They say ignorance is bliss, but that’s seldom the case. Unless perhaps you’re struggling to pick a watch (or an extra one that is) for your own personal use, as I have been lately. Because once bitten by the horology bug, the more you know, the harder it is to settle on the right choice.

I’m talking, of course, about luxury Swiss horology. In other categories, $25 will get you three to five years of durable and reliable quartz timekeeping. At that price point, you’re talking about fast-moving consumer goods. But if you’re looking to invest a couple thousands of dollars on a genuine Swiss Made mechanical, then all bets are off. Why is that?

One reason is there are just too many brands out there. Too much choice. The human brain can barely handle more than three options. Imagine feeding it a decision matrix covering over 600 Swiss brands. It’s just too much. This is why typically, most people track around three major brands on their watch radars. Maybe Rolex, Omega and TAG, for example – three big, established, “safe” brands. Two years ago, those are the three brands I could have named off the top of my head. Why? Because they’re present on (1) TV and (2) in upscale US flagship mall boutiques. And for 99% of baseline consumers, that’s still pretty much where watches can be seen and discovered these days.

Given a reasonable yet healthy budget for watches, you can take one of two paths: either blow it all on the watch of your life, or allocate it among several different pieces. I think I’ll take curtain number two. Because I could probably pick “the watch of my life”, but chances are in a year or so, I’d grow bored with it – it’s all about that  “comfort zone”, if you know what I mean. And in my eclectic collection are going to figure several Marvin pieces. Starting with the round cased Malton M116.

I know what you’re going to say. This guy is biased and clearly attached to Marvin for emotional reasons. Guilty as charged. But emotion drives watch purchasing does it not? Mine is etched in personal history with the brand and its people, and your mileage will vary. But if there’s one brand worthy of emotional attachment, it’s Marvin. And for me, the round Malton 160 series is particularly attractive to own for several reasons.

First, it was conceived as a “family” project uniting Marvin owner Cécile Maye with some of the industry’s top design minds. I witnessed the process. A lot of genius, hours, sweat and effort went into that creative effort, and wearing the M116 is wearing a little piece of that amazing achievement.

Second, I like the ETA-2897 engine (a 2892 fitted for a power reserve). It’s a good, solid, reliable movement – and who knows how long these will be around once Swatch finally shuts the tap down for good.

Third, the piece features many of the classic horology codes and as such, it’s a timeless nod to the brand’s heritage – all 160 years of it. it’s not a “funky” piece, like other Marvin collections. It’s a serious, no-nonsense classic Swiss watch. The most critical “detail” of a watch is its dial. Pretty logical considering it’s the first thing people look at. The M116’s face is all about balance and harmony. The Roman indexes, the hands, the date, the polished case, the recessed case contours. Perfectly laid out – not an extra note too many. I don’t mind owning at least one flagship Swiss “horology codes” time piece. When people ask me what “horology codes” mean, I can simply unstrap the M116, give it to them and say “here, forget words, just examine this baby and learn.”

Finally, the M116 can be worn as an everyday watch, or for more formal occasions – always a plus. Nonetheless, it remains fairly exclusive. I don’t like to wear watches I can easily find on other people – I’m vain that way – and I’m pretty sure I won’t see the M116 on too many peers at work or play.

A watch decision wouldn’t be complete without price consideration (at least not in my tax bracket). The M116 is $2,340 and in that range, I can still get myself quite a few other wrist toys to keep her company. For me it’s a no-brainer. There’s a new kind of Swiss watch collector around in this new world economy, and I’m starting a club. We know just enough to be dangerous, but no more – Join us and we’ll have some fun, I promise!

Jérôme Pineau