Overlooked is your weekly horological treasure hunt — where we dig through the vaults of European Watch Company to spotlight a few quietly brilliant pieces hiding in plain sight. It’s the sleeper hit, the underdog, the “wait, how is this still available?” watch you didn’t know you needed… until now.

There are three watch brands that are considered of such high quality and consistency in technical expertise that they are commonly referred to as the “Holy Trinity” of watch brands. Though it’s not everyone’s cup of tea to associate a religious concept with fine mechanical watchmaking, it really does illustrate what these three brands mean to the industry and the collectors who love their timepieces. They’re all deeply respected and appreciated amongst industry insiders and collectors alike, with lengthy histories and a reputation for walking on water. (Okay, that last one might not be entirely true.) These three timepieces exemplify many of the qualities that led to the three brands being so revered.

Patek Philippe 5726 Nautilus Annual Calendar Tiffany & Co

The Patek Philippe Nautilus is an iconic timepiece, and this iteration only serves to bolster that status. It has an in-house automatic movement with annual calendar complication, with date, month, moon phase, and AM/PM indicators, all displayed against a smoky gray dial that complements the sporty steel case. The star of the show is the exhibition case back, so the wearer can look with bliss at the movement in all its glory. The icing on the horological cake is the Tiffany-stamped dial, making this a true rarity.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas 7700V World Time

It is very likely that it took more than 7 days to create this stunning Vacheron Constantin Overseas 7700V World Time model. An ideal watch for those who travel the world (or just wish to), it sports an in-house automatic world time movement that will allow the wearer to quickly discern the time anywhere around the globe. This piece also has an exhibition case back for the wearer’s viewing pleasure, and the interchangeable bracelet and additional rubber and leather straps make this a very versatile piece for daily wear, wherever you are.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Ceramic "Pride of Germany" Limited

The Royal Oak is another iconic timepiece, and it’s no secret or surprise that two of the three watches in this group had their origins with prolific watch designer Gerald Genta. This particular model is from the Offshore line, an extension of the Royal Oak family that allows Audemars Piguet to get a little more experimental and funky with their designs. With a ceramic case that’s accentuated with titanium pusher guards and 18K pink gold accents, it’s a visual showstopper, making every glance at the wrist a joyful one. It has an in-house automatic chronograph movement, lending itself to sportier applications, but still has an air of luxury due to the lush contrast of gray and pink gold. And like the other watches featured here, it too has an exhibition caseback, because why wouldn’t you want to look at a movement from one of the three most venerated watch brands in the world?

There are, of course, many models to choose from from the “Holy Trinity” of brands, from dress to sport to high complications. These three pieces offer both mechanical excellence and wearable practicality, allowing the wearer to bring the holy trinity from concept to reality. In nomine Vacheron Constantin, et Audemars Piguet, et Patek Philippe.