Do you own a watch that is perfect for all occasions? Does such a thing exist? In truth, it's probably hard to find a single watch suitable for every occasion, whether a wedding, a party, daily work, a hike across the wilderness or a deep sea dive. If you did have such a creature, it's probably a stainless steel tool watch. So perhaps the more accurate question is, do you own a watch where you would confidently reach for it on most occasions, allowing for small exclusions…like deep sea diving?
Here are the thoughts of the WatchGecko authors.
Nathan
Formex Essence 39 - Credit WatchGecko
I find myself at a pivotal point in my collecting journey. After years of cherishing sub-$500 watches and developing an appreciation for the allure of Seiko or Miyota-powered microbrands, I've fallen under the captivating spell of the Formex Essence. This infatuation is bittersweet. It feels good to discover a captivating watch (afterall, that is why we are all here), yet my wallet hasn't quite caught up with my heart. For now, I'll settle for lusting after this all-rounder until the time is right to wear it all around.
Primarily a dress watch, the Essence boasts a captivating CNC-machined dial and a satisfying blend of polished and brushed finishes. Yet, what sets it apart is its versatility. Unlike most dress watches that feel downright fragile, the Formex Essence is engineered to withstand whatever challenges you throw its way. With more than capable water resistance, a robust sapphire crystal, and a suspended case designed for adaptability and comfort during any activity, the Essence stands ready for every occasion.
Neil
My vintage Tudor 7928 from 1969 is the perfect watch for every occasion. For some time, this was just a grail piece. Something I would have hoped to own one day that would top everything thing else I own. In fact, if I had to have just one watch, it would be just this one. This, for me, defines exactly what a diver's watch should be. Tough, robust, versatile and a thing of beauty, of which the 7928 ticks all these boxes.
It has the charm of the age of the 1960's, so much history, especially with the Tudor small rose emblazoned on the dial. It's a very stylish and timelessly classic design. More importantly, the Submariner is part of the evolution of dive watches. I love it, dress it up with the bracelet or down with a 1973 Military Nylon, it's the perfect watch for any occasion.
Richard
I am currently the custodian of a 1961 Eterna-Matic Centenaire Chronometer that was gifted to me in 2019. It belonged to my wife's grandfather, Lewis, and she surprised me with it after her mother passed. It's not my traditional style, but I confess to being captivated by it and have embraced stories about its original owner. Lewis, a WW1 veteran, bought the watch directly from Eterna in 1961 for the not-insubstantial amount of CHF 500 (around £2,000 today). The watch is model reference 329T, denoted by a gold case and arrowhead hour indices. Eterna's calibre 1439 movement powers it, a movement first seen in 1956 with the Centenaire edition celebrating 100 years of Eterna watches. I have had the watch serviced, the armourer plexiglass replaced with a period-accurate replacement, and the watch is mint.
I refer to myself as the custodian, not the owner. My son is not the obsessive watch fan I am but has said that one day, hopefully in the distant future, he will inherit and treasure his Great-Grandfather's Eterna-Matic Chronometer Centenaire. Through generations of our family, it has proven to be a watch for all occasions, and I plan to continue this time-honoured trend.
Charlotte
For me, when it came to choosing a watch I'd wear on any occasion, I decided to go for something that was still robust enough to survive my love of mild outdoor adventures but more importantly would transition with me as I go from working to socialising. The watch needs to be comfortable, precise, and still look the part. And so, after much deliberation, I went with the TUDOR Black Bay 58.
Sadly, this is a watch still on my bucket list, but it's one I know would remain steadfast on my wrist once I'd purchased it. It's durable enough for outdoor exploration with a solid 39mm steel case, unidirectional rotating bezel and 200 metre water resistance. But is still has a chic aesthetic that could easily be dressed up or down simply by changing around the strap. I particularly like the pink gilded markings on the black dial and bezel. They add a touch of feminine elegance to the overall design. The in-house, COSC-certified mechanical movement is a nice addition too.
Corbin
The Casio Retro Mirror Black Face A168WEM-1EF is, in my opinion, a perfect one-stop shop watch. It's a timepiece that beautifully bridges the gap between functionality, style, and nostalgia. The watch's design is a nod to the classic digital watches of the 80s and 90s, yet it fits seamlessly into the modern wardrobe. The mirror black face provides a sleek and understated modern look, making it versatile enough to wear on any occasion, whether a casual day out or a more formal event.
What really sets this Casio apart is its unobtrusive simplicity and reliability. The digital display, complete with a backlight, makes time-checking effortless in any lighting condition. The stainless steel band adds a touch of elegance without being too flashy, and the durability is exactly what you would expect from Casio - robust and dependable.
Furthermore, this watch isn't just about looks; it's practical too, offering features like an alarm and stopwatch. Its compact size and lightweight feel make it comfortable for all-day wear. Since it's so affordable, you can easily pick up this "Swiss army knife" of a watch and have a functional, attractive watch that can match nearly any outfit, outfit or occasion. In essence, the Casio Retro Mirror Black Face A168WEM-1EF is a watch that doesn't try too hard yet somehow achieves so much - a classic, understated, and versatile piece that truly fits every occasion.
If you have a watch that is your one-stop shop or you reach for every day (even though you have a collection), let us know. We're always interested in hearing your thoughts because they help us shape what we write and film.
