Trang's $1 Million Watch Wishlist

If I had a million dollars, these are the ten watches that would make the cut—and not because I’m known for being on time. If you know me, you know punctuality isn’t exactly my strong suit. Still, whether I’m heading to dinner with friends or trying to feel remotely composed while working from my sofa, a watch has a way of pulling everything together.

The Two-Tone Bulgari 5-Wrap Tubogas Serpenti

I’ve never loved the term “watch collecting.” Maybe it’s because it’s overused in a space that still feels overwhelmingly male-dominated. For me—and I suspect many women—it’s not about collecting at all. It’s wardrobe building, just in another category. Think of it like shoes, bags, or scarves: pieces you choose thoughtfully (or impulsively) to reflect who you are. A watch is an accomplice in setting the tone, anchoring the mood, and completing the character I want to be that day.

So in no particular order (though increasingly delusional), here’s my watch wishlist:

Mini Cartier Tank ~$7,000

It’s just so cute, I want to eat it. Cartier brought back their Mini Tank this year with a few subtle tweaks—just enough to make it feel fresh without trying too hard. It’s slightly larger than the vintage version from the 1970s, with a bezel that’s just a bit chunkier. The proportions just feel right this time around.

Rolex Mid-Size Yacht-Master 168628 ~$15,000

I’ve always loved a borrowed-from-the-boys look. It’s equal parts easy and playful, especially when it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Enter: the King Kylie-era boyfriend watch.

It’s gold, flashy, almost tipping into absurdity, with a navy dial that feels like a wink to the sea—or maybe just an excuse to wear it somewhere far from water. I like the idea of it being oversized in spirit but scaled to my wrist (at 35mm), sidestepping the line between statement and satire.

Actually, a Daytona might seem like the obvious choice here, but on me, it’s a clock strapped to an arm. The Yacht-Master, though? It’s just as fun, unapologetically over-the-top, but entirely wearable. Gold, a little ridiculous, and exactly the kind of watch that could carry a story—or a whole outfit.

Audemars Piguet Two-Tone 'Bamboo' ~$12,000

I first saw this watch in Vegas on Marie Lichtenberg and really, it’s a piece that doesn’t just sit on your wrist—it makes you stop and think. Introduced in the 1980s as a response to the Quartz Crisis, this watch is just a reminder that even in an industry steeped in tradition, innovation and artistry can find their moment and stand their ground.

It’s intricate, unexpected, and…organic? The bracelet and case mimic intertwined bamboo stalks, complete with delicate rings on the bezel marking the hours. The two-tone treatment adds depth and dimension to every curve and link, as if it were carved from light and shadow. It feels sculptural, almost alive, and completely unlike anything else. 

Also it’s Audemars Piguet—sexy.

Patek Philippe Twenty~4 (4908/11R-010) ~$20,000

The Twenty~4 often gets overlooked, unfairly written off as the watch a man buys his wife as a stepping stone to a Nautilus or Aquanaut. But I can’t stop thinking about it.

Geometrically sleek and sexy, the rose gold paired with the brown dial creates this rich warmth that just works. The diamonds along the bezel aren’t flashy; they’re a subtle frame, softening the watch's lines like a halo of light. It’s unmistakably a Patek—prestigious, yes, but still remarkably understated (and underrated).

Gem Dior Watch ~$54,000

Part watch, part sculpture, part conversation starter. The geometric case and bracelet reject symmetry entirely, breaking from traditional watch design in a way that feels refreshing. It’s not subtle, but it’s still wearable, striking that kind of balance that makes you want to reach for it no matter the occasion.

Luxury fashion houses aren’t just dipping their toes into timepieces—they’re diving in head-first, and I find it so fascinating. Bring back the artistry and craftsmanship!! It’s no surprise Dior is joining in on the watch conversation, given their LVMH status (let’s not forget Louis Vuitton’s growing presence in serious watchmaking) and the category’s undeniable growth. Anyway, I really appreciate how the Gem Dior is all of the above: thoughtful, innovative, and unmistakably Dior.

Cartier Diamond Mini Baignoire ~$19,000

This is the only watch on my list I’d save exclusively for evenings. Its curves are soft, its lines precise. The diamonds frame the watch like a whisper of light, adding just enough to make you lean closer to listen. It’s simple, yes, but there’s intention and confidence in its simplicity.

Vintage Bulgari Tubogas ~$30,000

A coiled icon straight out of the ’70s, this piece exudes vintage glamor. Think: Casino. Skin-grazing slinky dresses, fur coats casually draped over shoulders, vintage cars waiting outside neon-lit hotels, and the soft hum of champagne flutes meeting in dimly lit rooms.

The Tubogas isn’t just a watch—it’s an icon emblematic of a time when watchmaking and jewelry broke free from convention. Its coiled bracelet, inspired by industrial tubing, wraps around the wrist with a balance of fluidity and structure that feels intentional and still modern today. On, it’s a reminder of when Bulgari took the ordinary and turned it into something extraordinary—and it pairs just as well with a cashmere sweater as it does with a silk gown.

Paired with Charlotte Chesnais bangles

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Small Duetto in Rose Gold ~$37,900

Okay, I’m not a rose gold girl, but this watch is equal parts cute and clever. The flipping mechanism is oddly satisfying, and if you’ve spent any time with a Reverso, you’ll know exactly what I mean. It’s an experience; a conversation starter. Maybe even a party trick, but one for people with great taste.

But my favorite part is the bracelet. The rice bead links are delicate in appearance but built for wear meeting at the JLC logo clasp with a small, deliberate seam. And then there’s the black dial on the reverse side: not reserved for evenings, but perfect for them. It’s sharp, restrained, and the kind of detail that makes everything else you’re wearing feel just a bit more composed.

JLC 101 Reine ~$200,000

I’ve never really thought of myself as a tennis bracelet person. They’re beautiful, sure, but on me, they always seemed to fall a little flat, veering into predictable territory. That all changed when I met the JLC 101. Named for its impossibly tiny Caliber 101 movement—first crafted in 1929—it still holds the title of the smallest mechanical watch movement ever made. Seamlessly tucked into a diamond bracelet, it’s so understated you might not even realize it’s a watch at first glance.

Now this is what I call unexpected. It’s subtle, yes, but it catches the light just enough to make you stop and take a closer look. It’s the kind of piece that doesn’t demand attention but earns it anyway.

Cartier Crash ~$250,000

The Cartier Crash doesn’t need much explanation—it’s surreal, provocative, and outrageously expensive (or impossible to get). What I love most, though, is its simplicity. Beneath the wild, melted shape lies an incredibly clean design: no extra embellishments, no distractions. It’s just impossible to ignore. The distorted case speaks for itself, bending every expectation of what a watch should look like. 

And there you have it—

My million-dollar watch wishlist. With roughly $355,100 still left in the budget, I’d say I’m surprisingly low-maintenance. Each of these pieces reflects something different: a mood, a moment, or a version of myself I love taking on. This list isn’t just about watches—it’s about style, craftsmanship, and maybe just a little bit of indulgence. And actually, a lot of good taste.