Looking to buy my first nicer watch in january to celebrate surviving my rather intense work schedule in december. Having fallen into the watch-youtube rabbit hole I’m not even sure I can call these pieces “nicer” but the ones I am liking at the moment are the Hamilton Khaki Field Auto 42mm, 42mm Murph and the Longines Conquest black dial. Looking for a daily driver that I can use for the next 10+ years. Is that even realistic in this price point?
Would also love recommendations in this price point for a big wristed feller.
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Seiko, Sinn, Hamilton would be my picks. But in terms of longevity at this price range, nothing even really comes close to Seiko.
I agree with others a lot of good watch brands out there will get you through a lifetime mechanically. But, choosing a design that is timeless enough to withstand all that time is also equally important. Otherwise, you just end up with a watch that runs but you don’t wear, so what’s the point?
Hope to see your decision posted here in the future!
If you can find one S/H much under appreciated. Valjoue / ETA 7751 wonderful history to the movement and Eterna as a brand
I would look at brands like Sinn and Oris. A lightly used 556, an Aquis or a Big Crown Pro Pilot could definitely fit the bill.
I’d also strongly consider checking out Fortis as well. My B42 Cosmonaut is, in my opinion, the most attractive tool watch at any price-point.
I would pick the Murph but in 38mm. :)
Squale 1521, look no further
I really like my Oris Diver 65. I plan on keeping it forever
Tissot, Hamilton, Seiko, Longines, DOXA are all brands I would check out in that range
People have this stupid notion that watches in the 500-1000 will not be lifetime.
Guess what? That Rolex GMt 1655 from 40 years ago that cost 35k now? It used to cost 200 usd.
Adjusting for inflation it costed around 800$
And guess what? It had way worse manufacturing quality than any modern watch, and it still works.
I’ve been wearing my 42mm Hamilton field khaki for 12 years and still love it every time I wear it, and I’ve gotten many “nicer” watches since. It’s my go to.
Marathon makes some excellent bigger size watches that are built like a tank.Take a look at the Marathon GSAR.I have a 42mm Steinhart milsub that is a well built Watch. You could also search”Best(42-44 etc) watch under 1500.00”.That will give you a ton of choices.I’d also check r/WatchExchange eBay etc,as ppl often buy watches they just don’t connect with,and will sell at a good discount.
From a practical perspective youll also want a watch that is easy and relatively inexpensive to service. For that youll want to stay away from any movements that are heavily modified or ‘in house’. Seikos and most swatch watches that use the eta 2824 base work for that.
Overall if you want to get a lifetime watch I would also say seiko is the best bet.
Hamilton and Longines are certainly great pics. Marathon as well.
rn i’m trying to use my snk809 as a lifetime watch, gone 5 years already hopefully another 5 at least
As many have said Seiko is a top choice, check out their Prospex range. I wear a seiko diver daily and put on a Bulova Lunar Pilot outside of work hours. Happy hunting!
