Hi all,

I was interested to hear what your choice would be for a back-up watch (my current "primary" watch being an Omega Speedmaster Moonphase 3765.50)?
Has to be rugged, waterproof and not too expensive (I know that is a relative term...).

I might be moving to Central Africa, so I would sadly have to put my Omega away while I'm there....

Curious about your thoughts!

 

I would seriously consider an understated Seiko diver for the CAR. Something like a 007 on rubber if you wanted an automatic. If you wanted digital I would consider a G-Shock or if that is too big, a baby G-Shock or even a Timex. Last time we went to South Africa I wore a Timex.

 

Citizen Eco Drive. Looks nice & rugged but not overly valuable for everyday wear and tear.

 

Three or four Casio F91-W at about $20 each to cover loss/theft/damage.

Anything fancier will still attract attention.

 

Seiko 5 there is one in a green\kakhi with matching nato. Field watch i think

 

you'll be sweating like a pig so something you'll be comfortable with.

 

I was going to suggest a Seiko 5, but mine is very heavy so they may not be ideal in the heat

 

This.

 

Nothing beats a Seiko. This one survived 20 years of active duty Army service, deployed to many exotic locations all over the world under all types of weather and environments, this coming January it will have 28 years with me...the only Quartz that remains in my old drawer and keeps on ticking.

 

My two beaters are a Citizen Eco Drive dive watch and a Tissot T-Race

 

Seiko 5:the batteries won't die in the middle of the bush. Put a nylon strap on -- leather rots and steel chafes if you sweat -- but not a nato: you want something that breaks if an angry man with a gun tries to rip it off your wrist.

 

Seiko Monster for an automatic and Ti Citizen EcoDrive for an always charged beater.

 

I have a G-Shock that isn't too big yet is still Tough Solar and Radio controlled. The definition of rugged!

However, I also have a Nite watch, which was my daily wearer until the Speedy came along. It's quartz, 100m water resist and had tritium tubes for lume. Comes on rubber or SS strap options. There are several models to choose from, starting from around £350 (USD 550)ish. Worth a look.

 

Hard to beat a simple Luminox Navy Seals. Almost bullet-proof and lums like a train.

 

If I'm traveling, I'll lock everything in my secret spot . I travel with a G-Shock I've have for 16 years.

 

Hmm, that'd be handy here on a Friday night when I come in late from the pub with Annie Oakley on the warpath , I'll get straight onto it ------- Seiko 5 was it (meets Psycho 1)

 

Great turn out of responses! Thanks everyone!

Keep 'em coming if anything else comes to mind. So many choices right now, love it!

 

I think it will depend on your proposed environment/location.

If you are going to be based in a "civilised" area (town/city with mixed population, police, other people wearing normal watches) then the Seiko style would be OK.

If you are out in the boonies or in an area of unrest (Aid worker, engineer etc) then something unotrusive but functional should be worn.

The F91-W is one of the worlds most ubiquitous watches and can be found almost anywhere. Battery life is excellent and it doesn't require special care or maintenance. And if you get bored in the jungle, it can keep you amused for hours, see here:

http://usvsth3m.com/post/55173874636/ten-reasons-we-love-our-casio-f-91w-digital-watch

Would help to know what your situation might be.

Cheers

Jim

 

OBL's watch