Well if your trying to be a couple hundred bucks you can’t beat the Seiko. Their new GMT seems like a great value proposition. I’m not a big micro brand guy although I do very much like what Baltic brings in the way of value and quality. I don’t have any experience with the others you mentioned.

Looks like a thoughtful/fun collection! Budget is going to be the biggest way to help direct but how about a GMT?

I like with a favorite YouTuber of mine recently said on a video; that putting on a new watch or one that he hasn’t worn in a long time that’s 36 mm, is like going on a holiday. Probably like many of you that own field watches like me have the majority of your collection in or around 38 to 40 mm. I own a lot of 38-40 mm watches. In fact, I think the majority of my collection is comprised of that size. It just works for me. But I also, like many of us more than likely, take a look at ourselves in the mirror, when putting on a watch that’s new to us, or one we have not worn in a while. And I think when we see ourselves we know whether it makes sense, either with what we’re wearing, or if it would be too small in proportion. When you look at it, you just know. Wear what makes you feel good.

Two cool options come to mind…

Probably can get a pre owned Oris Big crown pointer which would be nice. They come 38 to 40 mm I believe with lots of different dial options

Hamilton white dial khaki field is an inexpensive robust field watch that you can even get on Amazon for 300 to 400

I agree with my fellow crunchers that do not “need” a winder. I have too many mechanical watches that unless I bought a cabinet unit that kept them all wound and also secured, it would not be worth the cost. I’d have a hard time deciding which watches to keep in a typical size 1 to 2 winder unit. Don’t get me wrong, I like watch winders. Some of them are beautiful and the look is very appealing, but I see them as more of a novelty. Only caveat is for a perpetual piece or high complication.

Watches are only investments when your buying them with the intention on selling them. And as my family has been in the watch business for many years, I can tell you that selling and trading watches has its own share of stresses and headaches. Only in recent years have a few watches ( like sport model Rolex, AP, VC) are trading for premiums above retail. And this is a small amount of time in the grand scheme of the watch selling and trading market. In fact, prices are going down again. Point being, buy what you want, what you can afford, and what has good value for dollar. There’s a small percentage of folks that will snag a sub, newer GMT, or even a Daytona at retail and not loose money; maybe gain a few bucks, but this is not the normal. There are a lot of gray market dealers out here that are stuck with some watches they bought or traded at high value. But cash is always king! Often times a low offer on a piece is taken because of the need to replenish inventory even at a loss. Decide what you want. Find it. Make offers. Just get value for your dollar.

First and foremost always buy what you want and what gives you the best satisfaction and can have the best story for yourself with the purchase. That all being said, if my experience with collecting has taught me anything, it’s that value for money should be seriously considered. I feel that the Omega will have a greater mass appeal in the event you need to sell or trade and therefore, even though they are comparable in price, the omega still has more value.