The Three Watch Collection for $5,000: Reader Edition – Vincent Deschamps

Editor’s note: In our first Three Watch Collection for $5,000 of 2023, reader and fellow watch writer, Vincent Deschamps of Mainspring.Watch brings us a trio of classics from some of our favorite small independent brands. There’s a lovely and unique balance to these three watches and it’s one of the most creative we’ve come across yet. 

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

It wasn’t until I thought of submitting my ideas for a three-watch collection for $5,000 that I imagined myself as someone who could have a three-watch collection. While I tend to only wear the same watch everyday (the Lorier Falcon III,) I do see the massive benefit of having other watches for different purposes. As an enthusiastic supporter of independent watchmaking, below you will find my selection for a three-watch collection. Each watch fulfills a particular need and use case and I believe each one does it quite well.

Lorier Falcon Mark III – $499

At the top of my list is the Lorier Falcon Mark III released in late 2022, the archetype everyday sports watch. I’m a sucker for watches that can do 100% of what I need 95% of the time, and that’s what the Falcon is to me. It comes with a solid build, good specs, and an elegant figure that makes it work in most situations I find myself in. And it’s quite affordable coming in at $499. There are two things about this watch that make it work so well for me: its reasonable dimensions (36mm in diameter, 44mm lug-to-lug, and 11mm total thickness) as well as its overall modern vintage vibe. In particular: the 3-6-9 dial configuration, the waffle pattern, and the silver accents. It checks all boxes for the perfect everyday watch for me.

Ollech & Wajs C-1000 – $1,691

When I’m not living my normal day-to-day life, you’ll find me traveling, hiking, or diving. And to do all of these things I like to have a solid tool watch on my wrist. And if this watch comes from a lineage of durable and unique-looking timepieces, then I’m in horological heaven. The Ollech & Wajs C-1000 is the descendant and a modern interpretation of watches made for professionals since the 1950s. It has more water resistance that I will ever need (1,000 meters), however it’s comfortable to wear, it’s reliable, and it resonates with my most adventurous side. It’s the type of watch that can take a beating and keep ticking as it should whilst being easy to read and to wear.

MONTA Skyquest 2022 – $2,470

Lastly, in order to get to my next adventure and to explore new cities and countries, I like to strap a good GMT on my wrist. While there are many options to choose from in 2022, I would pick the 2022 MONTA Skyquest as my GMT of choice for two reasons: it’s darn well built and looks the part in many situations, and it is comfortable to wear thanks to its outstanding bracelet and on-the-go micro-adjustment clasp. Just like I want my everyday and beater watches to be legible, so is the Skyquest’s latest iteration thanks to having a cleaner dial and more prominent GMT scale on the bezel.