That’s partly why Rolex watches don’t go out of fashion. They don’t go in for radical trendy new designs, mostly just minor incremental changes and improvements. So, a 40 year old Datejust still looks like a new one. That’s why a Rolex really is a watch for life.
I doubt anyone would say they would wear a Citizen with Eco-Drive, but I would probably have to go with one of those. No battery replacement, no expensive servicing for the super complex parts, except some gasket changes if you have water resistance. There are plenty of options to choose in style as well. If I had to choose one for the rest of my life, I would probably go with minimal maintenance, and longevity.
Jean Claude really likes his hublot. He enjoys it, wears it, thats a happy man. Isnt this what watch collecting about? Being happy and wearing what u like?
The first watch I ever bought when I was about 11 was a Timex Expedition, it's been through everything, army training, royal marines training, diving, motorcycle crash... It's still going strong just a few dings and scratches 25 years later
Doom Father TM I know, for me I would choose my gmw b5000g 1jf. Its the black metal square with resin band. It looks good, its tougher and with more functions than any chosen watch in this video.
Rolex 1655 Explorer "Freccione" MK2. I have thought long and hard about it and this piece to me is just perfection. Understated but rugged, casual and formal. It flies so low under the radar but still could go with anything. I love the fact that it is a watch nobody knows or would recognise, but the enthusiast would not stop smiling if they saw it. Great idea for a subject @Hodinkee
What a fucking ass, I guarantee you ROLEX doesn't, and never did have "...hundreds of engineers working day & night in order to improve a little wheel...", and until the Japanese showed them how to develop the alloys for their own hairsprings ROLEX bought their hair springs from SEIKO. And it's not "drilled lugs" it's "pierced lugs", you pompous bawbags
As much as I LOVE a simple rolex oyster perpetual 36mm, I would have to pick any 39mm grand seiko spring drive. The technology is absolutely brilliant, and the dedication put into each piece is almost unbelievable
A lot of watch enthusiasts love hating on Rolex but many of these highly respected watch people featured actually choose a Rolex as their ONE watch. You may or may not like the brand but Rolex actually makes some great timepieces. Not a fanboy, actually far from it. I hate all the hype and many of its blingy watches. I do however respect the brand. Cheers!
I can't afford watches yet but I love my Seiko SNE329. It was the watch I wore on my proposal and it's very special to me. I hope to get a Grand Seiko some day
Probably my omega smp 300m my wife just bought me for our two year wedding anniversary. The blue ceramic bezel with the silver ceramic dial is just amazing. For me it has all the perks of the Rolex sub with just even more to look at. She knew I wanted it sense Basel 2018 and surprised me with it. Like others have said the emotional attachment is a big part of the choice, but it helps that it’s an amazing watch that’s very versatile.
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 116610: classic & iconic design, the most used complication (with Date), easy to read Maxi dial especially as one gets older and visible in the dark, built like a tank, waterproof, and can be worn from casual with shorts or jeans all the way up to formal black tie.
Kind of a weird pick but a Doxa T-Graph Sharkhunter. It’s one of those watches where it’s useful to me as a diver but also quirky enough to be a needle in a haystack.
My Datejust 116234. Silver dial, jubilee. The DJ is my favorite watch of all times, my grail. It also fits my personality as far as a watch that would most describe me on my wrist.
@@Lewissssss No I'm sure he wouldn't. But if you go through his videos, as I'm sure you have, you'll see that watch time and time again. He's referred to it as "a part of me." 🤷🏾♂️
Cheesy answer but I’d go with a TT 36mm DJ. For me personally it’s just the one watch that I’ve wanted, I’ve seen people I respect wear, and would wear well in almost any situation with ease.
Thumps for the enthusiast that chose a Grand Seiko!!!!! My dream watch would be a gs or oris, but im broke so i will have to wait another year till i have enough cash :)
All those people work in an office somewhere :D . I own both a rolex and an omega, among other lesser watches, but since i'm a mechanic, i never wear expensive watches at work. GShocks and SKX are the way. it would be a shame to damage any of those expensive watches, even if you could afford to replace/repair them without much trouble.
So I challenged myself in 2020 to only wear ONE watch the entire year. Hamilton Khaki field mechanical was my choice. I got married in the watch so it already has a lot of emotional value.
my fathers 89 steel submariner date. I had to get it back from a pawnshop because he was too proud asking his children to help him out with cash and he died surprisingly. this watch means the world to me.
Shaun S congratulations for the new watch, it is a great watch. I have some watches and for me it is clear that if I had to chose ANY watch as my only watch forever it would be Explorer 39, curiously Exp39 is one of the lowest price watches in my collection. If it would have been my first quality watch I might not have more watches ;-)
I feel almost the same as all the people interviewed, One watch for life is like a nightmare. If had to have one watch for the rest of my life, Datejust 16234 or a white gold day date.
I bet it was either a good day date or an omega speedmaster. He has been asked this question before- he mumbled and went back and forth and settled on one of these two in the past.
“what a great video , I suspected the Submariner would pop up - Probably for me would be the 114060 no date submariner I own - Definitely not a *Ginault* 🙂
This interview was from December.. half a year ago. I’m just amazed by the fact. I wonder, what happened to the Talking Watches episode featuring Ben Clymers watch collection that you promised to be ready the following week of the H10 event? I believe both Ben and Stephen made that promise live.
Rolex Submarnier 16610 for me. It's the easiest watch to live with. Reliable, durable, timeless design and you can wear it with any outfit - suit, jeans, shorts etc.
What happened to Jack?! He was in the intro and then... no response. For me? At this stage, I'd say my Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra (231.10.42.21.02.001) It can dress up or down on bracelet, leather, NATO or rubber, the silver dial matches everything and the Co-Axial movement is fantastic, both in terms of accuracy, robustness and aesthetics.
@Ali Alexander there's multiple companies that suffer from reference number syndrome, it can be frustrating when you first start out but it becomes easy to remember. But if you think a titanium GS with some of the best finishing in the world looks like a seiko 5 you might need to get your eyes checked.
Nikhil, Don't feel bad. I got a tv for my bachelor's and debt for my masters. Here is hoping they get you a classic that will be the watch you reach for first fifty years from now.
A one watch for life has to be versatile in my opinion! For me it has to be Grand Seiko SBGN 003 , simply does everything and is best for all occasions !! So for the versatility, it has to be that !! Can be worn on a business suit and can be worn for a mountain trek!
Perhaps one of the Casio G-Shock MRG’s. All metal, preferably titanium or primarily so. They’re usually thinner, good overall proportions and will do everything I’ll ever need. Some of the models can be dressed up too.
Out of my personal collection, tudor oyster fully restored to factory with water resistance restored and I can keep changing straps or seiko presage gmt as its perfect and I love it. Grail one watch forever? Royal oak as I can dress that up or down and it fits me and my style.
Rolex GMT Master II 116710LN. Can wear it in the office, at the beach or on a wedding...very versatile, classy and useful at both times. Always my favorite watch of all time
Seems to me, that this is either TWO questions or it needs to be clarified. Is it ONE watch that I already own OR is it that, I can choose ANY watch and only wear that for the rest of my life? If it has to be a watch that I already own, then it's my Steinhart Ocean Vintage GMT. If it can be ANY watch in the world, then I'd pick a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II.
My Omega Speedmaster Sapphire on either Steel bracelet / Aligator Strap. This watch, I feel; can really age along with me through different phase of my life. Again I am still 27 so that is not saying much, yet.
Seiko Premier Kinetic Perpetual. Mine’s 15+ years now and still going strong. No service or battery change needed, not even once. Just remarkable. I still put it on my wrist more often than, say, my Batman (it actually looks nicer).
I'm just glad that someone is picking Grand Seiko
Same here
That Grand Seiko is absolutely gorgeous.
I agree! I was lucky enough to pick up that same piece (mosaic dial) last month.
I like that of all of these watches, that was the one that jumped out to me too.
Whats the ref?
If I had to wear a Hublot for the rest of my life, it would be a very short period of time...
I would rather not wear a watch
it's all marketing...
Why
😂😂😂
It’s over priced with a so so movement but I think overtime the hate will calm down and it’s not that bad of a watch
" Hundreds of engineers work all day to improve rolex watches" Ye, and end of the day they just say: Lets make the case 1mm bigger.
LOL.
That’s partly why Rolex watches don’t go out of fashion. They don’t go in for radical trendy new designs, mostly just minor incremental changes and improvements. So, a 40 year old Datejust still looks like a new one. That’s why a Rolex really is a watch for life.
I doubt anyone would say they would wear a Citizen with Eco-Drive, but I would probably have to go with one of those. No battery replacement, no expensive servicing for the super complex parts, except some gasket changes if you have water resistance. There are plenty of options to choose in style as well. If I had to choose one for the rest of my life, I would probably go with minimal maintenance, and longevity.
Cara did a really good job of pretending to think about saying "Royal Oak", haha.
hahahaa I thought the same whenver she replied and pretended she didnt know her already chosen answer
Yes but I bet if she had a Rainbow Daytona she'd pick that. She's in love with that thing.
Jean Claude really likes his hublot. He enjoys it, wears it, thats a happy man. Isnt this what watch collecting about? Being happy and wearing what u like?
Wow. I highly respect Max and for him to say Rolex says a lot.
He sems as great person, and yes that says a lot about rolex.
Also roger smith wearing one tels a lot. Cheers
@@illyapetrov6092
Philip Dufour wears one to! 👍👑
The first watch I ever bought when I was about 11 was a Timex Expedition, it's been through everything, army training, royal marines training, diving, motorcycle crash... It's still going strong just a few dings and scratches 25 years later
Doom Father TM I know, for me I would choose my gmw b5000g 1jf. Its the black metal square with resin band. It looks good, its tougher and with more functions than any chosen watch in this video.
My 35 year old Casio MQ-554W. I wear it every day. It's a little scratched up, but I still wear it. The watch matures with age.
Rolex 1655 Explorer "Freccione" MK2. I have thought long and hard about it and this piece to me is just perfection. Understated but rugged, casual and formal. It flies so low under the radar but still could go with anything. I love the fact that it is a watch nobody knows or would recognise, but the enthusiast would not stop smiling if they saw it. Great idea for a subject @Hodinkee
THIS is an absolute class video - seconded only by John Mayer talking watches Part 1 & Part 2
What a fucking ass, I guarantee you ROLEX doesn't, and never did have "...hundreds of engineers working day & night in order to improve a little wheel...", and until the Japanese showed them how to develop the alloys for their own hairsprings ROLEX bought their hair springs from SEIKO. And it's not "drilled lugs" it's "pierced lugs", you pompous bawbags
John Mayer 2 is the best ever
As much as I LOVE a simple rolex oyster perpetual 36mm, I would have to pick any 39mm grand seiko spring drive. The technology is absolutely brilliant, and the dedication put into each piece is almost unbelievable
Hodinkee to Aurel Bacs: "Pick one watch for life"
Aurel Bacs: "Surely you mean three"
I answered this question with my wallet 5 years ago, 36mm Explorer.
Omega Seamaster 300m since I own it :)
YAS JCB. CHOOSE A HUBLOT! Do it. I think he probably gave the only interesting answer. 😂🙈
Rolex 114060 No Date Submariner. Rugged, clean, steel bracelet, legible, can be dressed up or down.
A lot of watch enthusiasts love hating on Rolex but many of these highly respected watch people featured actually choose a Rolex as their ONE watch. You may or may not like the brand but Rolex actually makes some great timepieces. Not a fanboy, actually far from it. I hate all the hype and many of its blingy watches. I do however respect the brand. Cheers!
it's not surprising how consistent the response and the answers are.
I can't afford watches yet but I love my Seiko SNE329. It was the watch I wore on my proposal and it's very special to me. I hope to get a Grand Seiko some day
Blancpain Bathyscaphe: relatively rugged, goes with any strap, simple and elegant design, water resistant, and haute horology all at the same time!
Seiko SKX007 because it’s a great watch....and it’s all I can afford 😁
That’s okay dude. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise!
And you still got more complications than any other watch mentioned in the video ;-)
Probably my omega smp 300m my wife just bought me for our two year wedding anniversary. The blue ceramic bezel with the silver ceramic dial is just amazing. For me it has all the perks of the Rolex sub with just even more to look at. She knew I wanted it sense Basel 2018 and surprised me with it. Like others have said the emotional attachment is a big part of the choice, but it helps that it’s an amazing watch that’s very versatile.
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 116610: classic & iconic design, the most used complication (with Date), easy to read Maxi dial especially as one gets older and visible in the dark, built like a tank, waterproof, and can be worn from casual with shorts or jeans all the way up to formal black tie.
out of the box for me... my panerai pam 658 for sure! awsome dial, date gmt power reserve, and beatiful movement, micro rotor!
I can narrow it down between my Omega Aqua Terra Day-Date and my Rolex Sea-Dweller SD4K. Both are just great watches I can take anywhere.
Excellent question and some really interesting answers. Thank you for making this one
Kind of a weird pick but a Doxa T-Graph Sharkhunter. It’s one of those watches where it’s useful to me as a diver but also quirky enough to be a needle in a haystack.
Great question.
Aurel Bacs nailed it.
Grand Seiko sbge201 or 001. It has a bezel, has gmt, has 100m water resistance, can be dressed up or down, and has spring drive.
My Speedmaster 57 all titanium, such an underated model that I love wearing.
My Datejust 116234. Silver dial, jubilee. The DJ is my favorite watch of all times, my grail. It also fits my personality as far as a watch that would most describe me on my wrist.
Sea Dweller 50th Anniversary, only nice watch I own and a lot of sentimental value (wedding gift from my wife). Also fits well on my 7.75" wrist.
What is that strap at 03:16 ?
Rolex Sub No Date.
ultimaetsolder agree
Bruh if it’s one watch you might as well have extra complications like the date
It would have to be the new black dial Rolex Submariner date. A timeless classic for every occasion.
Jean Claude Biver lying through his teeth 😂
Lol I don't think so. That thing is actually always on his wrist. It's the watch that made him a billionaire, after all
@@1trife90 yet the bulk of his collection come from the holy trinity.... i doubt a limited hublot comes out and he says “save me one of those”
@@Lewissssss No I'm sure he wouldn't. But if you go through his videos, as I'm sure you have, you'll see that watch time and time again. He's referred to it as "a part of me." 🤷🏾♂️
Thankyou for the content I hope this trents throughout the watch community again
Probably a Cartier automatic tank. Timeless and elegant.
My Timex Weekender on Horween leather strap.
My Tudor Black Bay 36 black dial
1st gen Omega Planet Ocean 2201.50 for me, my favorite watch
Dreamscape Hero Music Me too! 👌🏻
1997 Aquanaut 5060A. Same age as me, favourite watch right now.
Love how everyone look soo stressed when imposed with that question.
If anybody asked me the same question about watches or cameras, I'd look just as stressed.
Cheesy answer but I’d go with a TT 36mm DJ. For me personally it’s just the one watch that I’ve wanted, I’ve seen people I respect wear, and would wear well in almost any situation with ease.
Thumps for the enthusiast that chose a Grand Seiko!!!!! My dream watch would be a gs or oris, but im broke so i will have to wait another year till i have enough cash :)
All those people work in an office somewhere :D . I own both a rolex and an omega, among other lesser watches, but since i'm a mechanic, i never wear expensive watches at work. GShocks and SKX are the way. it would be a shame to damage any of those expensive watches, even if you could afford to replace/repair them without much trouble.
Shame no one mentioned a GP Laureato blu dial...
AP royal oak 15400, because its fit for all occasions and its absolutely gorgeous to look at
So I challenged myself in 2020 to only wear ONE watch the entire year. Hamilton Khaki field mechanical was my choice. I got married in the watch so it already has a lot of emotional value.
Patek 3940 for me. The best dial proportions I've ever seen IMHO.
A. Lange & Sohne Richard Lange in Platinum or White Gold with a black and brown leather strap.
This was an incredibly amazing video to watch. Such fun. But for me it's my grandads 1985 submariner with date that I just received as a gift.
my fathers 89 steel submariner date. I had to get it back from a pawnshop because he was too proud asking his children to help him out with cash and he died surprisingly. this watch means the world to me.
Rolex Explorer 39
Since I just got mine TODAY I agree! But yes, it's an easy decision. This watch does everything and anything.
Shaun S congratulations for the new watch, it is a great watch. I have some watches and for me it is clear that if I had to chose ANY watch as my only watch forever it would be Explorer 39, curiously Exp39 is one of the lowest price watches in my collection. If it would have been my first quality watch I might not have more watches ;-)
yep, agreed
Hodinkee needs more diversity. Their perspectives are not diverse and boring.
Andrew Kwok Please define diversity as you use the term. Be precise.
For example?
I feel almost the same as all the people interviewed, One watch for life is like a nightmare.
If had to have one watch for the rest of my life, Datejust 16234 or a white gold day date.
What about Jack Foster ? He didn’t get to replay :(
He was just going to say Grand Seiko, let's be honest. Not that I'd say anything different.
He said a quartz swatch. Pretty sure.
I bet it was either a good day date or an omega speedmaster.
He has been asked this question before- he mumbled and went back and forth and settled on one of these two in the past.
Revelso classic is one of this.
the A. Lange at 3:35 is just stunning.
Alton’s comments made me smile!
Aurel Bacs sounds like Christoph Waltz lol 1:11
Excellent and Hard question .... Guys !
Love this video🙂
“what a great video , I suspected the Submariner would pop up - Probably for me would be the 114060 no date submariner I own - Definitely not a *Ginault* 🙂
if it's something I already have. It would be my vintage Omega Seamaster
Any speedmaster professional with a see through case back because adding any type of strap makes it fell like a completely new watch.
This interview was from December.. half a year ago. I’m just amazed by the fact. I wonder, what happened to the Talking Watches episode featuring Ben Clymers watch collection that you promised to be ready the following week of the H10 event? I believe both Ben and Stephen made that promise live.
Rolex Submarnier 16610 for me. It's the easiest watch to live with. Reliable, durable, timeless design and you can wear it with any outfit - suit, jeans, shorts etc.
I had no idea Aldis Hodge was making watches! That's fascinating to me.
What happened to Jack?! He was in the intro and then... no response. For me? At this stage, I'd say my Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra (231.10.42.21.02.001) It can dress up or down on bracelet, leather, NATO or rubber, the silver dial matches everything and the Co-Axial movement is fantastic, both in terms of accuracy, robustness and aesthetics.
Candidates under $10,000: Zenith El Primero Chronomaster, Rolex Explorer I 36mm, Vulcain Heritage Alarm 39mm.
+1 for 38mm El primero 👏
That's the dude who played MC Ren in Straight Outta Compton, right? And he's into horology?! Respect
From what i own, 2017 Save the Ocean Turtle. Because I'll never get tired of that dial and it's built like a tank. From the wish list, The GS SBGA231.
@Ali Alexander there's multiple companies that suffer from reference number syndrome, it can be frustrating when you first start out but it becomes easy to remember. But if you think a titanium GS with some of the best finishing in the world looks like a seiko 5 you might need to get your eyes checked.
Would have to be the high school graduation present from my folks; Rolex 1675.
thats lucky my parents said they will buy me a rolex after i graduate med school
Nikhil, Don't feel bad. I got a tv for my bachelor's and debt for my masters. Here is hoping they get you a classic that will be the watch you reach for first fifty years from now.
Mark B ya ur right
What is the exact name of the Rolex at 4:28 ?
What is that watch at 2:48?
HM9 from MB&F
A one watch for life has to be versatile in my opinion! For me it has to be Grand Seiko SBGN 003 , simply does everything and is best for all occasions !! So for the versatility, it has to be that !! Can be worn on a business suit and can be worn for a mountain trek!
14060M, 114060 or Sinn U1 Professional. All are contenders because they do not have a date.
Perhaps one of the Casio G-Shock MRG’s. All metal, preferably titanium or primarily so. They’re usually thinner, good overall proportions and will do everything I’ll ever need. Some of the models can be dressed up too.
what's the name of the watch at 3:16 ?
Out of my personal collection, tudor oyster fully restored to factory with water resistance restored and I can keep changing straps or seiko presage gmt as its perfect and I love it. Grail one watch forever? Royal oak as I can dress that up or down and it fits me and my style.
Rolex GMT Master II 116710LN. Can wear it in the office, at the beach or on a wedding...very versatile, classy and useful at both times. Always my favorite watch of all time
What was that the bowed eye? Can someone tell me what exactly davide parmigiani was talking about? Never seen that gold rolex before. Interesting
I would choose my 114060, I love that watch.
Omega Speedmaster "First Omega in Space"
Mine would be my SS Blue dial Sky-Dweller. Just to look at her puts a smile on my face
Seems to me, that this is either TWO questions or it needs to be clarified. Is it ONE watch that I already own OR is it that, I can choose ANY watch and only wear that for the rest of my life?
If it has to be a watch that I already own, then it's my Steinhart Ocean Vintage GMT.
If it can be ANY watch in the world, then I'd pick a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II.
Sub No Date on Rubber....bulletproof and comfortable AF
love my Sub and Omega AT but it would be the Black Bay Bronze it's the watch that just looks like I feel
'I can't choose my babies'
In a darker sense, it's like choosing one child that gets to live on out of all your beloved children 🤐
My Omega Speedmaster Sapphire on either Steel bracelet / Aligator Strap.
This watch, I feel; can really age along with me through different phase of my life. Again I am still 27 so that is not saying much, yet.
Where the Casio at?
Omega aqua terra black slate dial Unbelievable value liked it so much I sold my datejust 👍
First gen? Those are the best imo
2018 vertical lined 👍
It would unquestionably be a daydate hopefully a platinum one with luminescence
If you're not with the one you love...
Then love the one you've got 😀
Shocked Ben Clymer picked the Daytona 6239. Always thought that was a piece of junk
I adore Grand Seiko...that being said, if I can only have one for life and all occasions, Omega Speedmaster.
Seiko Premier Kinetic Perpetual. Mine’s 15+ years now and still going strong. No service or battery change needed, not even once. Just remarkable. I still put it on my wrist more often than, say, my Batman (it actually looks nicer).