New member & SOTC 2023

Hola everyone! First of all, happy new year to everyone! I wish you all the best for 2024!!🥂

I'm new here and what better way to start the year than posting and contributing to the community.

So, where to start?... I'm based in Belgium and I've loved watches since I was a child and got my first watch: a Casio G-Shock DW-6600. I absolutely loved it!! I started collecting when I was 18 years old and I obviously started with a Seiko SKX009, that unfortunately was stolen from me years ago...

But that didn't stop my love for these mechanical wonders, the craft of the people that make them and the history that come with some watches. This is what drives me and it is the leitmotif and logic behind my collection. Furthermore, some of my watches are more than that and carry a lot of sentimental value for various reasons.

2023 was the greatest year for me in terms of watch collecting, because I could reach objectives/dreams I set my self so long ago and that I thought I could never reach. It's really insane and I am incredibly grateful for that!!

Anyways, let me present to you each one of these little wonders 😁

1. Edox Sapphire: 90s quartz watch of my late grandfather that still today is my icon, my figurehead. It has an enormous sentimental value for that reason.

2. Omega Genève cal. 801: vintage watch from 1970 I won in an auction for a great price that I love, mostly for the sunburst dial and the sporty elegant style it has.

3. Omega SPM 3861: THE unattainable goal that I dreamt of since I was 17 (I'm above 30 years old)!! I'm in love with this modern reinterpretation of one of the most iconic watches, while staying faithful to its roots and history. It is wonderfully beautiful!

4. Zentih Jumbo cal. 126-6: vintage watch from the 50s I also won at an auction. Like the Omega Genève, it was until recently (Santa was so generous and got me a Speedy... 😅) one of the two watches I wore the most at work. They are dressy and wear easily with my suits.

5. Stowa Flieger from 2019, cal. ETA 2824-2: One of my watch goals since ever that I finally got in 2023!! I wanted the previous version with the ETA caliber and in 36mm. I found this one in 2023 in an exceptional condition. Almost unworn. Love it!

6. Zenith trench watch from 1917: This watch is clearly special for it's historical value (part of the first watches meant to be worn on the wrist during WW1), the fact it is a gift from the granddaughter of the original owner, and the fact it was in bad shape and I finally could restore it in 2023.

7. Seiko 5 GMT from 2022: Seiko is like for many of you a brand that I love for it's rich history and value propositions at every level. It's a great all-rounder for a small budget.

8. Seagull 1963 from 2021: Equally one of my watch goals for a long time that I received from my closest friends when I turned 30 years old. I love the history, the size, the caliber, value proposition, the champagne dial, but mostly the fact it comes from my friends for a special celebration.

9. Seiko SKZ330 from 2011: like many of you, I started discovering the watch universe through Seiko and their different entry-level options. It is a real workhorse and great tool watch.

10. Seiko SNK809 from 2017: a lovely value proposition from Seiko for a tool watch in a smaller size. It is a workhorse and I love the pilot-style dial.

Voilà! This is the state of my collection and who knows what 2024 might bring. But for now, I'm planning on enjoying and appreciating what I have built through the years.

There is still one small vintage addition to the collection coming soon, that is now at the watchmaker. Finally, I'll work on my next watch hunt, because we, watch lovers, cannot stay still! I like preparing the hunt well before adding a new member to the family. It must be studied and well thought.

Hopefully you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. Let me know in the comments what your thoughts are and if you want to share or discuss anything else.

Cheers to watchmaking and a great year 2024 with our families and friends! 🥂