Wish I could respond to all of your individual comments and messages, but just to say thank you for such a great year. I can't tell you how much I appreciate reading your thoughts and insights. Even on this video about the collection, your comments and crits on what should happen next is invaluable. Have a superb 2024 and thank you again everyone! 🥃
Having the Explorer and the pelagos maybe you should consider selling the BB54 (and the seiko) in order to get another piece (perhaps a dress watch, blancpain, other). IF I had the chance to own such a beautiful collection, neither of them should be having quality wrist time. Best wishes for 2024.
Having a collection with meaning is a strong attribute that you have done so very well here. A Huge personal thank you for your contribution into this fantastic hobby & every success going forward into 2024.
I can’t believe you are so young . Your strong command of the English language and your deep knowledge of the watch industry makes me think you have been around much longer. I Always enjoy your content thanks for revealing you collection it’s awesome
This video is proof of why I follow your channel. Humble, well thought, great taste in watches, stories and emotions behind it. Thank you and have a good new year!
When each of my sons received their MBA degree I bought them a Rolex Submariner non-date, and I told each of them that it was a marker to symbolize the end of the beginning of their life and the start of their true adulthood. I think a watch, as a symbol of achievement or to mark a milestone in life, is a wonderful way to memorialize meaningful moments.
@@michaelriera6277 Because the date complication was $1,000 more than the non-date. I could also say I prefer the symmetry of the dial on the non-date to the cyclops on the date version, and that’s true. But it was the price that made the decision for me.
My parents gave me a Rolex when I graduated. Wore it everyday for 40 years. I made presentations as a senior executive to Presidents and CEOs of major corporations wearing that watch. Also scuba dove off Bermuda and Hawaii wearing that watch.
Thank you Luke! Deep down I think that's what compels me with so many things. Knowing the background, the timeline of when they existed and why? All of that wrapped up into a watch that wears great AND has a personal story behind it too... what else is there? 😉 Have a fantastic New Year brother!
Recently got the 124270 and BB 54 (package deal from my AD). While the explorer is stunning in its simplicity and perfection, there is something very nostalgic about the proportions of the 54 on wrist that are hard to explain and I find myself preferring to wear that quite often.
This was a great video. As a father of two sons I’m sure your dad is very proud of you and your mutual passion for “toy collecting” will be your enduring bond. I hope every time you look at your explorer it brings back found memories of your father. Side note: I desperately want the 40M version :)
Grats on the Rolex 🎉 You’re turning to 36mm, like I did 😏 I foresee some sales of the larger watches as you realise the 36-38mm range is perfect 😉 Also, not sure the 54 is an outlier in there! If you were to trim down to three, I’d go for the Rolex, the 54 and the Zenith, personally 🙂
Hello Watch Lovers❗️ Happy New Year❗️ Great Collection Congrats 🎊🍾 As a collector and Watch enthusiasts I most said well done, very nice I think you missing a GMT maybe a white dial Explorer, is so many beautiful GMT watches that is difficult to chose the wright watch Take Care Guys Bruce Maldonado Florida U.S
❤ You have a fantastic collection ❤ Rolex looks and feels best @ 36mm My Rolex grail is the Silver bullet ! 36mm Datejust silver dial smooth bezel on Oyster bracelet.
Lol a watch channel on youtube, posts a SOTC video with less than 10 watches… that’s all the confirmation I needed to downsize. Owning so many watches, no matter the beauty of each, is an injustice to all of them when you have to split their time on wrist into such tiny wedges.
Summed up my feelings entirely man... Spending a year wearing 6 absolutely fantastic pieces instead of countless others... it feels like a disservice to the heavy hitters 😉🥃
Yeah my 54 is about to go as well unfortunately. I’m replacing with a watchco seamaster and I feel like my whole chase for true vintage will be able to end with that piece
A worthy replacement brother. I'd take that trade any day of the week. Mine's going to be leaving in a few months - already have my eye on it's replacement 😉
Lost my mom a few months ago. Been looking for a significant watch. I already own a BB54, a 124270, a Grand Seiko, etc. I think it might be the new Zenith El Primero Original black dial with blue subdials. Just not sure yet.
Lovely collection. Lost my dad a year ago and a lot of this hobby connects me to him. And oh my you are only 30!.. you are very mature… regarding your collection - I’d love you to go wild and get a cartier tank or something to really spice things up!..
I have many watches but the 124270 Explorer 1 gets about 95% of my wrist time and constantly has me asking myself - why do I need anything else? The truth is you don't. I couldn't agree with you anymore - the Explorer goes from the beach to the boardroom with ease.
It's kind of funny, that I just got myself Day-Date 118238 and my reasoning was the same, what watch do I want to wear when I'm old. I don't know why, but yg day-date makes me think of an documentary I saw, where this older guy was wearing one, that had seen some life. I just felt that was so cool. Also a new chapter in my life, not a happy one unfortunatelly, but upwards and onwards they say. Nice collection and very well thought out one. Happy new year!
I’m a lefty myself and I wear my watches on my left wrist, they don’t look proper with the crown pointing inwards….., I just recently picked up the explorer 36 brand new , and the only thing I don’t like is the bracelet size which seems too small…..
Oh I love your explorer. If I ever get a Rolex a 36 explorer will be the one. But for now I’m still wearing my new omega aqua terra day/date. I love that I just don’t see anyone wearing one. Congrats on the birthday (30. I remember that!)
Congratulations on the Explorer and for having such a defined and select collection. Am I being a complete pedant about the title surely this is your 2023 SOTC even if you plan no important purchases next year?
I was so happy seeing you reveal the Exporer, especially given how you've gone back and forth on it in the past. I got mine just a couple of months ago and I often take it off my wrist just to admire it for a while. It's my only mechanical watch and everything that I was hoping it would be (debated getting one for 3+ years). I was nervous about the bracelet taper but it's such an afterthought at this point - doesn't bother me almost at all. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the watch!
When you are ready to graduate from the Rolex, Glashutte Original Seaq 39.5mm blue dial fully brushed bracelet. You will not be sorry. I graduated at 63 years old.
I knew it was going to be an explorer haha I got one back in Feb at an AD. Since acquiring it I’ve slimmed down my collection to three watches, soon to be two. My Seamaster 1957 trilogy reissue and the explorer is all I need.
Might I ask, how do you cope with the imbalance that nato straps create? Do you wear them tight? I’ve never been able to figure how to get used to the top-heaviness of natos…
What bothers me about most nato's is they actually do get the dimensions wrong a lot of the time. Even the original G10's needed work especially with the length of the under strap. Omega does it so well in that regard. The underside portion is a lot longer than most and gives the watch a better purchase and feel on the wrist if that makes sense? This is from my experience at least. But I do know what you mean about how unbalanced some can be. And I do wear mine on the tighter side most of the time 🥃
Congratulations on the 124270! Having followed your channel for years I feel like this reference was inevitable for you. I was close to pulling the trigger on the BB54 but then got the call for the Explorer in March this year. I can no longer justify the BB54 (as lovely as it is) as it now seems redundant. There's too much crossover and the Explorer is the superior watch imo. The Explorer has become my most worn watch this year and has cemented itself as a keeper. It's so perfect that it's actually killed my desire to look at any other "sports watches". I have a 36mm Datejust with a fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet that I aquired nearly 5 years ago to celebrate my 30th birthday and feel they make a perfect pair 👌🏼 Also I had no idea that the modern dial layout for the Explorer began in 1989 which happens to be my birth year so I really appreciated that but of information!
I really enjoyed the stories behind each watch, especially the Explorer.. Your entire collection is full of big hitters, and Im not talking monetary... but more importantly emotionally I have to stop watching your videos when you feature that FXD, I get so close to getting pushed over the line to grab one, stay strong Pete, stay strong..:)) Thanks for sharing these brother, have a safe start to the new year and enjoy a drink on me from down-under 🥃🇦🇺
Been incredibly fortunate this year mate... every watch bought at a discount (the Zenith by nearly 50%) and it feels like prime time because folks just aren't looking at them. Also, if I was the one who converted you to get your arse into an FXD, I'd be a happy guy... you low-key helped influence me with your TT Explorer review (true story). Find a second hand FXD and wear the snot out of it 😉 Can't think of a better watch to use in Aus... and speaking of which, I've got to travel out there!! Much love brother and have a wonderful New Year! 🥃
Very nice collection, with good thought behind it, some aren't to my taste but thats ok, far too many collections are just a box ticking exercises "you must have" a submariner, speedy or whatever, with nothing behind the statement
Wao what a perfect collection 👌🏽 I wanted you to get rid of the pieces you sold, and you did 😄! Now your collection is immaculate, the straps are awesome, RIP to your Father and congrats on your Rolex! You’ve been through so much and deserve it 👏🏽 please don’t sell any moving forward.
Thank you for this Frank. Been a helluva year! AND I'll say that there are 5 pieces that will absolutely be staying. My thinking is a few months down the line I'll sell the BB54 and replace it with something more Field/Pilot Watch to fill that gap. BUT highly doubt things will change much in 2024 on the collecting front 😉 Have a super New Year! 🥃
Love your collection mate, are you tempted to replace your MN FXD with the black USN version? You definitely seem to have a monochrome ‘type’ for divers. I personally prefer the blue one with the countdown bezel being a nice point of difference.
Great question Prof. Maybe it's where I started in this hobby but I've always somehow associated the Snowflake Dial with Tudor Blue. The thought has never, ever crossed my mind to replace it with the USN version 😉 Point of difference sums it up nicely too. Blue contrasting with the Ti case, bi-directional bezel, engraved caseback? Ah, it's fantastic...
@@ID-Guy The MN FXD is the watch I’m saving up for at the moment definitely. I love how ‘flat’ and purposeful everything looks. Cracking NATO you’ve got it on too 👍
I remember following your choice with your first watch, well thought out and perfectly chosen, as is the rest of your collection. I too, love simple watches at most having a 12,3,6,9 on the dial. Every collection should have a chronograph though and I love your choice, understated and historically significant. My desired chronograph for my collection is a bit out there, a Roger Dubuis with a sympathie case, powered by a Lemania 2310, a Geneva hallmarked version of what became the Omega 321. The movement that went to the moon. Love your Rolex choice too, as mine would be very similar. Love the sentiment behind the choice too. My grail you may ask? A Laurent Ferrier Galet Traveller Globe Night Blue or enameled North American dial.
Your videos are always enjoyable however this is by far the best “state of the collection” I’ve ever watched. Heartfelt, honest and poignant. And each watch is beautiful piece unto itself. Chapeau!
I always thought how the Omega nato straps can be so expensive, and then I bought black dial SMP300 on bracelet and I asked for a gift if I can get the “Bond” black and two grey stripes nato strap. OMG the best nato straps totally worth the money as crazy as it sounds, nothing compares really. IDGuy just don’t understand how you make videos describing every little detail of the watch and then you go by your days wearing Tudor watch with signed Omega nato strap 😂 that will drive me insane. Even more if it wasn’t signed Omega but only the same style I still can’t mix match them because these style nato strap is Omega style and we all know what Tudor style nato strap is. Nuts right?😂
Call me nuts, but I don't even see the mixed branding. I think of it like wearing Levi's with a Hermes belt, y'know? But I get what you mean on the other hand 😆 "We're all mad here" sums us up perfectly hahaha! Have a great New Year brother! 🥃
I appreciate so much your angle when it comes to watches, the design aspect is something that’s rarely talked about. I’m particularly happy that you got to celebrate your milestone with that Rolex, and I’m sorry to hear thar you decided to let the Smiths go. Also, while I’m not pretending to understand what you went through losing your dad, I also lost my grandpa on my birthday, It’s been bittersweet ever since, but I always try to remember that the best way to honor him is by living my life and talking to everyone I can about him… Like that song from Ed Sheeran “Everyone I love will know exactly who you are”. I’ll be here for next year’s SOTC even if nothing changes in there. I hope to see a watch designed by you someday.
Boet, the end of this video brought me to tears. The sentimentality of your new Explorer is beautiful. I know you packed it away when you got it until your birthday and it is truly the gift your father would have wanted you to have. This year has been a big year of Watch purchases for myself too and your guidance helped me to become a Zenith A384 boet. Thank you for the brilliant videos you have shared with us so far (I loved your appearance on Teddy’s ‘Which Watches we wore the most in 2023’ video by the way) and no doubt you will bring us more quality viewing in 2024. Have a brilliant New Year’s Eve celebration and an even better 2024 my friend. ✊
I'll shoot you a proper message this afternoon boet 😉 But it's one a helluva year for us with pieces, right? Madness... also so happy to know that you got your A384 when you did! Ah! It's been a good year! Much love brother and enjoy your NYE! 🥃
Dude the whole collection rules, I definitely prefer the larger versions of these watches but they’re all incredible. Honestly though, I might be tempted to mug you for that Omega especially on the NTTD strap. Beautiful. Sorry again to hear about your father. Our dads can be gone and proud of us at the same time brother. Yours is smiling at you, for what you’ve built.
Really appreciate it Charles and thank you man. Ironic how after such a massive hit in my life things turned around not a month later... 100% doubt it was a coincidence 😉 Have an excellent start to your New Year! 🥃
A wonderful collection! I find myself attracted to the same watches... Seamaster trilogy is also a keeper for me, and heavily considering the SJE093. I haven't been able to keep any previous tudors but I haven't actually handled the BB54. Explorer I has always been on my radar, but for me I'm sticking with my 14060m. Looking forward to your next video, as always!
Lovely collection and great video, take a look at a Tudor 79280 1997 or earlier pre Tiger Woods , gives the Zenith Daytona vibe, at a fraction of the price, fantastic build quality, just picked a complete set up recently, Better all round than my 16710 Pepsi from 2006 by far.
It’s so easy to see how much your eyes still light up when you talk about your experiences as a collector. Thanks for your unique perspective. Many of us are looking forward to what the new year will bring. Maybe a long form weekend show..maybe? I do miss those. But regardless..happy new year !
Ìve always enjoyed your watch journey , as your taste is similar to mine . I like the fact you carefully consider something , rather than just getting some for watch content . Lovely collection and glad you got the rolex , and a seiko 62mas. I have the sla043 and its possibly my favourite watch , that i own . My wrist are 7.5 inch so 39mm is about as low as i can get away with . 40 to 43 my sweet spot. I really love that zenith but at 37mm i think it would look and feel too small for me , and im a bit lazy for hand winding , lol. As you tend to like smaller watches , then a rado captain cook over pole at 37mm , could be right up your street. I have 2 rados and they are seriously underated and good value and very well made. The over pole has a gorgeous dial , but you probably know that already. Lol.
To add something I feel the same about my Rolex 14270: one year I love, the other I don't feel to dress. Recently I found a pre explorer 6084 honeycomb. dial too cheap to pass (
Wow . I don’t know we’re to start . I’ve been watching reviews for a few years now. I was moved and shocked they I agreed so much with everything you have said. I now want a blue omega strap for my blue Tudor . I love the Smith and especially the longines one ! But I would happily give them all away to have my father and mother back….. thank you 🙏
Great STOC! I love the Omega and the Pelagos FXD. I think I’d take those as my two watch collection and add the Zenith as a third. Yours is a discerning collection that I admire.
Really cool collection- too many divers imo :p Love this channel, keep up the great work! You're into the classy vintage designs, my advice try adding a fun piece like the IWC Top Gun or something quirky like the Millgauss or Explorer 2 polar, you're playing it a bit safe.
Don't worry, one of those divers will be leaving in a few months, guaranteed 😉 And you're right about adding something more quirky into the set, also needs a bit more colour between dials. Thank you for the suggestions brother and have a great start to your New Year! 🥃
Thoughtful, deliberate, fantastic SOTC!!! Are there three better decades in watchmaking than 50s-70s?!?! IMHO, I think not. Thank you so much for bringing perspective and joy to this hobby. You’ve made it better for me and I’m excited about the years to come. Happy new years, cheers 🥃
I love that Zenith. I'm not sure if you picked that up new or second-hand, but that is now on my radar. As far as the bb54. I bought it new. I noticed the day after I bought it that the 3 o'clock baton marker was crooked. It was sent back to Tudor, where it is currently having the dial replaced. Tudor told the AD that it was 'within their tolerance ' and was not considered defective. The AD agreed to pay at their cost to have the dial replaced for me. I guess the lesson is that despite how excited you are on the day of purchase, really examine the watch before you leave the store.
Fellow Industrial Designer here. Your opinion and taste is so aligned with mine and I find that your collection (and your videos) really speaks to what design appreciation and mindful consumerism should be. I don't even know if that makes sense but just wanted to say that your work is very much appreciated. In the super rare chance that you see this, could you share to us what dress watch are you eyeing for? There are lots of strong contenders out there for sure and I hope you make a video of it soon! Anyways, cheers and have a prosperous new year!
Paul, thank you brother. Happy to have seen this comment 😉 Brilliant question about a dress piece. A question I asked myself a few months back. Honestly, following our appreciation for historic designs, being watches belonging to a specific timeline of their own, I'd be 100% pursuing a JLC Reverso. Casual, simple (preferably an Ultra Thin - celebrating their watchmaking) design & engineering marvel with their case design... it' a no-brainer, right? If I was hungry for a dress piece that would be my No.1 choice at the moment 🥃 Have a fantastic New Year and thanks again!
Get out of my brain, man. I was thinking of the Reverso too! LOL It was either that or a Breguet for me! The design, story, and engineering of those watches are just so astonishing. Looking forward to your review/breakdown on the Reverso, @@ID-Guy!
Thank you for your SOTC, and for your consistently thoughtful voice. I always enjoy listening to your reflections on design and watch collecting. Here’s wishing you a happy and productive year in 2024!
Wonderful collection and appreciate that there is meaning/substance behind each one. Love the perspective and excited to see how your collection evolves.
A collection to be proud 9f and one for me to envy. I'm in total agreement with you about the Seasalter 300, no HEV for starters. I have the Goldeneye Seamaster 300m bought new in 2006, wish I'd known about the 300 back then....
Have been following your channel since the early days and love the way the collection has evolved over the years. Perfectly well considered and balanced.
Great to see your end of year collection. Particularly always loved the zenith but tragically way too small for my wrist. Same story with the explorer , have to have the bigger model. That dial is so beautiful. You've really struck a chord with me talking about your Dad. I've nothing personal of my Dad's so now I've reached twice your age last September , Ha Ha ! I'm building a collection with some watches my son will keep when I'm gone. Recently got the 60th anniversary Bond watch , he loves it . What he doesn't know is , it's only mine till next July when he's 21. Hopefully though he may keep a few of my other Omegas and the memories that go with them. Keep doing what you do. No one else out there breaks down watch design so well!
I applaud your humility and your recognition of the immense privilege of owning such a nice collection. All of your content is first class and I appreciate your effort! And congrats on redesigning the update on the Rolex AirKing :)
Hahaha! Maaaany many moons ago that Air-King design video was seen by someone somewhere and it ended up in production (at least, that's what we're going to assume) 😉 Thank you Charles and have a fantastic New Year! 🥃
I'm regretting the BigEye sell... it has actually left a bigger hole in the collection than I thought 😆 So this coming year will probably be a hunt for a Pilot Chrono of some kind. But Ben, I have no doubt you'll love the BB54. It is such a great piece... versatility doesn't even begin to describe it! 🥃
What an awesome collection. I've always loved it when a collection has a consistent thread and yours is probably quite unique how each watch is marking a certain decade in the watchmakers' history. Interesting approach.
Thanks for an entertaining and informative year. You have provided my favourite watch channel, always look forward to your videos. I hope you have a great 2024. Cheers from Australia
Great year brother, awesome to see you also turning into a Nato aficionado 😁😁 I really need to tune down my collection but don't know how 😅 Have a great start to the new year 👍🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
We're going to have a chat in the New Year with the boys and I'll help you "trim the fat" 😉 I actually have so much fun doing this. Kinda like "spring cleaning" for the watch collectors mind haha! Much love Abdul and have a brilliant New Year! 🥃
What a great story that was told while describing your collection. What a great journey so far. Thank you that you share your thoughts, your connections with the watches. The ideas behind them
