These are the watches you want to buy with your bonus! Introducing 8 watches selected by the editorial team of "Chronos Japan"

The long-awaited end-of-year bonus...yes, the winter bonus. For watch enthusiasts, it's likely that one of the ways they spend it is on a watch. So, what kind of watch should they buy? In this article, we surveyed members of the editorial staff of the watch magazine Chronos Japan about the watches they would like to buy with their bonuses, so please use this as a reference. In addition to a current model, the selection criteria also included a watch with a realistic price considering the amount of their bonus.

What kind of watch would the editorial staff of a watch magazine want to buy with their bonus?

　December is typically the busiest time of the year for the watch industry. This is largely due to the existence of "winter bonuses." Bonuses, which bring in a decent chunk of cash, are the perfect opportunity for watch enthusiasts to buy a new timepiece. So, what kind of watch should they buy? This time, members of the editorial staff at the watch magazine Chronos Japan each chose two watches they would like to buy with their bonuses and explained why. In addition to being something they would personally want to buy, they also set the following criteria for their selection: a current model and a watch with a realistic price, taking into account the amount of their bonus. The judges were Editor-in-Chief Masamasa Hirota, along with editorial staff members Taketo Hosoda, Chieko Tsuruoka, and Yosuke Ohashi.

Editor-in-Chief Masamasa Hirota talks about "Watches I'd like to buy with my bonus"

①Tudor "Ranger" 36mm diameter model

　This new model is packed with the dreams of (some) watch lovers, combining a small 36mm diameter case with an easy-to-read dial and a high-quality exterior. The 39mm Ranger is an impeccable watch, but personally, I prefer the 36mm size because it's easy to spin. Normally, the lug width for this size is 18mm. In contrast, this model has been widened to 19mm, the same as the Black Bay One 36, to emphasize its sports watch feel. Incidentally, the case is not a repurposed Black Bay One 36, and the finish is also different. I also like how the chamfering of the lug corners is kept to a minimum, reducing the sense of luxury. Tudor is truly skilled when it comes to adding this kind of flair.

　The movement used is the small-diameter Cal. MT5400. However, based on my experience testing it with another model, it is undoubtedly comparable in accuracy and winding efficiency to its "big brother" Cal. MT5600 series. In other words, the performance of the 36mm diameter Ranger should be outstanding.

　I haven't seen the bracelet version yet, but the fabric strap version fits well on the wrist. Perhaps that's due in part to the small case and light head. Also, as the fact that they deliberately provide a pull-through strap indicates, the protrusion of the case back is modest. So I would like to see the bracelet version in person, but it's sold out and I can't see it at all. If anyone has one, please let me see it!

② Jin "206.ARKTIS.II"

　As the end of the year approaches, I feel like going to a hot spring. The colder the better, and a heavy snowfall is even better. So, as a sort of life's work, I've been searching for a cold-weather diver's watch. While there's no such thing anywhere, it seems like you can't go wrong with a Casio (G-SHOCK), Tudor, Damascus, or Sinn watch.

　Considering the cold, the only option left is Sinn's "ARKTIS." Sinn originally developed the "303.KRISTAL," a chronograph for drivers, which has the ability to function properly even at -45°C. By the way, quartz watches are not suitable for use in extreme cold because the batteries don't last. Even mechanical watches are difficult to keep running properly, but Sinn developed "Sinn Special Oil 66-228," which overcomes the problem of oil solidifying in extreme cold. The 203 is a diver's watch version of the 303. Sinn has also added the "203.ARKTIS," a model that can also be used in extreme cold, which I really wanted but couldn't afford.

　The latest model is the 206.ARKTIS.II. While the 203.ARKTIS case was 41mm in diameter and 16mm thick, the 206.ARKTIS.II is 43mm x 17mm, a larger size due to the inclusion of a specially bonded bezel that won't come off even when subjected to impact, and push buttons that can be operated underwater. The watch head is noticeably heavier, but by widening the bracelet from 20mm to 22mm, the weight is better distributed across the wrist. To be honest, the watch is heavy and the center of gravity is high, but it's a comfortable fit that you'll probably get used to.

　My personal favorite is the sunray-finish blue dial. The purposefully streaked blue is to make it easier to read the time even in environments where the snow reflects light too brightly. While matte black might seem better, this combination can white out under strong light sources, making it impossible to read the time. As expected from Sinn. However, from what I've seen, the dials of the 303.KRISTAL and 203.ARKTIS had durability issues. The latest model, the 206.ARKTIS.II, likely won't have these issues.

　It would be so nice to wrap the 206.ARKTIS.Ⅱ around your arm (naturally the strap is made of fabric) and soak in a freezing cold open-air bath. If you're a fan, I highly recommend it.

Yuto Hosoda's "Watch I want to buy with my bonus"

①Jaeger-LeCoultre "Master Control Classic"

　It's a good idea. Even if I get a bonus, I won't necessarily be able to spend it all on my hobbies, and in some cases I might not be able to spend a single yen on them. But I think it's okay to dream.

　To be honest, when I saw the price of this watch, I couldn't help but think, "Watches have gotten so expensive..." When a simple three-hand stainless steel watch costs over 1 million yen, it suddenly becomes unaffordable for an average salaryman. However, if it means a large amount of income, it's a price that makes you think it's worth stretching your budget. And once you think that way, I think this watch has the magical power to take away your ability to think and make you buy it without thinking about the future. And what's great is that people who aren't interested in watches probably wouldn't be able to guess the price of this watch, so I'll tell my wife about it.

②Cartier "Tank Louis Cartier" Ref.WGTA0091

　Even if I don't have enough money to buy it in one lump sum, or even if it's just a small amount that's nowhere near the retail price, I'd like to use it as a down payment and take out a loan to buy it. I'd like to buy the Tank Louis Cartier Ref. WGTA0091 simply using my bonus as an excuse. The combination of the black and gold color scheme of yellow gold and black dial, and the cabochon crown, exudes an indescribable adult sexiness. I think it would be cool to wear such a sophisticated watch casually.

Chieko Tsuruoka's "Watch I want to buy with my bonus"

① Orient Star "M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase Hand Winding"

　My specialty is impulse buying, so rather than using my bonus and adding to my savings to buy the watch I've always wanted, I'm sure I'll end up buying something I want now, which is a bit of an unplanned purchase (and as of the time of publishing this article, I have no savings). Therefore, the "watch I want to buy with my bonus" is essentially the "watch I want now." The first one I'll look at is Orient Star's new "M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase Hand Winding." This is a "luxury" moon phase watch.

　The moon phase display is a popular mechanism, and it's interesting to see how the moon phase disc and moon design vary by brand and model. Orient Star has also used this mechanism in its "M45 F7" collection, and the moon and night sky floating on the distinctive, elaborate dial, characteristic of Orient Star, stimulates the desire to own it.

　On the other hand, the new M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase Hand Winding has a completely new movement and dial compared to the previous model. This change was made in order to create a "luxury" moon phase.

　This model is equipped with the newly developed hand-wound movement, Cal. F8A62. The previously integrated moon phase display has been redesigned to have a three-layer structure consisting of a disc, a mother-of-pearl moon, and a lunar phase wheel, for more precise expression. The dial also features a lowered hand height, reducing the clearance between the hands, thereby reducing the height of the dial faceplate. The second hand has been eliminated in favor of a two-hand display, while the minute hand remains as long as before, reaching all the way to the minute circle on the outer edge of the dial.

　While the existing moon phase model is also a good choice, I'm impressed by Orient Star's skill in remaking it into a sophisticated luxury watch without making any major changes to the basic layout, including the power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock. Not only was I drawn to it, but I strongly want to keep it as a testament to Orient Star's technological refinement and the leap it has made as a luxury watch brand.

②Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean

　Another must-have watch I'd like to mention right now is the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, which will be relaunched in November 2025. This new watch also had a preview for the media, and I got to see the actual watch, but my deputy editor-in-chief Suzuki and advertising sales representative Aoshima couldn't make it, so I told them, "You're missing out on half your life if you haven't seen the new Planet Ocean." (You're not missing out on half your life either, but please go see it in a store!) It was so shocking to me that I was able to make such a bold statement, and it's one of the watches that really appeals to me right now.

　The most distinctive feature of this watch is its new case design. The Seamaster Planet Ocean, released in 2005, boasted a rounded form and a large case measuring 43.5mm in diameter and 43.5mm thick (although a 39.5mm model was also available), symbolizing its high specs: 600m water resistance. The tool-like design, with a satin finish on all but the case and bracelet sides, and the helium escape valve at 10 o'clock, also gave it the character of a serious diver's watch capable of deep sea diving. However, with this latest update, the case has been significantly more compact, down to 42mm in diameter and 13.79mm thick, while the lugs and bracelet have been updated with an edgy, modern design. Furthermore, the helium escape valve at 10 o'clock has been removed. Like the Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep, this watch achieves airtightness that prevents helium from entering during saturation diving. Combined with the inclusion of many polished surfaces, the Seamaster Planet Ocean has been clearly modernized while retaining its character as a genuine diver's watch with a water resistance of 600m.

　The lineup includes seven variations in three colors: black bezel, blue bezel, and orange bezel, each with a stainless steel bracelet or black rubber strap, and one with an orange bezel and orange rubber combination. Personally, I'd like to buy the model with the black bezel, considering my own fashion sense. That said, the orange model also looks good, with its aluminum orange bezel that was on the original Planet Ocean. Even if I don't get my winter bonus, if I win the year-end jumbo lottery ticket I bought the other day, I could buy two colors...no, all of them.

Yosuke Ohashi's "Watch I want to buy with my bonus"

1. NOMOS Glashütte "Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer"

The theme for this issue was "What watch would you like to buy with your bonus?" I was a bit nervous, wondering if this was going to be a truly terrifying project, where we had to guess the amount of a watch that our editorial staff members had listed as the most expensive they could buy with their bonus.

　So, when I heard about the bonus, my first thought was the NOMOS Glashütte Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer. It's colorful and cute, and it also has a worldtimer function that can be operated by simply pressing buttons.

　This is only a two-part comment, so let's take a closer look. It's because they're unique. I certainly understand the appeal of models that "re-enact" the "golden age of wristwatches," which could be called classical music, with modern technology and design. But more than that, perhaps because I'm a bit of a fangirl at heart, I'm drawn to brands that break new ground with their own unique technology and boldly present their own unique worldview.

You might say, "Well, there must be other brands out there, especially those that put effort into material development," and you'd be right. But the reason I'm drawn to Nomos Glashütte is because it boldly challenges itself with graphical expression in its watches.

　Look at this graphic sense that makes full use of subtle nuances! Pay attention to the 24-hour display at 3 o'clock. The color sense of red and blue separating AM and PM is impressive. And the unique layout of concentrating the subdials only in the lower right corner when viewed from the front of the dial. This would otherwise be unbalanced, but somehow it manages to come together nicely.

　Additionally, the shape of the Arabic numeral indexes, which are different for each watch, is also appealing. In this model, the indexes themselves are somehow plumper than the others, which is oddly eye-catching.

　There are bound to be industry-wide standards for watch design. However, NOMOS Glashütte seems to have its own unique code of thought: "Wouldn't it be interesting to design a watch like this?" This is what makes NOMOS Glashütte so great. It reminds us that "watches can be made with any kind of free imagination!"

　That being said, the price of this album is 77,521,200 yen. The price doesn't change even if you open it entirely in hiragana. Hmm, to be honest, my "pretty" bonus money is not enough. But, "Buy it while you can." This is the truth that is said to have been written on a sign in a soul music specialty store in Osaka. Even the rare records that are all the rage today were originally sold at list price.

　The same may be true of this watch. You know, in self-improvement circles, they say, "Right now is the youngest you've ever been." In today's world of rapid inflation, this watch is "Right now is the cheapest you've ever been." Yes, all you need is courage. The single-minded courage to decide to buy it.

① Citizen "Citizen Promaster x mont-bell" collaboration model

　I know it's probably annoying to suddenly say something like this, but I really, really love outdoor brand clothing. The reason is that it's "heavy duty" and "flashy." That's why my usual attire is like this. You might be thinking, "I don't know anything about your tastes," but please bear with me.

　So, I was thinking about what kind of watch would suit my everyday hobbies, and the collaboration watch between Montbell and Citizen came to mind. It matches my everyday outfits perfectly. It's perfect! Plus, I want to wear my watch to go to places like this (mountains) and places like that (bush). What I'm looking for is toughness. In that respect, this watch, with its Duratect MRK case, is great because it's resistant to small scratches and dents.

　Titanium watches are surprisingly prone to scratches. You might find yourself feeling a bit down when you notice your watch is covered in scratches. Titanium is also difficult to polish, and scratches are hard to remove. With that in mind, this watch is perfect.

　Speaking of tough outdoor watches, there are also options for digital displays. While those are also attractive, this watch is the winner this time. The reason is that it is luminous. With an LCD digital display, if you want to know the time in a dark place, you have to press the "light button" every time, which is a hassle. It also consumes the battery that powers it.

　However, if it's luminous, you can tell the time just by looking at your watch in the dark! By the way, it can also be used when you're watching a boring movie and want to know "how many minutes are left until the end." You can't just light up your smartphone during the movie and find out the time, right? Of course, there's a risk of dying in agony thinking, "There's still so much time left!"

　This may come as a surprise, but I've gained about 10kg in the last few years. When I wore the shirt I wore to my interview at Kronos for the first time in a while, the fabric ripped from the pressure of my weight. Thinking it was just a coincidence, I tried on a shirt of the same brand and size, but the fabric ripped in the same place.

　I thought this was a bad idea, so I decided to take up mountain climbing and bought hiking boots, trekking pants, and trekking poles from Montbell in the summer. If I bought this watch, the watch would be a matching Montbell. But in the end, I never put on the hiking boots. Even if I bought the watch, I had a feeling it would only be a companion for "flatland hiking"...