This is why Teddy is number one in watch UA-camrs. He never turned into a snob, he can afford Rolex’s or what ever expensive watches he wants but he still features watches that are 50$.
It’s funny cuz I would’ve never even considered how calling a watch a “beater” could be offensive to someone. I see that as a huge compliment towards the watch! It’s something that can withstand pretty much anything and is great for everyday use. The fact that he was so mindful of that made me appreciate how he’s not a snob and is a good guy who just loves watches
The best thing about Teddy's videos is every time there is a wrist on the screen its size is right mentioned in the corner helping people decide if they should buy a watch.
as an 18 year old with a very limited budget, i’ve managed to acquire 3 watches, all per teddy’s recommendations. my first ever was a timex weekender, which is my beater of choice. picked it up for $30 on ebay, and to this day it’s one of the best $30 i’ve ever spent. i also have an orient maestro as a dressier casual watch, and an orient mako ii that i sometimes wear like a beater as well, but not to the same degree as my timex. great content as always teddy!
I've been wanting a Mako! They're sharp looking watches! I've been wearing a red Kamasu for 6 months now and I love it! It's a beautiful watch! Hard to go wrong with orient.
That’s awesome! Right now I have a Casio A168 and a Timex Easyreader, also an 18 year old with a limited budget so I totally get you there. Do you recommend the 2 Orient watches that you own?
The ultimate beater though is the F91W. Costs less than my last takeaway dinner and is accurate to a few seconds every month, plus it has stopwatch function. Goated watch
Great stuff Teddy. I bought a SKX009 right before USAF survival school over 20 years ago, and it's been the epitome of a "beater" ever since. I finally gave it a companion in a Hamilton Khaki Auto almost 10 years ago and between the two of them, we've been all over the world and been used in all conditions. Every scuff and ding (and 3 broken crystals!) has a story, and the idea of a beater is very real in my mind. I may reach for other watches for a night out or a special occasion, but it's the beaters that are priceless to me.
I love it. A watch that appropriately fits your lifestyle and can come along with you during your experiences transcends any dollar amount. I am sure that SKX bezel looks well-loved and it is better because of it.
This is basically the opposite of those people who get an exceptionally durable watch, but are scared of letting it get scratched or taking it near water because it was expensive.
I have an SKX007 for nearly 15 years. What a tank of a watch! No matter how other watches I buy, this is one I can always come back to and rely on. Whether it’s casual wear, going for a swim or some outdoor activity it does it all.
Honestly the beater may be the most important piece in any collection. It’s generally wore the most, and arguably has to do the most. A beater has to be wearable, durable, and stylish at the same time. My beaters are a Casio worldtime, Casioak, and a Seiko solar diver when I want to have driver style on
bought a used regular quartz 5600 a couple years ago and it just somehow became the only watch I wore without ever really thinking about it. wore it to bed, shower, swimming with the kid, everything. Was a watch that I truly never had to think about, and was digital so I could read it instantly. Calendar never needs updated. Just adjust time every 6 months or so (only ever off by like 30 seconds really), and change it for DST. Gives me day of the week, month, and day of the month plus time with just a glance. Plus a light that I can see in pitch black whenever needed. Rough house all the time with the kiddo, he's smacked it with toys an endless amount of times and I've never even taken a look to make sure it was ok. Recently had to replace the band, also cleaned it realizing it got pretty grimey under the plastic cover. I don't even use half the features on it like timer and alarms, but nice that it has it. It's not a watch that I love, it's just a watch that became apart of me. The only time I ever take it off is gaming on the PC at night, cause I'm super anal when it comes to my gaming space. I've bought a couple other metal band watches since, and I wear them occasionally and for work sometimes. But it's tough for me to not come home and immediately put the 5600 on, simply because I've gotten so used to having it.
I'm like this with my duro. I only ever take it off at the gym when I need to wrap my wrists. In the past 2.5 years it's probably been on my wrist 99.5% of the time. Like total, I don't take it off for sleep or to shower or at work or anything.
I purchased a Citizen NY0040 black version with left hand crown from a dive store. This watch is on my wrist 24 hours a day. Gym, swimming, the full works. It's become my wonderful companion and it never lets me down. I love it ❤❤❤
Being a blue collar guy, if I’m going to wear a watch, it has to be robust. Beater watches are my whole world, not that I can’t appreciate an F. P. Journe. I’ll be using this video as a reference to check out new things. Thanks Teddy!
@magic804 I have a DW-5300 G-Shock that I bought new in the 90’s and recently restored, I couldn’t bear to mess it up though, sentimental value. I’m working on putting together a G-Shock square metal with a stainless steel Ali-Express kit. I recently saw a picture of one that was VERY worn and has taken on a steam-punk like patina that looked really cool. I’m a mechanic and I usually take my watch off at work, but this one I plan to leave on all the time. Even if I trash the module, I can just replace it.
Mine is the Christopher Ward Sealander. From all kinds of field work, to office meetings, to nights out with friends, it's my most worn watch for sure.
As a wood shop teacher, these “beater” watches make up the bulk of my collection and many are at the upper end of my price range! Lots of cool watches but I definitely think “utilitarian” watches is a better description than “beater”. After all, I don’t beat on any of my watches but I definitely utilize them for their intent as more of a workers watch. Nice watches but not flashy show stoppers. BTW Teddy, great watch choices! (As usual 😉)
I'm a mechanic and I daily a 5KX at work (SPRD95 to be exact). I tried digital but analog just works better as my pea brain likes seeing passage/chunks of time.
I have a Tag Heuer WN1111 classic that I bought new in 1997, before the LVMH buyout. I wore it daily for 15 years and still wear it at least once a week now. It's never missed a beat.
Sinn 556 is such a go anywhere do anything watch, with screw down crown and 200m of water resistance while being a pilot watch, and such a simplicity and versatility. I find myself wearing mine very often, and once I pick it up, is very hard to put it down for another watch as well. The Casio Duro is another crazy value watch.
Absolutely love this. I love watches, but work in a hybrid environment (half office half industrial) where my watches need to look somewhat classy, but also take a beating if needed. This list is perfect!
I've been obsessing over the watch world from the sidelines for a while now but am just not in a position to justify spending 1000s. I thought I'd dip my toes in and just picked up an SSK003 for myself today. As someone who's never really spent any time with a watch on my wrist, I'm obsessed. I can see this being my gateway into collecting and cannot wait to look back in a few years and remind myself of where it all started. Cheers for the great content, Teddy!
I'm a relative newcomer to watches. I used to wear a Citizen Eco-Drive with a bracelet on the daily. These days, I wear an Orient Kamasu, largely based on your recommendation for beginner mechanical watches. Thanks a lot, Teddy.
For thirty years my beater was a Rolex Submariner. Now it's retired, nestled within my collection of 30 timepieces. While it is the most valuable watch in my collection, it is only worn occasionally.
I love my Seiko Arnie and wear it all the time for all kinds of beater activities. I too have a 6.5 inch wrist and massive Arnie looks absolutely perfect.
I remember when I got the Pepsi bezel 5kx. Was my first real automatic watch that was a diver when I got into this hobby, and it was just at my budget range. I unboxed it and was in awe with all the little details, how it ticked. I fell in love with it! Was and still is my grail!
I'm a sucker for Casio watches. almost every watch i've ever owned has been a Casio. Started with some Ediface models but ended up with my current classic square G-Shock. It's everything i've ever wanted out of an everyday watch. Durable, reliable, functional.
My beater watch was also my first auto, a Seiko Srpg27. I wear it almost every day and sits proudly amongst my presages and hamiltons, scuffs and all. It reminds me of the work I put in that allows me to build and enjoy the collection I have.
Glad to know that I'mm on the right track! I built my recent collection with the idea of having mainly watches that could serve as daily drivers (i.e., suitable to multiple scenarios or be worn without much consideration). Indeed, can't go wrong with Seiko (SBDY085), Seiko 5 Sports (SRPE51), Casio (AE-1200 and MTP-M300D), G-Shock (GA-B2100) and Hamilton (H64455533)!!!
I got an SKX007 back in 1998, right around the time it was still pretty new, and I still have it. I’ve been waiting for it to fail every time I do the “seiko shuffle” and the watch all the hands spin unidirectional when I first start to set it, but it is still going strong! I don’t have a large watch collection (7) and I don’t have anything over $2k; and that is purely budget limitations (I’d have everything I could get my hands on, otherwise!); but the two watches I go to the most are the SKX and the Sinn 104.1.
My beater is the most trusted in my collection, the 2265.80 Omega SMP, a go to quartz with the electric ⚡️ blue wave 🌊 dial, such a beauty/beast that never quits! The most bang for buck piece I own and Carrie’s so many memories. And of course my G-Shock for the gym and walking the towns on vacation
You could argue that every watch I own is on this list. Marathon GSAR, Hamilton Khaki Auto, Marathon Navigator, two g shocks including the 5610, and an old duro I bought when I was first getting into watches to see what the case size felt like. These are the kinds of watches I love wearing. Looking at maybe buying the steel navigator, a mudmaster, and a sinn 556 in the next several years, all of which were also sort of or directly on this list.
Been watching your videos for a while now and was inspired to start a collection. Started with the duro due to its specs for price and clean looks, now am looking for a dress watch to add. Wouldn’t have started the journey without you, thanks for the great content Teddy!
I’ve been thinking about a field watch. Definitely looking at the Tudor Ranger. However, so happy thanks to this video I am now aware of the Hamilton Expedition! Choices! 🤔
It may only be available through UK retailers, but the Citizen Promaster Tough Super Titanium BN0118-55E Ray Mears Edition is my favorite beater watch and it would place well on this list. More versatile than my G-Shocks (GW-M5610U and GA-B2100C-9AER), classier than many other field watches with the titanium bracelet, practical with Eco-Drive solar charging and quartz accuracy, and tough as nails with 300m of water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and a monobloc case.
Enjoyed this video and seeing some brands/watches I was unaware of! Pretty sure my whole collection is composed of either "beater" or "tool" watches so I may be the target demo for this video and I appreciate it! Thanks Teddy and team!
Yea! My "wet beater" for kayaking/sailing/fishing/swimming is a Casio Dura Marlin. $49.92 off Amazon (I just checked - that for the gold bezel rim version like mine). 200M, screw down crown. I considered it as disposable . . . until I found that it keeps astonishing time (around +2 seconds/month!). I like it so much I am seriously considering putting a cyclops sapphire crystal on mine (at the cost of the watch itself!). Unbeatable beater! My "dry beater" is a Seiko Solar 100M. Also keeps great time (around +4 seconds/month). Like it so much I bought two spare capacitors. Mine is around 12 years old and I understand they tend to pack it in around that time. The rest of the time I wear a Hamilton Khaki King II. Black face, silver bracelet. Really happy with that as well. I am two years retired, committed to never wear a suit or tie again, and I like the day/date at 12:00, as they tend to run together (is today Tuesday or Wednesday?) Looks good with sandals, shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. Good enough. I'd also like to present for your consideration, a mechanical 36mm Hanowa 23 jewel "dive" watch. I purchased it in 1973 in Geneva. Last year, sadly, the date wheel got out of sync, does not answer to the stem, and I will be taking it in for cleaning and service tomorrow. This will be the first time in 50 years the case has been cracked. Not bad service from a mechanical (waterproof to "200 Vacuum", I assume that is 200 psi for a bubble test - around 135M by modern conventions - and it has repeatedly snorkled in three of the Finger Lakes, two of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River), shockproof and Tritium lume that still wakes up to sunlight. This was my backup watch for decades and I still get questions . . . what is that? Hopefully the service will just be arm cheese removal and a despirate need for lubrication.
1000% agree with this list, in particular the Citizen Promaster divers. Not only are they durable and comfortable, but I love the look. Can't go wrong here.
I appreciate you listing the Vostok Amphibia in this video. The Amphibia was my first mechanical watch. Very interesting story behind that piece, a great beater you can have a conversation about.
Great list; I might pick up a few of these! My Orient Ray II is my current daily beater. Goes just as well with business casual as it does with jeans and a t-shirt and I never have to worry about it getting wet. It's a somewhat big watch but is designed with short, curved lugs, a thin case (for a dive watch) and female end links on the bracelet. This makes it wear well even on my unfortunate 6-3/8" wrist without looking goofy and oversized. I'm not a diver, but I actually do use the dive bezel to time certain tasks during the day when doing my contract work as well.
Good video. My "beater" is a G-Shock ProTrek 3410 that I have used swimming in the ocean, camping, shooting at a gun range and general hard use. While I have changed the band a couple times, the watch itself never fails.
I love my Duro. I've worn one for over a decade. It survived years of nights bartending (particularly hard on watches), and easily transitioned into a day office job.
I mostly work outside all year long, as a surveyor in Scandinavia In the wintertime, when my wrist is covered by long sleeves and gloves I tend to wear Steinhart or Bulova automatics. In the summertime, when short sleeves is a comfortable opinion I tend to wear Citizen EcoDrive watches
Right now I'm rocking my MWC G-10 mechaquartz, absolutely chuffed with it. Super wearable and durable. I look at my watch box and I actively ask myself the question, which of these are watches I am happy to get bashed up because they're tools for work, and which are there for looks.
Fantastic picks, you covered all of mine! Whenever I don't want to worry about my watch, it's either my 20 year old G-shock, or my Tissot Seastar 40mm. I'd love a titanium Khaki next.
Tissot has a 36mm Seastar now in case anyone needs an even smaller version like I do. It fits so well on my 5.75-inch wrist. Good stuff as always, Teddy.
Wasn’t looking to get into micro brands, but my beater is the BOLDR Venture. Super solid IMO (200m, sapphire, NH35A, titanium case, screw down crown). Nice enough to wear out and about and can also take a beating when I’m working on roofs. Was looking at khaki field but the low water resistance scared me off for the price.
My beater is a Vaer S5 field on bracelet. It’s stands up life with a rambunctious toddler. It’s taken everything from being thrown and knocked about to being covered with food, and it still looks and runs great.
My beater watch is a Christopher Ward C63 Sealander white dial on a nato strap. 150 m of water resistance, niciest crowngards on the market, good finishing, solid movement, etc. All that way under a thoudand dollars. I always said: it is like a sellita Tudor black bay 41 but in 39 mm for a third of the price. Oh! and the two I have beat at +1 second a day.
Excellent video. I appreciate including some of the micro brands, which offer great quality at very reasonable prices. As I was watching the video I kept thinking "Casio G-Shock" . As a dive watch collector I have some nice dive watches that will never see a bathtub much less the ocean just because of their cost. Casio has always been my go to ever since I was a kid and my brother put his on my trucks tire to help me wax the truck before going out. We forgot about watch I started to drive and the watch went under the tire and other than some black top "chew marks" it was fine.....I was sold.
got my 39mm with the white dial on the 3-link "Bader" bracelet watch on AMZWATCH 3 weeks ago and am loving it to pieces. Absolute fantastic watch that wears super comfortable on my 6.75 inch wrist. Chose the 3-link over the 5-link bracelet for the toolless quick adjustment. Way more comfortable than my Longines Hydroconquest 41 mm.
My beater is my daily driver. It’s a Casio GWX-5600-1JF I love it so much I’m thinking about getting a second one It’s cool and still low key yet fashionable and fits in on every gig I play. I don’t have much of a watch collection but I am happy with what I have!
I say a beater has to have a sapphire crystal. & band not bracelet. IMO a beater is a weekend manual labor watch, that still looks good. Economics are relative, but $1000 watch working on the yard or car doesn’t much qualify. Thanks for what you do Teddy… I do appreciate your mention of hardened steel. I don’t want a beater that looks beaten so that, besides comfort is my reason a beater has to have a strap. My beater is a Seiko Conceptual on sale for $130.
In general you're right, but there are plastic screen CASIOs like the F91 which make great beaters because of how cheap they are. If I was doing manual labour that's what I'd pick because they're also very small.
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Carbon (analog only, on bracelet) vintage 2008. Thing is a beast and looks great - wore it sailing racing for years and it acquired its' share of dings and scratches. Have gotten so many compliments or "what's that watch?" for it. Have several other watches but that's my main one and the last one I'd ever part with.
Thanks so much for this, Teddy! I recently switched jobs and I’m back to wearing beaters instead of my nicer watches. I’ll save those for weekends. Definitely looking at marathon. Oh And the contest! If I won I’ll feel like I’m shopping with you and Kevin o’Leary 🤣 a guy can dream.
My beater for work is a god tier Casio G-Shock Mudman. Have it now for 10 years and just love that thing! Afraight of it dying on me the next 5 years sińce it‘s solar powered. Than I got a Casio Duro Marlin on a Nato strap with a mini compas for hiking as well as a Citizen Fugu for diving.
I wear that same Casio 5610 every day. I like the legibility and the day/date which I need for my occasional job. There is great piece of mind that I can replace it for about $100 without a second thought.
It's good to reward ourselves sometimes . While I'm not one to spend on high-end watch (I spend too much money on travel, lol), I can appreciate your gorgeous and timeless watch. I love how it's a symbol of all your hard work.And i choose NKUWAN every time honestly
I bought a Seiko PADI Diver (Pepsi Turtle) when I decided I wanted to "get into" watches. It's a beater and also the most expensive watch I own, which I actually enjoy. Hoping to get a DOXA sub 300T orange eventually, which would continue that tradition!
Teddy, I just want to say thank you for making videos like this. I'm learning more and more about so many great watches thanks to you! As far as my daily beater, I've been wearing the Momentum Steelix with the nato strap that it came with for years now, and I love it. It's simple, durable, and I think it looks great!
I have a seiko SNZG07J that i absolutely love as my beater. It's been honestly treated very badly, and still have no issues with it. Would absolutely recommend it.
Love your videos, I purchase a lot of "beater watches", some new some used and try to keep the price to around $100 - I make "tough guy" watch cuff and sell them with a well spec'd watch. It's interesting to me that several of the brands you've presented here have the same Seiko automatic movements I typically find in the watches I purchase at a fraction of the price. I don't see how you beat the aliexpress brands as well as microbrands like Aragon which can be found on the resale market for $100 or less. Of course I do have a timegrapher so I can regulate these watches (now) - I'm always looking for "divers" for the shock and water resistance and, again, am finding super affordable well spec'd watches out there
Absolutely brilliant is always the case Teddy 😊wouldnt be on this journey without your insights and very informative videos. Love the way you stay humble and understand that $100-$200 is still a lot to spend on anything right now. Im currently saving for a prx, little late to the party but with a little one to look after and other things to spend money on, its just been one delay after the next 😊 keep up the great work and on a side note, my beater is a ga2100, looks great, hard wearing, has all you need and in jet black it goes with pretty much anything 😊 also love the thought of a more classier looking beater for other occasions. Have a great christmas and happy new year.
Teddy! You just called our whole niche we cover a beater category! Kidding kidding but seriously viewers will say you only deep dive because you sell these watches but your passion shows through! Add that you havent lost connection with normal peoples price ranges and this video will be a hit. Appreciate this one, any video thay gets the younger generations into watches is good by us! Cheers!!
I have a bizarre beater (besides the g-shock). I put a black dial Tissot Le Locle on a khaki nato strap once (my first and only NATO). I have worn this thing to the beach, diving, boating, yard work, biking, you name it. The polished edges have taken a beating but I think it adds character. The tissot is 13 yrs old now, never been serviced, still keeps good time and refuses to die! Sometimes makes me wonder why i spent so much on a rolex. the tissot really does it all at less than 1/10th the cost.
Glad that the arnie is getting some love, it's been my beater ever since for 3 years now, seeing it the first time back then it was a good blend of "adventure" look and diver
I have a Citizen Promaster Aqualand Marine as my beater. Tough as nails and seems indestructible. Good video! One thing I like about this channel is I always learn something new: that Muhle Glashutte is a stunner! It's the watch I like the most here, but I never had heard of the brand before.
I absolutely love everything about the Citizen Promaster Diver EcoDrive watches. I’ve beaten the hell out of mine, from jungle warfare training in the Amazon to cold weather training in Europe. Great lume, size, durability and value.
The hamilton khaki field auto is my daily beater, but I do love Sinn. The 556i was the first Sinn I got, so true that it is very versatile. But the lume is weaker than I had expected, which is important to me as I work shifts in a factory. So then I got the 104, which is the perfect watch for me. Versatile, you can dress it up or down, excellent lume, a day date complication which really helps me because i often forget 😅 And perfect size too for my 6.5in wrist. Now I have been eyeing the 356. Anyone should try a Sinn at least once. Special brand.
My beater is a stauer rittorno i bought about 15 years ago for $80 Put a silicone band on it, cut off the little door on the back and polished down the nubs to make it thinner. Still going strong.
Good video. My beater has been a Lorier Gemini II, but it didn't stand up to a season of duck hunting. I have reverted back to my g shock GMWB5000, but I don't like wearing something with a battery, even if it is solar. I'll try a Khaki field titanium this season.
I've got a couple Duros, one blue and one with the "gold" bezel. Paid ablut $50 each on Amazon, got them the next day...and I've had them for over 3 years. I needed two because I have 2 houses, one in Oregon and one in Asheville. There are a LOT of watches in my life, but these get worn all the time because I an an outdoors kind of guy who does all the work on my old cars and motorcycles, and that just doesn't work with a precious Patek on your wrist. Good video!
Nice list, Teddy. I know most of us want the best materials for the lowest price. I hope you can make more sub $800 watch videos that come with different kinds of case metals, finishes, more accurate movements, and sapphire crystals!
Loving those Hamilton's as a beater, but I actually remember a video you did with Mr. Wonderful where you mentioned Doxa Sub 200 as a beater. I literally went out and got one and it's my beater now, but doesn't mean I can't have more than one. :)
My beater is the G-Shock 5610. Great recommendation. I chose the all black model with the negative display. It's tough, it's got heritage, it's solar powered. And it's a pretty cool watch.
Pound for pound the Casio MDR-106 'Duro' is the best watch available today. Classic looking dive watch, very accurate quartz movement, strap monster, very well made. Great around watch at an insane price. With the $100 Seiko a thing of the past, this now is the only option for an analogue watch under $100 IMO.
Good listen, I enjoyed this segment. Personally I use the Garmin Fenix 6 Solar Pro as my beater since I swim, fly sail, hike, climb, etc.. I love having GPS and all the apps, maps and statistics in real-time. Put my Rolex Oyster Perpetual into storage. lol
I actually DO have a watch which considering it's history could be classed as a 'Beater'. I used to work in the Outdoor activity industry, teaching rock climbing, and taking groups 'Gorge Walking', walking and climbing up a fast flowing Welsh river, jumping into plunge pools and swimming behind waterfalls.....Never removed my watch, after all, it was (and still is) waterproof to 50 meteres, so that should be fine.......(I DID actually think it would be fine at the time, but know better now even though it DID survive). At the time (back in 2000 and 2001 I didn't have much interest in watches, they were purely functional items for me, I only owned one, and it never got removed. It is horrifically battered, scratched, and the metal plating is peeling away in parts, but it's still working fine despite the years and years of abuse. I'm genuinely amazed at what this watch has been through. Rock climbing, alpine mountains, kayaking in white water, swimming in rough sea, parachuting and even caving (spelunking for Americans). I was given this watch for my 15th Birthday, I'm now almost 49 (in June 2024), and this amazing watch is an Accurist reverse panda chronograph (Quartz). Even now I consider it to be not a bad looking watch, but it's certainly got my vote for reliability and durability!
Great content Teddy! I've had a gshock 5610 since 2011, one band replacement later and it's still rolling. I love that Momentum Sea Quartz, might have to pick that up 😊😊😊
I know it’s over $3k, but the Sinn U1 or the smaller version the U50 is the gold standard beater watch. Utilitarian, legible, and tegimented submarine steel means it will never scratch, never rust, never tarnish. You could beat the heck out of it, and it’ll still look brand new. Very appealing specs and very unique looks. I want one lol
Great video, Teddy. Being a Sinn fanboy since my intro to the brand via their F-104 and Jaguar cockpit timers, I have picked a few of their aviation tool watches. All of their tool watch lines are designed to handle whatever you can throw at them and shrug it off. Have to admit, given the price tags, it was tough to stop trying to baby them and just relax. But I won't be dropping any of them out of a helicopter! For my current all-round EDC pick, the Sinn 105 St Sa on their silicon band is very tough to beat. Buy once, cry once.
I never miss a video. My girl friend wears a Rolex as her beater watch! Although I could well afford a Rolex, I just replaced my beater watch with a choice that will astound you. My beater watch concept doesn't include wearing it in the shower or skin diving. So mine have been much cheaper. The latest one, put away last week, was a used Timex Expedition. I am stuck on minimalist design business watches from the 1950s on. I prefer quartz movements. That really cut down the field for a collection. The old designs still exist, but in non quartz movements. Every one seems to want a Christmas tree quartz watch. So I have a nice, modest collection of pristine, engraved retirement watches, Wittnauer and Hamilton. Cheap, restored, new leather bands. After ordering a current, minimalist watch from a micro watch maker who could not make or deliver what it advertised, I purchased a new Bulova Corporate watch that some on-line merchandiser allowed me to steal! Way under $100 delivered. What? Sure. I wore it on Friday at the bank, at the stock brokerage, while exercising in the back yard and while shopping at Costco.
Fingers crossed. My wife wanted to get me something when our first daughter was born and while we don’t have a lot of money, especially after a baby who was a few weeks early, she still got me a nice Duro that has gotten me into watches. While we can’t afford a lot of the watches featured today it’s still to know what’s out there and develop my taste and knowledge.
I own the pink casioak and the blue seiko 5. Both are top tier beaters. I’ve snorkeled in the seiko and have had no issues. I hike, gym, etc in both. You can get the seiko 5 on rubber at costco for $180.
My personal ultimate beater is my Citizen Eco Drive BM8180. Legendary mechanism driving it, 100m of WR, and slides in at a more classical size that I think works well for all but the largest of wrists. Definitely can't go wrong with a smaller solar watch!
What a whatch the Seiko SPB. I own the SPB149J1 and really in love with it. Today, I am wearing my Seiko SARB 033 (JDM - Japanese Domestic Market)... imo another amazing piece. And yes you are right, I love Seiko.
My favorite 2024 is the Prospex Limited Edition 1965 Recreation European Exclusive in Gradation Island Blue. The dial is stunning and the contrast when on a white strap is to die for. I will get my hands on one from amzwatch
I am not sure to consider them as beaters but I surely enjoy wearing them. I have two Casio duros, a black bezel one on a black/grey nato and a Pepsi on a jubilee stainless steel bracelet. I have the red G-Shock 2100 and the GW 5610 also on a black nato strap. And I have the Seiko Arnie on a black jubilee steel bracelet. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 to everyone in your team!
Great topic for a video, the Traska is next on my list. At the moment my number 1 beater is a Casio ae1200 on bracelet. I have "better" watches but I always end up throwing it on most days. Looks weirdly great with most outfits and kind of does everything.
This is why Teddy is number one in watch UA-camrs. He never turned into a snob, he can afford Rolex’s or what ever expensive watches he wants but he still features watches that are 50$.
Yes hard to beat
Exactly, his video on the casio a168, a 20 dollar watch, got me into this hobby.
Because of views = money, broke boys like yall see this
@@MuSprutt Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m glad I don’t know you.
@@realistic_delinquent broke boi
Very classy disclaimer that “one person’s beater could be another’s grail.” Teddy is a good egg.
He is genuinely a nice guy who is passionate about all watches. Never a snob like so many watch enthusiasts and UA-camrs
It’s funny cuz I would’ve never even considered how calling a watch a “beater” could be offensive to someone. I see that as a huge compliment towards the watch! It’s something that can withstand pretty much anything and is great for everyday use. The fact that he was so mindful of that made me appreciate how he’s not a snob and is a good guy who just loves watches
The best thing about Teddy's videos is every time there is a wrist on the screen its size is right mentioned in the corner helping people decide if they should buy a watch.
as an 18 year old with a very limited budget, i’ve managed to acquire 3 watches, all per teddy’s recommendations. my first ever was a timex weekender, which is my beater of choice. picked it up for $30 on ebay, and to this day it’s one of the best $30 i’ve ever spent. i also have an orient maestro as a dressier casual watch, and an orient mako ii that i sometimes wear like a beater as well, but not to the same degree as my timex. great content as always teddy!
I've been wanting a Mako! They're sharp looking watches! I've been wearing a red Kamasu for 6 months now and I love it! It's a beautiful watch! Hard to go wrong with orient.
That’s awesome! Right now I have a Casio A168 and a Timex Easyreader, also an 18 year old with a limited budget so I totally get you there. Do you recommend the 2 Orient watches that you own?
Great choices. Fellow mako 2 owner. Also 2 bambinos.
stay away from Casio...they re cheap watches. i bought one just because of its price and now i end up owning a dozen of it just in 3 months
The ultimate beater though is the F91W. Costs less than my last takeaway dinner and is accurate to a few seconds every month, plus it has stopwatch function. Goated watch
I just got one and it’s such a great watch
Only thing it's lacking is in the water resistance category. It's perfect in every other way.
It just looks so tiny on my 7" wrist. I find the 5600/casioak size is perfect for me. My 5600 was less than 10 bucks more on sale.
Great stuff Teddy. I bought a SKX009 right before USAF survival school over 20 years ago, and it's been the epitome of a "beater" ever since. I finally gave it a companion in a Hamilton Khaki Auto almost 10 years ago and between the two of them, we've been all over the world and been used in all conditions. Every scuff and ding (and 3 broken crystals!) has a story, and the idea of a beater is very real in my mind. I may reach for other watches for a night out or a special occasion, but it's the beaters that are priceless to me.
I love it. A watch that appropriately fits your lifestyle and can come along with you during your experiences transcends any dollar amount. I am sure that SKX bezel looks well-loved and it is better because of it.
Very very well said
This is basically the opposite of those people who get an exceptionally durable watch, but are scared of letting it get scratched or taking it near water because it was expensive.
IT’S A BETA, NOT A ‘BEATER’
I have an SKX007 for nearly 15 years. What a tank of a watch! No matter how other watches I buy, this is one I can always come back to and rely on. Whether it’s casual wear, going for a swim or some outdoor activity it does it all.
Honestly the beater may be the most important piece in any collection. It’s generally wore the most, and arguably has to do the most. A beater has to be wearable, durable, and stylish at the same time. My beaters are a Casio worldtime, Casioak, and a Seiko solar diver when I want to have driver style on
My beater is a Rolex cuz I’m a big baller
Exactly, as a carpenter in the trades a Casio is fine...
@@nedflanders3769Ned Flanders wears a rollie?
bought a used regular quartz 5600 a couple years ago and it just somehow became the only watch I wore without ever really thinking about it. wore it to bed, shower, swimming with the kid, everything. Was a watch that I truly never had to think about, and was digital so I could read it instantly. Calendar never needs updated. Just adjust time every 6 months or so (only ever off by like 30 seconds really), and change it for DST. Gives me day of the week, month, and day of the month plus time with just a glance. Plus a light that I can see in pitch black whenever needed. Rough house all the time with the kiddo, he's smacked it with toys an endless amount of times and I've never even taken a look to make sure it was ok. Recently had to replace the band, also cleaned it realizing it got pretty grimey under the plastic cover. I don't even use half the features on it like timer and alarms, but nice that it has it. It's not a watch that I love, it's just a watch that became apart of me. The only time I ever take it off is gaming on the PC at night, cause I'm super anal when it comes to my gaming space. I've bought a couple other metal band watches since, and I wear them occasionally and for work sometimes. But it's tough for me to not come home and immediately put the 5600 on, simply because I've gotten so used to having it.
I'm like this with my duro. I only ever take it off at the gym when I need to wrap my wrists. In the past 2.5 years it's probably been on my wrist 99.5% of the time. Like total, I don't take it off for sleep or to shower or at work or anything.
I purchased a Citizen NY0040 black version with left hand crown from a dive store. This watch is on my wrist 24 hours a day. Gym, swimming, the full works. It's become my wonderful companion and it never lets me down. I love it ❤❤❤
Same. And the accuracy it's impressive when it's worn 24/7
Being a blue collar guy, if I’m going to wear a watch, it has to be robust. Beater watches are my whole world, not that I can’t appreciate an F. P. Journe. I’ll be using this video as a reference to check out new things. Thanks Teddy!
I strongly recommend a casino G/shock. I have one that has to small rebars covering the edge face. I do mechanical work. It’s a super amazing watch
@magic804 I have a DW-5300 G-Shock that I bought new in the 90’s and recently restored, I couldn’t bear to mess it up though, sentimental value. I’m working on putting together a G-Shock square metal with a stainless steel Ali-Express kit. I recently saw a picture of one that was VERY worn and has taken on a steam-punk like patina that looked really cool. I’m a mechanic and I usually take my watch off at work, but this one I plan to leave on all the time. Even if I trash the module, I can just replace it.
Mine is the Christopher Ward Sealander. From all kinds of field work, to office meetings, to nights out with friends, it's my most worn watch for sure.
That's your GADA watch right there
As a wood shop teacher, these “beater” watches make up the bulk of my collection and many are at the upper end of my price range! Lots of cool watches but I definitely think “utilitarian” watches is a better description than “beater”. After all, I don’t beat on any of my watches but I definitely utilize them for their intent as more of a workers watch. Nice watches but not flashy show stoppers. BTW Teddy, great watch choices! (As usual 😉)
I'm a mechanic and I daily a 5KX at work (SPRD95 to be exact). I tried digital but analog just works better as my pea brain likes seeing passage/chunks of time.
I have a Tag Heuer WN1111 classic that I bought new in 1997, before the LVMH buyout. I wore it daily for 15 years and still wear it at least once a week now. It's never missed a beat.
Sinn 556 is such a go anywhere do anything watch, with screw down crown and 200m of water resistance while being a pilot watch, and such a simplicity and versatility. I find myself wearing mine very often, and once I pick it up, is very hard to put it down for another watch as well. The Casio Duro is another crazy value watch.
My beater is the G-Shock Rangeman (old version, 9400). Wearing it to vacations and everyday activities without worrying about anything.
Absolutely love this. I love watches, but work in a hybrid environment (half office half industrial) where my watches need to look somewhat classy, but also take a beating if needed. This list is perfect!
I am the same. which one do you use??
I've been obsessing over the watch world from the sidelines for a while now but am just not in a position to justify spending 1000s. I thought I'd dip my toes in and just picked up an SSK003 for myself today. As someone who's never really spent any time with a watch on my wrist, I'm obsessed. I can see this being my gateway into collecting and cannot wait to look back in a few years and remind myself of where it all started. Cheers for the great content, Teddy!
Seiko5 GMT with black dial has become my go-to beater. Fun to wear and worry free! Don’t mind a few scratches.
I'm a relative newcomer to watches. I used to wear a Citizen Eco-Drive with a bracelet on the daily. These days, I wear an Orient Kamasu, largely based on your recommendation for beginner mechanical watches. Thanks a lot, Teddy.
I don't currently own one, but I love the look of the Kamasu! The one with the dark red dial looks awesome! Great value too!
Love my Kamasu!
loved Kamasu too, right until the stem & crown broke off😢
For thirty years my beater was a Rolex Submariner. Now it's retired, nestled within my collection of 30 timepieces. While it is the most valuable watch in my collection, it is only worn occasionally.
I love my Seiko Arnie and wear it all the time for all kinds of beater activities. I too have a 6.5 inch wrist and massive Arnie looks absolutely perfect.
Citizen Promaster NY0040-17L is my everyday watch. The NY0040 series won the Italian Marina Militare's choice over many other renowned brands.
I have the same, black version from a German dive store. Brilliant watch, tough as old boots 😊.
I remember when I got the Pepsi bezel 5kx. Was my first real automatic watch that was a diver when I got into this hobby, and it was just at my budget range. I unboxed it and was in awe with all the little details, how it ticked. I fell in love with it! Was and still is my grail!
I'm a sucker for Casio watches. almost every watch i've ever owned has been a Casio. Started with some Ediface models but ended up with my current classic square G-Shock. It's everything i've ever wanted out of an everyday watch. Durable, reliable, functional.
My beater watch was also my first auto, a Seiko Srpg27. I wear it almost every day and sits proudly amongst my presages and hamiltons, scuffs and all. It reminds me of the work I put in that allows me to build and enjoy the collection I have.
No way. My first auto is also a Seiko srpg27. It really is a great first watch and the one that got me to start collecting
Wearing mine right now!@@jovicamarkovic
Wearing mine right now!@@jovicamarkovic
@@johnvienna3422 me too
Glad to know that I'mm on the right track! I built my recent collection with the idea of having mainly watches that could serve as daily drivers (i.e., suitable to multiple scenarios or be worn without much consideration). Indeed, can't go wrong with Seiko (SBDY085), Seiko 5 Sports (SRPE51), Casio (AE-1200 and MTP-M300D), G-Shock (GA-B2100) and Hamilton (H64455533)!!!
I got an SKX007 back in 1998, right around the time it was still pretty new, and I still have it. I’ve been waiting for it to fail every time I do the “seiko shuffle” and the watch all the hands spin unidirectional when I first start to set it, but it is still going strong! I don’t have a large watch collection (7) and I don’t have anything over $2k; and that is purely budget limitations (I’d have everything I could get my hands on, otherwise!); but the two watches I go to the most are the SKX and the Sinn 104.1.
My beater is the most trusted in my collection, the 2265.80 Omega SMP, a go to quartz with the electric ⚡️ blue wave 🌊 dial, such a beauty/beast that never quits! The most bang for buck piece I own and Carrie’s so many memories. And of course my G-Shock for the gym and walking the towns on vacation
You could argue that every watch I own is on this list. Marathon GSAR, Hamilton Khaki Auto, Marathon Navigator, two g shocks including the 5610, and an old duro I bought when I was first getting into watches to see what the case size felt like. These are the kinds of watches I love wearing. Looking at maybe buying the steel navigator, a mudmaster, and a sinn 556 in the next several years, all of which were also sort of or directly on this list.
Im right with you, this is like my dream list of watches.
Been watching your videos for a while now and was inspired to start a collection. Started with the duro due to its specs for price and clean looks, now am looking for a dress watch to add. Wouldn’t have started the journey without you, thanks for the great content Teddy!
Honored to have played a role in your journey. Thanks for watching!
I’ve been thinking about a field watch. Definitely looking at the Tudor Ranger. However, so happy thanks to this video I am now aware of the Hamilton Expedition! Choices! 🤔
It may only be available through UK retailers, but the Citizen Promaster Tough Super Titanium BN0118-55E Ray Mears Edition is my favorite beater watch and it would place well on this list. More versatile than my G-Shocks (GW-M5610U and GA-B2100C-9AER), classier than many other field watches with the titanium bracelet, practical with Eco-Drive solar charging and quartz accuracy, and tough as nails with 300m of water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and a monobloc case.
Enjoyed this video and seeing some brands/watches I was unaware of! Pretty sure my whole collection is composed of either "beater" or "tool" watches so I may be the target demo for this video and I appreciate it! Thanks Teddy and team!
Yea! My "wet beater" for kayaking/sailing/fishing/swimming is a Casio Dura Marlin. $49.92 off Amazon (I just checked - that for the gold bezel rim version like mine). 200M, screw down crown. I considered it as disposable . . . until I found that it keeps astonishing time (around +2 seconds/month!). I like it so much I am seriously considering putting a cyclops sapphire crystal on mine (at the cost of the watch itself!). Unbeatable beater! My "dry beater" is a Seiko Solar 100M. Also keeps great time (around +4 seconds/month). Like it so much I bought two spare capacitors. Mine is around 12 years old and I understand they tend to pack it in around that time. The rest of the time I wear a Hamilton Khaki King II. Black face, silver bracelet. Really happy with that as well. I am two years retired, committed to never wear a suit or tie again, and I like the day/date at 12:00, as they tend to run together (is today Tuesday or Wednesday?) Looks good with sandals, shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. Good enough.
I'd also like to present for your consideration, a mechanical 36mm Hanowa 23 jewel "dive" watch. I purchased it in 1973 in Geneva. Last year, sadly, the date wheel got out of sync, does not answer to the stem, and I will be taking it in for cleaning and service tomorrow. This will be the first time in 50 years the case has been cracked. Not bad service from a mechanical (waterproof to "200 Vacuum", I assume that is 200 psi for a bubble test - around 135M by modern conventions - and it has repeatedly snorkled in three of the Finger Lakes, two of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River), shockproof and Tritium lume that still wakes up to sunlight. This was my backup watch for decades and I still get questions . . . what is that? Hopefully the service will just be arm cheese removal and a despirate need for lubrication.
1000% agree with this list, in particular the Citizen Promaster divers. Not only are they durable and comfortable, but I love the look. Can't go wrong here.
Bro you’re very well spoken and articulate. It feels like I’m watching a professional presentation than a UA-cam video. Keep it up. You’re good!
I appreciate you listing the Vostok Amphibia in this video. The Amphibia was my first mechanical watch. Very interesting story behind that piece, a great beater you can have a conversation about.
Great list; I might pick up a few of these! My Orient Ray II is my current daily beater. Goes just as well with business casual as it does with jeans and a t-shirt and I never have to worry about it getting wet. It's a somewhat big watch but is designed with short, curved lugs, a thin case (for a dive watch) and female end links on the bracelet. This makes it wear well even on my unfortunate 6-3/8" wrist without looking goofy and oversized. I'm not a diver, but I actually do use the dive bezel to time certain tasks during the day when doing my contract work as well.
Good video. My "beater" is a G-Shock ProTrek 3410 that I have used swimming in the ocean, camping, shooting at a gun range and general hard use. While I have changed the band a couple times, the watch itself never fails.
I love my Duro. I've worn one for over a decade. It survived years of nights bartending (particularly hard on watches), and easily transitioned into a day office job.
I mostly work outside all year long, as a surveyor in Scandinavia
In the wintertime, when my wrist is covered by long sleeves and gloves I tend to wear Steinhart or Bulova automatics.
In the summertime, when short sleeves is a comfortable opinion I tend to wear Citizen EcoDrive watches
I’ve been wearing my Nixon Regulus at work for 6 years. I’ve beat it up a tremendous amount of times and it keeps running. Great video.
Right now I'm rocking my MWC G-10 mechaquartz, absolutely chuffed with it. Super wearable and durable. I look at my watch box and I actively ask myself the question, which of these are watches I am happy to get bashed up because they're tools for work, and which are there for looks.
Fantastic picks, you covered all of mine! Whenever I don't want to worry about my watch, it's either my 20 year old G-shock, or my Tissot Seastar 40mm. I'd love a titanium Khaki next.
Tissot has a 36mm Seastar now in case anyone needs an even smaller version like I do. It fits so well on my 5.75-inch wrist. Good stuff as always, Teddy.
Wasn’t looking to get into micro brands, but my beater is the BOLDR Venture. Super solid IMO (200m, sapphire, NH35A, titanium case, screw down crown). Nice enough to wear out and about and can also take a beating when I’m working on roofs.
Was looking at khaki field but the low water resistance scared me off for the price.
My beater is a Vaer S5 field on bracelet. It’s stands up life with a rambunctious toddler. It’s taken everything from being thrown and knocked about to being covered with food, and it still looks and runs great.
My beater watch is a Christopher Ward C63 Sealander white dial on a nato strap. 150 m of water resistance, niciest crowngards on the market, good finishing, solid movement, etc. All that way under a thoudand dollars. I always said: it is like a sellita Tudor black bay 41 but in 39 mm for a third of the price. Oh! and the two I have beat at +1 second a day.
Excellent video. I appreciate including some of the micro brands, which offer great quality at very reasonable prices. As I was watching the video I kept thinking "Casio G-Shock" . As a dive watch collector I have some nice dive watches that will never see a bathtub much less the ocean just because of their cost. Casio has always been my go to ever since I was a kid and my brother put his on my trucks tire to help me wax the truck before going out. We forgot about watch I started to drive and the watch went under the tire and other than some black top "chew marks" it was fine.....I was sold.
got my 39mm with the white dial on the 3-link "Bader" bracelet watch on AMZWATCH 3 weeks ago and am loving it to pieces. Absolute fantastic watch that wears super comfortable on my 6.75 inch wrist. Chose the 3-link over the 5-link bracelet for the toolless quick adjustment. Way more comfortable than my Longines Hydroconquest 41 mm.
My beater is my daily driver. It’s a Casio GWX-5600-1JF
I love it so much I’m thinking about getting a second one
It’s cool and still low key yet fashionable and fits in on every gig I play.
I don’t have much of a watch collection but I am happy with what I have!
I think this is the best list you've put together yet Teddy! I've been into G Shocks for years but love the idea of some classier 'beaters'
I say a beater has to have a sapphire crystal. & band not bracelet. IMO a beater is a weekend manual labor watch, that still looks good. Economics are relative, but $1000 watch working on the yard or car doesn’t much qualify. Thanks for what you do Teddy… I do appreciate your mention of hardened steel. I don’t want a beater that looks beaten so that, besides comfort is my reason a beater has to have a strap. My beater is a Seiko Conceptual on sale for $130.
In general you're right, but there are plastic screen CASIOs like the F91 which make great beaters because of how cheap they are. If I was doing manual labour that's what I'd pick because they're also very small.
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Carbon (analog only, on bracelet) vintage 2008. Thing is a beast and looks great - wore it sailing racing for years and it acquired its' share of dings and scratches. Have gotten so many compliments or "what's that watch?" for it. Have several other watches but that's my main one and the last one I'd ever part with.
Thanks so much for this, Teddy! I recently switched jobs and I’m back to wearing beaters instead of my nicer watches. I’ll save those for weekends. Definitely looking at marathon. Oh And the contest! If I won I’ll feel like I’m shopping with you and Kevin o’Leary 🤣 a guy can dream.
My beater for work is a god tier Casio G-Shock Mudman. Have it now for 10 years and just love that thing! Afraight of it dying on me the next 5 years sińce it‘s solar powered.
Than I got a Casio Duro Marlin on a Nato strap with a mini compas for hiking as well as a Citizen Fugu for diving.
I wear that same Casio 5610 every day. I like the legibility and the day/date which I need for my occasional job. There is great piece of mind that I can replace it for about $100 without a second thought.
It's good to reward ourselves sometimes . While I'm not one to spend on high-end watch (I spend too much money on travel, lol), I can appreciate your gorgeous and timeless watch. I love how it's a symbol of all your hard work.And i choose NKUWAN every time honestly
I bought a Seiko PADI Diver (Pepsi Turtle) when I decided I wanted to "get into" watches. It's a beater and also the most expensive watch I own, which I actually enjoy. Hoping to get a DOXA sub 300T orange eventually, which would continue that tradition!
Teddy, I just want to say thank you for making videos like this. I'm learning more and more about so many great watches thanks to you! As far as my daily beater, I've been wearing the Momentum Steelix with the nato strap that it came with for years now, and I love it. It's simple, durable, and I think it looks great!
I have a seiko SNZG07J that i absolutely love as my beater. It's been honestly treated very badly, and still have no issues with it. Would absolutely recommend it.
My beater is the Seiko SPB297. Got it because of the cool textured blue dial. It's very similar to the SPB143 you included and I love it!
Teddy, I love your content. No fluff, no bias ....just straight up real deal info.
Traska gets my vote for a beater watch. Fantastic specs, classy design, and additional hardness protection! Glad they received a shoutout.
Love my Casio GA110 & Seiko SNK809, very different sizes/styles that are both great beaters and either one is on my wrist 95% of the time
My GShock 5610 is on my wrist most weekends in the shop. It does well but the crystal does not like welding slag very much.
Love your videos, I purchase a lot of "beater watches", some new some used and try to keep the price to around $100 - I make "tough guy" watch cuff and sell them with a well spec'd watch. It's interesting to me that several of the brands you've presented here have the same Seiko automatic movements I typically find in the watches I purchase at a fraction of the price. I don't see how you beat the aliexpress brands as well as microbrands like Aragon which can be found on the resale market for $100 or less. Of course I do have a timegrapher so I can regulate these watches (now) - I'm always looking for "divers" for the shock and water resistance and, again, am finding super affordable well spec'd watches out there
Absolutely brilliant is always the case Teddy 😊wouldnt be on this journey without your insights and very informative videos. Love the way you stay humble and understand that $100-$200 is still a lot to spend on anything right now. Im currently saving for a prx, little late to the party but with a little one to look after and other things to spend money on, its just been one delay after the next 😊 keep up the great work and on a side note, my beater is a ga2100, looks great, hard wearing, has all you need and in jet black it goes with pretty much anything 😊 also love the thought of a more classier looking beater for other occasions. Have a great christmas and happy new year.
Teddy! You just called our whole niche we cover a beater category! Kidding kidding but seriously viewers will say you only deep dive because you sell these watches but your passion shows through! Add that you havent lost connection with normal peoples price ranges and this video will be a hit. Appreciate this one, any video thay gets the younger generations into watches is good by us! Cheers!!
I have a bizarre beater (besides the g-shock). I put a black dial Tissot Le Locle on a khaki nato strap once (my first and only NATO). I have worn this thing to the beach, diving, boating, yard work, biking, you name it. The polished edges have taken a beating but I think it adds character. The tissot is 13 yrs old now, never been serviced, still keeps good time and refuses to die! Sometimes makes me wonder why i spent so much on a rolex. the tissot really does it all at less than 1/10th the cost.
My beater is a Orient Pilot watch with a sailcloth strap. Black dial, black PVD case, black strap.
Teddys the best. Gives all watches a chance to earn our attention. We like some, we dont prefer others. With Teddy we are aware of whats out there.
Glad that the arnie is getting some love, it's been my beater ever since for 3 years now, seeing it the first time back then it was a good blend of "adventure" look and diver
I have a Citizen Promaster Aqualand Marine as my beater. Tough as nails and seems indestructible. Good video! One thing I like about this channel is I always learn something new: that Muhle Glashutte is a stunner! It's the watch I like the most here, but I never had heard of the brand before.
I absolutely love everything about the Citizen Promaster Diver EcoDrive watches. I’ve beaten the hell out of mine, from jungle warfare training in the Amazon to cold weather training in Europe. Great lume, size, durability and value.
The hamilton khaki field auto is my daily beater, but I do love Sinn.
The 556i was the first Sinn I got, so true that it is very versatile. But the lume is weaker than I had expected, which is important to me as I work shifts in a factory.
So then I got the 104, which is the perfect watch for me. Versatile, you can dress it up or down, excellent lume, a day date complication which really helps me because i often forget 😅
And perfect size too for my 6.5in wrist.
Now I have been eyeing the 356.
Anyone should try a Sinn at least once. Special brand.
My beater is a stauer rittorno i bought about 15 years ago for $80 Put a silicone band on it, cut off the little door on the back and polished down the nubs to make it thinner. Still going strong.
Good video. My beater has been a Lorier Gemini II, but it didn't stand up to a season of duck hunting. I have reverted back to my g shock GMWB5000, but I don't like wearing something with a battery, even if it is solar. I'll try a Khaki field titanium this season.
I've got a couple Duros, one blue and one with the "gold" bezel. Paid ablut $50 each on Amazon, got them the next day...and I've had them for over 3 years. I needed two because I have 2 houses, one in Oregon and one in Asheville. There are a LOT of watches in my life, but these get worn all the time because I an an outdoors kind of guy who does all the work on my old cars and motorcycles, and that just doesn't work with a precious Patek on your wrist. Good video!
Nice list, Teddy. I know most of us want the best materials for the lowest price. I hope you can make more sub $800 watch videos that come with different kinds of case metals, finishes, more accurate movements, and sapphire crystals!
Loving those Hamilton's as a beater, but I actually remember a video you did with Mr. Wonderful where you mentioned Doxa Sub 200 as a beater. I literally went out and got one and it's my beater now, but doesn't mean I can't have more than one. :)
My beater is the G-Shock 5610. Great recommendation. I chose the all black model with the negative display. It's tough, it's got heritage, it's solar powered. And it's a pretty cool watch.
Pound for pound the Casio MDR-106 'Duro' is the best watch available today. Classic looking dive watch, very accurate quartz movement, strap monster, very well made. Great around watch at an insane price. With the $100 Seiko a thing of the past, this now is the only option for an analogue watch under $100 IMO.
Good listen, I enjoyed this segment. Personally I use the Garmin Fenix 6 Solar Pro as my beater since I swim, fly sail, hike, climb, etc.. I love having GPS and all the apps, maps and statistics in real-time. Put my Rolex Oyster Perpetual into storage. lol
Got the SRPE 51 for my first Mechanical and just got the DW5600BB, so I've clearly got my beater bases covered.
I actually DO have a watch which considering it's history could be classed as a 'Beater'. I used to work in the Outdoor activity industry, teaching rock climbing, and taking groups 'Gorge Walking', walking and climbing up a fast flowing Welsh river, jumping into plunge pools and swimming behind waterfalls.....Never removed my watch, after all, it was (and still is) waterproof to 50 meteres, so that should be fine.......(I DID actually think it would be fine at the time, but know better now even though it DID survive). At the time (back in 2000 and 2001 I didn't have much interest in watches, they were purely functional items for me, I only owned one, and it never got removed. It is horrifically battered, scratched, and the metal plating is peeling away in parts, but it's still working fine despite the years and years of abuse. I'm genuinely amazed at what this watch has been through. Rock climbing, alpine mountains, kayaking in white water, swimming in rough sea, parachuting and even caving (spelunking for Americans). I was given this watch for my 15th Birthday, I'm now almost 49 (in June 2024), and this amazing watch is an Accurist reverse panda chronograph (Quartz). Even now I consider it to be not a bad looking watch, but it's certainly got my vote for reliability and durability!
Great content Teddy! I've had a gshock 5610 since 2011, one band replacement later and it's still rolling. I love that Momentum Sea Quartz, might have to pick that up 😊😊😊
Wearing my Zelos Spearfish green dial as I watch. A favorite in my collection
I know it’s over $3k, but the Sinn U1 or the smaller version the U50 is the gold standard beater watch. Utilitarian, legible, and tegimented submarine steel means it will never scratch, never rust, never tarnish. You could beat the heck out of it, and it’ll still look brand new. Very appealing specs and very unique looks. I want one lol
Great video, Teddy. Being a Sinn fanboy since my intro to the brand via their F-104 and Jaguar cockpit timers, I have picked a few of their aviation tool watches. All of their tool watch lines are designed to handle whatever you can throw at them and shrug it off. Have to admit, given the price tags, it was tough to stop trying to baby them and just relax. But I won't be dropping any of them out of a helicopter! For my current all-round EDC pick, the Sinn 105 St Sa on their silicon band is very tough to beat. Buy once, cry once.
I never miss a video. My girl friend wears a Rolex as her beater watch! Although I could well afford a Rolex, I just replaced my beater watch with a choice that will astound you. My beater watch concept doesn't include wearing it in the shower or skin diving. So mine have been much cheaper. The latest one, put away last week, was a used Timex Expedition.
I am stuck on minimalist design business watches from the 1950s on. I prefer quartz movements. That really cut down the field for a collection. The old designs still exist, but in non quartz movements. Every one seems to want a Christmas tree quartz watch. So I have a nice, modest collection of pristine, engraved retirement watches, Wittnauer and Hamilton. Cheap, restored, new leather bands.
After ordering a current, minimalist watch from a micro watch maker who could not make or deliver what it advertised, I purchased a new Bulova Corporate watch that some on-line merchandiser allowed me to steal! Way under $100 delivered. What? Sure. I wore it on Friday at the bank, at the stock brokerage, while exercising in the back yard and while shopping at Costco.
Fingers crossed. My wife wanted to get me something when our first daughter was born and while we don’t have a lot of money, especially after a baby who was a few weeks early, she still got me a nice Duro that has gotten me into watches. While we can’t afford a lot of the watches featured today it’s still to know what’s out there and develop my taste and knowledge.
I own the pink casioak and the blue seiko 5. Both are top tier beaters. I’ve snorkeled in the seiko and have had no issues. I hike, gym, etc in both. You can get the seiko 5 on rubber at costco for $180.
Nomos !!!! Light wieght and not too flashy . Perfect for everyday .
I have G Shock 5610 and I love it. I wear it much more than my Seiko Alpinist.
My personal ultimate beater is my Citizen Eco Drive BM8180. Legendary mechanism driving it, 100m of WR, and slides in at a more classical size that I think works well for all but the largest of wrists. Definitely can't go wrong with a smaller solar watch!
What a whatch the Seiko SPB. I own the SPB149J1 and really in love with it. Today, I am wearing my Seiko SARB 033 (JDM - Japanese Domestic Market)... imo another amazing piece. And yes you are right, I love Seiko.
Such a good vid. Any idea when you are getting a restock on the Arnie?
My favorite 2024 is the Prospex Limited Edition 1965 Recreation European Exclusive in Gradation Island Blue. The dial is stunning and the contrast when on a white strap is to die for. I will get my hands on one from amzwatch
I am not sure to consider them as beaters but I surely enjoy wearing them.
I have two Casio duros, a black bezel one on a black/grey nato and a Pepsi on a jubilee stainless steel bracelet.
I have the red G-Shock 2100 and the GW 5610 also on a black nato strap.
And I have the Seiko Arnie on a black jubilee steel bracelet.
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 to everyone in your team!
I got into watches thanks to your videos and recently purchased the Seiko Dress KX. Great stuff Teddy, keep it up!
Great topic for a video, the Traska is next on my list. At the moment my number 1 beater is a Casio ae1200 on bracelet. I have "better" watches but I always end up throwing it on most days. Looks weirdly great with most outfits and kind of does everything.