THE JOURNAL
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Five Watches That Make The Perfect One-Stop Collection
Words by Mr Chris Hall
6 February 2023
Sure, you’ve heard everyone extolling the authenticity of painstakingly acquiring a watch collection over time. Spending years learning about the world of horology, and genning up on the prestigious watchmakers of the world. Except some of us – admit it – don’t have that kind of time. You’ve got bare wrists now, but want a fully credible watch collection this time tomorrow. Or maybe you’ve just sold your entire wardrobe of watches – it does happen – and need to start afresh. Well, it can be done: these five are the perfect building blocks for a watch collection right out of the box.
01.
NOMOS Glashütte Club Campus
You need something fun and casual, for weekends, holidays and probably a lot of the rest of the time, too. You most likely want something in stainless steel, and sized fairly modestly to work with a wide range of outfits. But you don’t have to be too conventional: stand out with a wild orange dial.
02.
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph
It’s not a proper watch collection without a chronograph, and the most recent addition to IWC Schaffhausen’s mid-century icon, the Portugieser, is a perfect blend of sophisticated and sporty. We’ve picked out a “panda”-dialled version on a rubber strap which skews things more to the sporty side, mostly because our other picks equip you well for formal occasions. But the Portugieser is one of the easiest chronographs to wear as a smart watch – you’ll just need to change the strap.
03.
Ulysse Nardin Diver X Nemo Point
From time to time, you’ll be called upon to brave tough conditions. Or you’d just like to feel like you will be. Either way, another thing a watch collection cannot lack is a proper dive watch, and this Ulysse Nardin fits the bill. It meets the brief on a technical basis, but it’s not the obvious choice, and that’s another reason we like it.
04.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duoface
Meet the dress watch in your new collection. Just because you’re starting again from scratch doesn’t mean you’re a newbie or on a beginner’s budget: you deserve a serious, gold watch for formal occasions. The Reverso will do you proud, not just because it offers the versatility of two dial designs, but because it mixes things up across our set of five watches in terms of shape and material.
05.
Hermès Timepieces Slim d’Hermès Titane
A work watch – yes, a concept that may have fallen by the wayside in recent years. But still valuable, especially if you do work in a business-suit world. And if not, just think of it as an excuse to add a bit of variety to your everyday wrist choices. This collection isn’t going to grow itself, you know. As well as a modern, interesting watch, it’ll be a conversation starter and mark you out as a discerning collector.
