Complete my collection!
Hi Crunchers! First post here!
A brief backstory: I got really into watches in 2014 picking my first mechanical watch as a graduation gift from medical school. Ultimately, I chose the Nomos Ahoi Datum ref 551 and it's been my one and only ever since.
Fast forward to today and my Nomos is in for a second service and I've realized I have no love for the backup beater I bought (a blackface Braun with date). At long last, it's time to expand the collection!
I'm looking to add two watches to my "collection": a nice tool watch (leaning towards the pilot/field aesthetic) to rotate with my Nomos and also a fun beater quartz watch. The idea is that the Nomos works for dressy/formal occasions and the tool watch is there for sporty/active scenarios and either watch can rotate on normal work days/casual settings.
I have a somewhat flexible budget but I do not baby my watches, so I'm looking for suggestions that will hold up to some abuse (e.g. riding my bike to work in the rain, working in the garden) and also not make me feel bad if they suffer a scratch.
Here are my criteria:
Tool watch
Max budget $6k USD, but around $1-2k preferred
42mm ish case (prefer a larger look, but 40mm ok with the right overall feel)
At least 10 bar water resistance
Must include lume function, date, and some Arabic numerals (at least 3/6/9 or more)
Legibility is the priority. In general, a cleaner dial is preferred although some watches have surprised me when seen in person
Generally not a fan of bezels. I have an affinity for German/Bauhaus design, too.
Short list so far: Sinn 856, Sinn 358 (this one surprised me with legibility), Oris Big Crown Propilot day/date, Hamilton khaki, Alpina startimer, Seiko Alpinist
Off the list: IWC (I only liked the fit of the big pilot 43, but too $$$ and no date, mark series a touch small), laco (underwhelming finish quality).
Wife's picks are the Sinn 3006 or Nomos Metro gangreserve, neither of which meet my criteria, but it does mean I'm allowed to buy them 🤣
Beater
Max budget $300 USD
Lume, date, 10 bar water resistance required
Still prefer a larger simpler dial with analog hands, but open to suggestions
Last note, I actually prefer to buy used if possible and am headed to Tokyo for a week soon, where I hear the used market is quite good. Suggestions specific for that trip are much appreciated.
Ok enough talk. What are your suggestions and why??
Nomos Ahoi, Tudor North Flag, yellow casioak
Welcome to watch crunch and getting into the rabbit hole!
Tool watch…if you’re working with that budget, go big with the Sinn. Hammy, Alpinist and Alpina are in a class below and if you got them, you’ll wish you got the Sinn instead.
Beater…Seiko5…pick any variant of the Sports line. $295 MSRP. Depends if you like GADA, Field, or Aviator style.
I would pick up some sweet JDM G Shock while in Tokyo.
Sinn 856. Great legibility, harness coating (Regimented) is no joke, and it looks and wears fantastic.
Certina DS Action, 41mm, 20mm lug width, 200m WR, no plastic Powermatic (as Hamilton or Mido). There is a black version too. Under 1k.
Muhle :)
One suggestion I would make is that you get the radio controlled version on your quartz watch as it can also then be used as an easy reference for resetting your mechanical watches. I know you can just use a phone but I happened to like this method. Casio has some really great Oceanus models that could fit the bill here if you could find one at the right price.
There are so many good choices for a tool watch at that price. I’m a Longines fan and I think you can fine something within their offerings to suite your needs.
One suggestion I would make is that you get the radio controlled version on your quartz watch as it can also then be used as an easy reference for resetting your mechanical watches. I know you can just use a phone but I happened to like this method. Casio has some really great Oceanus models that could fit the bill here if you could find one at the right price.
There are so many good choices for a tool watch at that price. I’m a Longines fan and I think you can fine something within their offerings to suite your needs.
Ooh the Oceanus series is really interesting! Was not familiar with those. Will be on the lookout in Japan.
One great tool watch is the Engineer III series from Ball.
If I was going to keep my collection small I'd definitely be considering a speedmaster or seamaster....or a black bay....
If you want a tough high quality watch as a beater you can’t go far wrong with a sinn a 556 is a great watch that fits your requirements and the 104 is a classic. For some thing you can bash without fear then a tegamented 856 will look like new ten years from now
Solar seiko tuna for the cheaper watch would get my vote if you fancy a move from the obvious g shock
Just ran across the casi-oak in yellow. I think I might have a contender for the beater watch...