Alternatives to SARB017 (Alpinist)

[rodia77]

It looks like it's a returning topic for me (I only found this old thread through Google ), but the angle has changed.

(BTW, while doing my search I found out that around that same time a certain known culprit influencer was working to shift the balance towards Russian watches, notably with her Sekonda).

To the point.

First, why not the Alpinist: the golden accents. Golden is not me. If it was silver, I'd get one for each wrist (but I do realise it wouldn't go so fine with green then so we're talking a different watch already).

In a broad sense, this time I'm interested in adventure/expedition/exploration watches, and in particular:
- NOT a knockoff of/homage to Rolex Explorer (I looked through all the Smiths, Armidas, MWWs, Tiger-Concepts, Zenos etc, and while they don't look bad and may present good value for money, no thank you, I don't find following the suit like that appealing)
- automatic
- 38-41mm in diameter
- mixed numeric and non-numeric hour markers (can be 3-6-9-(12) or 2-4-6... etc)
- ideally, 1000 or less in whatever currency (new, not interested in pre-owned)

What has caught my eye so far:

SARG009 & SARG011:

(A tiny bit too much on the field side with the full-blown lume markers).

Victorinox Alliance:

(Om nom nom, but with this broad dial and narrow bezel it may wear a bit too much on the large side).

Orient Star WZ0021EJ:

(A strong candidate but rare these days and I'm not sure if I'll commit to a proper hunt).

Another Orient Star, I haven't ID'd this guy yet:


Orient Star WZ0091ER:

(The nickname 'Explorient' says it all, but it might also be a bit too small for me with 36mm dia).

Orient WV0901ER:

(Again, is it inspired, or is it not?)

Hammy Jazzmaster Viematic:

(This one's a bit too much on the dress side in turn -- or not?)

Anything else that comes to your mind or thoughts on the ones that I included here?
I really truly need this kind of watch so it takes me places while I'm stuck at my bloody desk!
(Pics shamelessly stolen from the webz).

[chuckmiller]

I don't know what it has for a heart but the Victorinox looks the best. Lugs, dial, hands, the works.

[crownpuller]

Sinn 556 in any of its many guises:

[rodia77]

I don't know what it has for a heart but the Victorinox looks the best. Lugs, dial, hands, the works.

They come in both quartz and auto, I saw both review on YT. Now, the auto didn't raise my suspicion, but the quartz had chrome-coated case to my eye. I wouldn't think they use two different kinds of cases for those but who knows. But if ordering within EU, I can just inspect it on arrival and send back hassle-free if the case is subpar.

Hmmm... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIcTdg54DwY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jV036G82qE

Sinn 556 in any of its many guises:

This one goes next to SARGs with being on the field or even field/pilot side, thanks.

[crownpuller]

This one goes next to SARGs with being on the field or even field/pilot side, thanks.

Still on the field side ?

[iyonk]

Before i finally fortunate enough to have my grail Alpinist.. (never thought that day would come true!) .. i have a teal dial very affordable Seiko 5 as my "poor man" Alpinist..
honestly.. i thought i would let it go after i own an Alpinist.. BUT i decide to keep it since i like it so much.. it run very accurate and reliable.. legible.. and i just like it..

[rodia77]

Still on the field side ?

On the no-mixed-hour-markers side!
And I'm on the picky side.

[CFR]

Trying to follow ALL your rules is not easy. Anyway, let's 'think out of the box' and take a look at these:


Unimatic watches ( https://www.unimaticwatches.com/u2-b/ )
Cons (IMHO): price - 480 euros all taxes included - and Seiko NH35 movement



Baltic watches:
Cons (IMHO): Miyota 821 movement @ this price?! - I do like this one quite a lot, though (price: 399 euros, all taxes included)




Other colours available. https://baltic-watches.com/three-hands

[I-B]

Orient neo series have cool faceted crystals







it's quarts tough, but they're affordable pieces and reliable

[I-B]

or Marathon?

36mm diver





39mmgeneral purpose mechanic