Hype watches rule the roost, as they say. We're talking the Royal Oaks, Daytonas, Submariners and Nautileses of the world. But outside of these hyped, albeit historic and quite frankly incredible watches, there is a plethora of alternatives that are well worth a closer look.
I'm talking about the superb Girard-Perregaux Laureato and 1966 collections, Ulysse Nardin's generation-defining Freak X, Rolex's dark horse in the Yacht-Master 40 and Breguet's brilliant Type XXI Chronographe.
Here are 10 of my favourite underrated and overlooked watches for you to check out, and if your favourite slept-on watch wasn't featured feel free to drop me an email and let me know!
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph 600M
For a quality timepiece that combines modern materials and an equally as modern movement, you really can't look past the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph 600M. It seems that the world at large has, but we haven't. So, here it is.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato
To fully appreciate the Girard-Perregaux Laureato I think you have to see it in the metal, hold it, feel it and take all of the incredible details. Easily one of the best slept-on watches, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato holds true to the notion that sometimes the grass really is greener on the other side.
Breguet Type XXI Chronographe
Another slept-on piece, the Breguet Type XXI Chronographe carries with it all of the attributes of a timeless classic, from the bold steel bezel to the circular brushed brown bezel and tri-compax dial layout.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Ceramic
Like the Girard-Perregaux Laureato in steel, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Ceramic has an abundance of minute details that you need to see in person to completely take in. Really a very cool piece that was one of the forerunners to this ceramic craze.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton
If the ceramic Laureato was epic, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton in rose gold takes the cake. Easily one of the highlights of the Laureato collection, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton in rose gold (also available in steel but I much prefer the rose gold variant) is a sight to behold. Forgotten and underrated, but it packs some serious haute horlogerie punch.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT 600M
A definitive piece for Omega that basically forged its own special niche, the Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT 600M has fallen off the radar for many collectors, but it's a piece whose intrinsic value is such that I think it's one of the most incredible hidden treasures of modern horology.
Girard-Perregaux 1966 Automatic
The ever-classical Girard-Perregaux 1966 Automatic has long been forgotten as a very viable alternative to some other far more expensive dress watches, but it's one that I find has so much beauty in its simplistic execution that belies its relatively accessible price tag.
Ulysse Nardin Diver X Skeleton
If we want to talk about pioneering spirit, we can't not mention the Ulysse Nardin Diver X Skeleton. This particular model marches to the beat of the all-white-high-end-sports-watch drum in dramatic flair and style. A sleeper for sure, which only adds to its allure.
Ulysse Nardin Freak X
You can't mention defining pieces of horology without mentioning Ulysse Nardin's Freak in the same breath. Paving the way for many other watchmakers to flex their collective creative might, the Freak is an absolute enigma. The Ulysse Nardin Freak X is another slept-on watch that well and truly deserves a spot at the top of the horological foodchain.
Rolex Yacht-Master 40
Crafted in Oystersteel and with a platinum, the blue-accented Rolex Yacht-Master 40 reference 126622 is one of the coolest Rolex references that the world seems to have completely forgotten about. On a personal note, after the Submariner this specific reference would be my favourite Rolex model ever.
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