Zodiac, Doxa or Seiko? Advise requested!
I need a good dive watch and I need your advice! If you saw my previous poll, my ultimate dive watch that I’d like is the Tudor BB 58 Blue. It’s nearly perfect in my opinion; meets all the specs, awesome vintage styling, fits me perfectly… I just don’t have $4K to spend right now.
In the meantime, I’m torn between Zodiac, Doxa and Seiko for a good quality dive watch, retro styling in the $1000 range. I’ve posted pics of the specific references I like, all in Air Force blue of course! I have experience with multiple Seikos, but not any of the others.
I like the uniqueness and fun colors of the Zodiac (cover photo from my visit to the #WindupWatchFairNYC 2022), as well as the history of the brand; although they folded in the 70s and are now owned by Fossil. So the Fossil-made movement doesn’t have as much history behind it to know if it’ll last long-term.
I like the history of Doxa as well, and with an ETA-based movement it should last. The case shape is very similar to my Speedy so I know it’ll fit well but may be duplicative in my collection (goes back to when Doxa, Omega and Eberhard had their cases made by Huguenin Frères et Cie in the 60s).
I love the Seiko re-issues of the 62MAS case, particularly the SPB149 (limited edition) or the SPB297 (Save the Ocean), both of which have great colored dials, and I love the squared-off case shape. I know the Seiko build quality overall is like a tank and can take a beating, but the quality of the movement is what scares me, overpaying for the 6R35 that’s not accurate in the least and only gets worse over time (unless you win the Seiko lottery and get a good one).
Or are there others that I’m not thinking about? I saw a Certina DS that I liked. There’s also an NTH Näcken that looked exactly like an old Tudor Sub with a Myota 9-series movement (love the look and quality but I’m not big into homage watches).
Or should I just save my money until I can get the Blue Bay? Whatever I get now I’d probably just sell as I get closer to having enough saved for the Tudor. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated! Happy Crunching!
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Daniel
Disciple of Christ, Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Cousin, Nephew, Uncle… Air Force Veteran, Space Nerd, Watch Enthusiast, Pianist, and Baseball junkie.
Member since
Last active: 3 hrs ago
6.75” / 17.15 cm
Take a look at Mido Ocean Star...great watch for a reasonable price.
Maybe buy a spinnaker to hold you over until you can get the tudor. I own a seiko and zodiac and all I think about is wanting a tudor.
IF your dream watch is the Tudor, I will say wait and meantime buy some citizen or something cheaper for 100-200 €. You will spend 1000 for a new watch but your heart would still want the Tudor.
From these watches I would buy the Zodiac, but my recommandation is to wait. :)
Why not just hold onto your $1K, save up an additional $1.5K and get the BB58 in blue on the secondary market. They can be had in the $2.3-$2.8k range depending on condition.
If you spend $1k on a watch now, and sell it, you’ll get half what you paid for. Buying one of these watches will not scratch the itch if you ultimately want a BB58.
The Doxa 200 or the Seiko. Doxa is a really good all round package. It only lacks in the lume department other than that overall a very good watch.
Also, I don't think you could find the SPB149 at retail since it has been discontinued. The secondary market price is higher than the retail for the 149. The SPB297 is still available. My SPB239 has been running well to date, I did get it regulated even though it was running +10 seconds out of the box and I have had no issues movement wise.
The Certina PH200 is definitely is good alternative option, you could find it at much lower than the retail most of the time especially if you get the version on a strap. Don't bother with the variant that comes on a mesh bracelet, its just not worth the extra price.
If you need a dive watch there are many good options sub 200$ to warm your wrist till you get the Tudor!:)
Baltic Aquascaphe classic in Blue(a great bb58 alternative while you save)
The Baltic Aquascaphe Titanium which is just a great piece in a more unique case material.
Take a look at Mido Ocean Star...great watch for a reasonable price.
Yeah I did always like this guy!
I’d get a san Martin while I save for the Tudor.. if you really need a watch until then. Otherwise, just save up for your dream watch instead and buy it used! You’ll be way more happy than trying to replace it with something it is not.
Go for what you like... you will always "want it" anyway. Save up and buy it later
IF your dream watch is the Tudor, I will say wait and meantime buy some citizen or something cheaper for 100-200 €. You will spend 1000 for a new watch but your heart would still want the Tudor.
From these watches I would buy the Zodiac, but my recommandation is to wait. :)
Thanks man! I appreciate the advice for sure. I do have a DIY Diver that does the job in that cheap price range, but part of me likes trying out different watches. So part of me is curious to the different brands in the next price segment.
Buying used is a great option to consider. I got my Sinns (556 and 104) used for great prices in what I would consider like new condition. I wouldn't have been able to afford the AD new price.
Take a look at Mido Ocean Star...great watch for a reasonable price.
Also comes in a GMT variant.
Zodiac
From the options you presented, I chose the Doxa. Personally though, I'd continue to save up for the Black Bay, or look at the Serica 5303, Glycine Combat Sub or the Squale 1521.
as someone already wrote, if the BB58 is the one you really want I would not settle for another....if you look on Chrono24 you can find used ones on the bracelet, in good condition with box and papers for around 2.600 USD.....I would consider that.....used is in my opinion always the best buy if you see how the value drops after buying it new
That’s definitely what I’m headed towards since it’ll take me awhile to save up for it, and buying it used could save me a year or so. But my plan is to keep it for life. Would you still buy it used then? I know some folks would think that if it’s a lifer, buy new. Maybe that’ll be my next poll! Lol
I’m biased, but I can’t help but throw the C65 Aquitaine into the ring!
It sounds like it will do a lot of what you are looking for.
Yeah that was really nice also when I tried that on at the #windupwatchfair NYC 2022. The bronze and blue #divewatch was killer!
I agree with a lot of the advice on here that is keep saving and buy that Tudor used?
Spending 1k on an interim watch you will probably sell at a loss later doesn't get you any nearer your objective.
If you need to scratch the itch then spend less on a decent and well specd alternative . Islander and Phoibos and Gekota spring to mind but there are dozens of relevant brands with quality divers.
If you are set on spending 1k on the way to the Tudor Christopher Ward offers Tudor like build quality for much less money? I know you said no homages but Steinhart are well worth looking at. They have some original designs as well.
Good luck in any event!
Thank you! Yeah I have a hard time adhering to the notion that watch collecting is a marathon not a sprint. So I always want to keep buying the next watch I’m interested in. So part of me wants to enjoy other watches along the way to my end-goal watches. I know the Tudor BB58 Blue will be a keeper for sure. That’s just my style. But part of me thinks I can scratch the itch with something cheaper in the meantime while saving up for it long-term. I dunno.
What about Tag Heuer dive watches?
That’s definitely what I’m headed towards since it’ll take me awhile to save up for it, and buying it used could save me a year or so. But my plan is to keep it for life. Would you still buy it used then? I know some folks would think that if it’s a lifer, buy new. Maybe that’ll be my next poll! Lol
Well, every time I buy a watch, it is always with the intention to keep it for life....but.....you will only know for sure if you make the click with the watch after several months of wear (sometimes a lot sooner if it´s negative)....and also your taste in style of watches can change over the years.
But regardless of that, yes, I certainly always try to buy a used one in very good condition....why pay 1000+ more for a new one? OK, the new one will not have some microswirls like a used one but after a few weeks of wear your new one will also have them....so.....I always go used.....but in the end it is your decision, do what feels right for you.
What about Tag Heuer dive watches?
Meh. I’ve never been a fan of Tag, I think they are too gaudy and are overpriced, also too “trendy”. The only exception is that I like their new Carrera lineup, those are sharp!
Well, every time I buy a watch, it is always with the intention to keep it for life....but.....you will only know for sure if you make the click with the watch after several months of wear (sometimes a lot sooner if it´s negative)....and also your taste in style of watches can change over the years.
But regardless of that, yes, I certainly always try to buy a used one in very good condition....why pay 1000+ more for a new one? OK, the new one will not have some microswirls like a used one but after a few weeks of wear your new one will also have them....so.....I always go used.....but in the end it is your decision, do what feels right for you.
I agree, I always prefer to buy used, especially if there’s a thought that it’s not a keeper. That way I don’t lose as much when selling it on. I’m not worried about there already being scratches because I know I’ll scratch it up soon enough. I was just thinking more about the movement, in case someone was too rough with it, or if it’s already a few years old and not keeping time as well, which means a sooner service interval for me.
Meh. I’ve never been a fan of Tag, I think they are too gaudy and are overpriced, also too “trendy”. The only exception is that I like their new Carrera lineup, those are sharp!
What about Panerai Submersibles?
What about Panerai Submersibles?
They’re okay but have never been a fan of theirs. I know for a lot of folks it’s either you love ‘em or hate ‘em! Lol
They’re okay but have never been a fan of theirs. I know for a lot of folks it’s either you love ‘em or hate ‘em! Lol
What about Citizen?
I have a citizen eco-drive already, Titanium perpetual calendar and alarm. I just don’t really wear it since I’ve got into mechanical watches. But maybe I’ll take it off the leather strap and put a NATO on it for the summer. See if I can breathe new life into it. Thanks!
I bought a Zodiac and it's the biggest regret in my collection.
I bought a Zodiac and it's the biggest regret in my collection.
Really? How come?
Take a look at Mido Ocean Star...great watch for a reasonable price.
Dude, I just noticed this Mido! Wow! This may be my new fave! Thanks for the suggestion!
@Max I’m pretty sure I just found your next comparison video! The results are split and I just tried on the new Mido Ocean Star Tribute blue gradient dial which is fantastic. So I’m definitely at a loss for choosing! Thanks again for creating this amazing watch community!