Bench Watch Price Guide: Latest Models and Costs in the Philippines
Let me tell you something about watch collecting that might surprise you - it's not just about telling time anymore. As someone who's been collecting timepieces for over fifteen years and writing about horology for various publications, I've noticed how watch collecting has evolved from a simple hobby into something much deeper, almost like Hazel's journey in that fascinating game South of Midnight. You see, when I first started collecting Bench watches back in 2009, I was just drawn to their aesthetic appeal and mechanical precision. But over time, I began to understand that each watch tells a story, much like how Hazel discovers the underlying strands that tie her world together. There's something magical about how these timepieces capture moments, emotions, and memories - they're not just accessories but vessels of personal history.
The Philippine watch market has transformed dramatically in recent years, becoming what I'd describe as a "dangerous jungle gym" of sorts for both new and seasoned collectors. Just last month, I visited three different authorized dealers in Manila and was astonished by the price fluctuations I encountered. The Bench Classic Automatic that I purchased for ₱8,500 back in 2019 now commands prices between ₱12,000 to ₱15,000 depending on the condition and availability. That's nearly a 76% increase in just four years! What's driving this surge? From my perspective, it's that perfect storm of increased local manufacturing quality, growing middle-class disposable income, and what I call the "post-pandemic appreciation for tangible assets." People started realizing during lockdowns that having something physical, something beautifully crafted that doesn't require charging or software updates, provides a unique sense of security and connection.
Let me share something personal here - I've made both brilliant purchases and costly mistakes in my collecting journey. Last year, I hesitated on buying the limited edition Bench Mariner Pro at ₱25,000, thinking I could find it cheaper elsewhere. Big mistake. That same model now sells for ₱38,000 in the secondary market when you can even find it. The lesson? When you discover a watch that genuinely speaks to you, that connects with your personal story, don't let it slip away waiting for a better price. It's similar to how Hazel learns to capture powerful emotions in magical bottles - sometimes you need to preserve that moment of connection before it transforms into regret.
The current Bench lineup in the Philippines offers what I consider the most diverse range in their history. Their entry-level quartz models start around ₱3,500, which honestly provides incredible value for money. I recently gifted the Bench Starter to my nephew for his graduation, and the craftsmanship at that price point genuinely impressed me. Their mid-range automatics, particularly the Bench Heritage collection ranging from ₱15,000 to ₱25,000, represent what I believe to be the sweet spot for serious collectors. The movement accuracy, typically within +10 to -5 seconds per day, competes with watches costing three times as much. Then there are their premium limited editions, like the Bench Master Chronograph that I've been eyeing at ₱45,000 - though my wife might need some convincing on that one!
What many newcomers don't realize is that the secondhand market here operates almost like the mythical realm Hazel explores. I've discovered incredible deals in unexpected places - from Facebook watch groups to small provincial jewelers who don't fully appreciate what they have. Last November, I found a nearly mint Bench Vintage 1972 at a shop in Cebu for only ₱12,000, a model that typically sells for ₱20,000 in Manila. The key is building relationships with trusted sellers and developing what I call "horological intuition" - that ability to spot value where others see ordinary timepieces. It takes time to develop this skill, much like Hazel learning to weave strands together, but it transforms the entire collecting experience.
Looking ahead, I'm particularly excited about Bench's rumored collaboration with a local designer for their 2024 collection. Industry contacts suggest we might see prices ranging from ₱18,000 to ₱35,000 for these special editions, which could become instant classics. My advice? Start setting aside that budget now. The Philippine watch scene continues to mature at an astonishing pace, and Bench remains at the forefront of this evolution. Collecting these timepieces has taught me that value isn't just about price tags or specifications - it's about the stories we attach to these mechanical companions on our wrists. Each scratch, each service history, each memory of when and why we acquired a particular piece becomes part of our personal mythology, much like the legends Hazel encounters on her quest. In the end, whether you're spending ₱4,000 or ₱40,000, the true worth of a watch is measured not in pesos but in the moments it helps you preserve and the journeys it accompanies you on.
