What is the best everyday watch under 1000USD?
Hey, I wonder what you guys would recommend for me looking to buy a watch under 38mm that I can use as my only watch for multiple years forward. Something versatile, small, and simple.
I've been looking at the Tissot PRX 35mm and a Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical but have heard that PRX's movement is of plastic, is made to be swapped out, and that the production cost of it is similar to a watch in the 250 dollar price class.
I've also heard much good about the Seiko Alpinist, but what are your guy's recommendations?
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Stockholm
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Last active: 8 months ago
6.20” / 15.75 cm
If you can find one, a Smiths Everest.
For a one-watch collection under $1000, my pick would be a Christopher Ward C60, C63 or Seiko Speedtimer.
Alpinist or Khaki Field are a great option. Countless micros in the space to, including Serica.
Under 38mm 🤔 that narrows it down quite a bit. For a daily, you’ll want a date complication for sure and a legible dial. I personally love divers as my every day watches. Hamilton is a great choice but most will be too large to qualify, especially those with day date complications. Anything Seiko is a great choice IMO.
Anything with an NH34 (GMT) or NH35 will be under that price point but most trend towards 40mm. You’ll also want something that matches every outfit. Casio is the GOAT when it comes to useable good looking daily watches, but if you want mechanical you can look at something like this Islander (Seiko movement): https://longislandwatch.com/islander-38mm-automatic-pan-am-dual-time-dive-watch-isl-151/
If you look used, you can find some older midsize SeaMasters in the mid to low $1000’s.
Look at Orient as well
I think the Hamilton Murph or Seiko Alpinist are you best bets.
If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, Seiko5 DressKX and Lorier Falcon.
The Tissot PRX movement can be serviced, and should only need to be serviced once a decade or so. It has two plastic pieces in it, which has caused some controversy, but it is otherwise the same movement that is in the Khaki Field.
Seiko (ProSpex), Hamilton, and Tissot are good ones to look at.
Traska is a microbrand you should check out as well.
Right here, friend, are several that come for WAY UNDER $1,000!
Seestern S434 - $189, and if I didn't know, I'd have guessed it cost $1,000
San Martin SN0129-G - $310, and it's a GMT!!!
Christopher Ward dune or sealander
Casio oceanus: with radio controlled by atomic clocks. Solar.powered, and have change to spare.
My CW C63 39mm black dial.
You can dress it up or down by just changing the strap.
My pick would be Christopher Ward c63 Sealander 36mm
Christopher Ward dune or sealander
I second and third this!
I have an Alpinist and love it but it has a lot going on so I don’t think it’s good for an everyday watch for many years. I feel the same way about the PRX. That is a very modern design so I think it’s a once-in-a-while watch. For what you want under 38mm is a tough nut to crack since 38 is such a popular size. My suggestion is the Lorier Falcon. It’s a classic design that won’t go out of style and it’s only 36mm.
https://www.maenwatches.com
Murph 38mm.
Hamilton’s a great choice and a respected brand, and the Murph transitions between daily wear and dressed-up a bit more seamlessly than a standard Khaki Field. The lugs are also designed better for smaller wrists, speaking as someone who has tried on both.
Kakhi field auto Is 38 mm and great GADA Watch. There Is also a mechanical version that Is a bit cheaper of you prefer
Maen Manhattan 37mm No Date $700
York & Front Burrard 38mm 100m WR $625