If you could keep just one watch, which would you choose? In a December 2023 feature, Time+Tide’s Zach Blass shared recurring nominations from readers responding to that question on Instagram. The responses ranged from everyday sports watches to dressier icons—but they were enthusiast comments, not a representative poll or a definitive ranking.
What the one-watch prompt revealed
Blass called the idea of a one-watch collection “the most prominent oxymoron within our hobby.” The tension is easy to understand: a single watch has to do the work of every watch its owner might otherwise wear. Yet the prompt drew more than 400 Instagram comments, according to Time+Tide, showing how readily enthusiasts take up the challenge.
The nominations below are a snapshot of those responses in 2023, not a current popularity list. Time+Tide did not provide a formal model-by-model vote count, so the models are best read as watches that came up repeatedly or were singled out by the author—not as ranked winners.
Which watches did readers nominate?
Rolex
Rolex had the broadest spread of suggestions: Submariner, Explorer 124270, Explorer II Polar, GMT-Master II, Daytona, Yacht-Master, Day-Date, Oyster Perpetual, and Datejust. Blass pointed to the brand’s range and versatile designs, but those models differ substantially in size, style, and function. A name shared within one brand does not make them interchangeable choices for daily wear.
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- Overall size: 7.48"D x 13.39"W x 5.31"H (19x34x13.5cm); with 12 slots and can fit different types of watches with a dial size up to 50 mm
- 2-Layer: The upper layer can hold 12 watches, and the bottom drawer offers additional storage for watchbands, cufflinks, bracelets, rings, pens, necklaces, and other jewelry, keep them in one place and protect them against dampness, shaking and friction, or missing
- Clear Glass Lid: Sturdy glass window display watches collection, keep watches from dust and scratching, find your fave at a glance to save time
- Quality Materials:PU leather exterior and soft lining for a stylish look to protect the watch from scratches; soft-yet-supportive pillows fit most sizes and styles of watches, keeping them in good shape
- Gifts for Loved Ones: Perfect for your family, friends, son, father, brother, boyfriends, grandpa, wives, and mothers on Christmas, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, etc. Or why not treat yourself? You deserve it!
Omega
Readers suggested the Speedmaster Professional, Speedmaster 321, Seamaster, and Seamaster Aqua Terra. Blass made the case for the Aqua Terra as a cross-setting option and treated water resistance as one factor in judging an all-rounder. The source does not establish that every model in these families has the same specifications.
Cartier
Nominations included the Santos Dumont, Santos de Cartier, Tank, and Tank Normale. Blass regarded the Santos de Cartier as a strong contender, noting the interchangeable bracelet and bundled strap in the configuration he discussed. Those details should not be assumed to apply to every Santos reference or market.
Rank #2
- Overall size: 12.8"W x 4.3"D x 4.3"H (32.5x11x11cm); with 6 slots and can fit different types of watches with a dial size up to 50 mm
- 2-Layer: The upper layer can hold 6 watches, and the bottom drawer offers additional storage for watchbands, cufflinks, bracelets, rings, pens, necklaces, and other jewelry, keep them in one place and protect them against dampness, shaking and friction, or missing
- Clear Glass Lid: Sturdy glass window display watches collection, keep watches from dust and scratching, find your fave at a glance to save time
- Quality Materials:PU leather exterior and soft lining for a stylish look to protect the watch from scratches; soft-yet-supportive pillows fit most sizes and styles of watches, keeping them in good shape
- Presents for Loved Ones: Perfect for your family, friends, son, father, brother, boyfriends, grandpa, wives, and mothers on Christmas, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, etc. Or why not treat yourself? You deserve it!
Patek Philippe and other high-end picks
Nautilus models were recurring Patek Philippe nominations; Blass also named the Aquanaut among his own candidates. Other suggestions included the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore, and Vacheron Constantin Overseas, 222, and American 1921. Blass singled out the Overseas for its versatility and supplied strap options.
Grand Seiko, Tudor, and IWC
Grand Seiko suggestions were the SBGA211 “Snowflake” and SBGA413 “Shunbun”; Blass favored the SBGA211 as the more versatile single-watch option. Tudor nominations were the Black Bay 54, Black Bay 58, and Ranger. IWC suggestions included the Mark XX, Pilot’s Chronograph, and Ingenieur, with Blass preferring the Mark XX or Ingenieur for this role.
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Rank #3
- Protect Your Watches: Easy to close and open, organize all of your watches in one place and protect watches against dampness, shaking and friction, or missing
- Clear Glass Lid: Watch display case with sturdy glass window display watches collection, keep watches from dust, find your fave at a glance to save time; also charge your solar-powered watches
- 12-Slot: Watch Organizer can store 12 watches and fit different types of watches with a dial size up to 48 mm; Dimension: 12.9"W x 7.99"D x 3.43"H (32.8*20.3*8.7cm)
- Quality Materials: PU leather exterior and soft lining for a stylish look to protect the watch from scratches; soft-yet-supportive pillows fit most sizes and styles of watches, keeping them in good shape
- Gifts for Loved Ones: Watch box organizer for your family, and friends on Father's, Valentine's, Anniversary, Birthday, Graduation, Christmas, etc. Or, why not treat yourself? You deserve it
Other brands
The feature also mentioned nominations for TAG Heuer, Zenith, Blancpain, MB&F, and Philippe Dufour, but did not provide a full model-by-model tally for them.
How to choose a genuine one-watch daily wearer
The reader nominations are a useful shortlist, not a universal answer. Blass’s reasoning points to practical questions that matter more than a brand’s prestige or a model’s popularity:
Rank #4
- 360-degree All-round Display: no need to hide, your luxury watch needs to be displayed! The transparent acrylic cover of this men's watch box can display your gorgeous watch in 360 degrees and it is also a shining decoration in your room.
- Superior Material: Solid wood with brown leather wrapped inside to prevent your watch from scratches. Equipped with 12 removable brown leather watch pillows suitable for placing all watch sizes on the market. Transparent acrylic cover not only prevents dust but also can show your precious watches at a glance in the room!
- Luxury Features: Size: 13.4*8.2*5.8in. Do your wallets, wireless headphones, mobile phones, jewelry, and glasses still stacked in disorder? The drawer of this watch case can meet your storage needs. It can be used to place your accessories and provide a new home for your daily belongings.
- Ideal Gift for Men: luxurious packaging protection and a greeting card attached to make this watch box the best gift for watch lovers on Christmas, Father's Day, Valentine's Day or Birthday.
- Best Service: If you are not satisfied with the product after you purchased it for any reason, whether it is damaged in transit or even if you change your mind, please let us know and we will replace or refund it according to your choice!
- Where will you wear it? Consider how well the watch fits both your everyday clothes and the settings where you need something more formal.
- What does your day demand? Water resistance and robustness may matter more to an active wearer than to someone whose routine is less demanding. That is a matter of use, not a guarantee that a watch is suitable for every activity.
- Does it fit and feel right? Case size, comfort, legibility, and design are personal. Try the exact reference and size where possible rather than assuming that two watches from one family will wear alike.
- Can you adapt it? A watch with practical strap or bracelet options can cover more situations, provided the exact configuration supports the changes you want.
These are trade-offs, not a scorecard that identifies one winner. A more substantial sports watch may feel reassuring for an active routine; a slimmer or dressier design may suit a quieter one. The best choice depends on the wearer’s actual wardrobe and habits.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check specifications by exact reference
Specifications vary by reference, size, configuration, and market. For example, Rolex lists the Submariner reference 124060 as a 41 mm Oystersteel watch with 300 m water resistance, calibre 3230, approximately 70 hours of power reserve, and stated precision of −2/+2 seconds per day after casing. Those figures describe that reference, not every Submariner. See Rolex’s official page for reference 124060.
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- Excellent Workmanship: The watch box is lined with soft velvet to protect your beloved watches from scratches, crafted with quality PU for long-term service, and equipped with a sturdy metal lock for better protection
- Clear Glass Lid: The large see-through glass lid of this watch case allows you to see and find the right watch at a glance. Plus, it’s durable and easy to clean
- 2-Layer Storage: The top layer with 12 slots offers a cozy home for your watches with a dial size up to 48 mm, and a bottom drawer with various areas offers extra space for your necklaces, rings, earrings, and more
- Gift for Loved Ones: Be it for an anniversary or birthday, this watch box organizer is a smile-inducing gift to any true watch enthusiast
- What You Get: A classic watch storage box with 12 slots, watch pillows that can be removed to store jewelry, and a glass lid that protects your watches from dust
Cartier’s US Santos de Cartier collection page describes an automatic calibre 1847 MC and water resistance up to 10 bar, approximately 100 metres. Check the specific model configuration before applying those details to an individual watch: Cartier’s US collection page.
OMEGA’s 22 March 2023 press release describes Aqua Terra Shades in 34 mm and 38 mm cases. It establishes the sizes described in that release, not current stock or availability: OMEGA’s Aqua Terra Shades announcement.
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