We all like the higher end pieces and we all have a few of them but i am finding my self needing a daily beater, one that is not only versatile but can handle a bashing here and there as well as waterproof. I was thinking something like a G-Shock but have never owned one so not sure how durable they actually are. It does not need to have any fancy functions and must not have a leather strap as the humidity here in Miami kills leather as a sweat like hell! If anyone has any recommendations please feel free to add.
How about a Speedie? Just kidding...how about the Sinn 556? It is the first one that comes to mind. http://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/Sinn-556-I-on-Bracelet-18p754.htm
Luminox do this fairly well, plus the tritium tube tech is kinda cool, helps justify owning a quartz.
Imho can't beat a G shock.. they are cheap and made for abuse. Seiko Sawtooth or Tuna would be a great choice too.
I don't get Gshocks and never will. What they have in durability, they lose and then some in ugliness. This suggestion is a very good one. I'll add the Monster and 007/009 to the mix. Another good recommendation. Reviewed a few Luminoxes and liked them all.
You've received some nice recommendation above. These should prove to be versatile & able to handle a bashing here and there. Price, really, would seem to be a factor as well. That said, let's throw in Christopher Ward. Their website shows several options in a range of prices And even for a daily, I'd go with a mechanical watch (EDIT:- Yeah, How about a modern Speedie?)
GShocks are the definition of a beater watch. As long as it is genuine it will take whatever you throw at it AND be so lightweight you won't even know it is on your wrist.
SEIKO 7002 Pepsi Bezel. I have abused mine for 15 years. Gone through 2 straps & 2 bezels. Never serviced . Still beatin" away
Forgot about Christopher Ward. Owned one or two of their watches and liked them. The pilot style Malvern is pretty cool. Here's my old one next to the IWC Spitfire Mark XV I used to own:
I bought my clumsy 9 year old a gshock and it's still going strong, but they do look like a 9 year olds watch. I use this seiko, in house auto movement, and a display caseback all for less than US$150, though it is heavy
G-Shocks are extremely durable. I have owned several and never been able to destroy them at work or play. When I have moved onto a new one, I let me kids put them to rest with a hammer. But like Dennis said, they are ugly. For that reason I don't buy them anymore. If you don't mind forking out the extra cash for a beater, I would go with the Luminox. Very durable and a million times better looking than the G-Shock. My current beater is a Suunto Core. I know, I know, even uglier than the G-Shock. But I use the functions and I can replace the battery without any tools in the field.
A real daily beater is a watch that tells the time, maybe the date, maybe an alarm, is required to be water resistant, non-conductive (no shorting on battery lugs, power leads etc), is not a fashion statement, will break of wrist if caught on a branch/tool/door etc, will not leave you gasping if it gets whacked by the inevitable stray ball and will not leave a hole in your bank account. The most ubiquitous watch on the planet. Casio F-91W.