Next watch: More of the same, or round out my collection?
I am looking to buy another watch for around $1000 USD.
But first I am making a career switch. I used to work as a cafe manager and barista. So I prioritized water resistance, durability, and legibility. I ended up with a collection of divers.
Now I have several interviews for various office jobs. My next watch purchase now has much more flexibility!
Do I buy another (most likely Seiko) dive watch? Do I try out a microbrand like Pitzmann? Do I try vintage (still probably a Seiko, perhaps early Grand Seiko)? Do I go full dress watch as I do not have one in my collection?
Help! I don’t seem to know what I want anymore now that my options are less limited! Please let me pick the collective’s brain!
Collector of fine and affordable timekeeping devices.
How about a Tissot PRX Powermatic 80? Or a silver Baltic Bicompax 002 Chrono?
How about a Tissot PRX Powermatic 80? Or a silver Baltic Bicompax 002 Chrono?
PRX could be interesting. I think I would want to purchase a cheaper seagull, probably a Sugess, just because of the lack of serviceability. That feels like something I can wait for and not necessarily the celebratory watch I am potentially looking for.
Good luck with your interviews!!
As for watches, a few years ago I would have suggested that you get a Seiko Sarb033. It's a watch that easily dresses up and dresses down (depending on strap and bracelet choice), and it was - at the time - an unbelievable value proposition... Honestly, it was a no-brainer. Today Sarb033s are going for double or triple what they were then. So instead, I'd consider getting a Seiko cocktail time, a Seiko Alpinist (which can actually be a pretty dressy watch), or a Citizen... e.g. the NB1060-04A or NB1060-12L... which actually reminds me a lot of the Sarb035. Here's a quick review of the Citizen: (10) On the Wrist, from off the Cuff: DELUGS Leather Watch Straps x JDM Citizen NB1060-04A and NB1060-12L - YouTube
I would also look at various microbrands, e.g. Baltic, Nodus, Boldr, Vero, Christopher Ward, and Farer Universal!
No more dive watches. White dial three-hander <35mm.
When I see some SOTC photos here that are all dark dialed divers I am always a bit disappointed. My collection has the opposite problem: too many white dialed dress watches.
I think that it is always a good idea to have at least one watch that goes against the grain of our preferred style. If you have all divers you can mix it up with size, shape, and color.
Color is easy enough to find:
Shape will also break the monotony:
Usually, I would put up a shot of a vintage watch here. But, vintage is a commitment and a bit of a gamble. Seiko has always had a few models to fill this space: where a Cartier is not quite right and an old Elgin just isn't a good fit.
The King Seiko is a little out of your stated price range (I really like the red version), but Seiko is a universe unto itself:
The Presage is no diver.
Enjoy the search.
May favourite at present is the Grand Seiko SNB0003 GMT , it's only down side for me other than its RRP is the 19 mm bracelet other wise is a very nice practical yet surprisingly dress friendly piece. Great size too at 39 mm
Ok. Most likely contenders:
Lower power reserve on this one, but an enameled dial and heat blued hands are quite nice.
I particularly enjoy the seiko spb127 but sourcing might be an issue.