Contemplating buying a beater....

[Brandon(phila)]

So for the past 15 years I have not owned any other watch than a Rolex / Omega and/or Panerai.

I have never worried about wearing any of my watches anywhere, anytime doing any activity...within reason. Beach, ocean, pool, running, hiking, riding bike, volley ball...never worried about scratches, bezel popping out, the welded bracelet breaking or anything like that. It didn't matter if I was wearing SS or TT...I just wore and didn't think about it.

Now all of a sudden I am thinking about buying a beater like a G Shock or Luminox.

Why do I feel this way, is it b/c the new watches with ceramic bezel...polished links...weld spot on bracelet, heavier (bouncing around more if running) or is b/c they cost a lot more than they did 10 years ago.

Does anyone have a story about banging or dropping a ceramic bezel that didn't crack. I hate that I am going against my own advice to others (not to worry about it and just wear it)

[shirtguy]

just get insurance and you will be covered for damages on the bezel etc..........

[joe100]

Ceramic is pretty sturdy. It'll hold up fine, otherwise Rolex wouldn't have used it.

Also, please use question marks if you're asking questions. I had to read your post a few times to get what you were asking

[Thatguy]

The ceramic bezels get knocked around everyday and only a tiny percent of them break. I wear mine everywhere and decided not to worry about it because its just added stress and who needs that?

[smallcandle]

This is what the internet can do to people - cause obsession over things that will primarily be non-issues...

[Daytona-Dan]

There is a great misconception that the ceramic bezels break at the slightest bump which is complete rubbish. If there was a widespread epidemic of broken bezels we would have more than the few posts we've seen about it. Also remember that people will come online to complain about a broken bezel a lot faster than they would to praise how they smashed it on a rock and it still looked great. The latter will just get on with their lives.

I love the new bezels, the look beautiful and are a big improvement over the older aluminium ones. Although a lot of people will no doubt disagree with me, Rolex obviously doesn't and they made the move for a reason. Some will say "newer is not always better" but if there was no "newer" options there would never be any progress and I for one think this was a step in the right direction.

These watches are made to be worn daily and they will take whatever abuse you put them through but like any other high value item, a little care goes a long way and like any tools, you shouldn't abuse them unnecessarily or they will break.

[ChuckFinlay]

I don't blame you, my LV took a knock somewhere that was so minor I wasn't even aware, when I came to sell it someone noticed in a photo that the bezel pip was cracked, £500 for the insert, another £300 for the bezel...luckily I managed to trade it to someone that wasnt bothered, but it put me off the latest "improved" model.

[TonyD]

Just be smart. I wear my nice watches on weekends and during most days. I do get into some ugly situations where I am working on machinery and I take it off and go without or wear a Luminox that I keep in my desk. I try not to worry about desk diving and door dings, but if you are working construction etc wear a nice beater.

[Brandon(phila)]

So I got a Beater anyway.
I figured why not, not that I am overly worried about damaging any of my watches...but I really did need something to use for running. Tried that once with DSSD and couple times with GMTc...too much bouncing and sliding around on the wrist.

First I looked at the cheap-o digital's....then looked at some G-shocks.....was actually "Shocked" that some of them can cost over $500...but the ones I was looking at were in the $80-$120 range, but didn't like how they are so big and too futuristic looking.

I wound up with a Luminox all "Blacked Out" analog quartz with date. Very cool looking watch, very light weight. She gave me a decent price and I got it...wasn't really looking to spend even that much for a beater but you how could a WIS be caught wearing a $40 digital

[bde]

You would be surprised by how many hardcore WIS on this forum also have a $40 digital beater or two (including this guy). They have their place in anyone's collection.

[luv2fly]

Originally Posted by bde

You would be surprised by how many hardcore WIS on this forum also have a $40 digital beater or two (including this guy). They have their place in anyone's collection.

Agree with this post.

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by bde

You would be surprised by how many hardcore WIS on this forum also have a $40 digital beater or two (including this guy). They have their place in anyone's collection.

agree, i don't have a fancy g shock, i think mine retailed for $80 and i got it on clearance at target for $18. not ashamed to wear it at all. really pathetic that one additional link on my watch could buy 3 of those gshocks at retail price.

[AK797]

Agree as long as youre smart ceramic bezel should be fine.

[Presa canary]

Originally Posted by bde

you would be surprised by how many hardcore wis on this forum also have a $40 digital beater or two (including this guy). They have their place in anyone's collection.

+1

[Hobart]

I do alot of farm work and a watch takes a beating. There is no way I'm wearing one of my Rolex's. Get a beater for the work days

[Alexth1]

Well, it certainly sounds like you don't need a beater given the fact that you've been wearing your 'nice' watches for a long time and you've been doing just fine. But if the whole beater thing is just an excuse to get another watch than be my guest

[Rags]

IMO a beater watch should cost no more than $200. I can't see a $6K watch worn as a beater.

[robisan]

Nice choice on the Luminox for a beater, now wear the hell out of it.

[SALTY]

Originally Posted by bde

you would be surprised by how many hardcore wis on this forum also have a $40 digital beater or two (including this guy). They have their place in anyone's collection.

+1

[scarlet knight]

Your ceramic will be fine. If it breaks, it can be repaired. I have a lot of fun with Seiko and Orient watches. You can get a sharp looking automatic watch for $200 and less.

[mike@ec]

Originally Posted by shirtguy

just get insurance and you will be covered for damages on the bezel etc..........

how much is insurance usually ?

[Bryanli88]

I have my Rolexes, Omegas and Panerai. I typically wear them in rotation to work and sometimes on weekends but certainly not as beater watches. Actually I just picked up a G shock and a Seiko Monster sk 315 a few weeks ago to serve as my weekend activity "beater watch".

[dysondiver]

50 sterling is my limit for a watch i will either wear at work , leave on a desk , be it sound , lighting , or the coms consul while diving etc ,, and has to be quartz ,, so its right when i pick it up after a week ,, everyone with a nice watch needs a watch that isnt just as nice .

[Widows Son]

I'll wear my Swiss Army or Wenger when necessary. If I'm doing something where it will just get dirty, like cutting the grass, I'll still wear an Airking. One trip to the sink with some Scrubbing Bubbles, and it looks like new.

[fmc000]

This is my beater.

[GradyPhilpott]

Rolex builds the ultimate beaters.

[pbv]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Rolex builds the ultimate beaters.

Absolutely.....my beater is a 39mm Explorer.

[Prybar]

WOW, awesome looking Seiko.

[BH13GMT]

I have this Seiko (pic pinched off the net) as my beater. Its a brilliant watch for the money. Tough as old boots, takes a good wack, never failed me. I cant think of anything negative other than having to switch the jubilee to an oyster band.

[Cru Jones]

here's my "beater"....light, some style and cheap.

great for when you don't want to think or worry at all about what you're wearing.