Cheap Desert Watch Ideas?

[dozen]

I have just been booked to work in the Jordanian Desert for 2 weeks. I will be working in and around a disused fort.
I currently have an Omega Speedmaster Date that is a bit too nice for the work I will be doing.
Suggestions please for a £300 or less watch that will keep going in the difficult conditions.
At the moment I am thinking a Steinhart Ocean PVD on a black NATO strap. Would a g-shock of some sort be better?

[apotek]

I keep my TW Steel for boys weekends stag does and general hard labour.It`s in your price range,mine is quartz, keeps bob on time,and the straps are cheap and easy to replace

[cc8s]

dozen said:

Steinhart Ocean PVD on a black NATO strap.

Now that is quite beautiful!

Do you know much about the make? Can we buy them in the UK from a reputable place? Sorry to go O/T.

[ShadownINja]

dozen said:

Would a g-shock of some sort be better?

I doubt many watches can take the st Gs can. Go on youtube and search for "g-shock test".

Failing that, bring me your newly purchased Steinhart and let's play watch conkers.

[anotherdom]

Won't go far wrong with a Traser/H3 etc. Mine has done eight years as a daily beater, including tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. I've fitted a Rhino strap, replaced the glass once (took a fair bit of punishment that day) and had the battery done at the same time, but that's it.

[CraigW]

anotherdom said:

replaced the glass once (took a fair bit of punishment that day)

god that sounds worrying!

[anotherdom]

Craig,

Just re-read the post - the watch took some punishment, not me. Thanks for the concern though!

Dom.

[CraigW]

ah ok, ha!

[ShadownINja]

"Replaced the glass and my left forearm."

[dozen]

I had just been looking at the Traser H3.

The Code Blue looks very tidy and not too expensive.

[Digga]

cc8s said:

dozen said:

Steinhart Ocean PVD on a black NATO strap.

Now that is quite beautiful!

Do you know much about the make? Can we buy them in the UK from a reputable place? Sorry to go O/T.

They do look very nice - would like to know how tough they are. I know people with the Rolex diver's watches who swear by their durability and wearability - wonder if these are nearly as rugged?

[Mattt]

I'd say Traser.

Desert sand will get everywhere, the joints in my links were still slightly crunchy for a good few weeks after my last foray.

[andy_s]

Mattt said:

I'd say Traser.

Desert sand will get everywhere, the joints in my links were still slightly crunchy for a good few weeks after my last foray.

Velcro/NATO strap best?

[anotherdom]

Definitely avoid a bracelet - they get too damn hot for one thing. Either a NATO strap or one of the Rhinos. Personally I avoid Velcro on watch straps and prefer a buckle.

Dom.

Edited by anotherdom on Thursday 27th May 16:31

[elster]

I have done a bit of work in Desert conditions before, and have previously had a G-Shock.

Now I have a Traser P6508 Code Blue with a Nato strap, which does the job fantastically well.

[sneijder]

Mudman without doubt, Stormtrooper one if I were you :



(not my picture)

They're designed for bonkers temperatures, and the underside and strap are super comfy and let the whole wrist breathe, so no skanky wrist stink.

The buttons are sealed so no sand will get in. I'm skinny and get away with it, it wears a lot smaller than it is.

Way below your budget for a proper tool watch.