Ideas for my bachelor’s watch!
Hello there!
This may I am finishing my bachelor’s degree in digital medias and design, and I am getting ever so closer to finishing the project every day.
To celebrate I want to buy my first really solid automatic. I already have a few vintages and a Tapferkeit which is great, but I really want something modern that I can wear everyday, which keeps time well and of course looks great. I have a few criteria… they’re loose, it depends on the watch!
They are:
• Preferable a diver
• 38-42 mm in size
• Automatic
• At least 15 or 20 bar
• No more than $1900
Again, these are loose criteria, it really depends on the watch. Would love to get some ideas from you wonderful people! These are some on my list already, along with tons of other Seikos:
Farer Aquamatic Freshwater
This one is just beautiful. It even comes with 3 different straps. Only ever seen 1 Farer in the wild, would love to get your thoughts on them!
Straum Jan Mayen Glacier White
Microbrand Straum are norwegian, just like me! 🇳🇴
My friend and I learned about their newest line-up called Jan Mayen. This one doesn’t fit the water depth rating criteria, but it is just so stunning.
Seiko SCVF007 «Red Alpinist»
This one has been on my list for a long time, but it’s not really a «diver». The Red Alpinist is one of my favourites, and is from the 90’s! The cream dial with the red text is just perfect. Not that modern, but I really don’t care.
Going on a week long trip to Switzerland right after the project is being delivered, maybe I can find something golden there? ✨
Again, would really appreciate any ideas you guys have for any modern divers… or really just about anything!
Just got into this stuff! Fun times ahead. Anyone want to help me get a Double Red Sea-Dweller?
Have you thought about something like a Longines Hydroconquest? Or, if you want one without the divers bezel a Conquest. Solid movement, around your price point, major brand, and a well-built, well-finished watch.
I remember those early days, and I'd suggest saving some cash and checking out a Glycine Combat Sub. It meets all of your criteria and can be had for under $400, which is a good thing when you're a broke college kid.
Options here: https://www.ashford.com/brand/glycine.html?gender=MEN&movement_type_family=Automatic&prod_cate=Watches&product_list_order=price~asc
Ones in particular to note -- the GL0076 is a beauty, and I speak as the owner of one:
If you have a Costco membership, they have the blue dialed variant, the GL0077 online for $299.99. For more of an all-rounder, dive (200M)/travel (GMT) watch combo, check out the GL0381 -- with a popup at Ashford it can be had for $700.
All solid options and recommendations by others. I like the Alpinist.
I like the Straum! Truly unique and you can show it off for national pride amongst your fellow Norwegians.
The Straum looks stunning! I had never heard of that brand before but I’ll sure be taking a look to their offerings from now on.
Can't go wrong with Farer, they make great watches (I have one). But that Straum is really nice, too. Everyone in the (watch) world has six Seiko's, it seems. Be bold.
Nodus makes good quality watches in their price point may want to take a look at this or their Sector series.
https://www.noduswatches.com/collections/avalon-ii-steel
As student or fresh graduated I would recommend to not spend too much money on a watches.
Try to stay under 500.
Maybe with one of the kamasu lines.
Venezianico Nereira
In case of more expensive watches but still under 1K I can recommend you Certina watches. As like the new DS Action diver 38mm.
Or the traditional German brand Circula with their Aquasport 2. They have currently a limited edition with a dial cutted out a meteroid.
Straum! You’re right - not a diver but c’mon! I too just discovered the brand and put my reservation in for the Fratello X Straum red Jan Mayen edition. If you guys don’t know the brand, hurry up. The reservation window closes on Thursday for the Fratello release.
I would say go Straum. I think it matches well with a Digital Design education 😁. My other two suggestions would be the Beaufort Cavalli or a Lorier Neptune if you want a diver that can dress up for a fair price.
hi man, should also consider mido ocean star tribute ! especially the blue dial.. gosh its so magnificent
Can’t beat the Christopher Ward Trident 300 for a diver under $1k in my opinion. Good hunting!
Or Farer. Lol 👍🏽
If you are into micro brands, I would suggest the Baltic Aquascaphe or the Maen Brooklyn 36 triple calendar. Unimatic is cool too. These are way under your budget and are amazing. Otherwise I’d say save up a bit of money and get a Tudor. You won’t regret spending a bit more and it will last a lifetime. And worst case if you don’t like it you can sell and not lose a lot of value.
Haven't seen anyone recommend an Oris Divers 65. It's at the top end of your price range (assuming some discount, msrp is above your range, but you can certainly find them cheaper). I have a "glow" color way, and it's fantastic.
Haven't seen this one before! It's a looker, thanks for the suggestion!
What about something like the C65 Aquitaine Automatic?
https://www.christopherward.com/int/watches/C65-Aquitaine-Automatic/C65-41ADA2-S0BB0-B0.html
I'd recommend checking out Zodiac. The make very colorfull divers and have some great heritage (the seawolf was created in the same era than the Rolex sub and the BlancPain Fifty Fathoms). I tried some in NYC and they were astonishing! Here's my favorite.
I’d lean towards the established non micro brand side for a purchase like this assuming you’re keeping it forever. Better service and part availability long term.
Hmmm, here is a piece I picked up for a lower priced daily. From the UK it was $1200 USD delivered.
What about something like the C65 Aquitaine Automatic?
https://www.christopherward.com/int/watches/C65-Aquitaine-Automatic/C65-41ADA2-S0BB0-B0.html
Man, I gotta check Christopher Ward out. I've been sleeping on them!
I'd recommend checking out Zodiac. The make very colorfull divers and have some great heritage (the seawolf was created in the same era than the Rolex sub and the BlancPain Fifty Fathoms). I tried some in NYC and they were astonishing! Here's my favorite.
Man, this one is stunning! Reminds me of one of my favourite watches of all time, the Tudor Submariner "Blue Snowflake" 94110. Definitely giving this one a though, thanks! 🍻
Hmmm, here is a piece I picked up for a lower priced daily. From the UK it was $1200 USD delivered.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Maybe something from Baltic? I have the Aquascaphe GMT and absolute love it! They just released a new Bronze Aquascaphe as well - really beautiful watch
Maybe something from Baltic? I have the Aquascaphe GMT and absolute love it! They just released a new Bronze Aquascaphe as well - really beautiful watch
Love Baltic's watches! Gotta add them to the list for sure, have checked them multiple times. The Aquascaphe fits you very nicely 💯
Have you thought about something like a Longines Hydroconquest? Or, if you want one without the divers bezel a Conquest. Solid movement, around your price point, major brand, and a well-built, well-finished watch.
Came to the comments to say exactly this! Correct answer.
Well, if you want to tweak the noses of your fellow Norwegian you could always buy a Swedish Tusenö Windseeker. 😁😎
39mm diameter, 47mm lug to lug, 10.5mm thick. Uses a Sellita SW200-1 with 10ATM water resistance. Around $780.
Graduate and buy your watch in Switzerland - what a remembrance that will be!
Congrats on your degree too! 👍 Well done.
Came to the comments to say exactly this! Correct answer.
Thanks for the suggestion! 🍻
Graduate and buy your watch in Switzerland - what a remembrance that will be!
Congrats on your degree too! 👍 Well done.
Thank you so much! Will certainly be a trip to remember, can't wait. 🍻