The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Thomas Van Straaten’s four picks span everyday, travel, dress and dive watches: the Longines Spirit 37mm, Lorca Model No.1 GMT, NOMOS Tangente 38 Date Schlossgrün and Seiko SPB453. His shortlist was published on May 7, 2024, as a personal selection—not a current market-wide ranking. Only the Seiko’s Netherlands price and the Lorca’s live listed price are confirmed here; the other source-era prices should not be treated as current.
How Thomas chose his watches
Van Straaten wrote, “I am not maximizing for specs; I am maximizing for enjoyment.” His May 2024 selection prioritizes design and enjoyment, followed by build and finishing, rather than a highest-specification contest. It deliberately ranges from mainstream to microbrand and from dressier to sportier styles. Those are his editorial preferences, not the result of a controlled comparison or independent hands-on assessment.
At a glance
| Watch | Style | Key dimensions and movement | Price context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longines Spirit 37mm | Everyday, time-only | 37 × 44.8 × 11.7 mm; Longines-specific ETA caliber; 72-hour reserve | €2,450 for the leather-strap version in Van Straaten’s May 2024 article; current price not verified |
| Lorca Model No.1 GMT | Travel, sport | 36 mm case, 37 mm bezel; 44 mm lug-to-lug; 11.2 mm thick; Soprod C125 R4; 42-hour reserve; 200 m water resistance | $1,875 USD displayed on Lorca’s product page; preorder delivery estimated for end of October 2026 |
| NOMOS Tangente 38 Date Schlossgrün | Dressier, hand-wound | 37.5 × 47.7 × 6.8 mm; in-house movement; 42-hour reserve | €1,925 in Van Straaten’s May 2024 article; current price and availability not verified |
| Seiko SPB453 | Dive/tool watch | 40 × 46.4 × 13 mm; automatic 6R55; approximately 72-hour reserve; 300 m water resistance | €1,440 on Seiko Watch Corporation’s Netherlands page in 2026 |
Dimensions help screen for likely fit, but they cannot replace trying a watch on: lug shape, bracelet or strap, and the shape of an individual wrist all affect how a case wears.
Longines Spirit 37mm: an everyday choice
Van Straaten’s pick was the time-only Spirit 37mm on a leather strap. He singled out the case execution and finishing, describing it as a straightforward everyday watch. In his May 2024 article, this configuration was priced at €2,450 and listed at 37 mm in diameter, 44.8 mm lug-to-lug and 11.7 mm thick. The article described a Longines-specific ETA caliber with a 72-hour power reserve and chronometer accuracy.
#1 Best Overall
- Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14.1mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands.Band Length: 205mm
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight 155 grams
- Includes gift box, instructions and 3 year limited manufacturer warranty; Invicta Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-327-7682 for questions (re: Additional links, band replacement, band adjustment, warranty questions, etc.)
Those details and that price are historical article-era information, not a current quote or confirmation of today’s model configuration. Check the relevant regional Longines listing for the exact variant, specification and price before buying.
Lorca Model No.1 GMT: a compact travel watch
The Model No.1 GMT gives the shortlist a dedicated travel option. Van Straaten highlighted its steel bracelet, 200 m water resistance, 11.2 mm thickness and Soprod C125 R4 movement. His 2024 article gave a price of €1,654.95 ex VAT; that is not a current consumer price and should not be compared directly with tax-inclusive retail prices.
Rank #2
- Imported
- Round watch featuring corrugated unidirectional bezel, luminous hands/markers, and magnified date window at three o'clock
- Folding clasp with safety, easy to handle and not easy to fall off accidentally.
- Japanese automatic movement with analog display; Crystal Type: Mineral
- Fashionable, very charming for all occasions. Amazing looking watch, a great gift for family and friends.
Lorca’s product page currently displays $1,875 USD and estimates preorder delivery for the end of October 2026. The page gives a 36 mm case with a 37 mm bezel, 44 mm lug-to-lug, 11.2 mm thickness, 42-hour reserve and 200 m water resistance. Lorca says VAT and import fees are included for international orders, subject to listed exceptions. These details and delivery estimates can change; confirm the live product page and the terms for your destination before ordering: Lorca Model No.1 GMT.
NOMOS Tangente 38 Date Schlossgrün: a slim hand-wound option
For a dressier, pared-back choice, Van Straaten selected the Tangente 38 Date Schlossgrün. His May 2024 article described a 37.5 mm steel case, 47.7 mm lug-to-lug and a slim 6.8 mm profile, with a hand-wound in-house movement offering a 42-hour reserve. He listed a €1,925 price and said each color release was limited to 175 pieces.
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- ⌚Watches for Men: This stylish mens watch is very suitable for indoor, outdoor, sport and daily fashion wear. The total length of the men's watch: 9.84inch / 245mm. Band width: 0.71inch / 18mm , watch case diameter: 1.57inch / 40mm. Wearing Range: 5.7-8.27inch / 145-210mm.
- ⌚Elegant Mens Watch: Mens analog watch made with anti-scratch mineral dial window, exquisitely crafted. Stainless steel strap, wear-resistant and scratch-resistant, easy to maintain. Men's automatic wrist watch is an ideal gift for you and your loved ones.
- ⌚Accurate Time Keeping: The silver watch has a powerful, high-quality quartz analog movement and battery, keep long-term operation. Provide precise time keeping. Simple round and luminous dial, makes it easy to read the time even in the dark.
- ⌚3 ATM Waterproof Watch: Handwash, sweat-proof, rain-proof, no problem! But NOT suitable for bathing, swimming, diving. NOTE: Please DO NOT press any buttons in the water, or touching hot water.
- ⌚AFTER-SALES SERVICE: Our mens watches provides 24-hour customer service for you, any questions about mens watch, please don't hesitate to contact us. We committed to offering a range of classic designer men's wrist watches.
The dimensions, limited-release figure and price are source-era claims; current stock, availability and pricing have not been verified. The relatively long lug-to-lug measurement is worth considering alongside the slim case when assessing fit.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Seiko SPB453: a dive watch with a current regional price
Van Straaten included the SPB453 for its restrained tool-watch character. Seiko’s Netherlands page identifies it as the 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch and lists a 2026 price of €1,440, below the €2,500 budget in that market. That price is Netherlands-specific, not a Europe-wide quote. Seiko’s page specifies a 40 mm steel case, 13 mm thickness, 46.4 mm lug-to-lug, curved sapphire crystal, automatic caliber 6R55, approximately 72-hour power reserve and 300 m water resistance. Its stated accuracy tolerance is +25 to -15 seconds per day. See Seiko’s Netherlands SPB453 page for the regional listing.
Rank #4
- ⛵ Diver-Inspired Design with Automatic Movement: This watch requires manual winding, This men's green mechanical watch features a bold diver-style bezel, luminous hands, —perfect for men who appreciate the charm of traditional watchmaking.
- 📏 Ideal Size & Fit for Everyday Comfort: Crafted with a 40mm alloy case and 13mm thickness, this men’s automatic wristwatch offers a balanced presence on your wrist. The stainless steel bracelet measures 20mm wide and fits wrists up to 190mm in circumference. Its 118g net weight gives it a solid, premium feel while remaining comfortable for long wear.
- 🌊 Water Resistant for Daily Use: This automatic men's watch is water-resistant for everyday life—splash-proof and safe for handwashing, but not suitable for swimming or bathing. Whether you're headed to the office or the outdoors, this men's waterproof mechanical watch is built to handle your daily lifestyle with confidence.
- 💡 Luminous Hands: Equipped with luminous hour markers and hands, this green dial men's watch allows for easy reading in low-light conditions. The rotating bezel adds a sporty edge and practical timing function, making it not only stylish but also purposeful—ideal for work, travel, or casual use.
- 🎁 A Versatile Gift Choice with Timeless Appeal: With its eye-catching green sunray dial, classic Submariner-style case, and stainless steel bracelet, this men's automatic mechanical watch makes an exceptional gift for birthdays, anniversaries, Father's Day, or holidays. A must-have for any man who values precision and design.
A water-resistance rating is a stated specification, not a guarantee that every use or activity is suitable; follow the manufacturer’s guidance for the watch’s condition and use.
Which pick fits your priorities?
- For a versatile daily watch: consider the Longines, while confirming its current variant and price.
- For travel and a bracelet-equipped GMT: the Lorca is the shortlist’s dedicated option; account for its displayed USD price, preorder timing and destination-specific charges.
- For a slim, hand-wound dress watch: the NOMOS is the clearest fit in character, but verify whether the limited color release is available and at what price.
- For a dive/tool-watch specification and a verified under-budget regional listing: the Seiko has a confirmed €1,440 Netherlands price for 2026.
These four watches serve different tastes rather than forming a universal ranking. Compare the exact regional price and configuration, then assess case proportions on your wrist; dimensions on paper are only a starting point.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
