Help, what am I not considering?

If you’re looking for Grand Seiko, I believe there are many bros here owns GS and will be able to provide some insights. For example, @HotWatchChick69 have quite a few pieces. I believe he is able to give you 1 or 2 pointers.

Do it!!! 

Also got my first GS a couple of months ago and went with the Soko because I like that fact it came with an extra strap… 😉

And these enablers pressured me too 😁…

@BigIona , @Edge168n and @HotWatchChick69 

if you ask @HotWatchChick69 im sure you'll buy gs next day 😂

Saw one at the AD the other day. The dial is gorgeous! It may be my next add. The only thing that turns me off to these GS watches is the lack of lume. I like to know what time it si when I get up in the middle of the night to pee!😢

Dude! Get this and hang in on top of the toilet…I’m thinking of getting one mysef 😉🍻

In the past I've enjoyed the look of a number of GS models but on the hole find they are just too big for me. 

This is one thing that doesn't bother me. Luckily I'm not old enough to need to get up and pee in the night yet 😂. 

The dial though is something that is really appealing to me. 

Appreciate the input so far folks, The GS is really not something I need to be sold on as it doe's appeal to me. I'm just wondering if there is something in that price range and specs I should be looking at and worth some consideration

Well for the price its a bargain that’s just me though… only thing is if you’re choosing the pink dial it’s not as versatile as much as I love the dial…

I have black, white, cream dial pieces that can be conservative if needs be. Having seen a number of images of this piece though the marketing pic I've attached above doe's make the dial seem much pinker than it is. It even appears off white in certain types of light.

I take no responsibility for this.

Also, shiny.

Couldn't say, but get a springdrive for that sweet, sweet sweep.

At 38mm, the new Oris Big Crown Pointer Date in blue with the Caliber 400 might be a consideration. 10 year service interval and 10 year warranty is tough to beat with a solid everyday design.

Also, at 38.5mm, the Longines Silver Arrow would be a consideration, as would the Longines Heritage Classic - Tuxedo. Longines makes a lot of great everyday pieces in this size range.

Thank you for taking the time to make some recommendations. Unfortunately/fortunately I already own a pointer date with the pre 400 calibre movement so couldn't justify another. 

I do like a number of Longiness models it's such a shame that many of them have such long lugs. 

Well, other than GS, you had mentioned OP, DJ, and AT in your list which are excellent choices by the way. I would also look at Zenith EL PRIMERO.

Exactly!  

Very insightful, thank you for your input. 

When I saw the King Seiko I thought I was going to love it, but movement plays a part for me and they've dropped the ball with that movement going in the watch. 

If high accuacy quartz (±5s per year) is acceptable, Citizen's new releases might be for you. Here you see the AQ4100-14L.
Zaratsu polished hands, indices and case. Case is "Duratect platinum" coated titanium.

Have you looked at the Sinn 556 series? Sinn makes watches of legendary quality and they are ultra rugged and reliable.  Plus at no more than $1500 you can come in well under budget. 

I have the GS Winter and the Omega AT. The GS wears smaller, has a higher level of overall finish, and is more accurate. Both are beautiful watches, but if I had to choose one it would be the GS. 

This would absolutely be my choice 

Do as Mr. Bunz does:

The free extra strap angle on a GS 💪

(Now I need that to) 🤔

Another nice (automatic) citizen option ⬆️

https://youtu.be/9VXXqc7UZPs

watch this video its about watch criteria and collecting. really interesting input that could be useful in your situation 

GS is the best!

That's a tough one. I think the GS is a superb choice. You won't find better finishing or more joy in this price range.

But the Aqua Terra is a really strong design, and my overall favorite watch. It loses out a bit in finish and the details, but it's the perfect every day watch, and more versatile.

I prefer both the GS and the AT to either the OP or the DJ.

If you are looking for a daily watch, or the foundation of a small collection, then it's the AT.

If you already have your bases covered... Have some fun and treat yourself to the GS.

(I'm not aware of anything else in this price point that competes with the watches you are already considering.)

GS have a big hole? Where? 😂

I finally picked up my only Grand Seiko and it really slots in nicely in your criteria. 

Case size is 39.5mm but wears more like a 38mm - a little thick at 13.7mm but that may be because it's a GMT. 

Has a dial that is not too flashy until you look at it in the right light. Can be dressed up or dressed more casual depending on the strap. The brown crocodile is muted enough for both business casual, casual and dress - although you could always swap it onto a black crocodile if you really want to wear it with a dark suit and tie. 

Price was right at $5,100. Great 72-hour power reserve - automatic Grand Seiko caliber 9S66A GMT. The only thing that bites me is the 30M splash resistance - would have been nice to at least have 50M.

Here it is (couple of angles in different settings to show the light play on the dial):

Plus it has a green dial so you can have everyone believe your all there with ESG 😉

Can't go wrong with GS! I am looking for the right one to add to my collection.

I current have two GSs and they are just smashing watches, and have been considering a 36 op myself. I have to agree the new Citizens are are getting interesting, Oris has some nice pieces, if you look at the secondary market there are some banging deals for JLC or Zenith.