Bench Watch Price Guide: Latest Models and Costs in the Philippines
Let me tell you something about collecting Bench watches here in the Philippines – it's become something of an obsession for me lately. I've spent countless weekends scouring different malls and online marketplaces, and what strikes me most is how the landscape has changed. Much like how certain game remakes expand thirty-minute sections into rich two-to-three hour experiences, the Bench watch collection has evolved from simple timepieces into these wonderfully detailed accessories that demand your attention. I remember when you could just grab one for a quick fashion statement, but now? Now you find yourself lingering over design details, comparing movements, and honestly just appreciating how much thought goes into even their most affordable models.
The entry-level digital sports watches, particularly the Bently series, have seen the most interesting transformation. I picked up the Bently Chronograph last month for around ₱1,895, and what surprised me wasn't just the price but how much they've packed into it. The original versions from five years back felt functional but basic – you'd wear them for a month then move on. The new models? They've added these beautiful textured bands, improved water resistance to 50 meters instead of the previous 30, and the display has this matte finish that just feels premium. It's reminiscent of how good game redesigns work – they take what was functional and build upon it with purpose, making you notice and appreciate details that weren't there before.
Now, if we're talking about the mid-range pieces, that's where things get really fascinating. The Metropolitan collection, especially the automatic models priced between ₱3,500 to ₱5,200, represents what I consider the sweet spot for Filipino collectors. I've owned three different Metropolitan automatics over the past two years, and each iteration has brought meaningful improvements. The latest one I purchased in March actually has a exhibition case back – you can see the movement working through this little window. For watches at this price point, that's almost unheard of. It's like when game developers add those optional areas that aren't necessary but enrich the experience tremendously. You don't need to see the movement, but once you have that feature, you find yourself just watching the mechanism work while you're stuck in traffic.
The premium segment, particularly the limited edition collaborations, has seen the most dramatic price adjustments. Last November, Bench released that stunning partnership with a local artist – only 500 pieces at ₱8,750 each. I was lucky enough to get one, and let me tell you, the secondary market prices have already jumped to around ₱12,000. What makes these special isn't just the scarcity but how they've integrated Filipino design elements in ways that feel authentic rather than tacked-on. The dial features patterns inspired by traditional weaving techniques, and the strap uses abaca fiber in a way that's both stylish and culturally meaningful. It's that same feeling you get when a game remake incorporates lore in subtle, rewarding ways rather than just slapping on superficial references.
What I've noticed tracking prices across different retailers is that there's about a 15-20% variance depending on where you shop. Physical Bench stores in major malls like SM Megamall or Greenbelt tend to have the full retail prices, while authorized dealers in provincial areas often offer slight discounts. Online platforms like Lazada and Shopee have frequent flash sales that can knock off as much as 25% during major shopping events. Just last week, I saw the Bench Navigator – normally ₱6,500 – going for ₱4,875 during a midnight sale. The catch? You have to be quick. Those deals disappear within what feels like thirty minutes, much like limited ammunition in survival games – if you hesitate, you miss out.
My personal collecting strategy has evolved to focus on the pieces that offer something beyond just telling time. The new Heritage line, priced between ₱7,000-₱9,000, exemplifies this approach with its vintage-inspired designs that actually incorporate modern functionality. I'm particularly fond of the model with the blue sunray dial – it catches the light in ways that photos simply can't capture. It reminds me of how the best expanded game sections don't just add content but enhance the core experience through thoughtful additions. Similarly, these watches don't just tell time – they become conversation starters, heirlooms in the making, and genuine expressions of personal style.
The secondhand market presents its own unique opportunities and challenges. I've found some incredible deals on barely-worn pieces through Facebook collector groups – often 30-40% below retail for watches less than six months old. But you need to develop what I call "condition assessment eyes" – knowing what scratches are superficial versus what indicates deeper wear. The bezel on dive watches, for instance, tells you more about how someone treated their timepiece than almost any other component. It's that same careful observation skill you develop when searching game environments for hidden items – initially everything looks the same, but with experience, you start noticing the subtle details that matter.
Looking ahead, I'm genuinely excited about where Bench is taking their watch division. The rumored smartwatch collaboration with a Korean tech company could potentially launch around ₱12,000 – which would position it interestingly against established brands. If they maintain their current trajectory of adding meaningful features rather than just inflating prices, they might just create the perfect bridge between fashion accessories and serious timepieces for the Philippine market. After all, the best expansions – whether in games or watch collections – aren't about padding; they're about deepening the experience in ways that make you glad you invested the extra time and resources. And in the case of Bench watches, that investment starts at surprisingly accessible prices while offering returns that go far beyond mere functionality.