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In a December 2023 essay, Fratello contributor Daan de Groot called two fun, occasional purchases his “bonus watches”: the Blancpain × Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Arctic Ocean and a Timex Easy Reader × Keith Haring. His phrase describes a personal approach to collecting—not evidence that 2023 was a market-wide year of bonus watches. The idea is simple: a watch can earn a place in a collection for the pleasure of owning it, even if it is not a daily wearer.
What does “bonus watch” mean?
For de Groot, a bonus watch is an enjoyable extra rather than a collection’s central or most-worn piece. He said he had worn the Arctic Ocean maybe once after buying it, yet still found the purchase worthwhile. That makes “bonus” a useful label for a watch chosen for its design, story, or sheer appeal—not a claim about its technical importance or resale value.
His closing thought was that a little fun on the wrist need not cost thousands of euros. The essay’s examples show two different routes to that feeling: a colorful collaboration that caught his attention in person, and a restrained graphic design he spotted online.
Which watches did Daan de Groot choose?
| Watch | What drew him to it | Purchase context in his essay |
|---|---|---|
| Blancpain × Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Arctic Ocean | The orange Arctic Ocean colorway and the appeal of an unexpected impulse purchase. | He bought it during launch week while somewhere it was sold and “more or less available.” He imagined it could suit King’s Day in the Netherlands, but said he had worn it maybe once by the time he wrote. |
| Timex Easy Reader × Keith Haring, reference TW2W25400 | A black-and-white Haring-inspired design, a 38mm case, quartz movement, and INDIGLO illumination. | He saw it on Instagram and ordered it despite US shipping. He recalled paying a little over €100 after shipping in December 2023; customs delayed delivery by about a week. |
These are de Groot’s personal choices and recollections, not current price or availability guidance. His Timex price is a historical anecdote, and his account does not establish what either watch costs now.
#1 Best Overall
- ⌚ MENS WATCHES ANALOG: Mens military watches made with shock-resistant stainless steel case and anti-scratch mineral window, exquisitely crafted and durable. Men's watch strap width: 22mm / 0.86 inches, stainless steel case: 42mm / 1.65 inches.
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- ⌚3 ATM WATERPROOF MILITARY WATCHES: 30M waterproof, sweat-proof, rain-proof and hand-washing for daily life, no problem. But NOT suitable for swimming, bathing, diving or touch hot water. Perfect for most of indoor / outdoor sports.
- ⌚ EASY TO READ TIME: 12 / 24 hrs military time and luminous dial. The mens watches equipped with date calendar can tell you the time quickly and accurately. Come with luminous function, easy to read the time even in the dark.
- ⌚ PURCHASE WITHOUT WORRY: Japan imported quartz analog movement and battery, long-term operation. for 1 years,24-hour customer service is at your service.
What is confirmed about the Timex Easy Reader × Keith Haring?
Timex’s US product page identifies the watch as reference TW2W25400 and lists a quartz analog movement, 38mm case diameter, mineral glass, and 20mm strap width. De Groot also describes its Keith Haring details, polished case, black leather strap, and INDIGLO light, which turns on when the crown is pressed. He planned to replace the strap; if you do the same, check that a 20mm strap is compatible with the watch’s attachment before buying.
There is an important caution about water resistance: Timex’s page lists 50 meters in its specifications, but its explanatory guidance says the watch is for hand-washing or accidental splashes, not swimming or diving, and elsewhere labels it “Water Resistant to 30 Meters.” Because the manufacturer page is inconsistent, do not treat the listed 50 meters as a practical swimming or diving recommendation. Timex’s US page currently marks the reference out of stock; that status does not establish availability in other countries or on the secondary market.
Rank #2
- CLASSIC RETRO CASIO DESIGN A timeless digital watch that has remained an icon for decades. The vintage square face and polished stainless steel bracelet deliver a clean, minimalist style that complements casual, business, and everyday wear for both men and women.
- RELIABLE EVERYDAY DIGITAL FUNCTIONS Stay organized with practical features including a 1/100-second stopwatch, daily alarm, hourly time signal, auto calendar, and selectable 12/24-hour time format—everything you need in a dependable everyday
- LONG-LASTING 7-YEAR BATTERY Powered by a dependable CR2016 battery designed to last approximately seven years under normal use, giving you years of worry-free performance with minimal maintenance.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMFORTABLE Weighing only 46 grams, the slim profile and adjustable stainless steel bracelet provide exceptional comfort for all-day wear. The self-adjustable clasp allows for a customized fit on a wide range of wrist sizes.
- TRUSTED CASIO QUALITY Built with Casio's legendary reliability, this water-resistant digital watch features a durable chrome-plated resin case, stainless steel bracelet, LED backlight for nighttime visibility, and quartz accuracy of approximately ±30 seconds per month.
What should you not assume about the Arctic Ocean model?
The cited Swatch collection page describes the Atlantic Ocean model, SO35A100—not the Arctic Ocean watch de Groot bought. It identifies that Atlantic variant as automatic, with a Bioceramic case and 9-bar water resistance. Those specifications cannot be transferred to the Arctic Ocean model. The available product details here do not establish the Arctic Ocean watch’s exact specifications or current regional availability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the two watches make a useful pair
The Timex and the Blancpain × Swatch are not close substitutes. One is a compact, monochrome graphic collaboration that de Groot describes as quartz; the other is an orange-accented Scuba Fifty Fathoms collaboration whose appeal, in his account, came from its color and impulse-buy timing. Their shared quality is the role he gave them: occasional pieces that add variety without needing to become everyday watches.
Rank #3
- ⌚Watches for Men: Mens watches with stainless steel case. Support date calendar, stainless steel band, provide precise time keeping. Men's wrist watch is an ideal good for you and your loved ones
- ⌚Mens Watch Stainless Steel Band: Mens fashion watches made with durable stainless steel strap and case, which is great for daily wear. The IP-coated watch case and band will never fade. Perfect for most of indoor / outdoor activities for daily life.
- ⌚Accurate Time Keeping: Powerful Japan movement with analog display. Imported battery keep long-term operation. Provide precise time keeping. Simple round and luminous dial, makes it easy to read the time even in the dark.
- ⌚3ATM Waterproof Watches: Handwash, sweat-proof, rain-proof, no problem! But NOT suitable for bathing, swimming, diving. NOTE: Please DO NOT press any buttons in the water, or touching hot water.
- ⌚Purchase without Worry: This stylish and simple sport work watches surprising field watch casual watch is very suitable for active lifestyles, will suitable for personal use and good for anniversary, graduation, business, birthday, Christmas, for father, boyfriend, or other male friend, classmates.
That is the practical point behind the “bonus watch” idea. A collection can include watches bought for different moods and moments, rather than judging every addition by how often it is worn. De Groot’s two purchases illustrate that personal approach; they do not prove a broader trend in the watch market.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Stainless Steel case with Black Resin Band
- Black Dial with date window at 3 O'clock
- Luminous markers and hour hands; sweep second hand
- Anti-reverse bezel
- Water-resistant to 200 M (660 feet)
Rank #4
- Cream Dial Design: Cream dial with full Arabic numerals pairs with an adjustable green fabric strap for a rugged, outdoor look
- Adjustable Strap: A comfortable band fits securely up to an 8-inch wrist circumference for everyday wear, day in and day out
- Indiglo Backlight: A push of the button illuminates the dial and luminous hands in the dark, day or night, rain or shine
- All-Weather Durability: A mineral glass crystal and water resistance to 50 meters keep this field watch ready for daily wear
- Built to Last: A Timex watch is designed for durability and everyday reliability; every piece reflects our commitment to quality without compromise
Sources
- Daan de Groot’s Fratello essay, published December 29, 2023.
- Timex US product page for TW2W25400.
- Swatch product page for the Atlantic Ocean SO35A100.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
