Sure to be a hotly discussed topic, I am looking for a watch to wear to work on my motorcycle, and do the dishes, and not give a care in the world for what happens to it. Im looking to spend under $400, and would like it to be mechanical, 40mm or under, and possess some reasonable water resistance. It will likely end up in the pool at some point! Ready set, go!

 

That’s easy... Seiko SNZF ‘Sea Urchin’ from Massdrop at less than $150 USD delivered.

I wear this one everywhere and I know I can get a new replacement for less than a service. Turns out it looks so good I’ve been wearing it about 80% of the time since I got it.

 

The SKX wears smaller then the 42mm would make you think. It’s relatively square with short lug to lug.

 

My trusty Casio Wave Ceptor. Accurate, solar powered, travelled all major continents. Has been beat up, dropped by the TSA , covered in god knows what but still looks pretty good in either a suit or a polo shirt. Will be replaced by a vintage Omega shortly, but it’ll still get wrist time

Note to myself: Which part of mechanical didn’t you understand ?

 

Seiko SKX013. 38mm, $200 from Jomashop
https://www.jomashop.com/seiko-watc...MIzNXPypOh2gIVSVSGCh0J2wTtEAQYASABEgK0y_D_BwE

Photo from Jomashop’s site

 

This is really out of left field, but I know someone who wears the Pre-Bond Seamaster as a beater. It is not mechanical, and he said it took a while to find one for cheap, but I think they are still out there for a little over 400 USD. The question is if you could get it waterproof (I would say it is probably possible). And since no thread is complete without a photo, here @dennisthemenace's one (The first nice photo on google images)

 

At that price point for Mechanical ...Seiko 5. Otherwise there is a universe of options in quartz.

 

Or you can go slightly unique, and get a Citizen NY004 which wears even smaller than the SKX.

It's an ISO rated 200M diver, so water resistance isn't an issue.

 

Any Seiko dive watch depending on the gear you wear. They might be a bit bulky if you wear leathers, textiles probably ok. Avoid metal bracelets.

 

I have a Tag professional (quartz) that I wear as a beater. Hasn't seen much wrist time lately. Looks great on this BR style strap. Was thinking of selling it...

 

Easy. The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical. 38mm, hand-wound, slim case ( <10mm) so won't be super prone to smacking into things. It's $475 which isn't a big stretch.

 

St. Moritz Aquamatic II: I bought mine on eBay for less than $200USD. Its got a nice Swiss movement, and classic Sub style.

I see them every once in a while on eBay. The newer versions (Aquamatic III) have gone to a Japanese movement.

I have to say that Sea Urchin is pretty hard to beat at that price point though.

 

I would urge you to look into the Seiko SKX line. I know you're looking for 40mm and under but I have a SKX007 and I find it wears smaller. I wear it daily in the field, bang it against everything imaginable, and work on all of my vehicles with it. It has withstood everything everything that I have thrown at it.

 

Hamilton Khaki 38mm has my vote. Lots of good options here... Hard to beat the SKX, but the hacking/handwinding is a nice touch at the price point.

 

There are 38mm SKX's out there, the SKX013 and SKX015 I believe. I own both, and they can be found on ebay.


the 013 next to the 007

 

Go for any Bostok /Vostok amphybia or komanderskie. Well under 100 bucks, seriously waterproof and virtually indestructible.

 

ShaZAM!!!! Put it on a rubber strap and beat away!

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Or in blue?

 

My current beater (the Seamaster, not the Sub)

And another that was with me for a very brief period

Both tick all your boxes.

 

Amazing suggestions guys! Love this 38mm SKX!! Had no idea it existed! That might be the one but keep em coming!!