One Watch For Life? | The H10 Green Room Interviews

During the HODINKEE 10th Anniversary Weekend last December, we asked our panelists and moderators to sit down and answer a few questions after they'd left the main stage. Today's question? You guessed it: If you could only wear one watch for life, what would it be and why?
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[@erikkalifornia5182]

If I had to wear a Hublot for the rest of my life, it would be a very short period of time...

[@syedmohdfasihnaqvi155]

I would rather not wear a watch

[@phmwu7368]

it's all marketing...

[@bernardimmanuel6250]

Why

[@animarku570]

😂😂😂

[@oscarwong7698]

It’s over priced with a so so movement but I think overtime the hate will calm down and it’s not that bad of a watch

[@danielkovacs4864]

" Hundreds of engineers work all day to improve rolex watches" Ye, and end of the day they just say: Lets make the case 1mm bigger.

[@BrittPearceWatches]

LOL.

[@patrickhay8079]

That’s partly why Rolex watches don’t go out of fashion. They don’t go in for radical trendy new designs, mostly just minor incremental changes and improvements. So, a 40 year old Datejust still looks like a new one. That’s why a Rolex really is a watch for life.

[@janson2911]

I'm just glad that someone is picking Grand Seiko

[@davidalvarez5929]

Same here

[@B3SSPR0]

That Grand Seiko is absolutely gorgeous.

[@jdstarek]

I agree! I was lucky enough to pick up that same piece (mosaic dial) last month.

[@qwertyqwerty950]

I like that of all of these watches, that was the one that jumped out to me too.

[@aguswahyudi710]

Whats the ref?

[@jacobschouten9980]

I doubt anyone would say they would wear a Citizen with Eco-Drive, but I would probably have to go with one of those. No battery replacement, no expensive servicing for the super complex parts, except some gasket changes if you have water resistance. There are plenty of options to choose in style as well. If I had to choose one for the rest of my life, I would probably go with minimal maintenance, and longevity.

[@CasinoQueenScotland]

Cara did a really good job of pretending to think about saying "Royal Oak", haha.

[@JorgeBordam1]

hahahaa I thought the same whenver she replied and pretended she didnt know her already chosen answer

[@JBOsurf]

Yes but I bet if she had a Rainbow Daytona she'd pick that. She's in love with that thing.

[@BrittPearceWatches]

YAS JCB. CHOOSE A HUBLOT! Do it. I think he probably gave the only interesting answer. 😂🙈

[@enriqueali]

I answered this question with my wallet 5 years ago, 36mm Explorer.

[@Sturnburn772]

Hodinkee to Aurel Bacs: "Pick one watch for life" Aurel Bacs: "Surely you mean three"

[@Khanh.Nguyen369]

Wow. I highly respect Max and for him to say Rolex says a lot.

[@illyapetrov6092]

He sems as great person, and yes that says a lot about rolex. Also roger smith wearing one tels a lot. Cheers

[@ilya399]

@@illyapetrov6092 Philip Dufour wears one to! 👍👑

[@bpemsandgroper]

My 35 year old Casio MQ-554W. I wear it every day. It's a little scratched up, but I still wear it. The watch matures with age.

[@RobertoVelazquez91]

Omega Seamaster 300m since I own it :)

[@jnrjnr77]

Seiko SKX007 because it’s a great watch....and it’s all I can afford 😁

[@ELY3358]

That’s okay dude. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise!

[@elmundodelsol3847]

And you still got more complications than any other watch mentioned in the video ;-)

[@ultimaetsolder]

Rolex Sub No Date.

[@colincragin1154]

ultimaetsolder agree

[@jussidjachenko9483]

Bruh if it’s one watch you might as well have extra complications like the date

[@Ofenlicht]

Rolex 114060 No Date Submariner. Rugged, clean, steel bracelet, legible, can be dressed up or down.

[@jasonsensation3469]

THIS is an absolute class video - seconded only by John Mayer talking watches Part 1 & Part 2

[@tomasinacovell4293]

What a fucking ass, I guarantee you ROLEX doesn't, and never did have "...hundreds of engineers working day & night in order to improve a little wheel...", and until the Japanese showed them how to develop the alloys for their own hairsprings ROLEX bought their hair springs from SEIKO. And it's not "drilled lugs" it's "pierced lugs", you pompous bawbags

[@Mpayne1472]

John Mayer 2 is the best ever

[@nv00021]

Speedy.....all day all night....365

[@karlomcastro]

A lot of watch enthusiasts love hating on Rolex but many of these highly respected watch people featured actually choose a Rolex as their ONE watch. You may or may not like the brand but Rolex actually makes some great timepieces. Not a fanboy, actually far from it. I hate all the hype and many of its blingy watches. I do however respect the brand. Cheers!

[@Rr_9991]

Personally I'd go with a Rolex GMT Master 116710LN or any Vacheron Overseas

[@doomfathertm8771]

The first watch I ever bought when I was about 11 was a Timex Expedition, it's been through everything, army training, royal marines training, diving, motorcycle crash... It's still going strong just a few dings and scratches 25 years later

[@omarkharnivall2439]

Doom Father TM I know, for me I would choose my gmw b5000g 1jf. Its the black metal square with resin band. It looks good, its tougher and with more functions than any chosen watch in this video.

[@punavmirlekar]

Jean Claude really likes his hublot. He enjoys it, wears it, thats a happy man. Isnt this what watch collecting about? Being happy and wearing what u like?

[@kabatake]

Hodinkee needs more diversity. Their perspectives are not diverse and boring.

[@davidofglenbrook4487]

Andrew Kwok Please define diversity as you use the term. Be precise.

[@whodatchink]

For example?

[@mrwhatevah6095]

Hamilton khaki field automatic

[@BarbellBinks]

As much as I LOVE a simple rolex oyster perpetual 36mm, I would have to pick any 39mm grand seiko spring drive. The technology is absolutely brilliant, and the dedication put into each piece is almost unbelievable

[@davidofglenbrook4487]

My Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN

[@mikemorris5493]

David B best watch at all .

[@bonnystarks]

my daniel welington, my grand father gave to me after nam. lel

[@SuperWhofan1]

Easy question: My Speedy FOIS. Love how everyone pretends how painful it is to pick one watch. This is getting silly

[@AndrewIGoode]

I can't afford watches yet but I love my Seiko SNE329. It was the watch I wore on my proposal and it's very special to me. I hope to get a Grand Seiko some day

[@ID-Guy]

Rolex 1655 Explorer "Freccione" MK2. I have thought long and hard about it and this piece to me is just perfection. Understated but rugged, casual and formal. It flies so low under the radar but still could go with anything. I love the fact that it is a watch nobody knows or would recognise, but the enthusiast would not stop smiling if they saw it. Great idea for a subject @Hodinkee

[@josephknecht4272]

Candidates under $10,000: Zenith El Primero Chronomaster, Rolex Explorer I 36mm, Vulcain Heritage Alarm 39mm.

[@adrianboutsias2437]

+1 for 38mm El primero 👏

[@SuperWhofan1]

Shocked Ben Clymer picked the Daytona 6239. Always thought that was a piece of junk

[@carssv]

Rolex Explorer 39

[@sackman1886]

Since I just got mine TODAY I agree! But yes, it's an easy decision. This watch does everything and anything.

[@carssv]

Shaun S congratulations for the new watch, it is a great watch. I have some watches and for me it is clear that if I had to chose ANY watch as my only watch forever it would be Explorer 39, curiously Exp39 is one of the lowest price watches in my collection. If it would have been my first quality watch I might not have more watches ;-)

[@bigturkeyvulture]

yep, agreed

[@Perrini222]

Thumps for the enthusiast that chose a Grand Seiko!!!!! My dream watch would be a gs or oris, but im broke so i will have to wait another year till i have enough cash :)

[@satiarpourvasei1644]

Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 116610: classic & iconic design, the most used complication (with Date), easy to read Maxi dial especially as one gets older and visible in the dark, built like a tank, waterproof, and can be worn from casual with shorts or jeans all the way up to formal black tie.

[@WatchAddictionReviews]

“what a great video , I suspected the Submariner would pop up - Probably for me would be the 114060 no date submariner I own - Definitely not a *Ginault* 🙂

[@aewatki75]

U only interviewed the rich what about everyone else?

[@dirgeofthedawn]

Cheesy answer but I’d go with a TT 36mm DJ. For me personally it’s just the one watch that I’ve wanted, I’ve seen people I respect wear, and would wear well in almost any situation with ease.

[@1MarkandKim]

Would have to be the high school graduation present from my folks; Rolex 1675.

[@nikhilmathur6042]

thats lucky my parents said they will buy me a rolex after i graduate med school

[@1MarkandKim]

Nikhil, Don't feel bad. I got a tv for my bachelor's and debt for my masters. Here is hoping they get you a classic that will be the watch you reach for first fifty years from now.

[@nikhilmathur6042]

Mark B ya ur right

[@tvstealer]

Aurel Bacs sounds like Christoph Waltz lol 1:11

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

Seems to me, that this is either TWO questions or it needs to be clarified. Is it ONE watch that I already own OR is it that, I can choose ANY watch and only wear that for the rest of my life? If it has to be a watch that I already own, then it's my Steinhart Ocean Vintage GMT. If it can be ANY watch in the world, then I'd pick a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II.

[@UGA.D]

What happened to Jack?! He was in the intro and then... no response. For me? At this stage, I'd say my Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra (231.10.42.21.02.001) It can dress up or down on bracelet, leather, NATO or rubber, the silver dial matches everything and the Co-Axial movement is fantastic, both in terms of accuracy, robustness and aesthetics.

[@krfrench55]

Rolex Explorer 1 39mm

[@BfoSHIZnats]

Any speedmaster professional with a see through case back because adding any type of strap makes it fell like a completely new watch.

[@cecedabo]

My Explorer 214270 for sure. Want to die with it on my wrist

[@DerpEye]

All those people work in an office somewhere :D . I own both a rolex and an omega, among other lesser watches, but since i'm a mechanic, i never wear expensive watches at work. GShocks and SKX are the way. it would be a shame to damage any of those expensive watches, even if you could afford to replace/repair them without much trouble.

[@MrVendorist]

Oris big crown 80th anniversary because my wife gave it to me.

[@jacksonueland]

My Submariner 114060 could be the one for life

[@drewpanipinto8539]

Omega Speedmaster "First Omega in Space"

[@shipmate3577]

Grand Seiko sbge201 or 001. It has a bezel, has gmt, has 100m water resistance, can be dressed up or down, and has spring drive.

[@Jsuarez6]

I can narrow it down between my Omega Aqua Terra Day-Date and my Rolex Sea-Dweller SD4K. Both are just great watches I can take anywhere.

[@lucioledizerot196]

Blancpain Bathyscaphe: relatively rugged, goes with any strap, simple and elegant design, water resistant, and haute horology all at the same time!

[@ryonelol]

if it's something I already have. It would be my vintage Omega Seamaster

[@budisulisto]

Easy, Rolex Datejust 36mm, steel, white dial. My father has that watch (34mm, funky champagne dial i think), he wears it at work, with tuxes, and even while teaching me how to swim. Someday ill get one just like it.

[@beyakhad]

That's the perfect Datejust, you have excellent taste.

[@budisulisto]

I thought you we’re going to say boring 😄

[@piercehiett8367]

Easily the Rainbow

[@BallerG1000]

A. Lange & Sohne Richard Lange in Platinum or White Gold with a black and brown leather strap.

[@eyeontime6136]

It would have to be the new black dial Rolex Submariner date. A timeless classic for every occasion.

[@ericdonahoe5954]

14060M, 114060 or Sinn U1 Professional. All are contenders because they do not have a date.

[@-runswithbeer-8075]

So I challenged myself in 2020 to only wear ONE watch the entire year. Hamilton Khaki field mechanical was my choice. I got married in the watch so it already has a lot of emotional value.

[@AbdulRWatches]

I feel almost the same as all the people interviewed, One watch for life is like a nightmare. If had to have one watch for the rest of my life, Datejust 16234 or a white gold day date.

[@greekatso]

Sea Dweller 50th Anniversary, only nice watch I own and a lot of sentimental value (wedding gift from my wife). Also fits well on my 7.75" wrist.

[@eddieg849]

My 1 watch would be my citizen Bullhead 1970 watch

[@ChoonChunx]

Kind of a weird pick but a Doxa T-Graph Sharkhunter. It’s one of those watches where it’s useful to me as a diver but also quirky enough to be a needle in a haystack.

[@smitty923]

Sub No Date on Rubber....bulletproof and comfortable AF

[@rabi9626]

My Timex Weekender on Horween leather strap.

[@adityasanthanam1945]

It would be impossible for me to wear only one watch for the rest of my life. It would have to be an Omega Constellation vintage with Arrowhead hands. Or Rolex Datejust, Royal Oak, or Nautilus, simple and versatile watches.

[@watchcollectingstrategy]

Jaeger Master Geographic cal 929

[@watchcollectingstrategy]

@Ali Alexander To each their own I guess! JLC FTW

[@watchcollectingstrategy]

@Ali Alexander To be honest, I get it. I own both a Rolex Sub & the JLC Master Geographic. I picked the JLC because I love that watch but if I'm being honest and practical. The Sub is the better choice for a one watch for life, it's tougher & more durable for everyday use. That being said, since we don't really need any of these things as watches are no longer a necessity. I'd pick the JLC all day everyday 👍

[@jdstarek]

People love to hate on Rolex...but there is a reason why Rolex is Rolex. And no, it’s not just marketing. Rolex haters need to get over themselves.

[@DavidSmith-zu6eu]

The problem with Rolex is it's boring. Everyone and their mom has one. Most get one not because they care about watches, but because they want to flaunt wealth. There are objectively better watches for less money. Marketing is a huge component.

[@illyapetrov6092]

Hmm for me rolex is not boring its perfect watch, timeles. Yesterday i saw daytona skeletonized and modifyed, and for me it is destroyed, rolex needs no touch ups it is perfect. Marketing plays a role, but only if you got a good product, if rolex wasnt good people wouldnt buy them just for marketing. In my case i didnt want to buy rolex because i was thinking every one knows about it, and bla bla bla, but when i walked in rolex shop and tried the watch omg quality, feeling they are great i bought it. Cheers

[@marcd7332]

I would choose my 114060, I love that watch.

[@stevencwoodcock]

My trusty Omega SMP ref 2220.80

[@gingermarx]

My Tudor Black Bay 36 black dial

[@donaldclements6358]

Integrity!! Rolex don't know the meaning of the word

[@d3x74]

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ref 4500V

[@jayharriman7844]

Explorer 1

[@joaoseabra4517]

My Luminor Submersible 1000m

[@metinotje]

Some of these muppets don't suprise me with their choices.....

[@genfeng9240]

Except the grand seiko

[@martinsvenberg]

A Lange 1815 Chronograph pink gold for me :)

[@scottfulps2065]

Probably a Cartier automatic tank. Timeless and elegant.

[@Lewissssss]

Jean Claude Biver lying through his teeth 😂

[@1trife90]

Lol I don't think so. That thing is actually always on his wrist. It's the watch that made him a billionaire, after all

[@Lewissssss]

@@1trife90 yet the bulk of his collection come from the holy trinity.... i doubt a limited hublot comes out and he says “save me one of those”

[@1trife90]

@@Lewissssss No I'm sure he wouldn't. But if you go through his videos, as I'm sure you have, you'll see that watch time and time again. He's referred to it as "a part of me." 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@jmbaug1229]

What about Jack Foster ? He didn’t get to replay :(

[@CasinoQueenScotland]

He was just going to say Grand Seiko, let's be honest. Not that I'd say anything different.

[@thegorn]

He said a quartz swatch. Pretty sure.

[@ELY3358]

I bet it was either a good day date or an omega speedmaster. He has been asked this question before- he mumbled and went back and forth and settled on one of these two in the past.

[@ziyanzhang1735]

14060M. But I prefer not to do that. Because I also like my speedmaster, batman, Blackbay, seikos... lol

[@davem.2788]

Rolex Submariner. 114060, no date. It’s the perfect watch.

[@raffaelschutzenhofer4222]

Just give me an 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar 🙃

[@jayl7829]

'I can't choose my babies' In a darker sense, it's like choosing one child that gets to live on out of all your beloved children 🤐

[@alvuz96]

1997 Aquanaut 5060A. Same age as me, favourite watch right now.

[@akihiro868]

Revelso classic is one of this.

[@planetdee3587]

My Datejust 116234. Silver dial, jubilee. The DJ is my favorite watch of all times, my grail. It also fits my personality as far as a watch that would most describe me on my wrist.

[@SportsDad7]

They are all RICH...

[@dreamscapeheromusic1239]

1st gen Omega Planet Ocean 2201.50 for me, my favorite watch

[@MS-sy8ls]

Dreamscape Hero Music Me too! 👌🏻

[@floh2916]

my fathers 89 steel submariner date. I had to get it back from a pawnshop because he was too proud asking his children to help him out with cash and he died surprisingly. this watch means the world to me.

[@dinobravo23]

Omega Speedmaster Pro Moonwatch

[@beardefu3706]

Tudor Pelagos LHD

[@goldendawn7]

Thats mine too, cause i own one.

[@Sandevistan2020]

My Omega Speedmaster Sapphire on either Steel bracelet / Aligator Strap. This watch, I feel; can really age along with me through different phase of my life. Again I am still 27 so that is not saying much, yet.

[@smokeybear69]

I’d like to say Explorer aesthetically, but practically I’d want date & GMT. So I’d pick GMT Master II, steel with a fully brushed oyster-lock bracelet. Coke bezel.

[@niketd1]

A one watch for life has to be versatile in my opinion! For me it has to be Grand Seiko SBGN 003 , simply does everything and is best for all occasions !! So for the versatility, it has to be that !! Can be worn on a business suit and can be worn for a mountain trek!

[@simont6361]

Omega speed master !!

[@frugalgems5242]

This was an incredibly amazing video to watch. Such fun. But for me it's my grandads 1985 submariner with date that I just received as a gift.

[@ZCT808]

It's hard not to pick Rolex. I think the draw they have is that rugged real-life quality to them. There are so many high horology watches where they can be easily damaged in one way or other. Like owning a Ferrari. Since I don't collect watches, and merely have one good one, it has to be versatile, practical, rugged, and with a feature set that is useful (otherwise it is just man-jewelry). For me it would be a Submariner Date, but since I travel extensively it would be the GMT Master II LN, which is what I actually wear. It has most of the benefits of the Sub with the added practicality of the time zone tracking, ability to reset the time 24/7 without worrying about the date switch around midnight. It would be nice if it had the new movement in it and a glidelock clasp. I've also started to really like the DateJust; I must be getting old. Such a timeless classic, so many options for personal taste, along with that beautifully rounded case. Really like the silver face option.

[@karlomcastro]

Same here... GMT Master II LN. There are some watches (& Rolexes) I like more but if it is just one watch for the rest of my life, the black gmt just does them all!

[@javierteran269]

out of the box for me... my panerai pam 658 for sure! awsome dial, date gmt power reserve, and beatiful movement, micro rotor!

[@ChristopherJMBrown]

Rolex Submarnier 16610 for me. It's the easiest watch to live with. Reliable, durable, timeless design and you can wear it with any outfit - suit, jeans, shorts etc.

[@tvstealer]

What Rolex does Max own? He never showed one during his Talking Watches