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?
See the full article on HODINKEE: www.hodinkee.com/articles/gre...

[@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.

[@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

[@CasinoQueenScotland]

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

[@jorgeborbolla3743]

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.

[@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.

[@watchgeek3977]

And the freaks out there even reviews the watch.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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! 👍👑

[@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

[@Sturnburn772]

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

[@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

[@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

[@enriqueali]

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

[@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?

[@prashantmlpm]

Excellent question and some really interesting answers. Thank you for making this one

[@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!

[@RobertoVelazquez91]

Omega Seamaster 300m since I own it :)

[@psmooth8892]

Thankyou for the content I hope this trents throughout the watch community again

[@javierteran269]

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

[@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

[@davidwoo8920]

it's not surprising how consistent the response and the answers are.

[@Ofenlicht]

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

[@momokadawi8955]

Excellent and Hard question .... Guys !

[@BrittPearceWatches]

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

[@Archer335]

Great question. Aurel Bacs nailed it.

[@sidneyessex8982]

Probably my omega smp 300m my wife just bought me for our two year wedding anniversary. The blue ceramic bezel with the silver ceramic dial is just amazing. For me it has all the perks of the Rolex sub with just even more to look at. She knew I wanted it sense Basel 2018 and surprised me with it. Like others have said the emotional attachment is a big part of the choice, but it helps that it’s an amazing watch that’s very versatile.

[@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.

[@jnrjnr77]

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

[@LY3355]

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 ;-)

[@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.

[@user-us1up8pe3z]

Great question!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Amaru_r]

Love this video🙂

[@lucioledizerot196]

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

[@Vilmir]

My Speedmaster 57 all titanium, such an underated model that I love wearing.

[@simonb.9414]

This interview was from December.. half a year ago. I’m just amazed by the fact. I wonder, what happened to the Talking Watches episode featuring Ben Clymers watch collection that you promised to be ready the following week of the H10 event? I believe both Ben and Stephen made that promise live.

[@alvuz96]

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

[@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.

[@rabi9626]

My Timex Weekender on Horween leather strap.

[@andrewl7455]

Although I love the clean classic look of the submariner.. I would still have to go with the sub date, because I use the date function so often.

[@maxineharris5264]

Alton’s comments made me smile!

[@dreamscapeheromusic1239]

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

[@MS-sy8ls]

Dreamscape Hero Music Me too! 👌🏻

[@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.

[@scottfulps2065]

Probably a Cartier automatic tank. Timeless and elegant.

[@akihiro868]

Revelso classic is one of this.

[@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.

[@uga.d4173]

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.

[@mohafzal2790]

AP royal oak 15400, because its fit for all occasions and its absolutely gorgeous to look at

[@bladeknockingon700]

Out of my personal collection, tudor oyster fully restored to factory with water resistance restored and I can keep changing straps or seiko presage gmt as its perfect and I love it. Grail one watch forever? Royal oak as I can dress that up or down and it fits me and my style.

[@gyrfalcon7332]

Perhaps one of the Casio G-Shock MRG’s. All metal, preferably titanium or primarily so. They’re usually thinner, good overall proportions and will do everything I’ll ever need. Some of the models can be dressed up too.

[@vnctmrn]

It may be a JLC Deep Sea Chrono for me. Does pretty much everything I'd want. It's a casual, sporty piece, but it can be dressed up quite a bit (im0, it's a balls-deep diver, and a great chronograph. Going off the watches I own, I'd pick the Heuer CS3111. Or the Patek 3700.

[@eyeontime6136]

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

[@Rr_9991]

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

[@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?

[@tomlucas4269]

Nice one!

[@Boswd]

the A. Lange at 3:35 is just stunning.

[@skfoxjrxzz5051]

That Hublot is amazing

[@troyjordan229]

Patek 3940 for me. The best dial proportions I've ever seen IMHO.

[@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." 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@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 :)

[@BfoSHIZnats]

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

[@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

[@coreychen5644]

For me, it’s a watch that I have never ever even got the chance to look at it in person, let alone wearing it. But it just such a special piece with probably the most complications at its time. With that been said, it’s the 60s UG tricompax ref881101/03. It will forever be on my grail list, really hope I will get it one day!

[@gabodds2221]

Mine would be my SS Blue dial Sky-Dweller. Just to look at her puts a smile on my face

[@marcd7332]

I would choose my 114060, I love that watch.

[@BallerG1000]

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

[@louis9332]

Rolex GMT Master II 116710LN. Can wear it in the office, at the beach or on a wedding...very versatile, classy and useful at both times. Always my favorite watch of all time

[@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.

[@reviewsfrommydailylifeeb798]

It would unquestionably be a daydate hopefully a platinum one with luminescence

[@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.

[@wade6759]

From what i own, 2017 Save the Ocean Turtle. Because I'll never get tired of that dial and it's built like a tank. From the wish list, The GS SBGA231.

[@wade6759]

@Ali Alexander there's multiple companies that suffer from reference number syndrome, it can be frustrating when you first start out but it becomes easy to remember. But if you think a titanium GS with some of the best finishing in the world looks like a seiko 5 you might need to get your eyes checked.

[@MrWhite-yg6yk]

If you're not with the one you love... Then love the one you've got 😀

[@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.

[@gianpakasa]

Shame no one mentioned a GP Laureato blu dial...

[@Tonyip83]

Love how everyone look soo stressed when imposed with that question.

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

If anybody asked me the same question about watches or cameras, I'd look just as stressed.

[@ericdonahoe5954]

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

[@SuperWhofan1]

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

[@-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.

[@jetman1895]

That's the dude who played MC Ren in Straight Outta Compton, right? And he's into horology?! Respect

[@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

[@smitty923]

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

[@josephknecht4272]

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

[@adrianboutsias2437]

+1 for 38mm El primero 👏

[@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.

[@steinbeck1805]

Seiko Premier Kinetic Perpetual. Mine’s 15+ years now and still going strong. No service or battery change needed, not even once. Just remarkable. I still put it on my wrist more often than, say, my Batman (it actually looks nicer).

[@mdaydj]

love my Sub and Omega AT but it would be the Black Bay Bronze it's the watch that just looks like I feel

[@dipro001]

Huh, I am already living that life with ease with my Seiko Sarb 33 for years now. It is formal with an alligator and about as casual as you want it to be with nato or leather. I really do not even feel like upgrading it.

[@hughmckendrick3018]

Sarb 033 & 035, alot bang for your buck!

[@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.

[@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!

[@ryonelol]

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

[@raffaelschutzenhofer4222]

My Oris pointerdate don't know why I just love this piece. Fun fact it is my only watch

[@mannycalavera2335]

I would go either Speedmaster or Explorer 1. Boring choices I know. But they are the watches I always go back to.

[@tvstealer]

Aurel Bacs sounds like Christoph Waltz lol 1:11

[@lisabradley9288]

Tudor Black Bay 32mm with Blue dial

[@emjay6213]

I had no idea Aldis Hodge was making watches! That's fascinating to me.

[@gackhuhn4868]

i would go for a nautilus 7511 or a chronograph version of the Nautilus

[@ashveermohadeo2921]

Would love to ask this question to Mr Wonderful

[@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.