I don’t consider 38mm a ‘big’ watch by any means, but if 38mm is what you’re looking for, look no further than the Seiko SARB033. What I didn’t realize at the time was that a smaller watch is actually classier and more versatile, as it’s more subtle and discreet. As my appreciation for watches (and my watch collection) grew, I began to appreciate the little aspects and nuances of a watch, more. While the SARB will forever hold a special place in my personal collection, I don’t believe you’ll be disappointed with any of the other alternatives on this list. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising.

This is mostly thanks to its black dial and black bracelet made of oh-so-durable ion-plated stainless steel. The Seiko 5 SNKL45 tops my list due to its ability to meet all of those criteria while being understated and attractive enough to look good in almost any scenario. But if the SNXS79 is your only watch, you might as well get the exact size strap to fit it, which is 19mm. If you like the grey dial, but prefer the polished bezel and metal bracelet, the SRPE51 has all of the above. If a black dial isn’t your thing, there are also a few different variations, such as blue (snk807), cream (snk803), and even green (snk805).This means that straps with quick release spring bars usually are a poor choice when looking to size up. Especially ask for pictures of the movement to ensure the correct movement is used, and that it is, in fact, a genuine watch. Rather than holding up your collection, this should be considered a background player in your watch wardrobe. Day window to show the day of the week including two language choices for the day (English and either Spanish, Arabic, Kanji, Chinese, French, German, Danish or Roman Numerals). A matching black date wheel ensures continuity throughout the entirety of the dial, with no harsh visual breaks like some other watches tend t have.

Regular Seiko 5s more often have only 30 or 50 meters of water resistance, and often include the 7S26 movement.It houses the 7S26 caliber with 21 jewels, running at 21600 bph with an accuracy of +45/-35 seconds per day. Traditionally these watches are more affordable than some of the grails we share but one thing remains universal. They have a hardlex crystal which isn’t as scratch resistant as sapphire, their included bracelets and straps are mediocre and sometimes downright uncomfortable, and the included 7S26 is reliable, albeit basic, and can be inaccurate. With its 37 jewels, heirloom-worthy movement, screw-down crown, and timelessly elegant dial, this could easily become the crown jewel of your collection.

Its multi-faceted beveled indices paired with the glossy black dial reflect light beautifully, and its case and bracelet have a wider variety of contrasting finishes. It’s the kind of dive watch that doesn’t smack you in the face with its dive watch-ness, making it yet another wear-anywhere option. Sunburst watch dials can be a bit flashy, as they vary greatly in different lighting conditions, while glossy or matte dials usually look rather neutral. Taking a look at this particular model, the SRPE53 is part of the “DressKX” lineup, a nickname given as it’s a dressier version of the SKX one of Seiko’s most popular dive watches of all time. With so many automatic Seiko watches out there, choosing the best is like shooting fish in a barrel.The craftsmanship that goes into Grand Seiko watches, however, is perfectly capable of rivaling Rolex. In my opinion, the 79 is the most ‘rich’ and ‘luxurious’ looking, though the blue version looks good also. In late 1990s I purchased a Seiko battery Chronograph which is a great watch as well no probs at all no servicing just a battery change every 5 years. Keep on reading to learn more about what makes these such great alternatives, and others to consider. It has folded links, feels light, cheap and jangly and adds no additional heft or feeling of security when wearing it on your wrist.

This watch is a strap monster, and the neutral silver-white dial means you can really have fun experimenting with different colors as well.This is the case with every mechanical watch, as its series of tiny mechanical parts need to occasionally be cleaned and lubricated to run properly. Overall, the Seiko Prospex Alpinist SBDC087 is a watch that passes equally as dressy or sporty, depending on the strap you wear it on. It doesn’t have any screws, or even pushpins, like most bracelets, so sizing it can be extremely difficult. It exhibits: slender stick-style hour markers, a silver dauphine handset and a day-date display window that is positioned besides the 3 o’clock marker. The Seiko SNXS79 has rather unusual dimensions that, on paper, don’t really reflect how the watch wears.