Got £10k To Play With?
In our Top 5 watches articles, our budget has been slowly growing, we started with. Now we’re getting serious, with a larger budget, I have chosen my top 5 watches for under £10000.00. There may be enough change from some for a decent second watch, so be sure to look at our other top 5s. Failing that, you could always blow the budget on one sweet deal, so let’s get busy and see what we’ve come up with.
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 – White Birch
First up in our top 5 watches from under £10000.00 is from Grand Seiko. The SLGH005, known as the White Birch, draws inspiration from the White Birch trees that thrive near the Shizukuishi area where these watches are crafted. The dial is a thing of beauty, they really have captured the essence of the White Birch trees on the dial. The detailing and craftsmanship is something to be revered and celebrated.
The 40mm case has a combination of brushed and Zaratsu (mirror-blade) polished surfaces. The myriad of edges on both the case and bracelet, all add to the allure of this piece, The dial, although called White Birch is actually silver. The case back shows off Grand Seiko’s 9SA5 stunning movement, offering 80 hours of power reserve. Through the sapphire glass, you see the bridges with Côtes de Genève decoration, as well as perlage decoration on the main plate. It is a movement that deserves to be seen and appreciated.
At £8,950.oo, this is worth every penny of that, although the bracelets is a little plane for my liking. But regardless, this is a great looking watch.
Photo Credit – Grand Seiko
Photo Credit – Grand Seiko
Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro
Photo Credit – Panerai
The Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro is offered in an ideal 44mm case. Up until recently, the Submersible was only available in a whopping 47mm, for those with huge wrists. They now offer a 42mm too, covering all the bases. This new model, released at Watches & Wonders has a gorgeous white matte dial and uses the cushion case shape that we’re accustomed to.
The lugs are wide, adding to the overall appeal of this watch, but the most recognisable feature is Panerai’s supersized locking crown guard. The 316L stainless steel case has a brushed finish, the unidirectional bezel has circular lume markers on the hour. The sandwich dial has applied round hour markers throughout, apart from 12 and 6, where double and single lozenge markers sit. At 9, sits the running seconds sub-dial, and the date balances it out at 3.
“QuarantaQuattro” translates to 44 in Italian and is offered in various dial colours and complications. At £8,600.00 is a serious contender, even more so, as Mark will hopefully be adding this model to his collection soon.
Photo Credit – Panerai
Zenith Defy Skyline Edition Paris
Photo Credit – Zenith
Photo Credit – Zenith
With the Paris 2024 Olympics coming to an end, Zenith has recently unveiled the Defy Skyline Edition Paris, and what an impression it’s left. Sadly as this is to help celebrate the Olympics, it will only be available in France. The 41mm x 47mm stainless steel case is the same one that has been used since its inception in 2022 and one that we are familiar with. But, it’s the dial that will have tongues wagging, as the colour takes its inspiration from the weathered bronze and copper from the Parisian skyline.
Limited to only 50 pieces, I doubt they will hang around for long. The gradient dial sets this model apart from its peers and it is an impressive diversion from their normal range. The impressive El Primero 3620 movement sits beneath a display casebook, looking fabulous as always. With 100m of water resistance and an integrated sports bracelet, this is a cracking-looking piece.
Zenith’s star logo is repeated on the dial, and stamped throughout, creating more character with the running seconds sub-dial at 9, and the white applied hour indices. At £8,800.00 this is another contender to ponder, should your budget allow.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint X Porsche
Photo Credit – TAG Heuer
Built to celebrate 60 years of the Porsche 911 and the Heuer Carrera, the Tag Heuer Chronosport x Porsche epitomises the bond between these two brands. Off the bat, this doesn’t perform like your traditional chronograph. A press of the top pusher, sets it running, but you’ll notice the seconds hand powering around at a rate of knots for the first 9.1 seconds (this is the time it took the original Porsche 911 to complete 0-100km/h).
After this moment, it slows down, nearly stopping at the end of the minute as it corrects itself before repeating the process. It’s a novelty, one that’s sure to be a talking point at the pub among those who appreciate such details. But regardless of its party trick, it’s a great-looking watch. There is not much to dislike and with the sweet spot at 39mm, and with a Glassbox crystal this will tick many boxes for those with pockets deep enough.
Priced at £8,050.00, this is definitely worth a trip to your local Tag Heuer outlet. I have had the chance to try this on and can confirm, it’s worth seeking out. If your both a watch nerd and like cars, then there may well be worth taking for a test drive.
Photo Credit – TAG Heuer
Glasshütte Original Sea Q Panorama Date
The last offering of my top 5 watches under £10000 is from Glashütte Original, the Sea Q Panorama Date. A cracking-looking sports watch and part of their Speziailst range, inspired by their Spezimatic Type RP TS 200 from 1969. The 39.5mm stainless case and bracelet are superbly finished, with alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces. But for me, the real winner here is the dial.
The deep blue sunray dial is extremely clear and legible and is very eye-catching. The contrast of the deep blue against the white of the applied indices and hands works extremely well. On close inspection of the date window, you’ll notice it has dual numbered discs, rotating separately, but as one. The Germans know how to over-engineer and it’s a real treat to see. With a display case back, showing off the finishing of the Calibre 36-13 is another gem.
The 39.5mm is priced at £9,400.00 and honestly worth every penny. Offering a 100-hour power reserve, 300m of water resistance and an exquisite bracelet that has a very easy-to-use divers extension this is one classy sports watch. If you are seeking a premium diver’s watch that boasts impeccable finishes, an innovative in-house movement then look no further.
Photo Credit – Glasshütte Original
Photo Credit – Glasshütte Original
My Thoughts
Upping your budget definitely gives you plenty more options and choices. In the world of horology, the sub-£10,000 range offers an impressive variety of timepieces that blend craftsmanship, design, and functionality. The watches highlighted in this list not only showcase the diversity within this price bracket but also prove that you don’t need to break the bank to own a truly remarkable watch. Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance, cutting-edge technology, or rugged durability, there’s something for everyone in this selection.
As you consider your next purchase, remember that a great watch is more than just a tool for telling time—it’s a statement of style, a piece of history, and a companion for life’s many adventures. Happy collecting! So which of our top 5 watches under £10000 would you buy?
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