From independent gems to bold collector favorites, @nycwatchguy breaks down the five timepieces he considers absolute must-haves—and the stories behind each pick.

@nycwatchguy's *Must-Haves*

Carbon

Fold

Rubber

Greubel Forsey, founded by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey in 2004, is a Swiss brand celebrated for its exceptional hand-finishing and tourbillon expertise. It's easy to argue that Greubel Forsey has redefined the art of haute horlogerie—especially when looking at the their most iconic collections, the Double Tourbillon and GMT.  Greubel Forsey is clearly committed to pushing the boundaries of precision and craftsmanship, and we're here for it.

Greubel Forsey

Power Reserve

Sapphire

Green

Unisex

Manual

 Double Balancier Convexe 42 Carbon / Green / Strap - Limited to 22 Pieces

None

Rose Gold

Buckle

Richard Mille, established in 2001, is celebrated for its use of cutting-edge materials and precision engineering. Richard Mille has transformed watchmaking into a realm of high-tech innovation and lightweight luxury with a focus on creating timepieces that can withstand the rigors of professional sports and still be worn on the red carpet. Regularly worn by Tennis Legend Rafal Nadal, Pro Golfer Bubba Watson, Actress Michelle Yeoh, plus Polo Players, F1 Drivers, Track Stars, and more, it's hard to argue that Richard Mille remains at the forefront of horological innovation.

Richard Mille

Skeletonized

RM 002 Tourbillon Rose Gold / Skeletonized / Arabic / Strap

Arabic

Titanium

Black

MB&F, founded in 2005 by visionary watchmaker Maximilian Büsser, is a Swiss brand that defies traditional watchmaking with its avant-garde and imaginative creations. MB&F has garnered a global following for its innovative Horological Machines and Legacy Machines. The brand's iconic collections blur the lines between timekeeping and kinetic art, embodying MB&F's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. With a legacy of challenging convention, MB&F continues to craft timepieces that are not just watches but horological sculptures.

MB&F

Legacy Machine Perpetual Evo Green

Legacy Machines

White Gold

Double-Fold

Vacheron Constantin, founded in 1755 in Geneva by Jean-Marc Vacheron, is the oldest continuously operating Swiss watch manufacturer. Vacheron Constantin has an illustrious history of crafting exceptional timepieces—some of the favorites of collectors today include the Overseas, Traditionnelle, and Historiques collections. With a heritage that spans centuries, Vacheron Constantin is a symbol of timeless elegance and horological excellence.

Vacheron Constantin

Moon Phases

Automatic

Overseas Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar White Gold / Skeleton

Overseas

Platinum

Alligator

Established in 1839 by Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe, Patek Philippe represents the pinnacle of haute horlogerie. This esteemed Swiss manufacture is revered for its uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. Each Patek Philippe watch is a masterpiece, meticulously created by skilled artisans and watchmakers. Known for its iconic collections like the Calatrava, Nautilus, and Aquanaut, plus legendary Tiffany&Co exclusive releases, Patek Philippe blends timeless elegance with technical mastery, ensuring its place in watchmaking history.

Patek Philippe

Chronograph

The Patek Philippe 5170P-001 was added to the 5170 family in 2017. It features a platinum case and a gradated blue dial with baguette diamond hour markers.

Blue

Chronograph Platinum / Blue

Complications

Leather

Jaeger-LeCoultre, also known as the watchmaker of watchmakers, was founded in 1833 in Le Sentier, Switzerland. by Antoine LeCoultre. JLC, as it is also referred to, is known for its intricate complications, elegant designs, and horological innovations. JLC is most well-known for its iconic Reverso collection—originally created to withstand the demands of polo players. With a legacy approaching two centuries, Jaeger-LeCoultre continues to create watches that are both technically sophisticated and aesthetically refined.

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2 Platinum / Skeletonized / Arabic / Strap - Limited to 75 Pieces

Reverso

Ceramic

Oyster

Rolex, originally founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, stands as a paragon of horological excellence and timeless style. This Swiss watchmaking legend has consistently set the standard for precision, durability, and prestige. Rolex watches are renowned for their enduring value, making them both exceptional timekeepers and coveted collector's items. With iconic designs like the Rolex Submariner, Rolex Datejust, and Rolex Day-Date, this brand epitomizes luxury craftsmanship and innovation.

@nycwatchguy's Must-Haves