Watches recommended: 1) Oris Big Crown Pro Pilot. 1:08 2) Seiko Sarb 033. 3:06 3) Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough. 3:41 4) Seiko Alpinist Sarb 017. 4:45 6a) Rolex 1016 Explorer. 6:50 6b) Rolex Date 1500. 8:20 7) Grand Seiko Snowflake. 9:20 8) Rolex Submariner (vintage). 10:33 9) Heuer Monaco. 11:05 (His comment: "This is one of the only good watches Tag still makes." lol). 10) Serica WWW Field watch. 12:09 (made by the author of the book "A Man & His Watch") Also mentioned: - Omega Speedmaster Pro 11:49
Loved the Monaco since I watched Le Mans. Checked it out 2 weeks ago at an AD, very disappointed - just picking it up it felt cheap. For that price point you’d be insane not to get an Omega.
Honerable mentions: Casio Oceanus S100, Hamilton Khaki Field Auto (38mm) Hamilton Khaki King, Tudor BB 36, 41 or 58, Omega Aqua Terra, Stowa Flieger Type A. Sinn 556i, Sinn 104
I really want an oceanus. I am not a big fan of automatics but hate batteries so solar is my favorite technology ever. Mechanical / automatics are too fiddly for my taste (I know that is supposed to be there appeal). Also the citizen tough is amazing
Yeah the 8500, blue dial is a beaut. The aquaterra, rolex explorer and the GS snowflake are the three I'd be able to whittle down too.....then would fail at choosing.
aw man the skyfall edition is probably my ideal watch. Quick set date is substituted by independent hour hand adjustment, good for traveling between time zones. 60h power reserve. Co axial movement. all under 4000 in used market. Its a bomb!
For me I can’t do plastic watches with button shirts. Not a status thing just does not fit the ensemble. I save my Casio for when I’m milling around the house though so they do serve a purpose just could not be an everything watch for me.
My pick would be the Sinn 556. It has 200m water resistance, low pressure resistance, and antimagnetic as per German DIN standards, as well as being built like a tank, so you don't need to worry about beating it up. 38.5mm diameter and a 46mm lug to lug is a perfect size for almost everyone. Comes with a Selita SW-200 which is a proven rock solid and easy to service movement (older models came with an ETA 2824-2). On the bracelet, it's a great sporty option for everyday, and in the evening you can swap it onto a leather strap for a dressier look. There's multiple different dial options, so you can get the 556a variant if you want more of a strictly sporty look, the 556i for a beautiful, clean, do it all look, and the 556i B for a look that leans a little dressier while still being a no nonsense tool watch. All that for a little under $1100 on strap or $1300 on bracelet. An amazing one watch, especially on the fantastic Sinn H-link bracelet.
@@ericduke5556 Also a fantastic pick, anything from Sinn is really an amazing one watch to have, it's just down to personal preference. I personally would be more comfortable wearing the 556 in a more formal occasion than the 104, as well as my wrists being on the smaller size so the 556 fits a bit better for me. Either one is close to perfect though
Sinn 556a, antimagnetic, 200 meters, low pressure, 38.5 mm, great legibility, great on a strap or on a bracelet. Beats many of the watches in the video
Nice list! However my opinion is that if you are going to only have 1 watch you need more variability/options/use cases. Most of the watches featured here are too simple, with one or none complications, no bezels, low water resistance, etc. If you are only going to have 1 watch I think the following should be considered: 1) Common lug width: 20mm/22mm - to allow for maximum strap options 2) At least 200 Meter water resistance: to allow for maximum use cases and longevity in case of accidental water exposure 3) Common internals/Mainstream build: to allow for easy repairs in the event it's needed, after all it's your only watch (for example good luck getting a Grand Sieko repaired by your local watchmaker) 4) Complications: At least one complication, two or three would probably be better long term. (day, date, GMT would probably be most useful for most) 5) Swapable/Modable - If you get a watch you can swap parts on easily then you can change the look and some functionality of it significantly. For example a lot of Seiko's are modable and also the Orient Mako USA II (and other orients) are modable as well. You can change dials, bezels, bezel inserts, sapphire upgrades/changes, etc. In my opinion if you only have one watch you have to have maximum customizable options so that you can change it over time if desired. People change, their desires changes, their interests changes, their hobbies change, their jobs change, where they live changes, etc. When those things change you need to match your new environment, you need to match your new personality, etc. You can't do that if you have only 1 watch that isn't modable. I recommend one of the several modable Seiko's (like the SKX007) or the Orient Mako USA II (or similar product line from orient). You can check RU-vid for mod's people have done. Most mod parts can range from $40-$150 dollars. If you buy a watch for $200-$400 then later upgrade/mod it for another $200 you can have yourself a one of a kind time piece that is diverse enough to transcend changes in your life.
Timex Weekender. Goes with everything, don't have to baby it, and it comes with the added bonus of being able to hear it from 50 feet away. You can literally sit in a dark room and listen to your life tick away, and its indiglo is second to none.
Great video as usual!! I'm a Land Surveyor and if I could only have 1 watch IDK if any of these 10 would survive for 1 year. We're working in the swamp and mountains of Virginia and all points in between and the only watch that I've found that is tough enough for the abuse is the G Shock. I would be happy with any of the 10 on this list I just wouldn't be able to utilize them for work.
One watch for me would be the Bell & Ross BR V2-93. 41mm round case holding an ETA based movement with a date and GMT complication. Threaded crown for 100m resistance, rotating bezel, and domed sapphire. All still only coming in at 12mm thick. Buy it with the bracelet and get some straps for all occasions. Perfect.
erjam macatangay I am not an Alpinist fan, BUT, when I saw it with the strapcode (I believe that is the name of the company, not sure) two tone gold angus jubilee I felt in love with it, is going to be my Christmas present. Perfect combination my friend. Best regards from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Exactly! I have a chestnut leather strap, a brown corc leather strap, an olive green leather nato, a cream leather nato, an olive green cloth nato, a stainless oyster style bracelet, a two tone oyster style bracelet, and a twotone jubilee bracelet for my Alpinist. Hahaha!
Good show man, I own a Rolex OP in gold and I absolutely love it as my one watch. From church to grilling steaks outside, this watch keeps perfect time and I forget I’m wearing it, so comfortable.
Love your series and looking forward to more! My top 10 super affordable collection suggestion : 1. Casio G shock DW5600E - rectangle shape. Quartz 2. Seiko 5 - sport field watch - brushed metal round shape / black dial, try it with a leather strap. 3. Timex Marlin - hand winding - try the champaign dial with a black nato strap! 4. Quanqin automatic - GJ16106 - homage to Nomos white dial with blie hands and power reserve indicator - try it with a blue leather band. Killer price on gearbest. 5. Dan Henry 1970 - automatic - no hacking - I think it NH35 inside, beutiful build quality! 6. Samsung gear S3 - try it on a brown leather strap. - digital smart watch obviously. Every collection needs One! 7. Swatch System 51 - try the blue dial - you are getting a swiss automatic at a killer price ! 8. Islander - from Marc at longisland watches. Try the pepsi dial 38mm, elements of the seiko skx007. Awesome value for 299 USD. Probably expensive for my list! 9. Titan Edge quartz supper thin rectangle brushed metal case - this is an Indian watch! I still do not understand why these guys don't sell on amazon! Of course if you are of Indian origin ... You gotta have one Titan in the collection. 10. Omega seamaster .. ok not cheap! Nuff said ... Ciao , P
An interesting list, of which I agree with some. I like to use the old “beach to boardroom” adage for choosing a one-watch collection. For me personally, that means a three hand, no bezel watch (preferably with a date), at least 100m WR on a bracelet (classier than rubber, more WR than leather). Lume is also greatly preferred, as it’s usefulness at night cannot be overstated. On the low end, i recommend Seiko SARBs (as shown), Hamilton Khaki (Field or Pilot) or the new Tissot Gentleman (basically a vintage datejust, I love it). For the mid-high end, you can’t go wrong with any of the no-bezel Rolex Oyster watches, or my personal favourite; the Omega Aqua Terra. The Omega Globemaster is also a great option (arguably better than the AT as well), as are the Zenith Defy and IWC Ingenieur. I’d include many Grand Seiko models (including the Snowflake), except GS only seems to lume “sport watches”. Finally on the very high end we have the VC Overseas (personal favourite, and grail), Patek Nautilus, and Lange Odysseus (it grows on you, I swear). The Royal Oak would obviously be included, except for its much too low 50m WR. There is a caveat, however. These watches are chosen based on the assumption of needing to be worn with a suit at least once a week. If you only wear a suit once a month or less, then a slim dive watch or chronograph is often a better choice, as it’s more useful and casual day to day, but can still slide under a shirt cuff when necessary. My preferred choices are, on the low end, the Orient Ray/Mako II or Kamasu, and the Tissot Seastar 1000. There are several choices at the mid-high end, most notably the Rolex Submariner, GMT Master II and Daytona, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, or the GO SeaQ 1969. Of the three Speedmast options, their all a bit tricky with short cuffs, and only the thicker Moonwatch Co-Axial is 100m WR. Several Tag chronographs are also good choices, although most Valjoux powered watches are on the thick side for short cuffs. Finally is thickness and price are less of concern, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and GO SeaQ Panorama Date are beautiful watches.
Beach-to-boardroom isn't a bad approach. I snorkel/dive, though, so I'd never trust a 100m rating. That alone pretty much eliminates the possibility of a one-watch solution, because I don't see any 200m-rated watches that are actually thin enough to serve as proper dress watches.
A.J. Hart It’s definitely true that some people have more diverse needs than one watch can provide. In fact, while I love the idea of a one-watch collection, a two watch collection, with a dive watch and dress watch is arguably more versatile; a dedicated beach and boardroom watch respectively, basically. That said, most of the dive watches I mentioned are 13.5mm thick or less (all except the GO SeaQ and Fifty Fathoms actually), which is enough to slip under almost any cuff (even some of the plain three hand watches, such as the Aqua Terra are the same thickness). After all, Bond wore the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M with a tuxedo, and the Submariner can be found under many a dress cuff. My personal preferences lean towards a plain three hand watch, as I tend closer to the boardroom than the beach, so I need a dress watch that can be dressed down. If you have a more casual lifestyle however, or you lean more toward the beach that the boardroom, then a casual watch that can be dressed up is definitely a better choice for you (especially if you need the extra WR).
@@gpearce11 I agree for the most part, although I would contend that the diver aesthetic itself is just not really dressy enough for truly formal occasions. I wouldn't get in the way of people wanting to show off their Subs when they're out and about, but that 13mm is about 3-4mm too chunky even if not on the bracelet, which doesn't exactly help it look more sleek. Might as well wear an Amphibia. :) James Bond gets to do a lot of fun things that we don't get to do. Wearing a diver with a tux at a formal event is among them, although not exactly the thing I would hope to mimic in my private life. Although the more attractive behavior always seems to result in finding the previous night's tryst dead the next day. I can't help but believe that, unlike Bond, I'd eventually become a person of interest for the local constabulary. Take care.
A.J. Hart Oh I completely agree; some dive watches may be considered dressy enough for others, but I would never rock a dive watch with a suit. I’d prefer an ETA powered Tissot dress watch over a Sub or a Diver 300M when I need a dress watch, even though it’s 85% cheaper. Which then brings us back to the two watch collection idea; get a nice sleek dress watch for when you need it to slide under a cuff (I’m partial to ETA/Selina based watches on the low end because they’re
So cool I literally have the Promaster Tough as an everyday watch and didn't expect it to pop in your list. It's awesome since it is tough as nails and can very well be dressed up a bit (I wear a suit twice or so a week). I also have an Orient Bambino for actual formal ocasions, and a GShock rangeman as an actual beater, but the Tough is a great middle point between the two.
About two years ago, I went on a business trip to Denver. Before I left I was told about a couple watch shops that will take trades; I wanted to trade up my Tag Heuer Aquaracer, plus some cash for an Oris. I walked in and the lady that helped was awesome. She took my watch and asked what I had in mind for a trade. I told her I would love an Oris but I didn't know what kind, just one that "spoke" to me. She looked me over for a half a second went over to the counter where they kept the used watches and brought over a Big Crown Pro Pilot with date. I didn't even look at the price but I'm so glad I got it when I did.
As a recent graduate, my first big boy watch is a Stowa Partitio. So for a one watch watch collection, I'm going with the Partitio. It has that classic field watch look, but also mimics a Nomos with the dressier feel.
My current "One Watch Collection" Watch Orient FTV01003W. A "Neo-classic chronograph" A very elegant and handsome watch for a much more affordable price than that the watches on this list. I personally like the bracelet but it looks great on strap. Has tachymeter, big date, 100 meter, water resistance, sapphire crystal, 41.5mm case diameter, bracelet band, solid construction and can take a hit.
My one watch collection is as follows: Vintage - 1999 Rolex Explorer II Polar dial. New - 36mm Rolex Oyster Perpetual 116000 Blue Dial with Arabic 3,6,9. I would be happy with either one to wear as a single collection. Must note though, with the watches I have now, I sincerely doubt I will get to just one watch for wear.
Thankyou so much Jory for your intro to the Serica WWW field watch. I watched your review of that watch and bought it and I must say that it is a awesome watch. I have to admit I had reservation about the threaded crown with a hand wound movement but the action is like butter and really it makes that connection with the watch a little more special because you wind it then smoothly screw it back down. I have to admit that I only wind it once a day instead of the morning and evening ritual when I am wearing my Hamilton Khaki mechanical. Thanks again Jory, Brian.
All great choices but for me personally my one watch collection would have to be a 38-42 mm diver that is not too bold in appearance. As you mentioned the Submariner would fit the bill nicely. The SKX would work as well for me too. However, this is all hypothetical because I don't think I could ever slim my collection down to just one watch, That's just crazy!
I've had more broken Tags than any other make. So, the concept of a 'good Tag', forgive me, that ship sailed. In fact it burned down to the hull with all hands on board, then sailed.
This question made me realise I am not a pro diver, moto racer, sailor, soldier, mechanic or merchant banker. I'm a surfer and that took me to an offering called "Weret". Such a good question to focus the watch lovers mind :-)
A great list no doubt, there are a few watches that come to mind though that were missed: - Tudor Black Bay 36: You mentioned the Explorer but the BB36 is an incredible alternative, you can go buy yourself 2-3 other watches with the savings. The BB36 is rated to 150m WR, threaded crown, comes on a bracelet that is nearly on par with my Rolex 116000. I daily wore mine for 18 months straight basically before expanding my collection and it still looks great and fits any occasion. - Omega Aqua Terra 8500 Midsize - Omega Seamaster Pro, ideally 2220.80 or 2531.80
two tone watches are super versatile, in my opinion especially with a blue or black dial- i have a 34mm two tone timex datejust homage from the early 2000s that has a blue dial and it just goes with everything i own i just change between a brown leather strap and a black leather strap it just works
I'd go with the Hamilton H77415133 Khaki Navy Frogman. Originally designed for the U.S. Navy in 1951. Full titanium 40mm case and bracelet, sapphire crystals front and back, ETA 2895 movement, a canteen-style crown cover, and a 200m water resistance. Basically a field watch that can double as a diver.
This might be a little out of left field, but have you considered the Hamilton Khaki Navy Pioneer Small Second? It has an automatic ETA movement, 100 meters of water resistance, sapphire crystal, 40mm bezel, and 20mm lug width. Plus, the light gray face makes it an absolute strap monster!
I just bought a Timex Weekender chronograph. It isn't mechanical, but crystal is more accurate anyway. I'm looking forward to getting it, and it'll hopefully be my one watch, like my $7 crystal watch currently is.
I have a promoter tough and could absolutely see it as a one watch collection, sapphire glass and a monoquoce case, looks awesome on a nato and is thin enough to slide underneath your cuff.
I baby the Fxck out of my sarb017... took me so long to obtain one, the bezel scratch easily. But i wear it every day!! Its insanely beautiful. People eyes always look down to try and see what watch im wearing. I might even buy another one just incase i banged this one.
Just had a comment battle with phatkat invicta dude. It would be hysterical for you to do a mock review on Sturhling watches in regards to "value for money " or many other brands that are argued to be such. Maybe wouldn't be worth it to you but I'm sure many would find hysterical especially with T3 take on it....lol
My Citizen Promaster Tough would work well as my only watch, except I prefer something lighter for when I am running or bicycling. I could live without the 100/120 lap memories of my Timex Ironman or Casio STL-S100H-1AV. I would go with one of my G-SHOCK squares, GW-S5600-1JF or GW-B5600BC-1ER.
A little unorthodox but Stainless steel g shock-with some watch adapters and you can possibly throw it on a leather strap and get away with it in a more formal occasion👀 or even all metal led watches like a yema led-futuristic/sporty but also dressy👀👀
For me, the perfect one watch that balance everything is the Rolex Explorer II, or it's more affordable counterpart, the SARB033/35. Have been following your videos since mid this year. Really love your style and videos! Looking forward to your future work!
One Watch = Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80, I have it, I love it. I also have a Sarb033, I love it too. I also have a cocktail time, because of you, I love it too. That could also be a great one watch.
In reference to the Serica field watch, it is only available with the ETA 2801-2 or Selitta SW210 with both movements being handwound. I think you mentioned it would be available in an automatic.
Can't wait for the Serica watch review. Was really tempted about 4 months ago to get one. Had and have still to many watches to add another so I passed on it. You have just brought that itch back.
That is a very good list of watches. I know that there were only room for ten watches on the list, but I feel that the Omega Aqua Terra in either size is missing. I have the new 38 mm version with the blue dial, and it works on both the bracelet, on rubber, and on leather. It has a date that has been beautifully implemented on the dial, and it has a display caseback. In my opinion a vastly underrated watch.
for me, the one watch does it all watch is the Seiko SNE095P2. The watch is versital a.f... wear it on a Nato.. you have a fieldwatch, wear it on leather, boom, there is your dressy watch, wear it on a bracelet: boom, you have your sportswatch. Day-Date complication, nice sunburst effect on the dial, great lume, and because its solar-powered and quartz, you dont have to worry about accuracy or winding or dead battery. its just, a great watch
I wore a Rolex Date with acrylic crystal back in the day, for about 12 years doing pretty much anything, including dirt bike riding... that was one tough little watch!
Mine isn’t TECHNICALLY a one watch collection because I also have a couple vintage watches from my dad and grandpa but the watch that I almost always wear is the Rolex Milgauss 116400GV with a black dial. A lot of people have mixed feelings about it but personally I think it’s very versatile and the most beautiful watch ever made.
Maybe not the Monaco. I own one and love it in ways that aren’t approved in polite society, but I don’t consider it a One Watch collection, it’s just a bit too niche imo. One I might suggest would be Seiko Mini Marine Master (SPB077/079). On a bracelet or nice distressed strap it really fits in most situations, and wears a lot smaller than you’d think.
I'm surprised you didn't mention the Hamilton Kahki King until the end as a comparison matchup to the Serica; I am more surprised you listed the Citizen Pro Master, it's a Tough watch 'for the money'. Good stuff, thanks.
I am new to the watch community, and I have a question. Is it usual for expensive automatic watches to have misaligned minute markers? In this video at 2:59 the seconds hand is at 12 o clock, but the minute hand is between 13th and 14th minute. Is this common???
Ones I currently own 1) Seiko SRPA21K1 PADI Special Edition Diver 2) Rolex DateJust 1500 3) AP Royal Oak 15400 Ones I'm yet to own 4) FP Journe Chronomètre à Résonance (OMG) 5) Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 6) Bovet 19thirty 7) JLC Reverso 8) Speedmaster 321 movement 9) Tissot Cioccolatino 10) Junghans Max-Bill Chronoscope And any watch owned by Bill Sanders
I'm drooling at the Rolex 1016 and the setica. Awesome but at the moment my budget is Seiko sarb level, which is awesome. I have a sarb 35, might get the 33 soon. Have to go, have to get down to business 😀
Nice picks. For my life, I don't think I could have a dive watch as my one and only. My picks would be: (low budget) Hamilton Jazzmaster; (mid budget) Rolex Oyster Perpetual; (high budget) JLC Reverso Sport.
A Man and His Watch. My favorite watch book to read. From cheap to high end they each tell a story. By the way, if it's my one watch collection I would pick my Rolex 214270 Explorer. I do own a Sub and a Datejust but somehow the Explorer seems to work on any occasion.
@@WatchUnwind thanks and I decided on the monta because of the size and specs it has is very good for the price looked at so many reviews and videos before my purchase and no one had a bad thing to say really and I'm a big fan of field watches as the legibility is good at a quick glance and probably my favourite thing is the finishing of the case and bracelet it's a really solid well built watch and yeah only downside to it is that it is a new company without a deep heritage
@@WatchUnwind yeah definitely give one a try and yeah I done alot of searching around as I will probably never spend that money again on a watch and got it for my 30th birthday just liked the look of it from clasp to crown looked at so many other watches in the price range and the triumph came on top every time and would happily wear it everyday if I didn't work in such a rough place (construction) wears nice and slim I own a couple of seiko sarbs I bought before and liked the way they wore on the wrist and thanks for your kind comments I'll check out your channel 👌
