LIST: The $20K fantasy watch collection challenge – readers only edition

Cameron Wong

Last week the entire Time+Tide team were posed a challenge. The premise was simple: construct a hypothetical watch collection with as many watches as we liked for as close to $20,000 AUD as possible. The only other stipulation — we couldn’t choose any watches that we currently own. Well, we had a lot of fun, and if the reaction on social media was anything to go by, you guys did too. To be honest, so much fun was had, we thought we’d keep the ball rolling and post a few of our favourite dream collections that you, our readers, sent us. So, without further ado, the great $20k fantasy watch collection (readers only) challenge.

Jonathan from Facebook

Jonathan’s collection is not only value packed – we’re assuming he’s going with second-hand prices here and that he has some solid hook-ups – but it’s also incredibly diverse. There’s a GMT, a chronograph, a handful of divers, and something dressy for when the occasion calls for it. A collection more than worth celebrating with that bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon at the end.

Rolex Explorer II

Rolex? Check. A little complication? Check. Value? Check!

Omega Aqua Terra

Something for all occasions (even the dressy ones).

Tudor Heritage Chrono

It’s sporty, It’s old (inspired), and it’s blue. What more could you ask for?

Tudor Black Bay Bronze

Who doesn’t love a bit of patina?

Longines Legend Diver

The vintage-inspired legend.

Seiko SKX 007

A must for any collection, and one that often kicks off the addiction.

Bottle of Pappy Van Winkle

Just a nip to round things out.

Clayton from Facebook

Another collection that covers all bases, Clayton picked some absolute winners. There’s a pair of excellent everyday pieces, with the Hamilton and Tudor. The Sinn covers multiple time zones, a chronograph, and something a little dressy. While for the finest of occasions, the Cartier brings it home with a superbly elegant design and the added romance of a moonphase.

Hamilton Khaki Mechanical

Some everyday military-inspired awesomeness.

Tudor Black Bay 41

The perfect companion for any occasion, made better in blue.

Sinn 6099

German class and engineering at its finest.

Cartier Drive de Cartier Moon Phase

Oh baby, you can drive me home.

Tom from Instagram

Tom’s fantasy collection is like everybody’s favourite radio station. Pumping out the classics all day long. It starts with two killer picks from the five-pointed crown – the Datejust to bring some class, and the Submariner as the perfect choice for a do-everything, everyday piece. The IWC completes the package, with an uber-classic design and a crispy fresh white dial.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41

Fluted or non-fluted bezel, there’s no denying the classic styling of the Datejust.

Rolex Submariner ref. 14060

Black dial, two lines, and no date. About as pure as they come.

IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII

The Mark XVIII is the clean and fresh icing on top.