Russell Sheldrake
Some people only want one clock in their life, sounding monstrous and unnatural. Over the past few days, this hasn’t been that unusual. People from my generation of parents often wore the same watches for life, or at least until it was far beyond repair. One watch to rule them all if you do. But I’m not that one viewer. If you are a regular reader, I bet that you aren’t either. But I certainly appreciate a watch that nails its refined versatility. Is there anything that’s a little easier to use? Even better. These watches are now known everywhere. And to actually go anywhere and do anything, it needs to meet certain criteria. They cannot lean too hard into one aesthetic or category. This means that the watch can match any outfit and fit any situation. It doesn’t cost the world. Affordable prices mean different things for different people, but you can’t spend more than a watch is truly worth it. And finally, you have to love it enough to see it every day. It’s like a name.
Citizens’ Tsuyosa
Tsuyosa has been a hit since it led to a citizen lineup. Enthusiasts praise Rolex Oyster Perpetual/Oyster Cootie for looking at the prices of ramen, and I tend to agree. It offers a well-balanced stainless steel 40mm case with an angled Oyster Kurtz look, a range of dial options, an integrated bracelet that riffs on President Rolex, and a reliable Miyota 8210 automatic movement. myself? I use the yellow dial because the Budget Baller OP feels. Price: 450 USD
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38
Hamilton Khaki Field has been the beloved of the Outdoors Set for a while. Combined with reliable movement and a versatile 38mm case size, the extremely easy-to-read dial is available anywhere. It can be difficult, but you can dress up when you need it on a leather strap, but when you go on an adventure, it’s extremely difficult to throw this on a khaki fabric strap. Price: USD 595, available from T+T Shop (also available in the UK)
Tissot Prx Powermatic 80
What can you say about the Tissot PRX Powermatic, which has not been said yet? It comes with a classy integrated design that remains burnt hot like everyone else in the category, an 80-hour power reserve, 100 meters water resistance, and a continuous expanding dial option. Price: $725, available from T+T Shop
Serica ref. 6190 Field Chronometer
Celica has been rising recently, and is a reference. The 6190 is evidence of its universal appeal. The brand’s field chronometer with several different dial options, including this rather impressive California look, has the authentic contender for one of the best vintage-inspired models at the moment. The dome-shaped crystals and large crown give it an old world charm that is sufficient, without taking away from its ease of use. It still feels a bit overlooked in the wider industry, but I can’t imagine it staying that long. Price: Starts at $1,700 available from T+T Shop
Doxa Sub 200
This leans heavily towards the diver model category, but I hope it allows me to be slightly confused from the original premise. The Sub 200 is an excellent Go Watch everywhere, and it feels like a diving watch that can get you away from the water thanks to the disposition of the bead of slice bracelet. Everything we know and love about Doxa is here, with great water resistance, clean aesthetics and reliable movement. What can I ask from the clock every day? Price: USD 1,050 available from Time+Tide Shop
Christopher Ward C12 The Twelve
Christopher Ward is one of the leading success stories in the watch world, and the brand’s catalogue features a wide range of collections ranging from enigmatic bell canto to trusted Trident. But for everyday work, you have to side with Christopher Ward’s answer to the integrated bracelet sports watch question. The tape-fitted bracelet gives the wrist a very good balance and the unique texture on the dial, making it identifiable as a British/Swiss brand product. Price: $2,930 (on steel bracelet) available from T+T Shop
Oris Diver Date
I have a confession I make here, I’m biased towards this because it’s my everyday watch. Oris Diver has been my daily watch for almost four years and I think I will continue in that role for the next few years. It’s understated and perfectly balanced with a tapered bracelet, giving it a comfortable atmosphere 24/7. I did it all with this watch, went on long hikes in the rain, took my kayaks, went to concerts, wore it to business meetings. Price: 2,700 US$
Tudor Black Bay 36
Non-diver Tudor Black Bays always feel like an run when compared to the hyped dive models (and the fuss surrounding them), but don’t sleep with this bezelles version. Available in a variety of sizes, it features a Jubilee bracelet with Tudor’s 70-hour in-house chronometer certified movement, a sophisticated case design, and a near-perfect T-fit quick-adjusting clasp. My choice is 36mm size and has a nice anthracite and a dial without gold leaf. It’s a versatile watch with subtle vintage talent, but it’s robust enough for everyday use. The sporty version of this watch, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono – is also the perfect choice and is one of the best diving chronographs. Price: USD 3,925
Tag Heuer Carrera Day Date
Carrera Dates are another model that leans towards a simple aesthetic in which the brand’s identity is distilled into the purest form, as the legendary chronograph is simplified to the format of time and dates. The sporty case shape and overall design are retained, leaving the Heuer version of the simple watch tag. This is not something you can do from a design perspective, as the minimum value of detail is important. Price: USD 4,200
Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium
Since the Santos de Cartier line was renewed, it has been difficult to escape the rivet bezel and bracelet. The medium sized people are ubiquitous in charm across age, nationality and gender, and thanks to universal charm with points of difference, they quickly became a date for thinkers. It’s not often seen the very widely adopted watches of shapes. I think it speaks to how well this model is executed with its proportions and finishing. Price: 7,050 US$
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Beige Dial
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual has been a serious contender for the best daily watches for a long time, and when a new batch of dial-colours was released at Watches and Wonders earlier this year, Soft Beige told me in a way I didn’t expect it. It’s difficult to make a statement that has no screaming colours, but just quietly confident, but this beige hits all the right notes for me. You can get it in many case sizes, but the 41mm size is always easy to wear. Price: £5,650
Grand Seiko SLGW003
The Grand Seiko SLGW003 is the most dredge watch on this list and the most expensive. I don’t think I think my colleagues can talk about this watch and its many benefits, but the way it functions as a daily watch is incredible. With wrist comfort, modest elegance and sturdy yet precise movement, this makes it a great companion for your wrist, regardless of the situation. Price: USD 10,700
