Obviously has to have some good WR! 200m is bit overkill but you never know when a deep dive may come up.
A timing bezel is also a must as I use it several times per day as well as the date, I forget it several times a day.
A brushed/matte steel finish (this happens to be titanium) or at least be able to look good beaten up. Such as you’d polish a datejust, but a sub can pull it off.
Needs to be slim that slides under jackets and doesn’t get hung up while fixing the plumbing, trimming the bushes etc. For me that’s 12.5mm thick max.
A clean quick to read dial, no paragraphs or huge logos, fancy markers or hands but doesn’t have to be sterile like this either.
I’ve just learned every tool watch needs drilled lugs! It is so nice after diving into dishes to be able to quickly and easily switch to a dry strap.
I like it to be mechanical and this is my first Miyota, so far runs great. I’ve got a Ronda 150 that has very consistent time too. I beat on my Sellita and ETA too but I try not to make a habit of it. I personally would go with quartz over an nh-35 due to thickness and 21,600
So, what’s your mechanical beater?
This is a Redux & Co HONNR, I’ll do a post on it soon, still giving it the shake down.
I switched from nato to the watchsteward straps. They’re just a touch stretchy and don’t have the excess strap or add to the height. They don’t offer the protection from a spring bar failing like a nato but I’ve never had that trouble thankfully.