Cover Cartier Santos automatic watch (Photo: Unsplash)
Cartier Santos automatic watch (Photo: Unsplash)
1 / 1
From iconic heritage pieces to modern marvels of engineering, these watches set the foundation for a well-curated collection
In the world of horology, starting a watch collection is as much about building a personal story as it is about acquiring fine timepieces. For the aspiring collector, the first acquisitions should not only look the part but also embody heritage, technical mastery and versatility. The art of collecting lies in balance, mixing heritage with modernity, sportiness with elegance and artistry with engineering. Each of these watches brings its own unique story and function, holding value not merely in monetary terms but in the history and craftsmanship they carry.
Here are five timepieces that will give any new collector a well-rounded, thoughtful foundation.
More from Tatler: From Ibarra to GPHG 2025: Francisco Moreno on the rise of Filipino watchmaking
Cartier Santos Medium Green Dial Steel
Above Cartier Santos Medium Green Dial Steel (Photo: courtesy of The English Watch)
Cartier Santos Medium Green Dial Steel (Photo: courtesy of The English Watch)
1 / 1
If you are starting a collection, it is only fitting to begin with a watch that changed the course of watchmaking itself. The Cartier Santos, created in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, is widely considered the first wristwatch designed for men. It features a 35.1 mm square case, a robust automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve and Cartier’s “QuickSwitch” system for effortless strap changes. With its exposed screws and balanced proportions, it bridges elegance and casual sophistication, making it an ideal gateway into the world of iconic dress-sport watches.
Omega Speedmaster “Ed White”
Above Omega Speedmaster Ed White Cal.321 1965 (Photo: courtesy of Vintage Watch Centre)
Omega Speedmaster Ed White Cal.321 1965 (Photo: courtesy of Vintage Watch Centre)
1 / 1
From the first wristwatch to the first walk in space, the Omega Speedmaster “Ed White” is steeped in adventure. Named after astronaut Ed White, who made history in 1965 as the first American to perform a spacewalk, this Speedmaster houses the legendary Calibre 321. Its 39.7 mm stainless steel case, stepped dial, and dot-over-ninety tachymeter bezel mirror the original 1960s design. It connects you not only to NASA’s golden era but also to the enduring romance of mechanical chronographs, making it a must-have for collectors who value history and precision.
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection SBGA413 Shunbun Spring Blossom
Above Grand Seiko Heritage Collection NEW 2025 SBGA413 Shunbun Spring Blossom (Photo: courtesy of Chrono24 Philippines)
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection NEW 2025 SBGA413 Shunbun Spring Blossom (Photo: courtesy of Chrono24 Philippines)
1 / 1
A collector’s box is incomplete without a piece that showcases artistic subtlety, and Grand Seiko delivers it beautifully with the SBGA413 Shunbun Spring Blossom. Representing the Japanese spring season, its soft pink dial captures the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms. Beneath its elegance lies the Spring Drive Calibre 9R65, offering a power reserve of approximately 72 hours and accuracy within ±1 second per day. The 40 mm case is crafted from high-intensity titanium, making it both lightweight and remarkably durable. This watch proves that artistry and technical innovation can coexist seamlessly, making it an essential conversation starter in any budding collection.
Tag Heuer Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition
Above Tag Heuer Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition (Photo: courtesy of SJX Watches)
Tag Heuer Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition (Photo: courtesy of SJX Watches)
1 / 1
Every collection benefits from a chronograph with racing pedigree, and Tag Heuer’s Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition delivers with confidence. Drawing inspiration from the 1964 Carrera reference 2447, it blends mid-century elegance with modern wearability. This column-wheel chronograph offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve and 100 metres of water resistance. It is sporty, refined and historically significant, a timepiece that pays tribute to one of Tag Heuer’s most important designs while still feeling fresh on the wrist.
Tudor Pelagos 39mm
Above Tudor Pelagos 39 (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Philippines)
Tudor Pelagos 39 (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Philippines)
1 / 1
Finally, a true tool watch completes the starter collection. The Tudor Pelagos 39mm has quickly become one of the brand’s best-selling models, and with good reason. Its Grade 2 titanium case is paired with a fully lumed ceramic bezel insert, ensuring exceptional legibility in all conditions. Powered by the Manufacture Calibre MT5400, it delivers a 70-hour power reserve and COSC-certified chronometer precision. The compact 39 mm size and 200 metres of water resistance make it far more versatile than many professional divers. Whether paired with a suit, worn on a dive or making an appearance at a wedding, this is a watch that embodies the concept of a “daily driver” without compromising on rugged capability.
Christofer Palentino tells stories the way a digital marketer reads a campaign report: seeking patterns, turning points and the human truths hidden behind the numbers. A digital marketing professional with a keen eye for analytics, he fuses data-driven insight with creative vision to capture moments that define the cultural pulse.
His niche spans the spectrum of pop culture—music, film and fashion—anything that shapes and reflects the zeitgeist. For him, every trend has a story, and every story has a strategy.
Connect with him on Instagram @_chrspl or at christofer@tatlerphilippines.com
