£500-750 to spend on a medium sized automatic?

[RichB]

OK chaps, suppose I am looking for a small to medium sized automatic for everyday wear. Preferably around 36mm but certainly no bigger than 37.5mm. Leather strap, don't like bracelets, more dressy & business like so not a diving watch, and no Roman numerals (can't stand them on a watch - they belong on a clock tower). My son's got a Hamilton Jazzmaster 37mm which I like but I can't copy him so what suggestions do you have? I am really struggling to find what I'd call a normal sized watch among all the over-sized stuff these days.

Edited by RichB on Sunday 28th November 23:36

[Bohemianesque]

I'd recommend a Seiko SARB033 on a leather strap. Automatic, hand winds and hacks. It's a Japan only model, so rare over here and subtle. You can order from Seiya Japan (www.seiyajapan.com). Seiya san is a nice man, very prompt and friendly.

European alternatives could be a Nomos or Stowa (both nice). Hamiltons are good value and there are some pretty ones too.

[SimonMaidenhead]

Hiya Rich, hope you're looking after my car
0.5mm oversize but less than half price http://www.christopherward.co.uk/view-auto-s/c5skk... or maybe cheaper if know someone that can get a discount

[andy_s]

Have a look at the Sinn 556 and 656.

[ShadownINja]

I'm stumped. Will have to think about it as 37.5mm is small these days.

andy_s said:

Have a look at the Sinn 556 and 656.

They are huge watches.

If 37.5mm is his maximum size.

Edited by ShadownINja on Monday 29th November 08:41

[eccles]

How about a classy Longines Conquest re-issue? Seems to tick all your boxes.

http://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/product/longines-herit...

[andy_s]

ShadownINja said:

I'm stumped. Will have to think about it as 37.5mm is small these days.

andy_s said:

Have a look at the Sinn 556 and 656.

They are huge watches.

If 37.5mm is his maximum size.

Oh - thought they were 37.5 but they are actually 38.5, in which case they are far, far too huge.

(Although 'medium' I'd take as 37-40; maxing it at 37.5 restricts you a bit)

[ShadownINja]

andy_s said:

ShadownINja said:

I'm stumped. Will have to think about it as 37.5mm is small these days.

andy_s said:

Have a look at the Sinn 556 and 656.

They are huge watches.

If 37.5mm is his maximum size.

Oh - thought they were 37.5 but they are actually 38.5, in which case they are far, far too huge.

(Although 'medium' I'd take as 37-40; maxing it at 37.5 restricts you a bit)

I still can't think what to suggest unless secondhand is acceptable in which case, a dressy Omega Seamaster, maybe.

[adigra]

Oris do a nice line of classic watches in 37mm size. http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/Oris/Classic-watches

[RichB]

SimonMaidenhead said:

Hiya Rich, hope you're looking after my car
0.5mm oversize but less than half price http://www.christopherward.co.uk/view-auto-s/c5skk... or maybe cheaper if know someone that can get a discount

Hi Simon, yes your car is very comfortable thanks and Christopher Ward is good suggestion. Indeed I really like this one http://www.christopherward.co.uk/c3skk.html and given the inspiration behind it's design it would be rather appropriate except it's a quartz. I e-mailed CW (coincidentally they are in Maidenhead) to ask about this watch in 38mm with a mechanical movement but they said they see the market as being for 40mm+ and bigger so it's not likely to happen. Shame

[RichB]

andy_s said:

they are actually 38.5, in which case they are far, far too huge. (Although 'medium' I'd take as 37-40; maxing it at 37.5 restricts you a bit)

Correct It's my preference not to wear a large watch. From the 1930s - 1990s gent's watches were around 33mm-35mm which I consider the norm, aganst that 37.5mm is big and 40mm plus is like putting a pocket-watch on a strap I accept that the current fashion is for over-sized watches (see comment from Christopher Ward) but I'm simply not a fan, my current 15 year old quartz is 35mm, my JLC is 34.5mm (but gorgeous) and my grandad's 1930s long-service watch which I inherited is 36mm and these suit me just fine.

[RichB]

Thanks for suggesting the Oris & Longines, they both seem to have some possibilities. Of course, second hand is certainly an possibility which opens up more options.

[ShadownINja]

RichB said:

Thanks for suggesting the Oris & Longines, they both seem to have some possibilities. Of course, second hand is certainly an possibility which opens up more options.

If you really prefer such small watches (40mm is not oversized!) then the world of vintage watches is for you. There are some amazing watches out there in that price range.

[RichB]

ShadownINja said:

RichB said:

Thanks for suggesting the Oris & Longines, they both seem to have some possibilities. Of course, second hand is certainly an possibility which opens up more options.

If you really prefer such small watches (40mm is not oversized!) then the world of vintage watches is for you. There are some amazing watches out there in that price range.

Sounds like a plan, my JLC was vintage so I guess I was thinking new for my everyday watch but prepared to buy second-hand.

p.s. I don't want this thread to be about the size of watches per se but while 40mm+ may be common-place now, gent's watches over the decades have never been as big so that's why I consider them very large.

[CardShark]

Check out the Antea range of Stowa watches http://www.stowa.de/shop/cgi-bin/lshop.cgi?action=...

You'll be able to get a certified movement for your budget as well

[Miguel Alvarez]

I was in Goldsmiths yesterday and they had this on a range of straps.

http://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/product/oris-big-crown...

It looks a lot nicer in the flesh and from memory came in at £620. If they have a decent enough sale in January I may purchase one.