Owning watches is a blessing and a curse. To level-set, I am NOT a ‘smart’ watch guy, and will never be. To me, wearing one relinquishes control of my time, as it is constantly beeping a buzzing. Sounds like a nightmare. Instead, watches are the only bit of ‘flare’ that I wear, so I am pretty picky about what goes on my wrist. I have a few nice watches (Tudor, Omega, Panerai, Rolex), as well as a collection of fun watches (Swatches, G-Shocks, Luminox, etc.). They all get worn, and I enjoy all of them.
As I think about my top ten, it makes more sense to categorize them in terms of use, or time of purchase. I thought through this in the sense of ‘if I was in this situation, this is what I’d get’. Let me know what you think:
The Dream Watch: Patek Philippe Aquanaut. I love that the majority think this watch comes from a kiosk at the mall. That makes me love it more.
The Under 1K: Hamilton Khaki Field Auto. It’s a great size and shape for 90% of situations. Whether you are celebrating graduation or a promotion, this is a solid choice for any lineup.
The Everyday: Tudor Heritage Black Bay Harrod’s Edition. I have the red one and wear it 50% of the time. It’s a great size, weight, price, and especially style. And the green is a chef’s kiss.
The Starter: Tudor Ranger. A super cool watch for those looking to break into the luxury watch sphere. You’ll see a lot of folks go Breitling here, but I prefer something more simple, and this Ranger is just what the doctor ordered.
The Tuxedo Watch: Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso. Absolutely killer. Looks fantastic in any situation where a tie is required. Even with the penguin suit (if you are into wearing a watch with a tux).
The Beater: Casio G-Shock GA2100: The best $80 you’ll ever spend on a watch.
If I Had To Get A Rolex: Yachtmaster II. I don’t hate on Rolex at all, I have a Datejust that I wear quite a bit. But if I had a gift card to the Rolex store, I’d pick something a little out there…this Yachtmaster would get some looks.
Outdoor: Hook + Gaff King Tide. I’ve been wearing H+G watches for quite some time, and love the design. I have zero worry about the watch when I’m out in a stream, in the field, or on a boat.
The Bond: Omega Seamaster Coaxial Diver. I’m seriously in love with this watch, and would seriously consider trading in my Speedy for this one. The tan accents and the band…it’s incredible.
Next Up: Panerai PAM00249. I’ve been eyeing this one for a LOOOONG time. The size, blue hands, California dial…wow. Mrs. RCS has indicated that this might show up at my next big thing. She’s a good woman…
What’s on your list?
Serious question: what kind of a crazy person do you have to be to wear one of these in public in the city of Atlanta? Not a week goes by that I don’t read about someone getting targeted and shot for their watch.
I’ve long thought the expensive watches are arrogant – a way to announce “I have money to burn.” Now I think they are reckless as well. In my professional life, I rarely see accomplished individuals, other than the one off commercial real estate broker, wear these things. Don’t think these things come without silent judgement from those around because they do.
This is all wrong. A comment like this is better kept to yourself. I’m sorry you live in an area of Atlanta where people are shot and robbed. Maybe look in to moving. Besides telling time, watches are a way to commemorate milestones, heirlooms to pass down, gifts, etc. I’ve never judged a person for wearing a watch – I’ve never met someone who did either. You may want to change your personal circle.
Do a short search on google for the instagram page of Watches of Espionage. There are great stories behind watches, and they are stories that can be passed on from generation to generation. It is one of the only accepted pieces of jewelry that men can comfortably wear and discuss with other men. It’s not money to burn for most, it is something that you have saved up for a while to buy, to celebrate to yourself some sort of goal or point in your life that can be embedded into that watch. There are plenty of less costly watches (i.e. Hamilton, Seiko, Citizen), that are just as cool and important to their wearers.. And everyone has that one thing they ‘burn money’ on; for some it’s cars, others it is unnecessary tools, or continual house upgrades, other silly hobbies that cost a lot, hunting gear, and so on.
And for some…it’s watches.
Solid list.
Oris was my first “upgrade” watch, don’t sleep on that brand if you’re considering an entry level lux watch (i.e.- Tag Heur, Tudor).
My dress watch is a black-strapped Cartier Tank Must- understated elegance that will get passed down.
My daily driver is a 20+ year-old Swiss Army watch on a rotating arsenal of ribbon and NATO straps. Can’t beat it. Received it as a high-school graduation present and it’s as solid as ever.
Currently looking down at my Hamilton Khaki that I got to celebrate getting my CPA license. It’s a wonderful all around watch. Strap or bracelet.
I’ve always been a watch guy but looking for my first nice piece. I’m considering a ‘99 Speedy, a couple Breitlings have caught my eye as well. Anyone have suggestions in the $2k-$3k range?
Omega, Panerai, Tudor. Are great if you can find one. Hold off on a Breitling as a first piece bc they don’t tend to hold value and can be found easily second hand. Great pieces, but as your 2nd or 3rd piece.
There’s a lot of good Breitling models on Jomashop for $2‐3k. I just picked up a Avenger 45 GMT Chronograph for Santa to bring this year.
The “Casioak” is a winner and the best of both worlds. My everyday go to is the Bertucci A-2T original. Solid one piece titanium body. Mine has survived the African bush twice, trout streams in the Smokies, and too many school field trips to count and shows no signs of wear through all of this. Bulletproof.
Just got a datejust 41 / bezeled face / blue dial and debating getting back engraved for my young son. Have you ever considered for your boys on an heirloom piece?
I inherited a watch from my grandfather. I engraved my initials right below his (that he engraved decades prior). Maybe consider adding your initials and your son’s?
Rolex Milgauss. Blue face. No need for it but such a cool watch.
Patek 5522A
Rolex datejust roman
Nomos club campus
Weiss field watch
Omega aqua terra
Like you, I have the BB red 1st Gen in house movement. I was also looking at the BB Harrod’s edition with the green bezel. Then the Longines Zulu time caught my eye and satisfied the green bezel look with the added complication of a flyer GMT movement. Satisfied both desires and for less money than another Tudor.
Great list
My current collection is pretty good (lots of SKX’s, some G-shocks, etc.) but my core is
-Speedy Tin Tin. Hard to believe I bought this under MSRP b/c no one wanted them and I really just wanted a Speedmaster and this was the best priced option.
-Grand Seiko GMT high accuracy quartz . Great travel watch and having a quartz GMT seems like a no-brainer. I wear it on a strap b/c the GS bracelet is a bit underwhelming.
-Weekend watch is a square G-shock. Under $100 bucks and I don’t worry about it at all.
Grail: Vacheron Constantin Overseas. I love that integrated bracelet and the gold/green combo is stunning.
Sinn 104 w/ fine link bracelet was my first automatic, my wedding watch, and daily driver. Get tons of compliments on it and from a value perspective, is hard to beat.
Seiko 5 Sport Automatic in army green is my “beater.”
Watch game is on hold for now, but have always like Rolex Milgauss, Panerai and IWC.
I know this may solicit strong opinions, if not ridicule, but I’m legitimately curious: if you had to wear a smartwatch, what would be the choice?
Have: YM1 Full YG/white dial, YM2 Stainless/blue (like your pic), Hulk, Sub ND, older stainless DJ on jubilee, Tudor BB58, Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Ax gen 2, Tudor BB Ceramic, Tag Formula 1 quartz, Panerai PAM 51, hand full of Swatch X Omega Moonswatch and Blancpain collabs, CWC 1983 Reissue.
Want: Cartier Santos Medium, Rolex Wimbledon 36 on Jubilee. Older stainless Royal Oak
Wow. Let us know if you ever want to part with any of them….
I am not attached to any except a recently inherited Gold President/diamond bezel/black dial from my grandfather who passed and I sent it off to get made like new – or as best as possible & my Hulk. All others I am always rotating/trading my collection.