When it comes to collecting watches, many collectors tend to be very serious. But should it be done this way?
We have often been strong proponents of collecting watches based on what one likes. Many collectors tend to forget that this is a hobby, and more often than not, become overly pedantic about watches.
So we thought it might just be a good idea to inject some fun into watch collecting instead. Why limit yourself to certain watch brands and genres, when you know that deep down there’s a gaming part of you that you’re trying to please?
Fun and affordable watches – 6 cool watches to liven up your watch collection
As such, in this week’s article, we’re looking at six interesting watches – at a relatively modest price – that we think will inject an element of vibrancy into your watch collection. These are not just used watches, but rather watches with a slightly odd design or complication. What have we chosen this time? Let’s find out!
Tissot Sideral S
We start the article with one of the most beautiful watches in the Tissot repertoire: Sideral S (Review linked above, release notes here).
The Sideral S is a reinterpretation of the iconic 1970s watch of the same name. The watch still maintains its cool retro look, but with a modern touch. Some of the highlights include its new 41mm forged carbon case, as well as the now ubiquitous Powermatic 80 Nivachron movement. The river is a beautiful sight to behold as well.
Retailing at $1,430, the Tissot Sideral S is a modestly priced watch that injects a lot of vibrancy into the horological scene. We love its evocative look, paired with an ultra-modern forged carbon case. This is a fun watch to wear, especially for a fun weekend.
Estrowerk Estro-One Cobalt
Next, we have a rather intriguing watch from a microbrand: Estrowerk Estro-One Cobalt.
While Estrowerk is considered to be a micro-brand within the industry, it is definitely not your average cookie-cutter label that produces watches that bear similarities to most micro-brands. The Estro-One features a very contemporary design, with an unusual regulator-style dial configuration. Paired with a stunning electric blue dial – which, by the way, contrasts beautifully with the DLC-coated case – the Estro-One Cobalt is sure to turn heads with even seasoned collectors.
The 40mm watch is powered by the ever-reliable Miyota 82S7 and is priced modestly at US$980 (approximately US$1,315). This is certainly a compelling piece to add to one’s collection, especially at a relatively reasonable price to boot. The only issue? Its production is limited to only 100 pieces.
Amida Digitrend Take-Off Edition
If anyone is looking for an effortlessly cool and chatty watch, it Amida Digitrend it might just be the perfect watch you’re looking for.
First launched in 1979, the Amida Digitrend was one of the watches that greatly inspired Max Busser, leading to the eventual creation of HM5, HM8AND HMX. It’s no wonder why this watch captivated Max (and countless others), with its sleek silhouette and stunning digital display. The latter, in particular, was quite clever as it uses the concept of refraction – through a prism – to allow vertical projection of discs for time to appear in a vertical position.
The watch is powered by the self-winding Soprod NEWTON P092. The watch features a creditable 44-hour power reserve and boasts Amida’s special module – made up of 9 mechanical components – to drive the jumping clock discs. The Amida Digitrend Take-Off Edition is priced at CHF 2,900 (approximately S$4,253), which is quite reasonable for a very original and cool timepiece.
Gorilla Fastback GT Drift “Elise”
Making a strong statement for a relatively new brand is by no means an easy feat, but Gorilla seems to have found the right recipe with conviction. 44mm Wandering watch clock mechanism.
Inspired by the designs of the 60s and 70s, which in our opinion is the “golden age” of highly original watch designs, Gorilla aims to produce watches that are both interesting and timeless. For the Drift, this was achieved through the use of an elusive “haunt watch” complication – commonly seen in high-end independent brands such as Urwerk AND H. Moser & Cie. In addition, this was achieved with an ETA 2824-2 movement (with a Vaucher module), which means that Gorilla is also able to keep prices modest.
The Haunted Clock is available in various forms, each with a very attractive and bold design. It was originally priced at US$5,268, but there is currently a sale on their website which has brought its retail price down to US$3,421. As for the discounted price, we dare say it’s an extremely good price for a conversation piece with a very unusual complication to boot.
Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto
Not many innovations in recent times have stirred the hearts of many collectors as much as this watch. Suggest greatness C1 Bel Canto, by Christopher Ward (photo above courtesy of Chrisopher Ward). Full review coming soon as our friend Brighty gets his watch.
Launched in late 2022, the C1 Bel Canto is a watch most collectors wouldn’t expect from a brand like Christopher Ward. Don’t get us wrong, Christopher Ward is known for making great watches at a modest price, but we certainly weren’t expecting such a great-looking watch with a winding complication – though not on demand, unlike a minute repeater (Bel Canto sounds once every hour). The execution is also excellent, to say the least.
The best part of the watch is its price. The C1 Bel Canto 41mm retails for S$5,195, which is relatively reasonable in today’s market. This is definitely refreshing and proves that manufacturers are still able to offer such interesting and innovative watches without having to break the bank.
Accutron Spaceview 2020
We summarize the article with uber-cool Spaceview 2020from Accutron.
The unique watch was first introduced in the 1960s, featuring an innovative tuning fork movement that was noted to be more accurate than most mechanical watches at the time. The re-edition, launched in 2020, also broke new ground with its electrostatic movement. On top of the fantastic engineering, the watch also features a distinctive open dial, which is one of Spaceview’s signatures.
The 43.5mm Spaceview is priced at US$3,850, or approximately US$5,165. This is quite a special watch, with an interesting history to boot. While many may not pay more than $5,000 for a non-mechanical watch, we really think exceptions can be made for the Spaceview 2020 – both in terms of its provenance and the technical ingenuity behind the watch.
Concluding Thoughts
We understand that many collectors find it difficult to take the leap of faith to step into such unusual watches. Many may not justify paying a good four-figure sum for a brand they are not aware of, or that is perceived as not “holding value”. That’s why we’ve limited our selection to watches priced around S$5,000 or below. While that’s still a significant amount of money for many people, there are at least some watches that are considered to be priced at a more “palatable” level.
The Amida is probably our favorite watch from the list today. We love his story as well as his quirkiness. That it inspired Max for his Horological Machines made it an even more interesting proposition – there aren’t many watches that can capture the mind of this luminary. We believe many could easily make a case for Amida as well.
So what do you think of our pick today? What are some of the “fun” watches you have in your collection and what are some that deserve a spot on the list today? Let us know in the comments section below.