If anyone is looking for a robust vintage watch, I can think of ny finer candidate than a Certina DS. If pressed, I'd say a Certina DS-2, but the late sixties styling probably isn't for everyone.

Stainless steel cases.
Extra thick crystals.
Movement suspended in a rubber ring for additional shock absorption.

They are mid-century G-Shocks










And the DS-2:




From here.



From here.

You can easily find both references at very reasonable prices, as long as you don't go for the most uncommon references.

 

I wear my Speedy 7 days a week. Only time I didn't wear it recently was on a beach holiday, but apart from that it's always on my wrist. I've tried to let it rest once in a while and wear other stuff, but like a magnet it always ends up on my wrist. Edit: wanted to specify that it's a 50 year old watch

 

I hear you on that!!!!!! I have another tri in the shop for $450 bucks. Glass jaws all of them. Love em though. Vintage are lovely to behold but they belong on the wrist on dry sunny days in the office. Helps to have some modern in the fleet including a Timex or two for really expendable wear.

 

'55 18K.... enough fine scratches = patina.
wear 'em, its what they were made for.


1894 Waltham, still sees regular wear... do it! beat on 'em!
its easier to get parts for this thing than my more recent stuff!

 

This weekends pool draining beater...

 

Apart from a Bulova Railroader 955Q (quartz), and a 20 year old Hamilton Khaki, I only own vintage and antique watches. So, a vintage watch to wear for every day use, I have no choice. I am always wearing a vintage watch. EXCEPT when the vintage watch I might wear would be in danger. Then I simply don’t wear a watch. As a time keeper, a watch has a finite life expectancy. Quite unlike a sun dial. If a 50 year old watch has survived, and is now in the hands of a collector, thank previous owners who have treated it with respect. Why beat the crap out of it, and use up what’s left of its life expectancy in a few short years?

 

More current robust:

 

I'd go with a vintage speedmaster 34mm with beefy lugs in stainless

 

Good daily row bust wear for the current

 

Hi to all on this board... first time post. I purchased my first OS Cosmic a few months ago from an AD... this 563 movement keeps wonderful time. I have other watches ( vintage and otherwise ) and frankly- this Seamaster keeps incredible time and has an awesome reserve. And not even a certified chronometer! I look forward to learning from you all ( I already have these last few days - reading up on Connies too)

 

One more. This hobby is already addictive. I went from 1 Breitling Colt in 2000 to 9 watches in four months. I need help quick.

 

Great daily wearer.

Have the non date version.
I Inherited this from a grandfather that got it when he retired from managing the Hawkesbury agriculture college in NSW. It then led a life on he’s farm.

Serviced by @Archer and ready for anything I can give it in tropical Northern Australia