“Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

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Wario406
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“Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Wario406 » Sun Dec 11, 2022 1:09 pm

I posted up in the Seiko forum for info on the SARG009/011 and am really digging the vibe on that watch. I love the Rolex Polar Explorer 2, but I don’t want to spend that kinda $$ this close to retirement But I’m looking for something that’ll be fun to wear and sharp looking along those lines for under $3k, preferably under $1.5k.

I’d like
- 40mm case, 42-43mm max.
- SS/and bracelet options
- clean “explorer” face. No extra complications.
- solid watch brand/reliability
- used = just fine

So far on my list
- Tudor Ranger - a bit small and at the upper end of my price range
- Seiko SARG 009/011 - fit/fit
- Sinn 856 - a bit large and maybe a bit tall $$
- Hamilton Khaki - a bit small/ great price

What else does the collective save?

Thanks in advance for your thought and time.


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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by smalls » Sun Dec 11, 2022 2:12 pm

You’ve hit the highlights. The 856 UTC is a great watch and I always enjoy the Hamilton Khaki. The 856 imo does not wear large and fit my 6.75” wrists great.

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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by rockmastermike » Sun Dec 11, 2022 3:32 pm

smalls wrote:
Sun Dec 11, 2022 2:12 pm
You’ve hit the highlights. The 856 UTC is a great watch and I always enjoy the Hamilton Khaki. The 856 imo does not wear large and fit my 6.75” wrists great.
Matt speaks the truth, I've two 856 and they wear great.

alternatively, you may consider the Smiths Everest - comes in various sizes and I believe 40mm is one they have in stock from time to time if you catch them at the right time

Also, Borealis and Traska make nice explorer adjacent watches

Good luck, I'm sure others jump in

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“Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Blaine » Sun Dec 11, 2022 4:15 pm

Timefactors Smith’s Everest comes closes to the Explorer IMHOP. There’s a 40mm on the “auction” site now. Used, but looks to be in good order and price falls in line to what you may be looking to spend.

PS. This is the Series 1 with the acrylic crystal. Really a nice clone to the Explorer 1016….again, IMHOP


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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by hoppyjr » Sun Dec 11, 2022 4:37 pm

Spend the $3k and buy a new Tudor Ranger. I love mine. It’s the spiritual successor to the original Rolex 1016 Explorer. Fantastic watch and even has a micro adjustable clasp. I’m happy enough to not want another Explorer.

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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Wario406 » Sun Dec 11, 2022 4:38 pm

Thanks everyone! Great input, and as always I cant thank you enough. You guys are pros and your advice is appreciated.Been looking at Monta, Christopher Ward, and... Scurfa!?!? Still leaning towards Seiko SARG, Sinn, and now Monta.
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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Wario406 » Sun Dec 11, 2022 5:51 pm

hoppyjr wrote:Spend the $3k and buy a new Tudor Ranger. I love mine. It’s the spiritual successor to the original Rolex 1016 Explorer. Fantastic watch and even has a micro adjustable clasp. I’m happy enough to not want another Explorer.

Image
Image

I LOVE that… but the 856 is making my heart pump extra fast.

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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Wario406 » Sun Dec 11, 2022 8:42 pm

Wario406 wrote:
Sun Dec 11, 2022 5:51 pm
hoppyjr wrote:Spend the $3k and buy a new Tudor Ranger. I love mine. It’s the spiritual successor to the original Rolex 1016 Explorer. Fantastic watch and even has a micro adjustable clasp. I’m happy enough to not want another Explorer.

Image
Image

I LOVE that… but the 856 is making my heart pump extra fast. May have a line on a SARG009 too. So much to think about! These stupid little machines bring so much drama and joy!


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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by sierra11b » Sun Dec 11, 2022 9:24 pm

i've always thought the SBDC087 fills this niche and i happen to have one for sale currently. :whistle:

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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by hoppyjr » Sun Dec 11, 2022 9:58 pm

Wario406 wrote:
hoppyjr wrote:Spend the $3k and buy a new Tudor Ranger. I love mine. It’s the spiritual successor to the original Rolex 1016 Explorer. Fantastic watch and even has a micro adjustable clasp. I’m happy enough to not want another Explorer.

Image
Image

I LOVE that… but the 856 is making my heart pump extra fast.

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A no-date 856 would be hard to resist for me. So would pretty much any 40+mm Sinn with no date. Give us an EZM dial, no date, red “Pro” like Sinn text, great lume, brushed case, drilled lugs. Then take my money.

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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by kempoman » Sun Dec 11, 2022 10:04 pm

The discontinued 41mm Tudor Ranger 79910 if the new one is small.
Watch collector since 1989

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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Wario406 » Mon Dec 12, 2022 5:14 am

sierra11b wrote:i've always thought the SBDC087 fills this niche and i happen to have one for sale currently. :whistle:
Wow ! Yes you do! That’s now on my list!


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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Wario406 » Mon Dec 12, 2022 5:16 am

hoppyjr wrote:
Wario406 wrote:
hoppyjr wrote:Spend the $3k and buy a new Tudor Ranger. I love mine. It’s the spiritual successor to the original Rolex 1016 Explorer. Fantastic watch and even has a micro adjustable clasp. I’m happy enough to not want another Explorer.

Image
Image

I LOVE that… but the 856 is making my heart pump extra fast.

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A no-date 856 would be hard to resist for me. So would pretty much any 40+mm Sinn with no date. Give us an EZM dial, no date, red “Pro” like Sinn text, great lume, brushed case, drilled lugs. Then take my money.
You and I think alike there! Image


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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Wario406 » Mon Dec 12, 2022 5:18 am

kempoman wrote:The discontinued 41mm Tudor Ranger 79910 if the new one is small.
Image


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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Wario406 » Mon Dec 12, 2022 9:38 am

Adding the Monta Triumph to the list…


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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by AtomicTom » Mon Dec 12, 2022 10:14 am

Hey neat Mike, and it looks like you already have the best options in mind sir. ;)
Plus the ones the guys showed are all grand slams as well. :salute: :)

But for fun, I just found a few more for you that could act as fun backups,
or beaters down the road. And I basically went in a field watch direction.
Honestly, it’s amazing all that is out there.

Dryden’s Heartlander is really neat looking...


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Boldr seems very impressive with their collections...


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Bernhardt’s Binnacle Anchor comes in some nice combinations...


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Vaer has a lot of nice choices...


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CWC’s Mellon 72 looks nice...


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Towson Watch Co.s Recruit And Cadet are eye catching...

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Timor’s Heritage Field has a great attitude...


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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by dnslater » Mon Dec 12, 2022 10:47 am

Achimede Outdoor Protect has always interested me. German Ickler made hardened steel case / bracelet and 11 mm thick for $900. Nice beater to rival the Sinn 556.

https://www.archimede-watches.com/outdo ... 9-protect/

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“Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Wario406 » Mon Dec 12, 2022 11:46 am

AtomicTom wrote:Hey neat Mike, and it looks like you already have the best options in mind sir. ;)
Plus the ones the guys showed are all grand slams as well. :salute: :)

But for fun, I just found a few more for you that could act as fun backups,
or beaters down the road. And I basically went in a field watch direction.
Honestly, it’s amazing all that is out there.

Dryden’s Heartlander is really neat looking...
Hey AT - those are all REALLY COOL! Thanks for all that research!
dnslater wrote:Achimede Outdoor Protect has always interested me. German Ickler made hardened steel case / bracelet and 11 mm thick for $900. Nice beater to rival the Sinn 556.

https://www.archimede-watches.com/outdo ... 9-protect/
Hey Nick, that’s a sweet find too! And, I dig the budget friendly and Sinn competition too.

Im really churning and appreciate EVERYONE’s input!

My current front runners are:

* Seiko SARG009 + they’re super cool, not too expensive - no cons

* Tudor Ranger 41 79910 + Cadillac of the group = EVERTHING I want!!! - top of budget

* Sinn 856 + great vibe, great value, not too expensive - no real cons

* Monta Triumph + great vibe and huge bang for $ - might be too small at 38.5






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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Wario406 » Mon Dec 12, 2022 4:27 pm

Ugh - such a tough decision!

Wth do you guys think about the Ball Engineer or the Scurfa?


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Last edited by Wario406 on Mon Dec 12, 2022 7:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by toxicavenger » Mon Dec 12, 2022 6:56 pm

The Monta Triumph wears exactly like my Atlas. Which I think you got to check out at the last GTG. Personally I love the Triumph, and now I am liking the Noble I got in. Good luck with the decision.

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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Wario406 » Mon Dec 12, 2022 7:34 pm

toxicavenger wrote:
Mon Dec 12, 2022 6:56 pm
The Monta Triumph wears exactly like my Atlas. Which I think you got to check out at the last GTG. Personally I love the Triumph, and now I am liking the Noble I got in. Good luck with the decision.
Thanks T'ster. I do remember the Monta you had. It was very sexy and slim. Thanks too for your thoughts!
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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by dnslater » Tue Dec 13, 2022 5:02 am

Seiko is nice, but there is one con.... movement accuracy - they are all over the place if that matters. The other options will all run much better.

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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Bob1035 » Tue Dec 13, 2022 6:46 am

dnslater wrote:
Tue Dec 13, 2022 5:02 am
Seiko is nice, but there is one con.... movement accuracy - they are all over the place if that matters. The other options will all run much better.
Totally true. I rotate my watches too often to truly be concerned about accuracy, and from what I've read, most of the Seiko movements can be improved fairly easily by a competent watchmaker, and still be a "budget" option.

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Re: “Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by AtomicTom » Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:38 am

Wario406 wrote:
Mon Dec 12, 2022 11:46 am
AtomicTom wrote:Hey neat Mike, and it looks like you already have the best options in mind sir. ;)
Plus the ones the guys showed are all grand slams as well. :salute: :)

But for fun, I just found a few more for you that could act as fun backups,
or beaters down the road. And I basically went in a field watch direction.
Honestly, it’s amazing all that is out there.

Dryden’s Heartlander is really neat looking...
Hey AT - those are all REALLY COOL! Thanks for all that research!
dnslater wrote:Achimede Outdoor Protect has always interested me. German Ickler made hardened steel case / bracelet and 11 mm thick for $900. Nice beater to rival the Sinn 556.

https://www.archimede-watches.com/outdo ... 9-protect/
Hey Nick, that’s a sweet find too! And, I dig the budget friendly and Sinn competition too.

Im really churning and appreciate EVERYONE’s input!

My current front runners are:

* Seiko SARG009 + they’re super cool, not too expensive - no cons

* Tudor Ranger 41 79910 + Cadillac of the group = EVERTHING I want!!! - top of budget

* Sinn 856 + great vibe, great value, not too expensive - no real cons

* Monta Triumph + great vibe and huge bang for $ - might be too small at 38.5






Image

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Don't mention it Mike. :) Enjoy the search ! ..It's a lot of fun seeing all that is out there. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

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“Explorer” style watches. What do you recommend?

Post by Wario406 » Fri Dec 16, 2022 2:45 pm

All - Thanks SO MUCH for all your input, advise, and special thanks to Todd (TMW) for talking me into and making me a sweet deal on my new Monta Triumph!!!

My adventure is not quite over because I got such a great deal on the Monta that I can afford a SARG009 that’ll be coming in January. I may still consider getting a Ranger in the Spring - but my current plan is to run the Triumph and the SARG for a bit before I start flipping stuff to get a more expensive Ranger 41 Heritage.

I’m super impressed with the Monta. As Todd says, it punches way above its weight class and I couldn’t agree more. It’s also different enough and doesn’t feel to me like it’s a “me too” explorer knock off.

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