LIST: 8 watches under 10,000 CHF we’d love to see win at GPHG

LIST: 8 watches under 10,000 CHF we’d love to see win at GPHG

Cameron Wong

In about a week’s time (November 9 Swiss time, to be exact), the watch industry’s night of nights – the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève – will be just wrapping up, and it goes without saying that the after-parties will be pumping. Though some may be bigger than others, with the anticipation finally over and the event’s winners officially announced. We can’t wait that long, however, and our excitement is starting to show, so we’ve compiled a list of eight watches that we’d love to see take a gong home this year, with one small restriction — they must cost less than 10,000 CHF.

Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s Re-creation

Let’s start this list on a high – a hi-beat, that is. And the first watch we’d love to see take home a prize is Seiko’s re-creation of their OG hi-beat diver, the SLA025. Not only is it an incredibly faithful re-creation of the original, but it also pairs two of Seiko’s best – Zaratsu polishing, and a Grand Seiko movement. 6500 CHF ($8500 AUD)

Habring2 Doppel-Felix

During his time at IWC, Richard Habring essentially opened up the split-seconds chronograph to the masses, streamlining the complication and making it far more affordable to produce. Now heading up his own watch brand with his wife Maria, the Doppel-Felix introduces an updated in-house version of the complication in a classically styled value-packed package. 8650 CHF ($11,625 AUD)

Longines Record

Certifying an entire collection to meet chronometer standards is no easy undertaking, especially for a brand that produces as many watches as Longines. The Record collection is just that, however, and every watch is accurate to -4/+6 seconds a day. This version celebrates the achievement with a solid 18k rose gold case and playful sunray blue dial. 6300 CHF ($8050 AUD)

Ulysse Nardin Diver

Last year, Ulysse Nardin’s Marine Regatta took out the Sports Watch Prize category at GPHG. And we think that this year’s Diver is in with another very real shot. It’s been streamlined compared to previous versions, but still manages to retain all the hallmarks that set it apart from other dive watches – like its in-house movement with lengthy 60-hour power reserve and impressive silicium parts. 7900 CHF ($11,400 AUD)

Tudor Black Bay GMT

Facing some incredibly tough competition this year, we’d be lying if we said that it wouldn’t be nice to see Tudor’s fan-favourite Black Bay GMT walk away with a prize. Because it certainly has a lot to offer – that much-loved Black Bay design, and a handy new complicated movement. 3700 CHF ($4670 AUD)

Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback

Based on the famed Zenith “Cairelli” Tipo CP-2 Chronographs that were issued to the Italian Armed Forces in the 1960s, this Zenith Pilot flexes more than just some serious military muscle. With the high-beat El Primero chronograph boasting flyback functionality, and its bronze case ready to bear the scars of battle with patinaed pride, it’s certainly a worthy contender. 7900 CHF

TAG Heuer Monaco Gulf

Silver screens and racetracks … the story of TAG Heuer’s Monaco Gulf is, well, legendary. And gives the rest of the competition a very real run for their money. Especially when you pair it with show-stopping colours on the dial, and that left-hand sided crown that – just like the original – reminds its wearer that no hand-winding is required on this automatic. 5700 CHF ($7650 AUD)

MING 19.01

Designed by a collector for collectors, MING’s 19.01 quickly had the watch world talking when it was released late last year. And the conversation hasn’t stopped since. With its unique design that showcases an incredible Schwarz Etienne-made movement through a graduating clear-to-dark opaque centred sapphire crystal on the front. Oh, and just for the fun, the outer edge of the dial glows with luminescent goodness. 7900 CHF