Struggling to find the right size Diver

oldhooky · Post by **oldhooky** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 4:17 am

Morning all

Despite the numerous choices out there I'm struggling to find the right Diver. Wore a 7002 for about 15 years, then a SMP, before a 36mm Explorer became the daily wearer.

I really do miss a Diver and it's the preferred option for weekends and summer months in T-shirts. The problem is that the Explorer now makes everything else feel too big.

So I'd really appreciate any suggestions for a 40-42mm black dial Diver which would fit the bill, and come with rubber and bracelet. I've tried a 40mm Shark Diver recently but found the case made the watch too large, and have previously also had a Sumo, CWC SBS and 007.

And if anyone else has been in the same boat and found that the solution is something massively bigger, like a Citizen Orca, would be interested to hear their views too.

Thanks in advance everyone.

Joeprez · Post by **Joeprez** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 4:29 am

Hi, why not get another SMP? I would also suggest an Omega PO, but that one is a little bigger than the SMP. I've also been enjoying lately a Seiko 6309 and a Marathon GSAR (or TSAR if you prefer quartz). The GSAR wears smaller than the PO (small dial), but it thicker. All the watches I've mentioned wore very nicely in natos, rubber and leather straps and in their respective bracelets (except for the 6309, for which I don't have a bracelet).

Or go Rolex Sub in a non-maxi case.
I've also read than the Squale 50 Atmos divers wear really nice. Currently looking for a blue one.

oldhooky · Post by **oldhooky** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 4:39 am

Thanks. I should have said that the budget is about £500

smalls · Post by **smalls** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 5:17 am

TSAR/GSAR is a good suggestion. It measures at 40 but wears a bit smaller. It does have a little height to it though. The bracelet on it is fantastic btw.

rain_maker · Post by **rain_maker** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 5:32 am

SKX013 or SKX015 are 40mm and good options if you want something a little smaller than the 007.

marchone · Post by **marchone** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 5:55 am

I'd mine the Seiko catalog for a smaller inexpensive dive watch. Probably Quartz. I recall a couple but don't have the reference numbers at hand.

goaliechris · Post by **goaliechris** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 6:12 am

Much depends on your budget obviously but I think the Rolex Seadweller 16600 is perfect for what you are describing. Perfect size and fit. Some may dislike the extra height over the equivalent Sub but it's not an issue for me - fits under dress sleeves easily.

gonzomantis · Post by **gonzomantis** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 6:20 am

Check out the Scurfa designs. Not huge, and reasonably priced.

marchone · Post by **marchone** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 6:27 am

Bell & Ross?

http://www.thedivewatchconnection.com/f ... 17&t=43951

jimyritz · Post by **jimyritz** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 7:12 am

Depending on budget JLC NSD ( rubber, nato, bracelet...)

41MM...

Mike

marchone · Post by **marchone** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 7:45 am

Hey Mike? He said 500 GBP.

I want an SD and an NSA for $700 each!

jeckyll · Post by **jeckyll** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 8:26 am

Halio Tropic would be a good around that size, though the black may be sold out, so you'd have to go used.

carlodwc · Post by **carlodwc** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 8:45 am

My suggestion would be a Seiko diver which is about 41mm, or you can pick up an Armida A9 that is also about 39.5mm. Squale make one in 40mm I think too and there always are some on sale for around $400 or below. the 20 Atmos I believe is called, but there are other models like vintage military and similar. Some say these are the best for the price.

Also Adam here has a Bell and Ross that is 39mm, that would be a cool rare watch:

http://www.thedivewatchconnection.com/f ... 17&t=43951

goaliechris · Post by **goaliechris** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 9:18 am

Ha! Yeah, I missed the budget part. SD is a little more than that unless you're as lucky as the guy who found that watch at Goodwill.

oldhooky · Post by **oldhooky** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 9:25 am

Thanks for the replies.

The B&R does look good, although I wonder whether the same hands as an Explorer might proves a little dull?

Seiko is the obvious candidate, but I found the 007 boring and too shiny, as are the other similar models. The Sumo would be ideal is 2mm smaller.

Halios is a good suggestion.

Might have to have another try of a TSAR.

In NY in a week so it gives me a few more options shopping States-side.

marchone · Post by **marchone** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 10:13 am

Good luck in your search. You'll find something. Might want to look at some German brands and little known but big makers like Grovana too. Another thought might be Mido.

gwells · Post by **gwells** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 10:14 am

tropik is a great suggestions. love mine, wears comfy.

just outside of your price range is the new christopher ward C60 (38mm here, but also available in 42mm).

Post by **toxicavenger** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 10:52 am

if everything seems to big and you like a 36mm E1 then get something around 38mm. like a SBMC023 or a cheap version Seiko SKX013. heck this is a cool watch http://www.ebay.com/itm/WRISTWATCH-SEIK ... 20f859a3d2

another suggestion is a BN0000-04H

jimyritz · Post by **jimyritz** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 11:00 am

marchone wrote:Hey Mike? He said 500 GBP.

I want an SD and an NSA for $700 each!

==========

He could buy the rubber strap for that

Post by **toxicavenger** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 11:15 am

get this B&R, they are sweet divers and not bulky at all http://www.thedivewatchconnection.com/f ... 17&t=43951

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