When it comes to watch collecting, many collectors tend to be very serious. But is it mandatory to do so?
We have always been strong advocates of collecting watches based on what you love. Many collectors tend to forget that it is a hobby and, more often than not, become excessively pedantic when it comes to watches.
So we thought it might be a good idea to add a little fun to the watch collection. Why limit yourself to certain brands and types of watches, when you know that deep down, there is a part of you that you are trying to satisfy?
Fun and Affordable Watches – 6 Interesting Watches to Brighten Up Your Watch Collection
In this week’s article, we’re looking at six interesting watches, at a relatively modest price point, that we think will add some life to your watch collection. These are not your average watches, but rather timepieces with a slightly offbeat design or complication. What have we selected this time? Let’s find out!
Tissot Sideral S
We start the article with one of the coolest watches in Tissot’s repertoire: Sidereal S (Review linked above, release notes here).
The Sideral S is a reinterpretation of the iconic 1970s watch of the same name. The watch retains its cool retro look, but with modern touches. Highlights include its new 41mm forged carbon case, as well as the now ubiquitous Powermatic 80 Nivachron movement. The light is also a beautiful sight to behold.
Retailing for S$1,430, the Tissot Sideral S is a modestly priced watch that brings a lot of dynamism to the watch scene. We love its evocative look, juxtaposed with an ultra-modern forged carbon case. It’s a fun watch to wear on the wrist, especially for a fun weekend.
Estrowerk Estro-One Cobalt
Next up we have a rather intriguing watch from a microbrand: Estrowerk Estro-One Cobalt.
While Estrowerk is considered a microbrand within the industry, they are certainly not your average brand that produces watches that look like the majority of microbrands. The Estro-One features a very contemporary design, with an uncommon regulator dial configuration. Paired 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 among seasoned collectors.
This 40mm timepiece is powered by the reliable Miyota 82S7 and comes with a modest price tag of US$980 (approximately S$1,315). It’s certainly an interesting piece to add to your collection, especially with such a reasonable price tag. The only problem? It’s limited to just 100 pieces.
Amida Digitrend Takeoff Edition
If you’re looking for an effortlessly cool and conversational watch, the Amida’s Digital Trend might just be the perfect watch you are looking for.
First launched in 1979, the Amida Digitrend was one of the watches that greatly inspired Max Busser, leading to the eventual creation of the HM5, HM8And HMXIt’s no wonder that this watch fascinated Max (and many others), with its rather slender silhouette and stunning digital display. The latter, in particular, was rather ingenious as it used the concept of refraction – through a prism – to allow the discs to be projected vertically so that the time would be displayed upright.
The watch is powered by the Soprod NEWTON P092 automatic movement. The watch has a power reserve of 44 hours and is equipped with a special Amida 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 quite reasonable for a very original and cool watch.
Gorilla Fastback GT Drift “Elise”
Making a strong statement for a relatively young brand is by no means an easy task, but Gorilla seems to have found the right recipe with the 44mm Wandering Hours watch.
Inspired by the designs of the 60s and 70s, which we believe represent 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 through the use of an elusive ‘wandering hours’ complication – commonly found on high-end independent brands such as Urwerk And H. Moser & Co.Additionally, this has been achieved with an ETA 2824-2 movement (with a Vaucher module), meaning Gorilla is also able to keep the prices modest.
The Wandering Hours comes in a variety of forms, each with a rather eye-catching and bold design. Its original price was S$5,268, but there is currently a promotion on their website that has reduced its retail price to S$3,421. At the discounted price, we dare say that this is an extremely good price for a conversation piece with a very rare complication to boot.
Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto
There aren’t many new releases on the market lately that have touched the hearts of collectors as much as this watch. C1 Bel Cantoby Christopher Ward (photo above courtesy of Chrisopher Ward). Full review coming soon, when our friend Brighty receives his watch.
Launched in late 2022, the C1 Bel Canto is a watch that most collectors wouldn’t have expected from a brand like Christopher Ward. Don’t get us wrong, Christopher Ward is known for producing brilliant watches at a modest price point, but we certainly weren’t expecting a watch this beautiful with a chiming complication – albeit not on demand unlike a minute repeater (the Bel Canto chimes once per hour). The execution is also brilliant, to say the least.
The best part about this watch is its price. The 41mm C1 Bel Canto retails for S$5,195, which is relatively reasonable in today’s market. It’s certainly refreshing and proves that manufacturers are still able to come up with such interesting and innovative watches without having to break the bank.
Accutron 2020 Space View
We end the article with the super cool Space view 2020from Accutron.
This unique watch was launched in the 1960s, with a revolutionary tuning fork movement that was said to be more accurate than most mechanical watches of the time. The reissue, launched in 2020, also broke new ground with its electrostatic movement. In addition to its cool design, the watch also features a distinctive openwork dial that is one of the Spaceview’s signatures.
The 43.5mm Spaceview retails for US$3,850, or about S$5,165. This is a rather special watch, with an interesting story to boot. While many may balk at paying over S$5,000 for a non-mechanical watch, we truly believe that exceptions can be made for the 2020 Spaceview, in terms of provenance and the technical ingenuity behind the watch.
Final thoughts
We understand that many collectors find it difficult to take the plunge and venture into such unusual watches. Many cannot justify paying a four-figure sum for a brand they are unfamiliar with or that is perceived as not “holding its value.” That’s why we’ve limited our selection to watches priced around S$5,000 or less. While this is still a significant sum for many, there are at least some watches that are considered more “acceptable” in price.
The Amida is perhaps our favorite watch on today’s list. We love its history, as well as its originality. The fact that it inspired Max for his Horological Machines makes it an even more interesting proposition – there aren’t many watches that can capture the spirit of this luminary. We think many can easily make a case for the Amida as well.
So, what do you think of our selection today? What are some “fun” watches that you have in your collection and which ones deserve a spot on today’s list? Let us know in the comments section below.