10 of the Finest Luxury Watches to Splurge on When You’re 60

Looking for your next reason to splurge on something special? Dawsons count down their top picks of the finest luxury watches you should have in your collection.

A lot measures our phases of life – by love, steps on the professional ladder, the pitter-patter of tiny feet, soon to become 11's stumps, the lines of our faces, the cramping in our joints. But they are also characterised by what we have, how slim jeans ultimately turn into action pants, practical SUV vehicles are now sports cars. And back again, occasionally. So, it's also the same with watches.

Retirement provides an opportunity for introspection. How mistaken was that young teenager who felt he was pursuing his own path, not following the crowd? Nonetheless, you're breaking out with a fresh lease on life at the right time and with the right attitude to try new things. That goes for your purchases as well. If it doesn't thrill you after seeing a lifetime of stuff, the money stays in your wallet. So, despite your partner's protests, the new and classic designs from fine watchmakers – Rolex, Omega, and Breitling – has you set to buy yet another watch.

On the May 20th 2021, Dawsons had the pleasure of selling a very rare 1964 Omega Speedmaster, with a matte black dial among bright Tritium baton hour markers and white hands on the 'Ed White' stainless steel chronograph timepiece. This is only a brief example of what treasures you can find at auction. You can find watches that are very rare as quickly as you can find an easily accessible one. Price ranges do vary; the 1964 Omega Speedmaster sold for £6,800 in this case. However, you can expect to pay a lot higher for a watch in excellent condition and significantly lower if you don't mind a character-building scratch here and there.

10 of the Finest Luxury Watches to Splurge on

With such an extensive range of men's and women's watches, you're sure to discover the ideal present for someone special or that elusive timepiece that your collection is lacking.

We are committed to assisting you in finding the luxury watch of your dreams. Below we are counting down our top picks for your next timepiece purchase splurge.

1The Sports Watch: Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most outstanding watches money can buy, with a rich history, timeless design, and high-value retention. The Submariner is not only one of the most coveted sports watches globally, but it is also Rolex's most well-known timepiece.

The Rolex Submariner has evolved from a purpose-built diving watch to an important milestone for any serious watch collector to acquire throughout its long and adventurous life, which has shattered records and found its way into popular pop culture. The attraction, heritage, and worth of this famous timepiece are unmistakable, whether you're looking for a gleaming new model or a rare vintage reference with just the perfect amount of patina.

2The Purists Watch: Omega Speedmaster

During an age when dress watches controlled the market, the Omega Speedmaster had humble beginnings. After being the first watch worn in space and the first on the Moon, the famous watch is widely regarded as one of the most important timepieces in history.

The iconic Speedmaster is undoubtedly one of the most well-known Omega watches, but the Speedmaster is also a comprehensive collection of Omega chronograph watches. The Omega Speedmaster comes in various styles, including "pre-moon" allusions from before 1969, the 42mm professional "Moonwatch" series, and even vintage-inspired and racing-themed models.

3The Travel Watch: Rolex GMT Master II

The GMT-Master series from Rolex is more than a tool watch. It's a horology symbol that brings back memories just by gazing at it. While it's a valuable tool for pilots and other globetrotters, it's also become a sought-after collector's item among watch collectors of all stripes.

The Rolex GMT-Master II has a timeless design that contributes to its great popularity. The GMT series is popular among collectors because it continues to grow, remaining loyal to its basic design while incorporating several of the brand's most sophisticated and current technology, such as Cerachrom bezels and Chronergy escapements.

4The Dress Watch: Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso

The Reverso by Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre is a highly acclaimed luxury wristwatch among enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. We believe the JLC Reverso watch is excellent in its construction, performance, and overall quality.

The Reverso model, which is now 90-years old, is unquestionably iconic. Since its release in 1931, it hasn't altered much. While the rectangular face and appearance aren't exclusive to JLC, they have been associated with the brand and the Reverso model. Many prominent individuals have worn it, including Charlie Chaplin, the Duke of Windsor, and Amelia Earhart. It has also appeared in TV series and films such as Mad Men's Don Draper and Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne.

5The Complicated Watch: Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar

The frugal approach distinguishes Patek Philippe's perpetual calendars from those of other companies. The lasting influence of classic Patek Philippe perpetual cannot be understated.

What is it about perpetual calendars that makes people so enamoured with them? For those who aren't familiar with horological jargon, a leap year occurs every four years on the Gregorian calendar (which is used by almost everyone in the world). Without getting too technical, the addition of an extra day (February 29th) every four years compensates for the differences between time as we compute it (i.e., 24 hours in a day, 365 days in a year, etc.) and the actual cycle of the earth's movement around the sun. Perpetual calendars account for this odd rule by essentially measuring time, day, and month in perpetuity without the need for adjudication.

6The Pilots Watch: Breitling Navitimer

The Breitling Navitimer is one of those watches that is instantly identifiable. The Navitimer is a highly capable chronograph with an inbuilt analogue flight computer that allows aviators to calculate speed, distance, fuel consumption, rate of climb/descent, and more. It was first launched in 1954 as a specialist pilots' watch. You can convert currencies, temperatures and even conduct long division with its slide-rule bezel... talk about versatility.

7The Iconic Watch: Rolex Daytona

This exquisite, unique sports watch is one of the most sought-after globally, and getting your hands on one at a retail level is quite tricky. That's why so many people choose to shop for one of these famous watches at auction - you can avoid the extensive waitlists and the competition.

8The Military Watch: 1960s Issue Omega Seamaster 300

The Omega Seamaster 300 and the Rolex Submariner were a mass-produced specialised dive watch for the expanding recreational diver market when it was first introduced in the early 1960s

The first version Seamaster 300, with straight lugs, a thin black bezel insert, and 'broad arrow' hands, was superseded by the now-famous Seamaster 300 ST 165.024 in 1963/1964. It had a casing that looked much like the Omega Speedmaster of the time. With lyre lugs and even the same strap shoulder size, they have similar dimensions. Like the Speedmaster, it was initially designed with 'stick/pencil' hands, prominent painted markings on the dial, and a flat signature crown. ST 166.024, a second model incorporating a date function, was launched shortly after 1964.

9The Special Occasion Watch: Gold Pocket Watch

The traditional pocket watch looks to be making a comeback, even though we live in a highly digital, smart phone driven society. While new models are being released, the general perception appears to be that older, antique pocket watches have more appeal. Pocket watches, in this sense, have become as much a fashion statement and discussion piece as they have been a valuable means to tell time.

10The Classic Watch: Cartier Ballon Bleu

The Ballon Bleu was a huge hit when it was originally released in 2007. It's even possible to call it category-defining. The Ballon Bleu was the move if you wanted a "good watch" from a dependable, sturdy company that was just a little bit different from what had come before. It rapidly became it-watch, found on the wrists of every celebrity and well-to-do individual in major cities across the world. It's by far the most popular watch in Cartier's category, and it's not uncommon to hear that Cartier sells more Ballon Bleu watches than several other major watch brands combined.