SOTC: April 2024

Hello crunchers! 👋🏼

I've been on my watch journey for about 5 years. Thought I'd do a state of the collection. Pictured here are the watches in my rotation. More on them and my two cents below:

1️⃣Modified Seiko SRPD71K1 (top):

I obtained this watch in 2019 from eBay. It was initially modified with a domed sapphire crystal but was otherwise stock. This piece has been further modified a few times since—once as a Tudor BB58 lookalike (with snowflake hands) and now as a riff on the Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre. Nearly every part is custom, save for the case and movement + day/date wheel. Very comfortable on the Bond NATO strap from BluShark!

2️⃣Rogue Racetimer chronograph (first from the left):

This watch was created by Mr. Wolf Watch Mods, who is based in Australia. This is part of his new Rogue series of premium custom-built watches. Obviously an homage to the Rolex Daytona which is what inspired me to get into watches, so it's a nice little tribute to that! 🐼I did plenty of research on polished center links before picking this up. They don't bother me, and I don't mind seeing some wear on a bracelet!

3️⃣ Orient Star Heritage Gothic (second from the left):

I acquired this piece in 2021 as my wedding watch. Absolutely stunning blue color, with excellent finishing and a very accurate movement! This watch has a lot of special memories attached to it as I've traveled with it to several places with my wife. I'll never part from this one. She loves it too, which is a bonus!

4️⃣ Steinhart Ocean One 39 (second from the right):

This is my latest acquisition, obtained from Chrono24—as you can tell I have a thing for Rolex designs and at this point in my journey so far, I am a fan of homage pieces 🙈This watch is very well-built, the 39mm case size is supremely comfortable on the wrist and it's got some killer specs to boot, especially for the money. It's a real GADA watch that I don't and won't feel bad knocking around and getting my hands dirty with. On an aftermarket 904L stainless steel bracelet I had lying around—it fit like a glove!

5️⃣ True North Collections Vintage Rally Timer chronograph (first from the right):

Are you tired of homages yet? I love the vintage charm of this piece. I obtained it on sale from True North Collections, a Los Angeles-based microbrand that specializes in vintage chronographs and military-inspired watches. I like the idea of having a Daytona tribute from the present, but the past as well (what can I say, the Daytona's my all-time grail watch). This piece has been uniquely patina'd and distressed, with wear visible to the dial, hands, and lume. Does it feel like wearing a pair of new, distressed jeans when I wear it? Yeah. But I can't help but smile when I look at it.

6️⃣ Raymond Weil 2810 (bottom):

This is my father's watch, which he handed down to me a few years ago. It is such a classy look when paired with a suit. There's an imperfection on one of the indices (at the 5 o'clock) but I don't mind. My dad kept this piece in great condition. I don't wear it as much as the other pieces (I'm more of a silver than gold guy) but I really dig the understated beauty and simplicity of this watch. The leather strap has some significant wear, so I'll be replacing that soon.

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So what do you think? Too many homages? Too few? 😜 Let me know your thoughts!