Since posting this I have come across a thread elsewhere that eventually pointed me at a watch that seems to be exactly what I need so I thought I'd post it here in case anyone else has a similar question to my OP.
I eventually went for a Pathfinder III from Momentum watches, who are based in Canada (although they also build and post them from the Netherlands, which is where mine is coming from). Interestingly one review even compared the functionality of this this watch to the original Timex expedition but said this one was better quality, which it is, although more expensive.
It's got all 12 numbers, written as digits. A simple alarm set via an analogue hand and although it doesn't have a back light as such it does have a luminous face which makes it glow green, much like the expedition does when you press the light button. It's also waterproof to 100m so should be OK in North Wales (
. Momentum seem to make good quality 'outdoor' watches that focus more on functionality than simply presenting a butch, show off, appearance and I think this particular one is more aimed at divers, hence the bold, easy to read numbers and uncluttered face - which however is just what I wanted.
Thanks to all who were interested enough to read my original post, even if nobody had any ideas for me.
Post edited at 17:04
