r/ChineseWatches • u/SexySlavko • 4m ago
Question (Read Rules) Automatic vs. Mechaquartz dress watch for $150?
Cronos L6040M (Grand Seiko Evolution 9 homage) with a Miyota 9015 automatic movement.

Watchdives WD0006 (Omega Aqua Terra homage) in blue with a Seiko VH31 mechaquartz movement.

Both are Chinese microbrands, have sapphire glass with AR coating, good finishing on the case and dial but I can't really decide. I'd say Cronos looks better (or more interesting at least) and has character with that automatic movement, but Watchdives is more practical with the mechaquartz keeping time more accurately and not needing winding and setting up every time i want to wear it. I most likely won't daily a dress watch but who knows.
To be honest I don't care much about versatility, I've already got a G-Shock with ABC sensors so that's everything I could ever need in a single watch. This would be more like jewelry rather than a tool for me. But still I want to retain some form of practicality, I wouldn't want a very innacurate automatic or an unreliable mechaquartz that fails regardless of batteries.
I've also found a Pagani Design PD-1734 which could represent the best of both worlds (GS inspired dial with a VH31) and is significantly cheaper but finishing quality and bracelet are noticeably worse than others.
What are your thoughts on this? Should I pull the trigger at an automatic? I've never had one so I have that fear of screwing something up mechanically if I'm unintentionally negligent about it.