Hey guys, I am in search of a new daily wearer. I have been switching daily duties between a transitional speedy and maxi no date submariner and would like to give each a little less use moving forward. While I love vintage, I have a feeling any vintage watch with the specs I'm after will likely be more than I want to spend for a daily. So maybe modern with a vintage look? I'm looking at spending under $2k for a used example, must be a sport/tool watch as I NEVER dress up, around 40mm, matte dial with either painted or printed indexes and no date. Between the size, matte dial and no date, I feel like the search really narrows and so far, I'm leaning toward the Tudor Heritage Ranger. Before I commit to the Tudor, are there watches with similar specs that I should take a look at? Really appreciate the help!
I believe Sinn makes some nice looking watches that can be picked up used in your price range. edit:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Auth-Sinn-5...719905?hash=item4d414801e1:g:iJoAAOSwZQxW6lp3Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network matte dial 39 mm vintage pilot watch look
I would recommend German watches in that price range as well. I like Damasko, but they have a date. Laco is nice if you like the Flieger look.
I'd look at the Longines Legend Diver, no date version. A little larger at 42mm but still comfortable.
At 2k for a used daily watch the playing field is fairly large (to say the least). Whilst the Ranger is a nice watch it's also a little "bland". 2k is just about the low end for a Spring Drive Seiko. You could probably also find a nice DJ at around 2k as well.
Along the lines of a divers watch with vintage appeal, the Oris divers 65 might be worth taking a look at.
Thanks for the suggestions so far! I'd never heard of Junghans before, they make some really nice looking pieces. I've really liked the looks of Damasko classic three hand, but no way I can do day and date. Hamilton Fields would be a great option, but again... date. Sinn 556 appeals to me and even though they have the date window, it's tiny size and black background might be passable. My biggest concern with that is the slightly smaller size but 38.5 might be okay. Yes, I really do like the Flieger look... but I don't know... I think I'd like something that has it's own thing going on. Pretty sure I want to go with something different than a diver, even though both the legend diver and divers 65 are good looking pieces.
How much is an Omega Seamaster Railmaster these days? The modern one with the co-axial movement? That's where I'd look. That Longines Legend Diver might only be 42mm across, but I remember it wearing very big due to the long lugs. No chance I could wear it!
Junghans is nice, I really like their anthracite max bill 3401 with the acrylic glass. When I tried it on I couldn't stand the stock strap and the lugs are super short to the point where if your straps aren't thin, they'll bump into the case. The design of the watch definitely fits your modern vintage requirement, but in my opinion the watches lean a bit more to the dressy side, more so if you get a dial that uses indexes instead of numbers. Honestly the Ranger that you posted is a very solid choice based on your criteria. It's very flexible with the different straps you can throw on it and should serve you well for years to come.
So I've been looking and looking and really liked the idea of grabbing a German piece (thanks to all mentioning the German brands above). I've somehow stumbled across Muhle Glasshutte and find the Terranaut attractive. Seems like from the limited info I can find on the brand, it sound like a pretty solid company. Anyone have experience with the brand?
Longines Legend Diver with Date About half the price of no-date version, New! Vintage looks with 300m water resistance, great for incoming summer I have 6.3 inches wrist but wear quite nicely PS: The Faux Patina looking cool on 2nd picture under the sun!
Everyone here has been talking about Eterna lately. Have a look at the Kontiki date. I know you said you didn't want a date but this one is hard to find, well it took me a few minutes anyways. It's a 42mm but it's in your budget. http://eterna.com/fr/produits/collection/adventure/modell/date/watches/item/view/itemlist/