I know these threads come up a lot but I have a certain set of requirements for my next watch and I am hoping you can help me choose!

All of the watches in my collection, except for my garmin forerunner and sunnoto diver, are vintage and mechanical and pretty hydrophobic. I don't particularly enjoy wearing either the garmin or sunnoto around unless its for a specific activity (running or diving respecitvely) so would love to find a watch I can wear around and not worry about getting wet. Particularly to the beach or on a boat.

I'm a vintage guy through and through and really don't want a modern watch - I want something with character.

Here are my specifics:

-Under $1500
-Modernish (1990-2010)
-Can take a swim
-40mm and above
-Mechanical movement

My current frontrunner is the Omega 2351.80. If you have any ideas let me know!

 

There will be a lot of people suggesting Seiko, so I will suggest it first Take a look at their website and you will see a lot that fit your criteria. The Japan Domestic Market (JDM) models are great too!

 

Also check out this thread: https://omegaforums.net/threads/on-...-change-yard-work-wrench-turning-watch.76512/

The OP had almost identical criteria

 

How about a Longines Legend Diver? Certainly has the vintage vibe you’re looking for; 42 mm; reliable and easily serviced ETA movement; and should be doable (even new) for just under $1500:

 

I was looking for something similar and landed on the new Yema heritage superman.

 

I would second the Seiko but also take a look at the Eterna Kontiki heritage editions (the remake of the ‘73 model)

 

I like the idea of sticking with something that is not a re-issue but part of a line. So it will be 90's/00's style. Something in the SMP line sounds great. I'd go with the one you mentioned in OP.

 

Got the get wet covered in spades, Certina DS-3 1888 reissue LE
Can still be found

( lucked into a full set freshly serviced with both rubber and bracelet that include dive extensions )

 

I just bought this Tag...yes, a Tag.

BUT...

It was designed by Heuer before the Tag buyout and is a bad to the bone dive watch.

Dial and lume are awesome, mine has a great patina. It is 43mm and wears great. Plus it has a ETA based movement. The monocoque case is a beast but wears great due to the bracelet.

All in all, an excellent beater.

 

Oris has the vintage reissue as well as a bunch of great divers.

 

With that budget I’d also look at the Oris Sixty Five

 

I'd consider either one of the Christopher Ward Trident divers or the reissued Zodiac Seawolf

 

Doxa make great dive watches and have real history. I don’t know. Y way around then he models but surely you’d be able to pick up something nice for your budget.

 

Beat me to it. I was wondering if you could find one of those 42mm Doxa from the OP's specified era in his price range.

 

Check out the new Yema Superman Heritage...badass

 

Thanks guys for the suggestions! Not really into a reissue. Dont like the faux patina which is why I was trying to find one from 1990s/early 2000s to hope its developed some by then. Seiko has some that would fit the bill. Love the Yema. Was looking into a superman 2 the other day.

 

Maen Hudson?



https://www.maenwatches.com/pages/hudson-automatic-collection

 

http://www.magrette.com/

Well respected micro brand.
Pacific Pro or the PVD waterman are great choices.