Looking for a small(ish) beater, preferably analog

[JAFO]

For a mechanical watch, I would suggest the 40mm Invicta available for sale just above, or for slightly more, perhaps a 41mm seiko from the SNZG line - different numbers for different colours.

[suicidal_orange]

Wow, so many suggestions. I had forgotten just how much variety is out there in watch land

Can't help thinking divers' colourful bezels are not going to look good once scratched and dented/chipped and if Elliot Brown think even quartz needs extra bouncy bits I'm definitely avoiding automatics. Hadn't considered crown protection which many of the suggestions have - that's a very good idea and has been added to the requirements list.

Hardened titanium sounds great (not so cold early in the morning ) and the titanium Citizen has an interesting look, don't think it would pass the tank test though. And who knew they do quartz with 1/4 second jumps now?!

This is not going to be an easy decision...

[watchaholic]

I bought this Seiko 5 for the express purpose of having a beater work watch to check out the almost legendary toughness and value I had read about for years. From running a chainsaw to repairing all manner of modern farming equipment, I purposely show it no mercy. With lume rivaling others costing 10x it has for about $150, never missed a beat. Good luck in the hunt.

[Lavaine]

My first thought was a Hamilton Khaki Field. By it's nature it will still look good with some scratches and dings, and it's a very versatile watch.
In the same vein, are the G10, or a composite cased Marathon Navigator or General Purpose watch. The composite case is very casual though.
The Invicta in the F/S forum is a great option.
Seiko 5 or Mako would be a solid choice.
For a smaller analog G-Shock, the AWG-M100 is a decent option. I think its listed at something ridiculous like 45mm, but I think they measure 3-9 across the case guards. It wears more like a 40mm, and fits my 6 3/8" wrist just fine. My only issue with it is that it is only a 2 hander with digital seconds, which aren't terribly visible. Not ideal if a seconds hand is important to you.

[hgercek]

I would consider Boldr Venture.

[Bahnstormer_vRS]

I would consider Boldr Venture.

A good shout. Inexpensive, <40mm, Titanium, Military / Field watch style.

In a similar vein, there is a Marathon Navigator, composite case (super light), acrylic crystal (polish out scratches), tritium lume (permanent), in the sales corner waiting for the right, appreciative buyer.



Guy

Sent from my Xperia 5 using Tapatalk

[suicidal_orange]

Having reviewed lots of suggestions and given it more thought while browsing I've come up with this list of requirements (added to the OP)
£500 budget, significantly less is good
Used is good so I don't have to feel bad adding the first ding/scratch
Quartz (unless special anti-vibration is involved, which will probably blow the budget)
Crown protection
Recessed crystal, more likely to be scratched than smashed so sapphire is best?
Strap can't be fabric or leather due to getting wet/oily hourly - it will stink! Rubber is easier to clean and harder to damage, I usually prefer bracelet
Second hand and date are not required
I'm not a fan of the dual 12/24 hour dials popular on field watches

[Bahnstormer_vRS]

Elliot Brown Canford or Bloxworth then, on their EPDM (resistant to oil) rubber strap.

Unless they're too big.

Guy

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[Ian Mc]

Victorinox. I have one I wore pre retirement in oil/gas exploration & production (= rough life).
It survived well, sapphire glass recessed under bezel slightly, come with a protective bumper if you want to use it, quartz, accurate, easy to read, tank resistant!
The bezel is a bit of a scratch magnet, but it doesn't matter!

[monkeymax]

Here's another option... Back to G-Shocks, there's the GA-2100-1AER .

Not as thick as a regular G-Shock, some mods are now available if you do scratch it too much (though G-Shocks are for that), won't need babying and should last a while! I have an old G-Shock that has had a hard life (including plenty of mountain biking) and still rocking strong!

Otherwise Guy's suggestions of EB is probably spot on! See some of the things they've put those watches through.

Edit to add: I picked out a fairly standard colour that is legible. I'd love to see you get the all-red though!

[missF]

I have a CWC G10 that I'm ready to sell. Only thing is I'm not sure what the crystal is....

Edit - acrylic

[Victor88]

Lots of great suggestions! Will add one nonetheless: Citizen Promaster Tough. Monoblock case, 42mm, Quartz (solar), bracelet, sapphire, crown protection, well under 500.

https://www.citizenwatch.eu/nl/product/bn0211-50e/

Seems to check most of your requirements.

[watchaholic]

^^^^Agree with this one, well worth a serious look.

[Thunder1]

Try looking for a Wenger..this one has provided me w/ several trouble free years of yard work duty..paid $45.00 for it ..

[suicidal_orange]

Elliot Brown Canford or Bloxworth then, on their EPDM (resistant to oil) rubber strap.

Not sure about the size but mineral crystal is for bumps over scratches

Victorinox. ...The bezel is a bit of a scratch magnet, but it doesn't matter!

There's a carbon one on ebay, can't find any "well used" pics but I don't think scratches and dents will show much. Would be nice to try one on.

Here's another option... Back to G-Shocks, there's the GA-2100-1AER . ... I'd love to see you get the all-red though!

I bet you would The purple and blue I could get behind but the red looks unusable. Of those I'd probably go for the yellow but looks to be a genuine 45.4mm so too big. Waiting for shops to try some g-shocks on...

Citizen Promaster Tough. Monoblock case, 42mm, Quartz (solar), bracelet, sapphire, crown protection, well under 500.

Nice, another option that I might be able to try on before buying.

Try looking for a Wenger

I looked, didn't find any with that superb crown protection just divers and casuals. Maybe the casuals are tough? More research required...



As an aside how did UK watch shops operate when last they were last allowed to open, were you allowed to them on?