TGIF: Non-Homage Watches to Collect

Sometimes, the chase for a grail watch can get exhausting. It seems like the price of a fine Rolex or a Patek Philippe, or an Audemars Piguet timepiece put them forever out of reach. In truth, they might be. These watches are priced very high because they are a status symbol and a way to display wealth. As aspirational symbols and wealth totems, these watches are meant to be out of most people's reach. 

Collectible Watches for the Rest of Us

One alternative is the homage watch that looks almost like its inspiration timepiece. For example, I've found plenty of alternatives to the Rolex President. But, sometimes homage watches are a constant reminder of what they are not. They are not the grail watch and they don't symbolize that accomplishment.

 

This Nibosi is not a Rolex (Amazon photo)

I find that when a grail watch is out of reach--and most of them are lately. It can be good to find a watch that I can actually afford, that isn't an homage, that is worth wearing, and that is interesting in its own right.

Affordable Watch Brands

Companies like Bulova, Diesel, Invicta, Orient, Seiko, and Timex make watches that most collectors can afford. With a some best-selling exceptions, these brands also make watches that are based on their own traditions, their own design sensibilities, and their own product visions. Brands like Bulova, Orient, Seiko, and Timex have rich histories to draw upon and build upon. Newer brands like Diesel and Invicta make many watches that break with watchmaking traditions and give us bold new watch designs that just catch the eye.

Collectible Timex Watches

If you are yearning to plug into a long horological history a rich  watch-making heritage, and affordable watches, Timex is a great place to start. The company was founded as a clock company in 1854 and always innovated in ways that made watches affordable to anyone. Today, they still have plenty of very practical watches like the Easy Reader, Expedition, and Ironman. But, they also have watch lines that are solidly aimed at middle class watch collectors. Check out their Chicago, Marlin (available here on Amazon), and Waterbury watch lines for some great choices.

A pair of Timex Waterbury Watches

Collectible Diesel Watches

Alternatively, you could collect the bold, brash, designs of a great fashion watch company like Diesel. They make watches that are bigger than most watches and that incorporate design elements that aren't found in the designs of staid, traditional, watch companies. Watches like this Diesel Mr. Daddy 2.0 draw attention and evoke reactions. It's no shrinking violet. Hence the logo: "Only the Brave." You can find this Diesel on Amazon here.

Diesel Mr. Daddy 2.0 Watch (Amazon photo)

The list of collectible watches could go on and on. The main thing is that you get to define and create your own watch collection and you don't have to adhere to the watch collecting norms established by the Swiss brands. You get to decide what you consider a prestigious watch. You can choose what to collect and what your criteria are for buying timepieces. Just have fun!

Where to Buy Diesel Watches

I've put together a page with some of best Diesel watches that I've found on Amazon as a convenient buying guide and reference.  You can find my Best Diesel Watches on Amazon page here!