What is the most expensive Richard Mille?
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak? Anyone who purchases a Patek Philippe knows that he probably won’t lose any money if he chooses to sell it at a later date. And it’s entirely possible that the value of the watch will increase over time, though there is no way to predict this in individual cases. But it’s a reassuring fact, even when most people purchase a watch simply for their own enjoyment and don’t have immediate plans to resell.
Though any number of great Timexes could’ve made this list, we’re particualrly enamored with the newly reissued MK1 — a recreation (of sorts) of a short-lived 1980s military-issue watch. While the original was meant to be disposable and had a mechanical movement inside and a plastic case protecting it, this version swaps both with a more reliable quartz engine and a higher-quality case made from anodized aluminum. A direct descendant of the original G-Shock from 1983, the modern G5600 version and similar watches are as tough as ever. For under $100 you get some nearly indestructible wrist gear that is more accurate than any luxury mechanical watch, and no need for battery changes with solar power. Just make sure you get one that says “Tough Solar” on it, and has a positive display for the best legibility. Further, G-Shocks are just fun, unpretentious, hassle-free, and extremely comfortable to wear.
Whereas Rolex is the most internationally recognizable luxury watch brand, AP is not a household name to your average layman. AP is certainly recognized in the watchmaking community as a better brand than Rolex but because of the exclusivity an AP, the average layman will not realize that your watch is considered superior to a Rolex. For example: let’s say you just want to make a statement with what you are wearing on your wrist. You may want to make that statement to a select few …or even to everyone. In this type of situation, you want to compare the two in the context of brand recognition. Find extra information at Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore.
Certina, founded in Grenchen, Switzerland in 1888, has always been a rather low-key brand. You may not know, but they were innovators in shock protection and water resistance, which is nearly weapons-grade on this watch. The rotating ceramic diving bezel on this 41mm beauty, usually a hallmark of much more expensive pieces, is scratch resistant and nearly indestructible, and the handsome strap features a deployment clasp. Shinola watches, assembled in Detroit, have sparked a renaissance in the Motor City and for American watch brands in general. One of their latest editions of their most popular design, the Runwell, is a subtle version of what can be a busy style. This is destined to become a classic design that will no doubt age well with it’s stainless steel case and durable leather strap. With a clean ivory-colored face and luminous hands, wearing this watch makes a statement that you value good design, but don’t need an overly expensive timepiece to speak for you.
When it comes to wooden watches, the kind of wood that makes up a watch you want to buy is of utmost importance. Make sure that the watch material is sustainable wood. A good wooden watch should be carved from woods like sandalwood, Koa, Purpleheart, Ili-hai, or maple. Beware of steel, and plastic watches that have some pieces of wood glued on top of them. Additionally, orient on your preferences. It is of the utmost importance to choose a wooden watch that meets your needs. This timepiece should have the right color, durability, luster, grain pattern, and texture. Wooden watches come in different attributes and you should be able to choose the one that fascinates you in terms of these characteristics.
Santos-Dumont, 31.4mm stainless steel case, navy alligator leather strap. The Santos, Cartier’s style icon, was first introduced in 1904 and became not only a Cartier signature but also one of the defining wristwatch designs of the 20th century. The latest iteration takes the full Santos-Dumont moniker and steers the line in a new direction — thinner, smaller and more affordable. Key to that is its slimline quartz movement, which may offend the more mechanically minded, but in the flesh it barely registers because of the absence of the tell-tale ticking seconds hand of a quartz movement. It helps too that Cartier is claiming a punchy six-year battery life. The larger of the two models announced is only 31.4mm wide, although feels larger on the wrist, and is just 7mm thick. Mounted on a navy alligator hide strap, it’s chic, dressy and a lusty addition to the Santos canon. Read even more information at www.hmwatches.ae.