Throwback Sundays: Six Watch Recommendations to Buy After Winning World Cup Bets, from Our Archives

It’s nearing the end of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. For those who have no inkling of the event, it is a football competition that is held once every four years, where 32 countries qualify themselves to battle it out against each other to win the coveted trophy. This year’s World Cup is held in Russia.

While many of us enjoy watching the matches, there are also another group of individuals who take the excitement up by a notch through betting the outcome of the games. Of course, we do not condone heavy betting where it is not legal to do so, or beyond one’s financial means where the law allows. But a little side betting can certainly add to the fun and excitement to the game.

Over the past few weeks, there are definitely punters whom have made some money from the bets. The amount certainly varies, depending on the outcome and the amount of capital outlay that was used in the process. So, for this week’s article, we will be recommending a few watches that one can buy – if one had made some money from the bookmakers. What have we suggested? Let’s find out!

Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1

The Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1, with its accompanying application.

We begin the article with one of the hottest Casio watches that was launched in recent times: G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1.

The GMW-B5000 is the first watch in the “B Series” collection to feature a full metal construction. This takes the watch up a notch, instead of the usual rubber and plastic cases that we normally associate G-Shock watches with. The stainless steel case gives the watch an interesting and fresh look as well.

In addition, the GMW-B5000 is a rather functional watch too. The watch, which comes with the “Connected Engine” module, connects to a local time server via a paired smartphone and radio wave to ensure that its keeps time accurately anywhere in the world. There is also an alarm clock and world time display to top it off.

For the small time punters, this G-Shock is certainly a nice timepiece to reward yourself with. It is priced at S$799.

Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special

The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special, in bronze.

Next up, we have the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special. First launched in 2014, Zenith’s interpretation of the pilot’s watch was met with roaring success. This is not surprising, considering charming rustic looks and modest price point.

As its name suggests, the “Extra Special” pays homage to the vintage pilot watches that Zenith produced in the past. In fact, the design of the watch was based on the original military pilot watch that Zenith made in 1931. The numeral markers on the dial use the same font as the original. Notably, the hands, the large onion crown, as well as the lugs are also stylistically similar.

There are several different variants in the collection, but we are particularly fond of the 45mm bronze version that we have reviewed here. The rustic bronze case brings out the vintage feel of the timepiece, and it certainly gives us that impression. We think that with age and patina, it can only get better.

The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special is certainly a big watch. This is further accentuated by the thin bezel, which gives us the optical illusion that the watch is much bigger than it seems. Overall, this is a stylish and versatile watch, with great wrist presence. It retails at CHF 6,900 (approximately S$9,409), and it is a great option for someone who is looking for something that is a tad different from the crowd.

Hublot Big Bang Unico Red Magic

The Hublot Big Bang Unico Red Magic.

When it comes to Chinese tradition and superstition, red is an auspicious colour that signifies good fortune and joy. This makes the Hublot Big Bang Unico Red Magic a rather compelling option for a Chinese punter indeed.

The watch was born from Hublot’s R&D department, in which the watch is cased in the first “vibrantly coloured ceramic” using technical and aesthetic ceramics. According to Hublot, its proprietary manufacturing process allows them to produce a bright red ceramic case that is extremely dense and hardy – a first of its kind in the industry itself. The end result is certainly amazing, and its combination with the large 45mm case makes the Red Magic a bold and loud timepiece.

Powering the watch is Hublot’s in-house Unico Calibre HUB1242. It is a self-winding movement that boasts a date function and a flyback chronograph complication. In addition, the 330-part movement boasts a decent power reserve of approximately 72 hours. The Red Magic is a timepiece that performs as well as it looks, and with a retail price of S$37,200, the limited edition timepiece (of 500 pieces) is certainly going to be a big hit with collectors.

Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer”

A pair of Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer”, in two different variants.

For many individuals, owning a Rolex is a sign of wealth and success. Owning a gold Rolex, on the other hand, takes it up a notch. And for punters whom have made a windfall in the recent World Cup, what would be a better way to spend your winnings than to buy a solid gold Rolex?

Our pick for a solid gold Rolex for this week’s article is the new GMT-Master II “Root Beer”. Launched in this year’s Baselworld, the “Root Beer” and “Pepsi” took the industry by storm, as it was something that Rolex collectors had desired for a long time. While the “Pepsi” is definitely a handsome watch, but we reckon a solid gold “Root Beer” will certainly be an appropriate watch for the occasion. Besides, what is there not to love when this variant is available in the warm and stunning Everose Gold?

Priced at S$49,730, the Everose Gold Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” is certainly an excellent option for someone who wants something bold. It is a statement, and there aren’t certainly many watches that comes close to what this Rolex can offer.

H. Moser & Cie. Swiss Alp Watch on the Rocks

The H. Moser & Cie. Swiss Alp on the Rocks. Bling game is strong with this one.

When some made a windfall, they are certainly more than happy to show it. The H. Moser & Cie. Swiss Alp on the Rocks is a watch that can do that job properly.

The watch, which is cased in 18k white gold, is encrusted with 232 baguette-cut sapphires on its case and dial. Its crown is also fitted with diamonds, with the onion-shaped crown completing the looks of the timepiece. It is powered by the in-house Calibre HMC 324, a hand-wound movement that has a power reserve of 4 days.

The Swiss Alp on the Rocks is H. Moser & Cie.’s audacious take on the Apple Watch, and everything goes against what the latter stands for. It is estimated to be priced at CHF 700,000 (approximately S$954,554), and the bling game is surely strong with this one.

Patek Philippe Nautilus

The Nautilus 5711/1P 40th Anniversary Edition.

We end the article with a timepiece that most readers are familiar with: Patek Philippe’s Nautilus.

The Nautilus has always been an interesting piece, but its popularity had shot up tremendously over the last few years for some unknown reason. The iconic timepiece – which was designed by the legendary Gerald Genta – is definitely a hot commodity; it is said that in some countries, the waiting list is as long as four years!

While the Nautilus is not everyone’s cup of tea, but many can certainly appreciate the history and design cues that come along with the watch. The porthole case construction, coupled with the rounded octagon bezel and integrated bracelet, is arguably unique and distinctive in its own rights. The signature blue dial adds a nice touch as well, although Patek Philippe also offers the Nautilus in other dial options (slate grey and white). To top it off, the in-house Calibre 324 SC is a well-made movement, with nice finishing as well.

The base Nautilus in stainless steel is priced at S$39,300, and it goes up to S$149,300 for the 40th Anniversary Edition. For someone who had won a fortune, we highly recommend the latter as it is cased in platinum, and the dial features 12 baguette-cut diamond indices. Yes, we know its extremely difficult to find at retail, so you would probably need to buy the watch pre-owned. Yes, you’d pay a premium, but hey its easy money from the bookmakers. You might perhaps even make yet another windfall in the future, if the prices of the Nautilus (especially the limited edition pieces) continue its upward trajectory.

Concluding Thoughts

In this week’s article, we have selected a range of watches that punters might consider buying after winning their bets in the recent FIFA World Cup.

This week’s selection tend to lean towards watches that have a strong brand equity, or are “bling” to some extent. We have also included some modestly priced pieces, for punters who might not have won as much money (or decide to spend less on their winnings). We reckon watches like the new Casio G-Shock might be popular with younger collectors, or the younger crowd who is looking to own a nice watch.

So, what are your thoughts on our selection? Also, what have you bought with your winnings? Let us know in the comments section below!

P.S. Once again, we do not condone any form of gambling where it is not legal or beyond one’s financial means. This is not a way to get rich quickly and easily.