For $4,550, would you buy one distinctive watch or a collection of more affordable watches?

To be a viable alternative to the GADA Tudor, a value collection must include a time travel watch. We looked at Farrier 36mm Lander IVwith its preppy color scheme and distinct personality, but in the end we chose another favorite from Swatch Group’s affordable collection.

the Meadow Ocean Star – Universal Stress Relief Timer It costs $5 less than the Farer, at $1,490, and brings its own eye-catching dial to the table, as well as a 200-meter water resistance rating and a version of the same 80-hour movement as the Hamilton. Perhaps the clincher was the Universal Time bezel, which should not be confused with an actual mechanical complication of World Time, but provides a snapshot of timekeeping around the world.

So far we’ve spent $3,905, which means we still have $645 spending a lot in our pockets. The obvious gap in this collection is a chronograph of some sort. That would give us the decisive advantage over the Black Bay, but for this budget most mechanical chronographs are out of reach. We can buy a MoonSwatch– In fact, at $285, we could buy two and still have enough for an Uber home – but we’re on a mission to find something more substantial, more interesting, and (let’s face it) more likely to stand the test of time.

And that’s something Super metric drink ($475), a chrono mica quartz hybrid from a small New York brand that has more personality than every MoonSwatch combined. The unashamedly loud retro design isn’t for everyone, but we think the cushion-shaped case and steel bracelet help broaden our stylistic options, and while it’s not a genuine mechanical chronograph, it costs less than $500 while looking like nobody’s idea of ​​compromise.

This brings the contenders to a grand total of $4,380, which means we’ll be able to buy a six-watch case to hold our collection (of course it has room for another one…) and maybe even a pair of spare straps.

There’s no doubt that the Tudor is in a different class, but could a dedicated team of specialists tempt you to part with $4,550? Or will the lure of individual luxury be too tempting? More for you. It’s decision time.