Very nice TPT - I look forward to your own watch project updates! I really like the MIH watch in particular, but overall a lovely collection
Well it’s been exactly 10 years since I first signed up at TZ-UK and although I don’t post much, it has formed a very central (and arguably slightly unhealthy) part of my life, ever since.
I thought this would be a good time to pull together a detailed SOTC, as much a way to organise my thoughts on my collection, as an opportunity to share where I’ve got to.
So here goes…
The Three Handers:
Oris 65 x Hodinkee
A very new arrival (yesterday). I love the vintage aesthetic but, having owned a few over the years, I have always found the owning experience super stressful (delicate movements, fear of not finding replacement parts etc).
This excellent limited run from the clever people at Hodinkee allows me to have the look without the worry. And it came to me, somewhat improbably, from a WTB - thanks so much Ben.
Dornblueth 99.1
I love German watches and the deck watch aesthetic particularly. To my eye, Dirk and the team make the best looking ones out there. This one has the Quattro Arret complication and arrived with me 10 years ago. Still a firm favourite.
IWC Aquatimer 3536-02
This is the steel version and one of the first watches I bought here. A former forum darling and rightfully so. I still love this watch, particularly the textured bezel inlay.
IWC Mark XV
This is one of my all time favourite watches. Classic timeless styling and dimensions with a bracelet that is so comfortable.
IWC 8531
I bought this for my wife and they’re both a delight - hoping that she will tire of it sometime soon.
Stowa Flieger no logo no date:
The first proper watch I bought following my discovery of this forum. It’s still a favourite of mine - great finishing for the money and the blued hands are superb at any price point.
Halios Seaforth
Another watch that’s well known here, and again, incredible quality for the money. Difficult to see here but the deep blue dial with the yellow lettering work so well.
Seiko SPB053J1
Love the blue dial and bezel on this.
Seiko Ninja Turtle SRPC49K1
Love the colour-way on this: the plots and orange against the black dial/case look great.
The Chronos:
Omega Speedmaster
I had an early 70’s Speedie for a while but worried about it all the time. This one is from 2006 and was first sold on my second son’s due date. I picked it up here last year and really enjoy it, particularly on the bracelet.
Sinn 358 Jubilaum
Another pilot’s watch! I love Sinn as a brand and the dial on this, with the two sub-dial layout, is so well balanced.
IWC Doppelchronograph Spitfire
I have been lusting after the non Spitfire black dial version of this split second chrono for a number of years. But when this became available, I did not hesitate. The dial detail is superb and the flash of red on the hidden chrono hand is amazing.
The Complications:
Bremont MB3
Hardly a complication but this ‘GMT’ version of the classic MB2 is to my eye better balanced than the original. No day window and a good reason for the second crown/internal bezel. I wear it on the excellent rubber strap.
MIH
I love this watch but it’s a bit mad - a mono pusher chronograph (with the minute register of the back of the watch) and an annual calendar. And all based on a standard 7750 with only 9 additional parts. Designed by Ludwig Oechslin and built by Paul Gerber, it feels more like a prototype than a production run, and I love that. A real under-the-radar classic and a dress rehearsal for another favourite brand of mine Ochs und Junior.
JLC Master Perpetual Calendar
I love JLC and this PC is right up there for me. Handwound, 8 day movement in a wearable 40mm case. I wear this a lot, particularly between December and March (when all the magic happens). Sheer class.
That’s it barring some G-Shocks and assorted bits and bobs. So what’s next?
To be honest, I’ve been a little daunted to see the full collection in one place for the first time. It may well be time to let some things go before I add any more. Having said that, I would love an Ochs und Junior and a Habring, oh and a Lange!
I’ve also been working on my own watch project and a first prototype is currently in production. More news on this as it progresses.
Thanks for getting to the end. Any thoughts gratefully received…
Cheers,
TPT
Very nice TPT - I look forward to your own watch project updates! I really like the MIH watch in particular, but overall a lovely collection
Very nice collection with some amazing watches!, thanks for sharing.. it's a popular watch but the speedy pro looks good in any watch box, love it on the bracelet I am definitely going to add one soon
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Nice collection, very varied. I have an SRPC49K1 too (care of this forum) and love it.
IWC Mark XV for me.
Love the dornbluth. Have a similar 99.1.
Very nice collection. A lot of watches there that I would wear with pride and joy👍
If you ever want to sell me back the mb3......
Wow, that’s a great collection, the IWC Dopplechrono and JLC are phenomenal pieces
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Great collection. Nice variety. The JLC and the IWC XV stand out for me
Great to see another 3536, i also got mine on here,can't see myself ever parting with it.
Very nice collection !
Love the Aquatimer
A fantastic collection , with some watches I wouldn't mind owning.
That's a really nice collection. Subtle shades of a style theme running through them, and very well balanced. The MIH and MB3 are highlights for me, but all very nice
That JLC is lovely, congrats on the collection.
I am just a huge fan of this collection! You have great taste in watches sir!
Thanks for all your positive comments. It’s a sprawling collection with no real focus. I often consider the idea specialising in one direction or another... more Germans? More turn of the century IWC? More Independents? But I do like the current diversity.
It’s fair to say that I have recently been getting as much pleasure from the more modest pieces as I do from the more expensive ones. There’s a great deal of quality and fun to be had with £400-500, particularly as prices of the big brands continue to skyrocket.
I’ve also noticed that I have gravitated towards rubber straps and NATOs in recent times. A function of my more active lifestyle, no doubt, and something that has definitely influenced my ongoing design project.
Anyway thanks again, and Chris, you may well be getting a pm soon ;)
A great collection, thanks for posting!
Love that JLC
Fairly similar to the collection I'd have if more funds were available! And... not a Rolex in sight.
Love the MIH and Sinn chrono in particular.
Perhaps a GO to add to it?
Nice collection, especially the MB3 & MIH.
Impressive collection. I like them all really but I think the dornbluth is my favourite.
I like your taste sir. Especially like the Sinn 358, the IWCs and the new Hodinkee Oris.
Great collection. Not the usual and I just kept looking thinking yes, yes, yes, then when you ended with Ochs and junior and Lange i continued to nod my head.
That is such a refreshing collection! I would love an Ochs und Junior, so I’m going to have to go with the MIH being the standout piece.
All very nice indeed
Dave
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That is a very nice SOTC.
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Some absolute stunners in there, and some great quality basics as well, like the Seikos, Speedmaster and MK XV.
I wish I'd thought of that presentation on my SOTC
PS: What's the one on the left in the background?
lovely collection. I really like the hodinkee oris. had a read about it when it was released.
Super collection - I have a bit of a soft spot for IWC