Conversational topic: Have you fallen in love with a watch only after owning it for awhile?

Love that one! I feel pretty lucky, because so many collectors seem to vacillate over watches they own. Probably the watch I love most, and will never sell, is my Breitling Crosswind Special.

What reference is that?

I have the same Seamaster 300 and it has been a slow burner for me too. Love it now because it is just different to all the submariner types and has the classic Omega elements

That’s my favorite watch. I have it in blue and still stare lustily at the black dial. I don’t like Chronographs but have considered buying the 57 just for the black sandwich dial.

The watch that I liked, bought, regretted and then came back around to really appreciate was the NTTD. I bought it “like new” at a huge discount from my AD with the better part of a factory warranty. He was reselling it for a big $$ client who had gone blind. The guy had bought it to match his NTTD edition Aston Martin which he also sold. (true story)

Now I look at the NTTD as the best 300m ever made… best movement, TI, thinner, 41mm, lighter and Absolutely stunning color. Speaking of the color I had a revelation… it’s not tropical or fauxtina it’s Omegas version of the “root beer”

For me it would be my Hamilton Khaki Field Auto. My initial reaction to it was “why is this so popular?” I thought it looked and felt cheaper than its suggested price. I’ve been wearing though in rotation and I’m SLOWLY coming around to liking it.

Funny you say that because that’s exactly how I feel. I also have the BB58 and modern SMP. Both sort of traditional style divers, modern and old. The seamaster 300 heritage is a much different take on a black dial diver that feels very welcome.

Such a great thing to have an acquired taste for a watch in your collection. Nice piece!

Probably a personality thing haha. That’s a very cool Breitling! Always nice to have those watches in the collection you just know you’ll keep forever. Those are the ones I try to travel with the most.

Reference 234.30.41.21.01.001

Seems like we have the same taste in watches LOL love your take on the NTTD being a modern root beer.

I also have the black dial SMP and think the NTTD SMP is probably the best of that model line up. A perfectly milspec modern seamaster. Probably the only non flashy watch that omega currently still manufactures at this point (which is amazing and I hope they do more like it). One thing I would want on the NTTD is the date function, but I know that’d make it thicker… unpopular opinion of mine I’m sure.

Funny how we tend to go back and forth on a watch as collectors and then still have it turn out to be a favorite. I wonder why that is!

I didn’t realize the NTTD was 41mm. Is that by your personal measurements?

Very nice collection 👌

There is no such thing as a perfect watch, but whether the watch is perfect for you. I have not fallen more in love with my watches but actually, fallen out of love with some of them for various reasons.

No it’s a typo. lol The NTTD is 42mm. The 300 is 41. The NTTD does have a slightly shorter lug to lug than the steel diver 300m and feels much smaller on the wrist for me. Probably something to do with the weight.

While I think the NTTD is the epitome of the Diver 300m I still think the 300 is a better quality watch.

As my eyes have gotten older I have grown to appreciate simple no date dials. If I were going to change anything about the NTTD it would be the Bond connection… take off the silly broad arrow stuff and fake serial numbers and I think it would be a much less polarizing design.

But yeah tastes are fickle. My first expensive watch was a speedy triple calendar. I didn’t care much about the chrono but I loved the pointer date, day, month and 24 hour indicator. I still think it’s a beautiful watch but haven’t worn it in months. The dial is just too cluttered for me now. The 300 is the only watch I have that hasn’t ever fallen out of favor. It’s got a few nicks and a tiny chip in the crystal now so I’m not worried about it any more and that makes it the one I reach for if I know the day is going to be unpredictable.

Yes, same experience with my SM300, previous model.

Definitely a slow burner, love it more everyday.

You’re the second person to say that. I wonder if it’s because the design is so simple compared to the cost of the watch? Either way, I know what you mean! Great choice by the way, I considered that exact reference you have as well.

Well said. I’m sure it has something to do with personality type as well.

Totally agree, if they made a version of the NTTD watch exactly the same but with no bond connection, I probably would have chosen that as my first luxury watch. I was heavily considering it back when I bought the 300. Even though I am a Bond fan, I didn't want my first luxury watch to be in the shadow of a "Bond watch" as it felt a bit corny. As time has gone on, however, the bond connection bothers me less and I like the NTTD watch a whole lot. If you ever want to sell it let me know 😂 You should post a photo of the speedy triple calendar. It would be great to see!

It was very similar with me and the NTTD. I was trying to choose between it and the 300. Once I let myself enjoy it for what it is (a beautiful rootbeer dial) I realized I could have two high end omega divers and that they filled different niches.

I did post it for sale here and on chrono24. The listing hasn’t expired yet but I think I’m keeping it. Here’s the Speedy.

That Seamaster is beautiful!

I never fell out of love with it but my closest equivalent would be my Oris Divers 65. I’ve thought about “upgrading” to a Black Bay a few times but I just prefer the Oris. The black bay has better specs, but visually and in hand the Oris is a much nicer watch. Sorry for nearly betraying you, old friend

Beautiful Speedmaster! Love how different it is from the rest. Funny how our appreciation for a watch grows once we allow ourselves to enjoy it for what it is. Just curious - If the NTTD is still for sale, how much are you selling it for?

Thanks! And that Oris Divers 65 is also very beautiful... Why not just keep it forever even if you get the BB? Something I realized through this process is the reason I struggle so hard with keeping a watch is that I am trying to limit myself to only a handful and each as to be perfect. Once I allowed more in my collection I did not fret as much. Is that how it's been for you? (I still have my Vaer D7 Atlantic that was my first nice watch and I still wear it)

Here’s the Chrono24 link for the NTTD.

In case any one is interested here is the Speedmaster.

I’m where you were, pretty much. Trying to keep it small and diverse. I know how I am and this is how I’m trying to manage it lol.

Haha I totally get that. Best of luck to you!

Thanks for sharing! If I could sell my black dial SMP for enough to cover the cost of the NTTD, I’d probably do it. (Just dreaming) best of luck to you!