Elevate your watch collection: six top watches priced below S$10,000

There is a common consensus amongst many collectors, especially those who have been around for a while, that watches are getting more and more expensive these days. While there is no doubt that inflation and rising prices of resources have played a part, we cannot help but to think that the price tag of some watches are getting a little out of hand in recent times.

Elevate your watch collection: six top watches priced below S$10,000

Despite this, there are still some pockets of space within the industry where we can still have relatively modestly priced watches that offer great value propositions. In this week’s article, we are taking a deep dive to highlight some of these excellent watches that may be worth some consideration – especially if you are in the market for a well-priced timepiece.

Now, without any further ado, here are some of the watches that we reckon are worth some consideration.

Sinn U1

We begin the article with a timepiece that is highly regarded by many collectors: Sinn U1.

The Sinn U1 first made its debut in 2005. It caught the attention of many collectors, as the watch features a case that was made from submarine steel (which is harder and more corrosion-resistant than most of the stainless steel dive watches in the market) and a bezel that is touted to be almost scratch resistant (as it was treated with the TEGIMENT technology). Coupled with its utilitarian looks and robust water-resistance (of up to 1,000m), the 44mm timepiece was certainly the tool watch of choice for many.

If one is in the market for a dive watch, there are very few timepieces that can match the Sinn U1 in terms of its price point and build quality. Prices of the U1 begin at €2,320 (approximately S$3,390), and we cannot think of many dive watches that offer as much value as this particular example.

Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph

The introduction of the PRX collection is perhaps one of the best things to happen in recent years, and it is not difficult to see why. Its good looks, coupled with an accessible price point, makes it a compelling option for many budding collectors.

While it is perhaps not as popular as its time-only sibling, the PRX Automatic Chronograph is a watch that surely deserves more attention. We absolutely love the design of the 42mm timepiece, with its retro vibes and clean design. The watch is also fitted with a Valjoux movement, based on the well-known and reliable ETA 7753.

This Tissot is priced at S$2,680, which is pretty good value for a timepiece of such calibre. If one is looking to add a chronograph into the collection, then the PRX Automatic Chronograph should be worth a serious consideration – provided that you have not already bought the watch (and if you do not have any issues with its relatively larger proportions).

Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto

If you are looking for a statement timepiece that will blow the minds of many, but without blowing a hole in your wallet, the Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto might just be your best bet.

Introduced towards the end of 2022, the C1 Bel Canto immediately became the talk of the town with its incredibly sophisticated looks and chiming mechanism. The fact that it was offered by a relatively small outfit, and a mid-four figure price tag, certainly made many collectors lose their mind. Nevermind the luxury sports watch or the other popular options; this was the watch to own.

The 41mm timepiece is stunning, to say the least. The price tag is also attractive, with the most modest model coming in at S$5,195. This is almost unheard of in today’s market for such a timepiece with an interesting complication, and it certainly proves that manufacturers are still able to offer such interesting and innovative timepieces without having to break the bank.

Tudor Pelagos 39

Tudor is a brand that many are familiar with, but it is undoubtedly still overshadowed by its more successful brethren. This is exactly why we think the brand still offers a great value proposition, especially when it is placed vis-à-vis its equivalents from Rolex or Omega.

The Pelagos 39 is a great example. Here we have a very solid dive watch, with a case and bracelet made from titanium no less. Beyond that, the watch is also fitted with the brand’s Calibre MT5400, which is COSC-certified and boasts a tolerance range with deviations of no more than -2 or +4 seconds per day. These are characteristics of a proper tool watch, without a shadow of a doubt.

Priced at S$6,950, the 39mm timepiece is a tool watch that ticks all the right boxes. It does not look out of place when it is being placed beside its more pricey competitors; if fact, with all due respect, the Pelagos 39 might just edge out against some of its more well-known counterparts.

Grand Seiko GMT (SBGM003/SBGM221)

While Grand Seiko had been on the radar for many in recent times, we would still very much love to recommend their timepieces to collectors whenever the opportunity arises.

One of our top picks is the Grand Seiko GMT SBGM221 (previously known as SBGM003). This has been a mainstay in the Grand Seiko collection, and there is no doubt about the popularity of this model. This is a great example of how form and functionality can co-exist – the watch features the useful dual timezone display, and its clean looks is paired with the brand’s signature “Zaratsu” finishing. The movement, in addition, is quite a sight to behold as well.

For someone in the corporate setting, the 39.5mm timepiece is something that we cannot highly recommend enough. It is very elegant, and definitely refined enough for an executive. The watch is priced at S$6,500, and it is worth a serious consideration for collectors who are looking for an exceptional and useful timepiece without breaking the bank.

NOMOS Zürich Weltzeit

NOMOS is a brand that is highly regarded by us at Deployant, and we think that the brand certainly deserves a lot more recognition that it is currently receiving. The Zürich Weltzeit is an exemplary timepiece that proves our point effortlessly.

Known for its Bauhaus-inspired watches with a minimalist touch, the 39.9mm Zürich Weltzeit manages to incorporate the world time complication into a neat and legible package that is highly original. Beyond its elegant looks, the same can be said for its operation – the actuator at the 2 o’clock position allows the user to simply make the appropriate adjustments to indicate the time at the current city or time zone.

The nifty timepiece is fitted with the brand’s in-house Caliber 5201; it is an automatic movement featuring the NOMOS Swing System, with a power reserve of up to 40 hours. The finishing is decent, with the distinctive three-quarter plate, Glashütte ribbing and sunburst decoration. It retails at S$8,910, and we do think that this is a brilliant watch for a modern gentleman.

Concluding Thoughts

While it is getting more and more challenging to find watches that offer great value propositions, we are glad that there are still some of these timepieces that are still available on the market.

There are, of course, other alternatives to consider. The secondary market, especially for neo-vintage watches (made in the 1990s to 2000s, especially), do offer great bargains from time to time – although the usual caveat emptor applies. Microbrands are also worth a consideration as well, although not all of them are made equal. The key, if one were to explore these alternatives, is due diligence. And we cannot emphasise that enough.

We hope you have enjoyed this week’s article. The most exciting part of this hobby (in our humble opinion) is in the hunt, and we hope that many will continue to enjoy this aspect of it – and unearth some gems in the process.