Let me be honest—this list was tough. Like trying to pick your favourite child kind of tough. The watch world is vast, and I appreciate everything from high horology to affordable icons.
So here it is: my 10 favourite watch brands, and the one model from each that I personally love the most. No rankings, no debates—just my personal taste.
Let’s get into it.
🟡 Rolex – Sky-Dweller
Rolex is an obvious choice, but the Sky-Dweller is anything but obvious within their line-up. It’s one of Rolex’s most complicated watches—featuring an annual calendar and a second time zone, all controlled through that ingenious rotating bezel.
To me, the Sky-Dweller represents what modern Rolex is capable of when it pushes past the usual tool-watch formula. It’s bold, functional, and has a touch of flash. I particularly love it on the Oyster-flex strap—it feels like the perfect balance between sport and sophistication.
🔴 Seiko – Seiko 5 Line
The Seiko 5 isn’t just a watch. It’s a rite of passage.
Ask any collector—odds are their first mechanical watch was a Seiko 5. Mine was too. It’s affordable, reliable, and oozes value. I respect Seiko for continuing to innovate at every price point, but the 5 line holds a special place in my heart.
Plus, the design range is wild—from military to dive to dress. You could build a whole collection just from Seiko 5s and never get bored.
🔵 Omega – Seamaster 300
Omega had to be on this list, and while the Speedmaster gets all the attention, I’ve always gravitated toward the Seamaster 300.
It’s understated, legible, and historically important. The model channels serious 1957 vibes with its broad arrow hands and vintage-style markers. But inside, it’s pure modern tech: anti-magnetic Co-Axial movement, 300m water resistance, and rock-solid build quality.
This was also my first every luxury watch I bought myself at 17, so holds a special place in my heart.
🔵 Oris – Divers Sixty-Five
Oris flies under the radar, but I love what they do—especially the Divers Sixty-Five.
This watch nails the vintage aesthetic without feeling like a costume. Slim profile, warm colours, domed crystal—it wears light and looks incredible. The 40mm version is perfect for my wrist, and there’s a kind of old-school charm that makes it feel more special than the spec sheet suggests.
It’s not trying to be the loudest watch in the room. That’s why I like it. Through the years I’ve bought and sold at least 5 of them and there’s always a place in my collection for one.
⚜️ Vacheron Constantin – Overseas
The Overseas is Vacheron’s answer to the Royal Oak and Nautilus, and honestly? I think it beats both in some ways.
There’s an elegance to it—curved, flowing lines, a beautiful Maltese cross bezel, and some of the best quick-change bracelet systems on the market. The blue dial version is mesmerizing in person. And unlike the others, you can actually find one at retail (most of the time).
VC doesn’t get enough mainstream love, but the Overseas proves they’re still part of the Holy Trinity for a reason.
🔘 Tissot – PRX
If the watch world had a “people’s champ,” the Tissot PRX might be it.
When the integrated bracelet trend came roaring back, Tissot dropped this gem—vintage-inspired, affordable, and ridiculously stylish. Whether you go quartz or Powermatic 80, you’re getting a ton of watch for the money.
It’s one of the best entry-level watches out there. And even for seasoned collectors, it’s just plain fun to wear.
🟣 Patek Philippe – Nautilus 5711
No surprises here. The 5711 is a legend, and for good reason.
Designed by Gérald Genta, worn by billionaires and rappers alike, and now discontinued—this is the modern grail. I love its slimness, the way it hugs the wrist, and how understated it looks despite the hype.
Of course, prices are absurd now. But when I think of Patek, this is the model that comes to mind first. It’s sporty elegance at its peak.
⚪ Grand Seiko – Snowflake (SBGA211)
Few watches are as instantly recognizable as the Grand Seiko Snowflake.
That dial—it’s art. Inspired by the snow-covered mountains near GS’s Shinshu studio, it shifts subtly in different lighting and looks alive under a loupe. But it’s not just about looks. The Spring Drive movement inside is genius, combining mechanical energy with quartz-level accuracy. (I know not everyone is a fan)
Grand Seiko’s finishing is second to none at this price point, and the Snowflake is the perfect example of that.
🔴 Tudor – Black Bay Fifty-Eight
This was an easy pick. The BB58 is the modern Tudor.
At 39mm with vintage flair, it’s everything the average collector wants in a daily diver. It’s compact, rugged, and stylish. Whether you go gilt dial, navy blue, or bronze, the BB58 always feels like a nod to the golden age of dive watches—with just enough modern performance to make it dependable.
After my Seamaster this was my next ‘luxury/ premium’ watch I purchased at 17 as well.
🟠 Audemars Piguet – Royal Oak Rose Gold with Blue Dial
The Royal Oak needs no introduction—but give it a rose gold case and blue dial, and it hits another level.
Yes, it’s flashier than the stainless steel version. But there’s a certain warmth to the gold that balances out the watch’s industrial design. It feels luxurious, but still sporty. That tapisserie dial catches the light in all the right ways.
Final Thoughts
There’s no science to this list. It’s just what speaks to me—across price points, styles, and histories. I admire craftsmanship, design integrity, and a bit of soul. These 10 watches have all of that.
Would my list change a month from now? Possibly. That’s the beauty of collecting. The more you explore, the more your taste evolves.
But for now, this is where my heart (and wrist) is.
P.S.
What’s your list look like? Reply and let me know your top 3 favourite watches—I’d love to see how our tastes compare.