Rugged, shock-proof, antimagnetic mechanical (titanium) watch!
Hi WC!
I am currently doing research for a watch as described in the title.
I used to own a Hamilton Khaki Field Auto Titanium but sold it a while ago. Since then I am looking for a rugged field-style watch that can also be worn when not in the field, in the sense that it does not scream "rugged" in your face. Ideally around or below 2.5k $/€/CHF.
What I don't like is when watches are advertised as rugged but then they don't really do something for it. So I would love to see some shock and magnetism resistance and ideally a hardned or titanium case.
I already thought about Sinn but didn't see any info on shock protection. I also have a shock-proof Hanhart but only the (too) small Hanharts have the antimagnetic case.
Ball is also on the list but I don't really. like the "bling" they have.
What would you recommend?
Show me your rugged automatic watches!
Thank you friends!! Your help is much appreciated!
Check out the Draken Aoraki! I know it's got a ton of magnetic resistance but I am not sure about the case material.
Mühle glasshütte M1-41-03-KB
You might want to look at Damasko
Though depending on your definition, this
"that it does not scream "rugged" in your face"
may or may not apply.
Mühle glasshütte M1-41-03-KB
Thanks! A nice watch definitely. Only the design is not my cup of tea tbh.
Check out the Draken Aoraki! I know it's got a ton of magnetic resistance but I am not sure about the case material.
Wow that's indeed a nice one! Didn't know the brand!
You might want to look at Damasko
Though depending on your definition, this
"that it does not scream "rugged" in your face"
may or may not apply.
I will definitely look into this brand now. Thanks! I only knew the name.
Wow that's indeed a nice one! Didn't know the brand!
They make some good stuff and the price is not bad at all! I want to add one of their divers to my collection before the year is out!
I am soon to buy Circula ProTrail. Not sure if it meets all your criteria, but it has hardened case (scratch resist to 1200 Vickers), anti magnetic, 150m WR, under 1000€ field watch
I am soon to buy Circula ProTrail. Not sure if it meets all your criteria, but it has hardened case (scratch resist to 1200 Vickers), anti magnetic, 150m WR, under 1000€ field watch
Awesome! From a specifications perspective it checks all the boxes also because it is available in different dial colors and not the ubiquitous black and white. It's relatively thick though with 13mm.
Thanks for the recommendation!
You might want to look at Damasko
Though depending on your definition, this
"that it does not scream "rugged" in your face"
may or may not apply.
That would be my configuration. I love it! Definitely on the short list.
(image link: https://www.gnomonwatches.com/cdn/shop/products/DamaskoDS30Grey1_800x.jpg?v=1615709911)
Pretty few mechanicals have a meaningful degree of shock resistance above the regular anti-shock jewel settings for the balance staff, which is present on just about every modern offering. I personally consider the ease of repair an element of shock resistance, which places things with common, affordable, trusted movements a step above. I don't pay much mind to the shock my mechanicals endure because I can get them fixed if I happen to break something, and despite letting go of worrying over the shock received, I've yet to break one. Plus, if you're doing something that would definitely break balances, you'll probably end up breaking a moderately more shock resistant balance at some point too. You'd just have to repair it or go for quartz or g shock if it's really abusive.
Pretty few mechanicals have a meaningful degree of shock resistance above the regular anti-shock jewel settings for the balance staff, which is present on just about every modern offering. I personally consider the ease of repair an element of shock resistance, which places things with common, affordable, trusted movements a step above. I don't pay much mind to the shock my mechanicals endure because I can get them fixed if I happen to break something, and despite letting go of worrying over the shock received, I've yet to break one. Plus, if you're doing something that would definitely break balances, you'll probably end up breaking a moderately more shock resistant balance at some point too. You'd just have to repair it or go for quartz or g shock if it's really abusive.
Thanks for your comment! Makes sense to me. I just know that e. g. Ball and Hanhart built a system to protect the movement as a whole from shocks. I think that's neat but I agree, nothing I regularly do actually needs that. When I go hiking, I take my Garmin...
RZE makes solid titanium watches, I have the Turboteal and love it
Boldr does a nice titanium field watch but not sure about the anti magnetic part
Thanks for your comment! Makes sense to me. I just know that e. g. Ball and Hanhart built a system to protect the movement as a whole from shocks. I think that's neat but I agree, nothing I regularly do actually needs that. When I go hiking, I take my Garmin...
Honestly, the only kinds of things that concern me shock-wise with mechanicals are dropping it on something like concrete, swinging an axe or pickaxe, or using a particularly violent tool/machine like a reciprocating saw or a compactor. I've swung single hand hammers with a mechanical, although not much because I'm not left handed, and I've used a reciprocating saw on wood/pvc with one. I wouldn't do those things all day as a tradesman with a mechanical, but so far I've not had issues. I think I've shot all my guns with a mechanical on, but pistols worry more than long guns. I'd rather shoot my 12ga with a mechanical than my .357, but I'm pretty sure I've done both before. Most of the time I'll wear a quartz or g shock though, and I'd be more concerned if I wore it on my firing hand and not my support hand.
I think I've said before, they're breakable, but I wouldn't exactly call them fragile. If something isn't going to sting my hand or make it feel funny with vibration, I generally don't worry about the watch.
RZE
I’ve been happy with my rze super compressor, the tapered bracelet makes for a crazy comfortable fit.