The Three Watch Collection for $5,000: Reader Edition – Tristan A.

Editor’s note: In this Three Watch Collection for $5,000, reader Tristan A. provides a perfectly concise trio that encapsulates the very meaning of well-rounded. Each selection is not only interesting, but serves as a cornerstone of its respective genre. This is about as practical a selection of watches as we’ve yet to see in this series, and it’s been done with plenty of budget to spare. 

You can make your submission to the Three Watch Collection – Reader Edition by filling out the form right here.

Nomos Tangomat ref. 641 – $2,200

The Nomos Tangomat has a simple, classic Bauhaus style that’s sophisticated enough to wear with a suit, but can just as easily be dressed down to add a touch of extra class to casual weekend attire. The open case back shows off Nomos’ stunningly detailed 26-jewel DUW 5001, an in-house movement that rivals many with price tags an order of magnitude higher. While the Tangomat is available with several additional complications, I prefer the simplicity of the white face with blued hands and sub-seconds dial.

Sinn 856 UTC – $2,100

The Sinn 856 UTC is a workhorse for anyone who regularly travels across time zones, and it’s so loaded down with unique tech features that it feels like a steal at this price point. Sinn’s steel-hardening Tegiment technology makes the case and bracelet exceptionally tough and scuff resistant while also giving it a rugged look. This watch features dehumidifying technology to prevent fogging, magnetic field protection up to 100mT, 20 bar water resistance, and a 24-hour inner dial with separate UTC hand that sports yellow detailing for added legibility. All of this means you can wear it pretty much anywhere you might conceivably find yourself and feel confident that it will function perfectly.

Timex Expedition Scout Solar – $60

With roughly $700 left in my budget, I could have chosen from a broad range of watches with arguably more impressive specs. But for my purposes what I really needed was a watch I could wear to get my hands dirty and that I could knock around without apprehension. The sub-$100 price tag of the Expedition Scout Solar actually worked in its favor in that regard. The watch face has a classic “field watch” design with arabic numerals and a date window at 3 o’clock. The solar movement ensures that the watch will always run when I need it to, and the nicely lumed hands are legible at night in the backcountry. For camping trips, hiking, yard work, or tinkering in the garage, I can wear this watch without worry because if anything did happen to it I could replace it with a brand new one and still remain under my $5,000 budget.