Milestone watch for $1,000 or below?

The ice 🧊 chrono is very nice. That would be my choice. It can be worn for any occasion. Good luck deciding. 👍

Both of those are great choices. I have the white Alpinist and it's a fantastic watch, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. It's a fantastic do-it-all watch that can be dressed up to a suit on an Uncle Seiko bracelet or the included shiny calf leather strap, or worn casually on a NATO or distressed leather.

The silver-on-white does suffer from diminished legibility in certain light, at certain angles compared to the standard Green, mind you, but just tilt your wrist 5 degrees and you're fine 😁

My wife gifted me the Seiko Alpinist (green dial 💚) on my graduation. So alpinist is definitely a good option (whatever dial color you love)

Also the white dial alpinist looks cool!

I’ve got the Seiko and love it.

Always looks great no matter what I’m wearing and feels great on.

Buy used!!

You can aim higher that way.

For example, I paid £1300 for a quartz Aqua Terra, £500 for my green Willard, £550 for my black Willard etc - the last two as new (still under warranty) & considerably under retail. All from eBay.

I have the solar Speedtimer and it's very cool but I don't know if it's right for a milestone? Something about it feels sort of light and flimsy to me (though it looks great and accuracy is obviously top notch.) I'm doubting it is something I will have in my collection for very long though.

I see you’re a Seiko fan! I personally like the Alpinist. If you want suggestions for other brands, in terms of white dial three handers, take a look at the Christopher Ward Sealander Automatic, Lorier Astra, and Traska Commuter. All awesome watches that fit your budget!

Personally I would look at Christopher Ward for any watch under $1000.

I 2nd Christopher Ward. Check out the Sealander.

I vote for the Speedtimer.

You might want to find a jewelry or watch store where you can try them on. As much as I admire the Alpinist, I was surprised by how large it wore (on my 6.5”/165mm wrist.) Here’s my choice:

My suggestion is don't buy a Seiko, they are overpriced and under specd. Of course, it's your money

What would you suggest?

Christopher wards is a good choice or a Hamilton. Also if you look around you can find some longines and tag heuers too

Two fine choices. Good luck deciding on which to buy!

As others have mentioned do ignore the used watch market.

I have this watch also, I love it!

Congratulations!!!

Both of those are solid choices. Throwing in my 2 cents with these:

Finally, not to tempt you, but if you can go a couple of hundred bucks beyond the 1000, consider this. Thingbof beauty and getting harder to find, and one Ive been lusting after (SARX105).

I received the ice blue limited edition (2 tone bracelet) for graduation/Christmas 🙂

I'll diverge from most here änd throw in my 2¢:

Check out some microbrands

Wise from Thailand make some interesting änd possibly meaningful watches for under USD 1000. You can look ät AD9 series, änd some of their other three-hander series for some interesting (änd unique) pieces. Many of their watches use Miyota movements (which some people say are better thän Seiko in this price range), änd Wise also will use unusual materials like Damascus steel or 904 stainless (similar or same äs Rolex). I own their 39-mm meteorite dial three-hander, änd I have the ADX True GMT coming this month.

Look thru the bracket for the Microbrand Madness tournament from March: Lorier änd Baltic don't do much for me, büt I did see many contender which I didn't know before. Duckworth Prestex has some pretty pieces in this price range; also have a look ät Farer, Orion, or maybe Nodus for funner änd less "serious" designs.

Last büt not least: Have you looked ät German watches? 😯

it has been at the back of my mind the past 5 months now, I’m this close to getting it! 🤏

Would you mind sending me some pictures on the wrist? I haven’t found any boutique stores with stock so I might get it through an online store

I love seikos and micro brands! its a shame most don’t deliver to my country

I love the sharp edge collection - been lusting after the blue gmt version, too

I love learning about microbrands! I was interested too about the German brand Selten with their 00 series meteorite dials, but to be frank I am a bit wary of spending my money on a microbrand over a more “established” one

I’ve got a 7” wrist for reference

Either can be dressed up or down . . .

Agree.

I have the similar colour mecaquartz.

Its the least legible watch I own.

But still a really niice watch.

These options.

Ice blue all the way! Wish you all the best for your graduation! Enjoy the ride..