[Question] Alright r/watches, expand my horizons.
Hi All - After getting an Accutron Gemini as a gift recently, I've gotten the bug to try to branch out and pick up some other pieces. My only other watch is a Tag Heuer F1 Chrono I've had for about 6 years. These are both steel bracelet watches, and primarily i'm looking for something dressier with a leather band. I've found many options out there but i don't have a good concept of what's a good value or what to look out for. So with that in mind, i'll list some requirements and i'd be delighted if anyone could throw their hat in with suggestions for models or brands to look at.
Price - $300-$700
Movement - Something automatic, either ETA, SW, even Miyota would be fine with me.
Lume - I know some people despise lume on a dress watch, but it's something i would really love to have.
Dial - Something pretty sterile, preferably in white or perhaps navy. No real preference on hands or dial indicators other than the aforementioned lume.
Case - I'd like to stick with 40mm-44mm. 42mm seems about perfect on my wrist (~7.5"). Brushed or polished, PVD, stainless, or rose gold.
Band - Brown leather. Not a fan of black leather. Any clasp style would be ok with me.
I'd also really like an exhibition back so i can continue to waste several minutes a day staring at the mechanism.
I know this criteria is still pretty broad, but for some more context - So far i've mainly been looking at Hamilton, Laco, Tissot, Chr. Ward, Alpina... I absolutely love the Tissot Heritage Visodate but the lack of lume is a thorn in my side. I had my eye on a perfect Alpina from Jomashop but the price went from $519 to $850 over the last 48h.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for the help!
Posted Feb 13, 2015, 10:55 PM UTC
Hamilton H325150 ticks off all your boxes. Give me a minute and I'll post a pic of the lume.
EDIT: Look at this puppy glow - Ok. Not that impressive, but that is a product of my current environment.
Sweet! Thanks for the pictures. That's a strong candidate.
The guy who repairs my watches is selling one of those for $245 used... http://www.scotchwatch.com/Watches_pg1.html
The website is a little fussy but he does good work.
Thanks! He's got some neat pieces on there.