Panerai Luminor Marina PAM00422

If you could only wear one timepiece, which piece would you choose? We all love this debate.

It’s no secret that I am a Panerai guy and in an earlier blog, I listed my ultimate fantasy piece as the PAM00422 and/or PAM00372. So these were my first choices. But there is a problem with these pieces – a singular piece for the rest of your life must be all-purpose. Panerai only look good on leather or rubber straps, and they may be ultra cool, but not suitable for all occasions. You don’t want to wear a brown leather strap with black shoes and you don’t want to wear a black leather strap with a brown suit. And so on. Of course, you can easily change the strap on a PAM00422 for an evening out, but I still maintain that it is excellent for 80% of occasions and not 100%.

Rolex Datejust II

By now, you’ve figured out that you need a steel bracelet. So now I’m thinking Rolex Datejust II as shown in my fantasy list. Now, this would nearly be the one. But I’m sorry, Rolex. Way. Too. Small. I could not live day to day with such a small case. And the DJ2 is just a bit too dressy and fancy. I need more of a tool watch.

2010 Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Collection: moon phase, complete calendar, column-wheel controlled flyback chronograph

So if it’s a fantasy piece, let’s go for a Lange or a Blancpain! Now we’re getting close. The Blancpain 50 Fathoms is so close. But once again, it can’t cover ALL occasions. Same for a Lange Datograph. No, we really need a steel bracelet tool watch. Hmmm. But does the singular piece really have to cost $48,000?

CAR2C11 and CV2119 TAG Heuer Carrera Jack Heuer Editions 2012 and 2013

TAG Heuer do some fantastic stuff on steel. Maybe a TAG chronograph? Too much. How about an Omega Planet Ocean on steel? Yes! That’s almost it. Almost, but how about… titanium?

And now can zero in on the winner? Are you ready? I may surprise you. My one and only piece is…

Tudor Pelagos made entirely of titanium and completely satin-finished.

Tudor Pelagos

OK, let it sink in. This is just the ultimate all purpose tool watch. Simple yet gorgeous. Rugged. Titanium. It can be dressed up or worn to the beach. Neutral color, it matches anything. It has an adjustable bracelet for maximum comfort. Not too large, but definitely not too small. It looks amazing on the wrist. It won’t attract too much attention but any serious watch fiend will recognize it.

And there you have it. Perhaps, in a perfect world, you wouldn’t have to choose. But I suggest that you identify your own singular piece just in case…

Yours truly,

TimeCaptain