Advice on an entry level automatic diver

Hello folks,

What would be your recommendations for an automatic entry level 200 meters WR divers watch?
 

Ideally, it must have a date indicator (I don’t mind in which position it is located) and I’d prefer a rubber or silicon strap. I’m a left hand wearer. 
 

I have the Arnie re-issue from Seiko but would like something a fraction more prestige and less resin! And the Arnie isn’t an automatic. 
 

The budget is US $250-300. I’m in Australia and we have to add a 3rd to the price if listed In USD. 
 

I don’t have a particular brand in mind despite listing two in the Tags. I don’t mind colours but prefer an understated design (ie not so keen about bright oranges or blues or greens. Subtle colours ok). 
 

Can it be done given the budget and requests?
 

Many thanks in advance.  Nick

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Seiko Turtle (Not the new slim one), excellent watch, I had one for a year and absolutely adored it, stupidly sold it after getting my Omega but on the hunt for another.

Can be had in a variety of colours and straps.

Would 100% recommend without hesistation!

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SuperDario

Seiko Turtle (Not the new slim one), excellent watch, I had one for a year and absolutely adored it, stupidly sold it after getting my Omega but on the hunt for another.

Can be had in a variety of colours and straps.

Would 100% recommend without hesistation!

Thanks so much Dario. 
 

Yes, I’ve seen a Turtle I quite fancy… thanks again. 

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Orient, but go for bracelet because it’s comfy, save it for dressier days, and buy a third party rubber strap. More elegant than Seiko in my opinion. Mines the Mako II, but if you want closer to diver specs (lumed seconds) or no numerals, try the Kamasu.

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Seiko SKX/Turtle or Samurai if you feel wild

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JaimeMadeira

Orient, but go for bracelet because it’s comfy, save it for dressier days, and buy a third party rubber strap. More elegant than Seiko in my opinion. Mines the Mako II, but if you want closer to diver specs (lumed seconds) or no numerals, try the Kamasu.

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Thanks a lot, Jamie.  I like your Mako II. V nice

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Vostok Amphibia? Way under budget. They do some crazy dials but also some more subtle ones - like the one I have. Also very easy to mod and customise, it's packed with history and is essentially bombproof. Tons of character for hardly any money. 

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I’m in agreement with @JaimeMadeira   The Orient Kamasu is the best diver in the price range. 

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itfighter

Seiko SKX/Turtle or Samurai if you feel wild

Thanks a lot, ITF.

Just had a look, I am liking the Samurais...! Awesome 

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RichFBush

Vostok Amphibia? Way under budget. They do some crazy dials but also some more subtle ones - like the one I have. Also very easy to mod and customise, it's packed with history and is essentially bombproof. Tons of character for hardly any money. 

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Wow!  Thanks Richard.  Never heard of 'em!  But I shall look at 'em.  Thank you for that.

Yours look fab :)

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Matt84

I’m in agreement with @JaimeMadeira   The Orient Kamasu is the best diver in the price range. 

Thanks Matt.

ShoppingInJapan has some pretty good prices on the Orients, though not a massive range.

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Hey mate, just jump on starbuy.com.au on a Friday and check out what’s on sale each week that you like. They are the best prices you will find on seiko and citizen in Australia. 

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AnotherNick

Thanks a lot, ITF.

Just had a look, I am liking the Samurais...! Awesome 

Glad you like it.

I've had it and been kicking myself for selling it few years ago

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Seiko Turtle SRPE93K AUD$410.00 from Starbuy in Sydney. Automatic. Day/Date. Rubber strap.

Job done.

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maybemylastwatch

Hey mate, just jump on starbuy.com.au on a Friday and check out what’s on sale each week that you like. They are the best prices you will find on seiko and citizen in Australia. 

G'day Aiden.

Thanks so much for that link.  I've already had a bit of a look at Star Buy and those prices are excellent. Much appreciated.

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kezg_22
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These are mine.... Turtle, Samurai and at half of the cost my Orient Kamasu.

Thanks Kez. 
 

I see your three.  Very nice, thank you. 
 

This post has produced some excellent suggestions. Thanks for yours. N

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Stricko
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Another vote for the orient kamasu(or mako3, as it might be called in OZ) you should get one in budget,and the rubber strap is awesomely comfy. 

Thanks a lot Rob. 

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Stricko
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Another vote for the orient kamasu(or mako3, as it might be called in OZ) you should get one in budget,and the rubber strap is awesomely comfy. 

Nice one. Than you Rob

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I love my mako ii....

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AnotherNick

Thanks Christian. 
 

I’ve got a Seiko Turtle on its way. Somehow, I don’t think it’ll be the last auto diver…

An islander could make it here one day. 

You can't go wrong with a Turtle. I'd choose that over the Islander unless your really want to add one in your collection.

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Phoibos Wavemaster. 300 meter, ceramic bezel, Safire crystal and solid movement. $250 on Phoibos website right now. 

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Hi there Brent. 
 

Thanks very much for your suggestion. I had a look on the Phobos site last night. They have some terrific divers there!

I‘ve purchased a Seiko Turtle but it’s unlikely to be the last auto diver…

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attejensen

I love my mako ii....

So do I, Atte!

That red leather band is very stylish and looks sensational!

A few here have said how durable and tough (my words) Orients are. May have to add one at some point….

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#team seiko

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Thank you, kind Sir. The strap is reddish brown. IMHO, Orients are super solid and reliable, they are Seikos of sorts. Water Resistance is tight, and they are very accurate. Kamasus are entry-level watches, though. The LEs are sweet and IMHO the way to go.

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JaeBust

Thank you, kind Sir. The strap is reddish brown. IMHO, Orients are super solid and reliable, they are Seikos of sorts. Water Resistance is tight, and they are very accurate. Kamasus are entry-level watches, though. The LEs are sweet and IMHO the way to go.

Thanks again, Jae. 
 

You might have seen earlier in these comments, that I’ve purchased a Seiko Turtle after finding it (with some assistance here) for AUD 410!
 

I have a question though re autos, do you have to get them serviced annually?

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AnotherNick

Thanks again, Jae. 
 

You might have seen earlier in these comments, that I’ve purchased a Seiko Turtle after finding it (with some assistance here) for AUD 410!
 

I have a question though re autos, do you have to get them serviced annually?

I am a Seiko Turtle male groupie! 😜 I have quite a few of them. I service them every 5 to 10 years, depending on age. No mechanical needs once-yearly service, and the minimum interval is five years. 🤫

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JaeBust

I am a Seiko Turtle male groupie! 😜 I have quite a few of them. I service them every 5 to 10 years, depending on age. No mechanical needs once-yearly service, and the minimum interval is five years. 🤫

Cool, thanks very much. 
 

The training wheels questions result from my battery and digital mindset… until now…. 

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Come on now .. everyone starts with the Casio Marlin. Also called the "Duro". That's nails tough and a real dive watch for less than $100 US. 

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AnotherNick

Nice one. Than you Rob

Happy to help