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RedHerring
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Hi everybody.  I've been out of the watch scene for about 10 years.  I was never a collector, but owned a few nice ones.  One hobby led to another, and I got rid of my Rolex, which was my regular watch, about 8 years ago to fund a ton of saltwater fishing gear.  Anyhow, I recently sold my boat as I just wasn't using it like I used to.  So, I thought I'd start slowly back into watches.  I've pretty much always been a one watch guy, so I'm not looking to build a collection.  I currently have a few Seiko quartz chronographs and a couple of Gshocks.  In the last year or so I have been a fairly regular lurker on a few forums and was amazed at the large amount of micro companies that have come out.  Anyhow, I want to start slow so here are my requirements:

Dive watch

Automatic

Under$1500

Not blingy

no larger that 44or 45mm

on a bracelet

something that doesn't look like everything else out there.

 

I realize this is kind of vague, but it is a start.  No hurry so please don't feel the need to find me one today.  If you get the time, just throw out a suggestion or two and if it's not too much trouble maybe a pic or link to the watch.  Thanks - Red

 

scottran
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The Dievas Aqualuna is a pretty sweet watch.

Tony Duronio
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Welcome to the forum...good to have you....I would recommend a Doxa..has the specs you want and is rarely seen other than the forums.

That said for $1500, you would have to find a used one, which is not all that difficult.

Scotts recommendation is a good one alsoThumbsUp02.gif

chris s.
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 Stowa ProDivers  have a  unique case style.

They are a love or hate thing though.

Here's mine


canadajo
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I think the Oris TT1 is a great value and can be be bought for around 800 new

Paxman
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Good suggestion all here but two things you said pushed me in this direction... Limes 1Tausend Series II Blue Dial on Bracelet.


This addresses both your wish to be a little off the beaten path and imho the one watch guy factor.;) It just gravy that this is a 1000m dive watch. Killer case, fairly sleek and stealthy in its presence and the blue dial is just funky enough to set it apart from the crowd of classic blues. CJ had this on a strap and it was just a great watch.We called it gumball blue... reminds me of the original Miata blue.:D Great lume too.

canadajo
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would agree without hesitance ...... this watch is awesome in every category ! Paxman wrote: Good suggestion all here but two things you said pushed me in this direction... Limes 1Tausend Series II Blue Dial on Bracelet.


This addresses both your wish to be a little off the beaten path and imho the one watch guy factor.;) It just gravy that this is a 1000m dive watch. Killer case, fairly sleek and stealthy in its presence and the blue dial is just funky enough to set it apart from the crowd of classic blues. CJ had this on a strap and it was just a great watch.We called it gumball blue... reminds me of the original Miata blue.:D Great lume too.

jdmac
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Hi RED, Listen I just found an Ebay Member who has a few Vintage NOS Divers available and Realy Good Prices........

Go to Ebay.com and Copy and Pate this Item in and view his others DROOOOOOL Worthy!!! (not to mention some items that are going to Increase in value!)

item # 200297845502

 

Let me know what you think!

 

Cheers,

 JD

chunkychew
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Hey Red welcome to 3T!  I think all the watches the guys gave are winners maybe take a look at a Sinn U1 or a Kobold Soarway.  They are at the higher end of your price and size range but they are different!  Good Luck! 

_Chris 

RedHerring
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Thanks guys.  I like the Sinn U1 on rubber.  I also like several of the doxas as well, not to mention the Oris.  With the exception of the doxa bracelet, I pretty much like something that resembles an oyster type bracelet.  The Limes is great, but the bracelet is a little busy.  Thanks for the suggestions.  - Red

Nighthawk
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I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned Boschett watches. Keith has some great peices, including a limited edition dive watch specifically for members of this forum.  I own a Cave Dweller, and I guarantee it's the most bang for the buck you can find. The bracelet is especially unique and substantial and the price is unbeatable. The only drawback for some folks is that the Cave Dweller has a Japanese automatic movement (Miyota 8215) rather than a Swiss automatic. If that's important, the Reef Ranger or the Reef Ranger LE should fit the bill with Swiss ETA 2824 movements.

Keith is a sponsor here and has his own forum with other manufacturers.

In fact, if Boschett doesn't have something you like, I'm betting that one of the other brands will! Have a look and good luck.

 

specopswxguy
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Tony Duronio wrote: Welcome to the forum...good to have you....I would recommend a Doxa..has the specs you want and is rarely seen other than the forums.

That said for $1500, you would have to find a used one, which is not all that difficult.

Scotts recommendation is a good one alsoThumbsUp02.gif


Ditto on the Doxa.ThumbsUp02.gif You can find appreciated used Doxas on the Bay or on the Doxa Sales Forum. I found my used 750T Pro on the SDF. for 1K and haven't looked back.

 You may also want to look at Zinex Dive Watches.  They are in your price range new and are great divers.

Either way let us know what you picked and don't forget the Camera_photos.gi .

Doug N

Plano, TX

 

RedHerring
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Morning guys.  I thought I'd resurrect this thread and ask a few questions.  Like I said before, I have always liked watches, but realize now that I knew absolutely NOTHING about what is out there.  Since joining here, I have been feverishly reading up on the subject and lurking on a few of the big forums.  I've since narrowed it down to a few choices.  Originally, I was looking for a dive watch, but I think I am really just looking for a watch that has a suitable w/r rating.  Also, I am very interested in a GMT complication as I travel quite a bit.  I have a friend who has quite a stellar watch collection, and who is currently looking to unload a few in pursuit of something he calls a "grail", whatever that is.  Anyhow, he has a very nice looking Omega GMT with a white dial.  He told me it was discontinued a few years back, but is still a great watch.  He also has the black dial version which he wears frequently.  I don't have any pictures of it, but I am sure you guys know which one I am talking about.  Omega Seamaster GMT with a white dial and red GMT hand.  It has more than enough w/r for me, the size is perfect, and it is well within my budget.  I understand it may need a service in the next year or two but right now it runs fine.  Any opinions on this watch, and does anyone here have one?  BTW, I had NO idea how little I knew about watches.  Wow, I want about 10 different pieces at this time.  But, you have to start somewhere and this may be it.  Thanks for reading and any help/advice would be appreciated. - "Red"

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I would suggest you look at the following, in no particular order -

DWatch Custom

MKII Custom 

ORSA Monstrum

Boschett Cave Dweller

Benarus Sea Devil 

Benarus Moray (June release)

Halios Halotype (May release)

Serket

Zinex  Abyss, Trimix,  Supersubmarine (release coming)

Seiko Monster (black, orange, purple, yellow, blue) most everyone has a Seiko Monster for good reasons.

Seiko Prospex series

Seiko Kinetic

Orient 300 meteror Orient 200 meter

Kobold Artic Diver (slightly over $1,500)

Kremke Subzilla

Alphatime Sawfish

Stowa Prodiver

Enzo Mechana

 

As you can see from my wish list above, aside from Seiko & Orient-- I have no big name watchmakers on my list.  I prefer the smaller companies w/ limited production, direct sales and most of which provide a choice of dial, hands, case finish.  The watches range from Seiko Black Monster under $200 to $1,800 for Kobold Artic Diver.

If you are buying only one watch -- good luck ! Like trying to eat only one potato chip.happy1.gif

Jim

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GMT narrows things down -- Debaufre Ocean 1 GMT, Bernhardt Watches (very nice and affordable), ZINEX Trimix (very cool, unique 1000 meter rating), MK II custom design your own GMT. 

Jim

 

RedHerring wrote:
Morning guys.  I thought I'd resurrect this thread and ask a few questions.  Like I said before, I have always liked watches, but realize now that I knew absolutely NOTHING about what is out there.  Since joining here, I have been feverishly reading up on the subject and lurking on a few of the big forums.  I've since narrowed it down to a few choices.  Originally, I was looking for a dive watch, but I think I am really just looking for a watch that has a suitable w/r rating.  Also, I am very interested in a GMT complication as I travel quite a bit.  I have a friend who has quite a stellar watch collection, and who is currently looking to unload a few in pursuit of something he calls a "grail", whatever that is.  Anyhow, he has a very nice looking Omega GMT with a white dial.  He told me it was discontinued a few years back, but is still a great watch.  He also has the black dial version which he wears frequently.  I don't have any pictures of it, but I am sure you guys know which one I am talking about.  Omega Seamaster GMT with a white dial and red GMT hand.  It has more than enough w/r for me, the size is perfect, and it is well within my budget.  I understand it may need a service in the next year or two but right now it runs fine.  Any opinions on this watch, and does anyone here have one?  BTW, I had NO idea how little I knew about watches.  Wow, I want about 10 different pieces at this time.  But, you have to start somewhere and this may be it.  Thanks for reading and any help/advice would be appreciated. - "Red"

Paxman
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RH, personally I would think you are getting a great watch should you decide to grab the Omega "Great White" you are referring to. I believe the ref# for this model is 2538.20. I love the look of the watch and agree with you that WR is perfect and it is sized well.  For me (not a chrono guy) the GMT complication is my favorite.:D If I am not mistaken I believe we have some members who have this watch... Chris S. comes to mind immediately though his is the black dial. I'm assuming your buddy is giving you a nice fair price too. Seems like a great opportunity.Thumbsup3.gif Omega makes a solid watch, though slightly overrated imho, but they are fairly priced on the secondary market imo. Keep us posted.yourock.gif

oagaspar
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agree with Pax on the Omega"Great White"....or the new Blue Seamaster GMT....no question about quality ,origin or movement there in the higher price range hand6.gif

....in the lower $ I would say the DeBaufre which uses a true eta 2892/GMT movement and rivals watches costing much more imohand6.gif

RedHerring
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Thanks guys.   He'd give me the Omega for 1K.  I've seen it in person, and it's in great shape.  That huge list of watches is overwhelming Montauk.  I've googled most of them, and they are nice but many are a bit huge.  I wouldn't mind picking one up later down the road, but for now I am still pretty much a one watch guy and need something a bit thinner.  Which, I am sure will change shortly.  OK then, it looks like the Omega it is.  I'll have to try and post some pictures when I get it.  I assume that is somewhat mandatory around here?  Thanks again.  - Reddoch

Simon_Leung
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Check out Hamilton's Below Zero.
This monster comes with a rubber strap
that is fitted onto the watch.
It also  has a stainless steel bracelet
and fitting tool as a complete package.

The size of the watch is 45mm excluding crown.
Lug size is 24mm, it's 1000 m/ 3335 ft Water Resistance
with external helium escape valve.

You can get either the regular model with ETA 2825
25 Jewel Movement or the Chronograph with the
Valjoux 7750.

Ref. Number: H78585333


bigrustypig
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Well, there you have it. A friend's watch at a friendly price and a good brand. Go for it. But like Jim/Montauk said, it's like just deciding to eat just one potato chip (good luck!!!). If you've been out of the watch world for 10 years, going Omega as a first comeback is good. Like everything we do for our hobbies and sports, invest or spend only up to your commitment level. Welcome to 3T. Now where did I leave that bag of chips.  goofy 

RedHerring
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bigrustypig wrote: Well, there you have it. A friend's watch at a friendly price and a good brand. Go for it.

OK, I got it.  It's better than I thought after wearing it for a few days.  When I get back to town, I'll dig out the old camera and attempt some pics.  Thanks for all the advice. - Reddoch ("Red")

boy10.gifperfect.gif

Last edited on Sun May 10th, 2009 11:56 pm by

sooner76
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I think you made a great choice. Omegas hold their value, so if you have a change of heart, easy to flip and move on to something else.

- Ray


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