A little history of watches and several tips for purchasing the perfect watch. Black Bay P01, 42mm satin-finish steel case, brown leather, rubber and steel hybrid strap. Based on a 1967 prototype watch for US Navy divers codenamed the “Commando” which was not accepted into service, Tudor has now raided its archives to expand its ultra-successful Black Bay range with this unusual tool watch based upon that blueprint. Uniquely built for the world aquatic where underwater and surface exploration merge, the hefty P01 is rated waterproof to 200m while its bi-directional bezel is marked off in hours for navigating sailors to time their chart courses. The crown being set lower at 4 o’clock offers it protection from the rough stuff under or above the waves, but the watch’s most notable feature is the hinged end link system on the leather-rubber strap which locks into the bezel’s teeth to prevent accidental movement from bashes and knocks. If extreme water sports are your thing, this is your watch.
Let’s move on to the under 1000 USD category. With its big cushion case, knobby bezel and simple dial, the SRP777 is a faithful homage to the original Seiko 6309 “Turtle” from the 1970s and ’80s. But unlike the Turtle, the new watch is water resistant up to 200 meters (the old one was only rated for 150) and has an automatic movement with hand-winding capabilities. It’s a fantastic option for those who want the look of a vintage diver, but the capabilities and reliability of a modern watch. Want a new mechanical chronograph under $500? The Seagull 1963 is pretty much your only option. That’s no concession, though. It uses a hand-wound mechanical movement made by Tianjin Seagull Watch Co. (one of China’s best movement manufacturers), housed in a compact and authentically sized 38mm stainless steel case. When Citizen launched its mind-blowingly thin (less than 3mm) Eco-Drive One in 2016, it captivated watch enthusiasts, but with a price tag over $2,000, it was steeply priced. At under $500, and with a still crazy-thin case thickness of 4.7mm, the Stiletto is a fantastic compromise, given its sleek proportions and classy guilloche dial. Of course, that solar-powered quartz movement is also a gem, making battery changes a thing of the past.
This handsome, traditional timepiece pays homage to Tissot’s iconic 1943 collection. The Heritage boasts a topstitched leather strap with a stainless steel buckle closure to keep it steady and stylish on your wrist. The clean-brushed dial and vintage hands on the face also complement the watch’s vintage appeal. The Swiss-quartz movement ensures time accuracy to within a few seconds a year, and at 42mm, it’s understatedly elegant, calling for quiet attention rather than loudly seeking it. While being huge fans of the Jazzmaster series, we’ve also discovered another inexpensive Hamilton model that’s worthy of occupying space in your watch case. The Khaki Aviation Pilot combines some vintage design elements and Swiss ingenuity, while the brown croco-embossed leather accessorizes well with any pair of brown dress shoes, fitting snugly on the wrist.
WatchNerd aims to be the world’s go-to-source for watch enthusiasts to discover their perfect watch. Developed by watch lovers for watch lovers, it provides a smart, simple, and fun way to research the right watch for you. The team behind WatchNerd combines their passion for mechanical watches with their technological expertise, developing data-based solutions to give their community the confidence they need and deserve in a decision this significant. Their algorithm and data-driven approach allows them to proudly give unbiased advice, so users can find the watch that speaks to them, fully knowing all the most important information. Read extra details about WatchNerd.