PERFECT 10

94 From sporty and androgynous to classic and feminine, these timepieces under $10,000 are worth the investment, says Charmaine Ho

1. PASHA DE CARTIER 10

Offering looks that are instantly identifiable is Cartier’s Pasha de Cartier collection of classic round watches with a difference. First, there’s the broad bezel that drips with retro-chic charm, along with a square chapter ring that takes pride of place at the centre of the dial. Then there’s the quaint screw-down crown cover that’s attached to the case by a petite chain link. All in all, this year’s editions (available in 35mm and 41mm) have stayed true to the original models of 1985 while presenting 21st-century proportions. Also a selling point is the collection’s QuickSwitch and SmartLink systems, which allow you to change not only the strap, but also the length of your bracelet effortlessly. Steel Pasha de Cartier (35mm) watch, $8,850, Cartier

2. MONACO AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH

Last year saw TAG Heuer’s emblematic Monaco timepiece celebrate its 50th birthday. This year, the brand continues that momentum with three new models for 2020. The big news for the collection is that the new models are equipped with the brand’s in-house Calibre Heuer 02 movement (which was restricted to the limited editions last year). What we also love about this square-faced icon: Its 39mm size, which makes for a comfortable fit on feminine wrists. Now available with a black sunray-brushed dial. Steel Monaco Automatic Chronograph watch, $8,950, TAG Heuer

3. BOY.FRIEND

Chanel’s J12 watches are beloved classics. But if you’re looking for something less expected, then the Boy.Friend watch is what you want. Bearing a distinctive rectangular case that recalls the unique shape of the brand’s iconic N°5 perfume bottle stopper, plus a thoroughly sophisticated guilloché dial, the Boy.Friend watch is one you can strap on with confidence no matter the outfit. This year saw two new models introduced to the collection: The petite everyday quartz number shown here and a medium-sized diamond edition ($13,900) for more glitzy affairs. Steel Boy.Friend (small) watch, $5,800, Chanel

4. DE VILLE TRÉSOR

Continuing its commitment to offering women watches they can be proud of, OMEGA has expanded its De Ville Trésor collection with more enticing options. Also available now is a range of coloured dials, including lacquered PVD blue, lacquered red and lacquered brown, framed by the collection’s signature 38 diamonds on the case. Available in 36mm or 39mm (you can also choose from the brand’s proprietary Sedna and Moonshine gold), the watch is further graced with the spirograph-like “Her Time” pattern on its mirrored case back. Steel and diamond De Ville Trésor watch, $7,450, OMEGA

5. REVERSO ONE RED-WINE

Born out of the need for protection from high-impact sports, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso has since evolved into a symbol of discernment and elegance, and is arguably the Maison’s most known watch that will continue to get you nods of admiration. This year sees the brand introducing a vivacious Red-Wine edition into its women-dedicated Reverso One range, which, prior to this, comprised silver-dial editions. The watch’s sunray guilloché dial has been coated with layers of lacquer and is framed by two discreet lines of diamonds on either ends of its case for a standout look. Steel and diamond Reverso One Red-Wine watch, $7,950, Jaeger-LeCoultre

6. CAPE COD MARTELÉE

Since its creation in 1991, Hermès’s Cape Cod watch has played blank canvas to a rainbow of hues, dial designs and complications—which makes this year’s edition right at home while standing miles apart from the rest of the Cape Cods. Transforming the watch’s looks is the jewellery technique of hammering, resulting in tactility that begs to be touched and felt. This is complemented with a hammered dial that has been coated with translucent lacquer in gradient shades of anthracite to black for a true rock ‘n’ roll vibe. Steel Cape Cod Martelée watch (double tour), $5,340, Hermès

7. LONGINES SPIRIT

Longines has unveiled a new family of watches that anyone with a love for rugged-chic timepieces should check out. Paying homage to the historical aviators and explorers—such as Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes— who left their mark on history with their trusty Longines instruments by their sides, the Longines Spirit collection presents elements of a pilot’s watch with a contemporary take. Exclusively equipped with self-winding movements that are chronometer certified for high accuracy, the Longines Spirit is a watch that can take you from play to work seamlessly. Steel Longines Spirit watch, $4,030, Longines

8. BVLGARI ALUMINIUM

Another watch with unmistakable, timeless looks is the new Bvlgari Aluminium, which will surely continue to be regarded as a modern classic for years to come. This is thanks to its strict design adherence to the brand’s Bvlgari Bvlgari collection, deemed an icon in the brand universe. Featuring a 40mm case of aluminium (an ultra-hardy alloy that’s lightweight and durable) with a rubber bezel, and now with a self-winding movement replacing the quartz of previous models, this sporty-luxe watch is perfect for style-conscious urbanites. (There’s also a chronograph model that costs $5,840, if you’re so inclined.) Aluminium Bvlgari Aluminium watch, $4,050, Bvlgari