Newbie seeks watch, vague list of criteria

[Rockies1978]

Greetings all, I'm interested in purchasing a watch but I have only a very vague and scattered view of what I'm looking for. Wondering if this list brings something to mind for anyone:

1. Would like to keep it less than $100, actually would love to keep it under $75. But this isn't a hard limit. If a really great option were available for more, I'd consider it.

2. I like divers, or watches that are diver-esque. But this isn't essential either. E.g. Watches that have a basic diver build but have compass directions on the bezel instead of minute increments are cool (saw a seiko like that recently).

3. Actually I'm much more of a mountain person than an ocean person, so I feel a bit of a poser wearing a dive watch. But whatever, it's just a watch right?

4. I like stuff that's a little on the big/chunky side. I tried on an orient mako (the regular, not the xl) and found it too small. That said, I have dainty little wrists (I was once told my wrists befit a man who lifts a teacup from a saucer--that man was my dad), so it can't be too huge. I also tried on a swiss legend (I know that's an awful brand) and I felt like a pimp wearing it--and not in a good way. 42 mm might be a minimum. Not sure what a maximum would be.

5. A little color would be nice, but not too ostentatious. Perhaps a nice blue dial, for instance.

6. It'd be nice to have a less pedestrian brand than Casio or Timex. But I'm not opposed to Casio or Timex if that's what the best option is. I am, however, opposed to being the kind of man who would oppose Casio or Timex based upon brand name alone. So like points 1 and 2, I'm flexible here.

7. Something I can wear to work. However, I've garnered the reputation of being the "dressy" one in the office simply because I opt to wear a tie Monday through Thursday. So the bar being set here isn't terribly high.

Stuff I like: the momentum M1 divers, some of the bigger seikos (not the sub 40mm Seiko 5 dress watches but the monsters and miscellaneous divers), some of the bulova marine stars (I know a lot of these are probably out of my price range, but that's the general style I like).

Stuff I don't like: pepsi bezels--they remind me too much of America's red state/blue state political discord, mesh bands, narrow bands, anything with gold accents, overly busy dials (citizen skyhawks give me migraines)

Thanks for suggestions!

[adamskater]

Casio g-shocks are great value for money. With either the square cases like 5600 or the rounder 9300. Should be available at close to $100.
If you want the dive look, size and color the orange monster weard well. Automatic movement, but a used one might get you above the $100 by some more than you intended.

If you are set on the compass bezel the Orient Excursionist is something
(http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/2011/3/...ble-rugge.html)
Is close to $150 but fills a lot of your demands.

All said, these are watches I owned and loved in their own way, with the quality off the orange monster as the definite favourite.

Happy shopping!

[nmadd]

I was going to suggest the Make but as that's too small for you, the XL. Only if you're not opposed to buying used that is. I saw one up from sale last week for $100. You'll likely need to be patient though.

3) I live a thousand miles from the ocean a wear a diver nearly every day. :thumbup:

[gagnello]

The orient mako XL is probably your best bet. Your budget is a bit tough though so you'll probably have to go used. If you could stretch it a bit, this Seiko 5 would probably be up your alley. Don't know if it's still available but it doesn't say sold.....

FS: New Men's SEIKO 5 DIVER SPORTS AUTO 23J 330FT Watch SNZH53K1 SNZH53