Anyone else have a soft spot for wild/unusual/funky cases and dials?
I feel like they balance out the more function-first tool watches that I usually enjoy, and remind me to not take the hobby too seriously. Anyone else lean into the unusual stuff? If so, how does that manifest in your collecting?
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Blake
WI native lost in NYC, watch media guy. Managing Editor of Worn & Wound, host of The Worn & Wound Podcast. Formerly Hodinkee; StockX.
New York
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Last active: 1 year ago
Let me start by saying that the Spidolite is awesome. 👌
For me, these types of out there watches is something I would add once my collection is nearing it's "completion". We all know that it is never complete but I think you know what I am getting at. I still have a few more traditional pieces that I really want to add. Once I am there, I think crazy funky watches is probably where I go next.
Yes. I do for sure. I like bold colors and will eventually get an Doxa Sub 300 either in divingstar (yellow) or the fully lumed White Pearl (white) which checks two boxes: Unusual case shape and unique color dial.
I have a Seiko Worldtimer that is a cushion style case very much like some A38X Zenith models or even reminiscent of a Panarai.
I have a Seiko tuna in the collection and nobody can say that's a traditional case shape.
I have a completely square watch in my collection, a Hamilton Sinclair from 1956 that was my dad's watch. I rarely wear it and only on semi-formal or formal occasions because it's full 18k gold and super small on my wrist (it looks like a woman's watch), but it's great nonetheless.
I lust after a Reverso (rectangular) and I wore a rectangular Coach chronograph (in two-tone no less), as my daily wearer for the better part of 15 years.
I've even had my eye on a Gorilla Drift, which is tonneau shaped.
So bring on the funky cases. I'm all about it.
I’m a pretty plain guy and that is reflected in my watch choices but I must say they look really fun cool watches 💪
Let me say I am filled with ENVY looking at that pic! You have a M.A.D.1.RED.. how dare you! 😮
I’m a pretty plain guy and that is reflected in my watch choices but I must say they look really fun cool watches 💪
Honestly, I am too. The vast majority of the time I'm wearing something like a Seiko diver (SPB149) or an Explorer (124270). At the fringes though, I like to have a little fun with things and it helps frame what I appreciate about this hobby in general.
Yes. I do for sure. I like bold colors and will eventually get an Doxa Sub 300 either in divingstar (yellow) or the fully lumed White Pearl (white) which checks two boxes: Unusual case shape and unique color dial.
I have a Seiko Worldtimer that is a cushion style case very much like some A38X Zenith models or even reminiscent of a Panarai.
I have a Seiko tuna in the collection and nobody can say that's a traditional case shape.
I have a completely square watch in my collection, a Hamilton Sinclair from 1956 that was my dad's watch. I rarely wear it and only on semi-formal or formal occasions because it's full 18k gold and super small on my wrist (it looks like a woman's watch), but it's great nonetheless.
I lust after a Reverso (rectangular) and I wore a rectangular Coach chronograph (in two-tone no less), as my daily wearer for the better part of 15 years.
I've even had my eye on a Gorilla Drift, which is tonneau shaped.
So bring on the funky cases. I'm all about it.
You've listed some bangers there, a Reverso and a Sub 300 alongside one another in the watch box makes more sense that it ought to.
Let me start by saying that the Spidolite is awesome. 👌
For me, these types of out there watches is something I would add once my collection is nearing it's "completion". We all know that it is never complete but I think you know what I am getting at. I still have a few more traditional pieces that I really want to add. Once I am there, I think crazy funky watches is probably where I go next.
That's a good take so long as you recognize when you're there or nearly there. I guess it's not something you plan for, but you know it when you arrive.
That's a good take so long as you recognize when you're there or nearly there. I guess it's not something you plan for, but you know it when you arrive.
I am close. I have experienced most of what I want to experience that is within my reach. How many ways can you make a diver and keep it interesting? You get to a point when that is not interesting anymore and want a completely different experience. I took a baby step when I got my P01. Funky but still a diver. It is about time to add some truly different watches.
First off, amazing trio! Specially the Urwerk & MAD1. I'm sad I missed out on the second release. I've recently been contemplating a proper "conversation piece" like one of yours. But for now, these will do 😎👍
Those are awesome! For me, I have one failing. I am one of the very few who wears a watch to actually tell the time :), so I need it to be functional.
However, as long as I can quickly read it, I am very much into as off the wall as they can get!
I have a couple funky watches.
Funky case shapes? Oh yes...
This one would not be Jeremy's style as it's admittedly hard to read the time...
However, Jeremy I think you could get behind this version...
Look at this beauty from the German brand Dugena...
Or there are these styles from the late 60s/early 70s...
Or maybe a little bit of asymmetry...
Maybe the modern reissue of the Zenith A3818 AKA the "Cover Girl"...
Definitely. Most of the popular watches are so ubiquitous they are essentially part of a uniform. They represent no individuality or creativity whatsoever. That is a very cool trio.
I have got some howlers.
Those are awesome! For me, I have one failing. I am one of the very few who wears a watch to actually tell the time :), so I need it to be functional.
However, as long as I can quickly read it, I am very much into as off the wall as they can get!
I got this one in the post yesterday. And, yeah, readability of time is not great (although the hands have lume), so on days when quick time-telling is crucial I put on a more normal watch instead.
Hot collection!
Yes, but there is a fine line between unusual and kitsch. I think a well-balanced collection needs to have both - in what %'s is up to the collector.
That Urwerk is amazing....MAD1 too, still waiting for mine to arrive in September! When did you get yours?
Every collection needs a fun conversation starter. Having a box full of all “under the radar” is boring. This is the oddball watch in my collection at the moment
But I am seriously considering either of these,
That Urwerk is amazing....MAD1 too, still waiting for mine to arrive in September! When did you get yours?
I got mine just this week! I spent some time with the team at the gallery in Geneva last month and they had the first batch ready but I didn't want to deal with customs/taxes/etc as I had already paid, so I just told them to ship it to me when it was ready. Hang in there, it's super cool!
Those are awesome! For me, I have one failing. I am one of the very few who wears a watch to actually tell the time :), so I need it to be functional.
However, as long as I can quickly read it, I am very much into as off the wall as they can get!
The Urwerk qualifies! It may not be everyday material, but it's probably the most practical display of time among all my watches.