As watch lovers, we spend our afternoons pitching, researching and writing stories, poring over the new timepieces coming in and out of our office, and hunting for deals on used and vintage pieces online. When a new watch comes across our radar, one that particularly resonates with our tastes, we can’t help but obsess over it. We talk about them, debate their relevance, orate on their greatness and rail against their faults. So, here’s a taste of that process — seven timepieces our watch-loving staff are obsessing over right at this very moment:

Apple Watch Series 4

The idea of the Apple Watch always fascinated me, but it seemed like too much of a compromised proposition in early forms. With the Series 4, however, it finally felt advanced and independent enough to warrant consideration. Between the fitness and health benefits, the added functionalities of cellular connectivity, the revised design — it was enough to get me hooked. There are plenty of cool watches, but not many pack the potential to improve my life the way this one might. –Will Sabel Courtney, Editor

Sinn 356 Flieger Acrylic on Bracelet

Lately, whenever I spot a Sinn 365 pop up in my feeds, I find myself staring for an exorbitant amount of time. There’s something about the no-nonsense, function-defines-form vibe of this watch. I like that it’s 38.5 mm with an acrylic crystal. I love the contrasty, ultra-legible syringe-style hands. And I dig the clean H-link bracelet and drilled lugs. This one has utility meets simplicity written all over it. –Kyle Snarr, Head of Marketing

1973 Grand Seiko 5645-7005

Vintage? Check. Grand Seiko? Check. Linen dial? Check. For those following this series closely, you’ll know this watch ticks all of my boxes. The solid 18k gold case is just added value. One day I’ll add a vintage Grand Seiko to my watch collection but for the moment, daydreaming will have to do. –AJ Powell, Project Manager, Gear Patrol Studios

Shinola Canfield Sport 40mm

Right now, I’m loving the Canfield model, and the fact that this one has “Sport” in the name makes it speak to me at a deeper level. As an Outdoors and Fitness writer, it makes me chuckle that the one watch I pick out alludes to my profession. The almost blonde leather looks sleek next to every color I wear (New York-approved black and navy), and the gold PVD-finished stainless steel 40mm case with white ceramic top ring insert caught my eye the last time I meandered through the TriBeCa store. As someone who has worn an Apple watch since it first launched, Shinola’s understated yet beautiful option may be the one watch that forces a new tan line on my wrist. –Meg Lappe, Staff Writer

Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Manual Wind

Small by today’s standards, relatively thin, and with enough history behind it to make your non-watch friends tell you to shut up about it, this is the height of elegance in my opinion. It looks great under a dress shirt cuff and a well-fitting suit, and even cooler with the perfect washed tee and a leather motorcycle jacket. It goes well with both J.Press and John Varvatos — how many other watches can truly do that? –Brian Louie, Head of Commerce

The Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

I can’t fault anyone for being jaded about limited edition Speedmasters. Omega’s never been sheepish about using any conceivable space-related milestone as a reason to roll out an exclusive take on its iconic chronograph. But I’m into this new tribute to the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing — arguably the single greatest technological accomplishment in the history of humanity.

The watch’s grey dial with black sub-dials, combined with a paler 18-karat Moonshine Gold detailing offers just the right amount of stealthy bling to wear semi-regularly. It’s also part of an extremely limited club of Speedmaster’s to feature the new Cal. 3861 Master Chronometer-Certified movement (which ironically, hasn’t been certified by NASA for professional manned space flight) as well as Neil Armstrong’s iconic “That’s one small step for a man — one giant leap for mankind” on the case back. My favorite detail though might be the included Velcro strap in blackened cork with golden marks. The unique design salutes the Apollo-era “boost protective cover” that shielded the crew from heat during launch. Since it’s priced at $9,650, you also don’t need NASA level funding to own one yourself.
–Ben Bowers, Co-Founder/Chief Operating Officer

Smiths W10

This is one of those “coulda, woulda, shoulda” things, the “shoulda” in this case being “I shoulda bought one of these when they were around $1,000 and under.” Alas. One of the last serially produced, made-in-Britain watches (let alone British military watches), the W10 is, to me, essentially a perfect timepiece. All business, great-looking, and purpose-built. What’s more, Smiths crafted the movements in-house. A legendary watch from a legendary comapny. –Oren Hartov, Assistant Editor