Introduction & Advice needed

[AlexxvD]

Please! If i'm doing this in the wrong section, just tell me or move my topic elsewhere.

So i wanted to introduce myself before posting.
My name is Alex, 27 years from Holland. Worked as a technician in Offshore for 2,5 years and currently working as a technician for the Dutch Airforce. Recreational diver and MTB rider.
Watches are a passion since i was a teenager.

I'm also in need of some advice. Currently, the only watch i own is a Suunto Core. I've owned some G Shocks, Seiko's and Citizens before.
I want to build a nice collection of divers and i really like to know which brands to take a look at, next to Seiko and Citizen? I really like the Steinhart divers, Scurfa's are also really good looking pieces. I don't mind microbrands, as long as it has a reliable quartz, ETA2824-2 or Miyota 9015 movement.

My budget per watch, is around 5 to 600 euros.


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[AlexxvD]

Maybe good to know, i have pretty large wrist. So really would like to have a watch around the 44 through 48mm.

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[HapaHapa]

Welcome! I’m no expert but take advantage of your wrist size and look at picking up something from Graeme’s SAS models, a Seiko Sumo and something from the Zixen line. The SAS May be tough to find at 600 Euro though.

[jeckyll]

Welcome.

So many watches in that price-range, Alpina might be something to look at, plenty of guys here own and enjoy those. The best advice I can give it look at WRUW threads on multiple watch sites, try and find watches that you like and figure out what they cost and if they are in your price range.
If no, try and find something similar that's more affordable.

Good luck!

[AtomicTom]

Hello Alex, it's terrific to talk with you, and so nice to hear a little about
you like this. Very cool !

Sounds like you know a ton about reliable watches, and have had some
phenomenal watches already. Want to welcome you aboard !

Would just add that if you really like Steinhart. Then try them out. Their
watches have always seemed to be really impressive. ..Oh, and how about
classic brands like Victorinox, Hamilton, Tissot, or Oris? Or something
tough from Luminox? Or Traser? ..How about Eza watches? Who are based
right there in Holland.

Honestly hope that you really enjoy looking, and learning !

[JBZ]

Seiko and Citizen are good brands to look at in that price range, and I personally prefer them to homage brands like Steinhart.

Hamilton is a good brand, but I find them weak when it comes to dive watches.

You say you want to build a collection and give a price per watch. For a bit more than your budget per watch, you could step up to Oris, which makes some great dive watches. Might end up reducing the size of your final collection, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

[deepcdvr]

Welcome to DWC

I wish someone had told me this when I started out (about $50k ago) but quality over quantity

Save another thousand bucks, give or take, and buy a Sinn U1. You’ll still feel the need to upgrade later as this is more of an addiction than a hobby, but the Sinn would hang around a bit longer

Good luck!

[spring-diver]

Welcome aboard

As Paul mentioned above, save a little more and go for a Sinn U1 or UX.


Shannon

[snootydog]

Welcome to the madhouse Alex As the others have said, a Sinn U1 would be a really good choice if you can save some more money. In your current price range I would add a Helson to the options

[HapaHapa]

Welcome to the madhouse Alex As the others have said, a Sinn U1 would be a really good choice if you can save some more money. In your current price range I would add a Helson to the options

Haha. I had Sinn on the list until I remembered there was a budget.

[Marjak]

Hi Alex, fellow Dutchman here. Look into brands like H2O, Helberg, Armida, Helson, Magrette, Eterna .... or go to www.watchrecon.com and check out each and every brand on the 'brand' drop down menu.
Enjoy the search and welcome to DWC!

[BacoNoir]

Helson makes some great watches. Also, with your wrist size check out the Marathon SAR watches.

[Ryeguy]

As Paul states, definitely take a "quality over quantity" approach if you can.

That said, you can certainly find good quality from respected manufacturers at the more affordable end of the spectrum, especially if you buy used from flippers like Paul

Modestly priced watches that I really enjoy include the Seiko SPB053, the Seiko Shogun, and the Squale 50 Atmos. These all represent original, non-derivative, designs from manufacturers with quality construction.

Just keep in the back of your mind that the combined cost of the three above "affordable" divers gets you into gently used Tudor Black Bay territory. A bit more gets you into gently used Tudor Pelagos territory or Omega PO territory.

I think the best advice I can provide is there is no substitute for the watch you want. In fact, buying "substitutes" just puts you further back than you were before. The fun is in the hunt.

[jimyritz]

Welcome- seems like the Scurfa Bell Diver 1 would be perfect..

[deepcdvr]

As Paul states, definitely take a "quality over quantity" approach if you can.

That said, you can certainly find good quality from respected manufacturers at the more affordable end of the spectrum, especially if you buy used from flippers like Paul

Modestly priced watches that I really enjoy include the Seiko SPB053, the Seiko Shogun, and the Squale 50 Atmos. These all represent original, non-derivative, designs from manufacturers with quality construction.

Just keep in the back of your mind that the combined cost of the three above "affordable" divers gets you into gently used Tudor Black Bay territory. A bit more gets you into gently used Tudor Pelagos territory or Omega PO territory.

I think the best advice I can provide is there is no substitute for the watch you want. In fact, buying "substitutes" just puts you further back than you were before. The fun is in the hunt.

I’m not a flipper - I’m a renter

[tattoo chef]

Mido



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[HapaHapa]

Mido makes nice under the radar watches

[mfxr]

Big wrists; plenty of Seiko and Citizens in larger sizes, or stretch the budget to an Oris diver.
Quality over quantity for sure.

[KidKeith]

Seiko Darth Tuna SBBN013
Seiko 6306-7001

Enjoy! And welcome!