What are the three must have watches for any collection?

[set2374]

I am in the process of building a small collection. Since many of you are far more experienced horologists than me, I would like to pose this question: what three watches are essential for any collection to be complete?

I think most old agree that a submariner, while not everyone's favorite, is a classic, must have. After that, the debate widens considerably. I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

[ichi]

This is just my opinion, but i think it helps to break it down into sections to help you organize your selections. Once you hang out around here for a little while you will soon realize 3 watches is nowhere near enough for an essential collection... you need at least 10! (haha i'm just joking... mostly

This is what I would do:
1. Sporty or Everyday Beater
2. Dress watch
3. Chrono or something a little different

I would then look into each of the categories for your fav of each type and how accurate each one is.

Make sure one of your watches at least has a big second hand so you can admire the sweep

As far as specific brands are concerned we all have our own tastes, be happy with whatever you like, not everyone else

 

[cwazy1]

For me..

Breitling... (navitimer or abyss)
Panerai... (any model)
AP ROO

 

[d4m.test]

Three??? Damn, sometimes I swap around three watches in one day.

If you're seriously narrowing it down to three, you'd need to have 1 dress watch, 1 everyday watch, and 1 sport/beater watch. If I had to pick 3 from my own collection, I guess it would be:

Dress Watch: A. Lange & Sohne Datograph White Dial / Stainless Steel / Black Croc
Everyday Watch: Omega 45.5 Planet Ocean Black Bezel / Orange Numbers on Stainless Steel bracelet
Sport/Beater: Bell & Ross BR03-92 SS on Rubber

 

[TESLA760]

1. Rolex
2. Rolex
3. Rolex

 

[fishtaco]

Submariner for everyday, JLC Master Geographic for a dress watch and a Planet Ocean on rubber for something more beater. Covers every occasion.

 

[shyreplover]

1. Rolex
2. Rolex
3. Rolex

You can't be considered a true watch buff if you ain't got Rolex

 

[TESLA760]

I have a good variety. But all roads lead back to Rolex.

 

[levelmanroger]

1) Rolex Sub
2) Omega Planet Ocean (black bezel, orange numbers) OR Seamaster Pro blue wave dial
3) Rolex DJ on Jubilee OR AP ROO


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[trksh-bzr]

1: submariner
2: omega PO
2: APROO
2: hbb
2: Pam xxx
2: JLC
2: breitling SA
3: tudor monte carlo


sorry,that's the only 3 I coud think of :lol:

 

[rols16610]

Rolex Submariner
Rolex Seadweller
Rolex GMT

:cheers:

 

[Alex_P1]

1) Rolex Sub
2) Omega PO (45.5mm)
3) Magic Shape-Shifter which changes form every couple of weeks!

 

[wat44]

sub
pam183
anything but hublot

 

[ProLex]

For me:

Rolex Submariner
Omega PO Big Size on Shark Mesh
Pam 318 on Heroic

 

[hzardous]

Rolex sub
Rolex dssd
Rolex YM

 

[dsmdave]

1. Your choice of Panerai (Such versatility)
2. Planet Ocean
3. Vintage Rolex

 

[bigbangtheory]

1- Cartier Santos
2- Rolex submariner
3- Panerai 111

 

[rooster133]

Interesting and difficult question. To me, any serious collection would be incomplete without one of the following:

1. Rolex Sub
2. Omega moonie
3. Breitling Navitimer

There are others too of course, but you asked for three, and these are icons that any serious collector would have to own. They're the meat and veg of watches. Pity the moonie and navi reps are not that good though.

 

[jonasprivate]

AP ROO black themes or rubberclad
Rolex DSSD
Hublot big bang evolution

That is a great start.

 

[wtch]

1. PAM Daylight (daily beater)

2. Patek Nautilus Chrono (Business)

3. Tag Heuer Aquaracer Chrono (for Sports)

For me NO rolex, i like the understatement.

tomorrow the list needs to be re-written.