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15 Must-Have Mens Watches Under £10000 To Make A Wrist-Worthy Impression

If you are a fashion addict, pining for the latest threads, sports car or pair of Nikes, you may be better looking for a long term vaccine. May we point you in the direction of Haute Horlogerie? It’s best if you start looking for a watch with the technical and physical prowess to last you a lifetime, not to mention, the potential to hold value. One second on the wrist can make a powerful impact lasting generations.

One thing that most celebs and high net worth gentlemen know is that watches can be more than just a fashion statement. Sure, they are the ultimate luxury refinery, telling more than just time, especially if you consider top major brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe. Yet they can pose brilliant assets for your investment portfolio although we would always promote wearing timepieces for pure pleasure. If you check your social media timelines, you’ll see watches from the past and the present that sell for millions.

Need we refer to Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona which sold in 2017 for around £15 million? For a more contemporary reference, how about Cristiano Ronaldo’s Jacob & Co Twin Turbo Furious, capped at 18 pieces which sold for over £1.5 million?

We can wax lyrical all day (and night) on these overpriced beasts brimming with more diamonds than King Charles III’s crown. Nevertheless, we know the real value lies in finding a gem with reams of firepower, buckets of style, flex appeal and something that will endure more than Cher’s career.

Without overstimulating you keen horophiles too much with wacky numbers reserved for the isolated elites, join us as today, we discover the best men’s watches under £10,000 that are certain to cause a stir or have that killer edge for years to come.

Invest your time with us right now and you won’t be disappointed!

1. Grand Seiko Heritage Collection SLGH013

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter: 40mm

- Case Thickness: 11.7mm

- Water Resistance: 100 metres

- Lug Width: 19mm

- Movement: 9SA5

- Power Reserve: 80 hours

The Grand Seiko SLGH013 follows the release of the 44GS way back in 1967.

Source - Grand Seiko

The 44GS is famed for being the pioneer behind Grand Seiko’s style. Created by young designer Nobuhiro Kosugi, the subsequent watches are primed on a specific style, including an oversized 12 o’clock hour marker, signature Zaratsu polishing and sharp case edges. Let’s see how the SLGH013 shapes up!

Yes, the SLGH013 remains a hot inclusion to the 44GS line. Sized at 40mm, they are crafted out of their own Ever Brilliant Steel material, representing the first Grand Seiko piece to use the material in a mainstream collection. Used on the case and the bracelet, this steel is a very high grade, ensuring a high level of corrosion resistance, durability and a beautiful shine.

Given Zaratsu polishing along the tops of the case, it provides a mirror aesthetic that draws the eyes into the face.

The timepieces feature a sapphire crystal back, where you can enjoy the beauty of the 9SA5 calibre. We implore you to turn your eyes to the beautiful dial face.

We do love the light blue sheen that imitates the snowy tips of Grand Seiko’s HQ in Mt Iwate. This flat face is completely open in order to allow light to be cast through while enhancing the faceted hour markers. The 12 hour markers are doubled in size, offering a high level of legibility to promote the visibility of the watches. And for under £10,000, you are getting a lot of bang for your horological buck.

Powered by the 9SA5 calibre, this automatic calibre with manual winding offers a daily rate of +5/-3 seconds per day and an accuracy of around +8 to -1 seconds per day. The calibre has a mighty power reserve of around 80 hours meaning you can take this baby on long weekend trips and extended overseas business stays. Fitted with a steel bracelet, contrast this novelty with a white suit shirt for those days when you want to look on point in the office.

RETAIL PRICE

You can buy a Grand Seiko Heritage Collection SLGH013 for £8,400 as of January 2024.

2. Zenith Chronomaster Sport 03.3100.3600/69.C823

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter: 41mm

- Case Thickness: 13.6mm

- Water Resistance: 100 metres

- Lug Width: 20mm

- Movement: El Primero 3600

- Power Reserve: 60 hours

Released in 1994, The Zenith Chronomaster collection was and represented their ventures into expert mechanical chronograph watches.

Source - Zenith

Bringing with it the legendary Zenith El Primero calibre (the same Calibre Rolex used for their Daytona watches, earning the nickname The Rolex Daytona Zenith), boasted through a sapphire back, the Zenith Chronomaster collection has brought the movement into the incredible acclaim that it has today. Measuring 41mm, they are crafted out of steel and ceramic, presenting a perfect construction for the ultimate watch build.

Having the capability to plunge 100 metres of water resistance, this is optimal for the gent who wants to look the part when in the boardroom or when taking a dip in the pool. The Zenith dial is matte white, allowing the black baton hour markers to be promoted with faceted baton hands which are given touches of lume to boost legibility.

Furthermore, the faces feature chrono type functionality in the form of three applied coloured counters in navy at 3 o’clock, black at 6 o’clock and grey located at 9 o’clock. This is a staple of the tri-colour design from the Zenith Chronomaster’s inception.

Fitted with pump style pushers on the right hand side of the case, the Zenith Chronomaster has chronograph functions offering a small seconds at 9 o’clock, 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock and a 60-second counter at 3 o’clock, totalling 1/10th of a second.

They are powered by the El Primero 3600 movement which totals a whopping 311 components. Pulsating away at 36,000VpH it has a weekend-proof power reserve of 60 hours. Fitted with a blue Cordura effect strap, they would easily compliment a navy suit or sharp off blue pinstripe three piece.

RETAIL PRICE

You can buy a Zenith Chronomaster Sport at retail for £9,300 as of January 2024.

3. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter: 42mm

- Case Thickness: 13.2mm

- Water Resistance: 50 metres

- Lug Width: 20mm

- Movement: Omega 3861

- Power Reserve: 50 hours

Iconic is a term that’s banded about all too often these days. Roy Lichtenstein's work, The Mona Lisa or Super Mario to name but a few. How about the first watch on the Moon?

If you are looking to level up your wrist worthy appeal for under £10,000, we can safely guarantee The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional is perhaps the most significant timepiece in horological history!

Source - Omega

As the watch was used on all six of the moon-landings, this chronograph originally started off as a piece made for the racing world. However, it soon evolved into the lunar legend when it first touched the moon in 1969. Worn by astronaut Buzz Aldrin in 1969, he committed to the first spacewalk, all with an Omega Speedmaster strapped to his wrist.

Crafted in a 42mm steel case, it follows on from the legendary 4th generation Speedmaster that was worn on the Moon. Designed in an asymmetrical case, they combine a polished and brushed finish across the piece.

The black, aluminium bezel is finished with a tachymetric scale, pertaining to the original racing history behind the first Speedmaster, and features the iconic dot over 90 marker. The scale leads into the black dial which is stepped, allowing the chronograph subdials, totalling a 30-minute, 12 hour and small seconds, to be recessed.

The hour markers are batons and filled with lume while the hands are given a sharp tip and an arrow tipped second hand. These watches are powered by the Omega 3861 calibre and have 50 metres of water resistance alongside a 50 hour power reserve. And don’t forget its Master Chronometer certified movement which is both anti-magnetic and highly accurate.

Fitted with a steel, 5 link bracelet, they are prime for the man who wants to wear a camel overcoat when heading to the big mediation, or a nice polo or cashmere jumper when playing it down at that hot new wine bar. For under £10,000, you can never go wrong with a tried and trusted Speedy that has made its cultural stamp on the timekeeping world and beyond.

RETAIL PRICE

You can buy an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional at retail for £7,500 as of January 2024.

4. Panerai Radiomir Tre Giorni PAM01334

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter:

- Case Thickness:

- Water Resistance:

- Lug Width:

- Movement:

- Power Reserve: 80 hours

The Tre Giorni line offers a brilliant ode to Panerai’s incredible heritage, allowing them to show horophiles and connoisseurs vintage appeal alongside a modern design.

Source - Panerai

Offering a fresh interpretation of the Radiomir line, this collection stems back to 1916 when a patent for the Radiomir lume was filed. As the oldest collection of watches from the brand, this is a storied line with more history than the Magna Carta.

The latest Radiomir Tre Giorni PAM01334 watch comes in the typical Panerai bulk of 45mm of AISI 316L Patina Steel. Sure, it may not be Rolex’s highly regarded 904L Oystersteel, but it is the same material used in high powered industries like construction and even deepsea operations.

The scale is similarly crafted out of patina steel which is essentially a style of finish that produces a matte, vintage aesthetic. This coating is applied to the case and bezel, allowing you to glean the old-school look without having to put the watch through its paces for years.

Fitted with a steel screw down back that promotes the 100 metre water resistance, it is furthered by the steel and polished screw down crown that supports the resistance. If you can get past the highly durable steel case, we recommend you cast your eyes towards the gorgeous degradé black dial. It graduates from a pitch black periphery to a lighter grey sheen in the centre. This allows the interchange of Arabic and baton hour markers to stand out, especially since they are dosed with lume, alongside thin rectangular hands.

Powered by the P.6000 calibre, the Radiomir Tre Giorni dances away at around 21,600 VpH and is equipped with Incabloc anti-shock devices and 72 hour power reserve. This is exceptional given the movement is only made up of 110 components. Fitted onto a calfskin brown leather strap, they would look sublime against a camel overcoat, or a fresh tweed jacket for when you're out and about after that long, lazy Sunday lunch washed down with lashings of pink champagne.

RETAIL PRICE

You can buy a Panerai Radiomir Tre Giorni PAM01334 for £6,100 as of January 2024.

5. Cartier Tank Louis W1529856

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter:

- Case Thickness:

- Water Resistance:

- Lug Width:

- Movement:

- Power Reserve: 80 hours

If you are a keen boxing fan, you may have noticed fighting legend Muhammed Ali, adorning a beautiful gold timepiece. Fancy a TKO of epic timekeeping proportions. That is a Cartier Tank!

Source - Cartier

The Cartier Tank’s story dates back to 1917 following Louis Cartier’s stint in the Western Front during WW2. Inspired by the F-17 Renault tanks that he witnessed, Louis managed to take horrific tragedies and turn them into inspirational horological works of art.

Firstly starting as the Cartier Tank Cintrée in 1921, this instantly recognisable collection, known for its brancards design (French for stretcher) has since evolved into the gorgeous Tank Louis W1529856 that we have today.

Crafted in a yellow gold case, they are miniature yet more than flex worth despite its 29.5mm by 22mm size. Shaped into a rectangular design, pertaining to the brancards of military tanks from a birds eye view, Cartier has consistently been the perfect timeless piece for the gentleman. For more than a century, the Swiss brand has been adorned on many famous wrists including Muhammed Ali, Tyler The Creator and Kanye West. Heck, if Rami Malek is a brand ambassador, you know they can move with the times.

The iconic crown is similarly made out of 18K yellow gold and fitted with a sapphire cabochon, synonymous with the brand. The dial is covered with a mineral glass and given a silvered grained dial, allowing the blued steel hands and black Roman numeral hour markers to be promoted. For a piece that totals only 6.35mm thickness, we really are taken aback at the horsepower within this beauty!

With a quartz movement which solely runs hours and minutes, we are fans of the elegant but enduring tan brown alligator leather strap that is always a winner. If you want to own a piece of epic lineage for under £10,000, this will never let you down.

Pair this alongside a brown suede leather jacket. If you are looking for something a little less informal, opt for a black polo or off brown jumper to wreak of elegance...

RETAIL PRICE

You can buy a Cartier Tank Louis W1529856 at retail for £9,800 as of January 2024.

6. Breitling Superocean Heritage ‘57 Highlands

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter: 38mm

- Case Thickness: 9.3mm

- Water Resistance: 100 metres

- Lug Width: 18mm

- Movement: Breitling 10

- Power Reserve: 42 hours

Surprise, surprise…we didn’t go for a Navitimer this time round! Although we wouldn’t stop you splurging nearly £10,000 on one of the best back stories in luxury watches. We have three words for you…slide rule bezel. If you really want to buy a Breitling Navitimer here are our top picks;

Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Boeing 747 - Retail Price - £7,550 (as of January 2024)
Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute PB02301A1B1A1 - Retail Price - £9,300 (as of January 2024)
Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46mm Red Gold - Retail Price - £16,900 (as of January 2024)

For now, let’s focus on The Breitling Superocean collection which is another iconic piece of horological literature. We are not worthy.

Source - Breitling

Stretching back to 1957, The Breitling Superocean came in the form of two releases, Reference 1004 and Reference 807 which are a time only dive piece and chronograph respectively. Both earning the name Superocean, both watches showed the different levels of a dive watch, including the 1004’s out and out the nautical theme and the 807 is the more dressy variant.

Unveiled in December 2023, The Breitling Superocean Heritage ‘57 Highlands has brought with it a great blend of diver excellence with a neon shade of modern brilliance. Taking inspiration from the chilly hills of the Scottish Highlands, this neon, mustard orange variant came in a collection of four accents, namely brown, mustard, navy blue and dark green. Sized in a highly accessible 38mm case size, this modern timepiece is perfect for the everyday wearer.

Designed to follow the classical circular design, the watches utilise both steel and 18K red gold to showcase both sporty and luxury feels. Capable of reaching 100 metres of water resistance, this is bolstered by the screw in back and crown supported with two gaskets.

Around the dial is a bi-directional ratcheted bezel with a luminous capsule at 12 o’clock. Fitted with both dot and baton hour markers alongside a prominent arrow tipped hour hand, the mustard dial allows the white lume filled hour markers to prominently stand out.

Powered by the Breitling 10 movement, the mechanical watches skip merrily away at 28,800VpH with a 42 hour power reserve. The watches are secured by either a distinctly Scottish inspired tweed strap or a metal mesh bracelet. We can see you pulling this off under a charcoal blazer or a similar tweed jacket when out shooting with your friends.

RETAIL PRICE

You can buy a Breitling Superocean Heritage ‘57 Highlands for £5,000 as of January 2024.

7. Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Titanium Opalin

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter: 42mm

- Case Thickness: 13mm

- Water Resistance: 50 metres

- Lug Width: 20mm

- Movement: HUB1153

- Power Reserve: 42 hours

The Classic Fusion collection represented a significant point in Hublot’s horological journey.

Source - Hublot

Released in 2010, the collection harks back to the incredible Big Bang. It follows on from their 1980s release, The Classic Original which opened up new avenues for design due to its prominent screws in the scale and minimalist dials. And while the likes of Blancpain have been around since 1735, this Swiss brand has only been disrupting the sector since 1980.

Crafted in a satin-finished and polished titanium 45mm case, Hublot uses nothing but the finest grade 5 titanium which, after rigorously polishing, shows a very distinct bluish metallic sheen. The vertical satin-brushed bezel is a big talking point among horophiles as it follows the same visible screw design as The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, made up of 6 H-shaped titanium screws.

Covered by a sapphire crystal that's complemented with anti-reflective treatment, the opaline dial allows the small rectangular hour markers and thin hands to be promoted. Fitted with two sub-counters at 3 and 9 o’clock they are silvered and feature a sunburst style finish.

The watches are powered by the HUB1143 which is a self-winding movement. Offering a so-so 42 hour power reserve and 50 metres of water resistance, it is locked onto either a black rubber or alligator leather strap. A strong but understated contender for best watch under £10,000, we think these novelties would look fit for purpose under cream suit sleeves or alongside a burgundy polo.

RETAIL PRICE

You can buy a Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Titanium Opalin at retail for £9,600 as of January 2024.

8. TAG Heuer Monaco Night Driver

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter: 39mm

- Case Thickness: 14.7mm

- Water Resistance: 100 metres

- Lug Width: 22mm

- Movement: Heuer 02

- Power Reserve: 80 hours

If you like vintage collections with a model that has touched the echelons of legendary status, The TAG Heuer Monaco should be on your list. And this Night Driver model from 2023 doesn’t require David Hasselhoff standing on the Berlin Wall with a leather jacket to promote this striking re-interpretation.

Source - TAG Heuer

The TAG Heuer Monaco line was revolutionary upon its release in 1969. Becoming the first automatic square case chronograph, the collection adopted the brand new Calibre 11 which just missed out on being the first automatic chrono calibre behind Zenith’s El Primero movement.

Worn by Steve Mcqueen in the 1971” Le Mans” film, the Monaco collection is respected like a fine wine or aged Japanese whisky. It is arguably a global icon that remains a staple and a beacon of their range.

Sized at 39mm, this squared titanium timepiece is crafted out of the grade 5 variant, guaranteeing quality and an incredible lustre. The titanium is then given a DLC coating, allowing the watches to be blackened in keeping with the “Night” aesthetic.

The caseback and scale are similarly titanium with a crystal exhibition centre, allowing for 100 metres of water resistance. The dial is grey and given an opalin-grey outer dial, in line with the twin squared chrono counters. The outer edge of the dial, hands, tips of the hour markers and sub-counters are fully coated in a blue lume, offering a great spectacle when the sun goes down.

Powered by the in-house Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic, the watches have an 80 hour power reserve alongside a 28,800VpH. Running the ¼ second, 30 minute and 12 hour counter, this movement is a beast with Hulk like power. Fitted onto a leather strap which is secured via a grade 5 titanium double security clasp, these watches would look ideal under a navy suit or alongside a mint-green T-shirt if you want the watch to be the focal point.

RETAIL PRICE

Capped at 600 pieces, you can buy a TAG Heuer Monaco Night Driver at retail for £8,300 as of January 2024.

9. Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter: 40mm

- Case Thickness: 12mm

- Water Resistance: 100 metres

- Lug Width: 20mm

- Movement: Calibre 3285

- Power Reserve: 70 hours

The GMT-Master was released in 1955 as a measure to assist the booming transatlantic travel trend.

Source - Rolex

Designed as the perfect timepiece for pilots it set the aviation world alight in 1982, with an extra GMT hour-hand. This was used to decipher more time zones alongside the 24 hour scale and earned the name, GMT-Master II.

The timepiece is crafted out of Oyster Steel which is Rolex’s proprietary steel. Deciphered as 904L steel, this is the same material that is used in the aerospace and chemical industries. Oyster Steel is as tough as old boots and offers a fantastic lustre when polished.

The bezel on top of the watches is an incredibly important part of the brand's horological history. Crafted out of Cerachrom, this is again Rolex’s spin on another material…ceramic! In particular, this one is very popular as it features both red and blue inserts, linking to the “Pepsi” nickname.

Adorned with a 24 hour scale, the bi-directional rotatable 24 hour graduated scale is essential in fulfilling the home and away purpose of the watches. Working in collaboration with the extra-hour hand, it can be independently set in order to not impact the accuracy of the general timekeeping.

The black dial is fitted with both dot and baton hour markers. The face features a Chromalight display that allows maximum legibility at all times. Chromalight was created by Rolex to emit a beautiful neon blue glow that ensures visibility, even better than that of Super-Luminova!

The GMT-Master II watches are powered by the 3285 calibre. Given Superlative Chronometer certification, they boast a 70 hour power reserve and an impressive -2/+2 seconds per day. Supported by a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, accuracy is maintained even against knocks.

Fitted with a Jubilee bracelet, this 5 link strap offers a brilliant level of dressy design in comparison with the classical Oyster strap. We can see you wearing this with a cream suit for the confident gent, or a black suit and pilot’s hat for when you hop on board your private jet. Without a shadow of doubt one of the best men’s watches under £10,000.

RETAIL PRICE

You can buy a Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO at retail for around £9,550 as of January 2024.

10. IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371604

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter: 41mm

- Case Thickness: 13mm

- Water Resistance: 30 metres

- Lug Width: 20mm

- Movement: 69355

- Power Reserve: 46 hours

The IWC Portugieser is an instrumental part of their portfolio. The collection originally came from a special request made in the 1930s by two Portuguese businessmen. Representing a turning point in horology, they wanted an extra large wristwatch. It took off with gusto and is now a huge player from the brand, renowned for their clean dials and pilot watches.

Source - IWC

The Portugieser Chronograph IW371604 is another great addition to the lineup. Sized at 41mm, the model is crafted out of steel. With a height of around 13mm, The IWC Portugieser may not be deemed as large as it was in the past. Nonetheless, it's certainly prominent enough to be adorned as a piece over the shirt cuffs.

Designed in the classic dress circular shape, the Portugieser watches are polished, as well as the pushers on either side of the crown. The face is given a slightly grey sheen, allowing the rose gold tinted Arabic hour markers and hands to be promoted. Furthermore, the blued seconds hand offers a highly visible alternative to the gold and grey sheen.

The two sub-counters are unusually placed at 12 and 6 o’clock. Unorthodox? Yes, but we rather like it. Home to the 69355 calibre, this automatic, self-winding movement offers 46 hours power reserve, a 28,800VpH and a glorious Côtes de Genève finish. All of this you can witness through the sapphire caseback. Attached onto a black alligator leather strap, the watches would look great with a green cashmere jumper or a crisp suit shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

For under £10,000, you are bagging one of the most legendary collections of the Schaffhausen brand with sublime architectural finishing and an extremely versatile all rounder. What’s not to like?

RETAIL PRICE

You can buy an IWC Portugieser IW371604 for £7,600 as of January 2024.

11. Longines Flagship Heritage

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter: 38.5mm

- Case Thickness: 12.4mm

- Water Resistance: 30 metres

- Lug Width: 19mm

- Movement: L615

- Power Reserve: 72 hours

The Longines Flagship Heritage is a fabulous part of Longines illustrious history, especially since it’s well over its 60th anniversary!

Source - Longines

Originally released in 1957, the collection was designed to offer a completely new design in a post-war period. Gone were the days of morbidity…it’s time to bring in the big guns! However, Longines have developed from the minimalist classicism of its predecessor, by introducing a fresh moon-phase indication.

Built into a rounded steel case, the 12.4mm thick watches are 38.5mm in diameter which means they are the perfect size for dressy occasions. Given a mediocre water resistance of 30 metres, we didn’t expect this to be a piece for the ocean. We’ll save that for the Hydroconquest instead!

The face is covered with a sapphire crystal that has multiple layers of anti-reflection to combat those sunny days or hideous office lighting. The face itself is given a beautiful silver hue, allowing the gilt hands and golden applied indexes to stand out. As expected, all of them are finished with Swiss Super-Luminova.

Who could forget the brand new moonphase indicator situated at 6 o’clock! Given a date chapter ring, the moonphase offers a touch of complexity against the matte cream face. Chrono Hunter thinks this is not only a brilliant adaptation of a classical design, but also foreboding of Longines' turn to complexity as they develop their already established lines!

These luscious luxury watches are powered by an automatic, mechanical movement. Beating at 25,200VpH and with a 72 hour power reserve, this level of accuracy is maintained by a monocrystalline silicon balance spring which combats magnetism. Fitted onto a dark brown leather strap, we can picture you saunting down Broadway with this under a fresh black suit jacket, or strolling around Mayfair alongside grey chinos and a sleek blue jacket.

RETAIL PRICE

You can buy a Longines Flagship Heritage at retail for £2,950 as of January 2024.

12. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Q2548440

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter: 24.4mm

- Case Thickness: 7.56mm

- Water Resistance: 30 metres

- Lug Width: 18mm

- Movement: 822A

- Power Reserve: 42 hours

The Reverso collection from Jaeger-LeCoultre is a critical part of watchmaking history. Released in 1931, the line debuted in order to support British soldiers in India. Not for combat we should add, but because they found that the crystals on their current timepieces shattered when they played polo.

Source - Jaeger-LeCoultre

The result? One of the most important timepieces ever. As such, The Reverso was introduced as a solution due to its ability to twist the face 180 degrees, essentially allowing the caseback to take the brunt of the force as opposed to the delicate crystal. Genius!

As a keen instigator of the subsequent Art Deco period, the rectangular watches have continued to evolve, but nothing can really compare to the classic, Therefore, what better than the Reverso Classic Monoface!

This piece is 40.1mm long and has a 24.4mm width. Water resistant only to 30 metres, this steel timepiece is not for the seas. The face is silver and features pitch black Arabic numerals, allowing the light blue hands to be extremely visible. Featuring both vertical satin brushing and guilloché finishes, it exudes sophistication and minimalism which is perfect for a heritage inspired piece.

They are powered by the Calibre 822A with a manual wind movement that’s composed of 108 components. Beating at 21,600VpH the average power reserve is 42 hours. Not great, but for a movement totalling 108 components and inside a model of major importance, we can't complain. Fitted onto a black leather strap, they would look great with a black denim jacket for those colder days out on the town.

RETAIL PRICE

You can buy a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface at retail for £7,800 as of January 2024.

13. Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Bellytanker Bronze Espresso

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter: 41mm

- Case Thickness: 13.6mm

- Water Resistance: 100 metres

- Lug Width: 47.5mm

- Movement: BR-CAL.301

- Power Reserve: 42 hours

Interestingly, the Bellytanker isn’t a reference to your mothers Sunday lunches or an excessive Christmas drinking session. It’s actually a lot more meaningful for Bell & Ross.

Source - Bell & Ross

The Bellyanker title originally related to the emergency drop tank that was located at the bottom of fighter planes. It then changed its meaning to relate to the incredibly fast race cars that were created directly from spare tanks back in the 1950s. So, how does the Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Bellytanker Bronze Espresso fare?

Coming in at 41mm, the Bell & Ross timepiece is crafted out of bronze. It’s a material that has the ability to patina over time, yielding a brilliant sheen that changes shade depending on your lifestyle. And this is particularly exciting if you are considering a watch under £10,000. Both collectible and coveted, patina style pieces have been gathering momentum such as The Omega Speedmaster CK291503 and The Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/11,

The sapphire crystal is given a strong curve that relates to the rounded glass spotted on the cockpits of fighter jets from that era. The bezel is similarly bronze and fitted with a “Thirstmeter'', a play on the classic tachymeter scale and a link to the “Espresso” title. The face is given an equally brown colouring with a sun-ray aesthetic. Featuring metal-applied Arabic numerals and batons, they are Super-Luminova filled, ensuring maximum legibility.

The two chronograph counters at 3 and 9 o’clock are black, visibly standing out from the brown texture. They are powered by a BR-CAL.301 automatic mechanical movement which runs the small seconds at 3 o’clock, 30 minute timer at 9 o’clock and general timekeeping. Offering 28,800VpH and a 42 hour power reserve, they are brilliantly presented and offer a respectable technical ability.

Worn with a perforated brown calfskin leather strap, we recommend you wear this with black jeans and a brown jumper to let the watch do the talking. All of this for under £10,000? How’s that for a deal!

RETAIL PRICE

You can buy a Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Bellytanker Bronze Espresso at retail for £5,000 as of January 2024.

14. Tudor Black Bay M7941A1A0RU-0003

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter: 41mm

- Case Thickness: 13.5mm

- Water Resistance: 200 metres

- Lug Width: 22mm

- Movement: MT5602-U

- Power Reserve: 70 hours

Standing in the shadow of their bigger brother Rolex, The Tudor Black Bay collection runs as far back as 2012 and is highly respected in this category of watches under £10,000.

Reviving the silenced diving range from the brand, the Black Bay has become a critical part of the brands lineup and takes inspiration from the original Submariner models from back in the 50s, especially the vintage cues from the Tudor Prince reference 7924.

Source - Tudor

This latest Tudor Black Bay model is a brilliant play on the line. Measuring 41mm, the steel watches combine polishing and satin finishing to bolster the quality of the finish. Furthermore, the bezel is given a red 60-minute unidirectional scale which is similarly crafted out of steel and features an aluminium insert.

The face is protected by a domed sapphire crystal. Offering 200 metres of water resistance, this Black Bay is a model you can adorn both in the boardroom and when jumping headfirst into the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

Given a black domed face, they feature a combination of both dot and baton hour markers which are gilt and filled with lume. This goes for the hands which feature the iconic snowflake hour hand on the Black Bay timepiece.

The Tudor Black Bay is powered by the Calibre MT5602-U which is a self-winding mechanical movement. Offering a 70 hour power reserve, the timepiece is COSC certified and capable of resisting 15,000 gauss. What a movement! Fitted onto a five link steel bracelet with the great T-Fit clasp, they are perfect for being worn with trunks or with a sharp suit when conducting big business.

RETAIL PRICE

- You can buy a Tudor Black Bay at retail for £3,190 as of January 2024

15. Rolex Submariner Reference 124060

KEY SPECS

- Case Diameter: 41mm

- Case Thickness: 12mm

- Water Resistance: 300 metres

- Lug Width: 21mm

- Movement: 3230 Calibre

- Power Reserve: 70 hours

The Rolex Submariner 124060 follows on the incredible legacy of the veteran dive watch, The Submariner. Originally released at Baselworld in 1954, The Submariner was inspired by the brilliant Turn-O-Graph released in 1953 and set the horological blueprint for all nautical timepieces that followed.

Source - Rolex

The 124060 continues the brilliant design of the dive collection, including the highly legible design and excellent water resistance level. Sized at 41mm, the watches are crafted out of Rolex’s proprietary material, Oyster Steel.

Given a black bezel, the watches are fitted with a 60-minute graduated dive scale. The bezel is crafted out of Cerachrom which offers the durability and matte finish of a ceramic bezel. This leads to the similarly toned dial that’s given a beautiful Chromalight display.

Improving standard Super-Luminova, the watches produce a neon blue hue which offers instant visibility in the murkiest waters. Using a mixture of dots and baton hour markers, the hands are just as bright when in darkness.

The watches are powered by the 3230 calibre which offers an average daily precision of -2/+2 seconds per day, a power reserve of 70 hours, and a solid Superlative Chronometer certification, guaranteeing top notch precision. Locked onto a steel Oyster bracelet, you can wear this with a black leather jacket, or a sharp black tux if you want to up your wrist game. You really won’t get much better for under £10,000!

RETAIL PRICE

- You can buy a Rolex Submariner 124060 at retail for £8,050 as of January 2024.

Conclusion

There we have it Timelords. If you feel inspired and motivated by the fact that there are excellent options out there for less than £10,000, hopefully you know where to go to purchase one…Chrono Hunter anyone?

From the truly stunning Cartier Tank to the enigmatic Tudor Black Bay and with more attitude than a Van Halen, we’ve sourced 15 of the best watches with incredible legacies and stories that are worthy on any wrist.

We’ve done you the service of sourcing the watches which are still luxurious, but don’t yield exorbitant price tags like the Laurence Graff’s The Hallucination for around £43 million or the Richard Mille RM 035. Owning a watch is not just to flaunt your wealth either. It can be a cherished memory of a loved one, a great heirloom for future generations, or a big pat on the back for getting such a good looking bonus!

If you do decide to buy a watch, it's worth buying one that has longevity as well as effortless style. These treasured pieces can be the ultimate symbol of appreciation or status, depending on your attitude and what you want out of it. For pleasure or investment, we’ve rattled through the key models lower than £10,000 that will make you stand out from the crowd.

The question is, where should you go to purchase such a beloved timepiece?

Want to own a coffee inspired Bell & Ross or take things old-school with a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso? Feel like you simply cannot show your face at the next social event without a hot timepiece? Well, Chrono Hunter is the perfect site for you!

Our fantastic level of service, combined with an extensive plethora of luxury retailers means we can get you the deal of a lifetime. With so many offers to choose from thanks to our exclusive network of retailers, simply choose the one that suits you and conclude the purchase or sale directly with the authorised dealer.

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Take time to liaise with our experienced team here and expect peerless service, quick turnaround and first degree security with some of the greatest offers you’ve ever seen!

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