A do it all for approximately £1000
Hi fellow crunchers!
So, I'm looking for a new piece. My collection is as follows: Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, Oris Aquis Date 43mm, Omega Speedmaster Saphire Sandwich 2021 Edition, Rolex OP 41mm, Rolex Batgirl, Rolex Submariner non date 41mm and GS White Birch Spring Drive.
I suppose my sweets pot in terms of case size is, 38 - 42mm, with a max lug to lug of 50mm. Ideally, needs to be 100m water resistant.
I'm really looking at a do it all driver, which is affordable. I like the idea of venturing into the Microband arena, but my knowledge is limited presently. I was looking at The Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium 38mm, but was unimpressed when I tried it. I'm now leaning towards a Doxa or a Zodiac. Maybe a Seiko Diver........possibly the Mini Turtle White Dial. I can get a little off that below. Brings it under the £1000 mark.
Any suggestions from the normal suspects, or a decent microband?
What can I say, I have the bug!! Always loved watches. I'm trying hard to keep the collection as manageable as I can. Have I mentioned that, I LOVE WATCHES!!!! 🤔
check out the new sinn 556 A RS
I have been looking at that too. Only thing that puts me off is the 38 hour power reserve. I'm not sure why, as I have a winder if needed and no doubt it will be worn in rotation. I also have fingers to wind it if necessary! 🙈🤓
I know you looked at the Khaki Titanium, but did you consider the new 38mm Murph? I have heard good chatter about that one.
Another option is a Longines Spirit.
I have considered it. The lack of or minimal AR coating on it puts me off. Not seen in person, so difficult to be sure. Lots of options in this category, but I know I need to compromise somewhere. 🤔
How about the Astor+Banks Fortitude Lite? Assembled in Chicago and adjusted in-house (plus 10 seconds to minus 10 seconds per day), 200 meters of water resistance, anti-magnetic to 4800 Amperes per meter (ISO 764 standard), and a wild array of color choices, though it's a bit expensive for a watch with the Miyota 9000 series of movements, but as I already said, it's assembled in Chicago and adjusted in-house, hence the high price.
Here's two images of the watch (by the way, my favorite colorways are Mint Green, Navy Blue, and Mother of Pearl):
How about the Astor+Banks Fortitude Lite? Assembled in Chicago and adjusted in-house (plus 10 seconds to minus 10 seconds per day), 200 meters of water resistance, anti-magnetic to 4800 Amperes per meter (ISO 764 standard), and a wild array of color choices, though it's a bit expensive for a watch with the Miyota 9000 series of movements, but as I already said, it's assembled in Chicago and adjusted in-house, hence the high price.
Here's two images of the watch (by the way, my favorite colorways are Mint Green, Navy Blue, and Mother of Pearl):
I like that! 🔥🔥
I like that! 🔥🔥
Sold out!! 😭
Also consider some French microbrands like Baltic or Charlie Paris. I really was surprised with the quality and comfort of the CP Concordia.
Nice! Looked at Baltic and Farer. Not seen Charlie Paris before. I've also been looking at Formex. 🙈
I know you looked at the Khaki Titanium, but did you consider the new 38mm Murph? I have heard good chatter about that one.
Another option is a Longines Spirit.
Yes, I love the Longines Spirit 37mm. I've looked at that. Longines are killing it at the moment! That's above what I want to spend, but it ticks every box! I believe it's cosc certified too.
This watch collecting business can be tricky 🤓🙈
how about this field watch (as you considered hami khaki) + cosc
https://www.christopherward.com/int/military-watches/C65-Sandhurst-Series-2/C65-38A3H3-S00K0-TKG.html
their collection is vast, u might find sth to your taste (eg c63)
Atticus watches, tool watch co, victorinox, orion all might be worth looking into
Certina DS-1! Check my review!
Micros that make nice divers other than those already mentioned are Zelos they’re one brand I’m eyeing up, and Borealis. I’ve got a Borealis Sintra which I think is a great everyday watch, not a diver but 200m wr and very nice looking, so I’ve ordered up the Sea Storm Mk2.
SPB313, photo by Hodinkee
Has the Ball Fireman been mentioned? £1k-£1.2k depending on the dial. 100m water resistance, tritium tubes, don't know the power reserve.
Seeing your diver choices, looks like you are inclined towards the cushion case designs.
The Seiko SPB333 "Slim Turtle" would be a nice addition. Seiko divers dials are just in their own league when it comes to getting attention. The cushion case design also would a change in style to the rest of your watches. Wears nicely on the wrist, quality build and a workhorse movement. You can also look at the Willard line for another cushion case option or the MM200. SPB301, SPB151, SPB299, SPB143...you got quite a few versatile options in Seiko's lineup.
Thow in Seiko's Prospex field watch line into the mix, literally can double down as a diver with their 200m water resistance and some classic looks.
Traska and Farer have some interesting watches in their collection under 1000.
Has the Ball Fireman been mentioned? £1k-£1.2k depending on the dial. 100m water resistance, tritium tubes, don't know the power reserve.
Not clear from that catalogue shot, but there's a Cyclops on there too;
All of the above great, and if you're leaning Longines I think it does have everything you're looking for. BUT...
you could check out the microbrand Traska...way under cost and also ticks the boxes, I think:
https://www.traskawatch.com/products/commuter-slate-black
Read good things about them overall in terms of quality, finish, etc.
Has the Ball Fireman been mentioned? £1k-£1.2k depending on the dial. 100m water resistance, tritium tubes, don't know the power reserve.
Nice piece. Little too dressy for what I'm looking for.
Seeing your diver choices, looks like you are inclined towards the cushion case designs.
The Seiko SPB333 "Slim Turtle" would be a nice addition. Seiko divers dials are just in their own league when it comes to getting attention. The cushion case design also would a change in style to the rest of your watches. Wears nicely on the wrist, quality build and a workhorse movement. You can also look at the Willard line for another cushion case option or the MM200. SPB301, SPB151, SPB299, SPB143...you got quite a few versatile options in Seiko's lineup.
Thow in Seiko's Prospex field watch line into the mix, literally can double down as a diver with their 200m water resistance and some classic looks.
Traska and Farer have some interesting watches in their collection under 1000.
Yeah, that's the Seiko I was looking at. Nice bullet proof piece! I've been looking at Farer lately. I'm aware of Traska. The Microbrands are really pulling me atm.
All of the above great, and if you're leaning Longines I think it does have everything you're looking for. BUT...
you could check out the microbrand Traska...way under cost and also ticks the boxes, I think:
https://www.traskawatch.com/products/commuter-slate-black
Read good things about them overall in terms of quality, finish, etc.
Yeah, they do look nice. So many great microbrands around. I'm definitely adding one or two this year. 🔥👌
Yeah, they do look nice. So many great microbrands around. I'm definitely adding one or two this year. 🔥👌
Me, too. Although they are taking a long time getting these back out there. And also, TBH, not sure that a CW might not be the better buy, even at a higher price point. Anyway, let us know what you pick up!
I like both of those actually. Not seen Scurfa before 🤔
I have a Diver One. I love it. Real dive watch by a saturation diver.
how about this field watch (as you considered hami khaki) + cosc
https://www.christopherward.com/int/military-watches/C65-Sandhurst-Series-2/C65-38A3H3-S00K0-TKG.html
their collection is vast, u might find sth to your taste (eg c63)
Sandhurst is definite contender! I also like the C65 Dartmouth, with the fully lumed dial 🔥👌
I have a Diver One. I love it. Real dive watch by a saturation diver.
Very good value! So many nice pieces out there. CW Sandhurst Mark 2, or the C65 Dartmouth with fully lumed dial are serious contenders!
Looking good mate. I've got 2 divers already, so going I think I'm going to go with the original field/pilot option, as that's what was missing from my collection.
I'm leaning towards the Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst Series 2 Field watch. 150m water resistance, good lume, legible, quick release bracelet, 20mm lug width and a COSC certified movement. A real upgrade on the series 1.
It's £1,050 on the bracelet. I'll probably add the textured strap to it as well. I've signed up to their email newsletter, so I'm hoping I get an welcome discount 🤞🤞
Christopher Ward is high quality. A Seiko Prospex diver.
How about the Astor+Banks Fortitude Lite? Assembled in Chicago and adjusted in-house (plus 10 seconds to minus 10 seconds per day), 200 meters of water resistance, anti-magnetic to 4800 Amperes per meter (ISO 764 standard), and a wild array of color choices, though it's a bit expensive for a watch with the Miyota 9000 series of movements, but as I already said, it's assembled in Chicago and adjusted in-house, hence the high price.
Here's two images of the watch (by the way, my favorite colorways are Mint Green, Navy Blue, and Mother of Pearl):
I had one and I loved it!