The Core Four

I've been a watch geek for as long as I can remember.  I'm not sure about you guys but for me these 4 watches are my core four, these are all very special and meaningful to me and these will most likely never leave my collection.  Each watch has it's own story & special meaning for me.  

The Ball Spacemaster was my first Swiss mechanical watch I received as my high school graduation gift.  This has been with me on several trips abroad and every scratch and ding tells a story.  I don't get to wear it as much because  as my taste has changed I find it quite big and heavy it sits at 15mm tall & around 50 mm lug-to lug.  Water resistant to 11000 ft & antimagnetic.  This watch is an overbuilt extremely durable tank on the wrist.  

The Rolex Datejust reference 1603 dates back to 1964.  In 1964 my grandfather lent some money to his brother-in-law & was given this watch as collateral. When the debt was paid, my dad’s uncle let my grandpa keep the watch as a thank you for helping him in a time of need. Fast forward to my 21st birthday when my dad passed this watch down to me.   I love watches because they tell more than just the time, every time I put this on, I’m reminded that my movements now power this watch which was once powered by my dad & grandfather before me. This may sound too sentimental to others but if you love watches as much as I do, you’ll totally understand what I mean.

The Seiko Samurai is a modern Seiko design but it's also a completely original Seiko design, it isn't inspired by any other watch.  The aggressive angular case, shark teeth markers and very generous application of Lumibrite all add to the very cool, modern and somewhat futuristic looking watch.  My particular Samurai is the PADI special edition with a "PADI" co-branded dial and it carries a ceramic bezel with blue hash marks from the 60 mark to the 15 mark.  The minute hand is the same shade of blue as the hash marks on the bezel and all of these touches of blue are really cool in my opinion.  I always wanted a co-branded dialed watch, if I win the lottery I would probably buy a COMEX Rolex Submariner reference 1680 but for now the COMEX sub is way out of my budget, this PADI Samurai somewhat scratches that itch.  This watch is also special for me because it's the first mechanical watch I bought with my own money.  If you’re a watch geek like me you know there is something so special about buying your first mechanical watch & signing your name on the warranty card. Woohoo!  This watch is robust, legible, durable and it'll most probably last as long as my Rolex. Is it as expensive and desirable as a Rolex? Definitely not, but if you're a true watch geek like me (which I'm sure you are if you're on watch crunch, hehe)  you're all into watches for the right reasons.  For me Seiko's SRP line of Prospex dive watches represent the best entry level into the world of mechanical watches & watch collecting.  Seiko is one of the few watch brands that are vertically integrated and they make every element of their watches in-house.  From my perspective that is super cool!!

My blue Seiko Willard is my all-time favorite Seiko.  The blue Willard is the not-so-limited limited edition 55th anniversary edition is a reissue of the original reference 6105 from 1970.  Being a reissue of the original reference 6105 this modern interpretation is a bit smaller and thinner than the original from 1970. The short lug to lug, deep cushion case & asymmetrical design is quintessentially Seiko & all these elements make the watch super comfortable & a dream to wear.  The blue dial is a beauty! It’s sometimes a vibrant Royal blue or dark navy blue, it sometimes looks black under low light and for me this blue one is the best of all the recently released mini Willard watches.  For me this watch is not only special because of it’s beautiful looks & design but it also holds a special meaning for me. I remember dropping an obvious hint last Christmas to my dad that this is a watch I really really liked. About a week before Christmas I was helping my dad take the groceries from our car to the house when I saw a conveniently hidden bag at the back of the trunk  while I was helping my dad take the groceries from our car to the house.  I didn’t say anything so that come Christmas I can act surprised hehehe

I wanted to share this with you guys as I feel only true watch geeks will truly understand that indescribable emotional and many times irrational attachment we form with our watches.  I see these 4 watches as my "core four" and watches that are never leaving my collection.  

Do you guys have core pieces in your collection as well? I would be happy to hear from you guys too.  

Cheers!