My Buddy Got a New Job!
My good friend lost his job two years ago due to the pandemic, he worked with a company that set up conventions - we all know how that went...
He has been getting by with side jobs, etc.; a former Marine he was looking at some government work. Just this past December he learned he got the job of his dreams! He will be working for the NSA (that's about all he can say LOL).
He's not a huge watch guy, previously I got him a Victorinox:
He loves it an always wears it in my presence.
So with this new job - no smart watches, etc. - and I want to get him a 'work watch'. He will not be behind a desk, and may have some physical activity with his new role.
I asked him what he likes in watch: set it and forget it, and he likes bracelets.
Before I had asked him I was thinking of the Marathon Navigator, after his comment the Citizen Promaster Tough.
What does everyone think? Any better suggestions?
The watch may get knocked around, should not be an automatic, and will be worn for long shifts.
Thanks for your help!!
Citizen seems to me to be the obvious choice.
The Marathon has a composite case which is light and durable but might come across as cheap to a "non watch" guy. The Citizen ,with its "hardened steel" construction is built for situations he will be involved in.
A Marathon TSAR would be perfect, though they are more expensive than either watch you mentioned.
A Marathon TSAR would be perfect, though they are more expensive than either watch you mentioned.
Great choice & Good point - I should have added the budget: trying to stay under $500
Honestly, given the criteria, it is hard to come up with anything better than a Citizen Promaster, but I'll give it a try. Have you thought about a Casio Edifice Solar or a G Shock Steel?
A Vostok would go over well at the NSA. Just saying . . .
First of all, it's really nice of you to be getting your buddy a watch.
It's a bit of a marmite watch, but if he likes busy dials, perhaps a Seiko Flightmaster (SNA411) may be a good choice. It's well within your budget, and seems like great bang for the buck. I just picked one up for myself recently and am quite pleased with it. Even though the dial is super busy, the hands contrast nicely against the dial making it easy to read at a glance.
+1 on Citizen
I don't know if your buddy is into dive watches but I'm a fan this one: longislandwatch.com/citizen-bn0191-80l-promaster-watch-bn0191-80l since it adds a pop of color and relatively classy looks for a dive watch.
I wish my friends would put up a $500 budget for a gift watch for me haha
First of all, it's really nice of you to be getting your buddy a watch.
It's a bit of a marmite watch, but if he likes busy dials, perhaps a Seiko Flightmaster (SNA411) may be a good choice. It's well within your budget, and seems like great bang for the buck. I just picked one up for myself recently and am quite pleased with it. Even though the dial is super busy, the hands contrast nicely against the dial making it easy to read at a glance.
Ummmm no, but YES!!!
I did not think about the flighty, and we would have one in common!!
Citizen :) Here's
mine
Have owned the Citizen and gifted it to my son-in-law, a professional welder.
Cannot kill the Promaster Tough, has decent lume, easy to read and wears much flatter than the INOX.
You are a good friend to guve such thought to the gift. Buy the Citizen.
I have owned the Citizen for a little over a year now. My go anywhere, do anything watch. Throw a leather strap on, and with how thin it is, you got yourself a decent dress watch. With the bracelet, it's tough as nails. Throw on a nato strap and it becomes very light. Best part is, You can find the Promaster Tough for less than 200 if you look around. There's also a chronograph version of it, if that's something your buddy might be interested in.
G-Shock GMWB5000D-1, GBX100-1, DW5600E-1V
I will add my voice to the G-Shock crowd -- so many options there.
Solar Tuna would be another way to go -- blacked out, blue/brown, green, etc.
Citizen Ecodrive - signature technology from the most significant manufacturer. No better engineered watches on the planet. Something with sapphire on a bracelet, Ti if you can afford it. He'll love it.