Need a recommendation for a new (first) automatic watch

As I often say on this forum, there's a Glycine for that!

200M WR, Swiss Made, Sellita SW200-1, sapphire crystal, under 11mm thick.

https://www.ashford.com/glycine-gl0077.html - $309

https://www.ashford.com/glycine-gl0076.html - $319

Get the Seiko SRPE, that will look good for any occasions.

Agree on the Glycine depending on budget/import costs it’s a v good choice.

The Seikos you have in mind are also a good choice and I suggest looking across the Orient range too.

Finally, from me, suggest having a look at the Timex Expedition North Titanium - it’s designed as a field watch but it’s a good all rounder too and lightweight but automatic. If I didn’t already have a Hamilton Field watch (excellent but above $300) I would be buying the Timex.

I vote for the very versatile SRPE as well.

Can't go wrong with a Seiko 😉

Hi. Have you considered the possibility of owning a beater and an office watch?

If you really want to try the one watch collection, I might suggest the Orient Kamasu.

20 ATM, a sapphire crystal and a screw down crown make it more suitable for sporting activities than the SRPE. And Orient movements are at least as good as Seiko's. Plus it's under the 300$ budget.

Given what you’re looking for and your budget, I say you’re on the mark with the Seiko DressKX. 🎯

Check out Islander.

https://longislandwatch.com/islander-watches/

Seiko is a great place to start

Seiko 5 sport lineup is a great choice based on your requirements. You can also check into the SRPG 27 its a great everyday watch to use ✌🏻

I have one and can certify that.

The srpe for me is one of those watches that makes my forget to look at the time when I look at my wrist.

I would advise not to take diver considering your requests. You are a bit short with $ for some nice pieces as I would strongly advise Alpinist

I suggest looking at the Islander brand.

A variety of styles and some inspired by Seiko with Seiko movements, but with upgrades Seiko does not have at your price.

For something that works on the weekends but also looks sharp at work, I am really tempted by this (and it's on sale below your price point)

https://longislandwatch.com/islander-bayport-40mm-automatic-dive-watch-with-grey-dial-isl-123/

Baby alpinist or orient kamasu

Ooohh didnt know that was called a baby alpinist, what reference number is that?

It's spb155 for the green dial option. There's also other colors. This watch comes with amazing specifications and style.

It's 200 meter water resistant

Saphyre glass

39 mm with 20 mm lugs its a strap devoring watch...

Can get super dressy on a leather or very sporty on the bracelet or natos.

The price can vary alot but you can find some good deals once in a while (eBay)

Good luck on your purchase and congratulations on your new work status! Don't hesitate if you have other questions!

Cheers!

Sorry for the duplicate of pictures

1959 Alpinist Reissue

Lorier Falcon

Both of these would be "stretch" goals and capable good classic dress up/down watches.

I'd also second the Seiko "DressKX", found one on the bay for a very reasonable price below MSRP, and it is VERY versatile.

Last option would be the cheapest, but it is quartz and not an auto, this:

Much cheaper, but it has good WR, a classic dial/hand combo, and it has INDIGLO. Best non tritium lume, period.

At the really low end, your automatic divers will be more 'dive style' watches than proper dive watches, but if it's just the look you're after, it's fine. Good rule of thumb, if you buy from the majors - you were already thinking Seiko, but consider Citizen too, for example - then you're not going to go far wrong.

The majors offer good honest watches with real warranties. Not something from a microbrand, or something pretending to be luxury Swiss yet always - mysteriously - on sale (hello, Glycine!).

thank you very much!!!

I cant believe i forgot Citizen, i know they have a few different divers that look alike and that i like but i dont know which is solar and which is mechanical and what would be the pricing. But if i could find a citizen diver in the price range of around 300 bucks i would definitely go for that.

When you can get something like this dive style watch - discounted - at $300 Australian dollars - https://starbuy.com.au/citizen-automatic-mens-watch-nj0170-83z/ - which is about US$195, I'd like to think that similar deals are out there in the world. This would be a VERY fine watch to start with.

My pleasure!

This was my first automatic, and it seems to meet all your requirements:

I wear it to the office, I wear it to parties, I wear it cliff jumping, night swimming, I wear it everywhere during every activity. It's called the Vaer D5. I wrote a review if you'd like to know more.

Hahaha I cant believe it, i was just about to comment, I went to a watch store near me to check out whats there and i tried on a beutifull Citizen Pronaster Marine which seems to be what i need, a bit on the bulkier and more rugged looking side less dressY but hey it looks really cool and as you say its cheaper then the Dresskx. I believe it was around 230$, so maybe thats gonna be my new daily soon! Thanks again for all your help and comments!

Thanks, It look amazing!!! Ill be sure ti chech it out.

I myself have two Islanders, a black-out Mitchel and the Rangemaster by TGV, and am pleased with both. Also dig the Northport as a 62MAS alternative, might get one of those at some point.

I reckon this nails all requirements also