REVEALED! How I Find The BEST One and Done Watches 

I love my green dial baby alpinist. Because the dial isn't shiny like the sarb017 the green doesn't jump out at you and can look almost black in certain lighting situations. Perfect size at 38mm and 20mm lugs. Works as a dress watch on a leather strap or a jubilee style bracelet and perfectly sporty on a nato or perlon etc. It has been with me to weddings, funerals and different outdoor activities without ever feeling out of place. I have been on the lookout for the black dial prospex alpinist as well!

Took my sons to see their grandparents in the north woods. I wore my invicta pro diver. Went fishing, 4 wheeling, and went the local log jamboree. It looks decent and I didn’t care if I jacked it up. Plus I’m cheap.😂

Hello M. Mad Watch Collector, my suggestion for the One and done watch collection is the Sinn 556I with the bracelet (+ the silicone strap as an option) ! To be honest, I could never reduce my collection to only one watch, but if I had to, it would be, without hesitation, the Sinn 556I. It IS a perfect watch for me, supremely legible, classy, sporty, 200m WR, automatic movement... I will never get bored of it. At first time you can find it boring, but the deep black case with the contrasty white hands... OMG... simplicity is divinity as they say in photography :) This is my definitive watch, the ONE I could never replace... By the way, I love your YT channel and IG ! Cheers from Slovakia !!

The intro to this video was great. I remember watching that Watchfinder video, and while those guys really know their stuff, I remember also being incredulous at some of their pics. You summed up the ridiculousness in a hilarious way.

Timex Easy Reader 35mm White Face with Expansion Band - Clear easy to read dial, no distractions, the expansion band/bracelet works, goes on and off easily and the watch has the Indiglo back light. I travel, easy to check the time if I wake up in a hotel room early in the morning. If it is damaged, I can replace fairly quickly and at a reasonable cost - £30 - £50, no problems. I have been looking at alternatives, that kept me occupied during Lockdown, but cannot find a watch to replace the Timex. Clear, classic design, easy to wear and replace - now on no.4 since 2002.

For 11 years, from age 16 to 27, I wore a simple three-hander quartz Seiko with a day date function. Did everything I needed, but then I got into watches lol, so so much for the one watch collection, not I have 6 haha.

For 8 years I wore a black dial Orient Ray as a one and done (with the exception of my GW6900 for yardwork, exercise, etc.). Ok, it's two watches, but whose counting? The Orient has a decent stainless steel bracelet and looks good on NATO straps. Altough it had a 22mm lug with, if memory serves. Good one and done for the price conscious.

Seiko Flightmaster . Does it all. Water resistance, 2nd time zone or alarm, chronograph, slide rule bezel, date, compass, not very tall, looks great on different strap options. Been wearing mine for over 2 months now. They really made a classic with this one.

Just picked up the Grand Seiko White Birch SLGA009 and it's easily the best one and done watch for me ever! Striking piece with elegant looks while not being overly showy, can't ask for more. Buttery smooth Spring Drive moment with 120Hr power reserve, decent water resistance, and just the right size for my 6.5" wrist? Never thought I'd ever find a watch I like more than my Luminor 1950 GMT PAM01321. If I was forced to choose, I'd sell all my other more expensive pieces and keep this one.

My problem with 1 watch is that whatever it is; I’ll get bored of it wearing it every single day. It’ll be like putting on your underpants, no excitement

Oris 41.5 mm Cherry Red would be mine one watch. It practically is already. I rarely feel the desire to switch. I think it's fine to choose a watch with some color as a one and done. It just needs to be the right color for you. I'm always wearing black or dark blue, so the Cherry Red fits the bill for me 😊

Easy... BB and done! Oh, and you are totally on point. I also watched that Watchfinder video and thought it was ridiculous.

just got a Sinn 556i and honestly I think it will take some beating as a one watch collection type!

My 1 watch collection watch that is actually a part of a bigger collection but since i bought I basically never take it off: Tudor Black Bay 41 in blue. I can easily wear it with a suit, i can wear it hiking, i can wear it to work, it looks amazing on all different straps and and the bracelet, and it just feels so nice on wrist.

Awesome show! I'm gobsmacked the guys at Watchfinder got it so wrong! They must have lost the plot BIG time! I hope they watch and learn from your show! You nailed it! Again! Fun fact, >90% of the watches in my collection are one watch collection watches. So if I had to choose just one, it would either be very easy, or hard.. Certainly, it would be a Seiko - but which one???

From my collection, I think 2 watches fit the “one and done” category: The Tudor Pelagos 39 and the Omega Planetocean 40mm blue dia, being the Omega my choice for this, as it is robust, precise, versatile, somehow tooly but also sophisticated and super beautiful IMO.

Heritage quartz 40mm any color, Rolex Explorer 1 114270 or even an Explorer 2 16570, Tudor BB58 or BB54, Seiko SPB143, and the new Alpinist GMT SBE models come to mind. I think I’d be happy with any of these. I own a Pelagos 39 and absolutely love it and that would be THE watch but as I’ve lived with it I find that I find the color of stainless steel more versatile, being able to dress it up and down more easily.

Bruh, I get this vibe from the Watchfinder crew all the time. They'll have some great vids, and then mix them up with ones telling you how a Santos de Cartier is the perfect first watch for a student or something.

For me, it's the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 40mm. I had to trim my collection from twenty watches to just 1. Although the Hammy khaki field made me hearthbroken to let go, I think the Oris BCPD is a better option. Plus : - Field Watch (personal preference) ✅ - Great size and stunning dial ✅ - 50m WR (More than enough for what I do) ✅ - It looks just as good on the bracelet as a leather strap or a Nato. (A real strap killer!) ✅ - Timeless look, same model for decades (almost a hundred years old!) ✅ - Relatively affordable on the after market ✅ - Great brand image (independent company) ✅ Minus : - 28h reserve (but who cares if it's the only watch you wear every day) ❌ - Not an in-house caliber (unless you're willing to pay 2-3 thousand dollars more)❌ - 50m WR (if you're a diver) ❌ That's all I can see! What does my wife think? Too Flashy but looks better with the leather band though.

Hamilton Khaki Murph and 3 straps: factory=casual/daily, tropical rubber=beach/hot weather, and lizard/exotic leather=dress scenario.

Not mad at all, just great realistic advice. I love the thought of Andrew wearing that MB&F with wizard sleeves 🤣

It's a steep price but I believe the G-Shock MRG-5000 series could be your one watch collection. It can handle any and all occasions thrown at it and is so finely crafted it could be worn with a suit IMHO.

For many years I only wore the Casio A-168w. I still prefer digital quartz watches. I'll go with the AE-1200h AKA Casio Royale with the Stainless Steel bracelet. It has many functions, 100m water resistance, 10 year battery & can go with most outfits.

Nice video Russell, love the "waterproof as this book" comparison 😂 I would choose my Longines conquest. 300meters water resistant, looks good with a suit and feels like a tank on the wrist.

I have the Black Bay 39mm with the anthracite dial and it could easily be me only watch. I wear it almost all the time as it is very versatile. That being said, I also love my G Shock square too much and I’m currently looking for a white dial diver so I guess it’s a no for me on a one watch collection.

I’m finding my one and done is my Tudor Ranger. Universally hated but it ticks all my boxes. Have not worn any other watch since

For me my one and done watch is the Rangemaster from TGV and Marc from Long Island Watch. Recently was fortunate enough to pick one up off eBay and it checks all the boxes for me! Love your content!

Ive worn my Khaki field as my only watch night and day for 5 years, now a second watch joines. Its satisfying to only have one watch and you build a bond with the watch that you cannot achieve with 10 watches you rotate. My word of advice for the people who keep buying potential one-watch-watches: It is only a one watch collection if you only own one watch, everything else is just shopping

My literally 1 watch collection, the Helm Vanuatu Titanium. Superb legibility, insane BGW9 lume, grade 2 titanium case & bracelet, ISO 6425 300m water resistant, Seiko NH35 movement, date complication, flat sapphire, lumed ceramic bezel, all brushed finishing, drilled 20mm lugs, vicious strap monster. Got all those goodness for just USD 300.

Got my first watch a couple of weeks ago Seiko SRPE55K1 and love it!! Am looking to getting some nato & leather straps to add a bit of versatility to it. Suits me for a one & done watch :) Keep up the great work MWC👍

In my current collection, it would have to be my Mido Ocean Star GMT. 200m wr, diving bezel, inner 24 hour scale for the traveler's gmt, 80hrs power reserve. Has some polished parts for dress up, but mostly brushed. Can dress it up, dress it down. It's a larger watch, but fits my 8inch wrist perfectly, so not a bad option for large wrist individuals.

Actually, I do own several watches that could very well be my only ones: Casio OCW-T200S, Casio GM-B2100BD, Casio GMW-B5000D, Casio EF-121D, Citizen AS2050. I could also add Orient RA-AA0001B or RA-AP0003S but only as a part of two-watch collection in addition to one of the above, because timekeeping über alles. I also wish they made a *smaller* version of Casio AMW-870 on the same module... That would do too, especially if they added titanium and sapphire.

Omega Aqua Terra. Literally perfect for every occasion. Or, if you prefer a more toolwatch look, Omega Railmaster. 150m waterproof, super accurate, long service interval, amagnetic (very important nowadays), and with the 8900 movement even has a jumping hour function (great for travelling).

For me, it would be my Glycine combat sub 42mm or my Orient Kano.Both are my go to affordable automatics that go with anything! Nice video! Cheers!

You get Certina DS+ Sport&Aqua Kit and additionaly buy 2 cases: Urban and Heritage, and a NATO strap. There you go with your one and done watch collection: you have a decent 200m Diver, a pilot watch (nato+urban case), a sporty one, and a bit squared classic that wears great with any strap. All this with Certina's double security system (DS) and Powermatic 80 mechanical movement under say 1200$ if you ask for a discount. BTW, i don't know why this watch has no mention on your channel yet.

Casio Oceanus T200 easily! Radio controlled and solar powered so can basically go on forever and is deadly accurate. Plus it looks great and goes well with everything!

For me the Serica 4512 is a great option for a one watch option. Looks good dressed up or down due to a mix of polished and brushed surfaces. Reasonable water resistance.

Great video, thanks for the formula! I am a watch enthusiast and I’ve have multiple watches come and go over the years but I sell them because they never get as much wrist time as my newer 3861 Speedmaster. I wear it nearly everyday and change up the straps all the time depending on what I’m doing/wearing. My ultimate collection would be my Speedy, the BB58 Blue and an Explorer. I think those three would handle all situations in life!

The perfect one watch "collection": Invicta violet dial Russian Navy 72mm Diver with triple-screw submarine hatch crown and glow-in-the-dark safety yellow 33mm rubber strap.with digital compass. And optional 16mm lizard-skin strap for those formal occasions.

Is there a way to DOUBLE LIKE this episode! ❤😂 Love your shows Russell and I was considering that Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium since last month, now you hammered it IN 😅all the best to you, your family and channel 💞

For most of the eighties, I wore an early, all stainless Timex digital watch. (Don't know the model.) It saw me through high school, college and beyond. I worn it with suits, with punk gear, with all kinds of other wacky clothes and all over the world and in all kinds of climates and locales. And I would have worn it for longer, but the band just feel apart. Back then, it wasn't easy to find replacement bands for such watches. So, I just repaired it myself as best I could, until I just couldn't anymore.

I have a modest collection of 10-12 watches, some more expensive, some less, but if I have to choose the Seiko King Turtle Dark Mantra with both silicone and metal bracelets. The movement(4R36) is reliable, not high-end but has no issues, Saffire crystal, Ceramic bezel, Day-date complication, Diver 200m, Great Lume, Silicone strap is great also on metal bracelets looks great(very versatile). And you can get it for a great price!

Fantastic show Russ! Thank you kindly! For many years I only had one watch. In fact, adding a few select pieces to make my very modest collection has only been over the last few years. For me, that watch is my Omega Seamaster SMP Quartz. A watch that remains the centrepiece of my collection, in fact. I've worn that from beach to boardroom, from boots to black-tie and everywhere in between. If I ever went back to a one and done, that would be it. But that's me - the mentions in the comments here, or those you mentioned in your video, are all fantastic choices, and really, will tell the time just fine :-)

I bloody love this channel, and mate I love your honesty, passion and no-nonsense approach. I’m so happy to be a subscriber. I own a Casio A171, and I often get compliments about it, despite its very affordable price. I wear the Casio Edifice EVV-550P pretty much everyday. The black plastic/resin strap, black face and bezel, the light blue second hand etc etc, makes this a very attractive yet ‘not in your face’ watch. I love it. Yes, I adore Casio/G-Shock watches, I’m overrun with the bloody things haha! Gimme me time with my other watches: Seiko, Tissot, Tag etc. Two Seiko’s come to mind, though. Cheers. All the best.👍🏻

My most worn is the Longines Conquest VHP in black pvd. I think it plays the part in all occasions

Omega Aquaterra! Bought mine with a leather strap, got a nato for it, a bracelet and have just bought a rubber to go on the deployment clasp! Looks great as a dress watch, can go for a swim in it (150m WR) and basically works as an everyday wear!

I own a Tudor Black Bay 58 and a Hamilton Automatic in titanium and I love them both and either of them could be a great one watch collection. I’m just another watch geek that likes to wear different watches on difficult days 😂

So glad you responded to that video. Brilliant!

I have two that fit the bill; Seiko SPB143 and a Seiko SRPE. Both eat straps for breakfast, have solid aftermarket support, and both do great in a wide range of scenarios.

The Sinn 104 with black dial and baton indices ticks every single one of the boxes. Punches above its weight on a bracelet and is an absolute strap monster - dress it however you like! Not sure MWC is in any way qualified to lecture us on a one watch collection mind you 😜

For me the best one watch, watch collection watch (that's an odd sentence) is the Tudor Heritage Black Bay 41mm in Blue (black would also work), which just happens to also be the watch I've been lusting after for a while and will be my next watch purchase. I love it and can't wait to own it! it's simple, not too big, combo of brushed and polished finishing, great handset (snowflake!), great shade of blue (great on the bracelet or the tan leather strap which really makes the blue pop). Pretty thin, so no trouble with a cuff. Very functional, easy to dress up or down and NO DATE! What more could anyone ask? Great show Russell! Keep it up!

The one to wear watch is definitely my 43.5mm Omega Seamaster Chronograph Professional Chronometer, very versatile; diver 300m, chronograph, date and steel bracelet with micro adjustment and anti magnetic silicon spring. Fits as well on a suit as on a short at the swimming pool. ;-)

The new Tudor 41/39/36 jubilees are perfect as one watch. Dressy enough for formal and sporty enough for the beach. I have the 41 in Champagne - love it. Half the price of an AT, but a better watch (slimmer, Tfit clasp, better finish).

Personally, I think the best one watch collection watches are either the Rolex explorer or the Omega aqua terra. Both are incredibly good, looking watches that you can use and abuse than an inch of their life. Both look great with a suit, explore even looks killer with a tuxedo if you were black tie, more than once in your life. The aqua terra has the eye red bonus of having a jumping our hand in case you travel fairly regularly. For me my one watch collection is a Watch that I got for Christmas when I was 17. It’s from Citizen. It was part of the AR series. I believe it’s called the weekender or the drive. that watch was my daily driver from when I was 17 when I was 25 and the only reason I stopped wearing it is because the bracelet got a little bit too tight and I lost the links for it. Plus when I went to get the crystal replaced, come on my watchmaker accidentally push the chapter ring slightly off to the right and the crown is crooked now. I have to send it back to Citizen to get it repaired. Technically, it would be cheaper just for me to buy a used replacement. But I love this damn thing too much to do that. The one watch I would wear now probably more than any other ones in my collection is my Heimdallr Seaghost. It’s a homage to the Omega Seamaster from the film no Time to die with a full titanium case for $200. Looks great with my suits as well as T-shirt and jeans.

Longines Conquest 39mm on stainless bracelet. Brushed and polished, super legible, black on silver, 300m water resistance, 72 hour power reserve, even a spot of lume. GADA. No silly bezel and def more dressy than your typical field watch. Can wear it to the office, with a suit, to the beach, casual attire, it does it all.

I never thought about this before but looking at my small collection I dont have a one watch watch now i have to be on the hunt for it! but i will find it!

For me personally there's too many situations I'm in that would make me nervous with a watch I'd paid more than 200 quid for. I own horses and work outdoors a lot. I have expensive watches but if I could only have 1 for all occasions it'd have to be tough and not so expensive it'd induce a heart attack if it might get damaged. Probably a Seiko with different strap options.

Agree with everything said! I only have one mechanical watch so far; the SPB297 - it's the glacier save the ocean version of the 63mas re-issue (SPB143 being the monochromatic, probably more appropriate version) but in most lighting conditions the blue glacier dial is subtle enough to go with most occasions. With the skin diver case shape, it's probably not the best when dressed up on a leather strap, but the polished and brushed case and oyster style bracelet means it looks pretty good in a suit or a t shirt

I love your content so much your my favourite RU-vidr in the world can't wait for the next video

My one watch watch collection is my Tag Heuer Aquaracer all black, titanium, 500m wr. I prefer one of my G Shocks if climbing a mountain though 😂. Great video. Have a great day!

Tudor black bay 58, no contest, a fine one watch to wear every day, work watch, tool watch, suit watch, surf watch, covers it all

Definitely agree on the explorer and a diver (omega smp 300m, tudor bb58 or 54, sub, etc) but I'd also argue an OP36 or DJ36 with smooth bezel and oyster bracelet to keep it sporty. I prefer DJ with the classic fluted and jubilee...but if we need to to be rugged yet classy, gotta go smooth and oyster. Also omega AT is a great choice too since it's a decent combo between OP and DJ and has killer looks and movement.

Probably one of the most brilliant shows around here 😄

For me it has to be my Islander Rangemaster. It's been my most worn watch ever since I picked it up.

The wizard sleeve line is priceless is absolute genius, loving your work

I wore my Panerai Luminor GMT for 12 years straight and it served its purpose whether wearing a suit down to swim trunks at the beach !

I had a good chuckle at the well deserved take down of the Watchfinder folks' selections. I'm here for it for sure. I think you're more spot on with what makes an only watch. Besides getting bored, as you said, I would have a hard time with one single watch. That being said, it would be possible to get down to maybe 2. 1 super dress watch for very high level dress occasions, and a hike/swim/office/suit type of watch. You're pretty spot on with the Explorer fitting a lot of that. Something like the Longines Spirit would help. I believe that also has the quick release on the strap options, which makes it even better suited. One thing to keep one from getting bored or not having the right strap would be to easily swap between them. There are times when I like a rubber or some other type of strap for outdoors activities, prefer a bracelet for most other times, and a nice leather strap for dressier occasions. 100m water resistance is the minimum, but also a tougher movement and accurate. Quick adjust on the bracelet would be ideal, but at least some micro adjust is required.

Great video Russ! I’d be very interested to hear your take on the new Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition…

I love it when I see a new MWC release, thanks for the show.

Don't forget about some pilot watches too. My Sinn 556 I RS fits pretty much everything you were talking about!

my daily at the moment is a BERTUCCI A-4T Super Yankee Illuminated titanium field watch I'm loving it

I could live the rest of my life with my Black Casio Duro and be happy.

Great show as usual. I know I will change my mind about 12 times in a year but right NOW (and for the last months) my choice would probably be the Seiko 5 Sports GMT (SSK003K1, the blue one). It looks amazing, it can do everything and if it irreparably broke or got lost/stolen for any reason, replacing it would not deplete the GDP of a small nation

black bay 58 blue. every occasion, every outfit.

Seiko black Alpinist. Sporty and very elegant at the same time. Great on the bracelet and great on a nato or a leather.

Seiko spb143. It works no matter what, sporty dressy, tooly, you name it

Nomos Ahoi Neomatik 36 mm. It is at once modern and classic, it is dressy and sporty in equal measure, it has a fantastic in-house movement, and it has 200 m of WR. I just love that watch.

another mad review who made my day!!! i agree with the fact that i am not a one watch man collection watch ready at all. like you i am an incorrigible watch geek addict collector... thanks for that great show again!!! 😂😂😂

For a dive watch my CW Dartmouth is a great option or their Sandhurst for a field watch. The Casio Oceanus t200 is also a great solar option if a touch big and I think the new Seiko Alpinist gmt will be a great choice. The 5303 from Serrica is a good option now they have changed the movement and if they fix the crown they have some nice manual field watches.

I've got the hamilton Murph 42 and it is basically the perfect one and done watch. I just wear it nonstop.

The Hamilton day date from interstellar - I have it on a red strap currently, had it on a nato and it came on the bracelet. Black dial silver markets absolutely stunning!

One of your best videos, I think! And sticking it to the watchfinder duo! Hope they reply! 😁

I have two initial suggestions for consideration. The Omega Constellation Globemaster on leather if your wearing environment is continent jumping the hour jump function is ideal. or the BB58 black dial version if like me you use the timing bezel a lot for timing important things like when the rice for a freshly home made curry will be ready. Oh, another. If you're not looking for a total strap monster the G-Shock 5000 full metal covers everything.

My Brosnan-era omega seamaster midsize (36 mm) is probably the only watch I own that I could be happy with as a one watch collection...but thank goodness I don't have to do that

Hi, mate. IMO, the most perfect wristwatch ever is the Omega Aqua Terra 38MM in white or black dial... The perfect go anywhere, do anything!!!!

Spot on mate 👌

My SRPK31 fits your qualifications/requirements but I'm going to be honest, if I had to wear only one of my watches ever again, it would be my Casio A168. It just does everything you could ask of.

If it has to be one watch for me, I chose the Seiko SpeedTimer Panda….Is a grab and go watch, goes with any straps, reliable, decent water resistance, and solar. I do not think I will go for automatic, otherwise Khali field Titanium.

My vintage Rolex two tone “Bluesy” that I’ve had for 36 years is my perfect one watch watch collection…hands down! Since I bought it, I’ve bought a dozen watches and none scratch that it’s like this one!

An Oyster Perpetual/Explorer style watch like a Tissot Gentleman or Longines Conquest is a pretty perfect choice fot this. A day date or date just can also pull it off. I'm not so sure a diver is great for a suit.

Great to see the Sherwood Commander in examples. So pleased with mine.

Great video! My BB58 and Hamilton Khaki Field Auto currently fit the ‘one watch collection’. I need to be true to myself and admit I’ll never just have one watch though! 😂

Longines Hydro Conquest is a very solid diving watch, with a fantastically precise automatic movement (mine gains a minute and half every month), and offers a good combination of sports performance (300M water resistance) and elegant aesthetic (clean lines, great quality steel finish including bracelet with solid links and extendable clasp for dive suits). Also, Shinola makes excellent diving watches - I own the Lake Superior Monster (heavy yet comfortable to wear), but the Monster GMT wears well for a wide range of wrist sizes. I think a big component of a “one-watch” collection is personality and whether you prefer field, diving, or pilot watches. For myself, I’m looking to grow my collection, but recognize that trying to narrow a collection to one or a few pieces forces one to evaluate what is more valuable and helps to curb impulse buying. I think Laco watches are also another great avenue to explore, and strongly recommend the Frankfurt GMT, German-made aviator watch with an awesome automatic movement. However, I also pre-ordered the new Atacama quartz field watch with a blacked out profile (highly reminiscent of Luminox military watches) - I’m going the opposite direction with growing my collection, but this is a great discussion none-the-less. Thank you Mad Watch Collector, keep up the great work!!

For me it’s either the Aerotec GMT diver or the Phoibos voyager. Both great sturdy watches that can take a beating AND go well with a (lady’s) office suite.

Been wearing the Casio Smart GBD2002ER and loving it. Thanks for the suggestion. Now that is the last one...but my Grail Watch is White Gold Sub Rolex.

My one and done is gshock gmw b5000d 1er 🤩 I’m in construction industry and its a perfect toolwatch, and after work it is cool to wear with a denim jacket for example

I think my Bulova 50th Anniversary moon watch suits a lot of different looks. Also very useful having a.chronograph function.

Hamilton Khaki King! Long power reserve, day-date, strap monster, iconic! Sinn 556A

One and done......LOL good one Russ ! Great show !

I'd think of 3 watches that can do that: Casio AE1200 witha Metal bracelet Orient Mako II with that Beautiful Blue Sunburst Tisell Explorer Automatic 39mm, witha Sapphire Crystal, 4hz Miyota movement, 100WR, n... That Classic SMITHS vibe (Not Rolex, thank you)!! 😁