We have occasionally discussed about watches that you can buy to level up your current watch collections. Today, we have decided to revisit this again.
Level Up: Six excellent watches to Take Your Collection to the Next Level
The majority of the collectors often stop at the likes of Rolex and Omega – any new purchases will also revolve around these blue-chip names. There is nothing wrong with that. After all, these are indeed evergreen brands that will stand the test of time.
However, if you are reading this website, we are sure that somewhere deep down inside, you are itching for a little more. Hence, in this week’s article, we are providing the catalyst with six watches that we think you can consider to level up your watch collection.
Here are our picks for this article:
Habring² Foudroyante Felix
We begin the article with one of our favourite independent watch brands: Habring², with their Foudroyante Felix.
There is a reason why we are big fans of the brand, which is helmed by husband and wife duo Richard and Maria Habring. The brand offers honest and well-priced timepieces, and offers a relatively accessible entry point to the intimidating world of independent watchmaking. The 38.5mm Foudroyante Felix is one such timepiece, with the rather dressy timepiece featuring the unusual and animated Foudroyante complication. While this function – which tracks the fraction of a second – is nothing functional, it is definitely a treat for most watch geeks.
We understand the last known retail price of the Foudroyante Felix is €6,550 (approximately S$9,670). Beyond the relatively compelling price point (especially in the independent watchmaking scene) and the excellent craftsmanship, there is something special about the story of the brand that makes the watches a tad more special than the rest.
Kudoke 2
Continuing with the theme of independent watch brands, we have the Kudoke 2.
Introduced in 2019 as part of the HANDwerk collection, the watch features the brand’s Kaliber 1 movement which was produced in collaboration with Habring². The 39mm watch is a time-only piece, with an additional 24-hour indicator that has been hand-engraved by an artisan. The movement, which we have mentioned earlier, is finished in gilt and also features an engraved balance cock.
The timepiece may be simple, but the execution is pretty incredible. The price point is also rather reasonable too, with the last known retail price being €8,665 (approximately S$12,793). The Kudoke 2 is a great example of what both German and independent watchmaking can offer, with a relatively reasonable price point that is almost unparalleled by today’s standard.
Chopard Alpine Eagle 41
The Chopard Alpine Eagle, which was launched during the peak of the integrated bracelet hype in 2019, is an interesting timepiece with a fascinating history to boot.
The Alpine Eagle was inspired by the St. Moritz, which older readers might have had some recollections of. That was notably the first timepiece that was designed by Karl -Friedrich Scheufele, at a tender age of 22 (back in 1980). The watch – an evolution of the St. Moritz – is available in both 36mm and 41mm, and it features a contemporary design with exposed screws and integrated bracelet. It is paired with a sunburst dial, and completed with a combination of stick indices and roman numerals.
Powering the watch is the in-house Calibre 01.01-C (or the 09.01-C for the 36mm), which boasts a power reserve of around 60 hours (or 42 hours for the latter). The movement features some nice finishing touches as well, which is expected from a brand such as Chopard. The 41mm version is priced at S$22,200 (for the stainless steel version), and we think that this is a nice alternative if one is looking for a luxury sports watch that is a tad different from the usual crowd.
Armin Strom Tribute 1
Armin Strom – an independent watchmaking house co-owned by Serge Michel and master watchmaker Claude Greisler – may only be less than two decades old, but it is currently punching above its weight with a slew of incredible creations.
The Tribute 1 may be a compact time-only watch, but it is quite a special piece indeed. Here is a 38mm timepiece that is executed brilliantly, with some slight quirks. This includes an off-centre dial, crown at an atypical 2 o’clock position, as well as four interesting angular lugs. The whole concept may sound strange on paper, but the execution is impeccable. Think of it as a refined timepiece but injected with some element of fun.
One of our favourite variants is the Tribute 1 Rose Gold, which we think pairs rather well with the black dial, although its stainless steel counterparts are equally as appealing. Prices for the Tribute 1 begin at CHF 22,000 (approximately S$35,210). This is surely a great piece for someone who wants to be different from the crowd.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas
The latest generation of Vacheron Constantin Overseas, which was launched in 2016, is one of the most compelling luxury sports watches in the modern era. We particularly like its design, and how versatile the timepiece is.
Its pièce de résistance lies in the quick strap changing mechanism. The straps can be easily changed by unhooking a latch that is attached to the back of it. What is also brilliant is the fact that Vacheron Constantin had provided the owner with three different straps in the package: leather, rubber, and metal bracelet. This allows the user to mix and match their straps accordingly. Impressive, to say the least.
The base Overseas variant, dubbed the 4500V, retails at S$39,800. This Vacheron Constantin is an extremely well-made and capable timepiece, yet it is still rather low-key when it is stacked against the other two “Holy Trinity” compatriots. Definitely a great alternative, if one is not looking to impress the common man on the street.
Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar
When it comes to complications, the perpetual calendar is perhaps one of the most fascinating ones. This complication can account for the leap year, and display the correct day and date for a prolonged period.
One of the best examples of this is the Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar. The MUT Perpetual Calendar has been one of the most popular pieces in the collection since its introduction in 2013. Before the likes of Montblanc and Frederique Constant launched their own versions of the affordable Perpetual Calendar watches, this incredible JLC was the most accessible timepiece with the perpetual calendar complication. It is also very clean and legible, which is a plus point.
The 39mm watch is priced at S$43,700. While we have seen many perpetual calendars over the years, there is just something elegant and special about this timepiece. The 9.2mm thickness is also incredible considering the complication, which makes it such a great dress watch to wear.
Concluding Thoughts
It is not easy to move out of your comfort zone, especially when a sizeable amount of money is at stake. However, for collectors, taking this step opens up to a whole new world.
There are many great options outside of the universe of Rolex and Omega watches – with great bargains sometimes to be found in the secondary market. For instance, the JLC MUT Perpetual Calendar can be obtained at a substantial discount off the retail price, which is a great value proposition in our opinion. Other great options include the Breguet La Tradition and Ulysse Nardin Ludwig Perpetual, amongst the sea of many other choices.
What are your thoughts on our selection today? What would be a watch that you would pick to level up your watch collection? Let us know in the comments section below.
