Watch people, much like medieval knights, tend to get hung up on the concept of grails. There’s grail watches, of course — that unobtainable dream watch. And then there’s that related mythic concept, the ‘one watch’ collection. Paring it all back to one lonely watch is, to quote the legendary Shirley Bassey, an impossible dream, and one that isn’t worth pursuing. Because really, can you have a collection of one?

Three though, that’s an entirely different proposition. Three watches are enough to cover all your bases, both functionally and stylistically. And while you could slice a three-watch collection in many different ways, today we’re going to break it into complicated, dressy and tool.

Complicated — the Omega Speedmaster

Few people would argue against the fact that the chronograph is the most popular of watch complications (and those few are the ones that count a date display as complication and, furthermore, like them). Fewer still would deny the mighty Omega Speedmaster as one of the all-time great examples of the category. So logically, a Speedy should earn a coveted spot in your three watch collection. Now, because there are so many different Speedmaster options, you’re literally spoiled for choice, but the Speedmaster 57 should be a solid contender. It is a tasteful celebration of the very first Speedmaster model, that offers something a little different to the classic Moonwatch thanks to its broad arrow hands and steel bezel.

Dressy – the Cartier Santos

It’s 2021 (for a few more days at least), and the days of the dress watch being exclusively a round gold watch are far behind us. So while the Santos de Cartier might have started life way back when as a pilot’s piece, and more recently an 80s sports watch, but today, this shapely little Santos is perfect for the dressier occasions in life. Of course, it’s a solid performer in more casual settings, too, especially when you factor in the impressive QuickSwitch system.

Tool – the Tudor Black Bay

Was there really any other option for a dedicated tool watch than a diver? We didn’t think so. And while there are plenty of excellent options out there, the Black Bay is one of the top contenders. This 41mm black-dialled option offers classic, vintage-inspired dive styling with the benefits of a thoroughly modern manufacture movement that adds up to a watch that you don’t need to worry about.