Best up and coming watch brands

I’m about to go into my second year of banking and think it’s time I get myself a nice watch. I want this watch to be an investment with good price appreciation potential while also being very classy and wearable in the office and to events. I don’t want to buy the classic finance watches that everyone gets like Rolex / Omega and would want something a bit more affordable (~1k) but high-quality and unique - any recommendations?

13 Comments
 

I recently went to a trip in Japan with some buddies wondering the same thing. Ended up buying from a Kyoto microbrand, Kuoe, and have been super happy with it. The brand has been discussed by enthusiasts like Teddy Baldassarre more frequently in recent months so I think there is some upside potential (especially having only started in 2020). Have gotten a lot of compliments on it at the office and on dates.

 

One of my associates just got one two days ago. I personally think Kuoe looks great but definitely a bunch of options out there.

 

Just my 2 cents, I was in Kyoto a couple weeks back and visited their store with high expectations given their marketing, reviews e.t.c. Wasn't at all impressed in person but I have to give it to them their customer service was 10/10

 

For ~$1k you could do Nomos (especially used), Junghans (Max Bill), Christopher Ward, or Baltic. These are all reputable brands that would get credit from watch people.

Maybe stretching your budget or buying used Oris. Hamilton also makes some good watches around the $1k mark but they are more known/common.

 

No watch in that price range is going to appreciate over time. Why would a $1000 commodity ever appreciate in price? Don’t fall prey to the retarded YouTubers who shill this drivel to the younger generation that watches are “investments.” A $50k rare vintage JLC would be. A $1000 up-and-comer piece is not. This is not to say they’re not decent watches; they’re just not investments…

 

Depends on what you like/want. As said above, Nomos, Christopher Ward, and Baltic are all good brands. Nomos would have more of a "dressier" look on average and most models would be used to get around that 1k mark, my favorite model is the Tangete 38 mm. Christopher Ward has the Twelve that would be a great do it all watch, can get for around 1300 new. Baltic has a really nice looking dive watch, the Aquascaphe, for under 1k new, which would be a sportier look.

Below pictures in order, all offer different variations.

Nomos Tangente Watch

Mens White The Twelve Sports Watch 40mm Face with Steel Bracelet Strap

Baltic Aquascaphe Classic Black Cream - Automatic mechanical dive watch for men waterproof 39mm stainless steel

 

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