8 Watches for the Budding Collector

1.The Omega Constellation Pie Pan model is far too beautiful to hide under a French cuff. The convex crystal and beveled Pie Pan dial exude a captivating elegance and sophistication. Constellations crafted in the ‘50s through to the early ‘70s feature some of Omega’s finest (and most robust) in-house movements. Early models, especially those powered by the calibre 551, are of interest due to their meticulous over-engineering, a 50-hour power reserve, and COSC chronometer certification.

2.Known simply as “The Reverso”, Jaeger LeCoultre’s iconic square dress watch has changed very little since its debut in 1931. It hasn’t had to. The Art Deco inspiration behind its aesthetic is timeless, and its party piece, a razor-thin flippable face, is nothing short of ingenious. Some models can be optioned with a second dial on the underside, a clear caseback, or a protective rear (like the original). Explaining itsraison d’etre to those who catch you playing with it at the bar should serve to keep conversations going well into your third Manhattan — and if that doesn’t work, tell ‘em Don Draper wore one.

3.Considered a sub-brand of Seiko, Prospex offerings are part of a Japanese domestic market (JDM) line specifically designed with the professional in mind. The Prospex Diver, aptly dubbed the “Tuna Can” due to its shrouded case, carries a long tradition of weapons-grade build quality and impeccable accuracy with depth ratings up to 1,000 meters. The finest examples are now available with Seiko’s revolutionary Spring Drive movement.

4.The Oris ProDiver Pointer Moon is the world’s first mechanical dive watch to include both lunar cycles and tidal ranges to its complication résumé. Crafted in titanium and encompassing a large 49mm case rated to 1,000 meters, the Pointer Moon is impossible to ignore. Because it’s available in both Northern and Southern hemisphere variations, the Oris ProDiver Pointer Moon can be used with confidence by professional divers on either side of the equator.

5.The Wakmann Watch Co. was established in New York in the early ‘40s as the American importer of Swiss timepieces. Their Wakmann Chronograph is the beautiful result of a special relationship with the Swiss marque, Breitling. In fact, some early examples of the Wakmann were co-branded as Breitling/Wakmann and feature many of the same parts as Breitling timepieces, including the Valjoux handwound movement. Build quality and attention to detail make subsequent Wakmann chronographs an excellent choice for collectors in the know.

6.Originally introduced in 1971, the Hamilton Pan-Europ is celebrated as being one of the first automatic chronographs of that era. Immediately eye-catching, the new Pan-Europ features a Panda-style textured two-register dial surrounded by an elevated tachymeter ring as well as a diver’s style bezel. The crown has since relocated to the right-hand side of the 45mm case to accommodate the beautifully displayed calibre H31 movement. Essentially a modified Valjoux 7750 chronograph, the Pan-Europ now offers a 60-hour power reserve. As a handsome homage to a classic timepiece, Hamilton’s piece is the perfect wristwear for the modernist who also appreciates heritage.

7.The Gallet Flying Officer was the first pilot’s chronograph to allow changes to time zones on the fly. With a quick glance at the outer dial of his wristwear, a pilot in 1937 could reference one of 24 major cities and make the necessary horological adjustments with a spin of the bezel. While Gallet isn’t usually the first name to be bandied about by collectors, they have an extensive history dating back to 1685 and claim to have produced the world’s first wristwatch. If that’s not enough, former President Harry Truman was known to flaunt a Flying Officer from time to time, so you know they’re tough.

8.Diesel watches are excellent timepieces, and when you buy your own you will be acquiring a watch which is famous all over the world. Now you know a bit more about the history of the watch, you can buy your own with confidence knowing that you are getting a truly historic watch.

Martyn Bramley invites you to take some time out and think about treating yourself to a new watch! Buying from Watch-Site is easy. We are official retailers for all of the brands listed on our site so you can be sure that each product is 100% genuine, competitively priced and comes with an approved manufacturers guarantee. 

At the end, if you have more interested in watches, you can visit www.dzwatchesoutlet.com.