As part of the economic stimulus package for the coronavirus pandemic, the government is apparently providing grants. Naturally, some of Japan's 120 million watch enthusiasts will be thinking about using this money to buy a watch. The amount is 100,000 yen. Choosing the perfect watch among these is both fun and surprisingly difficult. So, we at the Chronos editorial team have put all our energy into finding an exciting watch that can be purchased for 100,000 yen. However, since 100,000 yen including tax would not allow us to include our beloved Flieger Wehrs 40, we have arbitrarily decided on 100,000 yen excluding tax.
To the romantics who say, "I'll use all of the grant money?"
It's true that you can buy a great watch for 1 million yen, but there are plenty of fun ones for 100,000 yen too. All of these watches not only reflect the individuality of each manufacturer, but are also characterized by extremely solid construction. You might be wondering if it's a good idea to spend all of 100,000 yen on a watch, and it is, but I'm sure there are some romantics out there who would spend all of it. That's why I've chosen to list watches that are just within the 100,000 yen range. Although the title is a joke, I'm seriously recommending some attractive watches that can be purchased for 100,000 yen.
Stowa "Flieger Wehrs 40"
The Stowa Flieger Wehrs 40 is a pilot's watch with a 40mm diameter stainless steel case and an ETA2824-2 movement. While it lacks the precise, ridged finish of its big brother, the Schauer, or the slightly more expensive Stowa, the blasted finish exterior is of high quality and the crown is perfectly stable. Furthermore, the hands and indexes, generously coated with luminous paint, offer excellent legibility. The low price makes this a masterpiece that captures the roughness of the pilot's watches of yesteryear. While I'd like to call it a watch for serious watch enthusiasts, it would be a shame to limit it to that. It's the epitome of a basic watch.
Hamilton "PSR"
The Hamilton Pulsar was Hamilton's world's first LED watch. Based on the 1973 P2, this model faithfully reproduces the exterior. I haven't seen the actual watch, but if it's identical to the original, it's sure to look cool. The exterior should also have a nice texture, typical of modern Hamilton watches. Unlike the original, it's always lit, which is great. The original Pulsar's weakness of quickly running out of battery power after displaying the time has been completely resolved. The crystal has also been changed to scratch-resistant sapphire. The name Pulsar can't be used because Seiko currently owns the trademark. The case is engraved with the word HAMILTON. It's sure to suit both otaku and non-otaku alike.
Ikepod "Chronopod"
This model pays homage to the classic Ikepod, the Hemipod. While retaining the unique case shape, the movement has been modified to allow access from the case back. The use of a Miyota quartz movement has also enabled significant cost reductions. However, perhaps due to the textured finish, the actual watch looks more expensive than it actually is. The dial design was created by Emmanuel Guillet, who also designed the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and Rolex Cellini. It's thick, so it's perfect for summer when short sleeves are worn. Shoot down some stylish guys with the Ikepod on the cuff!
Seiko "Presage SARW025"
Presage boasts high quality and an affordable price. While all models are great value, this model offers the best value for money. This Petit Compliment features a power reserve indicator at 9 o'clock and a pointer date at 6 o'clock, yet it only costs 9 yen (excluding tax). The Cal. 6R27 movement has extremely high winding efficiency, making the spinning movement of the power reserve indicator a delight to watch. While many are clamoring for the new 6R with its longer power reserve, a 45-hour power reserve is likely sufficient due to its high winding efficiency. The case is 13.1mm thick, so it won't get in the way of your suit cuffs. A very carefully crafted watch. Perfect for those who want to show off your seriousness in the post-COVID era.
Citizen "Promaster PMV65-2271"
The reason I'm featuring this watch is because I own it and love it. It's hard to imagine a more mechanical-looking dial in a current model. It takes some getting used to, but it features an alarm, chronograph, world time with daylight saving time adjustment, UTC display, simultaneous display of local and home time, and—a feature that will delight any geek—a button-press light illuminates the dial. It even comes with a rotating slide rule. It's the pinnacle of current analog-digital watches, and a hidden long-time bestseller from Citizen. Before you develop presbyopia, try this watch out. Watches like this won't work as you get older. For those of you who want a mechanical body.
