The original 1980s G-Shocks were tough, but that was about it.
Today’s models are even tougher—this one gets a patented carbon-reinforced resin case—but also cater to more expressive tastes, like this 200m water resistant camo edition.
This German brand was founded in the 1960s and is known for no-nonsense tool watches. The U50 diver has an automatic movement and a case made from seawater-resistant submarine steel.
At 41mm it’s considered a pretty average watch size, but it still boasts a hefty 500m water resistance.
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You get a lot for your money here, including an 80-hour in-house automatic movement and the compression-loaded domed sapphire crystal. The 41mm steel case is water resistant to 100m.
In the rarefied world of Royal Oaks, this one is not particularly fancy, eschewing tourbillons and diamonds.
But it is closest to the pioneering 1972 original, with a torsion-resistant 41mm stainless steel case and an automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve, plus 50m dive rating.
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
