Simple Living

Reflecting on My Watch Collection Journey As I take stock of my current watch collection, I feel a sense of satisfaction with what I have assembled so far. While I may not own a traditional dress watch, I find that the Rolex Explorer serves me well in formal settings, and the Armani Chronograph can step in if needed. I’m considering swapping the Armani’s metal bracelet for a tan brown leather strap to enhance its versatility. The Process of Curation Determining how many watches are "enough" for my collection has been a tiring yet rewarding process. While some might view this as a trivial exercise, for me, analyzing my motivations and justifications behind each piece has been invaluable. This practice not only informs my watch-related decisions but also prepares me for larger life choices. Any future acquisition will require the thoughtful consideration of replacing an existing watch in my collection. Future Aspirations Looking ahead, I had considered the Hamilton Navy Pione

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

The Allure of Casio G-Shock Iconic Brand with a Rich Legacy Casio G-Shock and Swatch are two iconic watch brands that have garnered a loyal following. Their timepieces are not only relatively affordable, typically ranging from $40 to $100 , but they also offer an astonishing variety of models, special editions, and unique designs that few collectors could ever hope to amass entirely. Yet, many enthusiasts come remarkably close, curating collections that are cosmic in size and diversity. With thousands of variations, there’s something in their extensive catalogs that can appeal to nearly everyone. My Favorite: The G-Shock 5600 Personally, I have a fondness for the squarish 5600 model . There’s something timeless about its design that resonates with the original DNA of the Casio digital watch segment. Unlike the bulkier 6900 or 7900 models, the 5600 maintains a slimmer profile that is more to my liking. I prefer watches that are 12-13 mm thick or less; anything thicker feels more like

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

My 2011 Toyota Corolla: First Toyota Experience The 2011 Toyota Corolla marked my entry into the Toyota brand, having previously owned only Hondas and Nissans. I found a pre-owned 2011 Corolla in 2013 for a fair price of $11,500.  Although I only kept the car for four years before trading it in for my 2016 Highlander, the Corolla provided worry-free ownership throughout my time with it. I was genuinely impressed by Toyota's reliability, requiring only routine oil changes, a battery replacement, and a new set of tires. While I briefly considered purchasing another Corolla to complement the Highlander, I decided instead for a Camry.  And in hindsight, if I could do it all over again I'd likely have gotten a Camry instead of the Corolla, but it was still a valuable experience. Specs and Performance Engine : 1.8L I4 - 2ZR-FE Horsepower: 132 @ 6000 RPM Torque: 128 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM Transmission : 4-speed automatic Performance : 0-60 mph: 9.8 seconds Quarter-mile: 17.8 seconds @ 81 mp