Advice for decent diver for ex-army warrant officer

My daughter is looking to buy her husband a decent watch to commemorate him leaving the army.
He is a WO1, a sergeant major basically.
I'm out of touch with boutique or mid range watches so hope you don't mind my reaching out.

He has a Garmin smart watch and a couple of cheapies, but she want's to get him a nice, solid, preferably divers watch with good solid build and great legibility.
He likes diver style watches, a decent lume and legibility, and quartz or mechanical is fine.
Preferably nothing above 42mm, possibly up to 45mm, although it depends on how big the watch wears (lug length/top lug to bottom lug is more critical than width), he's got beefy arms but not particularly thick wrists.
She has been eying up watches with a military link or image, although that's not essential. No need for stealth/PVD finishes although wouldn't rule them out if they're nice.
He needs to be able to at least swim in it, preferably dive in it, although again not essential, so long as it's around 300m+.

One option is the Nite 'Alpha' Horizon , so something chunky but nice looking, good materials with excellent build quality.

Pre-owned is also an option if it's in excellent condition and offers better bang for buck than new.

So, can I please ask for any suggestions as to what is around that might tick the boxes?

Oh, the budget is around £600.

Thanks in advance guys.

Can any of the Doxa 200s be had near that price?


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Steinhart titanium 500.

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Surely the CWC diver fits the spec?

CWC quartz diver. Military link, ultra legible, bomb proof.

https://www.silvermans.co.uk/collections/brand-cwc

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Originally Posted by JasonM

Surely the CWC diver fits the spec?

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That would be my advice as well.

Or a Seiko turtle.

PRS-82

Let him choose his own. I know it spoils the surprise but, there is nothing worse than opening a box to find a watch that you absolutely hate and realising that you will have to wear it for the rest of your life.

Scurfa Diver One Titanium in black would be my recommendation. Currently sold out, but more stock will come at some point.

If she can wait a few months try for the MS-24 special edition version.

Likely about £300.

https://www.scurfawatches.com/catego...hes/diver-one/

Some great suggestions, the Steinhart 500 is particularly nice and looks great bang for buck.
The CWC is great, but there's something about the bracelet fitting onto the head that just doesn't gel to me, almost like an afterthought rather than flowing seamlessly.
The Doxa's are over budget unless there's a large discount to be had.

I have suggested letting him choose, but she really does want to surprise him and feels confident in knowing his tastes (I think I do to TBH so will try to steer towards something I know he'll like).

I'd have to agree with this, unless he's the type that would wear anything because she bought it for him? My brother in law is like that. He wears and loves this horrible Citizen chrono thing my sister bought for him and never even got the bracelet adjusted so it swings around like a porn star's chopper.

If he is likely to love anything she buys him then why spend £600?

She could tell him that's what she wants to do, show him the selection she's found and he can either choose one of those or they could shop for one together. Everyone's a winner :)

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Originally Posted by estoban7

Let him choose his own. I know it spoils the surprise but, there is nothing worse than opening a box to find a watch that you absolutely hate and realising that you will have to wear it for the rest of your life.

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Here is a thought when I left the Army (like a lot of us) I didnt want to wear or have anything military/looking.

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Originally Posted by TaketheCannoli

I'd have to agree with this, unless he's the type that would wear anything because she bought it for him? My brother in law is like that. He wears and loves this horrible Citizen chrono thing my sister bought for him and never even got the bracelet adjusted so it swings around like a porn star's chopper.

If he is likely to love anything she buys him then why spend £600?

She could tell him that's what she wants to do, show him the selection she's found and he can either choose one of those or they could shop for one together. Everyone's a winner :)

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I do agree TBH, perhaps I can convince her to show him links to the eventual 'shortlist' and see what he thinks. Minus price tags of course!

I may put a WTB on here as well, you never know.

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Originally Posted by bwest76

Here is a thought when I left the Army (like a lot of us) I didn't want to wear or have anything military/looking.

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Good point, although it's not essential anyway so I'm not overly worried.
I don't think she necessarily wants something 'tactical' so to speak, it's just that he's very much the 'action man' type, and a qualified survival instructor.

These are very nice.

https://i.imgur.com/0TnG1r8.jpg

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Originally Posted by Orange Peel

Some great suggestions, the Steinhart 500 is particularly nice and looks great bang for buck.
The CWC is great, but there's something about the bracelet fitting onto the head that just doesn't gel to me, almost like an afterthought rather than flowing seamlessly.
The Doxa's are over budget unless there's a large discount to be had.

I have suggested letting him choose, but she really does want to surprise him and feels confident in knowing his tastes (I think I do to TBH so will try to steer towards something I know he'll like).

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Im a bit confused because CWC divers are for NATOS or one piece straps, they have fixed bars.

As others have said, a CWC RN or SBS diver fits the bill here.

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Originally Posted by Orange Peel

Good point, although it's not essential anyway so I'm not overly worried.
I don't think she necessarily wants something 'tactical' so to speak, it's just that he's very much the 'action man' type, and a qualified survival instructor.

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In that case.

The reason I have one is because its grab and go,lightweight and slim.

Plus easy to read, a tried and trusted design,it also slips under the cuff with winter jackets and the like (unlike a macho, massive Gshock).

It also doesnt scream military unless you are in the know.

Get this one.


https://www.silvermans.co.uk/product...-matte-top-mk2

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Originally Posted by verv

Im a bit confused because CWC divers are for NATOS or one piece straps, they have fixed bars.

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Sorry, I think I’m confusing it with something else.

I think she/he wants it on a bracelet as he already has strap ‘beaters’.

Have a look at Elliot Brown watches, Holton Professional Collection, or the Bloxworth Heritage Diver collection could fit the bill.

Our hosts Smiths Commander (if you can find one).

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Originally Posted by 459GMB

Scurfa Diver One Titanium in black would be my recommendation. Currently sold out, but more stock will come at some point.

If she can wait a few months try for the MS-24 special edition version.

Likely about £300.

https://www.scurfawatches.com/catego...hes/diver-one/

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Whilst Scurfas and our hosts’ wares are very good products and may fit the bill, I fear they are a victim of their own success and the handful of people behind them work flat-out to satisfy the orders they get and there is a lot of unfulfilled demand.

For a non-watch person looking to buy a new watch as a gift, I’d struggle to recommend the ordering/buying experience and likely disappointment and unpredictability as it stands.

That said, as the OP says pre-owned may work, a WTB might well turn one up, although there are likely a plethora of options for ~£600 pre-owned.

The bit that’s hard to judge from where I sit is the balance between solid workman-like watches and whether “decent” means “nice” watches that could be worn with something other than a t-shirt. Many of the options so far and most I can think of in this price range tend towards the workman end, but happy to be corrected.

Still in that workman-like space would be some of the Seiko drivers; I suspect the better finished options are out of the price range and Seiko aren’t necessarily the value they once were. Things like the SPB143 or SPB315 should be around £600 secondhand.

Certina DS ph1000m

https://slimages.macysassets.com/is/...=855&fit=fit,1

Not for £600.

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Originally Posted by jk103

Certina DS ph1000m

https://slimages.macysassets.com/is/...=855&fit=fit,1

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Originally Posted by TaketheCannoli

Not for £600.

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Here 614.00 pounds. There are other sites just have to look around a little.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/c...xoCJzkQAvD_BwE

That’s in the US so add 20% VAT and customs charges. I have looked around at these and in the UK they’re almost impossible to find at less than £885. The one at Macy’s would end up at around £830 with shipping and all the other costs.

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Originally Posted by jk103

Here 614.00 pounds. There are other sites just have to look around a little.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/c...xoCJzkQAvD_BwE

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Originally Posted by Orange Peel

... One option is the Nite 'Alpha' Horizon ...

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Not a brand that gets any love on here, but I happen to think it's a great choice: I have one of the plastic/quartz Nite 'Hawk' watches and it has the best Tritium indices of any watch I've ever seen - it's actually better than my Trasers, and they're made by the company that makes the H3 tubes! The build quality of Nite's stuff is also really good, and it has the bonus of being a UK-based company.

I'd also be looking at Certina DS Action divers, Davosa Ternos or Argonautic, Alpina Seastrong, Edox Sky Diver Neptunian, and Bulova's excellent 'Devil Diver'.

Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba. Well made Swiss watch, ticks all the right boxes and looks the part.

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Originally Posted by threescoops

Whilst Scurfas and our hosts’ wares are very good products and may fit the bill, I fear they are a victim of their own success and the handful of people behind them work flat-out to satisfy the orders they get and there is a lot of unfulfilled demand.

For a non-watch person looking to buy a new watch as a gift, I’d struggle to recommend the ordering/buying experience and likely disappointment and unpredictability as it stands.

That said, as the OP says pre-owned may work, a WTB might well turn one up, although there are likely a plethora of options for ~£600 pre-owned.

.

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That's fair comment.

And as if by magic, a very nice blue dial titanium limited edition MS-21 has just surfaced on Sales Corner today .. only £180 delivered as well :-)

New Titanium bracelets are in stock on the Scurfa web site too for another £72 ...

If she could stretch a bit further the C60 Trident Pro from Christopher Ward comes in at £760 and they'll add an engraving for £30. If a dive bezel is not essential the Dune Automatic at £750 is a very good looking watch.

An advantage is that the 60 day guarantee makes it easy to get her money back if her husband doesn't like it.

https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...titanium-MS-21

This^^^^

Hi,

I think an assured and well built watch which will offer the original Diver style look with a more modern twist,(especially with the Blue bezel) and excellent value would be a brand new Sewills PRS44, tough enough for an action man like your candidate, smart and wearable with all types of attire.
(Also posted on WTB)

Andy

EB are very good, but what's not good is there daft lug-to-lug. 54mm is only wearable by a few. A shame, as I think otherwise they would be immensely popular.

Has this been suggested yet?

https://www.timefactors.com/cdn/shop...g?v=1706796938

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 459GMB

Scurfa Diver One Titanium in black would be my recommendation. Currently sold out, but more stock will come at some point.

If she can wait a few months try for the MS-24 special edition version.

Likely about £300.

https://www.scurfawatches.com/catego...hes/diver-one/

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These look decent, but don't they have a bracelet option? That's a firm requirement on this one?

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Originally Posted by Orange Peel

These look decent, but don't they have a bracelet option? That's a firm requirement on this one?

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Yes they sell bracelets for these

https://www.scurfawatches.com/produc...shed-titanium/


That, and the Scurfa for sale on Sales Corner would be a killer combo for £250 odd quid. These watches punch well over their price point in my opinion (I have two of them).

She could put the £350 left in the budget towards a nice weekend away city break or something :-)


Plenty of great reviews for Scurfa can be found online via google search, and on YouTube etc etc

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 459GMB

Yes they sell bracelets for these

https://www.scurfawatches.com/produc...shed-titanium/


That, and the Scurfa for sale on Sales Corner would be a killer combo for £250 odd quid. These watches punch well over their price point in my opinion (I have two of them).

She could put the £350 left in the budget towards a nice weekend away city break or something :-)


Plenty of great reviews for Scurfa can be found online via google search, and on YouTube etc etc

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Ah ok, that’s interesting and it looks a decent bracelet to.
Where can I find any info or pics on the Ms24?
Also do you know the difference between the MS23/24 and the standard Diver 1 D1-500 Titanium?
They look the same so is it the movement, or is it just an extra strap?
Thanks.

The Certina DS Action diver Ti )Powermatic 80) looks perfect but sadly over budget 😢

Take a look at the Squale 20 Atmos range and the Steinharts. 40-42mm size choices, colours and military themes. Squale has the bonafide service diver history obviously.

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Originally Posted by Orange Peel

Ah ok, that’s interesting and it looks a decent bracelet to.
Where can I find any info or pics on the Ms24?
Also do you know the difference between the MS23/24 and the standard Diver 1 D1-500 Titanium?
They look the same so is it the movement, or is it just an extra strap?
Thanks.

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My basic understanding (no liability :-) ) as follows ...

They do a limited edition every year. For 2024 I think there will be 150 blue dial and 150 black dial. In previous years there was only one colour, alternating annually between black and blue.

So the MS-21 (2021) was blue, the MS-22 (2022) was black, and the MS-23 (2023) was blue again.

For 2024 they are upping the production run as the watches have become a lot more popular after favourable reviews online. In previous years it was 100 only.

The main difference to the normal D1's is the bezel has a full minute track, and the hands are full white. You get an extra strap (NATO) as well as the normal rubber one. Last year he went with a better quartz movement as well (more accurate), which I believe will also be in the MS-24.

It's a small company. Husband and wife. Paul Scurfield is a commercial diver himself, and the watches were originally built for him and his colleagues to use in their deep sea diving jobs and hence are very well made. They all used to have Rolex Deep Sea's and as those shot up in price into the 5 figure territory, it become a bit silly to use them as tool watches, so he designed these so they had a good alternative.

It's a nice back story, and there is a good Scurfa community on Watchuseek, where they are discussed at great length (474 page thread and counting). https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/s...12873/#replies Possibly some MS-24 info/pics in that somewhere ... or maybe on Paul's instagram (link on their web site). I think it will be available about mid year.

They did a video for the MS-23 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7JiluLpKVI

Similar looking to the MS-21 on Sales Corner, but date wheel white rather than black.

Previous model info here -> https://www.scurfawatches.com/watch-archive/

Certina ds ph200m?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...12efe28f5b.jpg


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That Certina looks good.

Ordering for the Tornek-Rayville Type 7B "BlakJak" re-opens in March. Military tool watch, 42.5 mm case width, comes on a bracelet, 895 USD so near budget. Image from their website:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...632a0c1e4e.jpg

Edit: this is only 20 ATMs 200 meters, and is described as a dive capable field watch, so maybe not the best choice if you want 300m+.

This Certina (DS action diver 43mm powermatic 80 titanium) is looking favourite right now, although even with the best discount it's still £722.

https://www.certina.co.uk/watch/ds-a...c0326074405100

There's a minty looking used, blue-indices example on ebay at £600 and open to offers.

Scurfa is a good suggestion. I know its not a diver but what about the Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst series 2, decent watch with an army connection. is 1k though.

Love Certina watches but always found the lume a bit disappointing. Though I gather the blue ribbon quartz diver does have decent lume.
If he doesn’t want CWC I’d head straight for Seiko.
Also does it have to be new? I know it’s a special moment but 2nd hand prices are at their best for a while so you could get the Seiko mm200 second hand

How about this Citizen Promaster diver at £504?

https://www.fraserhart.co.uk/nb6021-...xoCMFoQAvD_BwE

This thread has an owner's review of the black version -

https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?p=6079572

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