Simple Living

Simplifying My Watch Collection I've streamlined my collection since parting with the Apple SE2, focusing on three mechanical watches and three Casio models. This selection offers a good balance of variety and functionality. Current Collection Everyday Wear: Any Casio or the Rolex Explorer Travel & Outdoors: G-Shock Flashy/Occasions: Omega Seamaster Weight Breakdown Casios: ~50 grams each Rolex Explorer: ~100 grams Omega Seamaster: ~165 grams Next Watch Considerations I've always had my eye on the Speedmaster or Submariner , but the rising costs have made them less accessible. Currently, I'm seeing: Omega Speedmaster (Pre-owned): ~$4,000 Rolex Submariner (Pre-owned): ~$8,000 Another contender is the Tudor Pelagos 39 , which is priced similarly to the Speedmaster. Price Sensitivity Watches below $500-1,000 don't excite me anymore, as they often lack the fit and finish I appreciate in my Omega and Rolex. Interestingly, I found the Omega Seamaster to be an inc

Embracing the DW5600 G-Shock I’ve recently swapped back to my 5600 Casio G-Shock and found that it fits me better than the A168. My tastes in watches tend to ebb and flow, but I’m glad I held onto many of my older pieces, as they allow me the opportunity to rotate through my collection. Black G-Shock - A Fashion Staple There’s something about a G-Shock that just completes my outfit. I’ve finally freed myself from the allure of the Apple Watch. In my younger days, I owned various colored 5600 models, which were nice, but they lacked the versatility of the classic black 5600. While other models had better features, I now realize I should have splurged on a 5610. Nevertheless, the DW5600 suits me just fine. The Journey to the Perfect Watch I’m grateful for my decision to purchase this watch in 2021. It helped me cull five other G-Shocks from my collection (two 5600s, a 9000, a 6900, and a GD100) that were just crowding my space.  Instead of feeling regret, I appreciate having had the chan

Growing My Casio Collection: Gold A168WG Review I recently took the plunge and added a gold Casio A168WG to my collection, marking my first watch purchase in two years. This new addition complements my silver A168 and G-Shock DW5600, bringing my digital Casio collection to three. Why Casio? The value proposition with Casio watches is exceptional. They offer a perfect blend of price and functionality. Lately, I've found myself feeling more self-conscious about wearing my Rolex and getting a bit bored with my Apple Watch. While both are still nice to wear (I use the Apple Watch for workouts and the Rolex for nostalgic moments), the convenience of Casio has been appealing. Initial Impressions The gold resin case of the A168WG really pops and shines, giving off a confident vibe. However, the clasp is a bit hard to open and adjust, requiring some effort. The display is slightly harder to read, and the buttons are tougher to push compared to my silver A168. Despite these minor drawbacks

Embracing the Charisma of the Casio A168 The Casio A168 possesses a unique charisma and charm that captivates once you experience it—this inexpensive gem is hard to resist! I'm currently debating whether to make it my daily driver again. Update - 10/14/23 I decided to wear the A168 for several days, and I’ve come to realize how much I rely on my Apple Watch for quick updates, like checking the weather and accessing other information that typically requires pulling out my iPhone. While the A168 is perfect for at-home use—where I only need to check the date and time—it becomes less practical when I’m outdoors. The functionality of the Apple Watch truly shines in those moments. That said, I’m glad I gave the A168 a shot. While it may have disrupted my three rings and exercise records, does it really matter if it’s logged on my Apple Watch as long as I maintain my exercise routines? Absolutely not!

Casio F-91W as a Souvenir I picked up a Casio F-91W while in Japan for 2000 Yen (about $14.50 USD ). While this watch is quite basic and the black resin version is common and often cheaper in the States, the translucent colorways are unique to the Japanese market and typically sell for double that on Amazon. Purpose of the Purchase I'm not planning to sell it; it serves as an inexpensive souvenir from my time in Japan. While I'm not sure when I'd wear it, especially since my Casio A168 is a more functional option, the price made it an easy choice. Collection Considerations I don't intend to count this watch toward my main collection. Instead, it’ll be more of a side piece. I’ve been thinking about keeping my focus on luxury Swiss watches for my actual collection, given their value and significance. This aligns with my decision regarding my old Apple Watch Series 2 . Since it's dead and now sitting in my junk drawer, I don’t count it in my collection either, but I

Watch Collection Update I've decided to skip any new watch purchases this year and focus on my current collection of six watches : Rolex 114270 Omega 2531.80 Zenith Cal 126 Casio A168 Casio G-Shock 5600 Apple Watch SE2 Overall, I feel quite content with this lineup. My daily wear typically consists of the Apple Watch, though I often swap it out for the A168 or G-Shock. The versatility of the humble A168 continues to impress me. Apple Watch Updates I've added a silicone case protector and screen cover to the Apple Watch, as I've found that the screen scratches easily. Usage Patterns Update - 6/12/23 Recently, I've established a routine where I wear the Apple Watch throughout the day to track my activity rings and workouts, then switch to my Rolex in the evenings. I've come to appreciate the Rolex as the most comfortable watch in my collection. In many ways, the Rolex Explorer feels like the 'perfect' watch. Wearing it gives me a sense of accomplishment, es

MoonSwatch Mission to Mars Review I finally got my hands on the MoonSwatch and chose the Mission to Mars ! My first choice would have been the classic Mission to Moon , but the captivating red of Mars drew me in. Initial Impressions Design : This watch is incredibly thin, which enhances its comfort. However, I found the stock white strap to be quite stiff and awkward. Switching to a NATO strap was a must for a better fit. Value : At $260 , it’s on the pricier side for a Swatch, but it feels worth it, especially considering the cool collaboration with Omega. 5-Day Review After wearing it for a few days, here are my thoughts: Fragility : I’ve found it to be a bit fragile for certain tasks. I need to be careful around water, such as when cooking or washing my hands. Comfort : Overall, it’s light and comfortable on the wrist. It took a few days to adjust to the watch strap, but it eventually settled in nicely. Aesthetics : The red and white colors really pop, giving it a nice wrist presen

It Shouldn’t Be This Hard It shouldn’t be this hard to close all three activity rings for my Apple Watch, but this is only my second time ever, and the first time was almost four years ago! My goal for the rest of 2022 is to make this happen 12 more times in the final 12 weeks! Then keep it up in 2023 and onward. Update - 5/14/23 This is hard! I only got my fourth consecutive ring just now this week in May 2023. The last time I achieved this was in October 2022. I’ll keep trying and will hopefully get it a few more times this year.

Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen Review I recently got the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen in 44MM, featuring the Cellular + GPS model. I'm curious to see how it compares to my old Series 2, which only had GPS. After wearing it for a few days, I'm ready to share my thoughts. Initial Impressions Overall, the SE 2 feels very similar to my old Series 2. Update - 10/1/22: 10-Day Review After a solid week and a half with the watch, I can say it’s a good choice for anyone looking for a smartwatch without the hefty price tag of $400 for a Gen 8 or $800 for an Ultra. The SE covers all the basics and truly helps me "untether" from my phone. There's something liberating about not always needing to have my phone on hand. Configuring the watch faces took some time, and I plan to continue experimenting until I find the perfect set that suits my style. Another significant benefit has been the activity rings, which motivate me to exercise more. I've pushed my daily walking average to about 8,0

Timex MK1 Mechanical Field Watch Review I recently purchased the Timex MK1 Mechanical Field Watch for $79 on Timex’s website, thanks to a 50% off sale and an additional 20% discount code (EXTRA20). The MK1 has a design that reminds me of my Zenith, and I plan to retire that watch and replace it with this Timex. It seems to fit into the Seiko 5 grade category—simple, fun, and casual, which suits my style well. Specifications Case Material : Stainless Steel Case Diameter : 36mm Case Height : 11.5mm Lug Width : 18mm Water Resistance : 50 meters Movement : Mechanical (Seagull ST6?) Accuracy : +11 seconds/day Frequency : 21,600 bph (3 Hz) Power Reserve : 43 hours Initial Impressions Upon receiving the watch, I was impressed by its quality for the price. It rivals the fit and finish of a Seiko 5 and can compete with Hamilton's Khaki Mechanical models. The NATO-style canvas strap is comfortable and pairs nicely with the green dial. Winding the movement was easy, and the dial’s legibility

Watch Experimentation: Finding the Perfect Strap Discovering New Styles It’s incredible how a simple strap change can transform the look and feel of a watch. I’ve been on a journey with my Zenith, trying out various combinations, and nothing quite felt right. Here’s what I experienced: Leather : Too dressy for everyday wear. NATO : A bit too casual. All Metal : This isn’t a sports watch vibe. The Hirsch Strap Surprise I never considered the Hirsch strap since it's designed for a 20mm lug width , while my Zenith is 19mm . To my surprise, it fits—barely! This unexpected combination has turned out to be a fantastic choice. The Result I’m really enjoying this new setup. It strikes a balance between semi-formal and semi-casual, making it ideal for daily wear. This experience has reinforced the importance of experimenting with different styles; you never know what combination might work perfectly! Update - 8/2/22: The Timex Mk 1 Mechanical Temptation The watch bug has bitten again. I ca

Watch Collection Update: 2022 Review Current Collection As of 2022, I've streamlined my watch collection down to six pieces, with plans to add a few more. Here’s what I have: Rolex Explorer 114270 Omega Seamaster 2531.80 Zenith Cal 126 Seiko SKX781 Casio G-Shock DW5600 Casio A168 Future Additions I’m excited about my upcoming acquisitions: Omega x Swatch (Mars) - November 2022 Apple Watch SE 2 (44mm) - October 2022 Timex Mk1 - August 2022 (but I ended up selling this) Daily Wear Insights My daily wear has primarily leaned towards quartz models, but I do enjoy sporting my automatic watches like the Seiko and Omega occasionally. My hunch is that one of the following will become my main daily wear: Timex Mk1 Omega x Swatch Apple Watch SE 2 This may lead to my quartz watches getting less wrist time, while the mechanical ones will see even less. Culling the Collection Again? To reach a more manageable collection of 7-8 watches, I parted with the Victorinox INOX and am considering le

Omega x Swatch Collaboration Update I was really excited about the Mission to the Moon and Mars versions of the Omega x Swatch collaboration, so I made it a point to be in line on Saturday morning. Unfortunately, they only had a few units for sale, and I wasn’t able to snag one. I’ll keep checking in to see if I can eventually get my hands on those pieces. Thoughts on the Collaboration It’s kind of cool and exciting that Omega and Swatch teamed up for this wild collaboration—it actually makes sense. I’ve always had a soft spot for chronographs, and I hope to own the original Omega Speedmaster Professional someday. In the meantime, this Swatch version would make for a fun daily wearer. Update - 4/20/22 However, I’ve been hearing some concerning reports that some of the watches bleed ink. I saw a video for the blue Neptune version that claimed the blue dye left a stain on a person's wrist. I’m hoping this issue is limited to specific colorways and doesn’t impact the red Mars or

Comparing Casio Digital Wristwatches: DW5600 vs. A168 Casio digital wristwatches have become famous for offering exceptional value. It can be challenging to find alternatives that match their quality at such low price points. The G-Shock DW5600 and vintage A168 are excellent examples of their respective model lines, available for around $45 and $20, respectively. It’s this affordability that makes these watches so attractive compared to their high-quality features. When comparing watches, you should consider five criteria: Features Accuracy Reliability / Durability Wearability Aesthetics I. Features - DW5600 Wins Digital watches have a significant advantage over analog watches when it comes to features. Analog watches require space on the dial for each feature, which can be inherently difficult due to limited real estate. In contrast, digital watches can cycle through multiple features using the same display. By pressing the mode button, either Casio watch can cycle through 4-5 screens

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

Choosing Your Casio G-Shock: 5600 vs. 6900 and More If you're diving into the world of Casio G-Shocks, you've likely encountered two iconic designs: the square 5600 series and the circular 6900 series . Both embody the durability, functionality, and iconic status of G-Shock watches. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which model suits your needs best. 1. Form Factor (Size) For those with smaller wrists, the compact, square 5600 series is often the better choice, while the larger, circular 6900 series tends to fit most wrist sizes comfortably. If you're new to G-Shock, it's a good idea to try both styles on to see which feels more comfortable. 2. Features (Modules) Each G-Shock model comes with its own set of features. The entry-level DW models cover the essentials, including a timer, alarm, and stopwatch. On the other hand, higher-end models (like the GW or GLX series ) offer advanced features such as solar charging, atomic time syncing, and world time. Consider

Casio G-Shock DW-6900 Battery Replacement Experience The backlight on my Casio G-Shock DW-6900 stopped working, although the time display and all other functions were still operational. I suspected the battery might be low on power, especially since the backlight is a significant draw. Battery Replacement Steps After some research, I found the instructions for replacing the battery, which confirmed it uses a CR2016 battery . Here’s a summary of the steps I followed: Gather Tools : You’ll need a tiny Phillips screwdriver to remove the back screws and a needle or pin to release the battery harness. Remove the Back Cover : Use the Phillips screwdriver to carefully unscrew the back cover of the watch. Replace the Battery : Gently release the battery harness using the needle or pin. This step can be tricky; I had to watch several YouTube videos and review the online instructions multiple times to get it right. Caution : Take your time with the battery harness catch to avoid permanent damag

Choosing My Next Watch: Casio G-Shock DW-5600 vs. Casio A168 In 2021, I found myself considering a new watch to add to my collection after my last purchase, the Victorinox INOX , in 2020. With the unfortunate demise of my Apple Series 2 , I had room for another timepiece. I was drawn to two classic options: Casio G-Shock DW-5600 Casio A168 Evaluating the Contenders Details Matter While my collection of G-Shocks has always been solid, I’ve found some lacking in certain aspects. My GLX-5600 is a striking red, but my DW-6900 is too bulky, and the G9000 has a hard-to-read negative display. This led me to consider the black DW-5600 or the silver A168 . Pro #1: Both Are Affordable One major advantage of these watches is their affordability. Although I’m leaning towards the DW-5600 , I’m also tempted to acquire both. Their prices typically range between $20-$40 , making them low-risk additions to my collection. Pro #2: G-Shock's Indestructibility I’ve always appreciated G-Shocks for