1st SOTC - Look away if you don't like divers!
Well I've been a member of this fabulous forum four years today and I've never done a SOTC, for a couple of reasons really, one I've always felt I would be being self indulgent (yet i love looking at others SOTC) and two because I'm aware my collection lacks variety, however they all now mean something to me and the time feels right. Also its a watch forum, we like seeing watches right?
Before I continue my thanks to Andy T (Andy100) who i consider a friend and someone who has helped me along the way to today.
So here goes!
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The Omega Seamaster
I use to own a 2254 which i know 90% of you will prefer to the bond version but i always wanted the bond version. I sold my 2254 when i bought a weekend toy as i couldn't justify both. I perhaps wasn't the WIS i consider myself to be today and 2254 held some memories best forgotten. This bond version was bought for me by my lovely wife and presented to me on the 40th along with a series of envelopes. A fabulous day ensued, trip to London, Bond museum in Covent Garden, award winning restaurant (well burger diner in Covent Garden) and a champagne trip on the London eye.
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The CWC
Bought by me from the forum. Had one, sold it, missed it. Default at home watch, i always change from my daily watch to a watch with a Nato and this would be my first choice. Can't put my finger on my i like it so much but i do. Partly the heritage i think, Seiko and Citizen make great watches but there's a solid story behind a CWC diver. Team it with an Eddie Nato and who have a great watch.
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The Pulsar chrono
Similar story to above really, had one, sold it, missed it. This and the ana-digital G shock are least worn watches but i cant seem to part with it. Bought off the forum with a cracked glass. Straight into the Birmingham jewellery quarter to a trusted jeweller for a glass replacement and here it is. Again i think these have some heritage in terms of being issued a while ago.
http://i.imgur.com/yFu4wZ3.jpg
RWC ^^
Reissue of the Pulsar, i know, i know re-issue of a Pulsar! I get it but i like it. Worn without worry and its one of 1000. I have number 267 to reflect my daughter birthday on 26-07.....it will go to her eventually, if it makes it that far!
The G shocks
One bought by my Dad on his trip to Auz, Singapore, Dubai, nice memory of his trip and nice touch by him. Complete shock (get it!) to me. When i asked why he'd chosen a G shock Giez, his answer "a lot of the SAS / military books I've read recently feature guys wearing G shocks and this was the best one i could find". Good enough for military action then good enough for live action on a dingy in Cyprus eh!
The second ana digi a present from my wife, i like the backlight and nato ish strap.
http://i.imgur.com/ZFbLnUi.jpg
The Breitling (bear with me)
So this is my favourite watch and the best watch in the world, its the third thing I'd grab in an emergency at home after my wife and daughter. What i hear you say, a quartz Breitling? Here's the rub. My Mum was terminally ill and towards the end she said that she wants to buy me a watch as although she has some stunning jewellery she doesn't has anything she can leave me. I refuse and explain that she doesn't need to do that as she's been the best and i don't need anything material. That night my Dad (not know for mincing his words) explains I've upset my Mum and I'd better re-think. His word were "you've not let your Mum down in 34 years, don't start today, if she wants to buy you a watch then make it happen, its not up to you how she spends her money". The next day i narrow my choices down to an Omega (can't remember which one) or this Breitling Colt. My Mum preferred the Breitling and the rest is history. It came on a bling highly polished bracelet and my tastes have changed but i do love it. My most important piece.
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The Grail - Rolex Sea Dweller
So i always knew i wanted a Rolex. For years i thought it was the Sub. My Dad had a new at the time GMT II ceramic bezel. Yes i liked it but still i thought it was the sub for me. I knew going back to the Breitling story and my 40th that i wanted a Rolex but it needed to be bought by me, that i knew. In 2015/16 we had a major house extension, 55+ square metres. I sunk my life savings and every penny I had (and some i didn't) into it. My lovely wife knew this and said the minute we are straight i want you to buy a Rolex. I explained we had a 3 year old and other priorities. She was determined, i gave in! :)
I tried some subs, GMT's, it wasn't working for me, don't meet your hero's. I tried a SD, my lord i think i found the one. Perhaps its the date bubble, perhaps its the sheer build quality. My mind was made up, a pre ceramic SD would be best. A WTB here and a mint 2010 is now mine. I love it. I really love it. Thanks to Baz1 for selling it and 100th Monkey (Kerri) for all his advice and guidance.
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The Tag Aquaracer
Only bought a few weeks ago from the forum. I blame the wife. On our last holiday she said "i don't get you, all these nice watches and you don't wear a nice one on holidays, what are they for". She's right, but the Breitling and Omega have sentimental value and i don't want to smash the SD off the side of a pool playing with a 3 year old! In steps the Tag. I'd missed my old Tag 2000 chrono since selling it and in reality I must have been through 20+ sub £500 watches looking for the 'one'. It doesn't work. I love the Tag, i hate the phrase beater, and it isn't. It is however a great 'work no meetings, weekend and holiday' watch. I bought a rubber strap for it and I'm delighted with it.
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So sorry if its self indulgent or waffley. It's both weird and cathartic sharing my story with in the main a bunch of strangers but there's my SOTC and watch story. Yep there's no dress watches, there's not much diversification but I'm happy.
Thanks for reading, and thanks to those mentioned along the way, in particular the wife and Andy100.
Thanks a lot
Andy
