Managing expectations
A few months back I purchased a Bulova Oceanographer. It quickly became my go-to, and set a high bar for what I expect from an affordable watch. It has impressive specs, looks and feels great, and is a true GADA choice.
The rest of my collection (mostly vintage and smaller pieces) can’t compete, and stopped getting wrist time. I‘ve been looking for another affordable automatic GADA watch to keep in rotation with the Oceanographer. I picked up a Bulova Hack recently, and had high hopes for this thick watch with coated steel. But the Hack is already on the chopping block to be sold. The legibility is poor (low contrast seconds hand with zero lume paired against a black dial) and the 30m of WR is unimpressive for a “field” watch. It’s been a rainy week here in NH, and I don’t feel comfortable wearing it. This isn’t the first watch that I liked on paper, but let go soon after. RIP Seiko 5.
This is where I’m looking for your help and insight. What are reasonable expectations to have for a watch that costs less than $500? Has anyone been particularly impressed by a watch in this price range that they would recommend? I want something with a substantial presence and chunky case, at least 100m of water resistance, and a legible dial. I enjoy field and dive watches, but will consider anything. Complications are not a deciding factor. I care more about specs and wearability than if a watch does/doesn’t have complications. I’ve tried on various Seikos and Tissots that check these boxes on paper, but just didn’t get that chunky and quality feel I’m chasing.
It sounds like an easy order, and so many watches come to mind, but I keep striking out.
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