First and foremost, a very happy New Years to all the members and their loved ones. Health is king and prosperity a by product! I wish both to all! Some here may know that I have embarked on a new career as a trucker. I'm enjoying it quite a bit but let's say that the trade off between trucks and trains is how its remunerated. Prime vintage or modern watches are off limits from now on. There's a lot of tough physical work involved so..I'm looking for suggestions for a ..... ..rugged, legible (great lume), mechanical, sapphire or mineral crystal), 40-42mm, on a strap (NATO/canvas), chronograph if possible and not too bulky. This would eliminate Seiko orange and black monsters. Great watches but they would simply be in the way of the manual work I do...I have a few idea of my own but I'm sure some members here will come up with even better ideas! Budget: $ 300.00. Cheers!
the obvious... seiko skx it fits all the criteria (except from the chrono, witch i don't think you will have a lot of luck finding one on a $300 budget)
Hamilton Khaki Field, 38mm, auto http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/collection/khaki/field/auto-38mm/h70455533
I like this watch a lot but hate the sub seconds hand. Looks like every bad hand replacement on a vintage omega...
https://www.casio.com/products/watches/sports/mdv106-1a Costs like $34 at target. Fits some of the criteria.
It's been said before. Seiko...sne109 solar, 007 auto, 7002 auto, ska371 kinetic, skx173 auto x2. Happy New Year. kfw
Most of these are 42mm, case relatively rugged and Seagull chrono movement. Will come under budget (though lume is not great.) http://www.alpha-watch.com/sub2.php?list=27&list2=8
Skx? 42mm under 200. All black or Pepsi variants. Short lug to lug so it’s not as big wearing as you would think. 300 gets you the stock bracelet a few NATOs and the custom leather strap that’s on mine.
Seiko 5 automatic. Checks all the marks: reliable, automatic, good heritage, accurate for a non chronometer, infinitesimal dial variations, day/date, lightweight, cost effective,
Only about $239 to $279 now. They were a lot more when they first came out but the hype is calmed. Way better movement than the old SKX007 (009 is Pepsi) which was my original beater. It is a tad larger than you asked though. SRP777 Black bezel SRP779 Pepsi bezel Or Google Seiko Turtle Seiko Prospex models SRP775 and SRP777, water resistant to 200 m, 44.3 mm x 14 mm cushion cases in stainless steel. Movement, Seiko in-house/manufacture caliber 4R36, automatic, hand-winding, stop-seconds running in 24 jewels at 21,600 vph. SRP775 on a bracelet; SRP777 on a silicon rubber strap. Lumibrite hands and markers.
Thanks to the thread from @Jwit I subscribed to the Massdrop site and now regular get emails about ‘drops’ for watches that fit your criteria. Yo won’t get the watch immediately so if you’re in a hurry it’s not a good option, but if you’re willing to wait for the right one at a good price, it might be a good option for you. Many if not all of the mentioned watches have come up over the past few months that I’ve been subscribed. https://www.massdrop.com/watches/drops Best of luck in your search! I recently signed up for my first budget Seiko “Sea Urchin” and hope to see it before the end of January.
Your cost for a Seiko 5 will depend on what style you like. Here’s one for well under $100. Seiko Men's SNK375K Automatic Stainless Steel Watch Whatever floats your boat. gatorcpa
Seiko Men's SSC009 Solar Chronograph Black Dial Flight Watch// I have one cost 130 used on eBay and it is chronograph though as nail
I know you specified mechanical @Faz but if you want something really rugged, it might be worth considering quartz. I keep looking at the Victorinox Inox line... something about the shape and the fit really appeal, it's quite lume heavy, and the destruction test videos are insane. Plus it's often available on offer: https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-241682-1-Watch-Rubber/dp/B00L42L3WM