There is no single Time+Tide winner: in its 2024 “Seven opinions, one watch” feature, seven contributors each chose the watch they would keep if they could own only one. Their answers range from a travel-ready Vacheron Constantin to a sentimental Cartier and a vintage Rolex—making the piece a snapshot of individual priorities, not a ranking or buying verdict.
What each Time+Tide contributor would keep
The picks and rationales below reflect the contributors’ opinions and the specifications described in Time+Tide’s article, published 23 December 2024. They are not independent tests or confirmation of current production, prices, or availability. Read the original Time+Tide feature.
Jamie: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time
Jamie chooses the standard stainless-steel Overseas Dual Time rather than the rarer Overseas Dual Time Everest. He values its versatility, finishing, and ability to feel sporty or dressy, as well as its quick-change straps and travel-oriented second-time-zone complication. Time+Tide describes an AM/PM indicator at 9 o’clock, a date-advance pusher at 4 o’clock, and 150 metres of water resistance.
Buffy: Cartier Pasha ref. 1033
Buffy’s choice is personal: selling a Pasha she loved left her regretting the decision. The features that stand out to her include an 18k gold diving bezel, blued hands, and a blue sapphire cabochon on the canteen crown. Her pick is an expression of attachment to the watch’s distinctive design, not a claim that it is the most practical all-rounder.
#1 Best Overall
Borna: Universal Genève Polerouter Deluxe or vintage Rolex Explorer
Borna admires the solid-gold Universal Genève Polerouter Deluxe 10357/3, but questions whether it would be versatile enough for a single-watch collection and raises concerns about servicing its micro-rotor movement. He sees vintage Rolex Explorer examples, including references 1016 and 6610, as more suitable for daily wear.
The feature also considers a hypothetical 1970s albino-dial Explorer 1016 and disputed stories about vintage Rolex watches, including the Space-Dweller. It does not establish the provenance of those claims: Time+Tide notes that Rolex had not confirmed the proposed Japanese-market testing origin story. Treat these as part of Borna’s discussion, not settled history.
Rank #2
- Features a classic big dial and quartz movement with stable quality. High hardness coated glass mirror is wear-resistant, scratch-proof, Butterfly double buckle ensures comfortable wear
- Mirror diameter is 1.6 inches (41 mm), case thickness is 0.43 inches (11 mm), and band length is 7 inches (180 mm). The length of the watch can be adjusted, and it weighs 132 g(4.65 ounces). Maximum applicable to about an 8-9" wrist
- Luminous function can be activated by illuminating the watch under strong light for 30-40 seconds, providing a new visual experience at night. Manual includes detailed instructions for adjusting time and calendar
- Fashionable and elegant design for any man who appreciates quality and style. Versatile and stylish men's watches are suitable for any occasion, including parties, work, daily life and dating
- Water resistance for daily life, waterproof to 100 feet (30 m), generally resistant to splashing or brief submersion, but not suitable for swimming or bathing
D.C.: Tudor Black Bay 58 925
D.C. selects the silver-alloy Black Bay 58 925 for its reported 39 mm case, legibility, modern lume, timing bezel, COSC-certified movement, and 200-metre depth rating. Those are specifications as reported by the 2024 feature; it does not verify the watch’s current production status.
Tom: Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin Blue
Tom wants an elegant watch that feels personally distinctive, is manually wound, and has no date window. Time+Tide describes the Classic Origin Blue as having a 40 mm grade 5 titanium case, calibre LF116.01, and an 80-hour power reserve.
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- Movement: Japanese Imported quartz analog movement, provide precise time and long term running.
- Waterproof: Water resistant to 30M. Daily use waterproof, washing hands, raining or splash. But not suitable for swimming, diving, shower.
- Material: Anti-scratch mineral glass and environmental protection vacuum plating case never fade. Genuine leather strap, delicate and soft.
- Multifunction Design: Simple and luxurious dial, covers the week,date, time display, chronograph, LED light functions.
- Perfect Gift: This elegant looking luxury wristwatch can be worn for a variety of occasions, whether formal, business or casual, or from indoor, outdoor events or everyday use.
Russell: Hermès Cut, 36 mm
Russell likes the Hermès Cut’s balance of dress and sport. The feature gives it a 36 mm case, 100-metre water resistance, and a quick-change strap system. Russell acknowledges that the model is relatively unproven, while noting that its H1912 calibre has been around longer and is based on a Vaucher ébauche.
Zach: Grand Seiko SBGA211 “Snowflake”
Zach values the Snowflake’s titanium construction, Spring Drive movement, finishing, and ability to work for everyday wear or more formal occasions. Time+Tide reports 100-metre water resistance. Claims about its accuracy and robustness are Zach’s assessment, rather than the result of an independent test in the feature.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the choices reveal about a one-watch collection
The feature is more useful as a comparison of priorities than as a search for one objectively best watch. Jamie and Russell emphasize versatility and changing the watch’s character; Jamie also prioritizes travel utility. Buffy’s answer shows how much personal history can outweigh conventional criteria. Borna weighs a vintage watch’s appeal against everyday practicality and serviceability, while Tom favors an elegant, manually wound watch with a clean dial.
Water resistance is one point of comparison, but the article’s figures are not a substitute for checking a specific watch’s current manufacturer documentation or condition—especially for vintage examples. Time+Tide reports 150 metres for Jamie’s Vacheron, 200 metres for D.C.’s Tudor, and 100 metres each for Russell’s Hermès and Zach’s Grand Seiko. These figures do not make the models interchangeable: the contributors chose for different reasons, and the article is not a controlled comparison.
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Best Value
There is no current-price comparison in the feature. Cost, condition, servicing, and provenance matter particularly when considering the vintage watches Borna discusses, but the article does not establish current market values or authenticate particular examples.
Quick Recap
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.
