OT: Q for the watch enthusiasts

[goonster]

Originally Posted by theboucher

I don't know quite what I want yet.

As I'm known to say (about engineering), knowing what you want is 80% of the journey.

A good first step might be to "impulse buy" an automatic Seiko. Spend a few weeks browsing, figuring out whether you want a dive/dress/field/chrono watch, strap or bracelet, whether you want to spend $300 or $700, and then buy one that appeals to you.

Even if it does not turn out to be your "forever" watch, you'll have a timepiece from one of only two fully integrated manufacturers, and you'll be one step closer to knowing what you want.

[tomato coupe]

Originally Posted by trener1

Just following along here, I dont know much about watches, but like the OP, I have my eyes on a Shinola, curious why they are hated on?

Two possible reasons:

1. "Made in Detroit" is associated with cars and big engines, not finely crafted jewelry or watches.

2. The old expression "Doesn't know s*^% from Shinola" probably makes a lot of people chuckle when you tell them you have a Shinola watch.

[goonster]

Originally Posted by trener1

I have my eyes on a Shinola, curious why they are hated on?

Hate is a strong word, but Shinola ranks about as high on my list of brands to buy watch from as it does on my list of companies to buy a bicycle from.

[jlwdm]

Originally Posted by goonster

Hate is a strong word, but Shinola ranks about as high on my list of brands to buy watch from as it does on my list of companies to buy a bicycle from.

I forgot about the bikes!

Jeff

[Stuart S]

A few small brands that I have tried and recommend:

Halios
https://halioswatches.com/

Unimatic
https://www.unimaticwatches.com/


I have a Unimatic U1S-MP that will be for sale soon
https://www.unimaticwatches.com/u1s-mp/

[Louis]

Originally Posted by Stuart S

A few small brands that I have tried and recommend:

Halios
https://halioswatches.com/

Unimatic
https://www.unimaticwatches.com/

Very nice!

I like the "micro-brand" aspect of watches (and bikes too, come to think of it). Letting the movement manufacturers deal with the hard part that requires super-high tolerances allows designers to come up with ideas that speak to them and gives the rest of us a huge variety of options at reasonable prices.

Both those brands look like they have some neat designs.

[theboucher]

Appreciate everyone’s responses! A few more things I’ve decided, just in case anyone has any pertinent experience:

Definitely want a smallish size- thinking 36-38 mm.

Would like something waterproof.

[warren128]

* stands up from chair * yes, I'm also a recovering watch addict. LOL

Here's a link to a page that seems to address some of your wants, so far(timeless design, no or few complications, 38mm or so). I've always thought that the Rolex Explorer is a classic, timeless design. No complications, just basic, legible timekeeping in a rugged case and great movement. This article looks at just a few under $1000 possibilities. The possibilities are endless in the watch world, so you might as well start here.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/six-...der-1000/#gref

[pjm]

Check out Tissot.

[C40_guy]

Originally Posted by warren128

* stands up from chair * yes, I'm also a recovering watch addict. LOL

Never met a watch I didn't like.

[gt88]

Originally Posted by warren128

* stands up from chair * yes, I'm also a recovering watch addict. LOL

Here's a link to a page that seems to address some of your wants, so far(timeless design, no or few complications, 38mm or so). I've always thought that the Rolex Explorer is a classic, timeless design. No complications, just basic, legible timekeeping in a rugged case and great movement. This article looks at just a few under $1000 possibilities. The possibilities are endless in the watch world, so you might as well start here.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/six-...der-1000/#gref

The Seiko “baby” Alpinist is linked in the above article and I can confirm it is a wonderful piece punching way above its weight. Many variations can be had from Sakura Watches for less than $500 USD. This is the one I own.

[IJWS]

The Rado Captain Cook mentioned above is interesting because it is a dive watch but with a smaller 37mm case. I almost recommended it earlier but I've never seen one in person so couldn't do so with 100: confidence.

Also, I think a Nomos Club or any Nomos would be a great watch. They are smaller, slim, and unique enough to live in your collection should your tastes get more "extravagant".

[Louis]

Originally Posted by IJWS

should your tastes get more "extravagant".

Not horribly extravagant, but along those lines, as much as I'm turned off by the Luminor, I've always liked the Panerai Radiomir. (although I'd worry about the wire lugs falling out)

[whateveronfire]

Originally Posted by IJWS

The Rado Captain Cook mentioned above is interesting because it is a dive watch but with a smaller 37mm case. I almost recommended it earlier but I've never seen one in person so couldn't do so with 100: confidence.

Also, I think a Nomos Club or any Nomos would be a great watch. They are smaller, slim, and unique enough to live in your collection should your tastes get more "extravagant".

I owned a 37mm Captain cook and have a Nomos Club. Both amazing watches. I went to Glashutte this summer (German watch mecca where Nomos and several other brands are based). Love the Nomos, though it does have long lugs, so it wears a little bigger than the 38mm size. Either watch is a great only watch. My favorite watch in that size is the 38mm Speedy, but it's more than your budget.

The Seiko Baby Alpinist is also a great idea.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by whateveronfire

a great only watch.

Someone's going to have to tell me what this means...