[Rick Partido]

To find a sport/everyday watch having:
-Automatic Movt.
-Stainless Steel case and bracelet.
-Between 34 and 38 mm.
-Sapphire Crystal.
-Screw down crown.
-No microbrands using Miyotas.
-Not easily beaten by Seiko.
-Not emulating Rolex or AP.
-Under 2K.

Update 1:
Thanks to a lot of work, and your help, Ive got my answer: Seiko Prospect Land. It is hard to say but it is nearly imposible to beat unless you pay such an amount that will make you look ridiculous. You go all the way up to Rolex Explorer or make your peace down there with a Prospex or Presage.

Update 2:
I have come down to the following:
1. Tudor 1926
2. Longines Spirit
3. Ball Fireman
3. Seiko Prospex SPB 241

I have considered too: Sinn, Hamilton, CW, Marathons as well as microbrand like Vaer, Batavi, Lorier, Astor + Banks and Archimede and I think they lack character, except for the Hamilton King Khaki, but it was to big over 42mm I think.

Update 3:
I have also considered Glycine, Presages, Tissots but they have no screw down crown.

Update 4:
***Well, I did it! And no need to Seiko! I went for the 38 mm Mido Multifort with the Powermatic 80 for under 500 on Jomashop. Pictures?

 

[Phlyers13]

That’s what she said.

 

[Earthjade]

The 34-38mm is the killer requirement. $2K also limits your choices.
Without accounting for the price part, there is:

• Tudor Black Bay 36
• Omega Aqua Terra (38mm)
• Longines Spirit (37mm)
• Sinn 556
• A whole bunch of microbrands riffing on the style of older Rolex watches
• Oris 65 (smaller sizes)
• Various Christopher Ward models
• Hamilton Khaki range
• Certina 38mm diver

 

[HuntWhenever]

Vaer A3?

 

[shiam_85]

Farer, Traska, Halios, Smiths, Christopher Ward, just to name a few. Marathon have the MSAR as well. There are loads out there

 

[BundyBear]

To find a sport/everyday watch having:
-Automatic Movt.
-Stainless Steel case and bracelet.
-Between 34 and 38 mm.
-Sapphire Crystal.
-Screw down crown.

Under 2K and not looking like a Rolex or AP!

Really?

Khaki Field Auto | H70455133

When you're planning an expedition, your essential equipment is reliable, resilient, functional and compact. At 38mm, this watch is punching above its weight when it comes to military inspired features. Bold looks, a rugged and robust case and strap and a movement that won't let you down. With...

www.hamiltonwatch.com

^^^ this? Meets most except screw down crown.

Edit: for clarity.

 

[Zedd88]

Aside from what was already listed above. Seiko Baby Alpinist

 

[cheu_f50]

They are out there.

Captain Cook Automatic

An original look from 1962 is brought to life in a new and improved form for the twenty-first century. With vintage details and styling true to the original, and up-to-date features that make it a match for modern wearers, Captain Cook is a watch designed to stand the test of time.

www.rado.com

 

[BundyBear]

The 34-38mm is the killer requirement. $2K also limits your choices.
Without accounting for the price part, there is:

• Tudor Black Bay 36
• Omega Aqua Terra (38mm)
• Longines Spirit (37mm)
• Sinn 556
• A whole bunch of microbrands riffing on the style of older Rolex watches
• Oris 65 (smaller sizes)
• Various Christopher Ward models
• Hamilton Khaki range
• Certina 38mm diver

You nailed it.

 

[shiam_85]

Really?

Khaki Field Auto | H70455133

When you're planning an expedition, your essential equipment is reliable, resilient, functional and compact. At 38mm, this watch is punching above its weight when it comes to military inspired features. Bold looks, a rugged and robust case and strap and a movement that won't let you down. With...

www.hamiltonwatch.com

^^^ this? Ticks all the boxes.

I don't think the Khaki Field auto has a screw down crown though

 

[MaximillionBuxx]

#AlwaysEarned

 

[Linx]

Ball streamliner automatic here, I got it for 975 on jomashop. I think they come in blue silver and black dials. Sits like something like a 39 oyster perpetual. Excellent watch screw down but I do believe it’s 38.5. Sorry doesn’t qualify! Disregard….or don’t. Oh and it has a wicked dial and balls on the rehaut

 

[Earthjade]

I don't think the Khaki Field auto has a screw down crown though

True.

 

[BundyBear]

I don't think the Khaki Field auto has a screw down crown though

You're right! I thought they included the screw down crown with the new releases.

 

[Zedd88]

Glycine Airman 36mm

Airman No. 1 Black GMT 36 Ref. GL0370

Smaller watches are indeed getting back in style, and they’re here to stay. At a time where many watch brands are shaving a few millimeters off their timepieces to embrace the enchanting vintage size, dive watches don’t have to look like giant nautical clocks on the wrist anymore. Having said...

www.gnomonwatches.com

Glycine also has the Combat series in 36mm.

 

[Rick Partido]

The 34-38mm is the killer requirement. $2K also limits your choices.
Without accounting for the price part, there is:

• Tudor Black Bay 36
• Omega Aqua Terra (38mm)
• Longines Spirit (37mm)
• Sinn 556
• A whole bunch of microbrands riffing on the style of older Rolex watches
• Oris 65 (smaller sizes)
• Various Christopher Ward models
• Hamilton Khaki range
• Certina 38mm diver

I agree! The size is even more killer than the price!
I would not take anything with a rotating or fix numbered bezel (not divers), but the screw down crown is something I don't want to miss. So, yes, a Tudor is a reasonable option in that sense. But again, I would hate the feeling of paying to much for not having a Rolex wich is mostly what I feel when buying Tudors or anything else (almost) than a Seiko! Please, help!!!

 

[LuckyTime35]

there is also a blue and white/silver dial option...

 

[Rick Partido]

Glycine Airman 36mm

Airman No. 1 Black GMT 36 Ref. GL0370

Smaller watches are indeed getting back in style, and they’re here to stay. At a time where many watch brands are shaving a few millimeters off their timepieces to embrace the enchanting vintage size, dive watches don’t have to look like giant nautical clocks on the wrist anymore. Having said...

www.gnomonwatches.com

Glycine also has the Combat series in 36mm.

I love some Glycines! But not many have screw down crowns.

 

[shiam_85]

You're right! I thought they included the screw down crown with the new releases.

It is a cracking watch and does tick majority of the boxes for the OP. Unless a person is a professional diver don't think the average Joe needs a screw down crown

 

[Rick Partido]

Vaer A3?

Vaer A3?

Miyota? Really? Why not Seiko then? Thank you!