One Watch Collection

Collections

The Watch Resource · April 19, 2023

Building a watch collection is an exciting project that requires some serious planning if we don’t want this to be an ever-changing task.

Here at The Watch Resource, we’re always trying to find evergreen watches that are great additions to any collections. We created several listicles based on budget, and the number of “Holy Grail” watches for your ideal collection.

Two-Watch Collection: The Best Pairs For All Price Ranges

The “Best Two-Watch Collection” is a frequently revisited objective, as we often wonder if it’s possible to have just two watches that are perfect for all occasions and cover everything we might need from our wrist companions

Collections

Building a watch collection is an exciting project that requires some serious planning if we don’t want this to be an ever-changing task. Here at

One Watch Collection: The Best GADA Watches For All Price Ranges

While the dream is having an epic watch collection, we might want to have a watch that has it all. Let’s take a look at the best one watch collection options!

One-Watch Collection Under $10,000

Here are some of the greatest watches under $10,000 to take into consideration if you’re wanting to purchase your first “icon” watch and have an epic one watch collection.

One-Watch Collection Under $5,000

$5,000 is a lot of money, and we know you want to get the most watch for your money. So we set strict requirements in order to bring you some great options for a One watch collection for $5,000.

One Watch Collection Under $1,000

We collected some high quality watches with reliable movements and versatile design to find great options for a one watch collection for $1,000.

One Watch Collection: The Best GADA Watches For All Price Ranges

The Watch Resource · April 2, 2023

Every once in a while, upon thorough consideration and contemplation, a final decision must be made. Today is one of those days. We’re going to try to address one of the toughest puzzles, as far as watches are concerned: how to choose the one watch that “has everything”.

The intriguing, mildly anxiety-inducing “one watch collection” question.

While the absolute dream is to own a collection that spans all brands, styles, and price points, in reality it is infinitely more practical to use the minimalist approach, as with most things. If you are looking for the perfect watch that checks all the boxes, we are pleased to be at your service.

We collected watches for different price categories making sure they meet our requirements:

Reliable movement.
The watch can be dressed up or down: This chosen watch for your “one watch collection” should be perfect for any situation: brunch, meeting, weekend getaway.
The capacity to be an “everyday beater watch”: To ensure the watch’s lifespan, it must have a durable stainless steel or comparable material casing.
100-meter minimum water resistance. Heavy rain, pool party, surprise swim in the ocean – none of these should be an issue.

One Watch Collection for Different Price Ranges: The Best GADA (Go Anywhere Do Anything) Watches

One Watch Collection for $500
- Victorinox Alliance
- Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Quartz
One Watch Collection for $1,000
One Watch Collection for $3,000
One Watch Collection for $5,000
One Watch Collection for $10,000

*By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

One Watch Collection for $500

Victorinox Alliance

Specs:

Movement: Quartz
Case Width: 40 mm
Lug Distance: 21 mm
Water Resistance: 100 m

The Victorinox Alliance is exactly what you would expect from a Swiss brand for an everyday watch. A gorgeous, clean looking timepiece, with truly timeless design elements. The black dial and brushed stainless steel is a combination that is hard to beat. The reliable quartz movement is hushed in a moderately sized (40 mm) case. An overall great watch.

Read more:

Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Quartz

Specs:

Movement: Quartz
Case Width: 37 mm
Lug Distance: 18 mm
Water Resistance: 100 m

Usually the Khaki Field gets recommended, however, we think a field watch has its limitations when it comes to “dressing up”. So our recommendation is the Khaki Navy Scuba from Hamilton. The quartz movement ensures accurate timekeeping and since we have a beautiful classic dive watch design, most watch straps will work perfectly: are you facing an active day? NATO strap! Meeting coming up with a client? Stainless steel bracelet will support your professional outfit! The 37 mm case size is a great for all wrist sizes and will be a comfortable wear in all situations.

Read more about the Hamilton brand or the Khaki Navy Collection.

One Watch Collection for $1,000

Read our in-depth guide for the one watch collection for $1,000.

Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Powermatic 80.811
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Case Width: 40 mm
Lug Distance: 21 mm

The Tissot Gentleman is a versatile watch that is always stylish and practical. It is appropriate to wear both during the workweek, when formal dress requirements apply, and on the weekend, when leisure activities may be readily accommodated. The Tissot Gentleman becomes the ideal companion for every day, every event, and every style as it becomes a part of the life of a contemporary, busy man.

Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: H-10
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Case Width: 43 mm
Lug Distance: 22 mm
Water Resistance: 300 m

Luxury meets sport in this Hamilton diver watch. Designed to be equally functional during a vacation near the beach or during deep sea exploring. The ceramic bezel protects it from corrosive elements such as sand and saltwater. With a larger 43 mm case, increased water resistance to 300 meters (30 bars), this high performance watch is ready for all your adventures! For more information, read our in-depth Khaki Navy Scuba review.

Read more about the Khaki Navy collection.

Longines HydroQuest

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: L888
Power Reserve:72 hours
Case Width: 43 mm
Water Resistance: 300 m

One word: classy. The Longines HydroConquest strikes a perfect balance between elegance and active lifestyle. The 41 mm case diameter makes it a great size for all wrists, and you can wear this classic design to a wide range of occasions, from a date night at a restaurant to a diving expedition. All around a great pick that will last you a lifetime.

One Watch Collection for $3,000

Omega De Ville Prestige

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Calibre 2500
Power Reserve: 48 hours
Case Width: 39.5 mm
Case Thickness: 10.1 mm

With its timeless, exquisite appearance, the OMEGA De Ville Prestige range has gained a sizable and devoted following. These watches reflect a timeless style and are distinguished by their clean, traditional styling and luxurious finishing.

The sun-brushed blue dial is marked with vintage Roman numerals. The stunning dial, which has a date window at 3 o’clock, is shielded by a sapphire crystal that resists scratches.

A 39.5 mm stainless steel case makes it a perfect size for all wrists in all situations. The Co-Axial calibre 2500 is the movement at the core of this timepiece.

Frederique Constant Worldtimer

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Calibre FC-718
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Case Width: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 50 m

Elegant men’s watches like the Worldtimer FC-718MC4H6 from Frederique Constant are ideal for any (even formal) setting. The watch’s incredibly precise automatic movement has a 42 hours power reserve. A very classy choice from a reliable (and maybe overlooked) watch brand.

Nomos Tetra Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: DUW 3001
Power Reserve: 43 hours
Case Width: 33 mm x 33 mm
Case Higher: 7.2 mm

The square NOMOS Tetra Neomatik 39 has an ultra-thin and very accurate automatic caliber. The movement itself is only 3.2 millimeters in height, and case is 7.2 millimeters, which allows the watch to fit very elegantly beneath the cuff.

The vibrant orange seconds hand and green minute marks look stunning against the midnight blue dial.

One Watch Collection for $5,000

Read our in-depth guide for the one watch collection for $5,000.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Calibre 8900
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Case Width: 41 mm
Case Thickness: 13.2 mm

Clean, classy, and balanced. That’s our preferred way of describing the Seamaster Aqua Terra watches. All of the models have received elegant updates, and as Master Chronometers, they are simply unbeatable.

These Aqua Terra models’ cases have been redesigned with an additional focus on a symmetrical design to provide a sense of balance. Similar to the very first OMEGA watch with a date window, which was released in 1952, the date window has been shifted from 3 to 6 o’clock to support this concept.

A very classy choice.

Breitling Superocean Heritage II

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Breitling B20
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Case Width: 44 mm
Water Resistance: 200 m

The Superocean Heritage, which was inspired by the original Superocean from the 1950s, mixes historic design elements with a contemporary touch. The Superocean Heritage strikes a unique balance between sporty and elegant. The Superocean Heritage is a classy diver’s watch with the recognizable triangular-shaped hands and a unidirectional bezel with a polished ceramic ring. This timepiece comes in a multitude of styles: we picked the mesh bracelet, and a rubber strap shaped like mesh and fastened with a folding clasp. Both are absolutely great options!

Cartier Santos Medium Automatic

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 1847 MC
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Case Width: 35.1 x 41.9 mm
Water Resistance: 100 m

The Cartier Santos watch was born in 1904, the first ever men’s wrist watch, which also happened to be a pilot watch. The Cartier Santos is a fantastic timepiece, with design integrity, and construction quality. This is truly one of the most iconic timepieces.

One Watch Collection for $10,000

Read our in-depth guide for the one watch collection for $10,000.

Breitling Navitimer Chronograph

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Breitling 01
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Case Width: 43 mm
Lug Distance: 22 mm

The Breitling Navitimer is a classic aviation watch, and it’s the watch that most people think of when they hear “pilot’s chronograph”. The design of this unique timepiece has been very successful for nearly 60 years. When you have this watch on your wrist, it makes you feel like you’re ready to take the controls of a fighter plane.

Tag Heuer Monaco

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Heuer 02
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Case Width: 39 x 39 mm
Lug Distance: 22 mm

The Monaco from Tag Heuer was one of the first automatic chronographs ever created, and it became an absolute favorite after the “King of Cool”, Steve McQueen wore the Heuer Monaco on his wrist in 1971 in Le Mans. This watch is an absolute classic and due to the bold geometries, we have a beautiful balance of vintage and contemporary.

Panerai Luminor Marina 1950

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: P.9010
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Case Width: 44 mm
Water Resistance: 300 m

The Panerai Luminor’s design makes these watches instantly recognizable. Additionally, Panerai can take the credit for starting the “oversized” watch trend in the late 1990s. The watch is definitely a statement piece with a 44 mm case width, but the robust design is somewhat counterbalanced with the elegant curves of 6 and 9 numerals.

Two-Watch Collection: The Best Pairs For All Price Ranges

One-Watch Collection Under $10,000

Here are some of the greatest watches under $10,000 to take into consideration if you’re wanting to purchase your first “icon” watch and have an epic one watch collection.

One-Watch Collection Under $5,000

$5,000 is a lot of money, and we know you want to get the most watch for your money. So we set strict requirements in order to bring you some great options for a One watch collection for $5,000.

One Watch Collection Under $1,000

We collected some high quality watches with reliable movements and versatile design to find great options for a one watch collection for $1,000.

One-Watch Collection Under $10,000

The Watch Resource · March 6, 2022

A watch collection is often built in stages, starting with the acquisition of a few affordable favorites and progressing toward the search for more expensive and sought-after models as one’s expertise and disposable income increase. We’ve featured many admirable watches in a variety of price ranges, but many people believe that the sweet spot between $5,000 and roughly $10,000 is the best place to look for some of the Holy Grail watches, from the most prestigious watch brands in the world. Here is our take on the greatest watches under $10,000, the best of the best if you’re wanting to purchase your first “iconic” watch and have an epic one watch collection.

Best GADA Watches for One-Watch Collection Under $10,000

Breitling Navitimer Chronograph
Tag Heuer Monaco
Panerai Luminor Marina 1950
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duoface
Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL Chronograph
Hublot Classic Fusion Blue Sunray
Zenith El Primero Chronometer White
Omega Speedmaster Professional

*By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Breitling Navitimer Chronograph

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Power Reserve: 70 hours

Diameter: 43 mm

Tag Heuer Monaco

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Power Reserve: 80 hours

Diameter: 39 x 39 mm

Panerai Luminor Marina 1950

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Power Reserve: 72 hours

Diameter: 44 mm

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Power Reserve: 120 hours

Diameter: 43 mm

The original Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was first introduced in 1953 and is now considered one of the most storied and influential divers’ watches ever made. The watch was worn by the French navy as well as ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau and introduced the now-ubiquitous unidirectional rotating bezel for setting dive times. This version’s grey titanium case and the grey canvas strap make the watch a perfect timepiece that has it all for all situations.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duoface

Movement: Swiss Manually Wound

Power Reserve: 42 hours

Diameter: 42.9 x 25.5 mm

The Reverso was designed to stand up to the rigors of polo matches. It has become one of the most recognizable timepieces in the world because to its subtle Art Deco lines and distinctive, pioneering reversible casing. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is passionately original and a truly outstanding timepiece. The Reverso has generated countless timeless stories since its inception in 1931, cementing its status as a JLC legend.

Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL Chronograph

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Power Reserve: 48 hours

Diameter: 44 mm

A variety of sleek, motorsport-inspired wristwatches with a decidedly masculine appeal have resulted from Chopard’s decades-long connection with the Mille Miglia series of vintage automobile races. A racing-inspired tachymeter scale on bezel, the three subdials for running seconds, chronograph hours, and chronograph minutes give a very dynamic and sporty feel, while we still have a dial that’s not too crowded, achieving an elegant balance at the same time. As an extra for car enthusiasts, the black rubber strap has a textured pattern reminiscent of the tread of Dunlop racing tires.

Hublot Classic Fusion Blue Sunray

Movement: Swiss Automatic (HUB1112)

Power Reserve: 42 hours

Diameter: 45 mm

Hublot’s Classic Fusion watches resemble the initial Hublot watches of the 1980s, which made history as the first gold watches on rubber straps. The six visible H-shaped screws on the bezel, and the seamlessly integrated lined blue rubber strap are all signature Hublot features on this blue-dialed model. It is a very appropriate choice for a one watch collection.

Zenith El Primero Chronometer White

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Power Reserve: 60 hours

Diameter: 38 mm

The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original was one of the first timepieces to feature that ground-breaking high-frequency automatic movement, and it was brought back for a contemporary audience. The watch’s 38mm steel casing is designed to resemble the size of the vintage Zenith El Primero, and the three subdials’ tricolor design in blue, silver, and gray are now the signature design of the El Primero.

Omega Speedmaster Professional

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Power Reserve: 50 hours

Diameter: 42 mm

Omega’s “Moonwatch” is probably one of the most desired watches. The Swiss watchmaker’s Speedmaster Professional Chronograph was first introduced in 1957 as a racing watch and has become one of the brightest stars in the watch firmament, having been worn by astronauts on six lunar missions, including Apollo 11 in 1969, when Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong became the first men to walk on the moon.

Two-Watch Collection: The Best Pairs For All Price Ranges

One Watch Collection: The Best GADA Watches For All Price Ranges

While the dream is having an epic watch collection, we might want to have a watch that has it all. Let’s take a look at the best one watch collection options!

One-Watch Collection Under $5,000

$5,000 is a lot of money, and we know you want to get the most watch for your money. So we set strict requirements in order to bring you some great options for a One watch collection for $5,000.

One Watch Collection Under $1,000

We collected some high quality watches with reliable movements and versatile design to find great options for a one watch collection for $1,000.

One-Watch Collection Under $5,000

The Watch Resource · March 6, 2022

Objectively speaking, $5,000 is serious money spent on a watch, and pieces in this price range should be of the utmost quality, as well as visual works of art. This category boasts a wide variety of high-performers, so we set out to find the all-around perfect options without any compromise when it comes to quality. In order to avoid creating a too overwhelming list, we are featuring watches based on the following requirements:

High-end brands.
Reliable automatic movement.
Versatile design – this watch should have an understated, beautifully classic design appropriate for most occasions.

Best GADA Watches for One-Watch Collection Under $5,000

Omega De Ville Prestige
Frederique Constant Worldtimer
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
Omega Seamaster Diver 300 M
Breitling Superocean Heritage II
Cartier Santos Medium Automatic
Tudor Black Bay Fifty Eight
Tudor Pelagos LHD
Bell & Ross BR05

*By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Omega De Ville Prestige

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Power Reserve: 48 hours

Diameter: 39.5 mm

The sun-brushed blue dial is marked with vintage Roman numerals. The stunning dial, which has a date window at 3 o’clock, is shielded by a sapphire crystal that resists scratches.

A 39.5 mm stainless steel case makes it a perfect size for all wrists in all situations. The Co-Axial calibre 2500 is the movement at the core of this timepiece.

Frederique Constant Worldtimer

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Power Reserve: 42 hours

Diameter: 42 mm

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra

Movement: Automatic

Power Reserve: 60 hours

Diameter: 41 mm

A very classy choice.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300 M

Movement: Automatic

Power Reserve: 55 hours

Diameter: 42 mm

Water Resistance: 300 M

The Omega Seamaster is a watch you’ll consider at one point during your journey, and rightly so! The Seamaster Professional Diver 300 M is a true watchmaking icon. Since its creation in 1993, it has undergone steady evolution using the most cutting-edge technology and innovation to become one of the most genuine ocean timepieces in the world.

The watches and movements in the current Seamaster Diver 300 M series are all Master Chronometer certified, providing you with the best level of precision.

The Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M is a wonderful choice whether you’re a seasoned diver, a James Bond fan, or simply a lover of high-end luxury timepieces.

Breitling Superocean Heritage II

Movement: Automatic

Power Reserve: 60 hours

Diameter: 41 mm

Cartier Santos Medium Automatic

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Power Reserve: 42 hours

Diameter: 35 x 42 mm

Tudor Black Bay Fifty Eight

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Power Reserve: 70 hours

Diameter: 39 mm

The Tudor Black Bay Fifty Eight is a classic dive watch with a 39 mm case diameter. The reason we like this Black Bay is the no-nonsense design. No unnecessary features, straight to the point. The stainless steel bracelet, the uni-directional rotating stainless steel bezel with a blue aluminum ring make it an evergreen classy watch.

Tudor Pelagos LHD

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Power Reserve: 70 hours

Diameter: 42 mm

Another option from Tudor is the Pelagos. Similar straight-to-the-point design as the Black Bay pieces, however, the Pelagos is made from titanium, not stainless steel, which makes it a much lighter wear. Even though, it’s lighter, it doesn’t mean it’s a delicate watch. Bold and confident design elements make it a perfect timepiece as THE watch for a one watch collection.

Bell & Ross BR05

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Power Reserve: 38 hours

Diameter: 40 x 40 mm

The Bell & Ross BR05, which was unveiled in 2019, is the company’s response to iconic integrated-bracelet sport watch models like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. Bell & Ross have done well to give the BR05 its own appearance and feel, making full use of B&R’s trademark square case design. The BR05 showcases what Bell & Ross can offer to the market with its own iconic design of the square case and large aviation numeral dial, making it an ideal everyday sports watch that doesn’t break the bank in today’s ever-growing market and price for sports watch.

Two-Watch Collection: The Best Pairs For All Price Ranges

One Watch Collection: The Best GADA Watches For All Price Ranges

While the dream is having an epic watch collection, we might want to have a watch that has it all. Let’s take a look at the best one watch collection options!

One-Watch Collection Under $10,000

Here are some of the greatest watches under $10,000 to take into consideration if you’re wanting to purchase your first “icon” watch and have an epic one watch collection.

One Watch Collection Under $1,000

We collected some high quality watches with reliable movements and versatile design to find great options for a one watch collection for $1,000.

One Watch Collection Under $1,000

The Watch Resource · March 6, 2022

While watch enthusiasts and collectors often end up with more than one timepiece in their collection, we all look for that one watch that can be our go-to choice in almost all situations. And more often than not, we also have a budget in mind. With that in mind, we set out to collect the highest quality watches with reliable movements and versatile design. The price point we’re looking at is around $1,000.

So let’s take a look at different options for a one watch collection for $1,000.

The Best GADA (Go Anywhere Do Anything) Watches for $1,000

Victorinox Alliance Mechanical
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Quartz
Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium
Tissot PRX
Longines HydroConquest
Shinola The Runwell Chrono 41 mm
Raymond Weil Freelancer
Junghans Meister Classic Automatic
Nomos Tetra Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue

*By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Victorinox Alliance Mechanical

Movement: Automatic (ETA 2892)

Power Reserve: 42 hours

Diameter: 40 mm

If you are a fan of classic watch designs and good movements, you’ll love the Victorinox Alliance Mechanical. The true timeless look is paired with the ETA 2892 automatic movement, providing a 42 hour power reserve. The exhibition case back provides a sneak peek into the inner workings of the movement, and the calendar window is placed at the 6 o’clock position on the dial–giving it a well balanced look that is very pleasing to the eye. It’s quite simply the whole package, a choice you will not come to regret.

Read more: