I have to start off by saying whatever the exact opposite of a "watch guy" is, that's me. I haven't worn one in 25 years.

That said, my son, turning 18 in a few weeks, is a watch guy. I'm starting to think about a blood test to confirm paternity but that's another thread. We are going to get him a "nice" watch for his birthday, but that will be his choice and not this thread's topic.

He is an avid outdoorsman, hiking and overnight camping, he's on the Pierce County Search and Rescue team and a Sea Scout. He's going to spend this summer as a guide/counselor for an outdoor school that he attended when he was younger. I am looking for suggestions for the following: 1) an analog (he hates digital otherwise I'd just get him a G-shock); 2) rugged, 3) mid expense (100-200 range remember this is second watch), 4) preferably metal band watch that can take a licking without stressing about its survival.

Thoughts?

Seiko Monster, used might be at the top end of the budget

Was also going to suggest Citizen CZ Hybrid, but not finding them on their site anymore.

A call/email to Dave could be beneficial as well. When I was shopping for a watch for my dad's 60th birthday, Dave recommended a brand I'd never heard of.

Just to be clear… $200 is your upper range?

Citizen Garrison might be a little above that. Has that “field watch” vibe that might suit his lifestyle. Eco drive, so low maintenance. Several colorways to choose among.

Casio Edifice Men's Watch with Sapphire Crystal

https://longislandwatch.com/ca...al-efr-s108de-8avcr/


But I'd go with this Seiko 5

https://www.jomashop.com/seiko...i-5cCG0aAkGlEALw_wcB

I had mentioned in another post the following,

"I have never purchased anything from them but I have read good things on the watch forums about Long Island Watch.

There is a drop down where you can shop by price."

Another thought is a gift certificate so if he sees something more expensive he can add to it and it would be something you bought together.

For that price range I would go with a Citizen eco-drive dive watch.

quote:

Originally posted by mttaylor1066:
Just to be clear… $200 is your upper range?

Citizen Garrison might be a little above that. Has that “field watch” vibe that might suit his lifestyle. Eco drive, so low maintenance. Several colorways to choose among.

I mean, I could be talked into something just above that if you got something awesome but its pretty close to the limit.

That is a super cool website, thanks for that recommendation!

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:

A call/email to Dave could be beneficial as well.

I figured I would do this when the choices were a bit narrowed down rather than the universe of options.

$200 is tough.

whichever one of these he'd like best.
https://duxotwatches.com/colle...lter.v.price.lte=200

What ever I can do to help: Luminox, Gshock = -30%, Citizen = -35%

quote:

Originally posted by davetruong:
What ever I can do to help: Luminox, Gshock = -30%, Citizen = -35%

As usual, Dave is the man!

I am also not a watch guy. I do have a Tag Heuer that is about 25 years old, and it’s been a decent watch. But I use to wear a Timex Expedition, and it was far superior except in “prestige” and cost.

Buy him a couple Timex for $60ish each, and he’ll have a spare that he will never need. And for a rugged watch, I think they look nice. I don’t think they make one with a metal band, but personally I think a metal band is problematic outdoors.

I have a Citizen Eco Drive dive watch that I got from David. It’s a great watch and in your price range I believe.

Call the Man!

You answered your own question as the G-Shock comes in analog.

Shame he doesn't like digital, being an outdoorsman, the Apple Watch Ultra would be a great fit for his lifestyle it was designed for this type of use.



Built in Satellite comms for when you're off grid, reach emergency services, you messages work
Running/walking tracker - steps, etc
GPS
Super long battery life
Compass and routing as well as backtrack for when you're out in the woods.
If you dive it works as a dive computer
Fall Detection

https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-ultra-3/



Otherwise a G-Shock makes sense.

This is a bit above budget, but it checks all your boxes:

https://www.casio.com/us/watch...product.GM-2110D-8A/

You might get within $50 of your budget with discount?

A year and a half or so ago Dave had a group buy for a Luminox No Planet B watch. I was able to get one just before my trip across the Sahara Desert. That 6 week trip was grueling and the watch held up great. In fact it has been my daily since then.
Love it…

Get a G shock, many feature’s.