Something like a Seiko SARB035...

[whatmeworry]

One of the gaps I've never filed in my collection is what I've come to think of as the Datejust gap. What I'm talking about here is a watch on a bracelet that's kind of dressy but okay for with jeans too. A watch that isn't sporty at all and in some ways is kind of square, a watch your 60 year old retired uncle would where.
If I had the funds I probably would just get a DJ and be done with it,

(stolen pic)

But I don't.

The watch I've looked at in the past that fits this gap for me has been the Seiko SARB035. It ticks all the boxes - right sort of look (for some reason I've always visualised this kind of watch with a white or cream face), decent bracelet, good heritage, good size for me (37mm), good price, but something has always held me back... maybe it's the thickness (11.2mm), which is a little more than I'd like (although actually it turns out the DJ is 11.7, so maybe that's an invalid concern), or maybe its the fact that the dial is a bit too plain, apart from that over-engineered chapter ring.


(stolen pic)

So, any thoughts or recommendations? Should I go for the Seiko or keep looking?
My requirements are, aside from the look are:
Pale face
Bracelet
34-38mm diameter
Sapphire crystal
Auto
About $500/£350

Thank you

[geoffbot]

Seiko - I don't think there are (m)any other options, and that's lovely.

[iyonk]

I got this Orient for less than $150 on clearance.. (forgot the model number)
it is 38mm, sapphire, solid bracelet... but the movement doeesnt hack hand wind so might be a deal breaker for you... superbly accurate to within a couple of seconds/day though..
on its bracellet and on leather.

[whatmeworry]

I got this Orient for less than $150 on clearance.. (forgot the model number)
it is 38mm, sapphire, solid bracelet... but the movement doeesnt hack hand wind so might be a deal breaker for you... superbly accurate to within a couple of seconds/day though..
on its bracellet and on leather.

That's certainly an option! Thanks, I'll have a hunt for it

[Der Amf]

The smart daily wearer at that kind of price is a huge gap in the market, even when looking up to 42mm. I've peered into it many times, trying to find the same (but with a black dial)

For that kind of money you could find a minty Seiko from the late sixties of a higher grade than the SARB

How about a Certina DS Caimano? 38mm, available silver, numerals at 12 3 9, date at 6, 10.4mm thick

[Der Amf]

How about a Certina DS Caimano? 38mm, available silver, numerals at 12 3 9, date at 6, 10.4mm thick

Here's it being sold for £326
http://www.anytimewatches.com/en/cer...FezHtAodoHwAcg

[whatmeworry]

Here's it being sold for £326
http://www.anytimewatches.com/en/cer...FezHtAodoHwAcg

On paper that ticks all the boxes, but it just doesn't excite me

[Der Amf]

On paper that ticks all the boxes, but it just doesn't excite me

Yeah me neither

Bit prissy isn't it?

[whatmeworry]

Yeah me neither

Bit prissy isn't it?

Lol. Yes.

[Der Amf]

While I'm on the Certina site, this is 38mm too, though I suspect it's more expensive