After a bit of a Rolex phase, I decided to try other things and have been on a mission to change it up. So, I thought I’d do a SOTC :)
I have tried to achieve some variety with different styles, colours and brands. So far, so good. I’m enjoying rotating these four. I think I am at my most comfortable at this sort of range both in terms of the quality:price ratio but also not worrying too much about wearing them day in, day out.
First up is the one stalwart of the collection, the Omega Speedmaster FOIS:
9CBA7CE5-436C-467B-8EEB-0D875791BFD2 by Berty234, on Flickr
I tend to wear this at the weekends as a change up from rotating the other three, and also for family events. It was a 30th birthday gift from parents, so I attach a great sentimental value to it and like to link it to family events. It’s the one watch that I can pick up and attach many nice memories of when it has been worn on big occasions. The straighter lugs and slimmer profile without the crown guards won out for me over the Pro.
Next up is the Tudor Black Bay 58:
0E3E7A7E-7A2A-4D62-8F3A-0CCA140B088D by Berty234, on Flickr
I love this watch. I’ve been through various 41mm Black Bays. They never quite fit right. I flipped a BB58 on leather at the start of the year during my Rolex phase, but I had to bring one back on bracelet. I swim in it, go to the gym in it, wear it formally or casually. It’s so versatile and finally (for me) the right size. Accuracy is bonkers good with these in my experience, <0.5s fast per day on this one.
Something different next, the Zenith Defy Classic:
C5E222AF-81C8-4F7F-8F60-1EBB31B7DB95 by Berty234, on Flickr
I got this from SC in a trade a couple of months ago. The Genta type style is something I have really taken to lately. A Royal Oak might even be my ultimate grail now, in fact, as a result of owning this. The blue dial, irregular shape, titanium case and bracelet provide a genuine change to the rest of the collection. I wear it more than any of the others, most week days. I’m a big fan of Zenith and the finishing on this is right up there.
My latest addition is the Grand Seiko SBGR055:
AEDDE705-931D-4313-8898-34B1B17B9790 by Berty234, on Flickr
Further variety in the white dial, and my first GS. It might be one of their “basic” three hand 9s automatics, but it’s a beauty. I totally get it now. Getting the right fit on the bracelet is not easy, so it’s going to live on leather. I’ve paired it with a brown shell cordovan and I think it looks sharp. I’ve been sticking this on in the evenings during the week or when I’m bored of a darker dial.
No idea where the hobby will take me next, but I’m enjoying it more than ever :)
E4CB828E-DB47-4675-B38D-464B2F019374 by Berty234, on Flickr