Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €10K — Daan’s Picks From Grand Seiko, Zenith, And TAG Heuer
It shouldn’t be too hard to pick three favorites from all those sub-€10k watches out there, right? However, Thomas and Jorg have already cherry-picked some classics away from me. I also wanted to stay away from the other evergreens and come up with a few more original picks. That’s why it actually took me quite some time before I could start writing this one. But I think, in the end, I’ve been able to put together a nice list of favorites in this hotly-contested field.
Let me first mention a few watches I think are great but simply don’t really suit my 17cm wrist. The Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey looked absolutely stunning on Jorg’s wrist. But I’ll just wait until they decide to introduce a 38mm version of that one.
Then there’s Breitling’s Top Time series. The watches are colorful and have a great sporty vintage-inspired character, but they’re simply too big for my wrist.
Finally, there’s Horage’s Revolution 3 Microreg. This watch integrates the innovative Microreg adjustment system. I enjoy that watch for its innovative spirit, but it’s not the most beautiful watch out there, but that’s not exactly the point. It’s also, once again, a bit big for my wrist. So, without further ado, here are the three watches I’d recommend buying for a budget of up to €10.000.
Zenith Pilot Automatic
Both Thomas and Jorg selected a Zenith Chronomaster Revival as one of their three favorite watches for this budget. Those are indeed great picks, but I feel the Zenith Pilot Automatic is the more original watch to go with. Since last year’s makeover, I think Zenith’s Pilot collection looks fun, sturdy, and modern. The Big Date Flyback is a bit too pricey for today’s budget, but the Automatic features the same bold numerals and horizontal texture on the dial.
It’s a shame the smaller Automatic doesn’t have that big date window. However, it does feature a stripped-down version of Zenith’s El Primero movement. It’s available in black ceramic or stainless steel. I’d opt for the stainless steel model, as I’m not a big fan of blacked-out watches. I also like the combination of the black and white dial with the stainless steel case. You can even get a limited Boutique Edition now with a blue dial. The stainless steel model can be yours for €8,100, and the ceramic one costs €10,300.
TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox
We’ve said it many times now, but here at Fratello, we’re big fans of the Carrera Glassbox TAG Heuer. It was introduced at last year’s edition of Watches and Wonders. I never really considered buying a TAG Heuer watch before, but since the Carrera Glassbox was introduced, it has become harder and harder to resist. When I take a look at the current collection, it’s even difficult to pick a favorite. I still very much like the inverted panda version with the black and silver dial and the date at twelve o’clock.
But the summery Skipper edition and the recent silver and black version also look great. As long as it has the 39mm case size and doesn’t come with that weird Dato dial, it’s all right with me. The great news is that a stainless steel bracelet is also now available. So, yes, RJ, I’m sure you’ll put the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional in your list of favorite watches under €10k, but I think the TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox is a great alternative. The stainless steel models all cost around €6,500, which is a little less than the lowest-priced Speedmaster out there.
Grand Seiko SBGH341
Now, these are some watches I like. But if I had to choose to buy one watch under €10k, it would be the recently released SBGH341. Finally, Grand Seiko decided to introduce one of its sportier watches in a smaller case size. And no, it’s not just any case: it’s the mythical 62GS, with its beautiful lugs that hug the dial. Of course, this 38mm version is just as perfectly finished as any other of Grand Seiko’s watches. The Zaratsu polishing and horizontal brushing result in razor-sharp lines.
Like with many of the brand’s watches, I’m still unsure whether that bracelet matches the lines on the case. Luckily, the SBGH341 Sakura Kakushi (“hidden cherry blossoms”) has a beautiful soft pink dial with a subtle linen texture. It’s inspired by the cherry blossoms that are still hiding behind the late winter snow. I also really like that the case is made of titanium and that the watch is powered by one of the brand’s signature Hi-Beat automatic calibers. Yes, it’s all a bit over the top and over-specced, but that’s exactly what you expect from Grand Seiko, right? The SBGH341’s price stays nicely within today’s budget at €7,900.
There you have it, my three favorite watches for a €10,000 budget. What do you think of these options, and what would your recommendations be? Let me know in the comments below.
