Cleaning House // Culling the Watch Herd

Streamlined Watch Collection: My Ideal Setup

My watch collection has once again surpassed a dozen pieces, but like many times before, it consists of a mix of inexpensive and cheap watches that I rarely wear. I’m now focused on culling the herd and narrowing it down to four essential watches:

Rolex Explorer 114270
Victorinox INOX
Casio G-Shock DW5600
Casio A168

Here’s my thought process for establishing an ideal collection.

I. Classics that Obey Form + Function

Over the years, I’ve realized that I prefer simple tool watches that balance reasonable size with classic styling. My everyday wear usually consists of the humble Casio models, while I reserve the Automatics and the INOX for more formal or special occasions.

Interestingly, the Casio A168 brings me a lot of joy. It meets most of my daily needs without the worry of wear and tear, which is a huge plus for an everyday watch.

II. You Don’t Need Every Style or Design

One mistake I made early in my collecting journey was the desire to “complete” my collection with various colors and styles. If a model came in three or four different colors, I felt the need to own them all.

In reality, you don’t need to have a “one of each” collection that includes a chronograph, dive watch, dress watch, etc. It’s more valuable to curate a selection that resonates with your personal style.

III. Sizing and Fit Matter

Just as with shoes, comfort is key when it comes to watches. Proper sizing and fit are crucial for a watch you plan to wear regularly.

I find that watches between 36 mm and 42 mm are optimal for my wrist size, with the Victorinox INOX at 45 mm being a rare exception that I can still comfortably wear.

IV. Buy What You Would Wear

It sounds straightforward, but I’ve often experienced buyer's remorse by purchasing watches that looked great but didn’t quite suit my style when worn. Even the most coveted watches may not fit everyone's aesthetic.

Focusing on watches that align with my personal style has led to a more satisfying collection, as each piece is something I genuinely enjoy wearing.

By refining my collection to these four watches, I’m aiming for a blend of functionality, style, and personal significance, ensuring that each piece is both practical and enjoyable.

Comments

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...

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...

Casio MTD 1010 the $30 Submariner Homage

Casio MTD-1010: The Best Budget Submariner Homage If you’re on the hunt for an affordable watch that channels the classic diver aesthetic of the Submariner, look no further than the Casio MTD-1010 . Priced at around $30 on eBay , this model offers incredible value for anyone who loves a good deal. Affordable Elegance The MTD-1010 strikes a balance between style and practicality. While it features a quartz movement , it captures the essence of the iconic Submariner without being a direct replica or knockoff. This watch embodies the classic diver look with its bold dial, rotating bezel, and luminous hands, making it a fantastic choice for both everyday wear and special occasions. Function Over Frills What sets the MTD-1010 apart is its straightforward functionality. Casio focuses on delivering a reliable timepiece that doesn't get bogged down by unnecessary high-end features. This approach ensures that the watch is both accessible and functional, making it ideal for those who appreci...

Simple Living

Search This Blog