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Diver Recommendations?

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For my next watch, I'm looking to get something on a stainless steel bracelet with a black dial. Something I can wear dressed up with a collared shirt or with a t-shirt and jeans. I'm leaning toward a diver of some kind, but I'm open to other styles, too. Some brands that have stood out and are within my price range (ideally $300-$800 or so) are Revue Thommen, Hamilton, Glycine, Steinhart. Do you guys have any advice of specific watches or brands I should look into? Thanks in advance!
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ZcityUp
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BDCT97
1
Sep 21, 2019
PS, if you want budget Orient has some nice models
BDCT97
1
Sep 21, 2019
I second the Glycine Sub, meets the technical specs, and the looks
Skyblue314
21
Sep 18, 2019
Another vote for the Glycine Combat Sub! The watch isn't as bulky as the dive watches from Seiko, has a very nice coin edge bezel, keeps wonderful time, and the low profile looks classy enough to wear with a suit.
kpjimmy
12656
Nov 28, 2018
Ok gonna throw some micros in the mix because that's how I roll lol. The recent dressy divers that has recently caught my eye are the entire Lorier watch line. The Neptune gen 2 looks a bit modernized which isn't a bad thing and a fee other lines like the Hydra and Falcon which I may personally jump on later this year. The only drawback for some is that they all use acrylic crystals. Another micro, Traska is another that I am warming up to. Especially with the anti scratch coating on them.
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ZcityUp
603
Nov 28, 2018
kpjimmyDefinitely liking those Neptunes! I ended up getting a Christopher Ward Trident C60, but I'll keep this in mind in the future.
kpjimmy
12656
Nov 28, 2018
ZcityUpI am most likely getting one of the Falcons or Hydra's, can't decide lol
Dlneese
6
Oct 19, 2018
Take a look at niche Aragon divemster.
BoroBoro
23
Oct 19, 2018
Glycine Combat Sub
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Toby1933
2
Oct 20, 2018
BoroBoro My combat sub arrived today. Longer minute hand, wings logo chrome, white outline date window, black rubber strap (old crown relief ) but also with the drilled lugs. My Vanuatu is a def 42mm. This case is 41 tops not 42 mm
BF_Hammer
717
Oct 17, 2018
You just missed on the Orient Mako II drop, which I endorse. I am a fan of the newer Orient movements that hack and handwind. The last drop was well under your budget too.
Currently there is the Revue Thommen GMT drop, and there is a black dial/black bezel option on that. I realize it is a GMT and not a diver, but the similarities are obvious and I think the GMT is just a bit classier. It really is a nice price for an automatic Swiss GMT movement, despite the comments I am reading bashing it for being a homage.
ZcityUp
603
Oct 17, 2018
BF_HammerI actually have an Orient Ray II already haha! My favorite watch in my collection. Now I'm sort of realizing a straight up homage might not be right for me. I want something with a classic diver look but with a flair of its own, if that makes sense. Thanks for the input though!
CJ27
118
Oct 16, 2018
If you're looking at divers, I would go ahead and second the suggestion on a Squale, 20 or 30 Atmos model. Clean, classic looks, ETA workhorse movements, and generally great quality all around.
Fun Fact: Squale originally existed as a case manufacturer, providing cases for other Swiss watch makers, and their dive watch cases were highly sought after, often with the manufacturers they produced for advertising they were made with Squale cases. Squale then decided (at some point, not sure when) to do their own watches end-to-end. The divers they make today use pretty much those same case designs today, as I understand it.
ZcityUp
603
Oct 16, 2018
CJ27Nice, sounds like I should look into Squale. I heard that some people hate them, though? Or see them as gimmicky or something? Is that true?
CJ27
118
Oct 16, 2018
ZcityUpI've never heard that myself, but I tend to avoid the negative folks where I can. :)
I think in some ways, people like to look down on them because they're not a huge "name" swiss watch, nor are they extremely overpriced, so people who are looking to have a status piece can't rely on the Squale to fit that role for them. I've heard the same complaints against other Swiss watch names in the same price point. The fact is they're well-made, use proven movements (ETAs and/or Sellitas, afaik) and do their jobs well.
The only thing I'd watch out for is just how they feel on the wrist. Depending on the sizes versus how the lugs shape to your arm, bracelets, etc, it just might not be your thing... it's the same for any watch though.
Vincent.H
1698
Oct 12, 2018
Look into Squale as well. Interesting & unique designs, solid construction, affordable prices. Got a pretty nice cult following and most enthusiasts will know the name too, if you care much about name recognition.
http://www.squalewatches.com/default.asp
neilshafton
21
Oct 14, 2018
This is one series that I do love from Invicta because it's a nice homage to Soviet Cold War theme and the Navy and Submarines that were used and also divers used for underwater ship repair or retrieval . This has a ETA 2836 and a pretty cool level mechanism which works like a vault door to lock, seal and protect the glass case back. These levers also lock into place the cage that protects the Sapphire crystal on the front of the watch.
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PetrosD
3702
Nov 28, 2018
I will third the Squale. Fantastic watch. Build quality is second to none, especially at the price point. My 1545 30 Atmos is one of my favorites to wear both dressed up and casual. Yes, it's a Submariner homage, but the newer models have changed handsets and look less so.
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I bought mine from Gnomon and recommend them as a good dealer of Squale. I don't have experience with the 1521 model but know from some forums that it's highly regarded. http://www.gnomonwatches.com/watches/squale-watches
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