Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba 43mm or Tissot Seastar 1000
Edit: I wound up ordering the Hammy. Also, added the orange Bulova Devil Diver.
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Hey all, I’m torn between two under $1k divers. I already tried to talk myself out of it, but I don’t have a diver and really want to add one.
It’s between the Hamilton H82515330 Scuba or Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80.
I’m a sucker for open back’s, so that’s why the Tissot is even in thought.
What are your thoughts? Or what would you get for a auto diver under $1k? Under 43mm would be ideal.
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Jesse
Shop owner, husband, and a father, always on a mission for a new watch.
Holt, MI
Member since
Last active: 9 months ago
Between the two I'd go for the Hamilton, I've always thought the proportions on the Seastar are off (the minute & hour hands to thick, the T on the end of seconds hand too big, the lollipop on the end too small & the numerals on the bezel too big). I'd also consider the following:
Oris divers sixty five
Oris Aquis
Seiko SPB143 (62mas reissue)
Zodiac Seawolf
Yema Superman
The Oris may be a bit over budget but could be bought pre owned, hope this helps!
Ditto! Hamilton looks the business!
That's a tough one brother but I'd go for the Hammy.
Both great looking watches but I could only really share my experience with the Tissot Seastar Powermatic as I have owed this watch with the blue dial, unfortunately I don’t have it anymore as I had to sell it to get another and it is one that I would like to have back it was a great everyday watc, but on the flip side you can’t go wrong with Hamilton I love my Khaki Field
Personally I think the glycine Combat Sub are the best deals for a Swiss made watch
They are very very similar watches. The Hamilton looks better to me but that's just my own taste.
The movements are similar with similar bases but my understanding is that that Hamilton h-10 is inferior to the Powermatic in magnetism and the Powermatic is inferior to the h-10 in friction (due to fewer jewels).
I think my I have two big questions.
For a premium diver below 1k, I'd go with the spb143, frankly due to sizing. Its pretty perfect.
Personally I think the glycine Combat Sub are the best deals for a Swiss made watch
I'm a Hamilton fan but I completely agree with you.
Hamilton over the Tissot.
Check out Mido Ocean Star Tribute as well! Of the two I'd say Tissot, it wears very well and does look better than the pictures IMHO.
I’d take the Hamilton between the two, solely based on my preference for it’s looks. Be sure to check out Christopher Ward though.
Personally I think the glycine Combat Sub are the best deals for a Swiss made watch
^ This. Costco has a Glycine Combat Sub 42mm (GL0083) automatic for $300. You're not going to do any better than that for a Swiss Made 200M diver.
https://www.costco.com/glycine-combat-sub-automatic-42mm-case-men's-watch.product.100721205.html
Between the two I'd go for the Hamilton, I've always thought the proportions on the Seastar are off (the minute & hour hands to thick, the T on the end of seconds hand too big, the lollipop on the end too small & the numerals on the bezel too big). I'd also consider the following:
Oris divers sixty five
Oris Aquis
Seiko SPB143 (62mas reissue)
Zodiac Seawolf
Yema Superman
The Oris may be a bit over budget but could be bought pre owned, hope this helps!
That Sea Wolf is fire!!! Definitely going to add that to my, should probably buy this list.
The Hamilton will be here in a week.
I’d take the Hamilton between the two, solely based on my preference for it’s looks. Be sure to check out Christopher Ward though.
I agree, Hamilton’s ordered. For some random reason I ordered a Bulova Devil Diver too. No freakin clue why, but the orange always catches my eye.
I agree, Hamilton’s ordered. For some random reason I ordered a Bulova Devil Diver too. No freakin clue why, but the orange always catches my eye.
We analyze the crap out of watches: designs, specs, heritage, movements etc. But at the end of the day it’s all about your enjoyment of a piece, so enjoy the “hell” out of that devil diver. It’s a great looking watch, and if saw you in the wild wearing it, I’d definitely tell you.
I totally understand the appeal of orange. This PO is my current fav, and my first diver was an old Bulova Marine Star, blue with orange accents.
We analyze the crap out of watches: designs, specs, heritage, movements etc. But at the end of the day it’s all about your enjoyment of a piece, so enjoy the “hell” out of that devil diver. It’s a great looking watch, and if saw you in the wild wearing it, I’d definitely tell you.
I totally understand the appeal of orange. This PO is my current fav, and my first diver was an old Bulova Marine Star, blue with orange accents.
If I could keep my eye on the prize I’d have my Omega Moon Watch. But I keep seeing all these little jewels along the way. I’ve got a bunch of G-Shock’s and that’s all that I’ve really ever looked at. Then one day a switch flipped and here I am.
Amazing Seamaster!!! Something about orange…
The Tissot is $250.00 cheaper has a date and looks more modern. While the hamilton is a cross between a field watch and a diver.
Same here went with Hamilton as well .. plus free Hamilton cap from my AD
Hammy all day!!
I would like to offer as an option to look into would be the Seiko 62mas spb147 in the radiant espresso dial. It’s only 40mm in case size and the silicone strap is easily the best strap I have ever had. You can find great deals under $1000 online. Gnomon Watches would be a good start. I bought from them before.
The 62mas is easily my most favorite model collection in the market at that price level right now to me. And there are other colorways that are just as good. But the spb147 has to be the best value for what it has to offer and the cheapest of the collection.
But if you are really looking to your choices, I have the Tissot Seastar. Love that watch and the power reserve feels like to goes forever! That should be the same for Hamilton since they have access to the same movement… I don’t know.