Jeff, that Hublot is absolutely gorgeous!

Thanks for all the input. I've never really thought about this stuff before and have definitely learned a few things! Think I'm going to go for a bog-standard Omega Speedmaster Pro. At 42 mm, it's bigger than my current watch, but not too big. Also skews a bit more towards function over ornamentation, which I like. 

 

You cannot go wrong with and Omega Speedmaster, that one /\   /\    /\   /\  is a real beaut!

 

 

All of Jeff's watches are beautiful as well.

if you're going to go with that, you should consider a 1963 black and white rolex cosmograph.

 

Stretch, make sure you get the manual wind.  It will have better resale value among purists.  Here is my source for Omega watches:  http://www.bernardwatch.com/Omega/Speedmaster

 

I have always had good experiences with them.

As much as I like the look of the Rolex Daytona, that is one of the few watches that looks better with a steel band than a leather band to me.

Stretch, make sure you get the manual wind.  It will have better resale value among purists.  Here is my source for Omega watches:  http://www.bernardwatch.com/Omega/Speedmaster

 

I have always had good experiences with them.

 

 

Yup. I have the automatic one with the module. Now I lust for the original. Although the auto can be got for cheaps. It's 38mm if you find the big version too big. But 42 is by no means huge by today's standards.

First post in this thread (I think.)

 

Have worn one watch for the last 13 years since I got it as a present from my wife -- a plain stainless Rolex Oyster Perpetual.

 

Wouldn't mind branching out a bit and quite like the idea of something slightly larger and more rugged, in the Submariner/Seamaster mold. Much bigger than that -- Panerai etc. -- I find a tad too assertive.

 

Would welcome suggestions. Budget flexible, but I'm not looking for something expensive just for the sake of it.

 

Thanks Case.

 

 

 

They may not have one in the Submariner/Seamaster mold but take a look at RGM Watches.  Made in America and he makes his own movements in house.  Something a bit different...

 

http://www.rgmwatches.com/

Had not heard about RGM. Very cool.

Those are some beautiful, desireable timepeices.........and inexpensive too!   using the Jeff cost index.

Edited February 21, 201313 yr by Augsburger

Had not heard about RGM. Very cool.

 

I had an RGM and hated the buying experience.  The watch arrived and stopped working 3 days later.  I sent it back to RGM and they say I will have it back in a week.  Three months go by, with them ignoring my emails the whole time, and I finally call them.  Their answer is that watch is having problems keeping time over the course of a few days and they cannot figure it out.  My response is "Holy shit, dude, this is an relatively expensive timepiece."  They will not give me my money back or any other reasonable accommodation   I got the watch a few days later and it seemed to work fine while I owned it, but the buying experience was not good.  I sold it with full disclosure and a huge discount to the buyer.  

Edited February 21, 201313 yr by CherryBomb

This is a pretty hot traditional-ish automatic (they usually do something terribly modern) from Android:

Thanks for all the input. I've never really thought about this stuff before and have definitely learned a few things! Think I'm going to go for a bog-standard Omega Speedmaster Pro. At 42 mm, it's bigger than my current watch, but not too big. Also skews a bit more towards function over ornamentation, which I like. 

 

 

Here is a good deal on manual wind Speedy: http://www.bernardwatch.com/Omega/Speedmaster-Moon/OMG2017

I had an RGM 300 and hope to own another one of these days.  I bought mine used and owned for probably 6 months, maybe a year without issue.  I had limited dealing with RGM and they were all good but I do not know their reputation for service issues.  They make a nice watch. 

 

Stretch, the Speedy is a nice watch.  I owned one for a while but it was a 39mm and a bit small for my tastes.  I assume you are looking at the 42mm version.

For complicated and boring reasons involving the South African agent for Omega and an unadvertised price rise, I never got the Speedy after all. The dealer did have a SeaMaster A/T Chrono in stock and gave me a very nice discount on that by way of apology. While it doesn't have the same backstory cachet, I actually like the fact that it is a little smaller and (arguably) dressier. So all's well that ends well.

 

That's a pretty classic watch in it's own right.  Hard to go wrong with a seamaster.

That's a sharp looking watch!

I love the Omega AT.  

Nice.  The SeaMaster is one of my favorite watches.

Not that my approval matters, but you've got it.  I've wanted a Seamaster for a long time (Bond Fanboi) but have never gotten around to pulling the trigger.

I like this one a lot too, so not a bad deal at all in my book. Congrats

So the band on my Suunto Core is breaking and rather than replace it with another rubber strap I'm wondering what some other good alternatives might be?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  I'm thinking fabric, not leather.

Get a Nato or Zulu strap.  If you let me know the lug width, I may have one or two I can send.  I have a bunch of Nato style straps that I do not use.

Mike, the lug width is 24mm.