A few options to consider:
Zelos horizons - 39 mm

The lorier is 39 mm.

Baltic Aquascaphe is 39 mm.

CW Trident Pro has a 38 mm version

 

The Trident Pro looks nice. Thanks!

 

I have been lurking for a few months, but finally decided to joined this forum today and finally post! I am pretty new to the hobby, only really looking into watches these past 6 months.
I'm looking for help on finding a quality first diver. After buying a nice dress watch, field watch, and g-shock, I now want a dive watch that can take a beating but is versatile enough to wear traveling, in the classroom, swimming, climbing, etc. The major problem I have encountered is finding a diver that is under 38mm (I have very small wrists so even 39-40mm watches are too large and heavy) and under $1000. I plan to buy only one diver and keep it for a very long time without having to worry about it.
The Marathon MSAR or quartz 36mm looks like the best option so far (still don't know if the white or black would be better).
Any other suggestions for a newbie?

Sorry. I misread and thought you said under 40 mm. Ignore most of those recs.

 

Hamilton Khaki Navy or Certina DS Action. Both come in a 37mm, with the Hamilton being a quartz and the Certina an automatic.

 

Actually you should shop the lug to lug length not dial size. I have some 41mm dial watches with short lug to lug length under 47mm and some 40mm watches at 49mm lug to lug.

I have small wrists 6.25" and can wear up to 50mm lug to lug. Good to know your wrist size and the watches lug to lug length for purchases.

Good luck..!

 

OP, this is great advice:

Actually you should shop the lug to lug length not dial size. I have some 41mm dial watches with short lug to lug length under 47mm and some 40mm watches at 49mm lug to lug.

Lug-to-lug is definitely an important factor.

Re: the Marathon MSAR, I have one and love it, but it is purely a tool watch, so if you're down with that aesthetic, go for it. Be aware that it is almost 14mm thick.

You may also want to consider a 39.5mm Oris Aquis. Either used or a good grey market deal can be had within your price range. Despite the size, its proprietary lugs wear much smaller than the dimensions suggest, e.g., I wear a 43mm version on my 6.5" wrist without any kind of overhang.

 

Really look at Squale, they have short lugs so small wrists shouldnt be an issue

Sent from my IN2015 using Tapatalk

 

If bronze is on your radar, check out the Dificiano Barracuda for about half your budget.

 

Islander 38mm diver. It's an upgraded clone of the discontinued Seiko SKX013

 

I got these ones recently, my wrist is about 6.5 inches and they all wear really nicely

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The Rado Captain Cook 37mil is a lovely little watch, but I think it might push you budget a bit as they run about £1100 in the UK.

 

Seiko SKX013 at 37mm. They are significantly higher in price since being discontinued. You can still find them on ebay for around $350usd and they are a true ISO 6425 certified dive watch. If you can handle 38mm, the Islander 38mm has better specs than the SKX013 as it has sapphire and a hacking/handwinding movement and comes in at $299usd, but no ISO certification, FWIW.

 

I will ditto the Islander 38, or you could buy a Seiko SKX013 and it can be both your "vintage" watch as well as diver. Parts are super plentiful so it can be maintained way into the future. This is my 013 on a jubilee my wrist is 185mm 7 3/8", you can also swap bezels, crystals, dials hands, signed crown, or leave it as the icon it is. They wear really well and can really take a beating without complaining. An 013 on a strap just sold on the Seiko forum for $180. Please let us all know what you pull the trigger on and of course "pics or it didn't happen" GLWTP

 

Check out the Maen Hudson 38.

 

I have been lurking for a few months, but finally decided to joined this forum today and finally post! I am pretty new to the hobby, only really looking into watches these past 6 months.
I'm looking for help on finding a quality first diver. After buying a nice dress watch, field watch, and g-shock, I now want a dive watch that can take a beating but is versatile enough to wear traveling, in the classroom, swimming, climbing, etc. The major problem I have encountered is finding a diver that is under 38mm (I have very small wrists so even 39-40mm watches are too large and heavy) and under $1000. I plan to buy only one diver and keep it for a very long time without having to worry about it.
The Marathon MSAR or quartz 36mm looks like the best option so far (still don't know if the white or black would be better).
Any other suggestions for a newbie?

Marathon GSAR, even 41mm (like mine) wears small. This is my pic on my 6" wrist. Not 6.25", 6". I've tried their smaller versions, and quite honestly they're for women. If I could pull my wife away from her Garmin fenix, I'd get her a 36mm Marathon.

 

Marathon GSAR, even 41mm (like mine) wears small. This is my pic on my 6" wrist. Not 6.25", 6". I've tried their smaller versions, and quite honestly they're for women. If I could pull my wife away from her Garmin fenix, I'd get her a 36mm Marathon.
View attachment 15750807

You beat me to the punch on that one...great watch.

 

Certina DS Action 38mm.

Marathon MSAR 36mm.

 

I love this one, the Traska Freediver

 

My 5'0" wife wears a 38mm islander and it isn't oversized at all.

Also the mini tuna and mini turtle seem to fit even "tiny" wrists.

 

Not sure what your appetite for an older watch is, but you might be able to find a midsize quartz Seamaster for <$1k.

 

new or used - if you're willing to try used, then i would suggest the Aquis 39.5mm. Great quality watch for the money.

 

38mm x 45mm

 

I also vote for the SKX013... Small diameter, but also very short lug-to-lug, so wears very well... Thick and robust too, so had a strong presence despite its size.

Bonus: While many people hate it, if you can find one on the Jubilee, it's one of my favourite bracelets ever ... As long as you like a little vintage jangle.

 

Oris diver 65 36mm.

 

I’d second the Marathon MSAR, 36mm in Arctic or Black dial. It has 18mm lug width, which allows slender straps to add in wearability to its downscaled proportions. The Seiko mini turtle has just been re-released and is very versatile on rubber, nato or steel but 20mm width.

 

I have noticed Glycine teasing some upcoming releases in the sub-38 range. Depending on your timeline they may be worth a look.

 

Nice! I tried a friend's Combat Sub and thought it a great value. Liked the thinness but was disappointed by the diameter. A sub-38 would be excellent

 

You should be able to get a used midsize quartz Seamaster pro for that price. I got my automatic for just over $1000, but it sounds like quartz will work for you. It is one of the most comfortable watches I own. It truly is one of the few watches that can go anywhere and do anything. One thing to take into account is thickness. I doubt any of the above mentioned watches are thinner than the SMP 300 and with its quality bracelet it melts into your wrist.

It's an original design and an iconic watch from a well respected brand that will last you forever, and will suit your needs in any situation.

 

Nice Seamaster you have there. I'm curious where you purchased that watch, can you tell me if you remember?

 

Horloscaphe Watches - Tool Watch Only is well worth a look. 39mm but the all Black bezel makes it wear well.

Tough as nails too.