The Best Everyday Watches for $200 - Seiko SRPE53 vs Orient Maestro (Affordable Automatics)

One of the most asked questions I receive is where are the best places to start in watches when you have a limited budget. Despite this being a loaded question, I typically like to suggest going to for a watch that fits the description of being classified as an everyday watch. In this video, we look at two of arguably the best two for around $200.

Watches Featured:

[angelocrino]

Most underrated channel on YouTube, you put so much effort and passion into your videos and I love it, keep doing what your doing.

[alanv]

Orient is such a good brand. Can't believe it. Been wearing my ray 2 for a month now and it feels so good

[umuterdem]

The seiko is an amazing piece that dial is just gorgeous

[charlesclarkgalaxyiii]

Yes, Teddy's channel is underrated and hiding in plain sight!

[Kharawoo]

The new Seiko 5 logo makes such a difference! I completely agree with that.

[darthsteevy]

I just want to say how much teddy has changed from when I first started watching him a year ago I’m so happy to see how much the production has gone up keep up the good work

[viddykhaos]

I am 18, and friends think I am so weird for being a watch nerd. If only they saw the quality and passion put into videos like this and careers like your own. Hats off, mate!

[sylinmino]

I know a lot of people feel burned with Seiko moving out of the entry-level range, but I really think they've nailed it with a lot of their latest series. And since they own Orient, having them newly dominate the entry level domain is a great business decision.
The Maestro is gorgeous, but the DressKX is also definitely worth the extra money if you can afford it.

[Thexaios]

Personally, I'd go with the Seiko. The Orient is without a doubt the more value-oriented (pun fully intended) option from a standpoint of technical value and merit per dollar spent. The problem is that it leaves me completely cold. Not so with the Seiko.

[abhishekpradhan]

These two watches would be perfect for two watch collection. Orient as the dress watch and seiko as the everyday watch.

[AdamNevins]

I've watched a few of your videos this week, and you've helped me decide to get a Seiko SRPE53 for my birthday this month. Thank you! Keep up the good work!

[thisissam]

you have nailed the lighting and the leather backdrop looks amazing

[danbowie]

I recently acquired both and each are solid choices. I wear the Orient more at work because I work for a very conservative company and the Seiko doesn't quite fit that environment. Honestly, I would like to see Seiko redesign the markings somewhat because I find them dated now. It works on divers, less so on an everyday watch. Good Job btw Teddy!

[vaderprime]

On your recommendation I bought an Orient Maestro earlier this year as my first watch, I can say half a year on that I still adore it. It goes great on leather for the office and still looks at home on a silicon strap on the weekend.

[TechnoLawyer]

I have to say, the DressKX has really grown on me. Especially in the blue dial.

[ArthurFShelby]

The Orient Maestro in white is my least expensive mechanical watch yet it gets the most wrist time. Goes with everything. Blows my mind how much you get for the money.

[nathanfagan]

I love your content Teddy, you go from entry level to luxury and back without blinking an eye and give all time pieces a fair shot and look at them somewhat objectively. I trust your opinion more than any other horological content creator on the toobs.

[raylava]

Very interesting and informative video. I found the Seiko 5 for $204 and pulled the trigger. I also ordered a Jubilee bracelet for it. I can't wait for them to arrive! Keep up the good work of making such excellent videos.

[josiahfugal]

I actually just received my Orient Maestro in the mail today. Pretty satisfied.

[p.j.mendes]

The Seiko is great, but I firmly believe that Orient is becoming more and more interesting . Mako, Ray, Bambino, and now this Maestro. Excellent design and accuracy. Another great review, Teddy. Thanks for sharing.