Watches that pleasantly surprised you?

My Victorinox I.N.O.X. I thought I’d probably like it because it’s the kind of watch I’m drawn to but I was a little worried that the dull grey might get boring and I didn’t think the strap looked like it would work. But I really like the look of it and can’t imagine changing the strap. 

For me, it was the Grand Seiko SBGP015 60th Anniversary Limited Edition. I already had amazing GS and wanted to add a quartz watch to the collection and to me, the only question was "Which 9F am I going to add?"  I really liked the entire line-up of the 60th anniversary, including the Superman, but to me, this is the one that stood out for the way the red seconds hand popped against all the blue including the distinctive blue ceramic bezel. I did not think I would wear it often, but I find myself grabbing it quite frequently just because it is always ready to go and it looks stunning. I believe I paid $3k new and these can be had on ebay right now for under $2500 (less with the current 10% off sale) and they are absolutely worth every penny and then some.

You can’t beat a nice blue dial and that one is beautiful. 🤩

Thanks, don’t blow it up because the macro shows all the flaws and dirt!

This just happened to me yesterday.  I was at a pool party and decided to wear The Essex Avenue Timex Watch I just got.  It's very big for a Timex and for me, so I was on the fence about it.  I wore it all day in the pool and really liked how it felt on the wrist.  My eyes got used to it and didn't think it was all that big by the end of the day.  Also held up great for being under water most of the day.

This behemoth. I never thought I'd buy a watch >42mm but it just felt so right. 45mm but l2l is 50mm, along with the tapering bracelet and titanium, I ended up buying it.

Honestly felt very nice. Would definitely recommend it to people looking for a more modern looking diver.

The Seiko SPB143. Of course I expected to like it, but it finds its way onto the wrist a whole lot. It’s a great size, wears comfortably, and it seems, when wearing this watch, at least once or twice during the day I check the time and end up saying to myself “Daaaaaamn! That watch look good!”

When people talk about the iconic Seiko "Willard," I used to roll my eyes.  I always thought the Turtle was an ugly, misshapen watch.  But, dammit if I don't absolutely love it.  I mean, it looks weird!  Which is why I love it!  And then add on the actual turtle shell motif on the dial...  I can't get enough!

This is going to seem lame but I loves me some Marine Master 300m! It's way too heavy. The bracelet is a monster that has to be changed immediately upon purchase IMO ( disclosure here - wore mine on factory bracelet a solid year before changing) To get Seiko to make anything with a competitive water resistance to Omega,  Rolex, all other dive watch maker ,  you have to spend north of $2,500.00  and love a monoblock case or Titanium (stand by for more on this re LX) & an oversized crown.  BUT you will enjoy Zaratsu hand polishing,  a dial that is out of this world, crazy great lume AND you get addicted to the ratcheting sound of the clasp snugging up on hour wrist! Stamped metal and clunky you say It's the same design on a GS diver and I love it! The movement is an unregulated GS movement that runs beyond expectations. If you buy one and want regulation I've heard you can complain to Seiko service while under warranty and the watch comes back regulated (unconfirmed but it acts like it is) I'm always conflicted between the MM300 big LX Brother in Titanium or a GS Diver : Both are Spring Drive awesome.  Anyway,  I digress 

I recently bought a vintage Seiko SUS. The watch is everything I thought I dislike in a watch:
1. small diameter (around 34 mm)
2. white dial (I usually prefer colorful dials)
3. separate day date window. day at 12 and date at 6

AND YET it arrived and I fell in love with it. This watch made me reconsider the beauty of smaller watches. I think we all should reconsider smaller watches.

This... because I'm not an homage fan but this is better than it has any right to be for £80

and this lucky find on eBay because its just so pretty

Didn't think it was my type of watch, until I got to try it. I must admit, I've seriously considered getting one. It looks so good IRL.

I got this instead of a Tag Aquaracer and I expected to still be pining for the Tag. 
 

I am not pining for the Tag. 
 

🥰😍🤤

Well, there’s the Seagull 1963:

And there’s the fun weekend watch that, erm, wears me.  
 

Unlike my Sealander GMT (a true everyday watch, IMHO), neither could pass for being The One Watch though.  

It’s a design that definitely grows on you.

For me, it was an Islander as well. I know, I know, big surprise there. 😂 Seriously, I did not expect to like the #ISL-69 as much as I do. I thought I would like it, and that it would be a good addition to my small Islander collection, but this wasn't one I jumped on as soon as it was available like the #HMBT-ISL-1, the #ISL-98, the #ISL-101, and the new Bayport. I got my #ISL-69 when it was on sale for $199, and I fell in love with it as soon as I had it on my wrist!

Its 40mm size is a perfect fit for my wrist, and I love the distortion from the domed AR sapphire crystal. The cushion case is really comfortable on my wrist. The embossed bezel also adds a nice touch. I did not expect to live this watch nearly as much as I do. This, along with my new Bayport, my #ISL-38, and my #HMBT-ISL-1 are my four favorite Islanders. I am not sure of what order they would come in, but they are my top four.

Easy - My Zodiac Two-Tone GMT. I came across a deal that was too good to pass up and decided I'd get it (i've always wanted to handle a Zodiac in person) and then probably sell or trade it in short order. Well, as soon as I put it on, I was smitten. Two-tone watches are (were) not my thing but this one is so tasteful and I'm surprised by not only how good it looks but how well finished it is. I'd put it on par with Christopher Ward (which is a compliment) with the exception of the clasp (no on-the-fly microadjust). I'm now a two-tone fan:). I also love that the gold is PVD-coated steel...makes it less precious.

Addies Dive do a similar Explorer homage with a possibly more suitable movement (no ghost date).  I did consider getting one for going to those places where I'd rather leave the nicer watches at home.

Chinese watches are getting better, but it would be nice to see some more original designs.  The better makes still seem to look to Miyota rather than Seagull for their movements.  

A watch that I would love to add to my collection after seeing it in person is the Vacheron Cornes De Vache. In photos, I liked the watch, but didn't think it was anything overly special. After having been able to see and handle one in person, it became an instant grail. 

Thought I should add some pics of my ISL-54.

For me it’s something surprisingly affordable, I knew I wanted a field watch and could never quite find “the one” at any budget.  Ended up buying a Bulova Hack just as a daily wearer and I love this thing!  It hardly ever leaves my wrist, I thought I’d like it but not this much.