Ask the Expert: I want a watch under $10,000 that embodies quiet luxury

Cartier Tank

Credit: Tank Must de Cartier stainless steel watch on leather strap, $4,600, Cartier

1/5

I remember falling in love with the Cartier Tank when I spotted it on Anne Hathaway in the 2015 comedy-drama The Intern. It was the yellow gold version with a black alligator strap. I loved how the watch complemented her casual chic wardrobe, and was discreet, yet impactful. While the gold versions do not fit the brief, there are several stainless steel options under $10,000 that are just as stunning. Of note is the Tank Must de Cartier ($4,350), inspired by a 1970s collection. The watch comes with a striking black dial, featuring only the Cartier logo and the hour and minute hands. The synthetic blue sapphire crown is the only pop of colour, making for a subtle statement of quiet luxury. 

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

Credit: Reverso Classic Monoface stainless steel watch with steel bracelet, $9,000, Jaeger-LeCoultre

2/5

The origins of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso can be traced back to the elite sport of polo as it was built to withstand the hard knocks of the game back in 1930. The watchmakers came up with an ingenious solution where the watch featured a swivelling face, so players can turn the watch face inwards. The Reverso has since become an icon for the maison, and is a canvas for all manners of complications and artistic crafts. It’s one of those timepieces that collectors of all stripes respect, as it has pedigree, is well-made, and boasts a unique construction. The Reverso Classic Monoface ($9,000) is a handsome timepiece, with its elongated case, guilloche dial and Arabic numerals, and gives off sporty vibes thanks to its steel bracelet. 

IWC Schaffhausen Portofino

Credit: Portofino Automatic 37 stainless steel watch on calfskin strap, $8,650, IWC Schaffhausen

3/5

In 2014, IWC launched the Portofino Midsize, marking its first foray into women’s timepieces, although the brand insisted at the time that the watches were unisex. It was a distinct departure from the brand’s bombastic offerings then. 

The name Portofino alludes to the sleepy, yet ultra wealthy seaside town in North Italy, where the likes of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, as well as former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi have a summer home. Unlike some of its more notorious inhabitants, the town itself is charming and characterised by a low-key, luxury vibe, which has been captured in the collection. My top pick is the Automatic 37 ($8,650), which features an ultra-slim bezel that frames an understated white dial with elegant gold numerals and hands. It’s finished with a beige calf leather strap, perfectly complementing your wardrobe of greys and nudes.

Omega De Ville Tresor

Credit: De Ville Tresor stainless steel watch with diamonds on leather strap, $7,650, Omega

4/5

How exactly do we define quiet luxury in watchmaking? It’s all in the details, from the size of the bezel to the font of the numerals, and the way the lugs slant and fit the wrist. The Omega De Ville Tresor ($7,650) has it all in spades. The 39mm timepiece comes in a variety of colours, but if you want to embody stealth wealth, opt for the version featured here. The lacquered white mother-of-pearl dial features oversized Roman numerals, paired with a nondescript beige strap. Lastly, giving you utmost value for your buck are the cascading diamonds on the crown and bezel.