5 Timepieces To Start Your Watch Collection, As Told By An Expert

Thinking about starting a watch collection? Antoine Berardi is head of Watchfinder & Co for Hong Kong and Macau, and gives us the lowdown on which pre-owned luxury timepieces you should consider buying

1. IWC Schaffhausen's Big Pilot in rose gold

Now discontinued, the famous Big Pilot’s watch in rose gold comes with a blue Arabic dial and seven-day power reserve. Initially produced as a highly legible timepiece for pilots and navigators in the Luftwaffe German Air Force in 1940, it has since become a modern classic. Insider tip: be sure to check the warranty when purchasing limited editions second hand.

2. Tudor's Heritage Black Bay Ref 79230R

If you’re thinking about dipping a toe into the world of luxury watch collecting, the Tudor Black Bay Ref 79230R is a classic timepiece you won’t regret. Tudor takes inspiration from parent company Rolex for this diver's watch, which comes with a new in-house movement that's housed in a contemporary case size. Tudor is a highly respected brand, and the Black Bay is an easy piece to exchange as your collection matures and expands.

3. Patek Philippe's Grand Complications Ref 5270G Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

No serious collection is complete without one of these beauties—but getting your hands on one is easier said than done. Produced in famously small numbers, a grand complication combines multiple complications into one watch. In this case, a chronograph, perpetual calendar and moon phase are all housed together. It’s a sophisticated choice and would be considered a champion piece in anybody’s collection.

4. Vacheron Constantin's Vintage Ref 44005

Tracking down an eye-catching vintage timepiece is an adrenaline rush, and as you dive deeper into the world of collecting, you start to go back in time when researching stories of each watch. This vintage Vacheron Constantin comes in yellow gold, which was a big trend in the 1970s and 1980s. Make sure that whenever you’re buying a vintage piece, the seller gives you access to authentication papers, as well as a brand-accredited service centre.

5. Rolex's Cosmograph Daytona

According to our research at Watchfinder & Co, the single most sought-after watch in Hong Kong is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. It was introduced in 1963, and designed by Rolex in the hope that it could compete with the already popular Omega Speedmaster, which ended up becoming the first watch worn on the moon. Although the Cosmograph Daytona was sadly passed over, it has since secured itself as the go-to watch for celebrities and sportspeople, including Paul Newman and Fernando Alonso.

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Watches Jewellery Luxury Watchfinder Watchfinder & Co Antoine Berardi watch collection watch collector luxury watches luxury timepieces pre-owned watches