Looking for Wristwatch Suggestions

Gatto on 27/09/2023 - 16:52
Last edited 27/09/2023 - 16:54 by 1 other user

Hi All,

I’m at a stage where I’d like to retire my Apple Watch in favour of a high quality daily wristwatch. I’d like something that is a bit of a conversation piece (dressy looking face) but after my lengthy stint with the smart watch I’d prefer to maintain a rubber / silicone or Nylon band instead of steel or leather.

As someone who knows almost nothing about watches can somebody with more knowledge make some suggestions on brands / models that provides a good mix of quality and value. I’m looking for something in the sub $2000 category but would be willing to stretch for something special.

• 

  bobbified on 27/09/2023 - 16:57

  +3

  rubber / silicone or Nylon band instead of steel or leather.

  I will start by saying that I'm no watch expert or anything, but I can't see any rubber/silicone or nylon banded watch being a conversation piece. They tend to look cheap compared to metal or leather banded watches.

  • 

    SBOB on 27/09/2023 - 17:02

    +2

    but I can't see any rubber/silicone or nylon banded watch being a conversation piece

    Omega Planet Ocean on a rubber strap would like to disagree with you :)
    slightly outside the 2k budget though

    • 

      Drakesy on 27/09/2023 - 17:03

      Just need a big f off wrist to complement it.
      Or tonnes of KFC

      • 

        SBOB on 27/09/2023 - 17:06

        I think it wears smaller than its size (43.5mm PO is my reference)
        I have neither a KFC desire or F off wrists :)

        • 

          Drakesy on 27/09/2023 - 17:10

          @SBOB: ahhh now i'm with you.
          Yeah had the 46mm in mind.

          I'm on the fence regarding the orange one, love the uniqueness of it. Personally a fan of the aqua terras.

    • 

      bobbified on 27/09/2023 - 17:48

      I would argue that it'd be the price/value of it that makes it a conversation piece more than anything else haha

    • 

      Gatto on 28/09/2023 - 00:33

      Wow!! Just wow, that orange Planet Ocean looks fantastic with the matching black / orange rubber band. That’s exactly the conversation piece I was thinking of. I’d love to own one of those, but sadly even if I doubled my budget and looked second hand these are still too pricey.

  • 

    rumblytangara on 27/09/2023 - 17:08

    Plenty of nice watches look good with silicone bands. Skew towards divers watches. Sinn U2 for example- oil filled and the different refractive properties of oil make the face look like there's no glass.

    Not sure about the idea watches being conversation pieces though. Maybe with other watch geeks, but not many other people care.

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  Drakesy on 27/09/2023 - 17:06

  +5

  Secondhand market is softening fast.

  You might be able to snag a Tudor black bay or Seamaster for the $2-3k price range, both highly respected pieces and can be put on a nato band (nicer than rubber imho).

  Was offered a Tudor Pepsi GMT for $3k which is a lot of watch for the money.
  Else a seanaster/speedmaster/tag carrera were all changing hands for $2-3k prior to covid and they're heading back there.

  • 

    Gatto on 27/09/2023 - 17:13

    Great suggestions… just googled NATO bands and I agree, that’s a great looking alternative to rubber. Thank you.

    • 

      Gunnar on 27/09/2023 - 19:37

      Careful of NATO’s though. I’ve never liked them becaus they make a watch very top heavy, even the good ones (OEM Tudor Natos are really good though but I still didn’t like the balance)

  • 

    Gunnar on 27/09/2023 - 19:36

    $3k for a BB GMT is a good price!

    OP a secondhand wave dial SMP will be close to your budget but it will be the 37mm version.

    New watch I would get a Seiko SPB143 (look up SPB14 or 62MAS reissue). The longines as mentioned below would also be nice

    My money with a $2k budget would be on the Seiko SPB143

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  SBOB on 27/09/2023 - 17:08

  Issue for rubber will be most aimed at 'dive' style watches, which while many are quite good looking, may not be 'dressy looking face' suitable.

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  Bourb on 27/09/2023 - 17:17

  Have a look at Longines automatic watches, Swiss quality at a reasonable price.

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  Jimothy Wongingtons on 27/09/2023 - 17:57

  +2

  Sorry I’m late

  Sd1970 black dial on black waffle, then spend the other $1900 on something else nice

  • 

    Gunnar on 27/09/2023 - 19:37

    +1

    Lol I saw your name and knew what the recommendation would be ;-)

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  garetz on 27/09/2023 - 18:34

  I prefer carbon fiber bands or titanium, they are light and sturdy.

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  xavster on 27/09/2023 - 21:21

  I'd recommend these if you can stretch your budget a little

  JLC master controller series
  IWC pilots & portugieser

  Good conversation pieces.

  Ironcally, When I was younger I was really into watches and built up a nice collection, but now I just rock a cheap smart watch as a daily driver.

  • 

    Gunnar on 27/09/2023 - 22:01

    That’s a huge stretch, The IWC Pilots will be double and the others will be a lot more, unless you go vintage. But the pitfalls of vintage is repairs

    OP this is a great second hand option. Jaeger’s have a lot of cred in watch nerds and it’s a trust worthy store:
    https://vintagewatchco.com.au/jaeger-lecoultre-memovox-14263…

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  bargaino on 27/09/2023 - 21:46

  +1

  I’d like something that is a bit of a conversation piece

  It is not the 18th Century. No watch is a "conversation piece". Nobody else gives a second thought to your watch, your car, or any other penis substitute.
  Though you might consider wearing an hourglass on your wrist, if you are that desperate for a conversation starter.

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  jv on 27/09/2023 - 21:58

  -1

  Looking for Wristwatch Suggestions

  @WatchNerd

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  jv on 27/09/2023 - 22:00

  This !!!

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  xtracrazy69 on 28/09/2023 - 07:45

  +1

  The Seiko Prospex is a nice looking watch, have a number of different models (such as the Padi and King Samurai) and are good quality.

  If you want a big stand out watch, Diesel watches really stand out and get noticed, I have a few and people always notice them.

  If you still like the idea of having some 'smart' watch features on a dressy watch you could consider a hybrid, Fossil have some nice dress style watches https://www.fossil.com/en-au/watches/smartwatches/?prefn1=mo…

  G-Shock are standout watches, fit big on the wrist and high quality, some of the more premium models include steel and carbon fibre in their construction, for example:
  https://casioau.com/collections/g-shock-g-steel-watches/prod…
  https://casioau.com/collections/g-shock-new-release/products…
  https://casioau.com/collections/g-shock-analogue-watches/pro…

  Tissot also another brand to consider, swiss made and interesting models
  https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-au/t1454079705702.html
  https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-au/t1214204705101.html
  https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-au/t1204171742100.html
  https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-au/t1204171708101.html

  Just a few ideas, for you to think about.

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  2ndeffort on 05/10/2023 - 23:48

  Chrono24, 2nd hand swiss automatic. Something like a Bell & Ross Vintage