a comfortable wear, reminiscent of an era when watches weren’t designed to overpower your wrist. The watch comes in three dial color options: salmon, white, and ivory white. The salmon dial, particularly, is a true eye-catcher, offering a vintage warmth that sets it apart from more common watch colors.

Built to Withstand the Test of Time

Despite its vintage looks, the Merkur Top Hill Series is built for the present. The watch features a 50-meter water resistance rating, making it suitable for everyday wear, even light splashes and rain. The domed acrylic crystal adds to the watch’s vintage character while offering decent scratch resistance.

The Power of Mechanical Movement

This Merkur watch is a hand-wound mechanical timepiece. This means you’ll need to wind the crown periodically to keep it ticking. While some may see this as a drawback, for watch enthusiasts, it’s a cherished ritual that adds a personal touch to the ownership experience. Additionally, mechanical movements are often praised for their longevity and craftsmanship compared to their quartz counterparts.

Buy Here!

A Versatile Timepiece for Every Occasion

The Merkur Top Hill Series comes with a rice strap, a comfortable and stylish option that complements the watch’s vintage design. The 20mm strap width allows for easy customization should you ever desire a different look. The overall design makes this watch a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, transitioning seamlessly from office wear to a night out.

A Watch for the Discerning Gentleman

The Merkur Top Hill Series is a watch for those who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and a touch of nostalgia. With its classic design, reliable mechanical movement, and comfortable wear, this timepiece is sure to become a treasured companion for years to come.

BUY HERE

Dive into Style: The THORN 40MM Vintage 50-Fathoms Automatic Watch

Buy HERE!

For the adventurous soul who seeks a watch that can keep up, the THORN 40MM Vintage 50-Fathoms Automatic offers a compelling blend of classic dive watch design, modern functionality, and affordability. Let’s take a deep dive into what this timepiece has to offer.

A Look Inspired by Diving History

The THORN 50-Fathoms draws clear inspiration from iconic vintage dive watches. Its bold, round case and unidirectional rotating bezel evoke a sense of heritage, while the 40mm size ensures comfortable wear on most wrists. The watch comes in a “Barracuda” colorway, likely referring to the black dial and contrasting elements.

Built to Withstand the Depths

This THORN watch isn’t just for show. With a 200-meter water resistance rating, it’s a capable companion for swimming, diving, and other water activities. The screw-down crown adds another layer of security against the elements. While not ideal for extreme depths or hot water environments, it provides ample capability for most recreational divers.

Reliable Timekeeping Beneath the Waves

Powering the THORN 50-Fathoms is the Seiko NH35 automatic movement. This popular movement is known for its reliability and affordability, making it a common choice in many automatic watches. The automatic nature of the movement means it winds itself with your daily wear, eliminating the need for manual winding.

Shining Bright in Low Light

The THORN 50-Fathoms utilizes TR900 C3 luminous technology on the hands and hour markers. This ensures excellent legibility in low-light conditions, crucial for divers and anyone who might find themselves in dimly lit environments.

A Mineral Crystal for Everyday Wear

While some high-end dive watches opt for sapphire crystal, the THORN 50-Fathoms utilizes a K9 mineral crystal. This offers a good balance of scratch resistance and affordability. Sapphire crystals are generally more scratch-resistant, but also more prone to shattering on impact.

A Watch for the Everyday Adventurer

The THORN 50-Fathoms might be inspired by dive watches, but its functionality and style translate well to everyday wear. The bold design makes a statement, while the 200-meter water resistance ensures it can handle the occasional splash or downpour. With its vintage aesthetic and modern features, the THORN 50-Fathoms offers a compelling option for price-conscious watch enthusiasts who crave a timepiece with a touch of dive watch heritage.

Buy HERE!

Cheers,
Kaan

--

--

Kaan Uluer

Over 20 years of Fraud Prevention & Detection, Identity Principal Products Manager, CFE, Credit Bureau Professional. Tech and photography hobiest…