Skip to main content

Watch Collecting

The Joy of Watch Collecting

The Importance of Hobbies

Everyone needs a hobby—it’s a way to find joy in life while staying engaged and stimulated. For me, that passion lies in collecting watches, a journey I began about six years ago when I bought my second watch to complement my aging Guess timepiece.

Quartz Phase

I initially focused on budget brands, picking up watches from Zodiac, Fossil, Citizen, and Casio. My knowledge was quite limited back then; I only understood quartz and digital watches, having no clue about automatics. As my interest grew, I took the leap into the world of automatic timepieces.

Automatic Phase

My first automatic watch was a Omega Seamaster, which also happened to be one of my most significant purchases. Up until then, the only time I'd spent thousands on a single item was on a car or a high-end computer. 

It was love at first sight, and predictably, I followed that purchase with a Rolex the following year. I also explored several Seikos and Orients to deepen my understanding, even investing in a toolkit and replacement bands.

Growing Up Phase

However, I soon realized my collection was getting out of hand. At one point, I had over eighteen watches and decided it was time to "cull the herd." Over the last year, I’ve sold eleven pieces and feel much more satisfied with my remaining selections. This experience has taught me that quantity isn't always beneficial. 

Periodic reviews of my collection have clarified my pursuit’s purpose and philosophy. I find myself gravitating more toward automatics and significant pieces, yet I still appreciate simple quartz or digital watches for their basic functionality and durability.

My Collection

This reflection has helped me justify my choices regarding which watches to keep and what to look for in future acquisitions. Here’s how my collection breaks down:

  • Luxury Utilitarian (Dress/Sport): Rolex Explorer 114270
  • Luxury Diver: Omega Seamaster 2531.80
  • Budget Utilitarian: Seiko 5 SNKK33
  • Budget Diver: Casio MTD 1010
  • Budget Chronograph: Armani 585
  • Sports: Casio G-Shock 5600 GLX-7
  • Sports: Casio G-Shock 5600 GLX-4

Future Acquisitions

I’m contemplating a Luxury Chronograph like a Speedmaster or a Breguet Transatlantique. Additionally, I have my eyes set on a proper dress watch from prestigious brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, or Jaeger-LeCoultre. I also see potential in the mid-range market ($250 - $3,000) with brands like Hamilton, Tissot, and Nomos, which I haven’t explored thoroughly yet.

Lastly, I’m thinking about grabbing the Casio GLX 5600-1 to complete the set—after all, those are the three official colors for that model subset. Funny how collecting watches reminds me of my garage from the video game Gran Turismo!

Next Sale?

Currently, I’m considering selling my last Seiko automatic, the White Seiko 5 SNKK33. I’ve grown fond of it, especially after pairing it with a NATO strap, as the original metal band wasn’t up to par.

Conclusion

Collecting watches has become a significant part of my life, blending passion with purpose. Whether it’s learning about the craftsmanship behind automatics or simply enjoying the aesthetics of a well-designed timepiece, every addition to my collection tells a story.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sony MDR-ZX100 vs ZX-110 vs ZX310 Series Headphones

Sony ZX Series Headphones Review: A Budget-Friendly Sound Choice If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly headphones with decent quality, the Sony ZX Series is definitely worth considering. I happen to own several models from the lineup: ZX-100 ZX-110 ZX-310 Let’s dive into how they compare in terms of build quality, cost, specs, sound, and overall value. Build Quality: ZX-310 Takes the Lead The Sony ZX series headphones primarily feature a durable plastic construction. My ZX-100 has lasted over 2½ years, enduring countless tosses into my backpack and car without any issues. However, the lower-end ZX-100 and ZX-110 models have a significant downside: poor-quality earpads. Over time, these earpads disintegrate, leaving vinyl flakes that stick to your hair and ears. The ZX-310, on the other hand, comes with upgraded earpads that don’t suffer from this problem, making them a clear winner in the build department. Cost Comparison: ZX-100/110 Wins for Affordability While the ZX-310 model co
9 comments
Read more

Casio G-Shock 5600 vs 6900 vs 9000

G-Shock Preferences and Favorites After trying out several G-Shock models, I've developed a better sense of the specific features and design elements I appreciate most. While features are always a plus, my main priority is size . Here's how some of the models I've tried stack up. Size Preference: DW-5600 Series For overall size, the DW-5600 series stands out as a favorite due to its compact, comfortable form. It’s slim, lightweight, and fits well on my wrist without being too bulky. Although the 6900 series provides the benefit of a well-placed front illumination button, the 5600 remains the ideal size for everyday wear. Best Compromise: G9000 Mudman Series If I had to choose a balanced option between size, comfort, and functionality, the G9000 Mudman series would be it. The buttons are slightly tough to press, but the layout and form factor resonate with what I prefer in a G-Shock. Despite having different module versions (GLX, G, and DW), I find that these models offe
Post a Comment
Read more

Eton Microlink FR160 Radio -- Sticky Residue

Eton Microlink FR160 Handcrank Radio Review I bought an Eton Microlink FR160 handcrank radio for my emergency kit a few years ago, and it’s been great overall. However, there’s one significant issue I've encountered. Sticky Residue Problem Over time, a sticky residue developed on the radio's external surface, which was driving me nuts. At first, I thought there was something wrong with the device. Solution Fortunately, I researched the problem online and discovered that Eton radios are coated with a substance designed to make them easier to grip. Unfortunately, this coating degrades over time and turns into a sticky mess. To resolve the issue, I used isopropyl alcohol and cotton balls to clean most of the gunk. While some paint may have been lost in the process, at least the radio is no longer sticky.
6 comments
Read more