I still remember the first time I walked into that watch store in Makati, completely overwhelmed by the glittering displays of Bench timepieces. As someone who's been collecting watches for over a decade, I've learned that finding the perfect balance between quality and affordability is like solving an intricate puzzle - much like my recent experience playing Blue Prince, that roguelike game where everything feels random until the pieces suddenly fall into place.
When I started researching Bench watches for 2024, I encountered that same frustrating randomness. I'd visit three different stores in Manila, only to find completely different prices for what appeared to be identical models. The silver dial Bench Classic was ₱1,850 in SM Megamall, ₱2,100 in Greenbelt, and miraculously on sale for ₱1,790 in Robinson's Galleria. It reminded me of those Blue Prince gaming sessions where you know exactly what you need to do, but the game's systems just won't cooperate with your plans.
What I've discovered through countless store visits and conversations with local retailers is that Bench's pricing strategy for 2024 follows some predictable patterns, though with enough variation to keep things interesting. Their entry-level digital watches typically range from ₱800 to ₱1,200, while their mid-range analog collections hover between ₱1,500 and ₱3,000. The premium leather-strap models can reach up to ₱4,500, though I did spot one particular chronograph edition priced at ₱4,950 in Power Plant Mall last month.
The randomness comes in when you factor in mall promotions, seasonal discounts, and what I call the "display model phenomenon." I learned this the hard way when I purchased a Bench Sports watch for ₱2,300, only to find the same model priced at ₱1,950 the following week during a "mid-month madness" sale. It's exactly like those Blue Prince moments where you think you've made progress, only to realize the game has different plans for your run.
Here's what I wish I knew when I started my Bench watch hunt: the prices tend to be most consistent during the first week of each month, when stores restock their inventories. By the third week, you'll start seeing more variation as retailers try to clear space for new arrivals. I've created this mental map of Metro Manila stores based on my personal experience - SM Department Stores generally maintain standard pricing, while smaller boutiques in places like Market! Market! often have more flexible pricing, especially if you're paying cash.
The analogy to Blue Prince's gameplay really hits home when you're trying to coordinate multiple purchases. Last Christmas, I was helping my cousins pick out matching Bench watches as gifts. We needed five identical timepieces, which should have been simple enough. But finding five of the same model at the same price across different locations? That took us three weekends of hunting through eight different stores. Just when we thought we had our solution, the stock would run out or the price would change. We eventually found our perfect match at Bench's official store in Glorietta, paying ₱1,850 each for their signature blue-dial casual watches.
What fascinates me about Bench's 2024 collection is how they've managed to maintain quality while keeping prices accessible. Their manufacturing costs have apparently increased by about 12% compared to 2023, according to a store manager I spoke with, yet most models have only seen a 5-7% price bump. They're absorbing some of those costs, which explains why certain older models occasionally disappear from shelves only to reappear with minor design tweaks at slightly higher prices.
I've developed this personal strategy for Bench watch shopping that might save you some frustration. First, identify your target model and track its price across three different store types - department stores, dedicated Bench boutiques, and authorized resellers. Wait for the second week of the month when new promotions typically launch. And always, always ask if they have display models available - I recently scored a ₱3,200 watch for ₱2,400 simply because it was the last display piece they had.
The randomness in pricing can actually work in your favor if you're patient. Last month, I noticed the Bench Elegance model was priced at ₱2,700 in most stores, but I stumbled upon a "last piece" sale in Trinoma where they were letting it go for ₱1,900. It had a tiny scratch on the clasp that's barely noticeable, saving me ₱800. These moments feel exactly like when Blue Prince finally gives you that perfect item combination after dozens of failed attempts - suddenly all the frustration feels worth it.
What continues to surprise me is how Bench maintains such diverse pricing while keeping quality consistent. I've purchased watches across their entire price spectrum, from a ₱750 basic digital watch to a ₱4,200 leather chronograph, and the build quality has been remarkably uniform. The higher prices generally reflect better materials and more complex movements rather than any fundamental difference in manufacturing standards.
As we move deeper into 2024, I'm noticing some interesting trends in Bench's pricing strategy. Their smartwatch-compatible models are stabilizing around the ₱3,500-₱4,000 range, while their classic analog pieces are becoming more affordable, with several models now available under ₱1,500. It's this dynamic pricing approach that keeps me checking their collections regularly - there's always the possibility of finding that perfect watch at that perfect price point, much like how Blue Prince keeps you coming back for just one more run.