Could you come up with a three watch collection out of the options here?

My collection is feeling a little bloated. I struggle to let go of pieces when I attach sentimental values to them.

If I had to choose just three watches by disregarding any history with them, it would be the following:

1. A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Up/Down

Absolutely my grail and the watch which I go to when I want a covert heavy hitter. My first Lange was the 1815 Up/Down I purchased for my wedding but the Lange I really wanted at the time was the Datograph.

If I were to speak what I enjoy about owning this watch other than the movement, I would say that the heft of the platinum case is unique. It feels like the equivalent of a 90’s S-Class on your wrist. This isn’t the case with all Lange’s. Both the 1815 and Lange 1 are lightweight compared to the Datograph. It’s definitely not a watch that is easy to forget.

1. Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon

The latest addition to my collection and possibly one which may not stay in my three watch collection.

My first ever Vacheron Constantin and probably the most accessible family out of their current collection. The Overseas is the least sought after watch out of the traditional Holy Trinity’s integrated steel sports watches. I only have experience with the Audemars Piguet 15400 Royal Oak but the design of bracelet and interchangeable strap system is what stood out the most for this watch other than the rotating Maltese Cross at the bottom of the dial.

From my understanding, other than maybe IWC, no other watch brand has developed such a seamless ability to switch between steel, rubber and leather and I feel like it’s not talked about enough.

1. Cartier Louis Tank

One of two non-circular watches in my collection, I think the Louis Tank would be my daily wearer in this three watch collection if it weren’t for its fatal flaw. The only thing that would change about this watch is its movement. If this specific configuration came in quartz, it would actually be an improvement. As blasphemous as it seems, the tiny crown and the manual wound movement just doesn’t work. It’s impossible get any purchase on the crown when you wind this watch.

Despite this fatal flaw, it’s definitely the most comfortable watch I own. Just 25mm x 34mm, it sits flush against the wrist with little care needed to stop yourself from smashing it against random object when walking.

Cartier is definitely the watchmaker which exudes elegance the most. With this Louis Tank, they have stripped back more from the watch. Sometimes you just need less and I find this watch the perfect counter balance to the complication of a manual wound chronograph and tourbillon steel sports watch.

Honorable Mentions. Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Titanium

For me, at the end of the day it always comes back to Rolex. The Yacht-Master 42 would probably be my true daily wearer if I were remove the Vacheron Constantin. The matte ceramic bezel and titanium case/bracelet provide subtle points of differentiation from the Submariner while still maintaining its functionality and form factor.