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The Ultimate Watch: Your Sole Essential Timepiece
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The Main Thing
One Watch To Rule Them All
People like watches for different reasons. Some enjoy collecting as many as they can (or can't) afford. Others like wearing an analog tool on their wrist. And there are many other reasons.
Today, we're going to talk about a certain type of collector. Many of you will say this person isn't even a collector. Perhaps, more of an "enthusiast." Regardless, today we are going to discuss ONE watch.
That one watch that is ride or die. That one watch that is the most practical and you would keep above everything else. That one watch that could stand alone in a collection.
These watches are ones that I would spend my money on. These are watches that I would own. And if I could ONLY have one watch, it would likely be one of these. They need to be easy to read with the date complication.
We'll spread this out over a few price points to keep things relevant and realistic!
Let's do it!
< $1,000
Hamilton Khaki Field Auto ($695)
I'll bet you saw this one coming. For $695, this watch is a steal. If you are starting your collection, buy this watch. By now, you probably think I'm a Hamilton fanboy. Well, you're right.
Hamilton used to be produced near my hometown in Lancaster, PA. The look of this Khaki Field Pro is so simple. Maybe it's even boring. But it's classic. It will never go out of style.
At 38 mm, it's the perfect size for my 7-inch wrist and tells me the 24-hour time without my needing to do math. I'm not a fan of leather straps. so I have mine on a Summit Strap (use discount code) which looks and wears amazing.
Some Specs:
Case Size 38 mm
Case Height 10 mm
Lug To Lug 47 mm
Strap Width 20 mm
Crystal Sapphire
Water Resistance 100 m
You can't go wrong with this watch. I wear mine at least three times per week and often get comments for how cool it looks. It could truly be a stand-alone collection for the beginning collector.
Between $1,000-$2,000
Mido Multifort TV Big Date Grey on Bracelet ($1,270)
This brand is making its first-ever appearance in OTW. Mido.
Mido is a Swiss watch company under the Swatch umbrella, founded in 1918. Until I got into collecting and wrote my book, I never heard of these guys.
I love the novelty of this watch. The novelty. It's so retro. It's like it's straight out of Fallout (video game). Yet with its stainless steel design, this thing is so versatile. It's available in a few colors with a few strap options.
If I were using this for my only watch, I'd go black with a stainless steel bracelet.
Some Specs:
Case Size 40 mm
Case Height 11.7 mm
Lug To Lug 46.7 mm
Strap Width 22 mm
Crystal Sapphire
Water Resistance 100m
I love how the date is at the 12 o-clock position. You almost never see that. It's almost always at the 3 or 6 positions. Mido switched it up. And, it's a HUGE date. It's so easy to read! AND, it looks like a vintage TV. So cool.
If you want one watch that you can wear with almost anything and starts a conversation, this may be the watch for you!
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Between $2,000-$5,000
Oris Big Crown X Cervo Volante 38mm ($2,500)
Last but not least, Oris. This takes the date complication to a whole new level. Instead of numbers flipping, this watch has a hand for the date. Yeah, a whole extra hand that points to the date. Cool, huh?
If you've never heard of them, Oris is one of the few remaining independent Swiss watchmakers. They don't belong to some large conglomerate. This means, they're free to experiment and try new things with their designs.
Some Specs:
Case Size 38 mm
Lug Width 19 mm
Crystal Sapphire
Water Resistance 50m
This could easily be your daily wear, as long as you remember to take it off in the shower. My ONLY complaint is the 50 meters of water resistance.
The face comes in a variety of colors but for a one-watch collection, I'd go with the grey.
This was a hard choice. There are so many incredible watches in this price range. I wanted to pick something "different" that you've never considered before.
Honorable Mentions:
Longines Legend Diver ($3,300)
Serica Travel Chronometer (I own this watch) ($2,000)
Oris Big Crown Pro Pilot Date ($2,200)
In Closing
I hope that you check out these watches. I’d seriously own any of these watches. Of course, there are watches in this category that are super expensive out there.
I wanted to use these price points because it’s realistic for me, and probably for you.
Which one of these watches is your favorite?
Reply to this email and tell me!
Shoutout Of the Week
GNG Horology
I connected with GNG on Instagram. I love reaching out and asking if these creators would like to be featured.
So if you want to see some awesome watch pics, click the button!
Lessons in Time
Myth-Busting
Many of us associate the Rolex Explorer with the first summit of Mount Everest. You know, it's the watch Sir Edmund Hillary was wearing. What if I told you that he didn't wear an Explorer?
Sir Edmund Hillary's Rolex
I've always associated the Explorer and Everest, too. So don't feel bad. Hillary actually wore an Oyster Perpetual, considered the precursor to the explorer.
Don't take my word for it, Hodinkee wrote a great article explaining everything. Since I'm not into plagiarizing, check out their article here to learn more.
Looking To Buy A Watch?
You’re in luck
I spend almost all my free time researching watches. In fact, I've become pretty knowledgeable in them. So let me help you.
For only $20, I’ll be your personal watch concierge. We chat and you tell me your criteria. I do the research and email you what I find. Three watches that you'll love, guaranteed.
Out Of Time
Signing Off
That’s it for today!
I hope you enjoyed today’s stuff. Seriously, reply to this email and tell me your favorite one-watch collection piece!
Do me a favor. Hit any one of those social media buttons at the top of this and share it with a friend! I have lots of ideas in mind for this but can only do them with more members of this community.
Until next time, keep an eye on the clock!
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