Hi all, I’m looking for my grail “beater”. True tool watch, robust, something that can get hammered for the next few years. I’m looking at spending around 2k. I prefer new, but a mint box/papers watch would be fine too.

So far, I’m leaning toward a Seiko mm300 or the Oris hammerhead or Aquis. IWC ingeneirs are nice, but out of reach cost wise for a watch I intend on using without care. I like the style of a dive watch and/or a hefty case, easy to read and non chronograph or gmt features. I do have a new 43.5 PO, like its size and weight very much.

Any advice appreciated, this is the only forum I belong and I get most info here.

 

In the price range you're talking about, I'd go with a Longines Legend Diver ... I think it may hit all the targets you've mentioned.

 

I'll throw in the micro option.

Gruppo Gamma.



$650 USD.

43mm

 

This is absolutely a great watch!! I love it so much and at a great price!

 

@flw I haven’t considered Longines, the size and look are ideal. I don’t like the band, but understand the retro and comfortable design, although this is easily switched out. Thank you.

 

While they don't make divers to my knowledge, I would also consider Damasko watches. German, well built, and some of the toughest cases out there. Apparently, they developed a new alloy which is much tougher than the standard 316L steel typically used across the industry. And, many of their watches can be found new for less than $1500, and used for less than $1000.

 

I second @flw !
The LLD is amazing Beside the great design and quality, it just feels like a more expensive watch.

 

I came to post a Damasko, and was pleased to already see it. They have a proprietary ice hardened steel that is fully hardened, not case hardened like Sinn Tegimentation. The bracelet is a beast, and adds $500 to the cost of the watch. I've wanted a DA42 (with the 0-60 bezel) since it was released, but haven't been able to swing it yet.

 

MM or the one between the SKX and MM. I can’t remember the model.

 

I’m going for an mm guys. I know there are other good choices, but I’m going to try it.

 

I got my MM300! My god these things are nice, perfect alignment (I was concerned). Ugh, dare I say I like it better than my PO. Nothing I’ve seen is this nice for around 2k. Guys, if you are in the market please check them out. Haven’t set date or time yet, but here’s pics:

 

Are you truly expecting to beat the .... out of it? If not, why not just wear the P.O. since you already have it? I wear an Explorer II on a dump truck all day and it works just fine in that environment. However, if I do have to get out and hammer on something I do take it off and leave it in the cab.

 

Gail and beater don’t really match. If you want a beater I recommend a Seiko diver.

 

Maybe my wording wasn’t the best. I wanted a watch that was robust, well made, didn’t have an expensive name on it, and one I can neglect if I want. I don’t necessarily want people to see a Rolex or even Omega on my wrist at times. I know those brands can certainly handle abuse, but it’s nice to have something people don’t recognize as expensive.

 

Yeah; I get that. I’m always a bit self conscious about being “made” on construction sites. But I’ve been wearing nice watches to work for the past year and not one person has noticed. It’s kind of like CCW. After a while you realize that no-one notices the bulge under your shirt. Same with a nice watch. For me, I just decided that life was too short to not enjoy my nice toys.

 

And spend the remaining $1800 on lapdances

 

You might want to take a look at the Glycine Airman, but that might deviate a bit too much from your preference of dive watches.

 

I know what you mean, bought one for the same reason. I would say you certainly made the right choice.







The case is pretty nice too.



The dial and hands are especially nice.