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8 Unique Watches for Collectors from Various Brands
Watch collectors have particular preferences when it comes to watches.
May 28, 2025
For collectors, every piece added to a specific collection matters. Certain factors like designs, mechanisms, prices, and uniqueness matter when it concerns watch collectors. So, what kind of styles define watches for collectors?
Every watch collector sets their eyes on their targeted items for different reasons. Whether hunting new watches to wear or vintage timepieces to add to the collection, the watch-collecting hobby has something for everyone who has an interest in horology.
Beginners and professional collectors eager to get their hands on fresh timekeeping devices from various brands can consider the recommended watches for collectors in this article. Before that, let’s explore the concept of collecting watches first!
Why Collecting Watches?
A watch collector has a specific way of curating their watches. Each collector has a different approach to the way they collect timepieces of their choice. Generally, a watch collector is perceived as someone who collects watches with purposes beyond their functional purposes.
Being a watch collector doesn’t necessarily mean separating watches for cocktail parties and diving only. Someone who dedicates their time to being a collector tends to focus on certain factors. For example, a collector may have a deep fascination with complicated watches which urges them to collect chronograph watches instead of commonly worn digital watches.
Common Types of Watch Collectors
Depending on the priority of a watch collection activity, watch collectors are divided into the following stereotypical categories:
1. The Vintage
Some watch collectors love vintage pieces because of their deep appreciation of history and the prestige of old-school collections. The targets are usually the vintage timepieces from various brands with specific production dates. Vintage watch collectors also often seek pre-owned timepieces that have memorable stories.
2. The All-Rounder
Unlike a vintage watch collector who zeroes in on old-school pieces, the all-rounder type thinks of a big picture that consists of diverse models. However, all-rounder watch collectors still base their selection on aspects that matter to them personally. Versatile timepieces are something they’re usually looking for because they serve functionality and multifacetedness in style.
3. The Modern
While some old watches for collectors may attract old-school eyes, modern-minded individuals may have another opinion about them. Unlike the vintage soul, modern watch collectors seek out watches with the latest innovation and technology. These horology advancements reveal themselves in the form of contemporary designs and revolutionary features.
Read also: How to Start a Watch Collection: Showcase of Personality
4. The Investor
Some people collect valuable watches for investment purposes. Besides a hobby, collecting watches can also be a worthwhile activity to optimize asset ownership. Investing in watches can be a rewarding sport because of the time and resources spent on searching for the most valuable pieces in the market. Be they limited editions or rare timekeeping devices from high-end brands, collectors can invest in their targeted items.
5. The Strategic
Sometimes a watch collector takes time to buy a watch because every single piece matters to the big picture they have in mind. The strategic collectors give deep thought to the watch they wish to buy and the budget required. This type of collector likes to buy the best item, but they also prioritize their personal preferences. Primarily, the collection is a way to satisfy their passion for horology. However, they also wear the watches in their collection occasionally.
8 Recommended Watches for Collectors
Despite the stereotypes mentioned above, every collector has the right to curate their personal watch catalogs according to their preferences. Oftentimes, watch collectors can change their trajectory of hobby or diversify their collections. To help expand one’s watch collection, consider the following recommendations from Gnomon:
1. Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer GMT Blue - Special Edition
One enduring quality that makes a watch worth collecting is the limited edition labeling. The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer GMT Blue can be the perfect fit for a nautical dive watch collection. The 40.5 mm watch features a design that strongly reflects the vintage 37mm Mido SkyDive Diver and Diver Scuba.
Though the emphasis is on the retro style and vibrant colors, the special edition watch is equipped with advanced technology. The bezel has a traditional “Worldtimer” design, which rotates clockwise and anti-clockwise. To ensure safety for diving activities, the limited edition Mido watch also features a watertight case with a reliable water resistance of 200 m. Besides the GMT and date functions, the watch is powered by the in-house automatic Mido Caliber 80 movement, which can preserve power for up to 80 hours.
As a special edition release, the watch is completed with a retro stainless steel polished Milanese mesh strap. Additionally, the watch can also be adjusted with a rubber strap that matches the color of the dial and bezel. The watch has quick-release spring bars, which allow the wearer to change the band easily. Overall, the combination of retro style and advanced technology of this watch suits contemporary watch collectors.
Price: $1,179.00 USD
2. Gruppo Ardito Lince Turquoise - Special Edition
Gruppo Ardito watches are made in Italy, but they use Swiss mechanical movement to comply with the highest quality standards. The Gruppo Ardito Lince Turquoise is especially a masterful craft due to its impressive 2,000 m water resistance. It’s a sports watch made of grade 5 titanium material, which makes it lightweight and durable.
The 42 mm watch has a matte body and features a screw-down crown equally made of grade 5 titanium. What sets the turquoise apart from the black and blue variants is the engraving of the word “Turquoise” on the other side of the case. Much like the indices and hands on the dial, the engraving at the side of the case is luminous.
Design-wise, the dial is the highlight of the special edition GAW. It features the fumé turquoise blue color with handmade finishings and impressive construction. The applied markers adopt traditional styles to pair with C3 SuperLuminova, which elevates the retro aesthetic and improves the watch’s visibility in the dark. To complete the look, the 22 mm artisanal shark leather strap with a matching color to the dial is attached securely to the spring bar.
Price: $1,490.00 USD
3. Ball Watch Co. Engineer Master II Doolittle Raiders 40mm Blue
To commemorate the Doolittle Raiders, who risked their lives in the impossible mission during World War II, Ball Watch released the Engineer Master II Doolittle Raiders on its 80th anniversary. The 40 mm watch combines the military style and advanced watchmaking technology.
The special watch is powered by automatic movement and features a screwed-in onion crown, which gives it 100 m water resistance. Made of 316L stainless steel with multi-polished finishing, the watch ensures durability through and through. Additionally, the case has the in-house patented Mu-Metal Shield protection, which gives it a magnetism resistance of 1,000 Gauss, equal to 80,000 A/m.
What makes the dial special is the rainbow hues on the hour markers that glow in the dark. Opposite the date display at 3 o’clock is the bright yellow Doolittle Raiders’ emblem. On the bottom of the dial, the number of each piece is attached to indicate the limited number of its releases. To strengthen the military aesthetic, a silver pilot insignia is added to the design of the dial.
Price: $1,860.00 USD
Read also: Consider these Handy Tips on How to Buy Vintage Watches
4. Steinhart Nav B - Monopusher 42 Black
For pilot watch enthusiasts, the Steinhart Nav B-Monopusher 42 Black can make a worthy addition to a watch collection. The 42 mm watch has a stainless steel case with satin finishes and features a historic onion crown. It’s powered by the Sellita SW 510 hand-winding movement.
To protect the stunning Arabic numeral dial and snake hands, the double-mirrored sapphire crystal is attached. At the 6 o’clock position, the wearer can check the date, while at the side of the case, precisely at 3 o’clock, the screw-down crown is attached. This special edition is limited to only 100 units worldwide.
Price: $1,220.00 USD
5. Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Automatic
Like traditional pilot watches, the large and legible quality of the 44 mm Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Automatic exudes boldness. Though utilizing the domed crystal and unique hinged case back, the watch still looks slim with a reasonable thickness of 11.5 mm.
To accentuate the refinement, the finishing on the case is beautifully executed. At the 3 o’clock position, the onion crown that’s synonymous with pilot watches is attached. A 22 mm brown leather strap with vintage stitching complements the matte black dial, which completes the old-school look.
The case back offers something unique that can elevate the watch’s attractiveness to potential buyers. Its design is inspired by vintage pocket watches. The back can be opened when someone pushes a button at the 4 o’clock position. Inside the caseback, the perlage decoration and the inner movement of the Alpina AL-525 with its custom black rotor can be seen clearly.
Price: $1,268.00 USD
6. Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT “Akebono“
The Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT “Akebono“ offers the stylishness and sharpness of the refined 316L stainless steel. Its full black aesthetic may appeal to modern watch collectors who are looking for functionality, style, and uniqueness all in one. Besides sitting pretty in the collection space, the Presage watch can also be comfortably worn around the wrist.
Akebono means the darkness that gives way to dawn. It’s reflected in the combination of the all-black and smoky purple dial. The 42.2 mm watch is paired with the 20 mm blackout stainless steel bracelet, which displays brushed finishes and intricate polishes. Both the case and bracelet receive Seiko’s super-hard coating treatment.
The beautiful smoky purple dial also features the Japanese Asanoha pattern; the hemp plant has been native to Japan for over a thousand years. Beneath the stunning dial is the in-house Seiko 6R64 automatic GMT movement. Other than that, the screw-in caseback helps the watch get a 100 m water resistance. This watch is limited to only 2,000 pieces worldwide.
Price: $1,288.00 USD
7. Hamilton Ventura XXL Edge Dune Limited Edition
A movie lover who’s also a watch enthusiast should consider the Hamilton Ventura XXL Edge Dune Limited Edition. Adding this special watch that’s born out of the collaboration between Hamilton and Dune: Part Two can bring uniqueness to a watch collection.
The limited edition watch resembles the wrist device in the movie. It features an unusual matte black PVD-coated angular case with a blue-light digital display that references the Fremen people. Not only that, the packaging is also something special that watch collectors and film buffs alike can look forward to.
Price: $2,375.00 USD
8. Orient Star Mechanical Classic Moon Phase
The Orient Star Mechanical Classic Moon Phase is a dress watch with a 41 mm diameter and elegant design. This Japanese semi-skeleton watch may be something unique to add to a watch collection. Its stainless steel case gets Byzantine satin-brushed and polished finishes. The moderate size makes it easy for the watch to slip on the wrist. Its push-pull crown gives the watch a 50 m water resistance.
Through the flat sapphire crystal, the stunning dial looks like a reflection of the moon on Lake Tazawa, located in Akita prefecture. The Roman numeral markers are paired with long and sharp hands. To improve the functionality, the watch features a power-reserve indicator at 12 o'clock and a moon date complication at 6 o’clock.
Price: $1,345.00 USD
Conclusion
Despite various preferences in picking watches for collectors, one thing remains true about this hobby: the deep appreciation for horology. Every watch has its unique characteristics, which can attract anyone’s attention. Be they dress watches or pilot watches, watch collectors decide what they want to add to their collections.
Surely, not all watches can be packed and tucked into the confines of someone’s collection. Determining which piece to collect is something personal to a watch collector. Ultimately, collecting is someone’s journey to discover the personalized catalog of their preference in timepieces.
