Smallish watch recommendations

[Toyoda]

I'm slightly ashamed to say that, despite not being some scrawny oik, I do have a slightly girly sized wrist. Consequently, I'm looking for a watch at the smaller end of the scale, ideally 37mm to 39mm. It also needs to be not too thick. Unfortunately most watches I see these days are dinner plate sized.

Budget is around £300, but happy to pay less or more for the right watch. Not thousands though, or else I'd have a Rolex.

Either black leather strap or silver bracelet, black face, maybe chronograph. Something manly. I'm at the end of my tether as all I tend to find is big ugly monstrosities.

Edited by Toyoda on Saturday 13th February 11:56

[Toyoda]

That does sound like a bargain. Quartz will do just fine for me, this is going to be a watch I use daily and I don't want something that's going to need servicing.

[Toyoda]

RichB said:

Why be ashamed simply because you don't follow the flock and subscribe to clowns watches the size of bedside alarms. Good for you. Second hand is the way to go if you want something more elegant from the 80s/90s rather than the current monstrosities.

Well, my shame was more pointing towards my less than big wrist than my aversion to clown shaped watches!

[Toyoda]

That Longines one is quite nice, but I don't really want automatic. Call me a phillistine but I just want a quartz. Haven't got the time/money/desire to get an automatic watch serviced at regular intervals. It's going to be for daily use.

The SKX031 does look good as well, but again... automatic.

In terms of leather strap watches, this is the sort of watch I'm looking for, unfortunately it's a bit too big. It's also under budget but as said above I'll happily pay 'a few hundred' for the right watch.

http://www.henry-london.com/shop/edgware-hl41-cs-0...

Edited by Toyoda on Saturday 13th February 12:08

[Toyoda]

Thanks for the recommendations, but I'm obviously not easy to please. That Tissot is an old mans watch and the Citizen brand just strikes me as Argos watches. Although I don't have thousands to spend, I equally don't want to look like I'm a fan of Elizabeth Duke. The Tissot PRC200 is a good looking watch, but way too big at 42mm.

Maybe I should stretch the budget a bit. Either that or go for that Longines hydroconquest.

Edited by Toyoda on Monday 15th February 19:57

[Toyoda]

Wadeski said:

Seiko Alpinists look good on small wrists. In general, the japanese domestic market seikos fit a smaller build pretty well!

Thanks, where's best to source these in the UK?

[Toyoda]

mikeveal said:

It would really help if you gave us a hint as to style. "Lizzy Duke" tells me nothing. Are you looking for a diver style, a rugged watch, or a dress watch? Chronograph? square or round face? Bracelet, leather, rubber, nylon, integrated plastic strap?

Round face, ideally chronograph, either black leather or silver bracelet. I had liked the look of the Longines Hydroconquest in black but really it looks a bit like a homage to a Rolex Submariner which would be my dream watch... if I had the cash!

[Toyoda]

RichB said:

Okay but the OPs original post was asking for a black faced chrono not a diver and preferably quartz.

Yeah spot on thanks RichB. I'd seen the steinhard but it's obviously 42mm, so 'out of scope' The Longines is 39mm and fits the bill.

I'm not going second hand so that's not an option. Like wearing second hand shoes. No thanks.

Talking of second hand, have a look at this one, purely to demonstrate the durability... the back of that bracelet is incredibly scratched for such a new watch. Has the owner been doing manual labour in it or are those scratches typical of a few months use?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LONGINES-Hydroconquest-L...

Edited by Toyoda on Friday 19th February 20:07

Edited by Toyoda on Friday 19th February 20:08

[Toyoda]

mikeveal said:

I'm officially out. I can't help.
OP doesn't want a diver, but he likes the Longines Hydoquest and a Rolex Submariner is a dream watch.
OP is keen on Elizabeth Duke, but doesn't want an Argos watch.
OP wants a smaller watch, but wont consider an old watch.

Good luck OP.

haven't said I don't want a diver
Elizabeth Duke was a joke
Won't consider an old watch, correct.

[Toyoda]

I have, and at 42mm it's too big for me. 39mm FTW. I've all but decided on the Longones Hydroconquest.