"I know a guy at Hermès who was offered sex to move a woman up the waiting list for a handbag," says Connecticut-based watch dealer Al Armstrong. Don't worry: You won't have to sell your body for this timepiece (your wine collection, however, may be in danger). Although hard-core watch aficionados tend to prefer brands that don't also make ties and crocodile bags, the Cape Cod 1928 has an excellent mechanical movement as well as style to burn, with distinctive 1920-esque numerals and a case that resembles a saddle buckle. Other Hermès models worth considering: the Dressage and the regular old (i.e., ten times less expensive) stainless steel Cape Cod Gent.

Price: Starts at $25,500; white gold (shown): $29,975
Other available cases: Rose gold
Year introduced (original model/this edition): 1991/2006
Made in: Switzerland
Case size: Square, 37 x 36 mm
Band material: Alligator
Movement: Automatic mechanical
Web site: hermes.com