Sometimes, it’s difficult to know where to start. In this instance, it’s hard to know when to stop! Choosing these top 5 watches was no easy task, but they’re all essential to your collection!
Five and done. I promise! These 5 Watches are going everywhere with you. Dark and daring depths underwater, thousands of feet up in the air, and to the moon and back. Quite literally!
Whether you’re knocking out a personal best at the gym or shaking hands on a deal, get these five watches. You can thank me later!
Once you get the bug for watch collecting, it’s a slippery slope. It’s a good slope (but very slippery).
It’s full of twists and turns, and some mistakes, for sure. Some sad departures, too, no doubt. But some absolute triumphs.
Now, I’m completely prepared for the surge of abuse I may receive for the watches I’ve chosen for this ultimate guide.
I make a bold statement. These are five watches to do life with. But I can only choose five, and in the watch world, that’s not many.
I ask you to go easy on me. Everyone has a Grail watch, a favorite brand, or a watch they swear by. So, instead of wanting to kill me, pop your favorites in the comments below, and we’ll settle it later.
If it maddens you that these watches either seem too “off-the-wall” or too predictable, then that’s good. A dividing of opinions gets the horological juices flowing and makes for a great debate.
Having a difference of opinion shows you’re passionate enough to take watch collecting seriously. And if you really do take watch collecting seriously, you’ll take my advice. Get these five watches.
Why 5 Watches?
Well, because five is a good number. It’s one for every weekday. And it leaves your weekend free to wear your favorite of the lot.
Or maybe that’s just an excuse to buy two more? Either way, these five companions cover every eventuality.
Have you got a business meeting? You’ve got a watch.
Need to call a loved one in a different time zone? There’s a watch for that, too.
Do you want to time how long it takes to boil an egg? You get my drift.
My Top Five Watches
I’ve chosen these top five watches for their affordability, their practicality, and their innate, undeniable beauty.
Whether you agree with my choices or not, stay with me. You might learn a fact or two!
Panerai Submersible Blanco PAM02223
To kick-start my guide to the best five watches a man can own, I introduce to you Panerai.
Panerai watches are not the instant go-to when we think of dive watches. Sure, we could go for an Omega Ploprof or a Rolex Sea-Dweller, but no. It’s Panerai for me, and here’s why.
Panerai is one of the oldest watch manufacturers still in production. What impresses me the most is that it has never wavered off course. The Italian brand has been on the same path since 1860, producing dive watches for important people.
The brand began by supplying reliable, robust tool watches to the Navy. Ideal for assisting with critical missions, the success of its watches was down to one thing specifically. Its remarkable luminescent material.
The original Radiomir watch’s radioactive, luminescent material was dangerous. So Panerai replaced the material with Tritium for the production of its Luminor watch collection.
Today, Panerai watches like the Submersible are perfect for plenty of underwater exploration.
This model’s robust 42mm stainless steel case is 300-meter water resistant and has a patented crown guard.
I love the way the white dial on this model injects the wrist with youth and sportiness. It also features the familiar small seconds sub-dial at 9H and date window at 3H.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional
This one may seem a little obvious, but the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional by Omega is a no-brainer. It went to the moon, after all.
I never tire of its classic “Speedy” design. This model features the much-loved black tachymeter scale framing a black chronograph dial and a robust steel bracelet.
This 42mm model takes inspiration from the 4th generation of the Speedmaster and features a sapphire crystal glass. It also boasts a chronometer-tested Calibre 3861 and the seahorse medallion engraved caseback.
The famous dot above the 90 marker on the bezel is also present. The marker sits against a black aluminum bezel ring, just like the original.
Rolex GMT-Master II 126715CHNR
Most people track time zones with digital watches these days. But you just can’t beat a classic travel watch like the GMT. For that, I’d have to pick the Rolex GMT-Master II. The collection is vast, with many pre-owned models selling for a great price on the second-hand market, like the Batman.
More than anything, the GMT-Master II is a solid investment.
The successor to the 1955 version features an additional 24-hour hand and a two-tone graduated, rotatable bezel. This ceramic bezel, in brown and black, is virtually scratch-proof and combines beautifully with an 18k Everose case.
What makes the watch even easier to handle is the local time, which the winding crown sets by jumping from hour to hour.
Aside from its accuracy and legibility, the Rolex GMT-Master II is just a genius design.
To complete its classic look, Rolex experts tastefully fit the watch on the Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock folding clasp.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38 H69439931
As far as field watches go, Hamilton is an affordable brand that always gets it right. The manufacturer has a superb collection of Khaki Field watches.
You can choose from Khaki Navy, Khaki Aviation, or Khaki Field. The latter is my favorite, and for a mechanical, it’s a great buy.
If you’re going to wear a field watch, do it on a NATO strap, like this model. The material band contrasts greatly against the black-and-white lume-treated dial.
What I love about the watch is its subtle nods to vintage field watches. The Super-LumiNova is in an old radium-style color on the hands to guide you in keeping track of the inner 24-hour scale.
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection “White Birch” SLGH005
Finally, a dress watch for all occasions is needed. I think that Grand Seiko does a great dress watch. Noticeably higher-end compared to Seiko dress watches, the finishes, materials, and quality feel of these premium watches are next level.
This “White Birch” watch gives me all the feels. Its textured dial takes inspiration from the white birch forests that grow near the Seiko studio in Shizukuishi. Meticulously crafted, it boasts grooved prominent markers and beautifully faceted hands for excellent legibility.
The dress watch, powered by a highly accurate in-house movement, completes its look on a stainless steel bracelet. This part of the design is particularly important since it elevates the lustrous, almost iridescent effect of the dial.
It’s a sophisticated timepiece that pairs well with a suit, as well as professional and elegant attire.
The Takeaway
If you have the willpower not to fall any rabbit holes when exploring the luxury watch market, then well done to you. But for the majority of us, watch collecting only gets interesting when we can boast about owning more than one watch.
If you’re just starting, 5 watches might sound like a lot to you. But wait until you finally hold your holy grail watch in your hand, and you think it will stop there. (It won’t stop there.)
So, this list should give you an idea of the different types of watches that every collection needs. A dive watch, field watch, dress watch, chronograph, and a GMT.
But is my collection missing anything?
Share your collection essentials in the comments below! And, don’t forget, you can keep up to date with all our news-related articles by signing up for our newsletter at The Slender Wrist today!
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