The Wristcheck Edit: Watches Under Retail

We get it. The hunt for the newest, rarest Audemars Piguet or a unique Rolex is an exciting journey. However, if you’re someone who’s only beginning to build their collection, or if your heart desires a high-quality, functional watch that can be delivered to your doorstep in a matter of days and won’t make your wallet wallow in despair, there’s a whole world out there – you need to know where to look. 
Thankfully, at Wristcheck, we find nothing as delightful as looking for you. In our new Under Retail collection, we’ve gathered some of the most popular and coveted models from beloved brands. This selection features watches of uncompromised quality that, nevertheless, are valued up to 34 percent below their counterparts on the primary market. And, if you’re curious about how the most traded models perform on the secondary market in real-time, check out our Wristcheck Watch Index. 

Rolex Yacht-Master White Gold Oysterflex Black Dial

First introduced in 2019, the Yacht-Master 42 is a recent addition to the Rolex collection. This updated version of the popular Yacht-Master boasts a larger 42mm case size and a range of modern enhancements. Created in 1992, the Yacht-Master responded to the rising love for sailing and yacht racing. The luxurious watch was designed to satisfy the needs of seafarers and boat enthusiasts. As time passed, the model evolved with improved movements, materials, and designs, culminating in the latest iteration – the Yacht-Master 42. Encased in white gold, the ref. 226659-0002 features a sleek and sporty design with a black dial adorned with luminescent hands and hour markers, as well as a handy date window at 3 o'clock. Boasting Rolex's impressive in-house caliber 3235, this timepiece offers exceptional water resistance up to 100m and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. And the best part? This model is currently trading at US$ 27,903 – 16 percent below its retail value. 

Patek Philippe Calatrava White Gold Diamond Blue Dial

For decades, the Patek Philippe Calatrava collection has been hailed as a symbol of class. The introduction of the Calatrava 35 White Gold Diamond Blue Dial in 2020 only solidifies its legendary status, seamlessly blending heritage design with contemporary codes. Encased in a 35mm white gold body, this watch boasts a captivating textured blue dial embellished with elegant Roman numerals. The diamonds on its bezel make the dial stand out even more. Powered by the renowned Calibre 240 automatic movement, the Calatrava 35 White Gold Diamond Blue Dial delivers impeccable accuracy and an outstanding power reserve of 44 hours. With its refined simplicity, this watch serves as the ultimate companion for both formal and casual events, from high-stakes business meetings to lavish social gatherings. This veritable piece of horological history is also what some might call “a bargain”, as it’s currently trading at 24 percent under retail. 

Parmigiani Tonda PF-Micro Rotor Steel Black Dial

One of the most respected independent manufactures, Parmigiani is synonymous with exceptional watchmaking. The maison’s coveted Tonda collection is known for its “sartorial approach to watchmaking”, which is embodied most profoundly, of course, by the Grain d’Orge guilloche pattern on its dials. In the case of the Tonda PF-Micro Rotor in Steel showcased here, this dial is black. Another way this watch embraces tailoring codes is the construction of its case and bracelet – they are fit and cut in the way the shoulders or waist of a jacket in a Sicilian workshop would be. What beats within the case of this piece is equally as stunning. The impossibly slender caliber PF703, measuring a mere 3 mm, features a self-winding mechanism with a micro-rotor crafted from precious platinum. The oscillating weight is seamlessly integrated into the width of the movement rather than masking it. As a result, the TONDA PF Micro-Rotor sits at just 7.8 mm on the wrist, making it both elegant and comfortable to wear. All these feats of aesthetic and technical excellence make it nearly impossible to believe that this Tonda variant is currently trading at 34 percent under retail!

Pasha de Cartier Steel Silver Dial 41mm

The Pasha de Cartier 41 Stainless Steel Silver Dial ref. WSPA0009 stands as a testament to Cartier's enduring legacy of watchmaking excellence. Encased in polished 41mm stainless steel, this watch boasts a captivating silver dial, adorned with elegant blued-steel diamond-shaped hands and bold Arabic numerals. Its unique chained crown cap, with a smaller crown adorned with a synthetic spinel hidden beneath, is a defining feature of this watch. The sturdy stainless steel bracelet, complete with a deployment clasp, ensures both comfort and secure wear on the wrist. At its core lies an automatic movement that guarantees precise timekeeping. With scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and water resistance up to 100 meters, this watch is not only stylish but also durable. This variant of Pasha de Cartier currently trades at 11 percent below its retail value. 

IWC Big Pilot Steel Blue Dial 43mm

With its proud aviation heritage, IWC has always been known and celebrated for its rugged, masculine aesthetic, which, more often than not, is conveyed through larger dials and maximalist numerals. This iteration of the Big Pilot is no exception. The ref. IW329304 features a blue dial with large Arabic numerals and a sturdy five-link bracelet. Powered by the Calibre 82100, a self-winding movement with a 60-hour power reserve, the Big Pilot delivers exceptional precision and reliability. The robust and durable construction of this timepiece makes it suitable for a host of scenarios, from the desk to outdoor adventures. And, lest we forget, IWC Big Pilot Steel Blue currently trades at 18 percent below retail. 

Omega Speedmaster ‘57 Chronograph Steel Green Dial 40mm

Many collectors would agree that the Omega Speedmaster is one of those staple sports watches. The ref. 332.10.41.51.10.001 stands out among the rest of the watches from the collection thanks to its eye-catching green dial. This dial is a beautiful representation of the brand’s rich heritage, featuring two small subdials at 3 and 9 o'clock for precise timing and a discreet date window at 6 o'clock. The bezel boasts a tachymetric scale, staying true to the iconic Speedmaster design. Powered by the reliable Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9906, it guarantees accuracy and a remarkable power reserve of 60 hours. To ensure visibility in all lighting conditions, the hands and hour markers are coated with Super-LumiNova. Hence, you can imagine our shock when we saw that this model is currently trading under retail – 22 percent below. 

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Carbon Black Dial 40mm

This version of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo is special for a wealth of reasons. First of all, this watch looks like it was carved out of the finest marble thanks to its unique carbon black composition. On the dial, the rose-gold markers and hands (coated with a luminescent dye for easier readability in the dark) stand out against the elegant gray swirls like radiant islands in a midnight sea. This ultra-thin watch is powered by a precise automatic movement that ensures reliable timekeeping. It’s also worth mentioning that this objet d’art of a watch is currently trading at 21 percent below its retail value.