Two Watch Collection: IWC & Tudor

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When it comes to watch collecting, nothing distills the most fundamentally important qualities of wristwatches than the two-watch assembly. Any model for a one-piece lot will inevitably feature style compromises, even if the best ones are subtle about them. The most understated field watch may be perfect for everyday use, easily paired with jeans or a suit, but can never take the place of a true formal timepiece. Meanwhile, if you’re clever, you can squeeze some novelty into a three-watch assortment, especially if you’ve got some strap changes in the drawer.

A collection at its most efficient, today’s curation comprises one dress watch and one tool watch, both decidedly premium, neither outrageous. They’re ideal representatives in their respective categories, and filled to the brim with style and function.

IWC Portofino Automatic

IWC Portofino Automatic

What makes so many IWC dress watches so adaptable, is that the brand clearly incorporates their pilot watch chops into them. Sure, the Portofino Automatic is the more traditional counterpart to, say, the Portugieser, but the balance of practicalist and ornate aesthetics brilliantly lowers the intimidation factor without sacrificing its elegance. Just look at the slimmed-down feuille hands, the Roman 12 and six in a simple font so they aren’t overly ceremonial, and the lugs that are straight and low-key, until you see them from the profile to reveal a baroque tear-drop shape.

Naturally, the applications are flawless and are complemented with a supple alligator strap. The Portofino runs on the high-frequency, 35-jewel 35111 Calibre. A reliable Swiss automatic, you can basically let this guy run on its own once set, with the exception of the occasional yearly date adjustment on those weird months—looking at you, February.

Price: $5,050

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight

Tudor does a lot of things well. One thing they’re notably exceptional at though, perhaps even more so than their Wilsdorf brother, is the self-aware hat-tip to older models. This Black Bay Fifty-Eight isn’t afraid to claim that sometimes the old ways are better and sometimes we meet in the middle. This is an important quality in tool watches since lore and history are just as important as high-end functionality (it also ups the investment quality). 

The guardless crown provides a charming silhouette, while the 39mm size is comfortable yet satisfyingly substantial on any wrist. The iconic snowflake hands feature tropical-esque outlines, while keeping an overall modern shine. The impeccable satin and polish surfaces through the body does this too. Boast-worthy specs include the COSC movement, a 70-hour power reserve, and dazzling lume.

Price: $3,950

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