01/20/2022
 2 minutes

Watch Hunting With Victor Boyd: Tool Watches and Independent Brands

By Thomas Hendricks

Victor Boyd is many things: restaurateur, bar owner, French-trained chef, Porsche enthusiast, former martial artist and fashion model… and oh yeah: a passionate collector of tool watches and pieces from independent brands. His watches need to be tough enough to bang around the bar. He also values the craftsmanship found with independent watchmaking. Find out what watches passed his test below.

Great Watches Under $5,000

IWC Aquatimer Automatic

Versatility is key when it comes to tool watches. With the IWC Aquatimer Automatic, you have the features you’d expect from a diver: an automatic movement, a diving bezel, and 300 meters of water resistance. But this watch also has the added benefit of dressing up easily thanks to its stealthy internal rotating bezel and sleek design touches like a subtle date window. Victor is a fan of the integrated bracelet version in particular, with quick adjusting links for (you guessed it)

Enthusiast’s Corner: Rare and Exceptional Timepieces

MING 17.06

It’s rare for a brand to impact the watch industry the way MING has. Founded only a few years ago, the Malaysian brand established an instantly recognizable design language, and their new releases sell out in minutes. The MING 17.06 features a lusciously sculpted 38-mm case with several dial options. Victor is fond of the slate version, but you could also choose metallic copper for a modern twist on the classic salmon dial. Look closely, and you’ll see a couple of different textures at play in the central and outer sections of the dial. And for a tool watch touch, the 17.06 features bright lume and 100 m of water resistance.

Iconic Timepieces: Great Value for the Money

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 311.30.42.30.01.005

Victor loves watches with modern performance and a vintage feel. On the independent side of watches, he’s a fan of the Massena LAB Uni-Racer, founded by New York-based watch collector William Massena and modeled after the Universal Genève “Big Eye” Chronograph. But for something truly classic, he recommends the latest Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with a hesalite crystal. Why hesalite? While not as scratch-resistant as sapphire, hesalite has a warm look that harkens back to Speedmasters from decades ago and adds a touch of soul to the modern Moonwatch. Like manual transmissions and vinyl records, hesalite is for the true enthusiast.


About the Author

Thomas Hendricks

I didn’t grow up a watch guy, but a few years after graduating from university, I landed a job at the online publication Watchonista as a writer and marketer. “Welcome to the watch world,” my colleagues told me half-jokingly, “no one ever leaves!” Now at Chrono24, I work as a private client advisor, helping people find the perfect watch for major life moments.

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