I've enjoyed having my three watch collection for almost a year now, but it's coming to an end. Who knows what is next, but I want your recommendations!
Love your collection and you have great taste. Here’s my vote: the pistachio Breitling chronograph that you had but sold. It gives you color, a chronograph, and a country club piece. It’s a great watch.
Just accept that what you like is buying stuff and the feeling you get searching and spending. Once you’ve done that it frees you from thinking it’s a watch addiction and then things become easier to part with.
First go with function. Get one diver, one chrono and one gmt. Then, of those 3, get one that’s dressy maybe on a leather strap or polished bracelet. The other two will be more “sporty” with brushed bracelets or maybe on rubber or nato but one will fall more into the sport category and the other falls into the casual/daily wear category. On top of that if you can get each of them in a different size for variety and each of a different dial color, you’re journey is then complete until you want to refresh which you’ll do inevitably but you stick to this structure and I don’t think you’ll be lusting as much for change because every base that can be covered is covered.
I think you're already on the correct path. I agree, get a dress watch, you want to cover all your bases. Grand Seiko has a very unique take on dress watches with their dial textures. I'm going to pick up the SBGY007 next weekend. It will be my second watch; I've been wearing the black dial BB58 for about a year now. So, one daily driver and a dress watch. My recommendation would be to swap out watches slowly, you said you wanted to maybe swap out 2 of them. I would do one watch and then wait awhile before doing the second one. Best of luck!
To me it comes down to feeling, associations and interests. The P39 is a great modern tool watch that offers everything I was curious about (titanium, luminous bezel, modern sub alternative) the BB58 scratch the itch of the vintage diver I’ve always romanticised and next I’m thinking Chrono because of my interest in motor racing. The new 39mm Tag Heuer Carrera meets my requirements of modern reliability whilst walking that line between classic and contemporary. Outside of that there’s always room to CWC, Smiths, Baltic and other really interesting heritage or micro brand pieces that are perfect for trips etc.
I'm lucky that most of my watch collections are built by gifts from my parents and friends. The pieces that I bought myself each have sentimental values and events attached to them: Tissot Day Date Black -> first mechanical watch, bought in Switzerland to commemorate my first Exchange experience Seiko SPB093J1 Arita Porcelain dial -> commemorate my first Full Time Internship Grand Seiko SBGN027 -> commemorate my Master degree I think you can try Seiko's presage handcraft dials, a lot of different colours and made from Porcelain/Enamel. I think those can really make a difference in your current collection and don't cost too much. Or if you are able to afford it, go up towards some Grand Seiko Pieces are great as well!
Really enjoy your content! For me personally, i tend to lean towards finding something that’s within “classic” but yet, unique and less boring. For example, I own an Omega Seamaster 300 in 36mm. Not the James Bond piece which is the usual classic but the Jacques Mayol limited edition in green wavy dial REF 2553.41.00! You can research on it!
For me as I build my collection, I am looking at complications. So I want 1 Diver, 1 Chronograph, 1 GMT and 1 Dress watch. The exception for me is that I really like the Tudor Pro and GMT and probably will have both. But that is my concept. Also want to keep within one brand (Tudor)
You should look at the Zenith Chronomaster Original. You did a review of the Sport, but the Original has a much different, less flashy vibe that I think you'd like a lot. Works great on leather straps as well as the bracelet (though you'll have the same complaints as you did for the bracelet on the Sport). It's not a diver, and it's not something that anyone will recognize. Will work well in your collection, especially with the silver dial.
100%. As I got older and made better money, buying the 500-1K watches, I noticed a trend that if I was patient and saved for the grail, I wouldn't have gone through the stress of buying/selling yo-yo that came with the cheaper stuff. I have recently attained a 124270 Explorer, and I am selling off 2 watches to make up for the purchase. Had I been patient the headache of selling and making sure I find the right buyer wouldn't have been there. The Speedy and Explorer are permanent mainstays (for now, trends and collection preferences change) but in the end painful lessons were learned and I'm a better collector for it. Less is more and beware the hype train.
If you're thinking about a gold piece. Pre-owned Longines is an excellent choice. Can get some really good watches for great prices. In my time collecting I've managed to pick up two 18ct solid gold ones for £1500, and there's some even cheaper.
Tissot PRX. I’d recommend the Quartz over the Automatic as the escape wheel and palette fork of the Powermatic 80 are made of plastic/silicon. If you’re looking for something in gold, maybe the PRX 35mm gold watch that people have been comparing to the Vacheron Constantin 222. As another suggestion, Cartier Tank or Santos.
This video makes me reflect on my collection by looking at it from the outside in as when I didn’t know anything about watches. It’s true, we tend to get so deep in the rabbit hole and when I think of how regular people would view our collection we notice we tend to add same looking pieces. I’m thinking of having different shapes and dial colors now lol, for example keeping my Panerai, adding an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, keeping my Rolex SD43 and my Skydweller, adding a dress Patek, and a square JLC or Cartier. All different shape variations. I think I just got deeper in the rabbit hole 🤣 it’s a disease I tell ya
I follow your channel from the beginning (one of the best watch channels on RU-vid) and we have similar taste. I’ve been collecting for 20 years (email). I’d suggest a Chronograph: Zenith Chronomaster, Breitling Navitimer (take a look at the Sinn), Tag Heuer Carrera 39, and an alternative design and material piece like the Norqain wild one, Formex Leggera 41, Hublot 42.
My strategy is a 6 watch collection. 3 watches are my foundation and I won't sell them until I am sure the replacement is correct. For example when I sold my Tudor black Bay 36 for my Rolex explorer 1 (very similar and very versatile design). My core : Omega seamaster 300, Rolex explorer 1, Cartier santos Medium. The other 3 are in constant rotation to keep it fun. I even have them in 2 boxes of 3 slots. Rotation: Tudor pelagos 39, Tudor black bay 58 blue, Seiko 62mas This style I have found that give me control on expenses and fun times. Maybe it helps you.
As mentioned by others, I’d recommend the Zenith Chronomaster Original: 1. Very comfortable on wrist (about as thin as you’ll get for an automatic chronograph) 2. Balances being sporty/dressy/vintage/colorful while remaining neutral enough to pair with most outfits 3. Has an amazing movement that can be visually appreciated by seeing the chronograph hand flying around the dial
I dunno about selling what you have coz a for a lot of them you seem to have emotional attachments AND you do wear them and enjoy wearing them a lot, so you might regret selling! The way I see things is that I have a permanent collection that I'll never sell (my dad's watch, the first nice watch i bought after a milestone etc.) And a "seasonal" collection that I have fun flipping and changing. (Kinda like how my local museum has a permanent and seasonal exhibitions!)
I think 3 is too few personally. I want keepers and also some I can chop around and try new watches. For me I think I’ll end up at 6-8 nice watches. This gives me the flexibility to experiment with different brands, styles etc I would suggest buying different brands, different material, different complications, etc. go to AD’s and take people on the journey sharing your though process.
Feedback. If you wear your watches like you do your likely to lose a tonne of value when selling not to mention the regret so I wouldn’t do that.I have an explorer 36 2022 model that I love and have very similar taste in watches as you do. I’d be open to the omega seamster 300, I also like the aqua terra 👌🏼 similar to watches you have in that they are tool watches and are good for daily wear. A grand seiko omiwatari or a snowflake? But more vintage & costly depending on year an 18k yellow gold Rolex date just? Very high on my list 🙊 or possibly any date just in steel blue or green dial? Something that’s not quite a tool watch and has a dresser appearance. Anyway that’s my two cents hope it helps.
For me, it is design of the dial. I have a Tank Francaise steel automatic, that I wear at work. It is very unassuming. And at home and going out, I wear my Tank LC manual wind rosegold. It is sophisticated (in my opinion) except of course that rose gold is more visible that a yellow gold. The Tank LC easily fits under a sleeve. I have tried round watches, but they felt uncomfortable (always in the way; so to speak). Also I have a Reverso Duoface manual wind steel. I love both sides of the dials. For me, Cartier Tank and Reverso have such a rich history in dial design. For Reverso, there are for example the 60th, 70th anniversary editions, the slim versions. Also, I am 6‘4 and want an unassuming watch, something that doesn‘t stand out visually. I agree, that watches are not everything. I have been buying made to measure suits and really enjoy wearing those. Have a great time.
I am a strong advocate of Grand Seiko. But like you, I’m less partial to their sport pieces. The one (and only) GS I have is the SBGA413 cherry blossom dial. IMO It’s the perfect blend of sporty elegance with the features you want like 100m water resistance, sapphire crystals, killer movement, unique dial and hand polishing that makes it pop. Each time I contemplate a datejust I look at this thing and think “nah”….
since you're into Tudor and Rolex and since you are looking for something maybe dressier, with maybe a touch of gold or color, well, my suggestion would be an 38mm two tone Tudor Royal, a black one (a dial that actually has all shades of grey in the light and does not even come close to black in the real life), or the very recent chocolate one.
I have mostly boring watches, I have two tears to the small collection. Tear one is 4 or 5 watches that are "expensive" and does not change much. Then the lower tear that has watches I like but change a bit more and I keep it to 10 or less watches mostly all hand wound as well.
Consider expanding your collection instead of flipping (unless you have fallen out of love with your watches). Yeah, this means you'll likely need to save some money and you won't be able to buy a new watch immediately. But sticking to just 3 watches when you're this deep in the rabbit hole is very difficult. But if you can do it and be happy (i.e. not always looking for something new) , then all the power to you. I wouldn't necessarily rebuy a watch you sold though, i.e. Omega Speedmaster. Try to remember why you sold it in the first place.
How about a Stowa Verus 40? Inexpensive, bold modern take on a simple classic design - it's not as versatile a daily as an explorer 36 or pelagos 39 but its for when you want to throw on jeans and a tshirt and sneakers and showcase something unique (as opposed to the blockbuster watches everyone has). Also, it's endlessly customizable with straps so the wearing experience can feel new depending what you have it on. Basically, it's a watch that can excel on that 1-2 days a week you choose it.
Don’t sell any of you core three pieces, build memories into them and keep them as a core for the future. I would recommend keeping any ‘fun’ pieces as less expensive pieces when compared to your Rolexes and Tudor. In my experience the bolder and brighter colours are great for a summer or two, but don’t last longer than that. Keep the three core pieces and you won’t regret it in 5 to 10 years. As you say yourself, you regret selling the Speedmaster….don’t make the same mistake again!
I also think you are overthinking it a little bit. I have (just) 6 watches and yes, some only get very few days of wrist time each yeah but I still cherish those days as the watch was waiting for THAT day to be worn! It doesn't have to be on the wrist for 1/6th of the time. However my top 3 right now are: Sinn 104 in blue, a limited edition. That was my first expensive watch, at over 1k€. Love it but it's a tad large for me. Nomos Club Neomatik 740. Great great summer watch with a touch of blue and orange in it. Doesn't really have a story other than I just love it :D Nomos Orion. The watch I bought for my wedding last year. Will obviously forever stay in the collection. Had the date and initials engraved. That's the watch that holds the most sentimental value for me. So I really urge you to look into Nomos if you want something a little more fun but still well made and not crazy expensive. What I am currently eyeing is a Rolex Explorer, 10 months on *the list* already, hoping to get it soon. Second is a Tudor Sub 75190 from the late 90s. Perfect size and one of the last of itvs kind. Also available in blue, salmon, black or silver afaik, so you can add some fun. Hope that helps! :)
Question: Of your current 3 watches, do you consider any of them to be your Signature watch? If so, keep the One and sell the other two. Use those funds to experience other watches. Of course you can replace the Signature watch as you change, but you’ll always have the One in your collection while experiencing other watches. This is the dream.
If you want different….try different brands that aren’t divers. Even Longines has a great model line that won’t break the bank. Personally, I like to have a well rounded collection…diver, dress, tool, etc.
I would really recommend trying a nomos, they're really fun little watches which is something you might be after and exceptional quality for the money, I own a nomos club campus 36, it fits bigger than it suggest, and I'm really happy with it, cheers!
But what you like!!! It’s such a personal thing. We are all here to share opinions and if force yourself to buy watches to diversify you will regret it. I have a speedy and a navi. Granted one is steel and one two tone but they are similar. Just buy what makes you “tick” 😉
mine is more of an aesthetic/look based collecting strategy. unique looks that wont overlap. submariner,tudor black ceramic, and the titanium smp. up next is the panerai blu abisso in bronze.
I have 2 speedy 1861 (sentimental) / 3861, 300m and GS 231. Unless your in a suit everyday dress watches are not needed in a collection (I love dress watches). Your Explorer is perfect in a suit. I’m going for a Speedy and explorer 40mm combo, maybe a sub. I’m a boring collector and I know what I like, I have own a lot of watches. You don’t need the Tudor when you own Rolex and you should have kept the speedy.
@@HarrisonElmore I watched a newer video after and saw that, I understand you wanting a Navi over a Speedy, bit different and the design is classic too. Whenever I see a pilot with a Navi on I can’t help but lust after them for a few weeks! Navi, Explorer 1 & 2, you need nothing more. I’d keep them for a core collection for yourself and just buy watches for the chance knowing they will be sold into new watches for content. Don’t sell the Explorers they will be very hard to get back into.
Love the channel Harrison. Here’s my take on your collection: Get the speedmaster back! You clearly miss it and hate yourself for selling it 😜. Keep your explorer and explorer 2 - sentimental. Keep the Pelagos as your everyday perfect watch. 5th watch can be your fun watch that you can constantly rotate out. You don’t NEED a dress watch, another Rolex, you won’t wear a cartier constantly at this point in your life. I feel like your gonna outgrow a Panerai/any Breitling - too big/too common. Entry level watches won’t do it for you, your too deep. maybe omega but there designs are a little off. 5 watches for sure.
Putting this out there without judgement to anyone here. There are marked distinctions in what characterizes an admirer, enthusiast, acquirer, consumer, purchaser and collector of something. None of these are better or worse than the other. And one can be several or all of these things serially or simultaneously. They do however represent very different characteristics, thought patterns and behaviors. Curiously though, they tend to be conflated with respect to wristwatches. Does owning 1, 2 or 3 of something for a utilitarian purpose define a collector? The fallacy of a one-watch collection sits at the extreme of this notion.
I have the Explorer 36mm 124270, Explorer2 16570 polar and a Pelagos 39 😂 I’m currently going through the same decision process. Im going to move on the Pelagos 39 and polar and buy a hesalite Speedy new version and an FXD. Boring but it’s a change up.
Wearing a classic for a couple of years, having a great time with it and a few scratches that tell a story is one of the great things of this hobby. Selling that piece and buying another classic doesn't make any sense to me. You are in desperate need of the money, ok, it has to go with a bleeding heart, but buying another watch with that money is non sensible.
Embrace the art of a mechanical watch. That means find those watches that are 100% made in-house with high quality controls. Rolex, Tudor, Glashutte, Grand Seiko, etc. Stay far away from ETA, Sellita, etc movements stock or dressed up. For example, if you can purchase these movements for less than $400, what type of labor and parts and quality controls do you think went into the assembly of this movement? Why do they offer only two year warranties? Why did my new $4,500 ETA based Breitling require two warranty repairs in the first 18 months? Appreciate the art and quality of the mechanical watch. Edit add: Go Strong Horology - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pJgH9w1PH1k.html
Problem (well, first world one)) is that many people (yourself included Harrison - that Explorer I is spotted 😉) start watch collection with so called iconic watches. And as much as they are iconic for some reasons (mostly valid), they may not be the ones that ultimately address the one's needs. And while people appreciate them for all historical reasons, they start to feel the itch to keep looking more, as they better understand their real needs... I don't think that 3 watch collection is utopia per se, no it's not, it's just really hard to find 3 unique pieces that would serve your needs AND have the right brand/story panache for you. I strongly believe that 3 - 5 watches is the maximum the one can really wear, bond with, and appreciate, and any more than that would inevitably mean 'collecting' for the sake of it. As for your search - I'd go with the chronograph of some sort, as it seems you have a soft spot for them, but didn't acquire the one to hold yet. Not sure about Navitimer though, your style seems to gravitate more to IWC pilot aesthetics, if you can live with a somewhat bigger size of them. Something a bit dressy might be an option only if you really plan to wear it regularly... otherwise, I don't see the point in having a 'nice wedding watch' which sits in the drawer most of the time. Enjoy the ride!
For me the perfect 3 watch collection (at a reasonable attainable budget) is: Tudor diver, Grand Seiko dress and a Speedmaster. It can be whatever model you like best but this is how I’d go about it. Tons of value, history and iconic pieces. Somewhere around $10k total depending on bracelet or strap and condition. I’ve got the first two for around $5,500 and I’m working on a Speedy Pro for around $4,500 to finish it off. I find my idea of a 3 watch collection to include a little bit of spice since it’s 3 different categories that can all take any type of strap which can spice it up enough for me. But that’s just me, your collection is great as it is now but a little spice doesn’t hurt! Good luck!
My philosophy is “what is my use case for this watch? What is the scenario where I wake up in the morning and decide it needs to be this specific watch.” This has led me to basically a 4-5 watch collection. Everything has a purpose or a function or a why in my collection. Even though some are silly like “well, I need a Seiko so this is my Seiko/beater-ish”.
The IWC Mark XX has been the perfect watch for me, looks great with all sorts of straps, bracelets and works for all situations possible. Just get something other than black dial to change things up, I got the blue which has been a great all rounder.
I like to keep a 5 watch collection , one of the new things I like to do is to have a micro brand watch for everyday and try to switch it every year trying to beat it. Also definitely recommend a gold vintage dress watch, or couple vintage pieces to keep it fun
I feel you ❤. I also have a RU-vid channel and my collection has grown to 40 watches and want to shrink it down. I’m at the point where before I buy a watch I need to move a watch and thats the hard part deciding which ones to let go. I have watches from Bulova to Zenith and everything in between. Would love to share my collection with you. 😊
How about concentrating on microbrands, and ask them to send watches to review and showcase. Alternatively, you can team up with a AD and showcase their watches
If you are genuinely after some advice here goes: 1. decide if you want a great watch collection or a collection of great watches. These are radically different things, at the moment it looks like you've got the later but it seems you want to the former. 2. it also seems that you want to want something different to what you've wanted so far - thats fine, our preferences are learnt and you can learn to like new things. Find people, accounts, media that focus on the stuff you want to want, more color, more interesting designs, more innovation and follow them. Identify the media you consume thats focussed on the stuff you'd like to move away from and unsub, unfollow. You will be shocked at how changing the media you consume will change you.
A great watch collection: you may not like all the pieces but strangers on social media will sing your praises in terms of taste and discernment. A collection of great watches: The watches you love without giving a whit what others think.
As a fellow collector that also likes to enjoy life, this is what I have done - when I stop wearing them, I move them. No matter how sentimental imagine they are to me. There is only one watch in my collection that will never leave, all of the rest come to eventually go. I’ve just realized that I like to enjoy many watches, not just a few. So when I don’t wear them, no matter how cool they are, I move them. Good luck my friend. 😉
The IWC Mark XX had been the favourite watch in my collection. With the new specs and WR, it is truly versatile and the very definition of GADA. Depending on the strap you use, it can be a sporty, vintage, classic, everyday, field or even dress watch. So versatile and also so comfortable to wear. Highly recommend you try it on and see if it speaks to you.
Collectors’ taste evolve throughout their journey. It is okay to refresh the collection from time to time (or even more occasionally) but what I learnt about myself is that I’m ending up missing most of the important pieces in my collection after I move forward from them. I had a similar collection to yours (a couple of speedmasters, explorer 1, explorer 2 polar new and older, Pelagos 39, 42, and the list goes on) but at some point I understood that I will always aspire to own every timepiece I adore out there. Therefore the itch is always there. As I am aware of it, I am trying to stay with pieces that are iconic from my POV and could articulate my taste and passion as much as possible. Currently it is the 14060M, FXD, 2010 explorer 1, 1972 Zenith and maybe a new friend that will be joining the watch box if I’ll get the call some day (not another Rolex). Bottom line - I’d suggest you try to diversify with one but stay true to your real taste with the core of the collection. Also, love your videos and down to earth attitude man. Best wishes from TLV
Have you considered a Zenith Chronomaster Original (38mm), or one of the new Tag Heuer Carrera chronograph (39mm, with in house movement and “glass box” crystal)? In Grand Seiko you might consider the SBGH311G, a 37mm limited edition release - gorgeous!
7's the key number here. Think about it. 7-Elevens. 7 dwarves. 7, man, that's the number. 7 chipmunks twirlin' on a branch, eatin' lots of sunflowers on my uncle's ranch. You know that old children's tale from the sea. It's like you're dreamin' about Gorgonzola cheese when it's clearly Brie time, baby. Step into my office. Why? 'Cause you're fckin' fired!
My personal recommendation before adding more watches, and maybe this is a decent topic for a future video, is add more straps. Multiple strap options makes a small collection so much more fulfilling. You mentioned adding more color specifically, grab a bright orange rubber strap for the Explorer II, or a black strap with orange stitching to be more subtle about it. Grab a black, grey, and red NATO for the Pelagos 39, or literally anything for the Explorer 1. Even just adding two non-stock strap options for each watch can make your collection feel so much functionally larger. Then if you're still itching (which, let's be honest, we're all addicts here), add some more watches.
Sounds like you’re yearning to be surprised and/or expand your experiences, while you’ve been “Jonesing” it with your current collection. Since you mentioned Breitling and you already know Tudor, then I suggest exploring Norqain. They have modern designs that aren’t hung up on traditional looks, so they could add a bit of “crispness” to your collection. Another way that I would shake up your expectations is to try the Citizen Perpetual Chrono A-T (aka PCAT); I got one that I’ve been ignoring for quite some time, but putting it on recently gave me a new appreciation for how it looks. This latter one is kinda big and chunky though.
I'm about 45 watches into my collection mostly low value but like them for various reasons. The best of the bunch is a Hamilton Karki. My dream watch is Rolex explorer and have a close looking homage which has helped decide that this watch is to be my lifetime partner. (As I'm 72 it will not be too long before it is passed on). A kind high end collector friend has put the 40mm Explore on his AD list so awaiting "the call". Most watches fulfill the primary function of telling the time reasonably accurately. Keep one that you want as your daily and good enough to to pass on when you pass on. Think of it as a monogamous marriage. Don't be driven by brand, price or status. Pick themes like tool, dress, automatic, clarity of dial, oddness, movement type, homage etc. Turn them over as you go but always stick to your keeper.
The same problem I have, I didn’t believe in OWC any more for myself but still on the way too 3WC. I trying reduce my collection from 25+ to 7 at least, so I choose way buy new watches only after sell old, the problem is my most expensive (value) watches is my favorites and it’s easier to sell but I don’t want, next problem is I’m stuck on brand, all my purchases for two years was Tudor, and couple Rolex, but I’m looking some Omegas and Zenith and again buy new Tudors 😅 will see how this will goes but my realistic target is 7 watches 😉😅
Here is something different for you: Try a watch exchange with friends you trust. The rules are as follows. 1. You exchange a watch with a person within the group. 2. Real damage is the responsibility of the wearer. (most of us have insurance) 3. The owner remains the owner. You cannot sell a watch you dont own. 4. An owner may request their watch back anytime. Your exchange ends at that point unless another watch is exchanged. This method has its issues, but does alleviate two larger issues, one keeping collection numbers managable and two not really letting pieces with personal value go without a trial period first.
It's an interesting conversation. We all have our preferences and a phase to explore different watches. Im just avoiding watches that have a similar design language to what i allready have. Your small collection is nice.But if you want spice things up a bit and at the same time save a ton of money, you gotta put branding aside if you want something different. People usually choose brand name over anything else which is why i find the watch community so boring. Always the same. Rather look at brands that make solid watches with tech that backs up the use they are made for at a cheaper cost and you would get so much enjoyment out of it. Sinn, Damasko, Ball are few worth mentioning. Best value for money under 3k.
Sounds like you need a 5-6 watch collection which is still somewhat normal. I say keep both Explorers definitely get a wearable vintage Speedy and build on that. You have your keeper the Explorer 1. You have a GMT. If you get a vintage Speedy… Right there 2 birds with one stone. Versatile every vintage and a chrono. Get rid of the Tudor and get the dive watch you really want. Then you have room for a few dress/casual dress watches, or higher end grail level watches.
3 daily beaters + 3 higher end watches. The 3 beaters are: Seiko SRPG35 (Field, daily, strap monster, GADA), Casio Royale (Bronze Modded, weekend and travel), Casio GShock Square (Anything Sport-related or abusive tasks). 3 Higher End are: Seiko SARB017 Alpinist (Field), Seiko Marine Master 300 (Diver), Grand Seiko Snowflake (Dress) It is very obvious I am into Japanese watches, particularly Casio and Seiko.😅
In the end, it only tells the time. My dad fought in Normandy in WWII wearing a US-issued 32mm ORD watch. Later as a civilian, he wore a Timex. I bought him is only “fancy” watch in 2008. Sometimes I wear his small combat watch as a dress watch. It’s the coolest watch I own, but the specs are 32mm, non-hacking, 17 jewels with loads of patina. Specs aren’t everything. Look at the Seiko 5 Limited Edition 1968 re-issue SRPK17. That watch channels the optimism of Japanese futurism from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Lookf at US military watches from WWII or the Vietnam War. I would look at the Hamilton 992B pocket watches from the 1940s. Those wartches kept trains on time and actually saved lives. One master watchmaker I know considers it the best watch ever made and he works on Omegas and Rolexes all day. There’s more to life than Tudor Black Bay 58s.
May I suggest a few dress watches that are pricey but obtainable and foundation life keeper heirloom watches…. VC triple calendar A Lange 1815 (any version) Patek Philippe Calatrava (any version time only) JLC Reverso (any version) JLC Master Ultra Thin Moon Phase JLC Master Ultra Thin small seconds $$$ Grail $$$ JLC Master Ultra Thin Perpetual (Dr Strange) Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar
You cover many modern Swiss sports watches from large brands. Why not change an angle? Instead of Swiss, try German: Sinn, Hanhart, GO, or even consolidate into a Saxonia. Or Japanese: Seiko, GS, Citizen, Kurono. Instead of sports, look into dress: GS hand-wound Spring Drive, vintage JLC, Cartier, or neovintage Blancpain. Or instead of large brands, go independent: Habring, Dornbluth, C. Ward, Bremont. Lots of ways to change things up for yourself!
Over the past 3 years, I've gathered a Grand Seiko, a BB58, an Oris, an Explorer 36 and more. For some time now I've been tempted to find a Day-Date of my birth year, but I know too little about vintage watches. I will keep learning more and maybe make a move eventually, I hope.
Keep the Explorer and Explorer II. Personally I'd swap the Pelagos for a 14060M Sub and add a DJ36 on a jubilee for variety..blue sunburst dial would be my choice. All Rolex though!
This is the reason why I got into making (modding) my own. Do I own Tudors, Rolexs, etc, no, but I have my share of quality watches from reputable historic brands. I came across this feeling as well and decided I know what I want, but couldn't seem to scratch the itch, so I made my own. You still get the thrill of the hunt, but for parts (dials, hand sets, bezel inserts) and after a few months I decide I'm tired of the look, I swap the dial and have a brand new watch. Not saying only mod watches but having a modded watch that you build yourself and go from being the consumer to the role of watch maker / designer opens a whole new appreciation for watches and horology. It also gives the watch a deeper meaning, it's one of one designed by you with your tastes. At least for me it throws me back to the reason I got into watches and not looking at them as assets or money holders (not that that is an issue). At the end of the day, specs, history, and engineering aside, they all tell the same time 😁
I understand. Oh yes, I understand!!! My 3 watch collection until 2 month ago was: Rolex explorer; Cartier Santos and Omega Speedmaster JDM edition. I sold Cartier and Omega and now I regret it deeply. After a lot of thinking I should keep a 3 watch collection with 3 great “boring” pieces and then buy color, fun, different but good watches like NOMOS, Doxa, Christopher Ward.
Look into tank style watches from Cartier or JLC. Look into smaller independents like H. Moser, Parmigiani Fleurier, Daniel Roth. Another avenue could be could be underrated watch like the BVLGRI Octo, or GP Laureato. Finally if you have the budget, look into AP and Patek that you can get around the 20k mark
3 + 1 Watch Collection (3 in a roll, 1 on the wrist) One watch per brand. Unique complications only (no doubling of chrono or gmts, etc) Unique styling/purpose only (you can't have 3 divers) No buying watches that you will only wear a handful of times per year (ex dress watches if you never have an occasion to wear them).
I started my nice watch journey 17 years ago with a handed down stainless and gold Cartier Santos Carree that my wife’s grandfather bought in the early 1980s. Odd watch to own as a C-130 navigator even though now I know it was originally a pilot’s watch. Now I also have a Casio G-Shock GW-5000U with a screw down full stainless case to blend in a little better while I roam the halls in Washington D.C. while working with other military services. I am attempting to buy a new Rolex Explorer I as my first luxury watch purchase and then a Pelagos 39 as my classy dive capable world travel (light) watch. Lastly I want to get a Speedmaster professional eventually….. or maybe that stunning new blue TAG glass box.
Try a PAM00177, I recently picked up a PAM00111, 44mm, which I thought was going to be to big for my 6.5 inch wrist, but it works well and I think the Titanium one would work for you, ps never sell your watches, just save a little longer 👍
Keep your 3 watch collection. Put them in a safe, or bank. Start a new 3 watch collection with different brands new design different style. Then get the old collection out the safe in 6 months time. The best part of a watch collection is the journey. I have 6 watch collection Rolex sub Kermit, Rolex Datejust 41 fluted bezel black dial jubilee bracelet, Rolex Yacht master blue dial 40, Rolex GMT Batgirl, Rolex OP Green dial, and Tudor black bay chronograph white dial recent purchase.
Well, you are buying watches for attention. That is the common issue I see not only with youtube watch collectors but people in general. Buy the watch that speaks to you and describes the real you. Don't purchase a Tudor because everyone wants a Tudor. My three watches: Raven AIRFIELD, Sercia Diver and the new Lorier Hydra. They are different and fun. Guess what not everyone love my collection because they are not me. Lol😅😅😅
There is no perfect collection. Just buy what you like, expand too far, consolidate, and enjoy the journey. Get some colour in your collection - holy f*** it is boring and predictable. Pelagos, Doxa, Kermit, GS Peacock, Monaco, …there is just so much more fun to be had!
I would suggest when picking out a watch..try to figure out what purpose it has. For example my weekend watch is a Rolex Submariner no date. My "work/daily" watch is a Speedmaster. I used to have a Datejust as my daily.
Hi, I’ve done the same. 42 mm explorer 2 polar, 40 mm explorer and sub. My journey started with a Tag diver and then went to a sub that I regrettably sold for a date just. I loved the date just but missed the sub. Then I got an omega 300m as a substitute for the sub but no joy. Sold the omega for the 42 mm explorer as that was one of the fist watches from Rolex that I loved. I was then offered a silver OP 41 that I thought would give me a great two watch collection,but I still was wanting the sub. I ended up buying a 2015 no date sub that replicated my original watch😀 About a month ago I was offered the new 40 mm explorer and bought that and sold the OP. I feel that all three watches I have now suit me and I can rotate them in nearly all situations, I want to be able to wear all my watches everyday and not leave them in the box. The explorer is probably the watch I’d wear as a more dress watch but also as a travel watch as it’s a less in your face Rolex. I know though in 12 months I might be in your situation, if I can I’ll keep these three and maybe add one if the funds are ok. Could you stay with Rolex and try the date just ? The JL Reverso is another beautiful watch that’s different to any others you’ve mentioned but not sure how it would fit with your lifestyle. All the best and enjoy your videos.
In another video you talked about something that really help me understand the Fake vs Real debate if you will. Who knows maybe clones will get so close someday that it will become difficult to tell them apart. Just with your 3 watch collection you can continue. Here is my take away from your “addiction” presentation. The person who buys from the authorized Rolex dealer knows what is real, anything else is not. Sure they are very expensive and some say overpriced. There are 2 types of Rolex people. Fake ones and real ones. Nobody has to know but you and that is the most important thing. I don’t care how perfect a replica is, I just can’t wear it.
Many people only use one watch, which is not necessary as a good watch is a piece of artwork and more watches are better. First, you need to have five working horse watches for daily working. Example of working watch includes Hamilton khaki field, explorer 2 black dial, seamaster diver 300 green rubber. Then you need to have many fun watches such as Tissot Sideral, Swatch etc. these watches are beautiful and full of fun. They are for weekends and sporting purpose.
Well, here's what I'd do if I were you so take my advice with a grain of salt. Never sell your Explorers. The Pelly can go but never sell the Explorers. Become a five-watch guy where you have 3 that are constantly moving in and out, but you have two sentimental cornerstones.
I can’t help but think every time I see a Breitling Navitimer, they just look like a shiny Reece’s peanut butter cup. I’d go with an IWC Pilot Chronograph instead of the Navitimer.
I never care what other people think about my watches particularly as 99.9% of the world doesn't care. Conversely, I never ask others for help on what I should wear. But then again I am not a RU-vidr looking for clicks.
I bought a bbpro 4 months ago 2 weeks ago i bought a bb36 the new one with the anthracite dial And promised my girl it would be my last watch for a while but idk i just cant stop The goal is that rolex sub Or a pelagos 39 Its a disease 😭 But yeaa Breitling sounds nice
Hmm I mean yea those 3 are daily drivers but they do serve different functions though. GMT , daily, and a diver..maybe dump the Tudor and pick up a Speedmaster 57 green dial ? Or go dressy and get a Cartier santos in two tone.
Quit selling and just add even if it takes longer. This is a lifelong journey. Each year or two save and buy what interests you. Some great choices 2500 and below.
