To be a viable alternative to our GADA Tudor, the value collection must include a time travel watch. We watched Farer’s 36-mm Lander IVwith its preppy color scheme and distinctive character, but in the end we went to another cult favorite from the affordable end of the Swatch Group stable.

the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer costs $5 less than the Farer, at $1,490, and brings its own eye-catching dial to the table, as well as a 200-meter water resistance rating and a version of the same 80-hour movement as the Hamilton. Perhaps the clincher is the world-time bezel, which should not be confused with a true mechanical world-time complication, but provides a view of timekeeping around the world.

So far we have spent $3,905, which means we still have $645 burning a hole in our pocket. The obvious gap in this collection is a chronograph of some kind. It will give us the decisive edge of the Black Bay, but for this budget most mechanical chronographs are out of reach. We can buy one MoonSwatch—indeed, for $285 we could buy two and have enough left over for Uber home—but we’re on a mission to find something bigger, more interesting, and (let’s face it) more likely to stand the test of time.

And that one thing is Brew Super Measure ($475), a hybrid mecha-quartz chrono from the New York microbrand with more personality than every MoonSwatch combined. The unashamedly bold retro style isn’t for everyone, but we think the cushion-shaped case and steel bracelet help expand our style options, and while it’s not a pedigree mechanical chronograph, it costs under $500 while looking and feeling without a hint of compromise.

That brings the challengers to a grand total of $4,380, which means we can buy a case of six watches to round out our collection (of course there’s room for one more…) and maybe even a couple of spare straps.

There’s no doubt that Tudor is in a different league, but could a crack squad of specialists tempt you to part with $4,550? Or will the lure of singular luxe prove too tempting? Yours. It’s time to decide.