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Looking for the perfect "beater" watch...

khanmu
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Definitely a Seiko if you want a dive watch, I use an SKX pepsi for gardening, washing car etc..: otherwise I also have a Citizen field watch and a Seagull chrono..

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Stock Seagull photo as I’m not near mine...
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ConElPueblo
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ostneb ostneb
I think the seiko and citizen divers will be hard to beat!

I own an SKX013 and i would actually recommend against it, it feels way too small even on my skinny wrists! Go for the full size!

+1.

There's something about the dimensions that make it seem a tiny bit "off" when comparing it with the 007, too.

Btw, if going vintage I would find a decent Certina DS or DS-2 (no surprise there...) and make sure it is serviced with new seals. Should be doable with $400.
 
Nobel Prize
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abrod520 abrod520
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.

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Most original of the bunch up to now. Great great option
 
rcs914
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khanmu khanmu
Stock Seagull photo as I’m not near mine...
06589F6E-B416-4196-BD02-9F17F558C6DD.png

I have one of those Seagulls available if anyone is looking for one - 38mm w/acrylic crystal, and an upgraded clear caseback. It just never gets any wrist time.
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htiek
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I second the SKX. I love mine, and it gets scratched and dropped and smashed into things and it still runs like new.
 
Kmart
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I'd recommend an SKX007 100% every day of the week and twice on Sundays. If it can survive a week on an aircraft carrier, it can survive anything. 😉

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astrand
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Love my skx, especially on the oyster bracelet. She reminds me I should go to sleep when the day wheel is still changing.
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sah
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Under $200 new. Solar powered so I will never crack the case.
 
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Laharrier
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Found it! Seiko 6003-8009 Matte Blue Dial, original unsized Seiko beads of rice in pretty damn good condition! Not perfect, but only cost me $45 locally. Polished the crystal with 600 and 1000 grit sandpaper, then a fine auto polish. Quick run of the case and bracelet through the ultrasonic cleaner and bingo! Perfect beater. 38mm and thin. Hand winder! Looks mint.
 
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larryganz
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Laharrier Laharrier
Found it! Seiko 6003-8009 Matte Blue Dial, original unsized Seiko beads of rice in pretty damn good condition! Not perfect, but only cost me $45 locally. Polished the crystal with 600 and 1000 grit sandpaper, then a fine auto polish. Quick run of the case and bracelet through the ultrasonic cleaner and bingo! Perfect beater. 38mm and thin. Hand winder! Looks mint.

What will you do with the remaining $355?
 
gostang9
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Laharrier Laharrier
...Perfect beater. 38mm and thin. Hand winder! Looks mint.
‘‘Tis a mighty elegant beater! Congrats and enjoy.
 
jljl123
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Laharrier Laharrier
Found it! Seiko 6003-8009 Matte Blue Dial, original unsized Seiko beads of rice in pretty damn good condition! Not perfect, but only cost me $45 locally. Polished the crystal with 600 and 1000 grit sandpaper, then a fine auto polish. Quick run of the case and bracelet through the ultrasonic cleaner and bingo! Perfect beater. 38mm and thin. Hand winder! Looks mint.
Great choice and deal!
 
aap
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How about one of em cheap vintage divers you can easily find on ebay? Like this one:
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Professor
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I had been about to suggest a Orient Tristar crystal. I got one of the new crop recently at a discount, less than $60 NIB with beautiful box and papers with free shipping, with a fairly wide choice of dials.
Automatic day and date. The new version doesn't have the odd push button day changer, its more of a generic style.

Works great so far. Orient has built a good rep for affordable quality and deserves it.

The Seiko you found is a much nicer looking watch, especially the band, and no doubt better for your purposes. Great catch.
 
Mouse_at_Large
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Oddly enough, I was just thinking about this as I'm off for two weeks to Portugal later this year. Now, I do have some "holiday" watches, chief amongst which is a gen1 Orient Blue Mako. However, I had a yearning for something really functional yet inexpensive. Having no prejudice against quartz beaters, I've just ordered one of these - a Casio GW-M5610-1ER If you look at the specs, it's hard to see how you can get more bang for your buck (or in my case £79.98 😀) Summer here I come!

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