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
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One Watch Collection for $500
Victorinox Alliance
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.
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Quartz
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.
Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium
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
Movement: Automatic (H10)
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Diameter: 43 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
Movement: Automatic (L888)
Power Reserve: 64 hours
Diameter: 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
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
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
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.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
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
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
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.
Breitling Navitimer Chronograph
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
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
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.