Editorโs Note: This story originally appeared in Volume 5 of B.H. Magazine. To get your copy (and access to future issues), subscribe here.
In the world of horology, there is nothing more disappointing than a safe queen โ a watch owned by someone who is too worried to wear it, for fear of having it torn from their wrist, or worse, to keep it in boutique condition. While the former is understandable given the spate of robberies in places like London, the latter is inexcusable.
The financialisation of any collecting category is the death of all true collectorsโ passion, and if a watch is in a safe to preserve value, it collapses into a sterile spreadsheet line item, preventing another enthusiast from owning it and wearing it.
Of course, different kinds of watches are better suited to different environments, while also signalling what type of person you are or how much money you make (or wish you made), but the last thing any enthusiast wants to hear is that you have a great watch that you refuse to wear because youโre scared of a scratch. Especially if itโs a dive watch thatโs never been underwater.
A wristwatch is designed to be worn, on the wrist, and to wear a watch without anxiety is the greatest part of ownership. Scuffs, nicks, and scars are a watchโs autobiography, and one without a blemish is an obvious work of fiction.
The concept of the โbeaterโ watch embodies this sentiment in all its glory โ to wear a watch with confidence that it will be both the tool and the companion it was designed to be, no matter where your day takes you. To pay tribute to the humble beater, B.H. asked a handful of Australiaโs most notable watch authorities what they reach for when they need a watch that can do it all.
Sinn 856 S UTC
James Want, Editor-In-Chief of B.H. Magazine
Trusted by German Special Forces, Sinn prioritises function and legibility above all else, and their 856 S UTC is a perfect example of what they do best. 40mm Tegiment-hardened steel, DLC coating, moisture protection, magnetic resistance, dual time zones, and a slim, 11mm profile. One of the most capable tool watches on the market, offering exceptional value.
Seiko SPB153
Nick Kenyon, Watch Editor at Boss Hunting
Possibly my favourite modern Seiko thanks to its bulletproof build quality. The Willard SPB153 is a Vietnam War-era 6105 homage that gets all the details right, with faceted crystal, an olive-green aluminium bezel that differs subtly from the dial, and red-dot spade seconds hand echoing the โ70s originals. One of the best vintage-inspired reissues Iโve seen, delivering authentic wrist-feel with modern confidence and reliability.
Hamilton Khaki Field Bronze
Andrew McUtchen, Founder of Time+Tide Watches
The Khaki Field isnโt just a great beater โ itโs the benchmark for what a beater should be. Itโs the watch you donโt think twice about putting on, and thatโs precisely why itโs my go-to!
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
The SMP 300M takes me from boardrooms to the gym, beach to bar, and even to watch GTGs. I appreciate the watchโs incredible versatility: 8806 equipped, anti-magnetic, exceptional lume for travel, and easy readability for discreet meeting glances. Itโs always ready and keeps up with lifeโs demands.
Paulin Modul C Quartz
Felix Scholz, Founder of OT: The Podcast
Light, comfortable and unobtrusive in a 35mm cushion case โ with enough design personality that checking the time is never dull โ the Modul C is always a joy to wear.
Seiko SBDB015 Landmaster
Bani McSpedden, Watch Editor at Australian Financial Review
Rolex has the Land Dweller, but my go-to beater is Seikoโs discontinued SBDB015 Landmaster. Under $4,000 for incredible credentials: 46.8mm pure-titanium case weighing just 142 grams, spring-drive movement accurate to a second daily with 70-hour reserve, independent 24-hour hand. Bullhead configuration with the brightest lume Iโve encountered โ glows even in daylight. Everything you want in a watch. Everything you want in a watch.
Rolex Submariner 126610LV
Chamath Gamage, Founder of Watch Advice
Around the house with the kids, I usually wear a G-Shock. When I step outside, itโs my trusty โStarbucksโ on the wrist โ an incredibly versatile watch built to handle anything. Why this colourway? It matches the Watch Advice colours perfectly!
Tudor Pelagos FXD Marine Nationale
Haoming Wang, Watch Photographer and Collector
Developed in collaboration with the Marine Nationale, this FXD is true military kit. The stealthy, lightweight monobloc titanium case is designed for durability with no spring bars, while high-performance lume ensures accurate time reading in all conditions. Itโs comfortable, understated, and versatile โ I love it.
Rolex Datejust
Annie Brown, Watch Editor at WISH and Vogue
In stainless steel, my vintage Datejust is sturdy enough to handle any kind of adventure, but it also looks chic โ and powerful โwith a suit for the office. It makes me feel, well, capable
Mido Ocean Star Tribute
Luke Benedictus, Watch Writer at Australian Financial Review
If Iโm heading to the beach, itโs my Mido Ocean Star Tribute Gradient on the wrist. A true value proposition, for just $1,650, you get a Swiss-made diver with 200m water-resistance, and an 80-hour power reserve on a tropic-style rubber strap. Sized just right at 40mm, it sports a funky red-gradient dial that brings a touch of retro swagger.
If youโve enjoyed this story about the best everyday โbeaterโ watches, consider a few more of our favourite stories โ direct from the pages of B.H. Magazine:
- How Quartz Watches Shed Their Cheap Reputation To Become A New Kind Of Luxury
- Slow Craft, South Of Saigon: The Art Of Cloisonnรฉ Enamel Watch Dials
- Front Of Mind: How Ken Sakata Turned A Fake Footy Club Into A Fashion Label
- Man At Work: A Conversation With Alexander Volkanovski
- Why The $654,600 McLaren 750S Is Worth Every Cent
