Requesting assistance for a dress watch hunt
I've decided that my 2024 goal will be to upgrade my current dress watch. Currently that role is filled by a cheap Casio quartz piece that I put a black strap on (pictured above). I'm a sucker for silver tone dials on black strap. I would like to stick with that aesthetic. Here are some of my other criteria:
No Arabic numerals, Romans not preferred but acceptable
Time only, 2-hand or 3-hand, no day, no date, no other complications, sub-seconds dial is fine
37 - 40mm range
No references to water resistance on the dial. Other printing is fine.
No preference for movement type - quartz, mech, auto all fine
Priced at or under $500, including used but new is preferred
Can come on a bracelet as long as I can swap a black strap onto it
This is a surprisingly tough combination of boxes to tick. The day/date one really narrows down the field. I suspect in the end I'll compromise on at least one of these items.
I've gone through a lot of the usual suspects like the Bambino, Intramatic, Jazzmaster, Le Loche, Presage/Cocktail Time, Marlin, etc. but they all fall short in one area or another. So far my two leading candidates are the Seiko SWR049 (Cartier Tank clone) and the Rotary Traditional/Canterbury. Frederique Constant also has a couple that could work but they tend to be over my budget. I might save to reach for that one if my search turns up no great candidates.
So I figure I would ask my fellow WC'ers to see what I've missed or overlooked. I have all year for this hunt so I am in no rush at all. Nothing like a nice long watch search😀
Thanks in advance for your consideration in helping me out. 🍻
Just an average desk-dwelling code monkey with an EDC obsession and a fledgling collection of basic, affordable watches. I'm a sucker for silver-tone dials. Catch me on the Best Damn EDC Discord serve...
Orient Bambino
Found this, it’s $494
Found this, it’s $494
Forgot they made a non-arabic version of the max bill. Ty it's going on the list.
https://www.seikowatches.com/au-en/products/discovermore/srk047
$295
Remarkably tough call, especially the no date! Have you considered vintage?
I got a Max Bill but the latest and dressier watch that I bought is the Lorier Zephyr, which was last worn in a very casual and not dressy at all setting.
Remarkably tough call, especially the no date! Have you considered vintage?
Yes I've gotten several examples recommended to me of some vintage Seikos that fit the bill perfectly on another forum. The more I look at them the more I like them. I've not owned a vintage piece yet but would definitely be willing to give it a go. I think it's a solid fallback option if this main search does not turn up anything that I'm in love with.
Seiko vintages are also a very good choice and @Whitesalmon has one of the best collection that I've seen of vintage Seiko.
That’s a tough one. I like the Timex Marlin, but it’s got a date or numbers. I’ll think some more.
I got a Max Bill but the latest and dressier watch that I bought is the Lorier Zephyr, which was last worn in a very casual and not dressy at all setting.
This was the very first watch that came to my mind when I read this post - it's great to see one like this on wrist.
I always look to Lorier at this price range, I really feel like its hard to go wrong!
I have to agree with @Catskinner on this one - the Lorier Zephyr is such an incredible value proposition.
it comes in a few really great color ways too; white, black (gold), and @Catskinner's reference, that deep plum red.
Not only is it a really beautiful dress piece, but it's got a Miyota 9 series movement, a real workhorse with very impressive specs for the price point.
Happy hunting!
Only 35mm though…
I got a Max Bill but the latest and dressier watch that I bought is the Lorier Zephyr, which was last worn in a very casual and not dressy at all setting.
I think you and @kdavid may have just led me to the new leading candidate. I quite like the white dial and the specs list. 😁
I think you and @kdavid may have just led me to the new leading candidate. I quite like the white dial and the specs list. 😁
Excellent!
The unboxing experience with Lorier is also fantastic, you get a lot of great extras and a personalized note - just be careful, its easy to catch the Lorier bug!
This wise fits the bill but is over budget when new and this citizen fits the bill but has a date
These are some options that could work with some compromise
Found this, it’s $494
Endgame
Zeno Watch Basel has a Bauhaus collection that scratches your itch. It‘s half the price of a Junghans and a really cool Independent brand from Switzerland, that dates back to 1868, so you have some history, too. Check it out: https://www.zeno-watch.ch/product/bauhaus-stripes-2/
These are some options that could work with some compromise
Baltic was the first watch that I thought of as well
https://www.jomashop.com/seiko-quartz-cream-dial-stainless-steel-mens-watch-srk047p1.html
Found it on the Islander site on sale for $209
Ya got me. My mind went to the Baltic MR01, but if Arabic numerals are an absolute no than I am not sure. Looks like you got some other good suggestions! Junghans is a good prop.
Found it on the Islander site on sale for $209
It's much nicer than I expected.
It's much nicer than I expected.
Love the cabochon and finishes
It's much nicer than I expected.
Yeah it does look great. Definitely added to the list.
Only 35mm though…
This is a very good option. Really good price too. I had not ever heard of this microbrand before but definitely going on the list. Even though it's 35mm I might be fine with that. Thanks!
Have you considered moving upstream to Casio's Edifice line?
They have a date complication, but a very unosbtrusive one.
Have you considered moving upstream to Casio's Edifice line?
They have a date complication, but a very unosbtrusive one.
I have, yes. I have not found one yet that does not stray too far unfortunately. An Edifice is on my list of want-to-haves at some point but I think they're a bit too sporty for the style of dress watch I'm hunting for. The one you've shown here looks great, but it'd be more of an everyday piece.
I have two Janks (Japanese tanks 😬) and love them. Affordable fun, esp when paired with interesting straps.
If you can find this one pre-owned at your target price it would definitely serve the purpose! I picked one up for $600 for travel purposes just a few weeks ago. https://www.gnomonwatches.com/products/collection-silver-leaf-lacquer-dial-white-ref-nb1060-04a
40mm. 200usd