SOTC 2019- picture heavy [emoji4]
Well, it's a rare moment when I think my collection is 'complete' enough to share a SOTC. There's always a gap that needs filling before I think the collection looks complete. While there are (of course) other watches I want to get hold of, I think I am quite satisfied with my lot at the moment.
I don't really have a theme per se- I think I'm curating more than anything, where a balanced collection is the goal. Having said that, I think something I am very drawn to in watch design is versatility, and most of the watches I have could be a 'one watch' solution should I ever get fed up and decide one watch is enough.
Here we go:
Chronographs
Rolex Daytona 116520
For me, the Rolex Daytona was the one I lusted after 6 or so years ago when I first got interested in watches but I constantly baulked at the retail price (when they were readily available). Then they went up in price and I thought I may never end up with one if I waited to get one at retail. Finally, I bit the bullet and got this one from Andrew Cregan of this parish. Love everything about it- this is as dressy as I need and it works in a casual setting as well. I think the internet hyperbole regarding size may be somewhat off the mark as it fits me beautifully, but the legibility COULD be slightly better. Having said that, it's a design icon so wouldn't change anything anyway! This particular watch is an 'APH error dial with chromalight'... whatever the hell that means [emoji23]
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Seiko Pogue 6139-6002
I think this is a very cool watch. It's quite beaten up but this adds to the charm, I think. I get comments when I wear this one. It's bright and bold with an internal bezel, chronograph, day/ date and an interesting space history as well.
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Omega Speedmaster ST 145022. 861 movement
Speaking of space history, all collections need a speedy of course! I have bought and sold so many of these but one always creeps back in, so I've made my peace with it and settled on this rather lovely model from 1983. Nice patina on this one [emoji106]
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IWC Portugieser Chronograph Edition 150 Years Ref. 3716
I happen to really like IWC and plan on adding more to my collection. This one is the limited edition model that celebrated 150 years of the company. The main differences are the lacquered dial and in-house movement with see through caseback. Perfect watch for the office.
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Sport/ Dive
Rolex Submariner 16800
For me, this is the perfect submariner and the phrase 'tool watch' makes sense when I wear it. I like having a date, and I LOVE the open six and nine font. I also can't be doing with non quick- set dates so this 16800 is ideal. Having dipped my toe in the vintage watch world I've decided I prefer more modern stuff and this is all the vintage Rolex I will ever need.
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Dualmatic 1738170
A recent acquisition, this one. May be ideal for a summer watch with the internal dive bezel and gmt functionality. A little bit different to the norm and a stunning watch when seen in person- these are bargains in my opinion and I'm hoping to add the bracelet and leather soon.
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Vacheron Constantin Overseas
4500V/110A-B128
Remember I mentioned versatility? I can't stress enough how good these watches are. I gifted this to myself when I reached a career goal and I can't fathom why they aren't more popular. The bracelet (with micro adjust) and two straps are works of art, the dial is probably the nicest I've seen and the fact it's not too flashy, is handmade and is wrapped up in a Geneva seal package with 100m water resistance makes it one of my very favourites. I've owned the Aquanaut and the Royal Oak and do prefer the overseas by some distance.
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Pilot
Rolex GMT 16710 Stick dial
This is probably the watch I wear the most, usually with the Pepsi bezel and jubilee bracelet combo. I bought this watch a few years back when I got a new job with a global remit and needed to keep track of timezones as I travelled. I also take it on holiday all the time. I look at this watch and remember late nights working in the New York office, dinners in Beijing and lounging on the beach with a cocktail :) this particular model is a stick dial with 3186 movement (full set too, I'll have you know [emoji6]). I've also bought all the inserts and bracelets so it's like 12 watches in one... Basically, it's perfect.
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Zenith Cronometro Tipo CP 2
Another recent one, I got this to fill the Zenith shaped hole in my collection and I'm over the moon with it. Ergonomically the best watch I've owned as the wearability completely contradicts the notional size of 43mm and 52mm lug to lug, and I really like the twin register chronograph and the fabled el primero sweep.
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Sinn 104 St Sa A G
I made a mistake selling my regular Sinn 104 a few years back so decided to right that wrong. This particular watch is a limited edition of 500 and actually has an olive green dial that is hard to photograph. It is dazzling in the light and almost black otherwise. I'm a fan of Sinn and like having the green dial in my collection. The countdown bezel is also a nice touch, and something I use quite often.
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Dress
Omega Geneve
In reality, I don't wear dress watches at all, but I received this when my dad passed away. He got it for his 21st birthday so I'm glad to keep hold of it and do think it's a beautiful looking thing. If I'm ever in a dinner jacket then I wear this, and I wore it on my wedding day, but otherwise it doesn't see much action.
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Quartz
Tissot PRC 200
After too many years of DKNY, Police and other 'fashion' brands ([emoji85]) this was the first proper watch I bought. I agonised over spending what was a lot of money on just a watch but never looked back. I liked the aesthetics then and I like them now. Cool watch with a dynamic look. Keep meaning to get the bracelet which I think will see it get worn more often.
Tag Heuer 4000
My dad wore this watch every day for as long as I can recall - I remember being fascinated as a kid and always pestered him to try it on! He'd swim in the sea with it, he went to Iraq with it and he'd wear it to posh dinners as well. It's got a great history, you don't see many about and it is obviously a keeper.
Citizen Nighthawk Eco-Drive BJ7000-52E
Bought on a slightly drunken whim from Amazon I think. I like the slide rule and GMT function as well as the eco drive... a proper grab and go- I wear it when I wash the car or go to the gym, but also often set my other watches to it [emoji23]
Casio Calculator
When I got married my brother bought me this as a 'joke' present because he remembered that when we were kids in the nineties I spent a lot of time leafing through the Argos catalogue and yearning for the coolest watch in there and never quite managed to convince my parents to get me one. I still think it's awesome now so the joke's on him! Never wear it though. Geek chic nowadays [emoji851]
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So there we have it. Thought I'd end with the watch that started it all way back when! I'm not finished, of course, as I'd love to add a few others over the years. Am dreaming of a Lange datograph (ha- maybe one day!), a ressence type 3, a Blancpain Bathyscaphe chrono, a Cartier Roadster and... well, the list goes on!
'The lot':
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If you got this far- well done- and thank you for reading
