When it comes to watch collecting, many collectors tend to be very serious. But does it have to be done this way?
We have often been strong proponents of collecting watches based on what one likes. Many collectors tend to forget that this is a hobby, and more often than not, become excessively pedantic about timepieces.
Hence, we thought that it might just be a good idea, instead, to inject some fun into watch collecting. Why restrict yourself to certain brands and genres of watches, when you know that deep down inside, there is a part of playfulness within you that you are trying to satisfy?
Fun and modestly-priced watches – 6 interesting timepieces to liven up your watch collection
As such, in this week’s article, we are looking at six interesting watches – with a relatively modest price point – that we think will inject an element of liveliness into one’s watch collection. These are not just run-of-the-mill watches, but rather timepieces with a slightly quirky design or complication. What have we selected this time round? Let’s find out!
Tissot Sideral S
We begin the article with one of the coolest timepieces in Tissot’s repertoire: Sideral S (Review linked above, release notes here).
The Sideral S is a reinterpretation of the iconic 1970s timepiece that shares the same name. The watch still retains its cool retro looks, but with modern touches. Some of the key highlights include its new 41mm forged carbon case, as well as the now-ubiquitous Powermatic 80 Nivachron movement. The lume is a beautiful sight to behold as well.
Retailing at S$1,430, the Tissot Sideral S is a modestly priced timepiece that injects plenty of vibrancy in the horological scene. We like its evocative looks, juxtaposed with an ultra-modern forged carbon case. This is a fun watch to have on the wrist, especially for a fun weekend.
Estrowerk Estro-One Cobalt
Next, we have a rather intriguing timepiece from a microbrand: Estrowerk Estro-One Cobalt.
While Estrowerk is considered to be a microbrand within the industry, it is definitely not your average cookie-cutter label that produces timepieces that bear resemblance to the majority of the microbrands. The Estro-One features a highly contemporary design, with an uncommon regulator-style dial configuration. Pared with a stunning electric blue dial – which, by the way, contrasts beautifully with the DLC-coated case – the Estro-One Cobalt is sure to turn heads even with seasoned collectors.
The 40mm timepiece is powered by the ever-reliable Miyota 82S7, and it is modestly priced at US$980 (approximately S$1,315). This is certainly a compelling piece to add into one’s collection, especially with a relatively sensible price point to boot. The only issue? Its production is limited to a mere 100 pieces.
Amida Digitrend Take-Off Edition
If one is looking for an effortlessly cool and conversational watch, the Amida Digitrend might just be the perfect timepiece that you are looking for.
First launched in 1979, the Amida Digitrend was one of the watches that had greatly inspired Max Busser , which led to the eventual creation of the HM5, HM8, and HMX. There is little wonder why this watch had fascinated Max (and many countless others), with its rather sleek silhouette and the mind-boggling digital display. The latter, especially, was rather ingenious since it utilises the concept of refraction – through a prism – to allow for the vertical projection of the discs for the time to display in an upright position.
The watch is powered by the self-winding Soprod NEWTON P092. The watch features an acceptable 44-hour power reserve, and it boasts Amida’s special module – consisting of 9 mechanical components – to drive the jumping hour discs. The Amida Digitrend Take-Off Edition is priced at CHF 2,900 (approximately S$4,253), which is rather reasonable for a highly original and cool timepiece.
Gorilla Fastback GT Drift “Elise”
Making a strong statement for a relatively young brand is by no means an easy feat, but Gorilla seems to have found the right recipe with the compelling 44mm Wandering Hours timepiece.
Inspired by designs of the 60s and 70s, which in our opinion is the “golden age” of incredibly original watch designs, Gorilla aims to produce watches that are both interesting and timeless. For the Drift, this was achieved with the use of an elusive “wandering hours” complication – typically seen on high-end independent brands such as Urwerk and H. Moser & Cie. In addition, this was achieved with an ETA 2824-2 movement (with a Vaucher module), which means Gorilla is also able to keep the prices modest as well.
The Wandering Hours is available in different guises, each with a rather attractive and bold design. It was originally priced at S$5,268, but there is currently a sale on their website which reduced its selling price to S$3,421. At the discounted price point, we dare say that it is extremely well-priced for a conversational piece with a highly uncommon complication to boot.
Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto
There are not many novelties out there in recent times that stirred the hearts of many collectors as much as this watch did. Cue the magnificent C1 Bel Canto, from Christopher Ward (picture above courtesy of Chrisopher Ward). Full review coming soon, as our friend Brighty receives his watch.
Introduced at the end of 2022, the C1 Bel Canto is a timepiece that most collectors did not expect from a brand such as Christopher Ward. Do not get us wrong, Christopher Ward is known to produce brilliant watches at a modest price point, but we were certainly not expecting such a great looking timepiece with chiming complication – albeit not on request unlike a minute repeater (the Bel Canto chimes once every hour). The execution is also brilliant, to say the least.
The best part of the watch is its price point. The 41mm C1 Bel Canto retails at S$5,195, which is relatively reasonable in today’s market. This is certainly refreshing, and it proves that manufacturers are still able to offer such interesting and innovative timepieces without having to break the bank.
Accutron Spaceview 2020
We round up the article with the uber-cool Spaceview 2020, from Accutron.
The unique timepiece was originally introduced in the 1960s, featuring a groundbreaking tuning fork movement that was noted to be more accurate than most mechanical watches at that time. The re-issue, launched in 2020, also broke new grounds with its electrostatic movement. On top of the cool engineering, the watch also features a distinctive open-worked dial which is one of the signatures of the Spaceview.
The 43.5mm Spaceview is priced at US$3,850, or approximately S$5,165. This is a rather special timepiece, with an interesting story to boot. While many may balk at paying in excess of S$5,000 for a non-mechanical timepiece, we do genuinely reckon that exceptions can be made for the Spaceview 2020 – in terms of its provenance, and the technical ingenuity behind the watch.
Concluding Thoughts
We get that many collectors find it difficult to take the leap of faith, to venture into such unusual timepieces. Many may not justify paying a good four-figure sum for a brand that they are not aware of, or are perceived to not “retain value”. That is why we have restricted our selection to watches which are priced at around S$5,000 or below. Although it is still a significant amount of money for many, at least there are some watches which are considered to be priced at a more “palatable” level.
The Amida is perhaps our favourite timepiece from the list today. We like its history, as well as its quirkiness. The fact that it inspired Max for his Horological Machines made it an even more interesting proposition – there are not many watches out there that can capture the mind of this luminary. We believe many can easily make a case for the Amida as well.
So, what are your thoughts on our selection today? What are some of the “fun” watches that you have in your collection, and what are some of the watches that deserves a spot on the list today? Let us know in the comments section below.
