Fratello Favorites: Daans picks Under 10-000

September 29, 2019

It shouldn t be too hard to pick three favorites from all those sub-$10k watches out there, right? However, Thomas and Jorg have already cherry-picked some classics away from me. I also wanted to stay away from the other evergreens and come up with a few more original picks. That s why it actually took me quite some time before I could start writing this one. But I think, in the end, I ve been able to put together a nice list of favorites in this hotly-contested field.Let me first mention a few watches I think are great but simply don t really suit my 17cm wrist. The Hublot Classic Fusion Essential Grey looked absolutely stunning on Jorg s wrist. But I ll just wait until they decide to introduce a 38mm version of that one.Then there s Breitling s Top Time series. The watches are colorful and have a great sporty vintage-inspired character, but they re simply too big for my wrist.Finally, there s Horage s Revolution 3 Microreg. This watch integrates the innovative Microreg adjustment system. I enjoy that watch for its innovative spirit, but it s not the most beautiful watch out there, but that s not exactly the point. It s also, once again, a bit big for my wrist. So, without further ado, here are the three watches I d recommend buying for a budget of up to $10.000.Zenith Pilot AutomaticBoth Thomas and Jorg selected a Zenith Chronomaster Revival as one of their three favorite watches for this budget. Those are indeed great picks, but I feel the Zenith Pilot Automatic is the more original watch to go with. Since last year s makeover, I think Zenith s Pilot collection looks fun, sturdy, and modern. The Big Date Flyback is a bit too pricey for today s budget, but the Automatic features the same bold numerals and horizontal texture on the dial.It s a shame the smaller Automatic doesn t have that big date window. However, it does feature a stripped-down version of Zenith s El Primero movement. It s available in black ceramic or stainless steel. I d opt for the stainless steel model, as I m not a big fan of blacked-out watches. I also like the combination of the black and white dial with the stainless steel case. You can even get a limited Boutique Edition now with a blue dial. The stainless steel model can be yours for $8,100, and the ceramic one costs $10,300.TAG Heuer Carrera GlassboxWe ve said it many times now, but here at Fratello, we re big fans of the Carrera Glassbox TAG Heuer. It was introduced at last year s edition of Watches and Wonders. I never really considered buying a TAG Heuer watch before, but since the Carrera Glassbox was introduced, it has become harder and harder to resist. When I take a look at the current collection, it s even difficult to pick a favorite. I still very much like the inverted panda version with the black and silver dial and the date at twelve o clock.But the summery Skipper edition and the recent silver and black version also look great. As long as it has the 39mm case size and doesn t come with that weird Dato dial, it s all right with me. The great news is that a stainless steel bracelet is also now available. So, yes, RJ, I m sure you ll put the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional in your list of favorite watches under $10k, but I think the TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox is a great alternative. The stainless steel models all cost around $6,500, which is a little less than the lowest-priced Speedmaster out there.Grand Seiko SBGH341Now, these are some watches I like. But if I had to choose to buy one watch under $10k, it would be the recently released SBGH341. Finally, Grand Seiko decided to introduce one of its sportier watches in a smaller case size. And no, it s not just any case: it s the mythical 62GS, with its beautiful lugs that hug the dial. Of course, this 38mm version is just as perfectly finished as any other of Grand Seiko s watches. The Zaratsu polishing and horizontal brushing result in razor-sharp lines.Like with many of the brand s watches, I m still unsure whether that bracelet matches the lines on the case. Luckily, the SBGH341 Sakura Kakushi (hidden cherry blossoms) has a beautiful soft pink dial with a subtle linen texture. It s inspired by the cherry blossoms that are still hiding behind the late winter snow. I also really like that the case is made of titanium and that the watch is powered by one of the brand s signature Hi-Beat automatic calibers. Yes, it s all a bit over the top and over-specced, but that s exactly what you expect from Grand Seiko, right? The SBGH341 s price stays nicely within today s budget at $7,900.There you have it, my three favorite watches for a $10,000 budget. What do you think of these options, and what would your recommendations be? Let me know in the comments below.