Recommend a Tool / Diver watch up to $10k?

[R332]

I need a watch that can withstand daily abuse, trips to the beach, knocking into door frames, etc. I work in a casual environment so the watch doesn't need to be worn with a suit (plus I have another watch for that). Something in the 40mm - 44mm range usually works well for me but I don't want more than 14mm case height. Stainless, titanium or ceramic are all appealing materials.

To get this thread pointed in the right direction here is a list of watches that I considered but aren't quite right.

Rolex Submariner or Sea Dweller 4000 - This is what I should buy! It is a lovely watch with an iconic design and super rugged high-quality build quality but it looks a bit small on my 7.5" wrist and the dial isn't as easy to read as I would like. <flame suit on> I am not crazy about the public perception of wearing a Rolex brings along with it and many of the watches I like go unnoticed by 99% of the general public which fits better for my business and my personality.

AP Diver - A bit more than I want to spend (I could stretch) but shows wear and tear too easily. Is the movement 'bombproof' enough?

AP Diver Ceramic - I love it and the case should be very wear and tear resistance but the price is too high.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms or Bathyscaphe - High quality and great heritage but the FF Automatic is too large I don't care for the bezel. The Bathyscaphe is too old fashion (vintage??) looking; I am young and don't want a watch from the '50s or '60s.

Honorable mention: Omega Speedmaster DSOTM - Great value, looks cool, and comfortable to wear but I think it is tool far off being a true rugged 'tool' watch to win this competition, plus I am not really looking for a chrono.


Please help me find what I am searching for

[lapince]

WOW you ruled out all the options I was thinking of, if you have 7.5 you are sure the BP FF is too big? I would think it would fit just fine, really don't know what to propose you as all possibilities have been ruled out...

[lain09]

Much cheaper option than your list but how about the Damasko line? Very resistant case material and easy to read dial.

[mps354]

Longines legend diver?

[Constantine]

here are some off the top of my head...

Omega Seamaster - plenty of models to chose from
Tudor Pelagos or Black Bay
JLC Deep Sea Chrono (I would prefer the Memovox tribute to deep sea, but this only available second hand now)
IWC Aquatimer

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Constantine

here are some off the top of my head...

Omega Seamaster - plenty of models to chose from
Tudor Pelagos or Black Bay
JLC Deep Sea Chrono (I would prefer the Memovox tribute to deep sea, but this only available second hand now)
IWC Aquatimer

Have you considered an exp II? Slightly larger and relatively understated for a rolex compared to shiny ceramic subs and gmts.

[R332]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Have you considered an exp II? Slightly larger and relatively understated for a rolex compared to shiny ceramic subs and gmts.

I should have included the EXP II 216570 in my original post. It is surely one of the most versatile and rugged watches on the market, plus the price is right, but I am not a fan of the cyclops and I dislike the orange highlights; some people love orange but I am not one of them. If Rolex had of chosen blue or green I would have been all over it!

[R332]

Originally Posted by Constantine

here are some off the top of my head...

Omega Seamaster - plenty of models to chose from
Tudor Pelagos or Black Bay
JLC Deep Sea Chrono (I would prefer the Memovox tribute to deep sea, but this only available second hand now)
IWC Aquatimer

I already own an IWC 3538 Aquatimer

For whatever reason the Seamaster series doesn't sing to me.

[locutus49]

A newer Sub should look fine on your wrist.

[antbkny]

Pelagos, keep the change.

[daveathall]

Sinn U1, get the fully Tegimented case, tough as hell.

[rouxeny]

Black bay

[Marrk]

^^Great Sinn U1 video, Dave. Thanks.

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by Marrk

^^Great Sinn U1 video, Dave. Thanks.

Thank you Marrk, you're very welcome.

[itsmekevin]

Sinn U1, Black Bay, Omega Seamaster 300?

[subtona]

The Tudor Pelagos is successfully designed from the ground up as a top notch dive watch.

It is a must see in person before you choose.

[R332]

Originally Posted by subtona

The Tudor Pelagos is successfully designed from the ground up as a top notch dive watch.

It is a must see in person before you choose.

The Pelagos is a true tool/diver watch and great value too but I find the case to be lacking in excitement (polish) and the shape of the hour hand makes me wince. Otherwise it would already be on my wrist

[Fredrik]

Tudor Pelagos gets a vote from e as well.

If you really want some change to keep, have a look at the Seiko SBDC029. Excellent watch!

[joe100]

Sinn u1 or u2

[s14roller]

A Sub seems to be the best choice (and what I wear daily)...it's really a great all-around watch.

A Tudor Pelagos really needs to be tried on in person to be appreciate...excellent choice for the price point.

AP ceramic is probably the best one, but if it's out of budget, I think the Sub is still the best choice. Rolex bracelet is also more comfortable for all around use.

BTW - most people would agree that 99% of the people do NOT notice a Rolex Sub (or any other watch)...it's very under the radar unless you're flaunting there's a Rolex on the wrist. Even with any of the APs (including rose gold) I can count on one hand how many people have commented throughout the years, and 9/10 times of those occasions, they were from other WIS!

[93 Turbo]

As recommended earlier look at the 216570 Exp II. Fly's under the radar, black or white you choose.

This has become the only watch I really wear, right size for my just over 7.1/2 inch wrist, and I'm thinking of thinning the watch heard… J

[eonflux]

Pelagos is a great suggestion

Of the original list of watches under consideration, I vote for the AP Divers
Great wrist presence
Movement should be sufficiently robust, and looks great through the display backs

I think the steel will look OK with some daily wear marks
Ceramic more stealhy, but make sure you like the orange

[kunlun]

Sub.

Pelagos

Sinn

JLC master compressor navy seals is a great choice.

[SpunkyQ8]

Tudor Pelagos

[PJ S]

Carl F Bucherer Patravi Scubatec



http://www.watchonista.com/2914/watc...travi-scubatec
http://www.ablogtowatch.com/carl-f-b...e-watch-hands/

However, I wouldn’t pay much more than this, for an ETA 2824/SW200.


Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine – Blue Surf Ltd Edition if possible




Bremont Supermarine 500



https://monochrome-watches.com/bremo...-500-reviewed/

[Manofsteelpt]

The FF is a great looking watch, and suitable for a younger wrist. Ever see the Blue version?

Also, Rolex DSSD, and various Pams...

[MichaelFlash]

I was going to say the BP Bathyscaphe Chronograph, but you think it looks old fashioned. Have you tried it on? You might be surprised, I find it to be elegant, not vintage looking. But I can see that the look is not for everyone...

[R332]

Originally Posted by MichaelFlash

I was going to say the BP Bathyscaphe Chronograph, but you think it looks old fashioned. Have you tried it on? You might be surprised, I find it to be elegant, not vintage looking. But I can see that the look is not for everyone...

You got me on that one :bang head:

I did try on a Blancpain Bathyscaphe Chrono Ceramic and loved it! Why won't I buy one??? Well it is above my price point for this 'beater' watch and I own two other chronos so I want to keep it simple with a basic automatic.

I appreciate that I am walking a thin line….to come here and ask for suggestions and shoot down every option that is presented! My intention isn't to be a spoil sport, I am genuinely hoping that someones gives me an idea that wasn't on my radar

[ChrisInCharlotte]

Originally Posted by R332

I need a watch that can withstand daily abuse, trips to the beach, knocking into door frames, etc. I work in a casual environment so the watch doesn't need to be worn with a suit (plus I have another watch for that). Something in the 40mm - 44mm range usually works well for me but I don't want more than 14mm case height. Stainless, titanium or ceramic are all appealing materials.

To get this thread pointed in the right direction here is a list of watches that I considered but aren't quite right.

Rolex Submariner or Sea Dweller 4000 - This is what I should buy! It is a lovely watch with an iconic design and super rugged high-quality build quality but it looks a bit small on my 7.5" wrist and the dial isn't as easy to read as I would like. <flame suit on> I am not crazy about the public perception of wearing a Rolex brings along with it and many of the watches I like go unnoticed by 99% of the general public which fits better for my business and my personality.

AP Diver - A bit more than I want to spend (I could stretch) but shows wear and tear too easily. Is the movement 'bombproof' enough?

AP Diver Ceramic - I love it and the case should be very wear and tear resistance but the price is too high.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms or Bathyscaphe - High quality and great heritage but the FF Automatic is too large I don't care for the bezel. The Bathyscaphe is too old fashion (vintage??) looking; I am young and don't want a watch from the '50s or '60s.

Honorable mention: Omega Speedmaster DSOTM - Great value, looks cool, and comfortable to wear but I think it is tool far off being a true rugged 'tool' watch to win this competition, plus I am not really looking for a chrono.


Please help me find what I am searching for

The Bathyscaphe is AWESOME, plus the strap is maybe the most comfortable in watches. I don't think it looks too old at all.

[Fiery]

More ideas:

IWC Ingenieur 3239, or its predecessor (3227) in case you prefer larger, thicker watches



Eterna Royal KonTiki GMT:



Bremont MB II:



JLC Deep Sea Chronograph or Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph:



JLC Master Compressor Diving Chronograph:



Linde Werdelin Oktopus:



Vacheron Overseas Automatic 47040:



Tag Heuer Carrera 01: