Hello All.

I sold my small collection of Rolexes a couple of years ago, because I was becoming frustrated with the explosion in popularity of the brand. Also, I predicted that the value of them would fall so, if I was going to sell, that was the time to do it.

I bought a couple of JLCs as dress watches, and they do that job very well on their leather straps. I really like them.

The problem is, I now don't have a steel sports watch to wear on the beach / to the gym / for casual. Over the summer, I nearly trashed the ostrich skin strap on one of the JLCs by getting sweat and sun cream on it. I need something I can run under the tap and wipe off with a cloth.

IDEALLY I would like a vintage or neo-vintage bracelet watch that is to some degree water resistant. I won't be diving the Titanic in it, but I'll wear it in the pool.

Watches I have considered so far:

37mm JLC Memovox (not sure about the alarm complication though).
Vacheron Constantin Fifty-Six on a bracelet (seems to tick a lot of boxes).
AP Royal Oak (But try as I might I still can't love that 70s vibe).
Patek Nautilus (even if I saved for one, again that 70s vibe...).
37mm JLC Master Control on bracelet (I have one on a strap already though).
Omega Moon Watch (more functionality than I need).
Zenith Defy (still a bit 70s isn't it...)

Any options that I may have overlooked?

 

JLC Polaris? Or how about an Omega Seamaster 300m Heritage Model. 41mm, cutting edge tech, but vintage vibe, fine for swimming and a great flat link bracelet with on the fly micro-adjustment.

 

How about the AP Offshore Diver?

 

Parmigiani Tonda PF and Czapek Antarctique are very interesting sports watches with fresh styling and high grade movements. No 70's vibe.

 

I'm not sure that the vintage jumbo Memovox models (if that's what you are referring to in the OP) were really made to be water-resistant.

 

Might not quite be at the level of the options you mentioned lol, but does the 2551.80.00 or 2531.80 count as Neo-vintage (and tick the other boxes)?

 

Even if it's a bit obvious, but since no one mentioned it yet:

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe

 

Patek Philippe Nautilus

 

Seamaster 2254.50?

 

What about the Vacheron Constantin Overseas? Looks like could be within your budget.

 

Tudor Pelagos Crown at 9. Whatever you do, the Pelagos can handle twice as much. Best and affordable Ploprof ever.

 

IWC Mk XII (in platinum if you want to get fancy)

 

Moonwatch or an SKX. Or the older JLC divers are amazing.

I mean an SKX is the ultimate IDGAF sports watch. The more beat up it gets the better it looks. There is a freedom in them and classic great looks in a go do anything piece. Plus watch nerds will always respect.

also see a 42mm 2500 planet ocean or 300 MC

 

Or any of the various Seiko SBP’s

 

Thanks for the replies chaps, and sorry for the delay in replying. For some reason notification emails are not coming through.

Some interesting suggestions. The IWC was not one I had considered.

 

Or this one.

 

IF YOU CAN FIND THIS ONE....GAME OVER...

 

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Might be a little low brow for your brand mentions but Heuer is still a solid watch for the money with some serious history behind it. I’m digging their new Professional 200 line and I might grab this titanium version myself at about $3k