Collecting watches can be quite a financially taxing hobby, especially if an overarching plan or goal is not set beforehand. It helps to have a vision, followed by applying a sound strategy to achieve it. Most importantly however, it’s imperative that you enjoy the journey! We are here to help with our favorite part, the research. Let’s get into it!
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.
We set out to create the best two-watch collection options for all price points. When deciding what timepieces to feature, we focused on the following requirements:
- Reliable movement.
- Versatile design: we should be able to cover all occasions from activities to formal events with the two chosen watches.
- Evergreen look: we’re aiming for the current/future classics.
- Similar price points for both watches to match their value.
A little disclaimer regarding the last point: generally speaking, we tend to see two approaches as far as 2-piece watch collections go. The first, where one watch is a low price “beater”, while the other is a much higher priced “nice watch”. The second approach is having two watches of comparative value but differing styles. We are hands down fans of the second approach! The reason is simple: we believe all watches in the collection should be worn and loved equally, and in our opinion the “beater” never gets the same love and respect as the “nice watch”, therefore, we level out the playing field by equalizing the value. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best two-watch collection options!
*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.
Two-Watch Collection for $500 Each - Entry Level
Victorinox Journey 1884 & Hamilton Jazzmaster Gent
Victorinox Journey 1884
True explorers react to changes in topography and weather, spotting possible issues before they occur. This pioneering attitude is embodied by the Victorinox Journey 1884 with quartz movement. Its antimagnetic protection shields against electropollution-induced inaccuracies. This, together with its built-in shock resistance and high-quality rubber strap for adaptable, comfortable wear, making it a great companion.
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Lug Distance: 21 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Price: Around $500
Hamilton Jazzmaster Gent
The Hamilton Jazzmaster Gent is a modern interpretation of a conventional watch that is understated yet striking. This quartz watch is an elegant, sophisticated, and tastefully crafted option for the distinguished gentleman. This might be one of our favorites due to the great combination of the black leather strap and the brown dial. Due to these 2 main colors, you can wear almost any suit, as color mismatch won’t be an issue.
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Caliber: F06.111
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
- Price: Around $500
Vaer D4 Meridian & Tissot Classic Dream
Vaer D4 Meridian
The Vaer D4 is a high quality watch, and budget friendly, so we think it’s a perfect outdoor watch. The 38 mm case width is ideal for most wrist sizes, and the solar power quartz movement is a reliable solution. The dial is straight-to-the-point: there is no date window complication, the hour and minute hands are the classic obelisque design combined with a lollipop second hand.
Specs:
- Movement: Solar Powered Quartz
- Caliber: Epson VS-22 Solar
- Case Width: 38 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Price: Around $500
Tissot Classic Dream
The Tissot Classic Dream is a stylish and classic watch that can be worn every day. It is powered by the Swissmatic movement, which offers up to 3 days of power reserve and provides an exceptional resistance to magnetism. The dial of the watch features special indexes that are split into four parts, giving it a unique design.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Swissmatic
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Price: Around $500
Two-Watch Collection for $1,000 Each - Mid-Level
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto & Seiko Presage Automatic Brown
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto
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.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: H-10
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Price: Around $1,000
Seiko Presage Automatic Brown
A watch from Seiko usually makes most “best of” articles, and for obvious reasons: reliable brand with precise movements, impressive design at a very reasonable price point. The Seiko Presage Automatic Brown is a great dress watch option. A classy design with reliable automatic movement that gives you 70 hours power reserve. The case has a subtle brown undertone, which makes it a perfect timepiece for almost all suit color combination.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Seiko Caliber 6R35
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
- Price: Around $1,000
Mido Ocean Star GMT & Raymond Weil Maestro Automatic
Mido Ocean Star GMT
Mido’s Ocean Star is a good looking, functional timepiece with an added GMT function showing you accurate time in two different time zones. As a nice finishing touch, on the back of the beautiful blue and black dial you will find a map of time zones across the world. Excellent option for the active or aspiring world traveler.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Mido Caliber 80
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 44 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Price: Around $1,000
Raymond Weil Maestro
The Maestro was introduced in 2010 to highlight Raymond Weil’s mastery of Swiss horology while also honoring the realm of classical music and the admiration demanded by a great personality, composer, or conductor. This mechanical watch line blends beauty and sophistication with innovation.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: RW4200
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 39.5 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
- Price: Around $1,000
Two-Watch Collection for $5,000 Each - Enter-Level Luxury
Ulysse Nardin Diver & Breitling Premier
Ulysse Nardin Diver
As usual, we’re picking multifunctional dive watches: watches that seem as at home in the sea as they do on the streets, and the Ulysse Nardin Diver Automatic watches are no exceptions. They have all the traditional diving features, such as Superluminova, rotating bezels, yet they are designed to fit with both office attire and wetsuits. The 42 mm case diameter makes it a perfect fit for all wrist sizes.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: UN-816
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Price: Under $5,000
Breitling Premier
The Premier, created by Willy Breitling in the 1940s, was the company’s first timepiece specifically focused on fashion. The grooves on the case-side are one of several exquisite design elements found on the Premier. The watch is driven by the Breitling Caliber 37, a chronometer that has received COSC certification. It’s a beautiful and classy watch for all gentlemen.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Breitling Calibre 17
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Case Thickness: 11.36 mm
- Price: Under $5,000
Tudor Black Bay Fifty Eight & Omega De Ville Prestige
Tudor Black Bay Fifty Eight
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.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: MT5402
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Case Width: 39 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Price: Under $5,000
Omega De Ville Prestige
The Omega De Ville Prestige’s 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.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Calibre 2500
- Power Reserve: 48 hours
- Case Width: 39.5 mm
- Case Thickness: 10.1 mm
- Price: Under $5,000
Two-Watch Collection for Around or Under $10,000 Each - Luxury
Tag Heuer Monaco & Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
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.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Heuer 02
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 39 x 39 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Price: $5,000 – $6,500
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
Clean, classy, and balanced. That’s our preferred way of describing the Seamaster Aqua Terra watches.
These Aqua Terra models’ cases have a 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.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Calibre 8900
- Power Reserve: 60 hours
- Case Width: 41 mm
- Price: Around $5,000
Zenith El Primero Chronometer & Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
Zenith El Primero Chronometer White
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.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: El Primero
- Power Reserve: 60 hours
- Case Width: 38 mm
- Price: $7,000 – $9,000
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
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 Jaeger-LeCoultre legend.
Specs:
- Movement: Mechanical
- Caliber: JLC 822/2
- Power Reserve: 45 hours
- Case Width: 27.4 x 45.6 mm
- Price: $7,000 – $8,500
Final Thoughts:
Your personal preference should be a very important factor when it comes to choosing your next watch(es).
As we’ve mentioned, we like the idea of having similar quality and price category watch pairs for the two-watch collection, so we avoid gravitating towards the more exclusive one as a default. Differing design is key however, and will depend highly on your personal needs.
SEE ALSO
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.