What’s the best watch to wear on safari?

[Angelo_orygun]

I’ll echo all the mentions of a GPS watch. I wore a Garmin on my last trip and it was interesting to note the distance walked each day during my hunt, especially the 4 days on buff.

My second pick would be something traditional with a GMT complication….

 

[Tanks]

Last couple of years I used the Breitling Endurance Pro Ironman. I have been very happy with it.

Endurance Pro 44 Ironman® - X823109A1K1S1 | Breitling

Discover the Breitling Endurance Pro 44 Ironman® in a combination of breitlight®, a red dial and a rubber strap. Shop now!

www.breitling.com

That being said, I have been using Apple Watch Ultra for the last few months. Battery life is great and it does provide me with a lot of data, so I might switch to it next year. I will test it out in Argentina this coming April.

 

[Woodcarver]

I wore a G-Shock for a long time until the battery died. Now a Citizens EcoDrive goes everywhere; I prefer the analog watch. I don't worry about leaving a watch anywhere, as it literally never comes off unless the strap breaks; 24-7, 365. Don't really care what time it is since quitting time became my decision, but I've worn a watch since I was a kid and feel naked without one (not as naked as I do without a hat, but this is a watch thread). This Citizen is on it's 2nd band, the date is always wrong (can't see it anyway, don't care what day it is as everyday is Saturday), but it keeps impeccable time. Might get a new crystal and bezel when I can't read it anymore. Think it's been in constant use for about 7-8 years now, both above and below sea level.

Damn, the dates actually right! Just saw it in the pic, lol.

 

[Safari Dave]

I wear my Rolex everyday and the Seiko dive watch is my backup for hunting when I'm concerned that the Rolex might get stolen or I'm working on a car engine, etc..


Have a look at Bertucci watches.

They are relatively inexpensive ($100 +/-), rugged, outdoorsy, very water resistant, lightweight, and the crystal is very scratch resistant.


Another neat feature is that they don't have pins to break to hold on the band.


My son couldn't hardly stand to watch and destroyed everyone he tried until he bought one. Now he wears it every day.

You won't find them in jewelry stores, but they may be the best selling watch in gun stores/fly shops/outdoor stores, etc.



I've never liked digital watches. Never know when you might need to use a watch as a compass!

 

[tarbe]

I have not owned a watch for at least 30 years.

Flame away!!

 

[Code4]

This is a joke post right ?

 

[VertigoBE]

Lot's of ideas here.

I'm trying to find a good replacement for my watch that recently gave up (got water inside, despite being waterproof) while in a lake, toasting on a good hunt.

So let's see, what specs...
- timeless and classy, that will keep it's value for a long time
- high wear and tear, shock, dust and water resistance
- time and date, nothing else
- luminescent hands so I can read it in the dark
- not too shiny or reflective
- battery, not an automatic (I want something I can put on, it works and I do not have to fiddle with it)
- perhaps 1 option <500 EUR and 1 option <2000 EUR

any suggestions?

V.

 

[tarbe]

This is a joke post right ?

No sir. Not a joke at all.

The last time I recall wearing a watch (with any certainty) was when I was active duty Marine Infantry in the 70s.

My wife says I wore one on a couple of occasions some time in the 80s or 90s, but I don't recall that....but wives are never wrong so.....

Only reason I mention this is to just show how people can be so on point with each other in a number of areas, and then you find a massive point of divergence.

I find that interesting!

 

[mdwest]

Lot's of ideas here.

I'm trying to find a good replacement for my watch that recently gave up (got water inside, despite being waterproof) while in a lake, toasting on a good hunt.

So let's see, what specs...
- timeless and classy, that will keep it's value for a long time
- high wear and tear, shock, dust and water resistance
- time and date, nothing else
- luminescent hands so I can read it in the dark
- not too shiny or reflective
- battery, not an automatic (I want something I can put on, it works and I do not have to fiddle with it)

any suggestions?

V.

Price range?

 

[VertigoBE]

Price range?

ah good point, I added it to the question, let's say one option around 500 EUR and one option less than 2000 EUR. (or USD, we are pretty much at parity for the moment)

 

[mdwest]

Ive found the Tag Huer Aquaracer line of watches to be an incredible value for the price.

Prices vary quite a bit.. the Aquaracer chronographs can cost as much as $5000.. but the quartz/battery versions are generally in the $1500-$2000 range..

For your specs, and in the <2000 category, the Aquaracer Stingray I think fits nicely..

https://www.jomashop.com/tag-heuer-...k1ShRKUAf9N8jYPSsCibLEdcnBu0BymAaAqpEEALw_wcB

I bought my Aquaracer 2000 Chronograph in 2007... Its now almost 16 years old.. and looks as good today as the day I purchased it.. Ive only had to have it serviced once (most chronographs need be to serviced every 5-7 years).. it keeps incredible time.. is super durable (Ive worn it on dives, snorkeling, etc.. Wore it in Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.. never had a problem with it).. I purchased it as an alternative to my Rolex Submariner (didn't want to beat up my "nice" watch).. but after even just a few months, the Tag became my favorite.. The rolex now sits in a box waiting for me to die so that it can be passed down as an heirloom lol...

 

[VertigoBE]

Does anyone have any experience with IWC pilot watches and their durability?

 

[Safari Dave]

Lot's of ideas here.

I'm trying to find a good replacement for my watch that recently gave up (got water inside, despite being waterproof) while in a lake, toasting on a good hunt.

So let's see, what specs...
- timeless and classy, that will keep it's value for a long time
- high wear and tear, shock, dust and water resistance
- time and date, nothing else
- luminescent hands so I can read it in the dark
- not too shiny or reflective
- battery, not an automatic (I want something I can put on, it works and I do not have to fiddle with it)
- perhaps 1 option <500 EUR and 1 option <2000 EUR

any suggestions?

V.

It might be hard to find a swiss watch that meets your criteria, but I bet a Seiko like the SEBJ051 would fill the bill.

Some of Seiko's best may me every bit as good, if not better, than the best Swiss battery-operated watches.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

Does anyone have any experience with IWC pilot watches and their durability?

I have 4 IWC watches and they are excellent. Extremely reliable and surprisingly durable. One of my everyday watch is the IWC Chrono Aquatimer, I get tons of compliments and it’s bulletproof.

Aquatimer Chronograph Automatic Black Dial Men's Watch

The IWC watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 44mm that is in perfect proportions with its 17mm height. The watch is also waterproof till 30 bars. The piece features the 79320 Calibre with self-winding features as well as a power reserve of 44 hours. The dial is also adorned with...

www.watchshopping.com

 

[BeeMaa]

IWC along with Stowa, A. Lange & Söhne, Laco and Wempe made the original Flieger chronograph watches for the Luftwaffe and some were also found on the wrist of Allied pilots. They are a timeless design with two main designs.
Type A...

And type B...

I prefer the ones from Stowa but all of them have such classic lines, it's hard to choose. FYI - Most are automatics or manual wind, but there are some limited options for a quartz movement with a battery. As for having a date...I've never thought it was really that critical, but I'm sure there are ones out there with them.

 

[BWH]

Didn’t wear one….for several reasons.

You’re on their/Africa time
Don’t risk or damage yours
Sunrise/sunset

 

[Iclimb]

Lot's of ideas here.

I'm trying to find a good replacement for my watch that recently gave up (got water inside, despite being waterproof) while in a lake, toasting on a good hunt.

So let's see, what specs...
- timeless and classy, that will keep it's value for a long time
- high wear and tear, shock, dust and water resistance
- time and date, nothing else
- luminescent hands so I can read it in the dark
- not too shiny or reflective
- battery, not an automatic (I want something I can put on, it works and I do not have to fiddle with it)
- perhaps 1 option <500 EUR and 1 option <2000 EUR

any suggestions?

V.

You might take a look at CWC WATCHES
your biggest hang up will be the quartz criteria. I like automatic watches personally. As long as you wear them and dven if you take it off most will still have power to go 3-5 days. Some 7 day power reserves now too so you might consider and automatic.
‘anyway Cwc (cabet watch company) has a storied past and was the first to supply our navy seals back in the day, before Tudor/Rolex supplied the dive watches.
Cwc offers a quartz option and look st their dive watch selection. It should age well, hold a certain amount of value, it can be dressed up and down and is up to the task! Whatever it may be.
I like this one, no date but I think they offer a date version

1983 Royal Navy Divers Quartz Re-Issue Watch (RN300-83 QS60)

Item code: 73589 Due to numerous requests for upgrades, this watch now comes with sapphire glass as standard.In 1983, CWC produced the first quartz divers' watch for the Royal Navy and this reissue has been made to the same specifications, with SuperLuminova (as Tritium is no longer available)...

www.cwcwatch.com

 

[Longdrive]

Breitling Emergency in case the rhino attacks!

 

[Areaonereal]

At my stage of life in this changing world I have worn on my last 11 trips to Africa a……ready, drum roll please….a Timex Expedition…$30 t0 $40 on Amazon….nylon band and best of all the face lights up with a push of the stem when you wake up in the middle of the night because you are are still on CST from home. Lightweight…reliable and no concern if you are mugged and they steal your watch... I really see no need wearing ,metaphorically,Diamond rings and a Rolex while in Africa, so I need utility without the glitz. Not to be critical nor belittling any one else if they choose otherwise…just not my thing..no Filson, Orvis or the like in bags or clothing…Tag shirts, Carhart Jeans, LL Bean or North Face cargo pants and Danner boots have served me well on every visit to Africa.

 

[Daveboone]

I have to second Areaonereal here.
I have several fine Seikos and Citizen watches, but as my wife and I prepared for Africa, we made a conscious decision. We wanted to blend in ( like a snowball in a bucket of coal) and not attract attention. She left her jewelry behind including her engagement ring. No logos, nothing to identify us as Americans, nothing anyone would want. For day to day reliability and use for fifty bucks, it is impossible to beat the old Timex Expedition as mentioned above, with the Dayglo dial. They are my knock around watch, and have stood up to everything I can hand to them...submersion with fishing/swimming, construction, extreme cold, etc. They do not attract attention to me, and hey, if someone wants it...here ya go! Wear it in good health....then choke on it!