I'm looking to round out my current collection with a low-cost dive watch that I can wear outside of work and not worry too much about what happens to it. Essentially, I'm looking for a placeholder till I can afford the cal. 2500 Ceramic Seamaster that I really want. My ideal budget is in the $600-$800 range, but I have another watch in my collection I might consider selling in order to stretch to afford the right watch. There are two watch brands in particular I've been focusing on, but the trouble is, neither of them have boutique locations available to allow me to try them on, so I'm hoping I can rely upon any forum members with experience with one of both of the brands to provide their opinions on the fit, finish and overall quality of the watches produced by each maker. The two brands I'm considering are Squale and Halios. The Sqale that speaks to me is out of my price range, so would fall firmly in the "stretch" category: The Halios that appeals is the upcoming Seaforth model. This model falls squarely within my budget and bonus points for it being a Canadian micro-brand! Here are a few variations of the Seaforth that appeal (the brand allows you to mix and match dial and bezel variations): I'm open to other suggestions for other divers in my price range. One thing I'm not looking for is anything close to a Submariner homage. I'm also not up for a Seiko SKX - I've owned two in the past and the fact that I ended up selling both tells me it's just not the watch for me. Cheers and thanks!
In this situation I would keep scrolling through the WUS sales forum until something popped up that appeals. This way I would be fairly sure I can sell again and make most of my $ back for the SMP.
What about an Orient? https://orientwatchusa.com/product-category/watch-collections/mens-watches/diver/
Are you still alive? I thought you'd been kidnapped by aliens, or by the New FBI! What's your latest pickup Rich?
I have a Glycine Combat Sub that I really like. I think it fits your criteria for an everyday diver. btw, I like that Squale.
For an everyday inexpensive diver you can't go passed a seiko skx007. You'd get three or four with your budget too!
I have a 50atm and a dive '65...love them waaaaaaaaaay too much to consider them as 'beaters' (thats the problem with gorgeous watches). SKX007 definately a great choice for a good beating (not implying its ugly)...
Magrette.The Timepieces I have a Moana Pacific steel arriving shortly. In your price range. I think the Waterman is the only one currently available.
Affordable Cortebert here: https://omegaforums.net/threads/fsot-cortebert-subaqua-vintage-diver-425-eur.53313/
I would recommend against this one for a beater. That domed crystal is going to attract bumps and scrapes all the time. Maybe consider a used Oris Aquis instead.
Great looking watch and not a brand I'm that familiar with. The Moana (if it was available) would be a definite contender if not for the GMT bezel... part of my love for divers are the timing bezels... I find it's the complication I use most on a watch. I'm definitely going to do abbot more research on this brand, though. Thanks!
Nice little Seiko that is not an SKX. I own one and it grows on me every time I wear it. https://gearpatrol.com/2017/02/06/review-seiko-samurai-blue-lagoon-dive-watch/ (gear patrol pic)
It's an awesome watch - you won't hear an argument from me otherwise, but I've owned two of them in the past and each time had no problem letting it go.
During my search last night, I came across the new, modern interpretation of Seiko's MAS diver: I'm adding this one to the list.