The Formex Reef is a great, original diver design. Available in 2 sizes now the new smaller one has been released.
High quality case & bracelet, with changeable bezels, micro adjust, quick change straps etc. COSC certified as well.
My 3 blue dialed divers:
I would imagine the Precista would be the hardest to find in the wild being 1/50 made. All three are great watches in their own right.
I know quartz has been ruled out in this instance but for anyone else reading this and looking for ideas, I'll confirm that the Ti Diver One in blue is a cracking daily and holiday watch. I bought the Ti bracelet for mine and it gets worn a lot. I'm sure the other colours are also great but it's a particularly nice subtle shade of blue. A lot of watch for the money, albeit quartz.
I absolutely love the Precista but 1) I knew they were an LE and 2) I really want new.
I have a HC, albeit a black 39mm Mk2? and having seen the current blue in the flesh it just wasn't for me, plus its above budget/too good for pool duties. if i was going to spend hat much I would be looking at Sinn 105 or Oris Aquis to bring a bit of brand variety to the watch box.
I have always had a soft spot for the SMP and a chrono was on my list as a retirement present to myself (ended up with a 116610 in the end), but same applies; above budget and too good to risk in the pool after a few libations. That's not to say I haven't been looking longingly at them on SC though, it's just not that sort of hunt atm.
I did enjoy your pictures though thanks.
And the winner is.......
Thanks for all your help guys. I can see me standing at the edge of a strap rabbit hole however.
Nice - can't go far wrong with a Certina
Cheers guys, I did try on a friends Mido OST and while it was very nice, it somehow felt a bit small and I was unconvinced by the bracelet. They do of course share the same movement.
I bought it from First Class watches saving a considerable sum, ordered late evening and delivered 2 days later.
Oh, and they sent me a £75 Naked Wines voucher (off a case costing £134.99 or more) and I wont use it, so if anyone wants it just bung a few quid in the FR and it's yours. Has to be used within 30 days apparently.
How about the C Ward Aquitaine in blue? Sapphire bezel, great finish and features such as tool free adjustment, quick release spring bars, plus a Swiss movement. Under a grand on the bracelet if budget will stretch. From experience I can say they make excellent quality watches.
https://www.christopherward.com/aqui...4aAnaBEALw_wcB
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Very retro style but for a blue dial diver sub £800 this is what I'd buy
https://www.beaverbrooks.co.uk/01364...EaAmgjEALw_wcB
I've just taken delivery of the yellow dial and it is a cracking, quirky watch to be worn in the sun.
Ah edited to say I see you've picked up the Certina. That's a beauty as well and definitely my 1st choice from the ones you initially shortlisted.
I did have a look at CW and saw the Dartmouth with the faux aged lume which I'm not a fan of. I may have looked again if I had seen the Aquitaine.
The Tissot is a bit funky for my tastes thanks.
I'D have snaffled up the Blue Baltic on SC, just personally speaking, they make terrific watches.
Enjoy your watch OP.
Thanks, I am so far and after a bracelet watch it feels quite light.
The Baltic was a good shout it's just that I'm not a fan of the retro gilt/faux lume thing, same as the Doxa 200 Caribbean which I loved otherwise.
It just goes to show that there are a lot of very reasonably priced divers out there that are a lot of fun.
The Certina is a great choice, that really pops. I have a Squale 1521 which I was drawn to for a similar aesthetic.
My friend, who won't buy a watch if it's at all similar to anything else in his watch box, tells me mine are all the same, which is not entirely untrue, and the Certina is completely different. There are a lot of nice watches that have been mentioned here, but the fact that it's like nothing in my watch box was one of the deciding factors. Squale was on my list for consideration as well, I guess the Certina just spoke to me more.