Non Rolex Daily Beater - Mostly for Travel

[lencap]

Greetings!

Sadly I've read several posts lately related to concerns about wearing a Rolex, or other high end watch, while traveling. I admit to having some similar concerns and decided to buy a Timex Q GMT with a "Pepsi" bezel as a travel watch, by which I mean a low cost functional watch that will do the job, but not create any unwanted attention or temptation in areas I don't know well.

The Q does its job, but it's hard to avoid the "What's the point of having a nice watch if I can't use it?" feeling, along with the "This watch isn't comfortable, fun or enjoyable. Why am I wearing it?" feeling.

I came across a review for the Citizen Zenshin Mechanical Super Titanium watch with an automatic mechanical movement, 40.5mm case, full titanium case/integrated bracelet with a scratch resistant coating, 10 bar water resistance, display back, lumed hands/markets, sapphire crystal and an interesting dial (4 color choices) with small seconds hand. I bought the pure white dial, reminiscent of the no longer available 39mm OP - a watch I find an almost perfect "no frills" Rolex. They make a Eco-Drive version as well with large second hand. The dial has an interesting pattern, similar in intent, if not execution to the Grand Seiko dials.

I'm not suggesting that this watch will replace a Rolex, or any other brand, but for a Go Anywhere Do Anything inexpensive watch (lists at $625, widely available for far less for the mechanical watch, and $100 less for Eco-Drive) it serves the purpose very well. The lightweight titanium has a plus side - at least for me. While my Rolex Oyster band has a very nice integrated sizing mechanism, the watch still can feel a bit unbalanced, especially in hot summer weather, as the weight of the watch can be noticeable if the band isn't "just right". The lighter Titanium Citizen (about 100 grams) allows me to wear the watch a bit looser than I would ordinarily, and the very light weight doesn't shift noticeably on my wrist.

I was surprised at the overall wearability and comfort, realizing it's not a solution for everyone, but if you're looking for an under the radar watch that is a great GADA option for less money than the sales tax on any modern Rolex, the Citizen may be worth a look.

[stainlesssteelsteve]

I completely understand your thought process.

If I'm in this situation, I never feel worried about wearing a Speedmaster or IWC.

[whatisarolexym]

You should be able to wear a watch without worrying about it. If you worry about it then it's not a good experience, especially on holiday in unfamiliar environments. A Rolex does not need to be worn everyday and is definitely not worth your life or safety.
I have a 36mm seamaster professional 300 which I wear around the world or if very worried, my moonswatch or my G-Shock.

[Tuzz313]

Sinn 556


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[rohada]

Moonswatch Mars on black leather strap with deployant clasp.

[stockae92]

CWC Royal Navy Diver 300m

[Old Expat Beast]

Maybe a G-Shock 9400 Rangeman. 200m WR, 47 timezones, self-setting (in many regions), solar powered, stopwatch, countdown timer, altimeter, barometer, compass, thermometer, sunrise/sunset info, etc. Or something similar.

[ap1]

I wore my Tudor gmt to SF and survived

[Stan Cooper]

I've bought several watches that fit the bill as nice, $1k or less, daily beaters. A couple of my favorites are the Zelos Mako automatic 300m traveler GMT that has the same features as my GMT II, and the Seiko SSC813 solar powered quartz chronograph. Both of these sell for $600 - $700.

[enjoythemusic]

+1 Gshock or Seiko.

[corky]

Rolexes used to be a tool watch, ie a beater, why buy one if you’re not going to wear it?

Submariner wearer daily for 30 years so far……

[whatisarolexym]

Originally Posted by corky

Rolexes used to be a tool watch, ie a beater, why buy one if you’re not going to wear it?

Submariner wearer daily for 30 years so far……

Because in some places, there is a high chance of being mugged for a Rolex? Just because you haven't been mugged doesn't mean that others haven't been. There is no rule that you have to wear a Rolex everyday if you buy it

[brandrea]

SKX009. Diver bezel with a splash of red and blue for fun

[ts3]

IWC Mark XV for me. Great GADA watch but I am a little bored with it after 20+ years. Sinn which came up above is a great alternative and more value for money.

Personally I might just go G-Shock going forward or get an Apple watch finally.

[1William]

Tudor FXD, G-Shock or Seiko Turtle for travel for me.

[Andad]

This could be a long thread.

There are a few options?

[scarlet knight]

Casio and Seiko.

[samson66]

I wear a Grand Seiko GMT. Yeah it's not a cheap watch but it doesn't get the unwanted attention that a Rolex gets and if I lose it or get it stolen it won't bankrupt me - although I certainly hope that never happens.

If I'm REALLY concerned about an area I intend to walk around in I wear a Seiko or G-Shock.

[ap1]

Just throwing random stuff out there, Oris and sinn nice low key watches to move about in

[MichelleP]

Originally Posted by ap1

I wore my Tudor gmt to SF and survived

I wore my Tudor BB58 GMT to NYC and survived and wear it around SF all the time

[ap1]

Originally Posted by MichelleP

I wore my Tudor BB58 GMT to NYC and survived and wear it around SF all the time

Rubber or bracelet ? The dial is great in direct sunlight with all the texture

[MichelleP]

Originally Posted by ap1

Rubber or bracelet ? The dial is great in direct sunlight with all the texture

Bracelet. It is the 1st Tudor with the T-Fit that actually works for me. Had to add an aftermarket 1/2 link to my BB54 for the t-fit to be useful.
Agree on the dial

[rmagoo57]

I wore a Tudor BB58 925 on a strap walking around Rome a couple days and felt safe.

[cosmoliu]

Originally Posted by MichelleP

Bracelet. It is the 1st Tudor with the T-Fit that actually works for me. Had to add an aftermarket 1/2 link to my BB54 for the t-fit to be useful.
Agree on the dial

Could you post particulars on that 1/2 link? I have the same situation with my BB54 bracelet.

[corky]

Originally Posted by whatisarolexym

Because in some places, there is a high chance of being mugged for a Rolex? Just because you haven't been mugged doesn't mean that others haven't been. There is no rule that you have to wear a Rolex everyday if you buy it

I live in London…….

Never said there was a rule, just gave my experience.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by cosmoliu

Could you post particulars on that 1/2 link? I have the same situation with my BB54 bracelet.

I think she may be referring to an uncle Seiko .5 link for the bb58 line. I too had the same issue several t fit tudors where I still couldn’t get a suitable fit. Black bay pro, black bay 41 red, bb54 etc. weirdly the 58 gmt seems to work for me now just as Michelle pointed out

[S’portEye]

Pelagos 39 on oem rubber strap.

[MichelleP]

Originally Posted by ap1

I think she may be referring to an uncle Seiko .5 link for the bb58 line. I too had the same issue several t fit tudors where I still couldn’t get a suitable fit. Black bay pro, black bay 41 red, bb54 etc. weirdly the 58 gmt seems to work for me now just as Michelle pointed out

Correct. Uncle Straps.had to add to my BBPro and Pelagos 39as well.
No issues with the BB58

[Mendota]

Have you looked at the Timex Waterbury collections? Today (9/19) they just released the new Pan Am collaboration watches with 2 releases: a GMT watch and a Chronograph. They look fantastic. In fact, I'm thinking of buying the GMT version. It's quartz but features a real GMT function. It's 39mm, water resistance is rated to 100m, and it has a really nice blue sunray dial. The chrono is 43mm. Both on leather straps. Their Waterbury diver collection is also really nice looking. They also have a really cool Expedition field watch collection with color coordinating Nato straps to the seconds hand colors.

I usually wear my Moonswatch Pluto (love it and wear it more often than my Rolex OP) but these Timexes look like awesome ways to change things up a bit. I know people like to bash Timex but damn, they've been in existence for over 170 years and they make some really great looking and incredible pieces.



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[cosmoliu]

Originally Posted by ap1

I think she may be referring to an uncle Seiko .5 link for the bb58 line. I too had the same issue several t fit tudors where I still couldn’t get a suitable fit. Black bay pro, black bay 41 red, bb54 etc. weirdly the 58 gmt seems to work for me now just as Michelle pointed out

Thanks!