Sturdy/Hardy Watches
Discussion
Howdy
I'm office based for the majority of my job, however work as a Mechanical Design Engineer so I inevitably sometimes end up crawling around machines, measuring up parts and so on.
I'm looking for a nice looking watch that isn't going to look battered within a few months. Preferably automatic. I don't mind them looking well worn and accept they'll see general wear and tear.
Something along the lines of a Seamaster, Oris Aquis, Hydroconquest, but a bit hardier maybe?? That being said they could well be the answer and I'm just underestimating them.
I like the idea of a Ball Engineer series, simply because....engineer, but can't help but think it'll end up getting a bit battered still.
I know the answer that most would go with is simply a G-Shock, but I'd still rather something that looks like the above.
Any ideas/suggestions much appreciated
I'm office based for the majority of my job, however work as a Mechanical Design Engineer so I inevitably sometimes end up crawling around machines, measuring up parts and so on.
I'm looking for a nice looking watch that isn't going to look battered within a few months. Preferably automatic. I don't mind them looking well worn and accept they'll see general wear and tear.
Something along the lines of a Seamaster, Oris Aquis, Hydroconquest, but a bit hardier maybe?? That being said they could well be the answer and I'm just underestimating them.
I like the idea of a Ball Engineer series, simply because....engineer, but can't help but think it'll end up getting a bit battered still.
I know the answer that most would go with is simply a G-Shock, but I'd still rather something that looks like the above.
Any ideas/suggestions much appreciated
Something in a ceramic case with a sapphire crystal. Both are virtually unscratchable. Put it on a nato strap and you’ll have a watch that will tolerate some fairly rough treatment without even the slightest mark (unless you really batter it with a hammer, but it doesn’t sound like that’s what you’re doing?)
Victorinox Inox, there is a choice or quartz or auto, if you want it to be really tough get the quartz. Different case materials; steel, titanium or carbon with bracelet, paracord, leather or rubber. There is a configuration tool on their website.
I’ve got a steel quartz and it is very good.
I’ve got a steel quartz and it is very good.
r159 said:
Victorinox Inox, there is a choice or quartz or auto, if you want it to be really tough get the quartz. Different case materials; steel, titanium or carbon with bracelet, paracord, leather or rubber. There is a configuration tool on their website.
I’ve got a steel quartz and it is very good.
This was my first thought. The quartz in particular would be pretty bulletproof. Might not be ‘smart’ enough as an office watch given the examples of things you were considering but it would stand up to plenty of knocks.I’ve got a steel quartz and it is very good.
Not particularly nice straps from the factory IMO and the lug width of 21mm gives you less aftermarket options so might be a consideration.
Sinn/Damasko would also be a good shout for something ‘office smarter’. I have a Damasko which, like liner33’s, is still looking virtually brand new.
Sycamore said:
I like the idea of a Ball Engineer series, simply because....engineer
It's Engineer as in driver of a train as opposed the engineer you're thinking of, or wannabe engineer (e.g. satellite dish installer / TV repairman / mechanic.)They also had a Fireman and Conductor in the range, dunno if they still do.
Not that it matters a jot of course! I kind of doubt that the shop will insist on seeing your train driver's license before selling you one.
Mezzanine said:
r159 said:
Victorinox Inox, there is a choice or quartz or auto, if you want it to be really tough get the quartz. Different case materials; steel, titanium or carbon with bracelet, paracord, leather or rubber. There is a configuration tool on their website.
I’ve got a steel quartz and it is very good.
This was my first thought. The quartz in particular would be pretty bulletproof. Might not be ‘smart’ enough as an office watch given the examples of things you were considering but it would stand up to plenty of knocks.I’ve got a steel quartz and it is very good.
Not particularly nice straps from the factory IMO and the lug width of 21mm gives you less aftermarket options so might be a consideration.
Sinn/Damasko would also be a good shout for something ‘office smarter’. I have a Damasko which, like liner33’s, is still looking virtually brand new.
r159 said:
Mine came with a rather unpleasant shade of brown leather strap. The leather itself is waterproof, made using the same material as fireman’s boots apparently. Barton straps came to the rescue…very good range in 21mm.
That’s a handy tip, I browse the Inox range every 6 months or so but never end up tossing the caber on one as I am more of a bracelet man.Another vote for the INOX. Again, quartz version for full toughness.
Mine came on a paracord strap which was....... alright, But the buckle system was naff. It now sits on a nice, weathered Brown strap - can't remember where from, though.
For a rugged automatic though, I'd probably be looking at the likes of Marathon.
Mine came on a paracord strap which was....... alright, But the buckle system was naff. It now sits on a nice, weathered Brown strap - can't remember where from, though.
For a rugged automatic though, I'd probably be looking at the likes of Marathon.
Mezzanine said:
r159 said:
Mine came with a rather unpleasant shade of brown leather strap. The leather itself is waterproof, made using the same material as fireman’s boots apparently. Barton straps came to the rescue…very good range in 21mm.
That’s a handy tip, I browse the Inox range every 6 months or so but never end up tossing the caber on one as I am more of a bracelet man.Sorry for poor photo
Barton
I've got a Clycine Incursore which is built like a tank - fairly inexpensive too.
It's never off my wrist through building cars/engines, mountain biking, showering and other activities and still looks great save for a few case marks and a bit of 'grind spatter' on the glass from using an angle grinder. I swapped the leather strap for a silicone deployant jobbie which is far more resilient.
I think it cost me a bit less than £500 around 5 years ago, they are perhaps a bit more now?
It's never off my wrist through building cars/engines, mountain biking, showering and other activities and still looks great save for a few case marks and a bit of 'grind spatter' on the glass from using an angle grinder. I swapped the leather strap for a silicone deployant jobbie which is far more resilient.
I think it cost me a bit less than £500 around 5 years ago, they are perhaps a bit more now?
Sycamore said:
Howdy
I'm office based for the majority of my job, however work as a Mechanical Design Engineer so I inevitably sometimes end up crawling around machines, measuring up parts and so on.
I'm looking for a nice looking watch that isn't going to look battered within a few months. Preferably automatic. I don't mind them looking well worn and accept they'll see general wear and tear.
Something along the lines of a Seamaster, Oris Aquis, Hydroconquest, but a bit hardier maybe?? That being said they could well be the answer and I'm just underestimating them.
I like the idea of a Ball Engineer series, simply because....engineer, but can't help but think it'll end up getting a bit battered still.
I know the answer that most would go with is simply a G-Shock, but I'd still rather something that looks like the above.
Any ideas/suggestions much appreciated
If you are rough with a watch, they will all look battered. They will all scratch up just the same. Some watches look better than others beaten up, 5 Digit SS Rolex on Oyster for example. If you 'really' want a one watch for everything, stick with something that is simple and all SS. Aluminium bezels will get beaten up (but usually cheap to replace) and ceramic will get scratched.... I'm office based for the majority of my job, however work as a Mechanical Design Engineer so I inevitably sometimes end up crawling around machines, measuring up parts and so on.
I'm looking for a nice looking watch that isn't going to look battered within a few months. Preferably automatic. I don't mind them looking well worn and accept they'll see general wear and tear.
Something along the lines of a Seamaster, Oris Aquis, Hydroconquest, but a bit hardier maybe?? That being said they could well be the answer and I'm just underestimating them.
I like the idea of a Ball Engineer series, simply because....engineer, but can't help but think it'll end up getting a bit battered still.
I know the answer that most would go with is simply a G-Shock, but I'd still rather something that looks like the above.
Any ideas/suggestions much appreciated
The closest I get to your type of work is doing car mechanics and Buidling/Decorating. In those scernarios I always wear a plastic watch, not just for durablilty but for safety. I was always taught to not wear a watch or at least wear a plastic watch. WHY? In an emergency, if you hand gets caught, you can pull your hand and free it as the plastic watch will break off. A metal bracelet watch may not be so easy to pull back....
My work watches used to be G-Shocks but even now, I find them bulky and this is now my default work watch, paid £13 on sale.
How about this proposal, get a Metal G-Shock (much slimmer than other G's) for work and save the nice watch for evenings or times you know you wont be crawling around machinery?
I think this looks great and was on sale for £140 recently.
Edited by Ninjin on Wednesday 4th May 10:08
Edited by Ninjin on Wednesday 4th May 10:27
I know you said no Gs but the casioak is a great legible watch and unlike most Gs it's not huge and chunky.
Failing that I'd get a Sinn 556.
It will get marked up but they wear it well....
Also I believe Sinn can on request beadblast these come service time which would hide a multitude of scratches.
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