First Mechanical Watch

[commanderkeen]

I am thinking of buying myself an automatic watch.

This will be a sort of grad present to myself if I manage to finish my degree this coming semester.

I was thinking of getting a diver watch. There are several reasons for this.

1. I want it to be a daily wear, so durability is key.
2. I like the look of divers.
3. I will probably leave it on when I jump into a pool somewhere down the line

There are several limitations also.

1. I want it to be semi-dressy (needs to fit under dress shirts; read sort of thin < 14mm)
2. Of course stylish
3. max $1500 (If its 1550 thats no big deal, but not much higher)
4. QUALITY!!!

That being said I was looking at the Stowa Seatime with the COSC movement as a possibility. Are there any other serious contenders for the price I have listed.

I really appreciate the help, and if I do wind up getting a watch, I will surely post a short review.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mr Pseudo]

I used to have an Oris divers watch which was really good. It got stolen unfortunately, but I bet it is keeping perfect time for whoever has it now.

 

[binowatch]

Congratulations on plans to by a real watch. A mechanical watch is the equivalent of the DE/SE/injector razor compared to quartz/cartridges! The diver watch is a very popular category and you will have a great number of choices. The most classic diver look that can go with anything/go anywhere is the classic black face/black ring, stainless case and band look of the Rolex Submariner. Check out Ollech and Wais watches-they have their own real history, have the look without being a copy and are Swiss, high quality but reasonably priced. Mechanical Seiko divers meet the bill via Japan. There are countless choices-Stowa is another excellent choice as you mentioned. Be warned, if you think that BAD or RAD is a problem wait till you get you first taste of a good watch-

 

[AFG]

I really like the 300meter Tag Heuer Aquaracer that can be bought new for around $1200 from an AD, less if you're inclined to go gray market. The 500 meter models are very nice too but might not fit into your budget unless you go with a gray market dealer. Visit the dive forum on Watchuseek and you will get lots of good information on divers. Don't overlook the small companies. One that I really like is the Boschett Ocean Mariner. It's a bargain in my opinion at around $600. Very solid, good looking watch. There are many dive watches to consider, several from small companies like Boschett that you have probably never heard about.

 

[evandood]

This is my watch, the same company makes Navy watches as well. I like fliegers as they can be worn with just about everything.


https://shop.laco.de/en/pilot-watch/Pilot-automatic-B-36.html

 

[scottish steve]

A steel, braceletted, black-dialled, black-bezelled diver's watch is something I don't think you will ever regret buying. I certainly don't think it'll ever go out of style and its such a part of a man's wardrobe that all but the most over-sized models will go with a shirt.
There are many to choose from, as stated above, but the word on one of the 2 main watch forums is that Oris and Mido are seriously under-rated and Ball are wonderful. I've handled a Ball and it really felt the business. Of course, if you want to save a ton of money, go for an Orient, or to get unimpeachable quality, a Royal Orient or Grand Seiko.

 

[twoods]

+1 on the black diver look. At your price range, you should be able to find a nice gently used Seamaster or Oris. I've never been a Tag fan so I can't say much on those.

JF

 

[DS/B MCS]

If you don't mind buying preloved, check the watch forums for a SMP.

 

[koso]

For those on a budget who like the Submariner look in a mechanical watch, I'm very happy with my Seiko SNZF17 'Sea Urchin'.

I've held it alongside a true Submariner owned by a guy at work and I must say, for less than 10% the cost of the Rolex this watch does hold its own.

Note this isn't a true diver. I've been swimming with it but wouldn't feel comfortable subjecting it to pressure.

 

[jbp84]

I just got this Tag Heuer Aquaracer at Jared Galleria of Jewelry for $1600. The actual price ended up being less because they had a discount they called their "Jared Everyday Pricing", which made it around $1400.

 

[linty]

Not sure if these would be dressy enough for you, but I was in the same boat and discovered Lum-Tec. They make a line with tungsten carbide cases and sapphire crystals, so durability won't be an issue, and use the ETA 2824-2 movement. I just ordered then m25 myself http://www.lum-tec.com/2009/m-tungsten-44mm.html?SID=c0849536535e136054ffb331a6ee271e

 

[Thebigspendur]

Many divers watches can be kind of clunky especially if you go over 200 meters. Marathon makes a good one but it's not dressy. Check out Christopher Ward and of course Seiko.