_time_machine

I like a 'Peli Case'.

https://preview.redd.it/n3dfdekaj83c1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dd29918225faf44de29069f4cfa86a33cd489876

You can get 'em everywhere - from Amazon / eBay to watch sites like Hodinkee or Fratello. Light, rugged and safe.

Seiko is always a good place to start. A Seiko diver.

There's a few things to be aware of: Size. Most dive watches have a diameter of between 38mm and 44mm. The diameter is the standardised way at which a watches size is described.

If he's a small / slight guy try something around the 38mm to 40mm size.

If he's of average size 40mm to 42mm would be better.

If he's a big fella, 42mm to 44mm.

Seiko generally wear small because they have short lugs (the protrusions at each end of a watch where the bracelet / strap attaches) so you'll probably be ok no matter what you choose - but it's best to err towards smaller rather than larger, but irrespective of the diameter of the watch there is another measurement that is more important to how a watch wears.

The 'Lug to Lug' length is the most important metric. That's the distance of the watch from end to end; from lug tip to lug tip. Don't buy anything under 44mm if he's a big guy, or anything over 47mm if he's a small guy. If the lug to lug length is not listed under the watches specs just do a google search.

A few other things - don't buy from a jeweller or mall unless it's discounted. Online sellers are often substantially cheaper. Either do a google search or ask on here for the best online seller in your area of the world.

And lastly, if it's an option for you to have him choose the watch, do that. Watches are a very personal item and how they feel on the wrist is a big part of it - if possible, have him see the watch in person and try it on before you buy. You can do this in store and buy online obviously.

Hope this helps; good luck! ☻

Yeah - good calll.

Something from the DS PH range if they've got the wrist (have you seen the new DS PH1000m release btw? Especially the LE).

Very, very well built divers for the money from this brand.

If you don't have the wrist for something from the DS PH range you can do a lot worse than the Action Diver - particularly in Ti.

Don't buy watch guys 'a surprise'; let them choose.

I think this is an opportunity to obtain a very special watch in terms of sentimentality ... bought with money from an uncle who's a watch guy and facilitated by your father - it's got all the ingredients to be 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 watch.

I'm not sure that you can beat a re-issued Seiko diver from the ProSpex range in terms of sentimentality. We all love a (relatively) inexpensive rugged watch, for Weekends, holidays and general wear - especially when young. Buying pricier watches from premium brands is often a milestone marker; they become special for a different reason. I like the idea of taking the opportunity to make your unremarkable watch remarkable via sentimentality.

I reckon there's a watch for both of them - the same watch, for all 3 of you even.

My choice would be one of the 62MAS reissues in the ProsSpex range. ☻

I'm increasingly drawn to Tudor and (to a lesser extent) Longines. I'm also drawn to Serica; their newest GMT release is a cracker.

I identify with Tudor over Rolex as a brand - Rolex makes me roll my eyes a little; it's too ... easy, too obvious. Plus, Explorer and Explorer II excluded, I don't really like modern Rolex that much aesthetically. They're too ... overstated for my taste. All that shiny ceramic and sapphire and white gold on the dial.

The more toolish aspect of Tudor (and some of the Longines Heritage re-issues) are more to my taste. Tudors build quality is very good, perhaps 80% of the quality Rolex offer (at least) for a bit over 50% of the cost. Longines less so. The Spirit Range is well made, the Heritage re-issues less so and the difference in build quality to Tudor is immediately evident, making Longines worth the money when bought below retail and Tudor a relative bargain.

But that's all subjective, even theoretical. So if I was starting from scratch today and had up to $15K to spend what would I buy?

• Tudor Ranger

• Longines Avigation Big-Eye

• Serica 8315 GMT

• Certina DS PH200-m (Beater)

• Tudor Date-Day Jumbo (vintage)

• Longines Heritage Sector

Love a cyclops. ☻

The Octofinissimo comes to mind.

Q: Any quartz watches with quality dials?

A: ＧＲＡＮＤ ＳＥＩＫＯ! ☻

Plenty!

Don't right off Seiko as a 'lifetime' watch - particularly their divers. The longer I'm in the hobby the less I care about brand recognition (from a 'luxury' sense) ... and the more I appreciate my humble Seiko.

If you have the wrist for it, the Certina DS PH200-m (or 500m) is a cracker of a watch. The build quality, finishing and dial furniture punches way above its price point. The specs are pretty intimidating (42.8mm x 51mm x 12.5) but it feels like a 41 on wrist.

You'll probably get a pre-owned Longines Spirit for a little over $1K. It's a great contender for a lifetime watch. A real step up from the Hammies and worth saving/waiting for imo. It wears big though - long lugs - I've got 20cm / 7.75in wrists and wouldn't want anything bigger than the Spirit 40.

Most importantly - if there's a watch that you really want that's a little beyond you financially - save and wait - it's a much more satisfying way to collect watches. ☻

Another vote for a micro band from me.

Lorier are good - the Astra would suit your needs (based on your description).

Baltic are another as others have said, as are Traska and Farer.

If you are wanting something Swiss any of the entry level Swatch Group Brands are the way to go. The Tissot PRX or Gentleman, the Certina Action Diver, the Hamilton Khaki Auto and the Mido Ocean Star or TV Date are a good place to start.

Or Seiko. Especially the Prospex line - any Alpinist or Prospex Diver is really solid, respectable choice. And will last a lifetime. ☻