How To Start A Watch Collection With €10,000: Dave’s Top Three Picks From Omega, Swatch, And Longines

Our editors share the three watches they'd start a collection with today

April 13, 2022

comments 57

When you’re not spending your own money, or, in this case, spending money that doesn’t exist, you’re less inhibited by the value of the cash. If I had €10,000 to splurge, I would firmly have one eye on trying to have some money left over. However, in this case, I am ready to spend, spend, spend! So, with this fictitious €10,000 burning a heavy hole in my pocket, what three watches would I buy to create one wholesome watch collection?

It’s always quite a fun game to play, spending money you don’t have. I find myself doing so regularly, and not just on watches. I enjoy browsing the seven-figure property market from time to time. There’s me, counting the pennies in my piggy bank while questioning the architectural design choices in a £4M mansion. Now that’s irony.

I need a game plan…

Rather than jump in and start thinking about brands right away, I think I need to determine what I’d like to achieve from my three-watch collection. It makes sense to ensure that the three watches can cover a wide range of uses, complications, and so forth. With that in mind, I want to have a chronograph, a three-hand dive watch, and a GMT or world timer. It took me a while to shore up my choices to where I was happy with them. There was plenty of to-ing and fro-ing, but in the end, I think my final selections make a good watch collection. Let’s have a look!

Pick #1: Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Green — €5,700

For the longest time, divers dominated my watch collection. I thought it made sense to start here. A reliable dive watch is a perfect companion for the rough and tumble of everyday life. If I were careful, I could choose a model that would dress up or down equally well. So, with that in mind, I decided I’d spend a serious chunk of my budget in this area. The budget looming over me meant that I was limited to looking at a few mid-range luxury brands really, and Omega was the one that stood out. My good friend, Chris Horrocks of RedBar MCR, owns an older black-dialed Seamaster 300M that I’ve long admired. Don’t tell him this, as it’ll only go to his head. I spied it again on his wrist the last time we met up for a beer.

The Seamaster 300M is a fantastic dive watch. The wave pattern on the dial is a beauty, and, in the end, this choice was the easiest, despite blowing over half of my budget. I might need to get creative with the rest, but that is for future Dave to worry about. The Seamaster 300M comes in a range of color combinations. I’ve previously been tickled by the silver- and white-dialed models, but when Omega dropped the lush green giant at Omega Days 2022, a new champion was crowned. There’s no other way to describe the shade of green Omega chose other than “lush”. It’s deep yet vibrant and very jungle-esque. So, while I strap it on the wrist, let’s move on to pick #2 while deploringly looking into my wallet at a severely depleted budget.

Honorable mention: Doxa SUB 300 Carbon Whitepearl

I love a bit of forged carbon, and this was the first watch that popped into my head for this spot on the list. The lumed dial is beautiful, but the SUB 300 Carbon Whitepearl was slightly too sporty. Sorry, Doxa.

Pick #2: Omega × Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to Mercury — €250

And with one fell swoop, that budget is looking mighty healthy again! Knowing I wanted a chronograph in the collection and a mechanical chronograph would take a decent chunk of the budget, I started thinking a little outside the box. After a bit of online browsing, the choice seemed obvious — the MoonSwatch! This was not a compromise, though, as I have bought a MoonSwatch Mission to Mercury for my own collection. It’s arrived today, with RJ having picked it up for me in Geneva last week. I was excited to get it on the wrist, and I am pleased to say it’s every bit as fun as I had hoped for! I’m not a fan of the Velcro straps Swatch chose to put these watches on, so I had bought a new strap prior to the watch ariving. The new strap is a silicone/Cordura hybrid from Barton Bands. The nice thing about it is the buckle has a gunmetal-gray coating which sort of complements the Bioceramic case!

I’m hoping I don’t get too much heat in the comments for picking the MoonSwatch. While it’s proving hard to get hold of right now, it’s not a limited edition. I don’t think Swatch realized how popular it would be, so there’s a bit of a backlog in producing enough to satisfy demand. If you’re waiting to grab one, try to be patient, and don’t be tempted to splurge on one from eBay or Chrono24. They’re not worth the inflated markup people are trying to charge. Please, don’t do it! Anyway, back to the issue at hand, the MoonSwatch nicely fills the chronograph slot in this three-watch collection. It also leaves me with €4050 to play with for my final pick.

Honorable mention: Tissot PRX Chronograph

When Tissot dropped this watch, it was a winner right out of the gates. The PRX blueprint perfectly suits the chronograph complication, and the price of just under €1,500 is superb. I’d imagine I could probably swing choosing the PRX Chronograph for the chronograph spot, but given how much I genuinely love the MoonSwatch, I had to make a decision. Sorry, Tissot.

Pick #3: Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT — €2,900

With more budget left over than I expected to have at this point, it made the final pick harder than I’d anticipated. I knew I wanted to be able to track a second timezone, whether that was through a GMT hand or a world time complication. My de facto first choice would have been the new Ming 22.01 GMT. I loved that watch and rue not grabbing one at launch. However, with the entire allocation long sold out, I was not going to include it on the list for fairness reasons. That left me with a conundrum. A breakthrough occurred when I realized I didn’t have to spend all this fictitious money. I had gotten into a mindset of only looking for watches around the €4,000 mark, but that was a flawed approach. I was missing out on some real gems, like my eventual choice.

Enter the Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT! Now, I’m not often a fan of traditional pilot’s watches. They’re just not my style. Often oversized with huge dials, they served a purpose originally, but modern takes don’t float my boat (or should that be “fly my plane”?). Some brands have evolved the classic pilot’s-watch styling and allowed it to become something more approachable by modern standards. Something a bit classier. The Longines Spirit collection is the perfect example of this. When Longines dropped the first Spirit models back in 2020, I was a fan. I nearly considered buying one too, but I backed out in favor of a Grand Seiko Skyflake.

The Spirit has proven to be quite a versatile canvas, with the collection comprised of a three-hand, a chronograph, and now a GMT. It’s the GMT which is my pick of the bunch. The 42mm stainless steel case features sharp lugs, an oversized crown, and a new bi-directional 24-hour bezel with a ceramic insert. The numerals on the insert are lacquered, and the triangle is filled with Super-LumiNova. Finally, the dial, visible through a domed and AR-coated sapphire crystal, has all the beautiful depth you know, love, and expect from the Spirit line. It’s got everything you could require from a GMT watch, plus it’s sharp enough to dress up and down with ease. It’s incredibly versatile, just like my first pick. When putting together a limited collection like this, versatility is key! If you were wondering, I’m choosing the black-dialed model with the blue-tipped GMT hand.

Honorable mention: Tudor Black Bay Pro

When Tudor dropped its latest GMT watch at Watches And Wonders, it drew a lot of comparisons to a certain Rolex Explorer II. The comparisons are not inaccurate. That said, I liked the concept of the Black Bay Pro. As a big fan of the snowflake handset, I’m just not too fond of the round hour markers Tudor insists on matching with them. A few of us in the Fratello team would have jumped on this had the brand gone with a snowflake dial. So close, yet so far. Sorry, Tudor.

Now I need your help!

So there we have my three-watch collection. I am happy with the results, and I even managed to have €1,150 left. When Nacho set us this task, he didn’t say what would happen with any remaining budget, but I think I should be allowed to pick a fourth watch, right? That’s only fair! Maybe you can help me with this one. What should I add using the leftover budget? Let me know in the comments! I also want to hear what your three choices would be!

Follow me on Instagram: @davesergeant | @fratellowatches

Home
Watch Brands
Longines
Omega
Swatch
How To Start A Watch Collection With €10,000: Dave’s Top Three Picks From Omega, Swatch, And Longines

Read next latest →

Fratello’s Top 5 Reasonably Affordable Rolex Watches

Jorg Weppelink

Hands-On With The New Black Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton

Jorg Weppelink

Introducing: The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Solargraph × Time+Tide “Sundowner”

Thomas Van Straaten

57 Comments

Leave a comment... Join the conversation

Post with fratello account
Login

Don't have an account yet?
Create one here, it'll only take 20 seconds

Arnold says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 11:20

I’d easily buy into your choice of the Longines Spirit Zulu GMT (€ 2,900), and I’d pick the Planet Ocean GMT ref 232.32.44.22.01.001 (€ 6.200) because the Deep Black GMT is off the budget provided. That leaves € 900 to play with. Leaving around € 200 for charity, I’d pick the Mido Belluna Royal Gent blue sunray Ref M024.507.16.041.00 ( CHF 710).

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 13, 2022 at 12:19
  
  Nice choices! I’ll admit that I had to Google the Mido. I’m not too familiar with many of its watches. I see you’ve gone double GMT though! Bold choice 😀
  
  Reply
  1. Hajo says:
    
    Apr 13, 2022 at 12:28
    
    I second the idea of a Mido, although I’d probably prefer the blue 40mm Commander Chronometer over the Belluna. Or go all the way for an Ocean Star GMT. Mido is the best value for money brand in the Swatch group by a distance.
    
    Reply
    1. Arnold says:
      
      Apr 13, 2022 at 15:19
      
      I decided to stick to the budget constraints set forth by the good Sergeant and missed a tad on the exchange rate between CHF and €, otherwise I might have chosen the Commander Gradient on textile because they try to do something different with it.
      
      I did consider the Union Glashütte 1893 Johannes Dürrstein edition ref D007.459.16.017.00 (€ 2,900), but then I’d have had to toss the Planet Ocean as the Zulu stays.
      
      Reply
  2. Arnold says:
    
    Apr 13, 2022 at 12:48
    
    One GMT to pretend I’m still diving, the other to prentend I’m a non-diver pretending I’m a diver 🙂
    
    More seriously, I believe there are many watches which would benefit from GMT, be it travel or office. Scubadivers tend to travel a bit. The Zulu GMT is indeed friendly and delicate to the eye, (I believe) really really good, AND provides bang for the buck.
    
    The Mido is a bit on the big side of things though….
    
    Reply
    1. Hajo says:
      
      Apr 13, 2022 at 15:35
      
      “The Mido is a bit on the big side of things though….”
      
      That’s exactly what I thought…….until I tried it on. I wears A LOT smaller due to the curved case and the overall proportions, so forget the official size specs. So much so that I want to buy one. And I am ususally in the market for 40/41mm when it comes to divers. I also tried a 39mm Black Bay 58/925. Both watches work very well on my wrist despite a full 5mm difference between them.
      
      It’s all in the metal, and on your own wrist. The same goes for all those people who keep dismissing Nomos watches for their supposedly long lugs. All I can say is, try ’em on.
      
      Reply
      1. Arnold says:
        
        Apr 13, 2022 at 16:31
        
        Great!
        
        Reply
RR
WatchesSwiss says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 11:42

Normally, I steer wide and clear of Longines watches but I must admit their Spirit watches are quite attractive. I have mixed feelings about Tudor but am watching them closely. Sooner or later they will produce something I really like and am eager to own.

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 13, 2022 at 12:18
  
  I’m with you. The rest of the Longine lineup isn’t my bag, but the Spirit has been well executed from the off. The Zulu Time is a great price for a true GMT watch too. I like the idea of Tudor, but never quite found a model that’s just right for me. The closest is the Pelagos, but it wears very slightly too large on my wrist. Oddly I wear other 42mm size watches, but the Tudor wears larger in my eyes. A Pelogos GMT would be nice to see. A lot of people have been clamoring for that!
  
  Reply
  1. RR
    WatchesSwiss says:
    
    Apr 13, 2022 at 12:59
    
    Agreed, Dave. I don’t own either brand but hope to maybe one day own a Tudor watch if and when the right one comes along. We are aligned in this thinking and I don’t mind patiently waiting. In the meantime, I have more than enough watches at home to keep me happy.
    
    Reply
    1. dave says:
      
      Apr 13, 2022 at 15:12
      
      Aye, that’s always best to enjoy what you have and not what you don’t have. The best way to approach collecting 🙂 I hope we find out Tudor one day, who knows it might be the same one for both of us!
      
      Reply
      1. RR
        WatchesSwiss says:
        
        Apr 13, 2022 at 18:00
        
        Maybe…
        
        Reply
Hajo says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 12:19

That’s an excellent selection!

The new green SMP is simply gorgeous. And you might have found the sole Longines watch that’s actually worth buying.

As for the Moonswatch, I love the idea and I like most of the watches, having seen them in the Swatch Store in Düsseldorf. But for practical reasons, I might have picked a Seiko 5 Sports in that price range, as a vacation and outdoor watch that can also take a swim.

And, in my humble opinion as a a declared Nomos fan-boy, there is no better way to spend those remaining Euros on one of the colourful Nomos Club Campus models.

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 13, 2022 at 12:21
  
  Thanks, Hajo! I had outdoor everyday watches covered by both the other two, so a bit of fun and “cool” was in order with the MoonSwatch! Mine should arrive to me this afternoon, and I am very excited. God shout on the NOMOS! I’d like a club campus, but not quite found the right model for me. One day for sure, though!
  
  Reply
MB
MarkB says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 13:29

One of the steel, G-Shock classic squares would make a great beater to complete your selection.

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 13, 2022 at 15:11
  
  Yep. Fair shout, Mark!
  
  Reply
Wales says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 14:57

I’d like a Vertex MP45 in Arctic white, a Jaeger Reverso, and a CWC Mellor 72. The first is something like an Explorer for hiking and boating, the second is perfect for town and country and going to dinner, and the last one isn’t too expensive and thus alright for chopping wood at the weekend and mucking about in the orchard and garden. That comes to nearly exactly 10,000€

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 13, 2022 at 15:11
  
  That’s a decent collection right there. Great shout on the Vertex in particular. I kinda liked the version they made for the Jamaican Bobsleigh team for the Winter Olympics!
  
  I’m also pretty jealous of your orchard. That’s some serious garden goals right there.
  
  Reply
AC
Jazz3536 says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 15:08

All three of these watches are great on their own. Or as part of a larger, or different, collection. But as the sum of a 3 watch collection I find them an odd non-mix. They’re all what I would call sporty, without a proper dress watch or even business casual in the mix. I’d like to see a NOMOS club or tangent in the 4th spot (it would need to be pre owned, and even there I’m probably stretching), and/or a watch like a Seiko Cocktail Time or another presage, or a Tissot prx or gentleman. You could also reshuffle the collection and get into a Tudor 1926 rather than the Longines.

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 13, 2022 at 15:10
  
  Ahh but this is “my” collection! I do think the Longines is very much business casual when on a leather strap, though! I’m not a fan of really dressy watches, and I never wear them. I have a Grand Seiko Skyflake in my personal collection, but I often wear that on a brown leather rally strap for the exact purpose of making it less dressy.
  
  Reply
  1. Arnold says:
    
    Apr 13, 2022 at 15:43
    
    I have a thing for fairly high quality shirts – strange, I know – and sleek dress watches won’t ruin the cuff. That’s a significant reason for why I like that segment.
    
    Reply
ND
NabiD says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 15:44

I think, I would probably done the same pick. (I probably would take the black seamaster than green, but’s it’s a detail).
With the remaining cash, I’ll buy some straps to have some evolutions possible for the Longines and Omega ;
And a complementary watch, something dressy like a Junghans Max Bill.

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 21, 2022 at 19:14
  
  Not a bad shout with the extra budget!
  
  Reply
SS
Scott says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 15:44

I would round things out with a Casioak in a fun colorway. I bought the gray one on a lark and was surprised how much I enjoy wearing it.

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 21, 2022 at 19:14
  
  Nice choice. I love the ones that The Dial Artist has worked his magic on. Very cool watches!
  
  Reply
Thomas says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 16:08

Great picks, these hypothetical collection articles are always fun. Love the green SMP and the Zulu GMT, actually have my eye on both currently as my next purchase. The MoonSwatches are definitely cool, but I’d skip that one, and with the leftover budget you could just about get a nice vintage-inspired mechanical chrono, like a Hamilton Intra-Matic Panda or a Sinn 356.

Reply
Michael T says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 16:30

Tag Heuer Formula 1 43mm – $1500
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Co-Axial – $5700
Still debating on the 3rd one but I have a lot of options with the remaining $2800

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 21, 2022 at 19:16
  
  Fine choices, and 2800 definitely offers a lot of room to play with. By the way, I was working on Euros, so that’d give you another ~$850 to play with!
  
  Reply
Peter says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 17:30

Great picks!
Love the green dial SMP 300m!
Love the MoonSwatch!

Like the design of that Longines, but I would prefer one vintage watch aaa third watch in the collection (maybe some old Longines, Omega cal.5xx or even 30T2).

Thanks for the great article!

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 21, 2022 at 19:17
  
  Thanks, Peter! Since the MoonSwatch arrived last week, it’s been a constant presence on the wrist. I love it!
  
  Reply
Brian-Waller says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 18:00

Respectable choices all around. I’d probably skip the Moonswatch just because of the Velcro. Swatch needs a plastic strap option for these. With the money left over I think I’d opt for a fairly simple 3 hander to cover dress up and lighter duty. Considering the budget remaining I would take a close look at Vaer’s A3 Atlas when it comes to market (possibly this month according to them. That way you can inject some more color into the mix and wind up with watches for pretty much any occasion.

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 21, 2022 at 19:17
  
  Take a look at the strap I put the MoonSwatch on. I feel the same about the velcro ones, so I had one ready to go for the moment the watch arrived. What do you think of the combo in the pictures?
  
  Reply
  1. Brian-Waller says:
    
    Apr 21, 2022 at 20:12
    
    I think you did well with your strap choice. Could definitely see using the same, with different colors, for the other versions. If I had someone who was good at taking ideas and making them reality I’d be inclined to make an investment in producing Swatch style plastic straps or a version of what you used with colors and/or planetary motifs to match. Maybe rubber too though I’m no fan of it. As popular as this watch is I think there’s market share to be had. Don’t forget the color matched buckle.
    
    Reply
dm
dmcclure says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 18:25

With the money left I would go affordable dress watch, G-shock, or Hamilton Khaki.
My 3 choices for the budget
1. Grand Seiko SBGA201 (champagne version of the Snowflake in steel)
2. Omega Seamaster 300 black
3. G-Shock square

Reply
Steen says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 18:35

For a bonus #4, how about leaning into the current vogue for two-tone? Sticking with a diver, there’s the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf in budget. I’d have gone for the Oris 65 in steel and bronze, but that goes beyond what’s left in your virtual kitty…

Reply
Keith Beacham says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 19:17

With the remaining money I’d opt for something totally out of this collection’s character. Nevada Grenchen Antartic Spider, Christopher Ward C65 Compressor are great choices IMO. If you add a little more to your budget the Junghans Meister Pilot can be found second hand at the $1700-1900 range.

Reply
Danny says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 20:48

Tudor BB58 blue, Nomos Tangomat GMT worldtimer, Hamilton infra-matic chronograph (white dial black subs of course)

Reply
Warky says:

Apr 13, 2022 at 22:54

With the spare budget Dave you could make sure you have the steel integrated bracelet hype angle covered with a cheeky wee PRX Powermatic since you veered away from the chronograph?

I agree with the list. 300m is almost the default choice for the price and the new green version is the pick of the bunch.

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 21, 2022 at 19:26
  
  Yeah, that’s not a bad shout. A PRX on a rubber strap would be pretty darn cool!
  
  Reply
Carlos says:

Apr 14, 2022 at 00:23

#1 buy what you like, but Quality first = top model of a line
#2 buy unique originals
#3 buy what you can service
#4 buy what you can sell anytime

I think the seamaster is a good choice, the rest is fashion.
One could get a classic Patek, JLC for that money, too, even an Audemars Piguet.
And yes, the Tudors are hot, but unfortunately the hot pieces are basically “wannabe Rolex” models. I’d chose the Pelagos instead – proper authentic Tudor uniqueness.
cheers.

Reply
Andy Dray says:

Apr 14, 2022 at 01:34

Definitely think the Omega seamaster 300 is a good choice but for me a cheaper second watch perhaps a Tag Heuer which would leave a larger amount of cash for a Breitling and of the many superb models they produce, something a little different being the endurance pro chronometer in either red or yellow. Now there’s something to make a statement and lift your spirit at the same time.

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 21, 2022 at 19:27
  
  I do like a good yellow watch! I actually own a Breitling Superocean Abyss with yellow chapter ring, so that’s right up my street!
  
  Reply
ValleyKilmers says:

Apr 14, 2022 at 04:53

Finally, someone talks about the Black and Blue Zulu time… thank you. So choice.

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 14, 2022 at 21:37
  
  It’s a great watch. Lot of value for the money right there.
  
  Reply
George Johnson says:

Apr 14, 2022 at 16:54

Farer Landers. Great colours, items of beauty and well made. Satisfies both sides of the brain.

Reply
CT says:

Apr 14, 2022 at 21:33

Maen GMT, ~$750 (will re-stock soon);
New Hamilton Khaki Field Auto Chrono, Automatic | 44mm | H71706830, $1,745
Isotope Hydrium Burnt Tangerine (pre-order), $700.

All automatics. Total ~$3,300
Micro brands the way to go for those on a budget.

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 14, 2022 at 21:36
  
  I have the Maen GMT. Cool watch! Did you grab one too?
  
  Reply
  1. Thornchas says:
    
    Apr 14, 2022 at 22:03
    
    I will after they re-stock. Great article btw!
    
    Reply
    1. dave says:
      
      Apr 14, 2022 at 22:04
      
      Thanks! Appreciated! Which version will put go for? Definitely try and get one of the fitted rubber straps. They make the wearing experience that little bit better ??
      
      Reply
      1. Thornchas says:
        
        Apr 15, 2022 at 00:25
        
        Greenwich 38 GMT – Blue II
        
        $709.00
        
        I love the waffle pattern and the orange accent on the GMT hand. Cheers.
        
        Reply
Andrew says:

Apr 15, 2022 at 03:37

One of the Hamilton Khaki’s would fit the bill perfectly a field watch is essential!

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 21, 2022 at 19:28
  
  Good shout. I’m actually writing about the new Khaki Field Titanium models right now. Maybe that blue 42mm one?
  
  Reply
DS
Dan says:

Apr 16, 2022 at 11:22

I think your first mistake will be limiting yourself to a budget. If you like to have watches and not having one watch, there is no way you can possibly know your budget. collecting watches is always over the years and not right now, the watches that you mention are the watches that you can have right now, you can’t possibly know what will be in the future to come. ?

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 21, 2022 at 19:29
  
  I understand the point, but the budget is kinda the fun thing about this article. Also, most of us have to work to budgets. If I have infinite cash and no budget, I’d own every URWERK under the sun, but alas reality can be a cruel mistress.
  
  Reply
DJ Gorgeous says:

Apr 21, 2022 at 07:00

1. OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer 42mm Two-Tone Black Dial On Rubber Strap
2. Oris John Coltrane Limited Edition
3. Maurice Lacroix AIKON Automatic 42mm, with the 3 options for band: stainless, blue croc and blue rubber.

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 21, 2022 at 19:30
  
  Two questions… 1) Are you actually a DJ?, 2) Please tell me that DJ Gorgeous is your real stage name?
  
  Reply
WP
William-P says:

May 03, 2022 at 02:01

I am generally more a reader than a contributor but, since thinking of this actually got me to buy a watch, I had to comment. Of course any excuse to buy a watch is good and I am not sure it is even my recommendation after that.

It was the chronograph choice that got me thinking. If going moon and quartz, I think I’d prefer the Bulova lunar pilot and then bought it. I was going to argue it is more authentic but the original wasn’t quartz. So that just leaves arguing the high performance quartz and extra band makes it a better choice

However if I am going to have only one chronograph in a collection I think it should be a mechanical Valjoux 7750 (or derivative). I think I’d go for a sporty Tissot PRS516. Could go dressy, but want to save that for halo piece.

My big splurge would be the Grand Seiko Skyflake over the Omega. This fits dressy and upscale sporty with a movement you can’t get in anything else and the continuous sweep second hand. You could substitute a GMT spring drive model if that was the priority.

For the 3 hand diver, I’d propose Deep Blue TRITDVR41PEPSI. You get tritium lume including second hand, a NH35a movement, Pepsi bezel and 500m. This seems even better suited for rough and tumble and is amazing at night.

So that leaves the bonus category. I could go with the most interesting movement and blow my credibility by recommending an Invicta 31727. Having a Seagull TY800 tourbillon in a 500m dive case is pretty wild.

Or maybe do a Casio G-shock Tough solar Atomic. Definitely an easy one to rotate and it handles world time zones and a different approach to accuracy. This could be digital or anadigital.

Or pick up solar and a triple sensor (compass/temperature/altimeter). Casio might be the best know for this, but the Tissot Touch is a more elegant integration with nice analog/digital displays.

Reply