If you’ve tried to get yourself a Rolex Daytona, Patek Philippe Nautilus or Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, you’ll have run into a bit of a problem: there are none. These ultra-limited watches are available only to a rare few people who’ve demonstrated their worth, and if your name’s not on the list, you’re not getting in. Forget those guys and take a look at these instead—three luxury sports watches that you can actually get your hands on.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there’s something a little crazy going on with the Patek Philippe Nautilus right now. You’re more likely to find aliens in your local Patek Philippe boutique than you are a 5711, and if and when you do happen to see one up for sale, it’s commanding prices some three times its RRP. I mean, by the time this goes out, that might even be a bargain—it’s that out of control. But there’s another option for those with neither the power, influence nor cash to find their way into this enigma, and it’s called the Piaget Polo S.

Let’s say that, ten years ago, you couldn’t afford a Rolex. A Submariner was looking to cost you some £3,000 or so, and so you set yourself a goal; work hard, earn more, get yourself that Submariner. But now, ten years later, you’re staring down the barrel of a six-and-a-half thousand pound price tag and your reality has just been shattered. It seems like the dream is over, but hold on a sec—there might still be hope yet.

Ever heard of the paradox of choice? It’s when you’re presented with so many options that it’s hard to make a decision. Watches can feel like that sometimes; there are so many brands, so many models, so many variations that it can make the whole thing feel a bit daunting. So, whether you’ve already got a collection fit to bursting or you’re just setting out on getting your first, here are three special timepieces to start you on your journey to finding the perfect watch.

No conversation about legends in watchmaking can exist without a mention of the brand Zenith. It’s had its ups and downs, been through thick and thin, and has stood the test of time as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of mechanical timekeepers. But times are changing, and Zenith with it; is this a good thing?

There’s no mistaking a Richard Mille. Big, brash and expensive—putting it mildly—to call a Richard Mille watch a statement piece is like saying Alpha Centauri is quite far away. This RM033 is an attempt to bring some normality to the format—but this thing is anything but normal. It’s also £65,000.

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” It’s a well-known actual historical fact that this famous mantra was first uttered by a watch salesman when faced with a customer who couldn’t decide whether to spend all his money on one watch, or several. After all, why have one when you can have many—and here are three great budget choices at less than £1,000 each to get you started.

There are some good dials out there, some really good dials, and there are some exceptional dials as well. But there’s only one dial that can be called the best—and it’s this, the Grand Seiko SBGA211.

If you’ve got fat wedge of cash burning a hole in your pocket and you’ve earmarked a Patek Philippe to spend it on, stop. Wait. You mustn’t spend a single penny until you’ve seen this.

Breguet, Blancpain, Vacheron Constantin; with approaching a millennium of history between them, these three have earned a reputation for the archetypal classic watch, much like this Classique Alarm Le Reveil du Tsar here. Even the name sounds like it comes from a time when men wore velvet tights and long, curly wigs. But what if these brands tried something a bit more unconventional?

It’s the ultimate watchmaker flex; never mind minute repeaters and perpetual calendars, hidden deep within the movement—if you want to show off your skill as a watchmaker, you do it with skeletonization. Here are two such skeletonised watches. One costs £1,500, the other £43,000. Can you tell the difference?

If anyone knows how to make a Rolex, it’s Rolex. Let’s face it; they have the heritage, they have the expertise, and most importantly, they have the restraint. Nevertheless, there are many companies out there who think they know better, and the presumptuously titled Artisans de Genève is one of them.

Looking for a watch that’s a bit different, a bit interesting? Of course you are. Well how about this: we’ll save you the effort of looking, so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy discovering three Omega watches you didn’t know you wanted.

Maybe you know them, maybe you don’t, but chances are you’ve at least heard of the guy who has everything. Birthdays and Christmas’ are a complete nightmare with this guy, because no matter how hard you try or how creative you get—they already have it. So, what can you do? That’s the challenge we’ll attempt to take on with the three watches you’re about to see.

Imagine buying a Rolex 6263 back in the 70s for pennies. Now it’d be worth anywhere between £50–100,000, depending on spec. That would be nice, wouldn’t it? But now, with ever-increasing prices and mark-ups appearing on new models before they’ve even been worn, it seems the days of bargain Rolexes with the potential for big appreciation are gone … but maybe they aren’t.

Oh, how I want an A. Lange & Söhne, and oh, how an A. Lange & Söhne continues to evade me. Flying this close to perfection has its price to pay, and that’s quite literally the price you have to pay for an A. Lange & Söhne. Excellent, they are, cheap, they are not, and no amount of feeling like you’d really appreciate it more than anything else in the world makes that RRP come down any lower. But can you scratch that itch for a fraction of the cost?