What’s your budget? Is your definition of tool watch just restricted to divers?

For the type of metal, you can also consider bronze if you are one of those that enjoys the patina

 

It can be either diver or field but looking for a mechanical movement that's mostly in plethora. No solar or quartz. Not interested in pilot or aviator due to more complications in the movement. I'm curious on which metals would be best as an everyday every situation case. Originally, I had a budget near 4,000 but really hoping to find something that is a third or less. I'm basically thinking of a daily ride or die shtf watch.

 

For a field watch I rather like these.

MIL-SPEC 38mm
Full lume dial
Way under your budget

Aesthetically I think they look really nice for a field, but maybe a little pricey considering it uses a standard Seiko movement, although that can be a positive.

 

I would recommend the Mühle Glashütte SAR Rescue Timer or the Mühle SAR Mission Timer, but these watches are only available in men's sizes.

Alternatively, the Ball Fireman NightBreaker might also be interesting. However, the watch is also just outside your specification for the maximum diameter.

 

That lume!

 

 

No quartz? Shame.

 

My brother had one of those years ago and when we went fishing all night you could easily read the time on it.

 

CW makes 38mm divers

 

Is the 36mm Marathon SAR smaller than you want to go?

 

Lum-Tec? Luminox?

 

San Martin SN0138-G

it has the same lume as the Tudor.

 

Wow, One watch or die? Pretty serious man.

 

I guess my only option then is death........

 

Wow. There are so many watches under $500 that meet your criteria, all you have to do is expend the effort to find
them (and relevant reviews) on the internet.

 

Mototime, I've done that over the last few days but not really getting much that connects with me. I've looked at aquastar reissue 60 but the lug to lug length of 47mm is too long for my wrist and the brand new eta makes me hesitate. Not looking for 100% China watches, I've had a few in the past but no connection was made.

 

I'd recommend Vaer. I own a D4 diver and the lume is very good. They can be had with either auto or in the case of mine, solar quartz. Great watches, 200m w/r, sapphire crystal, screw down crown, excellent quick release bracelet.

 

Tudor Black Bay 54
Seiko Alpinist
Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster
Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster
Citizen Promaster Dive 36.5 Eco Drive

 

I have the quartz version of the Momentum Atlas with full lume dial and love it. This one is an auto using the Miyota 9015, and it's under $600:

Atlas Automatic [38mm] - White Full Lume

The Atlas Automatic field watch features a Miyota 9015 automatic movement housed in a comfortable 38mm titanium case with a display back, screw-down crown, and 100m of water resistance. The C3 Super-LumiNova dial provides excellent legibility, and is covered by domed AR-coated sapphire crystal.

momentumwatch.com

 

For my money, Citizen lume (that they use on all but their cheapest ranges) is the best, and with the countless models that they produce, you're bound to find one that will be to your liking in most any regard.

 

 

I’m a big fan of my Certina DS Action Diver 38mm. The lume is exceptional and it’s well proportioned.

 

38mm, 200m wr, and I assume this has decent lume, being a Seiko. $750

38mm, 150m WR, good lume, $1095