Best One-Watch Collections | $100 to $50,000 - A Complete Guide

[@danijayyy1]

The Aqua Terra is, IMHO, the best every day watch at any price point. Beautiful, versatile, and has a beast of an engine under the hood.

[@thefreshprinceofbelleairbeach]

Wish the clasp was twin triggers for both sides like the royal oak clasp.

[@jacklythgoe3541]

couldn't have out it better myself-only just got better with the 2022 release

[@felixmuller940]

Omega Aqua Terra 150M

[@zeusinho1986]

Couldn’t agree more!!! Absolutely stunning piece

[@hlgb2014]

41mm Aqua Terra black dial or the 39mm Explorer.

[@Okido24]

Yes

[@michaelriera6277]

Picked up the new 36mm Explorer and it’s perfection.

[@pault6731]

Another great down to earth guide to watches simple and across the price range for all budgets. No nonsense I like it.

[@AmithVasanthaKumar]

Cartier Santos is my favourite watch on the list and something I have on my 'to-buy' list when I can pull the trigger, but I am not an one-watch person. I would add Longines Hydroconquest to the list, my affordable luxury dive watch

[@lafireteamplx3400]

Hydroconquest looks good, I recently bought one, green dial on the steel bracelet, perfect watch

[@WatchMeEDC]

Good list. My pick is the Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500V (insert your fav dial color here). Geneva 🦭 movement and case. 150M water resistance! Gorgeous bracelet with quick change and micro-adjustments built-in. Matching alligator strap and rubber strap included. Great in suit. Great in shorts. Holy Trinity brand. Incredible haute horology. Accurate timekeeper. Very pretty timepiece, oooh those dials 😍

[@ryanjimison1747]

I love my Omega AT with the blue rubber strap if you didn't want to go bracelet...I think the rubber strap looks nice in business attire or casual. Great single watch, works for anything.

[@cdb5001]

In 4-5 minutes, Thomas, you all on your own provided better options and context than Oisin did over 2 videos.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

💯

[@davidomarmartinezcontreras3897]

But 4-5 less cool tan Oisin.

[@cdb5001]

@@davidomarmartinezcontreras3897 of course, and without some crappy barrolo or chianti to process his entry-level wine knowledge. Or my favourite, "Johnnie Walker is a great Scotch". Pffffft.

[@davidomarmartinezcontreras3897]

@@cdb5001 you are right, J. Walker is no good. But you have to understand he just spent all his money con the AP Chrono. Water also tastes delicius if you believe it.

[@cdb5001]

@@davidomarmartinezcontreras3897 not that Johnnie Walker is total crap, Blue label is decent, but as an Irishman, his recommending J. Walker is like me as a Canadian saying Tim Hortons coffee is amazing. In reality, Tim's is one level above mudwater. Disgusting.

[@jacobelx5841]

Tudor Black Bay Chrono. Not too flashy, not too subtle. 200m WR, chronograph, and the date. It just has everything.

[@Bemjji]

Bark and Jack got me hyped up to get an explorer 1 until I realized it had gotten too small and was practically unattainable. I went to Omega in order to buy a black dial AT. I left with a slate blue dial AT (Oh Man those rubber straps for the AT's are the stuff).

[@mitchmitchell9588]

The Explorer is a 36 mm watch. The 39 mm versions were aberrations (and the short hands version is an abomination). I don't think the Explorer is too small, but they are hard to get. The markup on the grey market is not too bad (comparatively), but I get why one wouldn't want to pay it. That said, the Aqua Terra is a beautiful and great watch. Respect.

[@ryanjimison1747]

Agreed! I have the gray/chrome dial with the blue rubber strap, and I love it!

[@swstein]

Omegas rubber straps in general are just brilliant. I have a speedmaster on an rubber strap and it's fantastic.

[@spoudaois]

Its not too small.

[@angusmacleod1692]

The 36mm explorer is most definitely far too small!!! It was a watch I adored for years but was too small for me until 2010!! I thank Rolex for giving us big guys tens years of opportunity, love mine.

[@danielcanizales731]

omega seamaster 2551.80 Is my favorite watch I own, if I had to cut down to one not even thinking it. One of the most versatile watches

[@DavidDoingLife]

Casio duro for me. I'm a middle class man with an ever growing family and I love that it does everything i need and relentlessly keeps on ticking. Plus its a strap monster that garners compliments all the time. Every time i consider an omega or day/date i just can't imagine not having my duro by my side

[@vversusv1364]

The Duro is a good watch!

[@marinlicinaify]

For the super luxury segment, I’d pick a black Patek Aquanaut (maybe even the travel time version). I feel like the rubber strap makes it more casual, but the watch still works in anything but very formal suits or black tie. It’s slim profile and lightweight make it great on the wrist. And unlike, say, the Nautilus or a Rolex Submariner, most people will have no idea that it’s an expensive watch.

[@bertspro]

I had a Hamilton Khaki Field Auto as my only watch for years. Last year I got myself a Seamaster diver 300 and within 3 months I had a $45,000 collection.

[@alandemaio3043]

Which ones?

[@JustMeTalking]

Very similar to my story. Had a Samsung Smart Watch... then got into watch collecting and now have a £70,000 collection. - Omega Seamaster 300 Chronograph (9900) stainless steel with 18k Sedna Gold on rubber strap - Omega Speedmaster Moonphase (9904) stainless steel with 18k Sedna Gold on brown leather strap. - Rolex GMT Master 2 "Rootbeer" stainless steel 18k Rolesor Gold - Grand Seiko SLGC001 "Tentagraph" - Grand Seiko Snowflake Spring Drive - Cartier Santos ADLC Black - Hanhart 417ES "Steve McQueen" - G-Shock MRG-B5000B-1DR "square" - G-Shock MRG-B2000B-1A1DR "Black" - G-Shock MTG-B3000FR "Solar Flare" Just need to find a nice dress watch now... Patek Philippe, A. Lange & Söhne, IWC Schaffhausen

[@nextorman]

Man I really envy the one watch collectors. But then again I really enjoy my watches😁.

[@hunterphan5506]

If I may add my personal favorites, they would be Blancpain FF Bathyscaphe, H Moser Pioneer, and H Moser Streamliner. All are very versatile, tough yet elegant, and more than 100m WR.

[@tfpp1]

I'm a 3-5 watch collection kinda guy. Even still, one of my "grail" watches that I will own *one* day is the JLC Reverso. If I ever get down to a 2-watch collection, that one would make the cut.

[@jasonlovett5536]

I love my Tudor Black Bay GMT. Even though it has a polished case and it’s 15mm thick, I haven’t had a problem with it slipping under my shirt cuff, except when I’d rather have it visible!

[@corychecketts]

I have the BB steel date and love the case. I never understood why people complained about this case. It's super comfortable.

[@justmitko6679]

I have the BB GMT too. Great watch!

[@MitchSnider]

Rolex Submariner two tone gold black dial. It has been on my wrist for every wreck dive in the Florida Keys, looks good with a suit, tough enough for work and doing yard work, and was the only watch I wore every single day for over 2 decades (and looked great doing it).

[@Chrono24Official]

Nice one! Fits the location and job pretty good, I guess. So, this piece definitely developed some patina/character/got some scratches with history?

[@Ggma8989]

Why no PP watches? If I were to choose one watch to wear forever from my collection, it’s defiantly the 5711

[@nabsiegel]

I found a version 1 Traska Summiteer, and I think it works really well as my one watch.

[@Fred-rg5vw]

So where was rhe $50 options ? 1st watch menrjoned seiko and they start around at around 150

[@corychecketts]

Speedmaster Moonwatch all day, every day. I don't swim with watches so it's the perfect all rounder for me. You can dress it up and down easily. And it's an icon to boot.

[@nathanf3230]

The new Speedie is METAS certified with a true 50m water resistance. I swim with mine all the time.

[@RBNMAN]

Appreciate this. What is the watch you are wearing in this video?

[@Wayne-q1v6l]

I was incredibly disappointed with the sub $1000 options. The Khaki Field just isn't a GADA. And why the PRX when there is the Gentleman?

[@tantu2395]

I have many watches to choose from but sometimes a piece of my favourite is most of the time on my wrist go anywhere, it's a no date Bulova skeleton watch with three hands only and have 100m 💦 water resistant, because it's a mechanical watch, so all you need is correct the time only when you need to do something important on time,otherwise the accurate at -3sec a day don't make any delays in your daily routine.

[@grandcosmo]

It's not an original thought but the Omega Aqua Terra is the best one watch option above the entry level.

[@joshuaorourke1976]

Yellow gold Rolex Day Date. Champagne dial with diamond baguette markers.

[@Lukas001]

Thomas, what’s the watch on your wrist in this video?

[@bmxrider925]

Bought an omega seamaster aqua terra with a black rubber strap as a graduation gift. Favorite watch ever

[@AZadeh-nd8vx]

I wouldn't say that a Submariner is in a different "luxury" category from the Aqua Terra. Also, the Aqua Terra is Master Chronometer rated, not just Chronometer.

[@elliottmallin4410]

this is explorer slander! 36mm one watch collection piece. my absolute trail watch!

[@ika.d783]

Thanks for the great video. I would say Rolex Explorer 1 is a great option as well. I personally prefer 36mm model.

[@Chrono24Official]

Good choice! Thank you for sharing!

[@cookingwithwatches]

I agreed

[@cdaack]

I am fortunate enough to be the owner of a Cartier Santos and I can say it would be my one watch if I could bring myself to get rid of my other pieces…it’s a sports watch, pilot’s watch and dress watch all in one. Damn near perfect!

[@CharlieHustle1687]

About a year ago I sold my collection except for a Sub and it’s been the best decision. Collections are silly, these days.

[@typebflieger]

Great list. I’d add Sinn to it with their 556 or 104 series.

[@AngelSapundzhiev]

One watch collection at all price levels - Seiko SARB035. Versatile and timeless.

[@mrtee6678]

One and done - no question, the 214270 Rolex explorer. Timeless classic that can take any occasion with ease

[@thejuan113]

i wish they still made the 39mm

[@AZadeh-nd8vx]

Definitely questionable. If I'm having only one watch it needs to have a date. Aqua Terra is the one and done for me.

[@lolollolol5654]

kinda boring the explorer

[@japantwc]

Now they are 224270 40mm One and Done the rest.

[@Trumpnerd]

Which one is Thomas wearing in this video?

[@robt8620]

My only watch for 4 years was the platinum daytona 116506 bought for £34k new from a grey market dealer in 2015 ,though i didnt wear it every day , i did wear it often.Now it shares wrist time with my other watches, Those days of semi reasonable prices are sadly long gone, and as an enthusiast i am not happy with todays market,

[@morten170]

Great list. Would mention a Sinn, dont Own one my self, but its a Nice watch for The money.

[@janihellberg6911]

I think Santos is a great alternative it's a dressy and sporty at the same time actually with easy strap change it's both.

[@injectingRevolution]

Seiko 5 , Tissot Gentlemen , Longines Conquest , Omega Aqua Terra , Tudor Black Bay , Rolex Explorer. very similar styles all different price points simple everyday watches with versatility at least 100m water resistance. can be dressed up or down. And all great quality.

[@absar8304]

Which watch are you wearing?

[@Chrono24Official]

Hi Absar - I'm wearing a friend's Baltic MR01 on a beads of rice bracelet. It's a very handsome watch at an affordable price.

[@cyberline3]

Never mind the watches, I want this dude’s hair 🤣

[@StefanoMaggio]

Love that Baltic man! I wasn't able to buy when it came available and now i got to wait! good pick!

[@ritul89]

Alternative options from lowest to highest: - Casio Duro - Seiko Flightmaster/Citizen Worldtimer eco drive - Glycine Combat Sub - Glycine Airman DC-4/Chief/purist - Tissot Ballade Silicium - Tag Heuer Grand Carrera Cal 6 - Grand Seiko any with a 9F calibre (3 hander or GMT) - Oris (any Cal 400/40x watch) - Breitling Datora B25 (salmon/copper dial) - Zenith El Primero well.. i own the Seiko, citizen, Combat sub and the grand carrera.... so.. there goes my one watch .... i might use this as a list to get my collection going haha

[@daithi1966]

My solution is a one mechanical watch collection... but additional quartz/digital watches are not counted against the collection.

[@uncles2000]

Omega Aqua Terra World Timer Ti or Omega NTTD Seamaster.

[@arielargo]

Traska has some great GADA options like the Commuter or Summiteer. They are resistant to water, scratches and shocks. Great value and quality watches for an entry level. $500 - $600.

[@prycesean7891]

Love this review very informative

[@icychap]

The 38mm Omega AT would be my one-watch pick all day long.

[@tfchin23]

Seiko Alpinist "Laurel" style. A bunch of these were released in the last 12 months and well worth a look for the all-rounder. Much better than the Seiko 5 SNK line but you do need to pay around $700+ (in us dollars).

[@daveho852]

enjoyed your list👍🏼

[@kesh_r]

I’m a JLC owner but the GS snowflake to me is the definition of a one watch collection

[@albertoruiz5651]

Casio Duro aka the Casio Marlin. Great water resistance and it's also a strap monster.

[@theSUPERmere]

Tudor BB58 black in bracelet for sure.

[@adamfenyves3972]

Great recommendations! I got a few more to consider: Zenith El Primero Espada, Cartier Ballon Bleu, Breitling Superocean Heritage, Chopard Alpine Eagle, Bvlgari Octo Finissimo, Omega Constellation Globemaster, Zenith Defy.

[@naveenkataria661]

Totally agree about the Omega Globemaster and Zeinth Defy (blue dial classic)...great all-round watches

[@DonLee1980]

have to say, if it's a 1 watch collection. VC overseas, cuz it comes with 3 different band options.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

Now this is a great video. Useful and informative, but not overreaching in analysis. The Explorer 36 in two tone is a badazz watch and definitely all one needs. (BTW: disagree on scratches. If you enjoy your watches, they will not be showroom fresh. Arguably, watches look better if worn.) I agree with the JLC Polaris line and Cartier Santos. Amazing sports watches. In the intermediate range, Seiko's Prospex (and Alpinist) and Presage lines are worth checking. The Prospex has some dressier options (while staying close to/keeping the professional specs) and Presage has some sportier options (while staying true to dress watch aesthetic).

[@brianjkelly1551]

VC fifty six Chrono ?

[@jgatchaljgatchal8350]

Rolex Datejust white rolesor - grandpa spec (fluted and jubilee).

[@oxdoc]

Just recently moved to a 1 watch collection. And it’s the 114270 😎

[@Chrono24Official]

Great choice

[@albertobarragan8079]

After they broke into my house, and took my whole collection, I think I’ll consider one watch collection!

[@austinzizzi1142]

I’ve gone on a long watch journey and ended up at just one watch. The Tudor black bay 54.

[@cexon9358]

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT is my favorit watch. 😁

[@resjon7981]

Longines Hydroconquest 39mm black dial 300m WR.

[@dade4537]

Dude you seriously need to go to Saville Road to get all new suits. The B roll intro... coming out of the subway....that looks Mickey Mouse as heccccckkkk. That's the hands down tiniest collar I've ever seen on ... anything. Straight horrid, sir. I can barely take you seriously and I'm not even a suit guy. That looks my great aunts summer evenings sweater. I'll listen to you on these watch recommendations and you listen to me on this collar thing.

[@coffeeboyclips1973]

The only watch you need is an iwc mark 18, covers almost all situations.

[@donaldneo4317]

Great watch but not for getting wet and swimming with 60m WR and leather strap.

[@coffeeboyclips1973]

@@donaldneo4317 60m is more than enough for swimming, you can always put it on a bracelet or rubber.

[@kevinkohn862]

Very good video, my take ....Rolex GMT over Rolex Sub, Tudor Chrono over the blackbay 58 in their respective price ranges. Agree the VC overseas much better choice than a royal oak. For someone who is not a watch person wont appreciate the premium of the royal oak and wont be in a position to buy one... buying ranges

[@thefreshprinceofbelleairbeach]

Ngl i dont this polished scratches easier than a brushed finish.. the scratches just stand out more. Imo of course. *staring meticulously at my SBGA413 bracelet*

[@Gadget_Dad]

When’s the 10k giveaway happening 😭 I’ve been waiting since the video months ago to buy my son a watch!

[@mikefry5704]

Nice vlog great watches. Enjoy

[@JustMeTalking]

I have got eight, one watch collections. Which is perfect

[@conor2439]

I have that West Elm bar cart.

[@Deusmecumest]

Man, talk about cliche. 5 pairs of boots, including winter's, 7 pocket knives and counting, and 6 wrist watches and counting. I must reevaluate my life.

[@dancinglizard3080]

Id say the best imo is a vacheron fiftysix. Ticks every box and its a holy trinity

[@TwentyOne_Five]

DJ36, white gold, jubilee, baton dial

[@DiGuliy]

From my watches if I have to stay with one I will select my Rolex GMT Master II black ceramic bezel. For the upper range my option is VC overseas with blue dial. I think Thomas forgot to mention the best watch in the world the Casio G-Shock and especially the so called CasiOak

[@Kayn123]

Hate to be that guy 😅 but even Bond had actually more than one watch! The first watch on screen for Bond was a Gruen Precision, before the Submariner later made its famous appearance

[@MysteryKmt]

Cartier Santos adlc, Black Bay heritage Seiko Alpinist, Rolex OP39 Omega Aqua Terra.

[@theaussiewhinger]

Sorry but you lost me as soon as you implied that brands such as Omega and Rolex are not luxury. They might be intermediate in the total range of prices but they are still very expensive and are definitely luxury watches.

[@kuongsam2314]

CASIO F91W

[@peternicholas9110]

Rolex Datejust 41 grey face, fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet.

[@vernonwilliams8644]

I have a sieko SRPE57K1 love it. But na I can't do one.

[@JJL206]

We’ll done. I can definitely vouch for the Aqua Terra (39.5mm). I have the first generation and it’s great with leather, dressy leather (w/ Omega clasp), NATO, and rubber straps etc. The metal bracelet with butterfly clasp isn’t all that adjustable so I try to avoid using it. The first gen Omega Planet Ocean (42mm) is also a favorite. James Bond wore both of those watches in one movie. And definitely agree on the JLC Polaris at the mid/upper end. What a beautiful watch. I think it puts the Nautilus and Royal Oak to shame, IMHO.

[@Case16710]

I’m sure you didn’t list the Explorer because everyone says “Explorer,” but everyone says “Explorer” for a reason.

[@quanganh8325]

one watch for life: rolex explorer !!

[@kyle_vr]

Oris Divers 65 opinions...

[@lolollolol5654]

so we will ignore the bambino, espacially the masterpiece of the 38mm?

[@morgan97475]

Very cool 🙂

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

Grand Seiko SBGA 283 will do everything.

[@bicmac333]

Sinn 556i...🤔

[@prycesean7891]

I would buy a Tudor 36 or a Explorer 1

[@JustMeTalking]

If I could only have one watch... Casio G-Shock MRG-B5000B-1DR It is the perfect watch. - Scratch Resistant - No Servicing - Solar Powered - Multiband-6 Accuracy - Sapphire Glass easy read screen - GMT & World Time - Chronograph Stop Watch - Timer & Alarm - Dress watch - Locking Clasp - Shock Proof - 200 Metre Diving - Anti-Magnetic - Titanium lightweight & hypoallergenic

[@richardlennie8678]

My one watch collection is a Rolex cosmograph 6265 SILVER BIG RED DAYTONA DIAL CIRCA 1983 on a jubilee.

[@AndreMonz]

If your budget is on the 100$, please, DON'T buy a mechanical watch. A Seiko SUR line is a way much better proposition at this range, will be more accurate and it's maintenance will be very low when compared to the Seiko 5 line. Other watch brands to consider on a budget: Timex, Citizen, Bulova and Casio.

[@kevinkukreja1808]

Shame no longines was mentioned

[@hph4833]

Watches aside, where did you come up with that hair style? Robert Di Niro in Cape Fear? Hahaha

[@ap6560]

explorer instead of a datejust