I am working on my PhD mainly doing lab work. When I first started, I bought a Tissot LeLocle Powermatic 80, which I absolutely love. However, in the lab, there’s a lot of hazards for an automatic and I started taking it out fairly often. Is there an automatic that’s not too expensive (ideally under 500 but sub 1000€ at most), somewhat magnetic and shock resistant? Been thinking that I’d like to get a Diver, but not a prerequisite
Thanks for your help, cheers!
Honestly? G-shock is the answer.
Right?
Can even get one of the nicer japanese made models for around $500
I love my titanium square. Def gets a lot of wrist time in the summer doing outdoor activities!
I’d probably go with a Casio F91W, or even a Casio calculator watch. They should take a beating, and even if you destroy one, you’re only out $15-20. They’re both classics in their own right.
If you want to spend a little more, a G-Shock is another option, as others mentioned.
I’m not sure what you’re doing in the lab and assume you have other ways to time things if needed, but a watch like one of these would be much more accurate for quick timing than any automatic.
If you must have an automatic now, I’d go with some like like a Seiko 5, assuming it can withstand what you’re doing in the lab. Looking up the Tissot, it seems like it’s around $800. If you’re taking that off, I assume you’d also take something off in the $500 range. Sometimes you just need a watch that’s cheap enough you don’t care about it, so you can focus on what you’re doing. I think it’s worth being honest with yourself on what the price point is where you can break it and not care, as it sounds like that’s a real risk.
Save the $500-1000 to put toward a Rolex Milgauss or something (if you’re doing electronics) for when you get your PHD.
I just got a tag heuer solargraph watch as my every day watch but in your case I would get a nice citizen or seiko watch that can take a beating. I like quartz watches end even better solar versions because you can set them and forget them for decades.
Garmin Instinct
If digital is your thing, go with a Garmin Fenix (sapphire faced). My job was very, very dirty and rugged. I made construction workers and heavy equipment operators look clean. That thing is bomb proof, once I added a screen protector and a plastic (removable) cover for $20.
Battery life is insane and you get all the notifications etc.
I’m not sure what type of lab environment you are in but it’s probably best to remove watches, rings, and other jewelry. If it could possibly restrict movement or get caught on equipment while working its a bad idea.
