Alternatives To Rolex Explorer, IWC Mk12, Please!

[piscator]

My ol' eyes are asking for an "easy read" dial, so I'm looking for a watch like the Rolex Explorer, but with a date complication. The IWC Mk12 is just about perfect, but it seems crazy expensive for a "military" watch. Another "mil-spec" style watch might work, but browsing the web I can't seem to find a suitable alternative. Could you folks offer some suggestions and/or post a few photos?

Here's what I'm looking for:

Size: 34mm to 38mm
Casing: stainless
Dial: Black with white (luminescent) markers, numerals
Hands: Large, white (luminescent)
Date: I like a date function
Movement: Auto
Water Resistance: swim-able
Style: classic, traditional
Age: vintage or new

Help would be sincerely appreciated!

piscator

[GlennO]

What price range are we looking at? For less than $1k i really like my Omega Dynamic (1997-1999) which has a highly legible dial. 36mm case. They come up for sale occasionally. There's the Sinn 656 (or 556) at 38mm. Rather small date window though. Or how about a 38mm Hamilton Khaki Field auto.

[jason_recliner]

What about a Damasko DA36?



Or, for an excellent budget alternative, there is always the superb Seiko 5 'Militry':

[MMarcB]

Timefactors Speedbird comes to mind....

[huntershooter]

Mk XV IWC is 38mm. Don't know if I'd swim in it though (rated at 50 meters).

[Paperclip]

Since you mentioned the Explorer, how about this MKII Vantage?



It's 39mm though.

[jwalther]

Omega Railmaster, in your choice of 36 or 39mm.

[Raza]

The Railmaster is a gorgeous watch. The MKII is also an excellent choice, as is the Hamilton, previously mentioned. I have nothing else to add to this line of discussion, unfortunately.

[v76]

This watch meets all your criteria (except perhaps the WR which is just 30m). Definitely wouldn't swim with this one:


GP Classique Elegance (ref. 49570)

[siodad]

Archimede makes a couple of watches that would probably meet most, if not all of your requirements. Take a look at the Pilot and Outdoor models. The Outdoor is currently sold out, but should be available again in early 2011. A picture of the Outdoor borrowed from the Archimede web site is attached.