SOTC - March 2023
I thought I would share where I’m at with my collection and plans for the near future, as I enjoy seeing others’ collections.
Starting in the top row, from left to right:
There’s my Stauer. I started getting into watches when I was 20 years old, in 2010, so my dad bought me this for my birthday. It’s an automatic that still works great 13 years later; I also love the dial and the blue hands. But the best part is it was a gift from my dad.
Next up is a cheap, quartz Pontiac watch that I bought on EBay for $25 in 2012. It was sold to me by Don Bauer, the founder of the Pontiac Oakland Club International. Three of these watches were made, likely by some novelty company, in 1997 for the 25th Anniversary of the POCI. This watch was given to Don, the founder. I’m a big car fan, and Pontiac is my favorite American brand, so this is a cool piece for me.
This quartz Movado Heritage series watch was given to me as a gift by my wife on our wedding day November 9th, 2018.
The Hamilton Masterpiece quartz dress watch was given to my great uncle in 1982 for his 25th Anniversary at Bambergers. He eventually worked his was up the ladder and became the Vice President of Macy’s furniture department. He was very proud of his career, so when he passed in 2020 this watch was found in his safe, virtually unworn. I have been enjoying it.
Next up is my grandfather’s Fossil watch. My grandparents were very frugal people, so a Fossil was a big splurge for my grandfather. He also passed in 2020, and I took his watch to remember him.
The Omega Seamaster 300 GMT is my first higher end watch that I acquired earlier this year. The occasion was to celebrate 10 years with my wife (10 years total, not 10 years married), in addition to the start of my new career in commercial real estate.
The 1973 Hamilton Ocean Date was given to me a few weeks ago by my neighbor. She got it when her nephew passed, but thinks it may have been her father’s watch. She was looking to get rid of a bunch of things, and she gave me a few watches to sell or use for parts. During the process of cleaning up the manual wind Hamilton and changing the strap, I fell in love with it. We love our neighbors here at our first house, and I realize that some day - hopefully in the distant future - they will no longer be our neighbors. So I will still have the Hamilton to remember our first neighbors.
Currently I am working towards flipping my first house this year. Once accomplished, I would like to acquire an Omega Speedmaster to celebrate the milestone. I love the Speedmaster, and I do not yet have a chronograph to wear while enjoying vintage cars.
Another major goal that I am aiming to cross off the list this year is payment of my student loans. My great uncle had a nice watch with his alma mater, Fairleigh Dickinson, on the dial. I thought it would be nice to get a Tag Heuer Carrera automatic with Seton Hall University's logo on the dial to celebrate paying off my loans.
Once achieved, that will leave me with one slot left in my watch box before I need to obtain another. We'll see where life takes me, but I'm thinking I may have to fill the space with a watch to celebrate acquiring my first rental property...
Real Estate investor based in northern New Jersey. Though I have loved and owned watches since 2010, I decided to start over in 2023. My goal is to build a collection that is meaningful to me. My tast...
Thank you!
I like the way you have started and how each watch was brought into the collection and you seem to have some sensible goals...Cheers...enjoy the hobby
Nice collection,but those 3 empty slots are unsettling and should be attended to post haste!
Nice!! I too want a speedy but for no reason cuz I just want one 😂
Love the mix of watches and that Omega is 🔥! I’ve had a Speedy for about two years now. I love it and will never get rid of it. I definitely endorse getting one!!
It seems to me it's the story for a particular watch that is the primary driver as to whether it becomes part of your collection. What's cool about that approach is that each watch's "value" is untethered from it's monetary cost and becomes part of your unique experience. I like it!
Solid!
Very cool to have a collection based on stories and personal connections. I much prefer these kinds of collections to the "check all the boxes with big name popular watches" ones.
Like the watches, LOVE the stories behind each and every one of them. You're doing this the right way, sir!!!
Nice collection! The stories are as valuable as the watches, sometimes moreso.
PS If you're a Pontiac gearhead, you have to let us know what you're driving/working on.
Love the individual stories associated with each watch, Seton Hall (my daughter just moved to just a few blocks close to the university in South Orange) and the Rothwell watch box!
I like the way you have started and how each watch was brought into the collection and you seem to have some sensible goals...Cheers...enjoy the hobby
Thank you!
I actually started collecting shortly after my dad bought me the Stauer, and I took the route that most beginner collectors take. I bought a bunch of cheap watches, some of which I'm still trying to sell or give away today. I went with quantity over quality.
But I learned my lesson.
Nice collection,but those 3 empty slots are unsettling and should be attended to post haste!
I've learned through building cars, aging wine, and cooking amazing pasta Bolognese that the best things in life shouldn't be rushed.
That said, I'll likely be looking for a second watch box by mid-2024.
Nice!! I too want a speedy but for no reason cuz I just want one 😂
In 2019 an estate jewelry shop that I frequented had a 2001 Michael Schumacher edition Speedmaster automatic. I fell in love with the watch, but I could not afford it.
So that's the one I plan to buy once I buy my first rental property. I was planning to buy a Speedmaster 57 once I complete my first house flip, but they are pricey and I am still paying off some debt while saving for the rental. So I will likely have to adjust the watches I choose to celebrate with.
Love the mix of watches and that Omega is 🔥! I’ve had a Speedy for about two years now. I love it and will never get rid of it. I definitely endorse getting one!!
Thank you! I love all Speedmasters, but the two I'm after for my collection are the Speedmaster 57 and the 2001 Michael Schumacher edition Speedmaster automatic.
It seems to me it's the story for a particular watch that is the primary driver as to whether it becomes part of your collection. What's cool about that approach is that each watch's "value" is untethered from it's monetary cost and becomes part of your unique experience. I like it!
Exactly! Two of the most meaningful watches in my collection are a Fossil and a $25 quartz. That won't change even when I add an Explorer or Chopard Mille Miglia.
When I first started collecting I went for quantity over quality, as most new collectors do. But now I only keep the watches that have a story. And to buy a watch I need to create a story behind it, hence the celebration component I have added.
Very cool to have a collection based on stories and personal connections. I much prefer these kinds of collections to the "check all the boxes with big name popular watches" ones.
I did get sucked in to the mindset that every collection needs a moonwatch, and a reverso/tank, and a submariner, etc.
But the best collections are those that don't conform to everyone else's standards. I collect for me, not for everyone else.
Like the watches, LOVE the stories behind each and every one of them. You're doing this the right way, sir!!!
Thank you! I am trying.
In 2019 an estate jewelry shop that I frequented had a 2001 Michael Schumacher edition Speedmaster automatic. I fell in love with the watch, but I could not afford it.
So that's the one I plan to buy once I buy my first rental property. I was planning to buy a Speedmaster 57 once I complete my first house flip, but they are pricey and I am still paying off some debt while saving for the rental. So I will likely have to adjust the watches I choose to celebrate with.
Sounds like a good plan!! AlsoI saw this in chrono24 was gonna jump on it since it’s pretty Awesome and not the run of the mill moonwatch!!
Nice collection! The stories are as valuable as the watches, sometimes moreso.
PS If you're a Pontiac gearhead, you have to let us know what you're driving/working on.
Agreed! My most valuable watches in the collection have the lowest monetary value.
My dad and I still have the 1972 Firebird Formula 400. A couple years ago I rebuilt the top end and replaced the water pump. I also added Ram Air Restorations' Ram Air III factory headers and a Pypes 2.5" system with a factory-appearing transverse muffler. The car runs great so I have just been driving and enjoying it. I do need to replace the alternator this spring, and eventually I plan to buy the car out completely as my dad has fallen out of love with it.
Dad has a 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS with an LS3 and manual transmission that we converted into a Trans Am back in 2012. He also has a 1995 Comp T/A and a 1996 Trans Am WS6 which I am trying to sell for him. He will likely replace those two with something, we just aren't sure what yet. I built a wonderful 455 engine in 2014 that we have on a stand and start up occasionally, so it would be nice to find a project to use that engine in. But Dad is also itching for an Aston Martin, so I'm trying to steer him towards a DB7 GT. He wants to keep the 2010 Trans Am though.
I've gotten bit by the BMW bug over the last couple years. My wife drives a beautiful Estoril Blue X1 Msport and my daily is a first gen X5 with the 4.4L V8. My weekend car is a 1986 535i with a manual 5 speed, and our more family-oriented fun car is an E39 525i Touring. It's an automatic unfortunately, but it was too clean and too good of a deal to pass up. Our puppy loves to cruise in it as well.
Love the individual stories associated with each watch, Seton Hall (my daughter just moved to just a few blocks close to the university in South Orange) and the Rothwell watch box!
Thank you! Yeah Seton Hall was great, and the surrounding area in South Orange is a gem. The Rothwell watch box has been treating me well too. When the time comes to add a second watch box I will go with another 10 slot most likely.
Sounds like a good plan!! AlsoI saw this in chrono24 was gonna jump on it since it’s pretty Awesome and not the run of the mill moonwatch!!
Yeah I know the movements are a bit more complicated than the Speedy professional, and some vintage watch guys advise against the Speedy auto, aka the Speedmaster Reduced. But I don't care, I haven't gotten that Schumacher edition out of my head since 2019.
Be mindful that Omega, to my knowledge, charges quite a bit more to service these than the Speedy Pro. So if you don't already have a good independent shop I would recommend finding one. I've already checked with my local watch maker and he charges $600 for a full service on a moonwatch, while an automatic he charges $800. So fortunately for me the difference in a service isn't much, but it can be much more expensive to have the automatic serviced.
Yeah I know the movements are a bit more complicated than the Speedy professional, and some vintage watch guys advise against the Speedy auto, aka the Speedmaster Reduced. But I don't care, I haven't gotten that Schumacher edition out of my head since 2019.
Be mindful that Omega, to my knowledge, charges quite a bit more to service these than the Speedy Pro. So if you don't already have a good independent shop I would recommend finding one. I've already checked with my local watch maker and he charges $600 for a full service on a moonwatch, while an automatic he charges $800. So fortunately for me the difference in a service isn't much, but it can be much more expensive to have the automatic serviced.
Cool good to know!! But I might just go with a newer speedy…
Agreed! My most valuable watches in the collection have the lowest monetary value.
My dad and I still have the 1972 Firebird Formula 400. A couple years ago I rebuilt the top end and replaced the water pump. I also added Ram Air Restorations' Ram Air III factory headers and a Pypes 2.5" system with a factory-appearing transverse muffler. The car runs great so I have just been driving and enjoying it. I do need to replace the alternator this spring, and eventually I plan to buy the car out completely as my dad has fallen out of love with it.
Dad has a 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS with an LS3 and manual transmission that we converted into a Trans Am back in 2012. He also has a 1995 Comp T/A and a 1996 Trans Am WS6 which I am trying to sell for him. He will likely replace those two with something, we just aren't sure what yet. I built a wonderful 455 engine in 2014 that we have on a stand and start up occasionally, so it would be nice to find a project to use that engine in. But Dad is also itching for an Aston Martin, so I'm trying to steer him towards a DB7 GT. He wants to keep the 2010 Trans Am though.
I've gotten bit by the BMW bug over the last couple years. My wife drives a beautiful Estoril Blue X1 Msport and my daily is a first gen X5 with the 4.4L V8. My weekend car is a 1986 535i with a manual 5 speed, and our more family-oriented fun car is an E39 525i Touring. It's an automatic unfortunately, but it was too clean and too good of a deal to pass up. Our puppy loves to cruise in it as well.
Here, let me punch your Official Gearhead Card...<ker-CHINK!> lol
That alternator replacement this spring...don't you wish all repairs were that easy? When you rebuilt the top-end, did you go stock or did you throw in some roller rockers and other goodies? I grew up with an MGB convertible and I had to adjust the valve lash manually seemingly every year. It wasn't a bad job to do, just 8 valves, but let's just say I was happy to move to a car with hydraulic lifters, even though they're not best for racing.
My '94 Caprice with a Jasper LT1 357 & 4:11 gears:
Your dad would like an Aston Martin and I just looked at them this past Thursday to see how the market's going, as a matter of fact. The DB7 you mentioned was designed by Ian Callum, the same designer who designed my Jaguar XK. Has he thought about the XK?
The later XKs have a refreshed front end and rear tail lights that make them look more modern, I believe it's 2012 and up.
The Aston has more of a mystique, so I understand if he prefers them. Tell you what though, the Jag has headlights that move with the steering wheel and magnetorheological shocks tied to the "CATS" suspension system software that measures the road surface 100 times/sec and adjusts them for the most comfortable ride for that road. When you start throwing the car around, they tighten up. It's pretty slick. Great cruiser. I'm sure he's already thought about the XK, but just in case, I thought I'd throw that out there.
An '86 535i? 😍 I love those.
My wife's car, a C300S. She wanted me to put the quads on there. I was happy to oblige.
She particularly likes the BMWs with the "fatties" on the back, as she says, like the M-series always have. 😎
You'll have to stop by if you're ever down my way, it sounds like we have a lot in common. 🍻
Amazing collection, great backstories, very entertaining post. Thanks
Here, let me punch your Official Gearhead Card...<ker-CHINK!> lol
That alternator replacement this spring...don't you wish all repairs were that easy? When you rebuilt the top-end, did you go stock or did you throw in some roller rockers and other goodies? I grew up with an MGB convertible and I had to adjust the valve lash manually seemingly every year. It wasn't a bad job to do, just 8 valves, but let's just say I was happy to move to a car with hydraulic lifters, even though they're not best for racing.
My '94 Caprice with a Jasper LT1 357 & 4:11 gears:
Your dad would like an Aston Martin and I just looked at them this past Thursday to see how the market's going, as a matter of fact. The DB7 you mentioned was designed by Ian Callum, the same designer who designed my Jaguar XK. Has he thought about the XK?
The later XKs have a refreshed front end and rear tail lights that make them look more modern, I believe it's 2012 and up.
The Aston has more of a mystique, so I understand if he prefers them. Tell you what though, the Jag has headlights that move with the steering wheel and magnetorheological shocks tied to the "CATS" suspension system software that measures the road surface 100 times/sec and adjusts them for the most comfortable ride for that road. When you start throwing the car around, they tighten up. It's pretty slick. Great cruiser. I'm sure he's already thought about the XK, but just in case, I thought I'd throw that out there.
An '86 535i? 😍 I love those.
My wife's car, a C300S. She wanted me to put the quads on there. I was happy to oblige.
She particularly likes the BMWs with the "fatties" on the back, as she says, like the M-series always have. 😎
You'll have to stop by if you're ever down my way, it sounds like we have a lot in common. 🍻
When rebuilding the top end I stayed stock. In fact, I don't even have hardened valve seats in the heads, I use leaded fuel or lead additive. This car is all matching #s with the original 400, an M22 4 speed with straight cut gears, and a 10-bolt rear with Pontiac's "Safe-T-Track" posi differential. I have a set of Ram Air III heads that I thought about installing as they would bump compression up almost two points, but I kept it stock. The only modification I did do was pulled the factory log manifolds in favor of Ram Air III factory headers which have the clearance of a stock manifold with similar performance to a long tube header. I also replaced the factory 2.25" exhaust pipes and restrictive transverse muffler with a Pypes 2.5" system. I still went with a transverse muffler for clearance, but the Pypes unit is much less restrictive.
My E28 BMW needs to be adjusted as well, but not yearly. I believe they say every 20k miles. I'll be checking them in a few weeks as spring approaches.
My dad isn't a Jag fan, I'm not sure why. I love them though. He really wants a DB9, but I'm trying to steer him towards the DB7. I just think they are better enthusiast cars.
Amazing collection, great backstories, very entertaining post. Thanks
Thank you!