Happy Easter,

As a keen allotment owner I generally go to the plot bare-wristed to avoid damaging my precious collection. Not to say any are particularly valuable but I'd rather not take the risk of a big ding.

So I have decided that I need a real, proper beater.

What I have in mind is something interesting yet cost effective. Let's say 100-200 EUR/GBP/USD

So forum, what do you recommend?

PS - for those not familiar with allotments; it is 10 square rod of land (about 250sqm) that the local government rent out to the proletariat for a pitance (about 50 quid a year)

 

Casio G-Shock is probably the one most people would point to, but I prefer proper watches. I spent the day in the garden today, wearing



which is a bit north of your budget but hey ho. You could always get a cheapo watch but this one is cool

 

Every man and his dog (and @ewand LOL) are going to say Seiko, so in an attempt to be different, how about an issued CWC G10. Well within budget, pretty tough, small and unobtrusive, and British . Here’s one courtesy of an old post by @dennisthemenace

 

What do you grow on the allotment? My grand father grew mainly spuds and cauliflower.
Not that it matters as to what watch you may need. Most people are going to suggest a Seiko SKX 007 and they are well within your price range.

 

A vostok amphibia? Very cheap, fun, waterproof.

 

That really is the only answer... although I prefer the 009 in blue with the red.

They just look better with age.

 

Ah I see I was wondering what the "allotment" was...

 

Got to be a quartz Seiko on a washable nylon strap.
Watch never needs setting - it’s always good to go. Strap can survive any amount of water or muck. IMO, it alway works for me.

 

Many thanks for the replies.

Not sure if it is a group think thing or just Spooky, these are the two that have until recently accompanied me to the allotment...



The quartz was my 18th birthday present back in '87 so I'm keen not to wreck it. The SKX (in Pepsi livery) is a tad heavy and just a bit too nice.

 

It's all go at the allotment this time of year. Harvesting lots of asparagus and purple sprouting broccoli. Spuds have been in for a month and have started sprouting through. The beetroot and spinach went in a few weeks ago and are starting to show. Tomatoes and Cucumber were planted in-doors and are ready to harden off and get planted in the greenhouse. Tomorrow will sow some corn, squash and broccoli in seed trays and will sow French and runner beans next month. The fruit takes care of itself and just needs the kids to pick the raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrents and cherries before the birds get them. Apples, pears and plums in the autumn.

 

Seiko for me, I would in all honesty wear my Hublot as I do everywhere I go but in your case Seiko is perfect. They're reliable, rugged and to be wholly honest the number one beater watch around.

Unless you want to go the fashion route and get a cheap Armani watch, look fashionable while you're getting your hands dirty. Or worse...



Perfect time to buy too; they're offering it for 90% off!

 

Not sure if I'd be able to lift a spade at the same time but I'm gonna get noticed - will need to check the by-laws I think there is a clause about being too loud...

 

Here you go, then I've no connection with the seller, but this is pre-beaten (lightly) and a great little watch...



https://www.thewatchsite.com/8-seik...seiko-7a38-7270-chronograph-asking-195-a.html

 

Calling our resident gardener and beagle aficionado @Alpha for watch suggestions...

 

Throw the SKX on a nato!!! Honestly the more beat up an SKX is the better it looks. Which bracelet do you have it on? That’s not the OEM one.

I find my 009 is my go to watch more often then not even when there is no worry of damage. If there is... moving people, yard work, bike riding, kayaking... it’s the obvious choice.

 

I had to look the term 'allotment' up because we don't use that word in the US, or at least I've never heard of it used in that context. I asked my wife who has a degree in Horticulture and she drew a blank. We would use the term 'community garden'.

 

Wearing any wrist watch is a PITA in the garden.
Leather and nylon straps get all sweaty and funky, metallic bracelets get crudded up and leave black gunk on your wrist.

Be like Grandad, he knew what he was doing.

 

NATO!!!!

 

This is the one I rely on. It is a Seiko but SNZF rather then SKX. It’s just as rugged and looks better to me.

 

'Marathon Navigator'
A great allrounder and at £150 new from the bay plus it is quite light in weight so little chance of it moving around when you are at the old double digging.