The 3 Watch Collection for $5,000: Reader Edition – Justin Richardson

Editor’s Note: In this edition of The 3 Watch Collection for $5,000, reader Justin Richardson has selected a trio of watches that represent not only the three most prominent watchmaking nations, but have him covered for just about any situation he might encounter. This collection has variety, heritage, and plenty of style. If you’d like to submit your own 3 watch collection for $5,000, fill out the form located here and our editors will review. 

This three watch collection covers the air, sea and conference room. It features selections from each of three countries with, in my opinion, the richest watchmaking traditions. Longines and Junghans are both brands that tend to be overshadowed by their more well known countrymen (Omega and Rolex; A. Lange and Sohne) but continue to provide quality pieces that should be considered by any watch collector.  Seiko is the brand all affordable watch enthusiasts know and love. The reference chosen here embodies Seiko’s design and engineering precision. These watches may not be a perfect collection, but it’s close. 

Longines Spirit Titanium Ref. L3.811.1.53.2 – $2,750

Longines is a brand that has a rich history but is often overlooked, offering an affordable entry point into the world of luxury watches. In particular, the company has a long standing relationship with aviation. Longines provided Charles Lindbergh with the watch he used to navigate the first solo flight across the Atlantic. This Spirit model is a great tribute to that history. Large and legible with a somewhat wider than normal crown, this piece has a refined tool watch look. Overall, it’s affordable, styled well, uncomplicated, and Swiss made.

Junghans Max Bill Automatic with Anthracite Gray dial – $1,045

Junghans’s Max Bill is the watch most synonymous with the German brand. This watch embodies great design and simplicity. It is legible, thin and comes in at a perfect 38 mm. The Max Bill in this unique gray color can be dressed up or down but the plexiglass crystal forces it to be more of a dress watch. The movement is based on the workhorse ETA 2824-1. German watchmaking history is almost as rich as Swiss tradition, and the Max Bill is uniquely German in its execution. A great watch for any collection.

Seiko SRPH59 – $750

A watch collection would not be complete without a dive watch. This Prospex model from Seiko features the excellent 4R36 movement in a great case shape with a decent bracelet. The dial on this reference has a blue gradient with cracked lines reminiscent of looking down at the ocean floor in the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Seiko provides a huge bang for your buck with this model. The 4R36 is accurate and robust and the watch is an ISO certified dive watch for those truly adventurous types. This model from the preeminent Japanese watch brand is a great way to round out this three watch collection.