Getting a serious watch means that you need to check out a lot of brands. Quick research will tell you that automatic watches are probably your best choice and quartz ones are well, for starters. If you’re looking at smartwatches, then you might be in line to live a healthier lifestyle. Whatever type of watch you choose, make sure that you get the best bang for your buck.
In the mechanical and automatic side of things, the number of choices you can have is virtually endless. Gone are the days when getting an automatic watch means that you need to shell out a couple of thousands of dollars. In fact, today, you can get a gorgeous automatic watch for less than $150. But if you’re looking to impress, here are the best ones you should look out for:
Maurice Lacroix Les Classiques
There’s nothing more exciting than a classic automatic Swiss watch, and the Maurice Lacroix Les Classiques embodies this distinction seriously. The Les Classique line from the eponymous brand is nothing short of spectacular, featuring timepieces that are truly one of a kind. Although not a household name when compared with Tissot, Frederique Constant, and etc., Maurice Lacroix stands in its own merits in the starter luxury watch range.
One of the best watches under the Les Classique line is the Eliros chronograph. This is a gorgeous watch reminiscent of Zenith’s El Primero, but with a sleeker profile and thinner case. The movement inside may not be top of the line, but it should be more than enough for the price range. The Aikon automatic range is another looker in this category, but it has a larger profile with less versatility.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire
Another chronograph watch that’s reserved for those who are true horological connoisseurs, IWC’s Chronograph Spitfire is as high-end as watches get. This is originally a pilot’s watch, and the vintage inspiration is a legend among its contemporaries. In its latest iteration, the Spitfire still retains its magic–there’s nothing sloppy about this watch.
You get a mechanical, self-winding Swiss-manufactured in-house caliber from IWC, which means that most of it is hand-crafted and assembled. The movement carries a 60-meter water resistance as well, with a 46-hour power reserve. The dial features a clean, unobtrusive chronograph complication, with Arabic numerals for hours and minutes. It’s not quite a Flieger watch, but the thought is there.
You also get a sapphire crystal for protection, and the glass is secured against drops in pressure – which is a pillar of how pilot watches should behave. The soft iron inner case protects against magnetic fields, so you won’t have to worry about the delicate movement inside. The brown calfskin strap completes the package, a true cherry on top!
Tissot Seastar
If you want a diver’s watch that won’t break the bank, check Tissot’s Seastar. This is one of the better diver watches among a sea of timepieces marketed as such but without the certification to truly be called one. These days, the term diver’s watch has become like a catchphrase for manufacturers to increase prices. That’s why you need to be aware of it when shopping for these watches.
The Seastar is not one of these watches. Although bare-bones in its capacity as a diver’s watch, its good looks save it from becoming a watch that you should skip. The ceramic bezel is top of the line, punching above its weight level. There’s a Powermatic version for those who want a more versatile timepiece that can transition from day to night, but there’s also the chronograph version, which is perfect as a daily driver.
Patek Phillippe Grand Complications
Ok, let’s talk Patek. If you want a Patek, you’ll need to prepare your bank account because this brand is not kidding around when it comes to pricing. If you have the money part down pat, then it’s time to choose the right watch to get. Most people will tell you to get a Nautilus, as it is a classic, but there’s an eight-year wait for it and unless you are someone in any industry, forget it.
Get Grand Complications instead. This is a Patek that screams timeless beauty, classic styling, and dress watch elegance. Getting Grand Complications to watch will make your collection much more enticing. And a little bit more mysterious, somehow. Under the hood, you won’t feel shanked as well, as any of the watches in this line is sporting the best of the bests in terms of movement, case material, lumes, and etc.
Takeaway
Take your watch collection to the next level by purchasing any of these watches!
