SOTMFC (Most Fascinating)

What better time than the final day of the year to review not only my collection as it stands but the moves I made these last 12 months.

Fallen soldiers: the ones that got away.

1. Omega Speedmaster Professional 3861: Certainly alot to love, especially the perfect dial design and the manual METAS chronograph movement, but the printed dial and lyre lugs bothered me.

2. Cartier Tank Must XL: Love the guillochet center and the iconic numerals but found the case slightly too large and the crown action rather flimsy.

3. Kurono Tokyo Toki: Albeit gorgeous, an impulse buy which never quite felt at home.

4. Casio Oak: Another impulse buy. I like the idea of a Casio, but the design felt too modern for my taste.

Newly signed superstars

1. Jaeger-LeCoultre Ultra Thin Moonphase: Absolute smash which I purchased to mark my 40th birthday. Love everything about it, especially the faceted polished thin case and the layers of the dial provided by the radial date and moonphase.

2. Rolex GMT Master 16753: Received as a gift from my father. Absolutely killer piece amplified by sentimental value.

3. Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic: Sold my Speedy to acquire this stunner. The dial alone is outstanding in its colours and textures. Add 10 bar water resistance, micro adjust and 11mm thickness - where do I sign?

4. Casio F-91W: Last pick up of the year. Iconic design for 20 Euro.

Perennial All-Star

1. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds: The only piece that survived 2023 and one that I can't see leaving the watch box. Easily my favourite Reverso ever. Blue sunburst dial that turns purple, applied polished indices, perfect size, excellent winding action that is solid and smooth.

Who knows what 2024 has in store, but I have repeatedly used the E word lately (exit) so let's hope that sticks. I'm trying to move from acquiring to enthusiasm with a focus on writing which is something that I enjoy and has been facilitated by this site. So stay tuned for my random thoughts on various boutiques, brands and pieces as well as WRUW posts of the same five watches with the odd new strap haha.

Thanks for reading crunchers. All the best in 2024!