So since I'm a noobie here, I figured I'd start with a noobie question I am currently searching for a beater watch, whose chief purpose will be water-based activities: swimming, snorkeling, skin diving, and hopefully SCUBA soon. My previous beater was a Citizen Promaster Excalibur, which is closing on 3 years old now. It does have some sentimental value to me, so if at all possible I would like to retire it from active duty. I did (briefly) have an old school square Gshock, but that has been appropriated by my mother and I am unlikely to ever get it back (for the curious, she has previously destroyed a Rado, a Hamilton and a Seiko. She needed something indestructable, thus the Gshock) As for why I actually need a beater, the truth is I don't. I don't strictly need to know what time it is whenever I'm in the water, or at the gym, or whatever other situation. But it is handy, and I like having a watch on my wrist at all times. It's not at all a need, simply a want; just like this hobby. I also miss wearing watches that I have absolutely no care in the world for, my first analogue watch, an Alba, was worn for maybe 3 years but looks like it went through a war on a tank tread. I'd like to do that again. I have, of course, considered the usual options: 1) Seiko SKX007: Ah, of course. The perennial favourite for anyone who needs a tough watch but wants to stay mechanical. Relatively cheap, plentiful in terms of availability, and certainly a watch with solid street cred. I do think, however, that I would end up liking it and taking good care of it rather than treating it as a true, worry-free beater. At the back of my mind, I'll know that it's a mechanical, and that changes the game. 2) Vostok Amphibia: Probably a close second to the SKX007, these guys I don't love so much and would probably beat the crap out of and think nothing of it, despite being mechanical. It would also be my first Russian watch, which is always an interesting thing. I do have doubts, however, regarding their quality control: it would be worthless if it just drowned on its first aquatic excursion. Their lume application and longevity leaves a lot to be desired as well. 3) Luminox Navy SEALs: This one was quite unexpected, but it does tick some major boxes: tough quartz movement, fairly reliable 200m water resistance, tritium tubes (would be another first for me) and looks so ugly that I would beat the shit out of it and think nothing of it. It is also significantly more expensive though, and I don't know if I should blow that kinda cash on a watch that I essentially plan to beat to death before its first battery change is due. 4) Scurfa Diver One (V2): Perhaps my top contender right now. Quartz for a great beater/grab and go, priced between the SKX and the Luminox, and made by an independent who's an actual professional diver and not just a hobbyist. It's also available in PVD, so it would be my first black watch and my first independent as well. Definitely considering this one very strongly, but still keeping my eye out for any other options. So I'd like to know what watches you guys beat on. I don't really have any fixed criteria, as you can see from the list above. Basically anything that is relatively cheap but interesting in some way or another will be considered. Mechanical/quartz, steel/plastic, doesn't quite matter. Just about the only thing that counts is 200m water resistance, which I know is overkill but is there simply for peace of mind. And as no thread would be complete without some pictures: My retired Citizen Excalibur in a long exposure shot. The G-Shock that was taken from me. Forgive the double wristing, it was a failed experiment. The Seamaster Electric Blue. Too beautiful to beat on. And not something I'd choose to bring underwater. My daily wearer. I've done quite a lot of things with my Speedy that most probably wouldn't, including wearing it to the gym and swimming pool, but as it comes up on 2 years in my collection I'm trying to be nicer to it. Cheers guys, I look forward to seeing your beaters!
I've got a lot of "beaters" but there are 3 that I wear a lot because they keep excellent time, I'm comfortable with their water resistance and they are very readable. Plus if I were to be separated from them I wouldn't lose a lot of sleep. The Seiko I modified with an NH36a movement.
You seem to have the bases pretty much covered. I'm guessing you want to keep the price pretty low (under say $250/£200 at a a guess). The only other suggestion I might make is an Orient Quartz diver e.g. something like the one below. However, they can be a bugger to get hold of I have its mechanical cousin as one of my beaters (a Blue Mako)
This is my daily beater. I took that photo 21 years ago so those horses must be pretty old by now. Bushes in the background too, you've got everything here!
Get another Casio. I have dived all over Mexico, BVI's, Hawaii and California. On all of these dives it has been Casio. You don't have to worry about humidity, water intrusion and loss. This is my current vacation beater.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009KYJAJY/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Same as the last three threads this year https://omegaforums.net/search/7485655/?q=Beater&o=date&c[title_only]=1
And if you want to go full-tilt BIG METAL vintage beater beater pumpkin eater...it's hard to beat a railroad grade 18s 21j Illinois A. Lincoln [circa 1910] in a Dueber Railway Silverine case...it rocks!
Skx009 on custom 1 piece strap. I throw everything at it. Looks better and better the more scars it gets. The straps broken in nicely since that shot. The combo is a perfect old friend.
I think this thread has probably the widest variety of beaters I've ever seen, given that it goes from the awesome SM300 of @Edward53 all the way to a pocket watch from @Mad Dog ! @kingsrider I did briefly consider getting the MDV106, but it does seem to be rather large at 44mm for my small wrists. Also, at about $50, I would probably pick the Amphibia over it just because it's more interesting to me personally. You are, however, making me consider just getting another G-Shock. @STANDY heh I know, I did say I was gonna start a noobie thread Also, to be fair, the previous beater threads were a little different. In this case, I'm really more interested in seeing other people's beaters, whatever they might be. Not looking for any particular suggestions or attempting to debate anyone over the definition of a beater. I'd use this for everything if it didn't have so many dang potential points of failure. Here on an awesome GGB strap.
I generally reach for a Seiko if I feel like my watch might be getting beat on for the day ahead. ☝️Oh, and I almost always point with the wrong finger
Love the King Seiko! Have you had issues with servicing the watch? It's unclear to me about the availability of parts for vintage Seikos. Ignacio
A few beaters, probably time to move on the Diwen, Combat and Fleuron I reckon, up to about 12 beaters now, only so many one needs...
@citizenrich wow, you actually use that KS44 as a beater? Damn, that's awesome! I've got a KS4500 but I baby the crap out of it @Matty01 you've got some terrifc old pieces as beaters! I feel like the first 3 might deserve a well deserved retirement from beater status, though the remaining 3 I would continue to beat to the ground. That Hema in particular, the bezel markings have basically disappeared completely!