I have a basic Timex windup watch that I bought in Basic Training in Georgia. I think I paid around $12 for it. This would have been just about twenty five years ago. It would take me a while to even remember all the countries that watch has been to with me.
Although I only have a 28 yo Casio G-shock for my 7 inch wrist, wish I had a Panerai Ergiziano Pam341 like Arnie and Sly wear; 60mm for an 8 incher! Maybe I’ll try for a replica?
What I have been reading ( for example watchguy.co.uk ), they usually keep time just fine, look pretty good outside and yet don't cost that much but some issues may appear.
They usually have pretty decent chinese movement in them but assembling may be good or bad.
For smaller amount of cash, I would get for example a Parnis, homage of that U-Boat.
CheapThrills, thanks for the links. But I like the U-Boat style much better. I'll have to do some research. I'll probably end up not buying anything if I find any questionable issues on these. The Parnis's do look nice though.
If you can live with the price and the looks of this rings the bell, this would be a step up in the quality comparing to homages and replicas.
Sea-Gull is a no-nonsense watch company from China.
Many cheap watch brands use their movements but Sea-Gull uses only the best ones for their own watches.
Got two movements (ST2130) ticking and they perform very well.
They do not make very exact homages of any watch but they do have several models, that I’m interested of, a bit of classic look in them (not in this, though )
As for the OM vs the Amphibias, both are very nice for the money. You can get an Ampihibia very inexpensively (Meranom is a good seller). The Amphibia is quirky and fun and has an interesting Russian in-house movement. Be prepared to replace the strap, though. I love the OM as well. I bought mine online without having seen one in person and I was amazed at how well-built and solid it is. I’d really have trouble saying which I like more.