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Value Tool watches in 2023

rahilb
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Hi all,

I’ve been away from the watch market while vintage prices were going crazy. I’m now looking for a tool watch; my requirements are:

- integrated rubber band / rubber band that reaches the case edge.
- time only / no date preferred
- discreet
- case durability / bulletproofiness
- value

The shortlist so far is
- sinn u50 t
- Pelagos 39
- Seamaster Nekton
- IWC mark XX (no integrated style river rubber for this but rubber is available)

Are there any other watches to consider? I don’t mind buying neo vintage too. The Seamaster and the Tudor might be a bit too recognisable for every day wear for me so things more similar to the Sinn would be nice to see.
Edited:
 
Dsloan
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Since you mentioned the Sinn U50 T:

PXL_20230701_174544900.jpg


I really like mine, but in terms of your criteria:
- it is very scratch resistant and discreet.
- I think it's a decent value, but perhaps a bit overpriced for the movement
- it does have a date window
- it does come with a rubber strap that hugs the case, but I replaced it with am Uncle strap. The tegimented clasp on the OEM rubber strap is huge. I believe Sinn does make an alternate strap that has a tang buckle, but I like how this setup worked out for me.
 
rahilb
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260
Fallout Boy Fallout Boy
Boldr (Voyage?) probably

https://www.chrono24.de/boldr/voyage-antarctic--id29215364.htm

neo-vintage SINN 556 (mini-date at 5)

Interesting looking watch, but I could never have a display case back with a movement that ugly… it reminds me of the terrible fakes you see for some reason.


Ree Ree
Halios? Image from https://www.tellyourtime.com.au/index.php/2021/05/29/review-halios-seaforth/
IMG_8778-scaled.jpg

I don’t really understand the brand (there is no DNA) and I hate the crown guards on this watch but it does have everything I want, thanks for posting it.


Watch my Whisky Watch my Whisky
Patek Philippe Aquanaut

The value is not there unfortunately when the SEAQ big date and the Breguet Marine exist that both offer in house movements with comparable finish (and I could buy both for the price of the aquanaut if I had the money which I don’t). It’s also instantly recognisable and I’d probably get my arm cut off for it.



Dsloan Dsloan
The tegimented clasp on the OEM rubber strap is huge. I believe Sinn does make an alternate strap that has a tang buckle, but I like how this setup worked out for me.

thanks that’s good to know, the U50 was in precisely because I like the look of the OEM rubber & deployant combo on the watch so I might have to rule it out or at least try it on somewhere.
Edited:
 
Dsloan
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rahilb rahilb
thanks that’s good to know, the U50 was in precisely because I like the look of the OEM rubber & deployant combo on the watch so I might have to rule it out or at least try it on somewhere.

Indeed. I love the watch and the quality of the strap was nice, but it was a bit much for me (and I usually am ok with large watches).

A pic for reference:

PXL_20230525_214923875.jpg
 
Tony C.
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Dsloan Dsloan
the quality of the strap was nice, but it was a bit much for me

lol! First time I've seen a clasp with the thickness of a dive watch case!
 
rahilb
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260
Dsloan Dsloan
Indeed. I love the watch and the quality of the strap was nice, but it was a bit much for me (and I usually am ok with large watches).

A pic for reference:

PXL_20230525_214923875.jpg

Wow that’s bad the U50 is definitely out for me
 
Dsloan
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Zealande makes a less ridiculous case-fitted rubber strap.

Sinn_U50_noir.jpg


But the U50 also has the date window that may be a deal breaker for the OP.
 
itsjustausername
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1,419
IWC Aquatimer GST 2000 on a rubber strap?

cea7c057a84681413062c35e9ec1403f_700x.jpg

(image from https://subdial.co/products/iwc-iwc-aquatimer-2000-iw353602)
 
rahbarin
Posts
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Likes
327
Dsloan Dsloan
Since you mentioned the Sinn U50 T:

PXL_20230701_174544900.jpg


I really like mine, but in terms of your criteria:
- it is very scratch resistant and discreet.
- I think it's a decent value, but perhaps a bit overpriced for the movement
- it does have a date window
- it does come with a rubber strap that hugs the case, but I replaced it with am Uncle strap. The tegimented clasp on the OEM rubber strap is huge. I believe Sinn does make an alternate strap that has a tang buckle, but I like how this setup worked out for me.
I like this dial
 
Dsloan
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20,628
rahbarin rahbarin
I like this dial

They did several versions of this dial:

The Sinn U1 DS:
1000011839.jpg


358 DS:
1000011840.jpg


Special edition T50:
1000011841.jpg


The cases are tegimented, so it's a bit of a play on the outside being scratch resistant and the dial inside being 'artfully' scuffed up.

If you're the sentimental time, perhaps this is a metaphor for how the wear and tear of life gives us character over time.
 
rahbarin
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Likes
327
Dsloan Dsloan
They did several versions of this dial:

The Sinn U1 DS:
1000011839.jpg


358 DS:
1000011840.jpg


Special edition T50:
1000011841.jpg


The cases are tegimented, so it's a bit of a play on the outside being scratch resistant and the dial inside being 'artfully' scuffed up.

If you're the sentimental time, perhaps this is a metaphor for how the wear and tear of life gives us character over time.
I do like that, Also thats what is beauty of a watch is. they all tell their own story.
 
K
Posts
50
Likes
49
rahilb rahilb
Hi all,

I’ve been away from the watch market while vintage prices were going crazy. I’m now looking for a tool watch; my requirements are:

- integrated rubber band / rubber band that reaches the case edge.
- time only / no date preferred
- discreet
- case durability / bulletproofiness
- value

The shortlist so far is
- sinn u50 t
- Pelagos 39
- Seamaster Nekton
- IWC mark XX (no integrated style river rubber for this but rubber is available)

Are there any other watches to consider? I don’t mind buying neo vintage too. The Seamaster and the Tudor might be a bit too recognisable for every day wear for me so things more similar to the Sinn would be nice to see.

At the risk of recommending something too low on the "value curve", have you ever looked at Marathon watches? I own the GSAR Artic. The watch came on a rubber strap and I purchased the bracelet separately. The strap is so comfortable, I've never been compelled to make the change. Admittedly, this isn't a "shrinking violet" of a watch. It's rather thick and military-looking for it's size. It reportedly has deep military roots. That being said, it's a great tool watch, feels good on the wrist, and has the best lume of any in my collection. Hope this was helpful.
 
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