As we approach the end of the year, the team here at BQ Watches have enjoyed an extraordinary collection of watches in our offices – vintage, contemporary and everything in between. We wanted to share our staff’s favourite watches, each one handpicked for its unique qualities and appeal. Whilst they see numerous amounts of watches each week, there are some that capture the imagination, so we decided to do a poll of what our team truly love.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of watches, we invite you to explore our team’s top picks that have left a lasting impression this year.
Many of these watches are available now. However, if you can’t see what you are looking for, please feel free to give one of our team members a call and they will help to source your number one pick!
No watch wish list would be complete without a Rolex. And this iconic Swiss brand shows absolutely no signs of waning in popularity, making it the top pick from two of our team members, who both chose this stunning green dial Daytona.
Originally launched in 2016, it wasn’t until renowned watch enthusiast and singer, John Mayer, was spotted wearing one of these timepieces in an interview, that the watched garnered cult status. By 2019, it was sold out and became the Holy Grail among celebrities, athletes, and dedicated watch enthusiasts, dubbing it with the nickname the “John Mayer”.
The watch features a green dial, baton hour markers, three chronograph sub-dials, an 18k yellow gold case, bezel, winder, pushers, Oyster bracelet, and folded clasp. It is equipped with a sapphire crystal glass, operates with automatic movement, and has a water resistance of up to 100 metres.
While the dial and subdials are predominantly green, a subtle touch of red surrounds the subdials, enhancing their prominence and adding a distinctive accent to the overall design.
In Kaylie’s own words, “This watch is the Holy Grail due to the fantastic combination of gold and green and it would look great on me”!
In Colette’s own words, “Whenever I put it on my wrist it makes me smile, it reflects a certain level of status and exclusivity. I believe this watch will stand the test of time and always remain a classic with a twist”.
Renowned for its exquisite case designs, Cartier showcases its mastery with the Cartier Santos, exemplified by the seven-sided crown adorned with a faceted synthetic blue spinel, employing a screw-down mechanism for a water-resistance rating of 100m.
Dating back to 1911, the Cartier Santos is hailed as the first wristwatch for men, retaining its iconic square shape while undergoing various iterations over the years. However, the classic shape appeals to both men and women alike. The square dial with rounded edges remains an unmistakable hallmark, featuring a silvered opaline design with stylized Roman numerals, an inner chapter ring for minutes, and distinctive sword-shaped blued steel hands. The date window positioned at 6 o’clock adds practicality to the chic design.
The brushed finish of the case and bracelet is complemented by the polished square bezel plate, secured with eight screws. Notably, the modern Santos Collection incorporates Cartier’s “QuickSwitch” system, allowing easy strap or bracelet interchangeability with a simple button press on the underside of the watchband. This versatility enables wearers to switch to a leather strap for different occasions.
In Lisa’s own words, “I love the weight and feel of the watch, as well as the large overall aesthetic of it”.
This timepiece boasts a 38.8mm stainless steel case that not only adds a touch of sophistication but also houses a diamond-set bezel adorned with a total of 1.11 carats distributed across 48 diamonds. Providing peace of mind for everyday wear, the watch is designed with a water resistance of up to 120 meters, ensuring durability and versatility.
Its Quartz E 23-250 S C movement powers practical features like the date display at 3 o’clock and a centre seconds hand. The applied numerals, complemented by luminous hands and markers, contribute to improved visibility in various lighting conditions.
The dial is available in classic black, subtle matte white, or a stylish khaki green, embossed with the distinctive Aquanaut pattern. This versatile timepiece is completed with a matching integrated composite strap, combining style and functionality seamlessly.
In Sara’s own words, “I love Patek Philippe as they are classy, sophisticated and I could wear it everyday”.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph is a versatile and reliable timepiece suitable for various occasions.
Featuring a silver-toned dial adorned with the distinctive “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, this timepiece stands out with black counters and an external zone. The dial is enhanced with white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands, both equipped with a luminescent coating for improved visibility.
Completing the ensemble, the watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet, secured with an AP folding clasp, providing both style and practicality.
Designed with a chronograph function, it offers functional features without sacrificing simplicity. The watch operates on an automatic movement, ensuring dependable timekeeping. Its straightforward design and dependable performance make it a solid choice for those looking for a blend of elegance and functionality in a watch.
In Emma’s own words, “This is by far one of my favourite watches. The sharp edges and matt finish make this watch extremely strong and sexy, especially on a woman”!
Our second entry from the Swiss brand, this Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 in platinum presents a refined aesthetic with an ice blue dial, fluted bezel, and an iconic President bracelet. Rolex’s fluted bezel, originally a functional element ensuring the watch’s waterproofness, has evolved into a distinctive design feature and a mark of distinction. In the case of the Day-Date 36, the fluted bezel is rendered in platinum, adding a luxurious touch to the timepiece.
The sunray finish on the dial, a characteristic feature of many watches in the Oyster Perpetual collection, contributes to its exquisite appearance. Achieved through meticulous brushing techniques that create outward grooves from the dial’s centre, the sunray finish captures and diffuses light along each engraving. This results in a subtle and captivating glow that shifts with the wrist’s movement.
Following the completion of the sunray finish, the dial colour is applied using advanced methods such as Physical Vapour Deposition or electroplating. A delicate coat of varnish is then added, providing the final touch to the dial’s polished and refined look.
In Dan’s own words, “I know everyone loves the fully platinum version with the smooth bezel, but I’m a sucker for a fluted bezel watch. The combination of the icy blue dial on the sleek platinum case is *chef’s kiss* and the baguette diamond hour markers are just the right side of ostentatious”.
This particular model, known as the Omega Seamaster Ref 166.0251, is considered the rarest variant within the Seamaster 120 series and is often affectionately called the ‘Baby Ploprof.’ Its distinctive features include the same hands as the larger Omega Seamaster Ploprof.
The watch boasts a steel case with a brushed case middle featuring lateral bevels, a screw-down case back, and crown. With a date function, a luminous black dial, a striking orange minute hand, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with a Bakelite insert and 0-60 markings, this timepiece is truly captivating. It stands out as a stunning example of a vintage watch.
In Josh’s own words, “The first thing you notice is the integrated bracelet, which is so iconically 70’s and Gerald Genta, plus the dial has a great utilitarian aesthetic”.
So now you’ve had an insight into what makes our team tick, (sorry) see what catches your eye in our extensive inventory of carefully curated timepieces. You are sure to find something that is to become your next classic. And if you can’t find what you are looking for, call us and we can help source your ideal watch.
So if you are looking for a truly special watch, BQ Watches should be your first call. We stock a carefully curated selection of all the top brands, so you are sure to find your next timepiece quickly and easily.
BQ Watches has a vast inventory of pre-owned luxury watches, and we’re ready to help you find your ideal timepiece. If you don’t see the watch you want in our current inventory, be sure to let our team know. We have comprehensive sourcing services to help you find your dream watch. Get in touch with the team at BQ Watches today to talk watches!
