Throwback Sundays: Six Watch Recommendations to Celebrate an Achievement, from Our Archives

Well, in about a few days’ time, we would have just completed the first half of 2017.

For some, 2017 have been a good year. And what will be a better way than to reward yourself with an excellent timepiece, especially if you are a watch collector? In this week’s Throwback Sunday, we are looking at six watches that you can purchase to celebrate an achievement (or if you are just looking for an excuse to buy a timepiece).

So, what have we selected? Let’s find out!

 

Tudor Black Bay Steel and Gold

 

 

We begin the article with a novelty from Baselworld 2017: the new Tudor Black Bay Steel and Gold.

In the recent years, Tudor had been aggressively marketing itself against many of the entry-level luxury brands. Its great designs, coupled with a solid movement and a reasonable price point, puts it ahead of many of its competitors. The new Black Bay Steel and Gold is no exception. The watch is a classic two-tone design, fits in nicely for collectors looking for something a little more luxurious and classy. The use of Tudor’s in-house MT5612 movement adds a nice touch as well, especially with its 70 hours power reserve and COSC-certified accuracy.

The watch is available in two different strap options – either in leather strap, or metal bracelet. Both comes with an additional fabric strap, with prices starting at CHF3,600 (approximately S$5,050) for the leather strap variant.

 

Omega Speedmaster Professional

 

 

The Omega Speedmaster Professional, also dubbed the “Moonwatch”, is one of the quintessential pieces in any watch collection. Launched in 1957, the chronograph is perhaps most known for being the first watch worn on the moon.

What makes the “Moonwatch” an iconic piece is not just its interesting provenance. It is the timeless design of the watch, as well as the excellent Lemania-based movement that powers the timepiece. The latest iteration, which features the Calibre 1861, is a manual-winding movement also boasts a decent power reserve of around 48 hours.

To many collectors, the Moonwatch is a classic. There aren’t many watches that look as good. The charming good looks withstanding the test of time, and still great after more than half a century), and can tell a story that is as intriguing as the Speedmaster. Besides that, the Moonwatch also reminds us of Man’s epic endeavours, and that we should always constantly strive to outdo ourselves.

The watch is priced at S$8,050.

 

Grand Seiko SBGW

 

 

The craze for Japanese watches have proliferated rapidly in the recent years, with many collectors finally recognising the value proposition and fine craftsmanship behind these exquisite works of art. The Grand Seiko is perhaps one of the brands that have benefited from it.

In the recent Baselworld 2017, Grand Seiko had announced the launch of the SBGW series of watches, in tandem with its independence from Seiko Japan. The watches – which comes in three different variants – follow closely to the first Grand Seiko watches that were produced way back in 1960. Several of the more distinctive aspects includes the domed crystal, dial inscriptions, as well as the Grand Seiko medallion on the case back. The watches are also fitted with Grand Seiko’s manual-winding Caliber 9S64, with a 72 hours power reserve and a beat rate of 28,800 bph.

The new Grand Seiko SBGW retails at US$5,700 (approximately S$7,875) for the stainless steel model, and it is limited to 1,960 pieces. It is also available in gold (353 pieces) and platinum (136 pieces), with prices at around US$17,200 (approximately S$23,763) and US$30,600 (approximately S$42,276) respectively. It is a really nice watch, and one that we think will be fitting to celebrate any achievements.

 

Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso

 

 

For many collectors, the Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso is a watch that would elevate one’s collection onto the next level. It is not just another well-finished timepiece – it is an icon, with a rather great story that dates back to more than 80 years.

The Reverso is a large collection, which features watches with different designs and complications. We particularly like the thin and dressier ones, such as the 1948 Ultra-Thin that is featured in the photograph above. While the Reverso first started life as a sports watch, over time it evolved into a dress watch, with its slim and elegant profile fitting nicely underneath the cuffs of a shirt.

Prices of the Reverso begins at US$4,150 (approximately S$5,733) for the Classic Small Stainless Steel, to upwards of a few hundred grands for the Gyrotourbillon 2 or the Grande Complication à Triptyque. An additional plus point is the reversible case, in which Jaeger LeCoultre has the option to engrave the caseback with the requested designs, provided if it is a solid caseback that has got nothing on it. It will be perfect to commemorate any special milestones.

 

Rolex Sky-Dweller

 

 

As the old adage goes, the ownership of a Rolex timepiece is a sign of achievement. However, one can mark the event even sweeter with a solid gold model, with an excellent complication. Which brings us to the Rolex Sky-Dweller.

Introduced in Baselworld 2012, the Sky-Dweller is an interesting timepiece in Rolex’s repertoire. Fitted with Rolex’s Calibre 9001, the timepiece packs an annual calendar, the most complicated watch ever made by Rolex. The watch also include a dual time zone indicator, as well as an annual calendar display. Interestingly, the watch also includes Rolex’s Ring Command system which sets the date, home time, and local time.

Originally only available in precious metal, the Sky-Dweller is now available in bot stainless steel and two-tone options. However, our choice is the elegant Everose gold model, with an alligator strap and deployant buckle option which retails for S$ 53,180.

 

Patek Philippe Nautilus

 

 

When Patek Philippe launched the Nautilus in 1976, it caught the industry by surprised. No doubt, Audemars Piguet had the first dibs by producing the Royal Oak a few years earlier, but the concept of a luxury sports watch (coupled with a radical and unusual case design) was something that the industry was yet not used to.

Regardless, the Nautilus (as well as the Royal Oak) had ascended into the league of iconic watches by many collectors over the years. More recently, to commemorate its 40th anniversary in 2016, Patek Philippe had produced two limited edition pieces for the Nautilus collection. We particularly like the 5711/1P, in which we feel that the diamond indices and the blue dial add a nice touch to the platinum watch.

Priced at S$149,300, the new 5711/1P 40th Anniversary Edition is certainly much pricier than its stainless steel and gold brethren. However, it is limited to 700 pieces, and we reckon it is certainly a nice watch to celebrate a successful event.

 

Concluding Thoughts

 

Besides the six watches that we have selected, there are definitely more watches that one can consider, if a collector wishes to buy something to commemorate an occasion, or celebrate an achievement. After all, watches are a personal thing. However, if you are a new collector who wants to reward yourself and have no idea where to start, then perhaps the first few pieces that we have highlighted are good pieces that you might want to consider for a start. The Moonwatch and Reverso, for instance, are essential classics that would fit in nicely in any proper watch collection. You cannot really go wrong with those pieces. The Grand Seiko is perhaps more for a seasoned collector, but it is certainly something that is rather special – especially with its wonderful finishing and great price point.

Finally, let us know your thoughts on this week’s selection, in the comments section below. Also, please feel free to share with us what are some of the topics that you’d like to read in our subsequent Throwback Sundays articles as well – we’ll be more than happy to accede to the requests of our readers!