Top 5 Watches from Chrono24 (ignoring the price and going on looks alone)

So often we equate the price of a watch to its beauty. If a watch is worth 5 times as much as its counterpart, surely it has to look 5 times better. 5 times more elegant. Maybe it has to have 5 times the complications or simply weigh five times more. It's hard sometimes to really put a value on something at first glance. And with watches, much like most things in life, isn't the beauty in the eye of the beholder? Why are we drawn to different styles of watches? What does it really say about us when we have something inanimate like a car, or a suit, or a watch, define our identity? Why are some men drawn to pilot watches when they don't fly? Or Submariner watches when they can't even swim let alone dive? 

I've never been one to be overly sentimental about watches. I've got a few in my collection that I've personally invested in over the years, and you could say I'm sentimental about those. But I've always bought watches that help me project the image of success. I want people to look at me and my watch and think that I'm doing well for myself.

I've always felt this way about wearing something that will communicate message. Something along the lines of, 'this is a man that doesn't do style just for style’s sake. He's not wearing this because he wants to be associated with a fictional spy, or be part of a club. He means business. And I need to pay attention to what he has to tell me.' 

Today I spent 20 minutes or so, thinking about that. Thinking about how much aesthetics mean to me when it comes to owning a timepiece. As shallow as it sounds, I'm not buying a watch to tell the time. I'm not buying a watch because someone wore it on a voyage to outer space. I'm buying it because I think it looks good, and it will make me look good in the process. A bit like standing next to someone that attracts the eye of a photographer. By osmosis, it makes me look better too.

A little game I like to play now and then is looking at watches on e-Commerce sites, and carefully blocking the denominations with my fingers so as not to give away the price. It's tricky, but with a clever eye you can do it. The point of the exercise is for me to determine first what I think looks attractive, without being persuaded by the price first. Of course, I'll recognise Rolex's, Omegas instantly. But perhaps there are models that appeal to me that could be from the same brand, but miles apart in value. You should try it? And don't feel bad if you choose one that is the least expensive. Having an expensive taste is not always an indicator that you have good taste. You're not taking into account what the watch is capable of. What year it was made. You're merely speed dating and judging things at a glance. 

For the record I am using Chrono24 for this experiment. And here is a brief note about them:

Chrono24 is the world's leading marketplace for luxury watches, and is home to over 500,000 listings from over 126 countries for watches from the industry's top brands. Whether it's a Rolex Submariner or Omega Speedmaster, a new timepiece or a vintage model, you're sure to find your dream watch on Chrono24, where you can make secure purchases from professional dealers and private sellers.

To ensure I didn't fall into any low-high price filter, I followed the link to Men's Watches and sorted by "relevance" as an index. Here for the record are 5 watches that I picked, that came into focus for me in more ways than one. I'll let you be the judge of what that says about me. 

TAG Heuer Monaco Automatic Calibre 12 Leather

I don't believe you have to be a watch enthusiast to recognise the importance of this watch. But not only does its heritage speak for itself, the look is so recognisable for being unique square and infinitely retro. I'm sure they've somehow profiled me as this was on the first page. 

Bulova Spinnaker Automatic

Staying with the vintage vibe, I'll admit I'm not familiar with the brand Bulova, but the unusual dial face pulled me in. I like it because other people will be curious as to what model and brand this watch is. Having an icebreaker at a party or an event, without having to wear anything garish, can be a very beneficial device. 

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Lady

I remember a friend telling me all about the special qualities of the Reverso. Polo players would wear them, and they would switch the face round to the wrist so as not to scratch the glass. It's a unisex watch, sure. It has lady the title, fine. But there is an unfathomable elegance to this watch that oozes all the aspirational qualities I look for in a timepiece. 

IWC Portuguese IW500121

How could I not pick out an IWC. Thankfully I didn't need anyone to show me the price tag to know this is a highly desirable watch. There is something about the contrast of a black dial face and rose gold casing that leaps out at me. It speaks to me in a language that I can't honestly decipher, yet understand perfectly. 

Rolex Chrono GMT Master II

I'll admit I was looking for a Rolex. But I wanted something less vintage than my previous choices. I don't think there is anything vain about wanting to wear a luxury watch because you want to look good. If you have earned the right to wear the watch, because you worked for it, then why not have something beautiful to let people know you've arrived.

chrono24.co.uk