Which Watch Most Durable, Rugged reliable...your opinion

[EXP]

I have a vintage Rolex GMT, I don't what to wear it anymore while I'm doing yard work, Mountain biking, swimming, ect ...
I am looking for a watch I can put on and leave it on and not have to worry about it getting damaged or scratched.
Wondering what you wear and how it stands up to the abuse. Looking for a clean and simple design, automatic moment , quick and easy to read time
Thanks

[Geobmx4life]

Re: Which Watch Most Durable, Rugged reliable...your opinion

G-Shock...I've owned a few different med end watches that didn't stand up to my "activities" G-Shock is cheap and has been on my wrist unscathed for 2 yrs!

[Kor]

Re: Which Watch Most Durable, Rugged reliable...your opinion

You probably want an automatic stainless diver (so the bezel protects it from impacts), sapphire crystal so it won't scratch, and don't spend too much in case you wreck it.

Personally I don't like the looks of divers, but if you're OK with them, it's your best bet for a rugged design. Most have a simple face, and divers are very waterproof, often have screw down crown, so you can swim without worrying.

Another option would be a rugged military design or pilot watch. Again easy to read faces and often have a bigger metal case and bezel that will protect the watch from impacts if it's designed to be rugged.

Some of the better brands for a budget automatic like that:

Orient
Seiko
Hamilton
Christopher Ward
Mkii
Tissot

There are also some cheaper well built military style watches from gnomonwatches.com like Archimede, Aristo.

You can get such a watch for < $500 and probably <$300 even if you're not picky about the look.

It will have a mass produced movement but IMO completely the best choice as an everyday watch that you can abuse, and if you break it you will only be out the cost of a couple nights out.

When I'm out doing activities I wear my Seiko SARB033 from Japan

[sabbySC]

Re: Which Watch Most Durable, Rugged reliable...your opinion

Timex works and survives abuse. it's just not cool enough for watch afficionadoes afaik.

[Vulcan]

Re: Which Watch Most Durable, Rugged reliable...your opinion

I have been wearing a Sekio self winding watch for about the last 4 years. Picked it up at the Bay. It was a $400 watch they had on sale for $300 plus if you signed up for their CC you got another $50 off. For $250 it has been a great watch that I wear everyday.

[All_Euro]

Re: Which Watch Most Durable, Rugged reliable...your opinion

Timex... takes a lickin' & keeps on ticken'... or was that just back in the day?

[Stonewall]

Re: Which Watch Most Durable, Rugged reliable...your opinion

I have a cheap ROOTS watch I wear every day. Has analog and digital and has survived rather well. Best thing is watch bands are $15 or so mailed to you which reminds me that I need to order another one.

[popp]

Re: Which Watch Most Durable, Rugged reliable...your opinion

G-shock and Nixon 51-30 are my beat around watches. Not a roles but they sure are tuff

[bonfire]

Re: Which Watch Most Durable, Rugged reliable...your opinion

I really like the seiko, so simple and clean. I had some knock off 'military' watch for a long time, I think I paid $100 at a surplus store, and I beat the bajesus out of that thing. It seems I have lost it, but it was still kickin' when I saw it last.

[aliencurv]

Re: Which Watch Most Durable, Rugged reliable...your opinion

My tissot touch is unreal durable. I have a gshock and a few others that i used biking and crap, but nothing beats the tissot for durability. i mean, u can't swing a hammer at it, or ur pocket book will hate u. but the titanium casing is light. i have the titanium band, but it comes iwth a rubber band which is pretty durable and light. the titanium band is light also if u upgrade to that. the saphire glass screen doesn't scratch. and they have an amazing repair plan. you send the watch away once a year, they align it. clean it. and repair it. they send it back to u with a very reasonable bill. i've had my touch for 4 years and maintenance has been quite reasonable. i think i've spent a total of $200. i've had the titanium shell polished. one of the buttons replaced. and the battery replaced.