Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few weeks, you must have heard of the latest artificial intelligence (AI) software from China: DeepSeek.
The perfect 6 watch collection – picked by DeepSeek
We have previously toyed around with a few AI chatbots, notably ChatGPT and Meta AI. Given that DeepSeek is the latest company that had delved into the foray, we thought that this might be a good opportunity to test it out.
As with the previous articles, we asked DeepSeek to pick six watches to form the perfect watch collection. Here is what the AI chatbot had selected, with our own thoughts included as well.
Rolex Submariner
DeepSeek’s response: A timeless dive watch that works for casual, sporty, and even semi-formal occasions. It’s durable, water-resistant, and iconic.
What is consistent amongst the various chatbots is that they have all selected the Rolex Submariner.
We agree it is clear that there is certainly something special about the Submariner. It is a well-made timepiece, with a timeless design that has lasted through the passage of time. On top of that, the Submariner is a rather versatile timepiece, which makes it an absolute great choice for collectors who wish to keep their collection small.
The latest variant of the Submariner, with the reference number 124060, is priced at S$13,550. However, as with most Rolex watches, the only issue is the excruciating long waitlist – which is something that we foresee will continue long into the future.
Patek Philippe Calatrava
DeepSeek’s response: A minimalist, refined dress watch that exudes sophistication. Perfect for black-tie events or business settings.
We expected DeepSeek to select a Patek Philippe timepiece, given the brand’s rich heritage and great repertoire of timepieces in its catalogue. The selection of the Calatrava, however, was definitely a pleasant surprise.
The Calatrava is one of the evergreen collections for the Geneva-based watch manufacturer, with its lineage tracing back to 1932. There are many outstanding pieces within the Calatrava collection, with the Reference 6119 being one of the latest additions to the line-up. The watch is as classy as it can get, with nice touches such as the Clous de Paris bezel and the magnificent manual-winding Caliber 30-255PS movement. The 39mm timepiece is priced at S$47,900, and this is perhaps the quintessential dress watch in the books of most collectors.
Omega Speedmaster
DeepSeek’s response: A legendary chronograph with historical significance (worn on the moon). Ideal for casual or sporty wear.
As far as watches go, the Omega Speedmaster is perhaps the perfect timepiece in the opinion of many watch collectors. The combination of its rich provenance, coupled with manual-winding movement with the chronograph function, makes this watch as desirable for most collectors as it gets.
The latest reiteration, with the Caliber 3861 movement, retails at S$10,100. The watch is relatively well-priced for what it offers, and we also humbly opine that this is one of the “must-have” watches in any watch collection. Admittedly, prices have increased steadily over the years, but it is no doubt a solid timepiece that will continue to stand the test of time.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
DeepSeek’s response: A luxury sports watch with a distinctive design. It’s versatile enough for casual wear but luxurious enough to impress.
The Royal Oak kickstarted a new category of timepiece with its introduction in 1972. And it did so in a bold manner, with an octagon bezel, exposed screw heads, and an integrated bracelet design. It was a huge gamble, and one that indeed paid off handsomely ever since.
There are many incredible variants of the Royal Oak over the years, but the 39mm “Jumbo” Extra-Thin 16202ST, is perhaps one of our favourites as it provides the best modern-day representations of the original Royal Oak. The last known retail price of the watch is US$33,200 (approximately S$44,930), although we believe prices might have gone up since they were last made available to the public.
Casio G-Shock
DeepSeek’s response: A durable, no-nonsense watch for outdoor activities, workouts, or casual wear. It’s affordable and nearly indestructible.
While we are fans of mechanical timepieces, we can all agree that there is always space for a reliable digital watch in any watch collection for practical reasons. The Casio G-SHOCK is a fair choice at that.
From outdoor activities to travelling, we think that the ever-reliable G-SHOCK is the ideal pick. The prices of G-SHOCK watches can vary, from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. As per our usual recommendations, any base G-SHOCK models – at a sub-S$200 price range – should easily meet all the needs and requirements of a collector.
Grand Seiko Spring Drive
DeepSeek’s response: A masterclass in craftsmanship with a unique Spring Drive movement. Perfect for those who appreciate fine engineering and subtle design.
DeepSeek’s last pick is one that had genuinely surprised us.
There is always something special about Grand Seiko’s timepieces, especially with its attention to detail and incredible craftsmanship. But being perfectionists, the Japanese watch manufacturer took a step further with its ingenious Spring Drive movement. This mechanical movement leverages on an electronic regulator, which helps to deliver power in a manner which ensures high accuracy and a buttery smooth seconds hand that appears to glide effortlessly. Talk about having the best of both worlds.
Prices of Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive watches begin at S$5,600 for the SBGA283/SBGA285, and it can go upwards to a princely five-figure sum for the sublime Credor Eichi.
Concluding Thoughts
We think that DeepSeek had selected a decent portfolio of six timepieces to assemble the perfect watch collection. No doubt, most of them are repeated options from the last time we ran the same exercise with Meta AI and ChatGPT, but the selection of the Grand Seiko Spring Drive is one that really surprised us.
What also sets DeepSeek apart is that they have rationalised the choice for selecting each of the six timepieces, as well as offering alternative options for collectors. This is something that both the Meta AI and ChatGPT did not provide, and we feel that this sets itself apart from the other AI chatbots.
Finally, we hope you have enjoyed this week’s article. Do let us know your thoughts on DeepSeek’s selections, as well as any comments on the new kid on the block.
