A few years ago, watches with an integrated bracelet was the fad. Every watch manufacturer then decided they need at least a timepiece with an integrated bracelet in their repertoire.
Today, things have cooled down a little. We still do see the appeal though, although the market may not necessarily agree with us. The strange thing about people and the psychology of chasing the hype, huh.
In this week’s article, we are taking a look at six excellent and underrated watches with an integrated bracelet, across different price points. Our selection today are as follows:
Tissot PRX
We begin the article with the ever-popular Tissot PRX.
The Tissot PRX is a strong recipe that is bound to work. It is well-priced, solid, versatile, and looks rather handsome. Personally, this is a watch that the author had recommended to many of his friends who are looking to get their first proper mechanical timepiece.
We think it is difficult to beat the Tissot PRX at its price point, which comes in at S$1,000. The specifications are great too – it has a power reserve of 80 hours, as well as a date window at the 3 o’clock position. If one is looking for an affordable mechanical timepiece that does it all, you will be hard pressed to find a better value watch than the PRX.
Raymond Weil A.R.T.
Next, we have the latest contender on the block. Cue the Raymond Weil A.R.T. collection (picture above courtesy of Raymond Weil).
Raymond Weil, in recent years, have made great strides in their watches. It is not a surprise that they have decided to produce a timepiece with an integrated bracelet – but what truly surprised us is the execution. Here, we have a rather nice-looking timepiece, paired with H-link design bracelet links with polished bevels. It is also available in three-dial variants (sage grey, metallic blue or graphite), either in full stainless steel or two-tone.
Priced at CHF 1,795 (approximately S$2,892), the 38mm self-winding timepiece provides credible competition to the incumbent. Seems like Raymond Weil had done it again.
Citizen Mechanical Caliber 0200
Citizen is the quiet kid on the block, but one with lots of substance and potential.
The Mechanical Caliber 0200 is one such timepiece. Much like its name, the timepiece is nondescript, but do not let that fool you. Here, we have a timepiece with a movement that was developed with La Joux-Perret S.A., paired with a beautiful textured dial and stunning case construction. Every element on the watch is done gorgeously, and the end result is something extraordinary.
This 40mm Citizen may not be everyone’s first choice, but trust us – this is a timepiece that needs to be seen and felt in person. While its S$9,500 price point may also harbour strong competition, the Citizen Mechanical Caliber 0200 is something that is worth a look for collectors who are looking for something more refined and discreet.
Leica ZM 12
Leica is a brand that is associated with its cameras rather than watches, but it does not mean that one should write-off the latter. The ZM 12 shows us why.
The ZM 12 is the fourth model in the Leica watch collection, and it is Leica’s answer to the sports watch category, with a focus on both the quality and execution. It features a rather minimalistic and simple design, which is a nod to the design language of its camera. Additionally, the watch is powered by a movement manufactured in collaboration with Chronode, who is known for producing exceptional movements for brands such as HYT, MB&F, and Czapek.
Priced at S$9,740, the ZM 12 is the most affordable entry point for the brand. While Leica is not the first brand that comes to mind for watches, the ZM 12 indeed offers collectors something interesting and exciting. For fans of Leica cameras, this is especially something worth a double take as well.
Czapek & Cie Antarctique
We have a contender from the independent watchmaking scene: Czapek & Cie Antarctique.
The Antarctique is Czapek’s answer to sports watches with an integrated bracelet. The concept was drawn from Xavier de Roquemaurel – one of the brand’s most active shareholders – to pay homage to Antartica. The watch features all the niceties from Czapek, including the Calibre SXH5.01 which is perhaps one of the nicest movements to be fitted to a sports watch.
Retailing at CHF 22,400 (approximately S$36,088), the Czapek arguably offers collectors a much more accessible timepiece from an independent watch manufacturer. It is also worth to note that the micro-rotor is produced with recycled gold, which reinforces the brand’s commitment to build awareness on the current environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.
Piaget Polo 79
We round up the article with the Piaget Polo 79.
The Piaget Polo 79 – as its namesake suggests – is the reincarnation of the classic Piaget Polo which was introduced in 1979. There is just something cool about watches from the 1970s and 1980s, which the Polo 79 almost a faithful recreation of (with modern touches and technical bits, of course). The design is as cool as it gets, and it is a reminiscence of the opulence and excess that was enjoyed during that time.
The watch now features a larger 38mm case, with a stunning automatic movement (Cal. 1200PI). Our pick is the full yellow gold version, which is priced at S$118,000.
Concluding Thoughts
There are certainly many options when it comes to watches with an integrated bracelet. The six watches that we have chosen is certainly the tip of the iceberg; but the watches that we have selected are certainly worthy for a variety of reasons.
Our favourite amongst the six watches has to be the Citizen. It is not an obvious choice, but it is definitely one of the coolest and most under-the-radar pieces amongst the rest. Price aside, we think it is underrated and every collector should at least see the watch in person.
So, what are your thoughts on our selection today? What are some of the watches with an integrated bracelet that deserves a spot on the list? Let us know in the comments below.
