Best Three Watch Collection under $7000 (USD): WatchCrunch Edition
Thank you everybody for participating in last week's best 3 watches under $3000 discussion. I learned about new brands and models, not to mention your personalities and preferences, and I hope you did too. Today we are increasing the spend limit to $7000 before bringing it back down to $1000 next week. I'm looking forward to seeing your picks!
Again, no rules on categories, production years, or brands. If the reference is a production model, you should use the MSRP, and if it is discontinued, you may use the secondary market value. (You can make your own exceptions for brands like Breitling or Frederique Constant where there is always a huge discrepancy). Feel free to use your local currency and prices.
My picks:
Tissot Powermatic PRX 80 ($650)
I bought this watch to wear on trips because it seemed ridiculous at the time to travel with multi-thousand dollar pieces of jewelry. I wanted a low-key watch with a high level of workmanship that I'd be proud to wear, but unfazed if I banged it around. And boy, did this watch deliver. It's got a beautiful blue waffle (tapisserie-style) dial, an oysterquartz-like bracelet, and a satin-finished case. I'm hard-pressed to find a watch with similar finishing and standout design elements sub-$2000, and this is reflected in the fact that I get the most compliments on this watch out of all the ones I wear.
Tudor Pelagos 39 ($4400) - photo credit: Hodinkee
I got the chance to try on this watch this week. While I think the hype has been greatly overblown, I understand where it's coming from. The Pelagos 39 has perfect proportions, an eye-catching brushed bezel, a black hole of a matte dial, and a comfortable, light feel on the wrist. I have a Tudor Black Bay Bronze myself, but if I were limited to just three watches and a $7000 spend limit, I would trade it in for this watch. When I think of a prototypical diver for under $5000, the Pelagos 39 is the watch that comes to mind.
Seiko Presage Arita Porcelain SPB293 ($1700)
If the Pelagos 39 is the yin, the SPB293 is the yang. The two are polar opposites and they complement each other so well. Porcelain is not a material that many companies use, and I was ecstatic when I learned that Seiko, which has high competency in producing stunning dials, had partnered with Arita porcelain craftsmen to create these remarkable and relatively affordable pieces. The SPB293, like the Sinn 556i Mother of Pearl I mentioned last week, is an understated watch that looks simple to begin with; however, when you rotate it against the light, you start to notice something really special. I love inspecting the glossy surface and painted hour markers and watching the seconds hand in action.
Building a collection of different case materials and dial techniques
Yay another round!
The one for every day:
Omega Aqua Terra (5000)
The fun one:
Nomos Club (1100)
The odd one:
Unimatic special edition (900)
Yay another round!
The one for every day:
Omega Aqua Terra (5000)
The fun one:
Nomos Club (1100)
The odd one:
Unimatic special edition (900)
Clean and colourful dials 👍🏼
As a daily wearer for a just under €1000 the Farer Pembroke.
Cause I just saw this on watchfinder and thought it looked really cool. The Omega Black Shield which you can get for under €5000.
And lastly my Bluetooth quartz watch that comes in my favourite metal titanium, the G-Shock MTG for around €800
1. SBGA463 - My favorite watch in the whole world. Can be had new from Japan for $5,278
2. SARX055 - Baby Snowflake! In titanium and a great GADA for only $782 from Japan!
3. Apple Watch Ultra - Gotta figure out how many calories I burn every time I lift my cocktail glass to my mouth... for only $799
Big Crown X Volante (aprox. 2000$)
Cartier Must M (aprox. 3000$)
Doxa 300T (aprox. 2000$)
Again, going with what I do vs say.
Omega SMP300 Nekton, $4695 on rubber strap, $4650 on bracelet (Sorry Omega, even the market thinks the SMP bracelet sucks). Perfect daily watch that will GADA.
My initial thought was to put a chrono here, either a safe bet (Intramatic) or the Farer Bernina, but I am going to suggest a GMT instead, the Farer Charlton, $1475. I wouldn’t fault anyone for the Monta Skyquest
That leaves some money for a field watch, which has to be the Serica 4512 WMB, about $670
That leaves a
For everyday wear, I'd go with the new Longines Spirit 37mm in blue. (~$2,300)
For dress wear, I'd go with the new Farer Mansfield ($995)
For the Dive watch, I'd go with an Oris Aquis Caliber 400 ($3,500) in 41.5mm. I picked green, but really any dial color would work. I just love this watch and how it wears.
For everyday wear, I'd go with the new Longines Spirit 37mm in blue. (~$2,300)
For dress wear, I'd go with the new Farer Mansfield ($995)
For the Dive watch, I'd go with an Oris Aquis Caliber 400 ($3,500) in 41.5mm. I picked green, but really any dial color would work. I just love this watch and how it wears.
Debated adding the Farer. Solid lineup.
So, I did 4 last time, I think I could offer 4 again, just to be awkward. Again, it‘s a personal choice, and alternatives depending on what you are looking for, and the categories are field, dress, tool (lots of alternatives this time around), and the naughty number 4. As £ to $ is poor, then I think this works within budget.
2) A dress watch. So, I actually think this would be my choice: the Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Asturias. Classic 1940s style case, beautiful finishing. I quite like the brown, but the blue is also lovely.
As an alternative, and if you can bear being on a waiting list (which kind of goes against the available to buy right now rule I adopted), then an anOrdain Model 1 medium. I love the plum enamel, but also the Japanese Oxblood. Mediums are 38mm and around £1800-£2450 depending on the dial you want; smalls are 35mm and nearer £1600. These dials are amazing.
3) Diver / tool / etc... Quite a lot at this range, but if you want a bit of brand history, and a riff on an iconic model, this Edox Sky Diver Neptunian is awesome for a sports watch.
Alternatively, I also think the Vero I offered last time would do for a modern-looking diver that sits slightly left-field. You could even look into a Squale for a classic diver brand if you must have a “Diver” diver; 1521 Full Luminous would be my pick, be bold. Or, a Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Skin, again, iconic diver.
Or, if you wanted a German tool watch, and not a standard like a Sinn, then this Mühle Glashütte Rescue Timer is superb.
4) Naughty number 4 time. If you travel a lot, then the Islander Republic GMT. A few hundred pounds cheaper than other models with the same movement, I think this is a very good proposition. I love the blue dial version.
Alternatively, if you are desperate for a Chronograph, the Dan Henry 1945 from last time if you want a cool looking retro (it is the Jardur Bezelmeter 960 De Niro wore in Ronin) - just think it’s lovely and you can just pretend to be a bad boy whilst joyriding around your local supermarket/strip mall car park at night.
Or, for a daily that you don’t need to take too seriously, the Citizen NJ1050 series. These are good value at RRP; I quite like the yellow, but the green is also handsome.
A chronograph that is sized for humans:
Omega Speedmaster 38 ($4,750.00)
Sure, you have to get on a waiting list. But, for a 38mm chrono that has classic styling, sign me up.
I have a soft spot for Mido:
(Photo: Two Broke Watch Snobs)
It is just at the top end of sizes for me (40.5mm, 47mm lug to lug). I love the orange and blue.
Mido Ocean Star Tribute (around $1,100.00 but you can find it for less)
and my ringer:
Marloe Pacific 52 ($915.00)
It evokes another era.
With the money left over I would buy a Casio or Timex beater.
Love these threads - let's have some fun.
For the eclectic collector, here's a three watch collection (all at list prices):
Accutron SpaceView 2020 LTD - Cost: $4,000
Movement: Twin Electrostatic Turbine Engines (Miyota Caliber NS30-Y8A 28 Jewels)
Doxa SUB 300 Professional - Cost: $2,490
Movement: Automatic ETA 2824-2 COSC Certified
Corniche Conifere Heritage Chronograph - Cost: $485
Movement: Seiko VK64 Hybrid Mechanical Quartz
So we cover the complications with a chronograph, a dive watch, and a watch with a futuristic movement. All three with different movements: electrostatic, automatic mechanical COSC, and mecaquartz.
The Corniche can be used as a dress watch with it's Patek-style good looks.
The Doxa will take you underwater anywhere from your backyard pool to swimming with the sharks off the Seychelles.
The Accutron will blow people's minds and get them to forget their Apple Watch - as the tag line goes "It's not a timepiece, it's a conversation piece"
First, a watch as dull as my personality. Grand Seiko SBGA429 ($5000). The perfectly sized (at least if you're from this century), perfectly dress sporty watch. The dial is a little quiet as Grand Seikos go but there's joy in the subtleties. The lime green seconds hand is joyful every day.
Even comes with a beautiful croc strap.
Next, a classy Chronograph. Zelos Vitesse in electric blue ($1500). Swiss, fully automatic chronograph. Stridently sporty with a fabulous bracelet.
And finally a dress watch with attitude. Seiko Cocktail Time - SRPE41 "Negroni Red." ($425) plus $75 for an awesome leather strap possibly a Tochigi leather strap from Strap atelier in black.
I’m going all out German on this one.
All 3 watches come in at just under 3K aud each which equates to around the 6K usd mark.
Gotta love a German watch. A Chronograph for timing those BBQ’s, a dressy sports watch for every day use and the all important dive watch 👍
I’m going all out German on this one.
All 3 watches come in at just under 3K aud each which equates to around the 6K usd mark.
Gotta love a German watch. A Chronograph for timing those BBQ’s, a dressy sports watch for every day use and the all important dive watch 👍
That Tutima is
That Tutima is
Agreed 💯 I’m looking at adding a Tutima to the collection at some point soon 👍
You have to start with an Omega Aqua Terra IMO. Versatile enough for sport and dress, esp on black or navy blue.
$5700
for a diver I'd go with a Squale, I prefer the Matic series but most prefer the smaller 1521 50atmos. A robust 500m w/r diver that looks great on leather, rubber, nato and mesh. Squale while a reboot brand also comes with some history and cache'.
$900
that leaves you $400 for a piece for fun.
the Zelos Aurora is about to be launched in 38mm or 42mm with a variety of colors available. It's marketed as a field watch. You get Zelos modern original design and the best CS in the world.
$399
$6999 spent,
As a daily wearer for a just under €1000 the Farer Pembroke.
Cause I just saw this on watchfinder and thought it looked really cool. The Omega Black Shield which you can get for under €5000.
And lastly my Bluetooth quartz watch that comes in my favourite metal titanium, the G-Shock MTG for around €800
Tudor Black Shield? Maybe a typo...
Tudor Black Shield? Maybe a typo...
Nope full name is the Tudor Fastrider Black Shield. I think it first came out around 2014.
Nope full name is the Tudor Fastrider Black Shield. I think it first came out around 2014.
I think he's referencing that you said it was an Omega Black Shield in your original comment.
Beautiful watch though.
For everyday wear, I'd go with the new Longines Spirit 37mm in blue. (~$2,300)
For dress wear, I'd go with the new Farer Mansfield ($995)
For the Dive watch, I'd go with an Oris Aquis Caliber 400 ($3,500) in 41.5mm. I picked green, but really any dial color would work. I just love this watch and how it wears.
Love them!
We don't need photos right?
Tudor BB GMT / $4175
Sinn 556 / $1290
Squale Sub 39 / $1185
To properly complete the trio, the Squale diver would need to be on NATO for logistics.
I gravitates toward sportier watches, so I'd spend the bulk of the budget on an Omega SMP 300m in forest green, on the rubber. I choose the rubber option because if you put resale value aside, the rubber version is the version to get because it is very comfortable especially compared to the chunky bracelet. $5000.
My second pick is the Damasko DS30 on submarine steel bracelet. At $1500, this watch gives you an indestructable vibe for not a lot of money. Yet it is a very versatile watch for any occasions.
With my staple pieces out of the way, I'd venture for something fun for the third pick: A manual wind, panda chronograph from Lorier at $500. It's just hard to argue with the look and the price.
Cutting real close to the budget with these 3 watches, and I don't think I can afford to pay the sales tax on these. 😕
Here’s my votes for the week:
Ball Trainmaster MSF for casual dress. Old fashioned dial, but titanium case & bracelet for a light modern feel. $2150
Oris Aquis Dat Watt for a diver. Feels like a fun pairing with the Ball, as this is one of my heaviest watches, to balance out one of my lightest. $2700
Rado Dual Timer for travel and to add a high-quality quartz to my automatics for the week. $1500
Still have $650 left. I’ll have to contact @HotWatchChick69 for a big case of cheese puffs!
Everyday watch: Longines Spirit 37mm - 2050€
Diver/Sports: Serica 5303-3 - 1290€
Dress: Grand Seiko SBGW 231 - 2950€
Additional sports/field watch: Serica 4512 California Tuxedo - 690€
This is my zone! So I guess I'll put my mouth where my money is and pick from my collection.
2. Custom Seiko Part build ($700ish)
3. Seiko Presage Sharp Edge (I have red, but blue and green are also excellent! - $900)
So, I did 4 last time, I think I could offer 4 again, just to be awkward. Again, it‘s a personal choice, and alternatives depending on what you are looking for, and the categories are field, dress, tool (lots of alternatives this time around), and the naughty number 4. As £ to $ is poor, then I think this works within budget.
2) A dress watch. So, I actually think this would be my choice: the Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Asturias. Classic 1940s style case, beautiful finishing. I quite like the brown, but the blue is also lovely.
As an alternative, and if you can bear being on a waiting list (which kind of goes against the available to buy right now rule I adopted), then an anOrdain Model 1 medium. I love the plum enamel, but also the Japanese Oxblood. Mediums are 38mm and around £1800-£2450 depending on the dial you want; smalls are 35mm and nearer £1600. These dials are amazing.
3) Diver / tool / etc... Quite a lot at this range, but if you want a bit of brand history, and a riff on an iconic model, this Edox Sky Diver Neptunian is awesome for a sports watch.
Alternatively, I also think the Vero I offered last time would do for a modern-looking diver that sits slightly left-field. You could even look into a Squale for a classic diver brand if you must have a “Diver” diver; 1521 Full Luminous would be my pick, be bold. Or, a Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Skin, again, iconic diver.
Or, if you wanted a German tool watch, and not a standard like a Sinn, then this Mühle Glashütte Rescue Timer is superb.
4) Naughty number 4 time. If you travel a lot, then the Islander Republic GMT. A few hundred pounds cheaper than other models with the same movement, I think this is a very good proposition. I love the blue dial version.
Alternatively, if you are desperate for a Chronograph, the Dan Henry 1945 from last time if you want a cool looking retro (it is the Jardur Bezelmeter 960 De Niro wore in Ronin) - just think it’s lovely and you can just pretend to be a bad boy whilst joyriding around your local supermarket/strip mall car park at night.
Or, for a daily that you don’t need to take too seriously, the Citizen NJ1050 series. These are good value at RRP; I quite like the yellow, but the green is also handsome.
That plum anOrdain is beautiful, it’s been on my list for a while now.
Love these threads - let's have some fun.
For the eclectic collector, here's a three watch collection (all at list prices):
Accutron SpaceView 2020 LTD - Cost: $4,000
Movement: Twin Electrostatic Turbine Engines (Miyota Caliber NS30-Y8A 28 Jewels)
Doxa SUB 300 Professional - Cost: $2,490
Movement: Automatic ETA 2824-2 COSC Certified
Corniche Conifere Heritage Chronograph - Cost: $485
Movement: Seiko VK64 Hybrid Mechanical Quartz
So we cover the complications with a chronograph, a dive watch, and a watch with a futuristic movement. All three with different movements: electrostatic, automatic mechanical COSC, and mecaquartz.
The Corniche can be used as a dress watch with it's Patek-style good looks.
The Doxa will take you underwater anywhere from your backyard pool to swimming with the sharks off the Seychelles.
The Accutron will blow people's minds and get them to forget their Apple Watch - as the tag line goes "It's not a timepiece, it's a conversation piece"
This one wins in my book 🙂
You have to start with an Omega Aqua Terra IMO. Versatile enough for sport and dress, esp on black or navy blue.
$5700
for a diver I'd go with a Squale, I prefer the Matic series but most prefer the smaller 1521 50atmos. A robust 500m w/r diver that looks great on leather, rubber, nato and mesh. Squale while a reboot brand also comes with some history and cache'.
$900
that leaves you $400 for a piece for fun.
the Zelos Aurora is about to be launched in 38mm or 42mm with a variety of colors available. It's marketed as a field watch. You get Zelos modern original design and the best CS in the world.
$399
$6999 spent,
Wow what a great purple dial!
Dress - Max Bill Chronoscope $2000
Daily - Tudor Black Bay 36 around $2700
Dive - Doxa 300T $2000