Best finishing on a 3-hander (case&dial) around 1000 bucks?
Who makes the best case and dial for around a grand?
The availability of quality watches at this price point is huge, so I’m interested in suggestions for the best finishing of the important parts; case & dial, those that can embarrass brands that charge multiple times more. I’m not so interested in the strap/bracelet, which are easily changed or any dressing of the movement (if visable) as for me, it’s more important to focus on the parts on show, all of the time.
The second hand marked at this price point can be a mine-field, so let’s stick with new wristware suggestions.
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Cadmunky
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Brighton, UK
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Ginault Silent Service gets a lot of plaudits here so I would have that in the mix.
Farer is in that range. Few different sizes and color options as well.
Doxa Sub200, Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition, CW, and Farer which was already mentioned.
My vote is for Nivada
The CW in the picture has for me one of the best finishing from what I can see (still saving for one).
Second hour, Serica and Traska come in mind in second
For me it’s #direnzo this is my original 04 model. It’s also hardness coated.
I don't have one, but Wise dials and cases are often praised. I saw a macro video showing the impressive mirror finishing of hour markers, reflecting the dial printings without distortions.
Lightcatcher Case by CW is stunning. If it's around 1000 I'd always choose that.
Several manufacturers are doing great work on this but if I had to choose one I'd go Christopher Ward.
Hanhart Pioneer One https://www.hanhart.com/en/product/pioneer-one-2/
Case finishing is excelent, dial also with matching date color and reliable movement which is regulated to 8s/day. Mine running on average +4s/day
Your cover photo already answers the question. CW, has made finishing their "thing".
I’d check out Davosa Swiss. I’ve been really impressed by the value of their Argonautic series
$600ish gets you a Spinnaker Spence, case finishing is incredible on it
I'm a big fan of the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium.
https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-us/t1274071104100.html
Serica 6190 comes to mind. Enamel dial, unique layout and font, lumed indices, beautiful brushed/polished case. Rugged and sophisticated and $1090 or so.
I would say the Serica Ref. 6190 should be on the list of considerations. It is also Chronometer certified! I agree that the Direnzo DRZ04 and the C Ward C63 Sealander are also way up there too.
I can recommend both Farer and Christopher Ward. I own both. Also the more expensive Seiko presage series seem to have excellent finishing. Actually I would argue that the dial, hands and indicies finish on my Seiko Presage Sharp Edge is better than my Farer and Christopher Ward. Case wise the Christopher Ward probably has the upper hand of the three.
I'm my personal experience, Christopher Ward is outstanding at ~$1000
I've seen and handled a few different brands in that price range... but my gmt from jack mason stands out as being very well finished compared to others that I own or have had the pleasure of trying on. I don't own a serica yet, but I also really enjoyed the serica 6190 when I tried it on.
Ginault Silent Service is my vote.
The case finishing on my CW Sealander is excellent. Although over your $1000 guidelines I particularly like the finishing on my Formex Essence. A watch the exceeded my expectations for the money.
The case finishing on my CW Sealander is excellent. Although over your $1000 guidelines I particularly like the finishing on my Formex Essence. A watch the exceeded my expectations for the money.
Formex or CW?
I really like CW but the Formex is the better watch. It should be to be fair as it’s more expensive.