Reality Collection: 5 Watches for £15k

ImranLondon · 2017-10-29T01:55:45Z

Explore a £15k, five-watch 'reality collection' featuring Cartier, Omega, Tudor, Tag Heuer, and Rolex. Community debate on value and versatility.

ImranLondon

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

38 replies7694 views6 photos

Miranda challenges the WatchProSite community to build a five-watch collection for £15,000, roughly half the average UK salary, aiming for a 'reality collection' that covers all bases. His thoughtful selections, including a Cartier Tank American and Omega Speedmaster Professional, spark a lively debate on value, versatility, and horological significance within a practical budget.

38 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

I think sometimes we can get a bit lost when it comes to how many are hobby is!

The average salary in the Uk is £27,600

This made me think

5 watches to cover all bases

Allow sone flex on RRP with some good bargains or a trip to the airport LOL 😂

Max budget £15K

Roughly half the avg wage

So a fairly doable collection

Here is my attempt

Dress

Cartier Tank American

£5100

Chronograph

Only one choice really

Had to be the ubiquitous Omega Speedmaster Professional

£3400

Divers watch

How about something a little different

The Tudor Bronze

£2900

A travel watch, something tough, waterproof so you can go swimming, not to expensive but with character

Tag Heuer!

And Finally

The great all rounder

Work:casual:business

Only one really

With a bit of effort all for £15k

What would you get for £15k?

Best

Imran

Key Points from the Discussion

A £15k budget allows for a strong five-watch collection, with some suggesting a £10k budget is also feasible for quality pieces like the Tudor Black Bay 36, IWC Pilot's Watch 36, and Nomos Metro.
Alternative suggestions include consolidating the budget for a single higher-value piece like a Rolex Submariner or Explorer I, or opting for a JLC Reverso Rouge 1931 over a Cartier Tank.
The discussion highlights the debate between hand-finished movements and technical advancement, with Rolex movements praised for robustness and technical art, despite being machine-produced and lacking hand-finishing.
The Calatrava is considered an entry-level Patek Philippe, potentially compromised in finishing quality, leading some to suggest choosing a fine watch from a less 'big' name if a 'real' Patek is not an option.
Icons like the Omega Speedmaster and Cartier Tank American are defended for their history and enduring appeal, questioning whether a newer piece like the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia can achieve similar iconic status over time.
Collectors propose diverse five-watch collections within the budget, featuring vintage pieces like the JLC Memovox, Omega Speedmaster 125, and IWC Ingenieur 3521, emphasizing versatility for various occasions.

The Discussion

ImranLondon

Oct 29, 2017

2. Ahhhemmmmm 3700????? I believe that is vintage dear Kari 😂😂😂😂😂👍🏻👍🏻

dr.kol

Oct 29, 2017

Mr. Thierry Stern asked for my other one and it ended to Patek Museum. So I could also let the first version 3700-001 go. Unfortunately probably only through an auction as the watch is perfect, with the Certificate and other papers plus original wallet and naturally with a perfect cork box. So I am mostly looking at the modern ones. This Nautilus is just a side step. Best, Kari

Ares501 - Mr Green

Oct 29, 2017

and one dress Great theme Imran Have a nice Sunday Cheers D

Mike H

Oct 29, 2017

...first MY answer : this could surely be the first installment for my next Laurent Ferrier Double Spiral Tourbillon Then my answer to Your question : PP 5196 P (2nd hand) + Ming 17.01 blue I might be over the budget but never mind, I'm ready to eat only noodles ans rice for quite a while for getting my grail

TS1987

Oct 29, 2017

Have to be a one watch backpacker next year. Might chuck my Zenith Daytona on a red and black G10 strap and leave the box and papers at home. What other choices do I have?

Watch_kha_wen

Oct 29, 2017

Or you need to pick only 1?

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 38 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum